Patent Publication Number: US-2016237720-A1

Title: Quick connection and/or fixing system for door leaves, flaps or similar elements and door leaf provided with said system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns the field of quick connection and/or fixing systems suited to alternatively allow the mutual fastening and separation of two elements. 
     In particular, the present invention concerns the technical field of quick connection and/or fixing systems suited to be used as a lock in the closing elements of rooms, such as the panels of doors and/or windows (for houses, cars, motor homes and vehicles in general) and/or flaps in general, such as the panels of house furniture or other types of furniture, safe box doors, etc. 
     The present invention more particularly concerns the production of quick connection and/or fixing systems for doors/windows. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART 
     Connection and/or coupling systems by means of which two components are fixed to each other are known in the art. 
     Concerning, furthermore, the quick connection and/or fixing systems suited to be used as a lock in the closing elements of rooms, such as the panels of doors and/or windows (for houses, cars, motor homes and vehicles in general) and/or flaps in general, such as the panels of house furniture or other types of furniture, safe box doors, etc., different and multiple solutions have been proposed in the recent past. 
     In the particular sector of building construction, doors, windows or French windows are used. 
     The door/window is typically constituted by a fixed frame and by one or more elements that can be moved with respect to the fixed frame, also called panels or leaves. The panel is then associated with a quick connection and/or fixing system or lock. 
     Doors of known type comprise a fixed frame associated with panels comprising panels for sliding doors, preferably hide-away doors, folding doors or sliding-folding doors, or single doors, wherein if necessary said frame can be combined with said sliding panels. 
     However, said lock solutions typically provided with a suitable handle that can be grasped by the user very often have been proposed in order to meet different needs and privilege the need for functionality and reliability in some cases, aesthetic or size requirements in other cases, or the need for ease of assembly and installation in other cases. 
     Therefore, none of the known solutions really meets all the needs just described above. 
     For example, the locks with handles of the classical type (rotary, with rack or similar) usually offer suitable guarantees in terms of functionality (which make them the favorite choice for use on doors and/or windows for houses in general) but are often characterized by considerable overall dimensions. 
     Furthermore, the known solutions sometimes are insufficient from the point of view of reliability and functionality. 
     The solutions for locks of the known type, furthermore, have a rather complex construction structure. Said solutions for locks, in fact, comprise on one side an area where the actual handle intended to be grasped by the user is applied and another part associated with the handle and comprising a mechanism (spring latch) typically provided with a projecting element (bolt). Said projecting element is suited to be accommodated in a special seat obtained in the fixed frame on which the panel provided with said lock is mounted. 
     To open the door/window, therefore, the user acts on the handle by rotating and/or translating the handle itself that in turn interacts with the mechanism for releasing the projecting element from the seat in the frame. 
     The mechanism (spring latch), furthermore, in many cases is provided with safety locking systems, for example a key lock, which allow the door/window to be opened only once the lock has been released, for example by means of the same key. 
     The operations for closing and/or opening the door/window provided with the locks of known type sometimes are particularly complex. 
     Due to their particularly complex structure, furthermore, as already explained, said known solutions sometimes are insufficient from the point of view of reliability and functionality. 
     Further examples of quick connection and/or fixing systems according to the prior art are known from each of documents U.S. Pat. No. 1,733,108, US 2010/320778 and DE 812 672. 
     It is thus one object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and found in the known solutions proposed in the art. 
     In particular, the aims and objects of the present invention can be summed up as follows. 
     It is a first object of the invention to propose a quick connection and/or fixing system that, if used as a handle, provides suitable guarantees in terms of reliability (eliminating or drastically reducing the risk of accidental opening of the door or window or door of a piece of furniture), in terms of functionality (allowing the door or window or door of a piece of furniture to be opened with simple and immediate operations), in terms of ease of construction (comprising a limited number of component parts that are simple and easy to construct), as well as in terms of ease of assembly and/or application to the corresponding panel, and that has limited overall dimensions. 
     In greater detail, a further object of the present invention is to propose a quick connection and/or fixing system that, if used for mutually fixing two rigid elements, provides suitable guarantees against the accidental uncoupling of the parts mutually fixed through said system, said system being furthermore easy to assemble, suited to be carried out by means of operations that are simple and as quick as possible, as well as suited to be applied in a simple and immediate manner and in a reduced time to the parts to be mutually fixed and/or connected, and also wherein said system is not anti-aesthetic and has reduced overall dimensions. 
     In greater detail, a further object of the present invention is to propose a quick connection and/or fixing system that provides suitable guarantees against the accidental uncoupling of the parts mutually fixed through said system, said system being furthermore easy to release with simple operations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention is based on the general concept according to which the drawbacks or inconveniences that are typical of the solutions known in the art (in particular of the systems suited to be used as locks) can be overcome or at least minimised by providing a quick connection and/or fixing system comprising a first and a second component suited to be alternatively connected to and disconnected from each other, as well as suited to be fixed respectively to a wall portion and to a door/window panel (for example in a sliding door or a single door), in which the mutual connection of said two components takes place through the translation of a portion of said first component within said second component, while disconnection takes place through the translation of said portion of said first component in a direction substantially contrary to the coupling direction. In this way, the functionality of the device will be considerably simplified, as the user will not need to perform special operations but to close the door/window and thus connect the two components of the system he/she will just need to push the door/window in the closing direction while to disconnect the two components he/she will just need to pull a handle in the opening direction, substantially contrary to the closing direction. Furthermore, in this way it will be possible to develop a system characterized by a reduced number of component parts, each one of which is simple to construct and therefore to assemble and can be produced in a short time and at reduced costs. Furthermore, the overall dimensions of the system will be reduced, with evident advantages, even aesthetic. 
     A further consideration on which the present invention is based relates to the fact that further advantages can be obtained by providing the second component of the system with means suited to counteract the translation of the portion of the first component in the direction of disengagement, said counteracting means being activated by the translation of said portion of said first component. In this way, in fact, the system will be activated automatically against the accidental disengagement of the two components. 
     Further advantages will furthermore be obtained by providing counteracting means that are such that the force they exert against the translation of the end portion of the first component in the direction of disengagement increases during the translation of said end portion until causing said end portion to be locked inside said second component. 
     Furthermore, additional advantages will be obtained by providing the second component with means suited to deactivate said counteracting means in such a way as to obtain the mutual disconnection of said first and said second component whenever and only when the need arises. 
     Considerable advantages will finally be obtained when said deactivation means are made in such a way as to deactivate the counteracting means through the translation of said deactivation means in the same opening direction of the element to which the second component of the system will be applied, for example in the same direction as the opening direction of the panel. In this way, in fact, the intervention of the user to deactivate the counteracting means will allow the practically simultaneous opening of the drawer. 
     Advantageously, said deactivation means comprise at least one handle, more preferably two handles positioned on the opposite sides of the door/window panel, accessible by the user to deactivate the counteracting means. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is therefore a quick connection and/or fixing system suited to mutually connect and disconnect a door/window panel to/from a wall portion, said panel being suited to close an access opening leading into a space at least partially defined by said wall, said system comprising a first and a second component suited to be rigidly fixed respectively to said wall portion and to said panel, said first and said second component being also suited to be connected and disconnected to/from each other in such a way as to alternatively allow the mutual connection and disconnection of said panel and said wall portion, wherein said second component is suited to house an end portion of said first component in such a way as to allow said end portion to translate inside it, said second component also comprising counteracting means suited to counteract the translation of said end portion of said first component towards the outside of said second component, said system furthermore comprising at least one rotatable element housed inside said second component and suited to be set rotating in a first direction of rotation by the translation of the end portion of the first component towards the inside of the second component, and suited to be set rotating in a second direction of rotation contrary to the first direction of rotation by the translation of the end portion of the first component towards the outside of the second component, said counteracting means being suited to counteract the rotation of said at least one rotatable element in said second direction of rotation, said second component comprising translatable releasing means suited to come into contact with said at least one rotatable element during their motion in a first predetermined direction, in such a way as to move said at least one rotatable element so as to decrease the counteracting force between said at least one rotatable element, said end portion and said counteracting means, and wherein said releasing means comprise at least one handle suited to be operated by a user. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said translatable releasing means are suited to come into contact with said at least one rotatable element during their motion in a first predetermined direction, in such a way as to move said at least one rotatable element towards the inside of said second component and therefore in such a way as to decrease the counteracting force between said at least one rotatable element, said end portion and said counteracting means. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one handle is positioned on at least one side of the second component so that it can be operated by the user from at least one side of the panel when the second component is fixed to the panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the releasing means comprise two handles, a first one of said handles being positioned on a first side of the second component and the other handle being positioned on the opposite side with respect to the first side of the second component, so that they can be operated by the user from the respective opposite sides of the panel when the second component is fixed to the panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one handle can be operated along a direction that is substantially parallel to the first predetermined direction. 
     Preferably, said at least one handle can be operated by means of a thrusting action along a longitudinal direction towards the second component in such a way as to produce a thrusting action along a longitudinal direction towards the panel when the second component is fixed to the panel. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one handle can be operated by means of a pulling action along a longitudinal direction away from the second component in such a way as to produce a pulling action along a longitudinal direction away from the panel when the second component is fixed to the panel. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one handle can be operated by means of a rotation operation performed by the user. 
     Preferably, the second component comprises second thrusting means that exert a thrusting action against the releasing means in a second direction contrary to the first direction of motion of the releasing means. 
     Advantageously, the second thrusting means comprise elastic means and/or magnetic means and/or electromagnetic means. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second component comprises safety locking means suited to inhibit the movement of said at least one handle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the releasing means comprise two handles and said second component comprises safety locking means suited to inhibit the movement of at least one of said two handles. 
     Preferably, the safety locking means can be operated from a first side of the second component and are suited to inhibit the movement of the handle positioned on the opposite side with respect to the first side of the second component. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the safety locking means are suited to inhibit the movement of both handles. 
     Preferably, the safety locking means can be operated from both a first side of the second component and the opposite side with respect to the first side of the second component. 
     The safety locking means conveniently comprise a locking element that can be operated manually by the user. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises a lever suited to be rotated around a rotation axis through one of its parts so as to be arranged in at least one operative locking position intended to lock said at least one handle and in at least one inoperative position that does not interfere with said at least one handle. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the safety locking means comprise a locking element that is suited to be operated by the user by means of a key. 
     Preferably, the locking element comprises a cylindrical portion that can be rotated through the rotation of said key, said cylindrical portion comprising a recessed seat on its external cylindrical surface, said cylindrical portion being suited to be arranged in at least one operative angular position intended to lock said at least one handle, in which said external cylindrical surface is in contact with a portion of said at least one handle, and in at least one inoperative position that does not interfere with said at least one handle, in which said recessed seat receives said portion of said at least one handle while said handle is being moved. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises emergency releasing means suited to be operated in order to release said safety locking means and restore the possibility to move said at least one handle. 
     Preferably, the emergency releasing means comprise at least one opening created in the casing of the second component in such a way as to allow an operator to act on the safety locking means using a suitable tool in order to release them. Preferably, said at least one handle comprises a lever or a knob. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second component comprises a rigid portion that defines, together with the end portion of the first component, an inner space, wherein at least one rotatable element is housed in said space, and wherein the end portion of the first component, said rigid portion and said at least one rotatable element are mutually positioned and shaped in such a way that said counteracting force is generated thanks to the mutual action of said rigid portion and of said end portion on the at least one rotatable element. 
     Preferably, the end portion, the rigid portion and said at least one rotatable element are mutually positioned and shaped in such a way that said counteracting force contrary to the translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component and to the rotation of the at least one rotatable element in the second direction of rotation increases during the translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component, while it decreases during the translation of the end portion towards the inside of the second component. 
     Preferably, the end portion, said rigid portion and said at least one rotatable element are mutually positioned and shaped in such a way that said counteracting force contrary to the translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component and to the rotation of said at least one rotatable element in the second direction of rotation increases during the translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component until preventing any further translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component and any further rotation of said at least one rotatable element in the second direction of rotation, and thus until causing the end portion and said at least one rotatable element to be mutually locked in a determined mutual position. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rigid portion of the second component is oriented with respect to the first component and/or shaped in such a way that said at least one rotatable element is pushed towards the end portion of the first component during the rotation of said at least one rotatable element in the first direction of rotation. 
     Preferably, the mutual distance between the contact point of said at least one rotatable element with the rigid portion and the end portion of the second component increases in the direction of translation of the end portion towards the inside of the second component, while it decreases in the direction of translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component. 
     Preferably, the rotatable element is in contact with both the end portion and the rigid portion, so that the translation of the end portion towards the inside of the second component generates an at least partial translation of said at least one rotatable element towards the inside of the second component, while a translation of the end portion towards the outside of the second component generates an at least partial translation of said at least one rotatable element towards the outside of the second component. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, first thrusting means are housed inside the second component and exert a thrusting action on the at least one rotatable element towards the inner space defined by the end portion and the rigid portion. 
     The first thrusting means properly comprise elastic means. 
     The first thrusting means comprise magnetic and/or electromagnetic means, alternatively to or in combination with each other. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a quick connection and/or fixing system suited to mutually connect and disconnect a door/window panel to/from a wall portion, said panel being suited to close an access opening leading into a space at least partially defined by said wall, said system comprising a first and a second component that are suited to be rigidly fixed respectively to said wall portion and to said panel, said first and said second component being also suited to be mutually connected and disconnected in such a way as to alternatively allow the mutual connection and disconnection of said panel and said wall portion, wherein said second component is suited to house an end portion of said first component in such a way as to allow said end portion to translate inside it, said second component also comprising counteracting means suited to counteract the translation of said end portion of said first component towards the outside of said second component, said system furthermore comprising two rotatable elements housed inside said second component and suited to be set rotating in a first direction of rotation by the translation of the end portion of the first component towards the inside of the second component, and suited to be set rotating in a second direction of rotation contrary to the first direction of rotation by the translation of the end portion of the first component towards the outside of the second component, said counteracting means being suited to counteract the rotation of said two rotatable elements in said second direction of rotation, said second component comprising translatable releasing means suited to come into contact with said two rotatable elements during their motion in a first predetermined direction, in such a way as to move said two rotatable elements so as to decrease the counteracting force between said two rotatable elements, said end portion and said counteracting means. 
     Preferably, the two rotatable elements are housed inside said second component in a position in which they face each other. 
     Preferably, the releasing means comprise at least one handle suited to be operated by a user. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a door/window panel comprising a component of a quick connection and/or fixing system suited to mutually connect and disconnect said panel to/from a wall portion, wherein said component is constituted by the second component of the connection and/or fixing system as described above. 
     Preferably, the panel according to the present invention constitutes a door/window panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel according to the present invention constitutes the panel of a sliding door/window. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel according to the present invention constitutes the panel of a single door or window. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a component for a quick connection and/or fixing system suited to mutually connect and disconnect a door/window panel to/from a wall portion, said component being suited to be rigidly fixed to said wall portion and being suited to be mutually connected and disconnected to/from a second component associated with said panel, in such a way as to alternatively allow the mutual connection and disconnection of said panel and said wall portion, wherein said component comprises an end portion suited to be housed in said second component, and wherein the component comprises protection means suited to protect said end portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protection means comprise a covering element for the end portion, the covering element being suited to assume a first covering position in which it covers the end portion when the component is disconnected from the second component and to assume a second position in which said end portion is not covered when the component is connected to the second component. 
     Preferably, the covering element is an element that can be retracted with respect to the wall portion. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the protection means comprise a kinematic mechanism suited to arrange the end portion in a first position in which it does not project from the wall portion when the component is disconnected from the second component and in a second position in which it projects from the wall portion when the component is connected to the second component. 
     Preferably, the protection means comprise magnetic attraction means suited to arrange the end portion in a first position in which it does not project from the to wall portion when the component is disconnected from the second component and in a second position in which it projects from the wall portion when the component is connected to the second component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The present invention is illustrated here below through the description of some embodiments shown in the attached drawings. It should however be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings; on the contrary, the field of application and the scope of the present invention include all those variants or modifications of the embodiments illustrated and described herein that will be clear, obvious and immediate to the expert in the art. In particular, in the attached drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows the connection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention associated with a sliding door; 
         FIG. 2  shows an axonometric view of the connection system of  FIG. 1  isolated from the rest; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side plan view of the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C  show corresponding plan views of the open system of  FIG. 3  with the first and the second component of said system in different operating positions, respectively in the position in which they are disengaged, in the position in which they are engaged and in the position in which they are released and ready for disengagement; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  show enlarged details of the corresponding  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a variant embodiment of the system illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows the system of  FIG. 6  in the open configuration, in which the inner components are visible; 
       Figures from  8  to  10  show corresponding views of the system of  FIG. 7  according to different points of view and in different operating positions, respectively with inoperative locking system and levers not operated, with one lever operated and with operative locking system; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show two details of the system of  FIG. 7  isolated from the rest; 
         FIG. 10C  shows the system of  FIG. 7  with operative locking system and levers not operated; 
         FIG. 10D  shows the system of  FIG. 10C  with the locking system made inoperative through the operation of one lever; 
         FIG. 11  shows an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a first side plan view of a variant embodiment of the system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows the side plan view of the opposite side of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  shows the system of  FIG. 13  in the open configuration, in which the inner components are visible; 
         FIG. 15  shows an axonometric view of the system of  FIG. 14  in a first operating position; 
         FIG. 15A  shows an enlarged detail of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows an axonometric view of the system of  FIG. 14  in a second operating position; 
         FIG. 16A  shows an enlarged detail of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows a variant embodiment of the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 18  shows a side plan view of the system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows the side plan view of the opposite side of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  shows the system of  FIG. 18  in the open configuration, in which the inner components are visible; 
         FIG. 21  shows an axonometric view of the system of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  shows the system of  FIG. 20  in a particular operating condition; 
         FIG. 23  shows an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 24  shows the connection system according to another embodiment of the invention associated with a sliding door; 
         FIG. 25  shows an axonometric view of the connection system of  FIG. 24  isolated from the rest, in which some elements have been removed so that the inner elements are visible; 
         FIG. 26  shows a side plan view of the system of  FIG. 24  isolated from the rest; 
       Figures from  27  to  29  show the system of  FIG. 26  along section plane I-I in different operating positions, respectively in the position in which they are disengaged, in the position in which they are engaged and in the position in which they are released and ready for disengagement; 
         FIG. 30  shows the system of  FIG. 25  in a first operating condition, corresponding to the operating condition of engagement shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  shows the plan view of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  shows the system of  FIG. 25  in a second operating condition, corresponding to the operating condition of release shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 33  shows the plan view of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  shows the system of  FIG. 25  in a further operating condition, corresponding to the safety locking of the system; 
         FIG. 35  shows the plan view of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  shows an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 24  isolated from the rest; 
         FIG. 36A  shows some details of  FIG. 36  according to another point of view; 
         FIG. 37  shows the connection system according to another embodiment of the invention associated with a single door; 
         FIG. 38  shows an axonometric view of the connection system of  FIG. 37  isolated from the rest; 
         FIG. 39  shows the system of  FIG. 38  from which some elements have been removed so that the inner elements are visible; 
         FIG. 40  shows an exploded view of the system shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40A  shows a detail of  FIG. 40  according to a different point of view; 
         FIG. 41  shows the system of  FIG. 38  according to a different point of view and with an enlarged detail; 
         FIG. 42  shows a top view of  FIG. 39  with the system in the operating condition of disengagement; 
         FIG. 43  shows a top view of  FIG. 39  with the system in the operating condition of engagement; 
         FIG. 44  shows the system of  FIG. 41  in the operating condition of release; 
         FIG. 45  shows the system of  FIG. 44  according to a different point of view, from which some elements have been removed so that the inner elements are visible; 
         FIG. 46  shows the top view of  FIG. 45  with the system in the operating condition of release; 
         FIG. 47  shows the connection system according to another embodiment of the invention associated with a single door; 
         FIG. 48  shows an axonometric view of the connection system of  FIG. 47  isolated from the rest, from which some elements have been removed so that the inner elements are visible; 
         FIG. 49  shows a top view of  FIG. 48  with the system in the operating condition of disengagement; 
         FIG. 50  shows a top view of  FIG. 48  with the system in the operating condition of engagement; 
         FIG. 51  shows a top view of  FIG. 48  with the system in the operating condition of release; 
         FIG. 52  shows the system of  FIG. 47  from a different point of view, in the operating condition of release; 
         FIG. 53  shows the system of  FIG. 52 , in the operating condition of safety locking; 
         FIG. 54  shows a top view of the system of  FIG. 47  isolated from the rest; 
         FIG. 55  shows a view along section plane II-II of  FIG. 54  with the system in the position of engagement; 
         FIG. 56  shows a view along section plane II-II of  FIG. 54  with the system in the position of release; 
         FIG. 57  shows a view along section plane II-II of  FIG. 54  with the system in the position of safety locking; 
         FIG. 58  shows a view along section plane II-II of  FIG. 54  with the system in the position of safety release; 
         FIG. 59  shows an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 47  isolated from the rest; 
         FIG. 60  shows a detail of  FIG. 59  according to a different point of view; 
         FIGS. 61A, 61B and 61C  show a variant embodiment of the system of the invention in the positions corresponding to  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C ; 
         FIG. 62  shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of the system shown in  FIGS. 61A, 61B and 61C ; 
         FIG. 63  shows a front plan view from the left of the system shown in FIGS.  61 A,  61 B and  61 C; 
         FIG. 64  shows an exploded axonometric view of a preferred embodiment of a detail of the system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 65  shows a plan and section view of the detail of  FIG. 64  associated with a wall portion in a first operating position; 
         FIG. 66  shows a plan and section view of the detail of  FIG. 64  associated with a wall portion in a second operating position; 
       Figures from  67  to  69  show different plan views of the detail of  FIG. 64  in different operating positions in a system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 70  shows an exploded axonometric view of a preferred embodiment of a detail of the system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 71  shows a plan and section view of the detail of  FIG. 70  associated with a wall portion in a first operating position; 
         FIG. 72  shows a plan and section view of the detail of  FIG. 70  associated with a wall portion in a second operating position; 
       Figures from  73  to  75  show different plan views of the detail of  FIG. 70  in different operating positions in a system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 76  shows an exploded axonometric view of a preferred embodiment of a detail of the system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 77  shows a plan and section view of the detail of  FIG. 76  associated with a wall portion in a first operating position; 
         FIG. 78  shows a plan and section view of the detail of  FIG. 76  associated with a wall portion in a second operating position; 
       Figures from  79  to  81  show different plan views of the detail of  FIG. 76  in different operating positions in a system according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention can be especially and conveniently applied in the field of production of quick connection and/or fixing system (locks) for doors and windows in general. It is for this reason, therefore, that the examples of application of the system according to the present invention described below concern the particular case of the locks of the type generally used for common doors and/or windows. 
     It should however be noted that the possible applications of the system according to the present invention are not limited to the particular case of locks for doors and windows. On the contrary, the present invention can be advantageously applied in all those cases in which it is necessary to fix two components to each other in a quick and reliable manner (avoiding any accidental disconnection), and in which a component is constituted by a closing element for an access opening leading into a space and the other component is associated with the opening itself. For example, in a safe box a component can be constituted by the safe box door and the other component is constituted by the frame supporting the door. The present invention can be usefully applied in the construction of drawers, door/window panels, flaps and doors in general. 
     The first embodiment of the present invention represented in Figures from  1  to  24  comprises a first component  10  and a second component  20  suited to interact with each other as is explained in greater detail below. The first component  10  is shaped as a small bar (for example in metal, plastic or another similar rigid material) and is suited to be rigidly fixed to a wall portion  100 , for example a doorpost. 
     The second component  20  is carried out in the form of a unit suited to be rigidly fixed to a door/window panel  200 , for example in the embodiment illustrated herein the sliding panel of a door or a window or a French window. The panel  200 , as is known, makes it possible to close an access A defined by an opening in the wall  100 . For this purpose, the second component  20  is housed in a suitable seat  201  in the panel  200 . The second component  20  preferably comprises two external closing plates  31 ,  32  suited to make it easier to apply it to the panel  200  and to obtain the desired aesthetic aspect. The second component  20  preferably comprises also a through opening  33  that serves as a holding area for the fingers of a user who needs to move the panel  200  towards the closing and/or opening position. Furthermore, the through opening  33  allows access to an activating portion  41 . As is better described below, acting on the activating portion  41  so as to push it towards the opening position of the panel  200 , to the right in the various figures, will open the panel  200  especially starting from a closed and locked position. The activating portion  41  substantially works as a handle for the panel  200  in question. 
     In the embodiment illustrated herein, the opening  33  is advantageously a through opening and allows access to the same handle  41  from both sides of the panel  200 . Such a solution could be used, for example, in the case of a panel  200  of a sliding door of a train. 
     In variant embodiments of the invention, however, the opening can be blind and not a through opening, in order to maintain the isolation between the two sides of the panel (as required, for example, in the case of a toilet door). In this case the opening is substantially provided with a diaphragm that separates the two sides of the panel. 
     The separation diaphragm can be part of the handle itself or belong to the structure of the second component. 
     In this variant embodiment, the same handle may in any case be suited to be operated from both sides of the panel or, alternatively, the handle may be suited to be operated from one side of the panel only, making it impossible to use the handle and therefore to open the door when it is closed for a user situated on the other side of the door. 
     The first component  10  comprises an end portion  11  through which the first component itself is fixed to the wall portion  100 , as well as a second end portion  12  suited to be received and housed in a hollow seat  25  having a corresponding and matching shape and obtained in the second component  20 . A space  26  is also obtained inside the second component  20 , delimited on one side by a rigid portion  21  (for example a metal strap) inclined with respect to the end portion  12  of the first component  10 . In variant embodiments of the invention said rigid portion can be made in a different way and if necessary it may be defined by an inclined surface created directly in the second component, in the latter case without providing any additional element as the metal strap illustrated herein. 
     The end portion  12  is suited to translate within the seat  25  in such a way as to come into contact with the space  26  on the opposite side with respect to the inclined portion  21 . For the sake of clarity, the direction of translation of the end portion  12  from left to right in  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  here below will be defined also as the direction of translation towards the inside of the second component  20 , while the direction of translation of the end  12  from right to left in  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  will be defined also as the direction of translation towards the outside of the second component  20 . The inclination of the portion  21  is such that the distance between it and the end  12  decreases proceeding along the direction of translation of the same end  12  towards the outside of the second component  20 , while it increases in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction of translation towards the inside of the component  20 . Furthermore, a helical spring  23  is housed inside the space  26 . Always inside the space  26  there is a rotatable and translatable element  24 , for example a ball, placed at the level of the free end of the helical spring  23  in such a way that the helical spring  23  exerts a thrusting force on said rotatable element  24  towards the terminal area of the space  26  in which the distance between the rigid portion  21  and the end  12  decreases. 
     In variant embodiments of the invention the rotatable and translatable element can be of a different type, like for example a small cylinder or rod iron. 
     The second component  20  is advantageously associated with releasing means  50 , described in detail here below, comprising a releasing element  27  suited to be translated inside the second component  20  in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of translation of the end portion  12  and therefore from left to right in  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  (towards the inside of the component  20 ) and from right to left in  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  (towards the outside of the component  20 ). In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein, the releasing element  27  preferably comprises a shaped lever. This shaped lever comprises a first portion  40  suited to be placed in contact with the rotatable element  24  and said centre portion  41 , or handle, suited to be reached by a user. The releasing element  27  is especially suited to be translated towards the inside of the component  20  through the action of the user on the centre portion  41 , as previously mentioned, and therefore through the pulling action of the user on the centre portion  41  from left to right in  FIGS. 4C and 5C . The releasing element  27  is maintained in the inoperative position in the direction contrary to the pulling direction, and therefore from right to left in the figures, through the action of an elastic return spring  35  that preferably acts on a lower end  42  of the lever  27 . 
     In variant embodiments of the invention, the thrusting return means may be made in a different manner, for example using suitable magnetic and/or electromagnetic means. 
     During its translation towards the inside of the second component  20 , the releasing element  27  will abut the rotatable element  24  thus pushing it towards the inside of the component  20  against the action of the spring  23 , and thus pushing it towards that portion of the inner space  26  in which the distance between the rigid portion  21  and the end  12  of the first component  10  increases. 
     The operation of the connection system according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the Figures from  4 A to  4 C and from  5 A to  5 C can be summed up as follows. The mutual connection of the first component  10  and the second component  20  is obtained through the translation or mutual sliding movement of the first component  10  towards the second component  20 , meaning the sliding movement of the panel  200  towards its closed position. 
     During said approaching movement, the end portion  12  of the first component  10  slides towards the inside of the second component  20 . During the translation of the end  12  towards the inside of the component  20 , the surface of the end  12  facing towards the portion  21  comes into contact with the outer surface of the rotatable element  24  that therefore will first be set rotating clockwise and then translating owing to the friction that is generated between the end  12  and the rotatable element  24 , said rotatable element  24  being in contact also with the surface of the portion  21  facing towards the end  12  of the first component  10 . During its clockwise rotation and its successive translation, the rotatable element  24  will thus move against the action of the spring (from left to right in  FIGS. 4B and 5B ) and thus towards that part or portion of the space  26  in which the distance between the rigid portion  21  and the end  12  of the first component  10  increases. The rotatable and translatable element  24  therefore will not hinder the translation of the end  12  towards the inside of the component  20 , so that the end portion  12  can reach its final position inside the component  20 , final position that is thus defined as the mutual locking position between the first component  10  and the second component  20 , in such a way as to mutually lock the two elements  100  and  200  in a predefined position (that is, to lock the panel  200  to the doorpost  100 ). 
     The accidental disconnection of the first component  10  from the second component  20 , and therefore for example the accidental opening of the panel  200 , will be impossible, as in the locked condition illustrated in  FIG. 4B  any accidental translation of the end  12  towards the outside of the component  20  will be impossible. In fact, during the translation of the end portion  12  towards the outside of the component  20 , the rotatable element  24  is set rotating counterclockwise, and if necessary it is also set translating (owing to the friction between the end  12  and the rotatable element  24  itself), and then moved towards that portion of the space  26  in which the distance between the rigid portion  21  and the end  12  decreases. The movement of the rotatable element  24  towards said portion of the space  26  (and thus substantially towards the outside of the component  20 ) thus leads to the engagement of the rotatable element  24  between the end  12  and the portion  21 , so that at a certain moment neither a further counter-clockwise rotation of the rotatable element  24  nor a further translation of the end  12  towards the outside of the component  20  will be possible. In other words, at a certain point during its counter-clockwise rotation, and therefore at a certain point of the translation of the end  12  towards the outside, the rotatable element  24  will become engaged between the end  12  and the rigid portion  21  in such a way as to lock also the end  12 . Therefore, a user who, for example, intends to open the panel  200  by acting directly on said panel  200  without acting on the centre portion  41  of the lever  27  will not be able to obtain the mutual release of the second component  20  from the first component  10  and therefore will not be able to open said panel  200 . The mutual release of the two components  10  and  20 , and therefore the opening of the panel  200 , on the other hand, can be achieved by pulling the centre portion  41  of the lever  27  from left to right as shown in  FIGS. 4C and 5C , and thus in such a way as to translate the releasing element  27  towards the inside of the component  20 . In fact, during its translation towards the inside of the component  20 , the releasing element  27 , as previously mentioned, will push the rotatable and translatable element  24  towards the inside of the component  20  with its end  40 , and therefore towards the portion of the space  26  in which the distance between the portion  21  and the end  12  increases. In this way, therefore, the opposing movement (friction) between the external surface of the rotatable and translatable element  24  and the surface of the end  12  facing towards the rigid portion  21  decreases, even to the point of being completely eliminated in the position in which the rotatable and translatable element  24  is no more in contact with the end  12 . Therefore, in these conditions, a translation of the end  12  towards the outside of the component  20  will cause neither a counter-clockwise rotation of the rotatable element  24  nor a movement or shifting of the same towards the outside (towards that portion of the space  26  in which the distance between the end  12  and the portion  21  decreases), so that the end  12  will be free to translate until it moves completely out of the component  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 4C and 5C . It can thus be understood from the explanation provided above that a user can open the panel  200  by simply pulling the centre portion  41  of the lever  27  in the door opening direction, so that a single traction of the centre portion  41  of the lever  27  will allow first the mutual release of the two components  20  and  10  of the system and also the opening of the panel  200  itself. On the contrary, any attempt to open the panel  200  without acting on the centre portion  41  of the lever  27  will cause the mutual locking of the two components  20  and  10  of the system. 
     Figures from  6  to  11  show a variant embodiment of the system according to the present invention. 
     In said embodiment of the invention the operating principle is substantially equal to that described above with reference to the first embodiment, and therefore it will not be described in detail here below. 
     The rotatable and translatable element  24  and the first component  10  with the surface of the end  12  thus interact according to the principle described above. This embodiment differs from the already described first embodiment due to the different construction structure of the handle  127  and to the presence of safety locking means  151  of the handle  127  itself. 
     Identical elements and/or elements having the same characteristics as those described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention are indicated by the same reference numbers used for the first embodiment itself. 
     The handle  127 , which belongs to the releasing means  150  of the system, preferably comprises two shaped levers  127   a ,  127   b . Each lever  127   a ,  127   b  comprises a first portion  140   a ,  140   b  suited to be placed in contact with the rotatable element  24  and a centre portion  141   a ,  141   b  that can be reached by a user. 
     In this embodiment of the invention, the opening  133  is advantageously provided with a diaphragm element  135  and therefore is not a through opening. 
     Advantageously, the two shaped levers  127   a ,  127   b  are arranged on one side and on the other of the diaphragm  135  and thus on one side and on the other of the panel  200 . 
     The handle  127  can therefore be operated from both sides of the panel  200  by acting independently on one of the two shaped levers  127   a ,  127   b.    
     Each shaped lever  127   a ,  127   b  is suited to be translated towards the inside of the component  20  through an action exerted by the user on the corresponding centre portion  141   a ,  141   b , as previously mentioned, and therefore through a traction operation from left to right performed by a user on the centre portion  141   a ,  141   b  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Each shaped lever  127   a ,  127   b  is advantageously kept in the inoperative position in the direction contrary to the traction direction, and therefore from right to left in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , through the action of a corresponding elastic return spring  135   a ,  135   b  that preferably acts at a lower end  142   a ,  142   b  of the lever  127   a ,  127   b.    
     According to this embodiment, the system that is the subject of the invention preferably comprises safety locking means  151  suited to lock the handle  127  itself. 
     More particularly, the safety locking means  151  illustrated and described herein can be operated manually by acting directly on a knurled pawl  155  projecting from one side of the system, more preferably projecting from a slit  133  made in one  131  of the two external closing plates  131 ,  132 . 
     The safety locking means  151  are advantageously operated by a user that is situated on one side of the panel  200 , for example inside a room, in order to lock and thus inhibit the action of one of the two levers  127   a ,  127   b  that is located on the other side of the panel  200 , as is better described below. 
     The safety locking means  151 , in fact, comprise a first locking element  152  suited to be moved by the user so that it can be arranged in at least one inoperative position without any effect on the two levers  127   a ,  127   b  and in an operative and locking position on one of the two levers  127   b , as described above. Preferably, the movement between the operative position and the inoperative position of the first locking element  152  takes place through the rotation of the first locking element  152  itself by means of the rotation of the knurled pawl  155 . In variant embodiments of the invention, the movement can be of a different type, for example it can be obtained through the translation or rotation-translation of a special locking element. 
     The locking element  152  preferably comprises a first manual operating portion, constituted by said knurled pawl  155 , and a locking portion  156  defined by a shaped portion that when in said operative position is suited to be placed in contact with one of the two levers  127   b  to be locked, as shown in  FIG. 10 . In the locking position the lever  127   b  is locked and cannot translate, and therefore it cannot act on the rotatable element  24 . 
     In the inoperative position, the locking portion  156  of the locking element  152  does not interfere with any of the two levers  127   a ,  127   b , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , and the system of the invention operates normally, as described above. 
     The inoperative position of the locking element  152  according to the preferred embodiment illustrated herein is obtained according to two procedures. According to a first procedure, the locking element  152  is simply rotated by acting on the knurled pawl  155  in such a way that the locking portion  156  of the locking element  152  does not interfere with any one of the two levers  127   a ,  127   b , as explained above. 
     According to a second procedure, the locking element  152  is rotated by acting directly on the first lever  127   a , pulling it towards its open position, as shown in  FIG. 10D . In this case, a portion  127   c  of the first lever  127   a , preferably comprising an inclined surface, cooperates with a corresponding reference surface  153  of the locking element  152 , said surfaces being visible in greater detail in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
     When the first lever  127   a  is pulled, as shown in fact in  FIG. 10D , the inclined surface  127   c  of the first lever  127  acts by pushing against the reference surface  153  of the locking element  152 , thus causing it to rotate. The locking portion  156  of the locking element  152  moves from the locking position, shown in  FIG. 10C , to the inoperative position, in which it does not interfere with any one of the two levers  127   a ,  127   b , as explained above. 
     In a variant embodiment of the invention the safety locking means, when they are in their operative and locking position, may act on both of the levers, so that they are both locked and cannot act on the rotatable element. 
     In the embodiment described herein, the system is constructed in such a way that in case of emergency it is possible to act on the safety locking means  151  even from the side opposite that from which the pawl  155  is operated (for example, in order to be able to intervene if a user who is closed inside a room and has locked the panel  200  with the safety locking means  151  doesn&#39;t feel well). 
     The emergency release is obtained by making a hole  134  in the external plate  132  opposite the plate  131  from which the pawl  155  projects. 
     It is possible to act from the hole  134  to rotate the locking element  152  towards the inoperative position through the insertion of an emergency tool, for example a screwdriver bit. 
     The tool will act on a specific thrust point  152   a  along the locking element  152 . Furthermore, the hole  134  makes it possible to see if the locking element  152  has been operated by a user, and thus to know, for example, if the room (toilet) has been closed from the inside (engaged toilet). From the hole  134 , in fact, the thrust point  152   a  of the locking element  152  in this case will be clearly visible. Figures from  12  to  16  show another variant embodiment of the system according to the present invention. 
     This embodiment differs from the second embodiment previously described with reference to Figures from  6  to  11  due to the different construction structure of the safety locking means  251  of the handle  127 . 
     The elements that are identical to and/or have the same characteristics as those described with reference to the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numbers used above. 
     The safety locking means  251  are now constituted by a safety locking unit with key (the key is not illustrated in the drawings). 
     Said safety locking means  251  are now suited to be operated using a key and acting from one side of the system, more preferably inserting the key in the apposite slit  233  that can be accessed from one  232  of the two external closing to plates  231 ,  232 . 
     The safety locking means  251  are advantageously operated by a user that is situated on one side of the door/window panel  200 , for example outside a room, to lock and thus inhibit the action of one of the two levers  127   a ,  127   b . In the embodiment illustrated herein, the safety locking means  251  inhibit the action of the lever  127   b  that is situated on the same side of the panel  200  on which there is the slit  233  for the key, and thus the movement of the lever towards the outside of the room. This is the particular case, for example, of a door that is locked by a user from the outside of a room to prevent anyone from entering by acting on the external lever, while allowing anyone who is inside the room to open the door by acting on the respective internal lever. 
     In variant embodiments of the invention, however, the safety locking means preferably inhibit the action of both levers. 
     The safety locking means  251 , in fact, comprise a cylindrical element  252  suited to be operated through rotation by means of the key (not illustrated herein). 
     On the external surface  252   a  of the cylindrical element  252  there is a groove  253  suited to define a recessed area with respect to the external cylindrical surface  252   a  of the cylindrical element  252 , as is visible in  FIG. 15A . 
     The rotation of the cylindrical element  252  is suited to arrange the same cylindrical element  252  in at least two positions: an operative position, shown in  FIG. 15A , in which its external cylindrical surface  252   a  abuts a projection  254  present on the lever  127   b  to be locked and an inoperative position, shown in  FIG. 16A , in which the groove  253  is arranged at the level of said projection  254 . In the inoperative position of the cylindrical element  252 , the lever  127   b  is free to perform its translation movements. 
     More generally, in the inoperative position of the cylindrical element  252 , the same cylindrical element  252  does not exert any action on the levers  127   a ,  127   b . In the operative position of the cylindrical element  252 , instead, the lever  127   b  is locked and cannot perform its rightward movement, therefore it cannot act on the rotatable element  24 . 
     Figures from  17  to  23  show a further variant embodiment of the system according to the present invention. 
     This embodiment shows a system according to the present invention in which the several functions illustrated and described above with reference to the second and the third embodiment of the invention are present all together. 
     Therefore, it is possible to identify the following: the two levers  127   a ,  127   b ; first safety locking means  151  (of the manual type) with the corresponding emergency release system (hole  134 ); second safety locking means  251  with key. 
     This embodiment furthermore includes a drive system  301  suited to make it easier to move the panel  200 , in particular when the panel  200  is completely open and inserted in the wall so that the opening  133  cannot be easily accessed by the user&#39;s fingers. 
     The drive system  301  comprises a small lever  302  preferably located in frontal position on the second component  320  and hinged at its upper end. 
     In normal conditions, for example as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the small lever  302  is positioned vertically. When it needs to be used to move the panel  200 , it will be sufficient to rotate it, for example by acting on an upper thrust point  302   a , so as to move it to a position in which it is easy to grasp it, as shown for example in  FIG. 22 . 
     A second example of application of the system according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures from  24  to  36 . 
     Also in this case the element  100  is constituted by a vertical wall and the element  200  is constituted by a panel  200  for a sliding door. 
     This embodiment differs from the embodiment described above in that the rotatable and/or translatable element  424  is constituted by a cylindrical element, and not a ball, which is pushed by two helical springs  423   a ,  423   b  and is housed in the seat  426  provided in the second component  420 , in such a way as to be oriented vertically. 
     Consequently, also the first component  410  is oriented vertically and comprises an end portion  411  through which the first component is fixed to the wall portion  100 , as well as a second end portion  412  suited to be received and housed in a hollow seat  425  in a corresponding and complementary shape obtained in the second component  420 . 
     Inside the second component  420  there is also a space  426  that on one side is delimited by a rigid portion  421  (for example, a metal strap) inclined with respect to the end portion  412  of the first component  410 . In particular, analogously to the condition described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention, the end portion  412  is suited to translate within the seat  425  in such a way as to come into contact with the space  426  on the opposite side with respect to the inclined portion  421 . 
     Preferably, the extension D 1  in the vertical direction of the access area  425   a  to the hollow seat  425  exceeds the extension D 2  in the vertical direction of the second end portion  412  of the first component  410 . In this way, the introduction of the second end portion  412  in the hollow seat  425  is guaranteed over time even following any movement of the first component  410  with respect to said second component  420 , for example in case of expansion and/or settling and/or slight vertical subsiding movements of the panel  200  with respect to the wall  100 . 
     The operation of the connection system according to said embodiment of the invention is substantially as shown and described above. 
     The mutual connection of the first component  410  and the second component  420  is obtained through the mutual translation or sliding movement of the first component  410  towards the second component  420 , meaning the sliding movement of the panel  200  towards its closed position. 
       FIG. 27  shows the situation with the components  410  and  420  disengaged from each other. 
       FIG. 28  shows the situation with the components  410  and  420  engaged with each other and the mutual locking configuration between the first component  410  and the second component  420 , in such a way as to mutually lock the two elements  100  and  200  in a predefined position. 
       FIG. 29  shows the release condition. In this condition releasing means  450 , illustrated and described in greater detail below, push the rotatable and translatable element  424  towards the inside of the component  420  and thus towards the portion of the space  426  in which the distance between the rigid portion  421  and the end  412  increases. In this way, therefore, the opposing movement (friction) between the external surface of the rotatable-translatable element  424  and the surface of the end  412  facing towards the rigid portion  421  will decrease, even to the extent of being completely eliminated in the position in which the rotatable and translatable element  424  is no more in contact with the end  412 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein, the releasing means  450  first of all comprise one pair of operating elements  428 ,  429 , each one of which can be accessed from one side of the panel  200 . 
     The first operating element  428  is preferably made in the shape of a bushing and is arranged in such a way that it is recessed in the panel  200  and that it can both be translated in a first substantially horizontal direction and rotated by acting on suitable gripping elements  455 , visible in  FIG. 36 . 
     The second operating element  429  is preferably made in the shape of a bushing and is arranged in such a way that it is recessed in the panel  200  and that it can both be translated in a first substantially horizontal direction and rotated by acting with a special tool (for example, a coin) on an apposite slit  456 . 
     The two operating elements  428 ,  429  are integral with each other in their movements and are preferably screwed together (through a screw  428   a ). 
     The operating elements  428 ,  429  are integral with an interconnection element  430 . The interconnection element  430  interacts with a releasing element  427 . 
     The interconnection element  430  comprises a first cylindrical portion  431 , a non-cylindrical or eccentric shaped external surface portion  432 , and a second cylindrical portion  433 . 
     The interconnection element  430  is housed, in particular, in a seat  461  of a supporting body  460  in which part of the hollow seat  425  (with the respective rigid portion  421 ) is obtained. 
     More particularly, the seat  461  comprises a first elongated portion  461   a  suited to accommodate the eccentric external surface  432  of the interconnection element  430  and a second elongated portion  461   b  suited to accommodate the second cylindrical portion  433  of the interconnection element  430 . 
     The supporting body  460  is associated with a closing element  462  whose shape matches the shape of the supporting body  460  in order to enclose and support the various elements that make up the second component  420 . 
     The releasing element  427  comprises one pair of arms  440 ,  441  suited to be placed in contact with the rotatable element  424  through their ends  440   a ,  441   a . The releasing element  427  comprises also a main portion  442  provided with a circular hole  443  suited to accommodate the first cylindrical portion  431  of the interconnection element  430 . 
     The releasing element  427 , in particular, is suited to be translated towards the inside of the component  420  through the action exerted by the user on one of the two operating elements  428 ,  429 , and thus through the traction exerted by the user on the main portion  441  of the releasing element  427  by means of the interconnection element  430 . This can be observed by comparing the inoperative configuration shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31  with the operative position shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33  obtained when one of the knobs  428 ,  429  is operated. 
     The interconnection element  430 , therefore, is free to translate inside the seat  461  in the supporting base  460  until reaching its final position, which is shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 . 
     Therefore, a user who, for example, wishes to open the panel  200  by acting directly on said panel  200  without acting on one of the two operating elements  428 ,  429  will not be able to obtain the mutual release of the second component  420  and the first component  410  from each other and thus will not be able to open said panel  200 . The mutual release of the two components  410  and  420 , and thus the opening of the panel  200 , will therefore be obtained by pulling one of the two operating elements  428 ,  429  from right to left as shown in  FIGS. 29 and 33 , and thus in such a way as to translate the releasing element  427  towards the inside of the second component  420 . In fact, during its translation towards the inside of the second component  420 , the releasing element  427  will push the rotatable and translatable element  424  with the ends  440   a ,  441   a  of the arms  440 ,  441  towards the inside of the component  420 , and thus towards the portion of the space  426  in which the distance between the portion  421  and the end  412  increases. In this way, therefore, the opposing movement (friction) between the external surface of the rotatable and translatable element  424  and the surface of the end  412  facing towards the rigid portion  421  will decrease, even to the extent of being completely eliminated in the position in which the rotatable and translatable element  424  is no more in contact with the end  412 . 
     When the operating elements  428 ,  429  are released, they are advantageously brought back to the inoperative position ( FIGS. 30 and 31 ) in the direction contrary to the direction of traction, through the action of the helical springs  423   a ,  423   b  that act according to the path constituted by the rotatable and translatable element  424 , the releasing element  427  with its arms  440 ,  441  and the interconnection element  430 . 
     Even this embodiment preferably comprises also safety locking means  451  for the operating elements  428 ,  429 . 
     In particular, the safety locking means  451  can be operated manually from one side of the panel  200  by rotating the first operating element  428  by means of the gripping elements  455  and from the other side of the panel  200  by rotating the second operating element  429  by acting on the slit  456  with a suitable tool (for example, a coin). 
     The operation of the safety locking means  451  according to the procedures illustrated above determines the rotation of the interconnection element  430 . 
     In particular, the rotation of the interconnection element  430  determines the rotation of its eccentric external surface  432  inside the first elongated portion  461 , this situation being illustrated in particular in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . 
     The position of the eccentric external surface  432  inside the first elongated portion  461  prevents any translation movement of the interconnection element  430  with respect to the supporting base  460 . This prevents any translation movement of the operating elements  428  and  429  and of the releasing element  427  with respect to the supporting base  460 . 
     The release of the safety locking means  451  will be obtained by rotating the first operating element  428  in the opposite direction, through the gripping elements  455 , or by rotating the second operating element  429  acting on the slit  456  with a tool (for example, a coin). 
     In order to maintain the two operating elements  428 ,  429  in their extreme positions after rotation, the system advantageously comprises a holding system that preferably comprises a spring  481  and a ball  482 . The holding ball  482  is housed in said extreme positions of the operating elements  428 ,  429  in corresponding seats  431   a  and  431   b  of the interconnection element  430 , shown in particular in  FIG. 36A . Furthermore, the snapping movement of the ball  482  inside the corresponding seat  431   a ,  431   b  allows the user to perceive that the rotation has been performed and that the desired extreme position of the operating element  428 ,  429  has been reached. 
     Finally, even this embodiment includes a drive system  401  comprising a small lever  402  suited to make it easier to pull the panel  200 . 
     A third example of application of the system according to the present invention is shown in Figures from  37  to  46 . 
     In this case the connection system is associated with a panel  200  for a single, non-sliding door. 
     Analogously to the first embodiment of the invention, the first component  510  comprises an end portion  511  through which the first component itself is fixed to the wall portion  100 , as well as a second end portion  512  suited to be housed in a hollow seat  525  in a corresponding and complementary shape obtained in the second component  520 . Inside the second component  520  there is also a space  526  delimited on one side by a portion  521  (better visible in  FIG. 40A ) that is inclined with respect to the end portion  512  of the first component  510 . In particular, the end portion  512  is suited to translate inside the seat  525  in such a way as to come into contact with the space  526  on the opposite side with respect to the inclined portion  521 . In the case of a single door, differently from that which happens with sliding doors, the end portion  512  fits into the second component  520  laterally. 
     Inside the space  526  there is a rotatable and translatable element  524 , a ball, located at the level of the free end of a helical spring  523  in such a way that the helical spring  523  exerts a thrusting action on said rotatable element  524  towards the end of the space  526  in which the distance between the inclined portion  521  and the end  512  decreases. 
     Concerning the way in which the first component  510  is engaged with the second component  520 , this is substantially the same as previously described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention. 
     The mutual connection of the first component  510  and the second component  520  is obtained through the mutual translation or sliding movement of the first component  510  towards the second component  520 , that is, by closing the panel  200  rotating it towards its closed position. 
     During said approaching movement, the end portion  512  of the first component  510  slides towards the inside of the second component  520  until reaching its final position inside the component  520 , shown in  FIG. 44 . The final position defines the mutual locking condition between the first component  510  and the second component  520 , in such a way as to mutually lock the two elements  100  and  200  in a pre-defined position. 
     The system  501  comprises also releasing means  550 , better illustrated and described below, that push the rotatable and translatable element  524  towards the inside of the component  520  and therefore towards the portion of the space  526  in which the distance between the inclined portion  521  and the end  512  increases. In this way, therefore, the opposing movement (friction) between the external surface of the rotatable and translatable element  524  and the surface of the end  512  facing towards the inclined portion  521  will decrease, even to the extent of being completely eliminated in the position in which the rotatable and translatable element  524  is no more in contact with the end  512 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein, the releasing means  550  first of all comprise one pair of operating elements  528 ,  529  arranged on opposite sides of the panel  200 . 
     The first operating element  528  is preferably made in the shape of a handle and is arranged on the panel  200  so that it can rotate. 
     Analogously, the second operating element  529  is preferably made in the shape of a handle and is arranged on the panel  200  so that it can rotate. 
     The two operating elements  528 ,  529  are made integral to each other in their rotation movements through an interconnection pin  530 , to which the operating elements  528 ,  529  are fixed through locking dowels  531 ,  532 . 
     One of the operating elements  528 , the left one in the figures, is associated with a thrusting element  570  that is integral with the operating element  528  that acts on a releasing element  527 . 
     The thrusting element  570  is constituted by a cylindrical portion  571  comprising an oblique thrusting portion  572  ( cam ) suited to act so as to push the releasing element  527  during the rotation of one of the two operating elements  528 ,  529 , as can be observed, for example, when comparing  FIGS. 39 and 46 . The cam  572  acts on a small projection  527   d  of the releasing element  527 . 
     The thrusting action of the releasing element  527  causes the rotatable and translatable element  524  to translate and pushes it towards the inside of the component  520  and thus towards the portion of the space  526  in which the distance between the portion  521  and the end  512  increases. In this operating condition, as extensively explained with regard to the previous embodiments of the invention, the first component  510  can be separated from the second component and therefore the panel  200  can be rotated in order to be opened. 
     It can thus be understood from the above description that a user will be able to open the panel  200  by simply rotating one of the two handles  528 ,  529 , allowing first the mutual release of the two components  520  and  510  of the system, and then the opening of the panel  200  itself. Once the two components  520  and  510  have been released, the handle  528  or  529  that was previously rotated can be released so that it returns to its initial, substantially horizontal position. 
     In order to make it easier to restore the initial condition and to have the releasing element  527  return to the rest condition, for example the condition shown in  FIG. 42 , a return spring  580  is provided, which is suited to act on the releasing element  527  itself in the release direction, that is, leftwards, always with reference to  FIG. 42 . 
     The restoration of the initial condition and the return of the releasing element  527  to the rest position are also favoured by the action of the helical spring  523  associated with the rotatable and translatable element  524 . 
     On the contrary, any attempt to open the panel  200  without acting on one of the two handles  528 ,  529  will result in the mutual engagement of the two components  520  and  510  of the system. 
     Once the two components  520  and  510  have been released, the thrusting element  570  is constituted by a cylindrical portion  571  comprising an oblique thrusting surface  572  ( cam ) that is suited to act so as to push the releasing element  527  during the rotation of one of the two operating elements  528 ,  529 , as can be observed, for example, when comparing  FIGS. 39 and 46 . The cam  572  acts on a small projection  527   d  of the releasing element  527 . 
     A fourth example of application of the system according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures from  47  to  60 . 
     Also in this embodiment the connection system is associated with a panel  200  for a single door. 
     Analogously to the third embodiment of the invention, the first component  610  comprises an end portion  611  through which the first component itself is fixed to a wall portion, as well as a second end portion  612  suited to be housed in a hollow seat  625  in a corresponding and complementary shape obtained in the second component  620 . Inside the second component  620  there is also a space  626  delimited on one side by a rigid portion  621  that is inclined with respect to the end portion  612  of the first component  610 . In particular, the end portion  612  is suited to translate, in a way that is analogous to that described with reference to the third embodiment of the invention, inside the seat  625  which houses a rotatable and translatable element  624 , a ball, located at the level of the free end of a helical spring  623 . 
     The system  601  comprises also releasing means  650 , illustrated and described in greater detail below, suited to push the rotatable and translatable element  624  towards the inside of the component  620  (as shown in  FIG. 51 ). 
     In the preferred embodiment illustrated and described herein, the releasing means  650  comprise first of all one pair of operating elements  628 ,  629  arranged on opposite sides of the panel  200 . 
     The first operating element  628  is preferably made in the shape of a knob and is arranged on the panel  200  in such a way that it can be translated horizontally in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the panel  200 . 
     Analogously, the second operating element  629  is preferably made in the shape of a knob and is arranged on the panel  200  in such a way that it can be translated horizontally in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the panel  200 . 
     The two operating elements  628 ,  629  are interconnected through an interconnection element  630 . One of the operating elements, the left one  628  in the figures, is fixed to the interconnection element  630  through a locking dowel  631 . The other operating element, the right one  629  in the figures, is connected to the interconnection element  630  through a dowel  632  that is screwed onto the operating element  629 . The head of said dowel  632  can slide inside a slit  630   b  that is provided in the underside of the interconnection element  630  and is visible in greater detail in  FIG. 60 . The right operating element  629  can therefore move with respect to the interconnection element  630  for a distance corresponding to the longitudinal development of said slit  630   b.    
     According to a variant embodiment of the invention, the slit may be made in the operating element, while the dowel may get engaged in the interconnection element. 
     The interconnection element  630  is associated with a thrusting element  670  that acts on a releasing element  627 . 
     The releasing element  627  comprises an end  627   a  suited to be placed in contact with the rotatable and translatable element  624  and a centre portion  627   b  provided with a hole  627   c  that is suited to accommodate the interconnection element  630 . 
     The centre portion  627   b  of the releasing element  627  is housed, in particular, between a lower supporting body  660  and an upper supporting body  661 . Part of the hollow seat  625  and the respective inclined portion  621  are obtained in the lower supporting body  660 . 
     The lower supporting body  660  and the upper supporting body  661  are properly fixed to the door/window panel  200 , preferably by means of screws. 
     The thrusting element  670  is constituted by a pin that is suited to abut the releasing element  627  during the translation of one of the two operating elements  628 ,  629 . 
     The translation movement is obtained by pushing the left knob  628  towards the panel  200  or by pulling the right knob  629  towards the outside with respect to the panel  200 . 
     The thrusting action of the releasing element  627  causes the translation of the rotatable and translatable element  624  and pushes it towards the inside of the component  620  to reach a configuration in which the first component  610  can be separated from the second component  620  and thus the panel  200  can be opened. It can thus be understood from the explanation provided above that a user will be able to open the panel  200  by simply pushing the left knob  628  towards the panel  200  or pulling the right knob  629  in the direction away from the panel  200 . Once the two components  620  and  610  have been released, the knob  628  or  629  previously operated can be released and return to its initial position. 
     In order to make it easier to restore the initial condition and favour the return of the releasing element  627  to the rest condition, for example the condition shown in  FIG. 49 , there is a return spring  690  that is suited to act on the releasing element  627  in the release direction, meaning to the left, always with reference to  FIG. 49 . The return spring  690  is advantageously housed in a seat  660   b  in the lower supporting body  660 , visible in greater detail in  FIG. 59 . 
     The restoration of the initial condition and the return of the releasing element  627  to the rest condition is furthermore favoured also by the action of the helical spring  623  associated with the rotatable and translatable element  624 . 
     On the contrary, any attempt to open the panel  200  without acting on one of the two knobs  628 ,  629  will result in the mutual locking of the two components  620  and  610  of the system. 
     According to the present embodiment, the system that is the subject of the invention preferably comprises safety locking means  651  for the knobs  628 ,  629 . In particular, the safety locking means  651  can be operated from one side of the panel  200  at the level of the left knob  628  through a key (not illustrated in the drawings) and from the other side of the panel  200  at the level of the right knob  629  through a button  680 . 
     The safety locking means  651  can therefore be operated with a key by acting on one side of the system, more preferably by inserting the key in the appropriate slit  633  ( FIGS. 52 and 53 ). 
     The rotation of the key through an appropriate key lock, known per se and not described in detail herein, rotates the thrusting element  670 , as shown in  FIG. 53 . The thrusting element  670  is provided with a projecting pawl  671  that in the configuration with the knobs  628 ,  629  in the inoperative position is advantageously arranged externally with respect to the lateral surface of the lower support  660  and of the upper support  661 , as can be observed in  FIG. 52 . When the knobs  628 ,  629  are pushed or pulled as described above, the projecting pawl  671  can slide inside a suitable slit  672  that is provided in the upper support  661 . Therefore, no movement of the knobs  628 ,  629  is inhibited to allow the opening of the panel  200  (according to the procedures described above). 
     On the other hand, when the thrusting element  670  is rotated by means of the key, the projecting pawl  671  rotates freely with respect to the interconnection element  630  inside a slit  630   a  provided therein and abuts the external lateral surface of the lower support  660 , as explained above and visible in  FIG. 53 . The extent of the rotation of the thrusting element  670  and of the projecting pawl  671  in terms of rotation angle is defined by the shaped portion  628   a  created on the tubular extension  628   b  of the left knob  628 , as shown in  FIG. 59 . Preferably, said rotation angle is a 90° angle. 
     The new position of the thrusting element  670 , which is locked and cannot translate horizontally, in turn inhibits the translation of the interconnection element  630  and therefore of the knobs  628 ,  629  connected to it. 
     The opening of the door/window panel  200  is therefore prevented due to the locked condition of the two knobs  628 ,  629 . 
     Acting again on the key in the opposite direction returns the thrusting element  670  and the projecting pawl  671  in the inoperative position shown in  FIG. 52 , actually releasing the system. 
     It can be noticed that during the translation of the releasing element  627  to act on the rotatable and translatable element  624 , the same releasing element  627  together with the interconnection element  630  and the knobs  628 ,  629  translate with respect to the lower and upper supports  660 ,  661 . 
     In practice, the locking system with key described above inhibits the movement of the releasing element  627 , of the interconnection element  630  and of the knobs  628 ,  629  with respect to the lower and upper supports  660 ,  661 . 
     The locking system with button  680  at the level of the right knob  629  is based on the same principle aimed at inhibiting the movement of the releasing element  627 , of the interconnection element  630  and of the knobs  628 ,  629  with respect to the lower support  660 . 
     The button  680  comprises an end portion  680   a  suited to be operated by the user with a thrusting action and a centre portion  680   b , preferably cylindrical, housed inside the interconnection element  630 . The end  680   c  of the centre portion  680   b  is suited to act on a locking element  681 , as shown in particular in the locked configuration illustrated in  FIG. 57 . The locking element  681  preferably comprises a roller with a rounded end  681   a  suited to come into contact with the end  680   c  of the button  680  and the opposite end  681   b  suited to be accommodated in a matching seat  660   a  provided in the lower support  660 . The locking element  681  is housed in aligned holes  684 ,  685  respectively obtained in the interconnection element  630  and in the centre portion  627   b  of the releasing element  627 . 
     When the button  680  is in the inoperative position, the locking element  681  does not interfere with the normal operation of the system. As can be observed by comparing  FIGS. 55 and 56 , which show the effect of the operation of the left knob  628 , in fact, the locking element  681  moves freely out of the seat  660   a  provided in the lower support  660  and allows the normal translation of the releasing element  627  with the interconnection element  630  and the knobs  628 ,  629  with respect to the lower support  660 . 
     When, on the other hand, the button  680  is pressed and brought to its operative position, as shown in  FIG. 57 , the end  680   c  of the button  680  locks the locking element  681  in the seat  660   a  provided in the lower support  660  and, consequently, prevents any mutual movement between the lower support  660 , the releasing element  627  and the interconnection element  630 . 
     In this condition, also the left knob  628  is locked with respect to the lower support  660  and consequently the system is locked. 
     The system is released by moving the button  680  to a position in which its ends  680   c  does not prevent the movement of the locking element  681 . 
     This release operation is performed by pulling the right knob  629 , as shown in  FIG. 58 , in a direction away from the panel  200 , that is, rightwards in the figure. The right knob  629 , in fact, from the locking position shown in  FIG. 57  can slide to the right thanks to the dowel  632  that slides inside the slit  630   b  provided in the interconnection element  630 . 
     During the movement of the right knob  629  with respect to the interconnection element  630 , the end portion  680   a  of the button  680  is pushed and thus its end  680   c  releases the locking element  681  that is thus free to move. 
     The initial conditions of the system are thus restored. 
     Figures from  61  to  63  show a variant embodiment of the system according to the invention. 
     This variant embodiment differs from the embodiment described above with reference to Figures from  1  to  5  due to the different construction structure of the handle  127 ′ and the different configuration of the locking system that serves for the engagement of the first component  10  with the second component  720 . 
     This locking system is such that the second end portion  12  of the first component  10  is suited to be housed in the second component  720  where two helical springs  23   a  and  23   b , instead of one, and two corresponding rotatable and translatable elements  24   a  and  24   b  are accommodated. 
     Differently from that which happens in the embodiments previously described, here the end portion  12  of the first component  10  cooperates with two rotatable and translatable elements  24   a  and  24   b  instead of with one element only. The locking action of the end portion  12  into the second component  720 , however, is analogous to that described above, in which the friction of the rotatable elements  24   a  and  24   b  is exploited. The rotatable and translatable elements  24   a  and  24   b , preferably balls, are located at the level of the free end of the corresponding helical spring  23   a  and  23   b , so that each helical spring  23   a ,  23   b  exerts a thrusting action on the corresponding rotatable element  24   a ,  24   b , analogously to that which has been observed in the case where one ball only is used. 
     In variant embodiments of the invention the rotatable and translatable elements can be of a different type, like for example a small cylinder or rod iron. 
     The second component  720  is advantageously associated with releasing means  750 . 
     The releasing means  750  comprise a handle  127 ′ preferably constituted by two shaped levers  127 ′ a ,  127 ′ b . Each lever  127 ′ a ,  127 ′ b  comprises a first portion  140 ′ a ,  140 ′ b  suited to be placed in contact with the rotatable elements  24   a ,  24   b  and a centre portion  141 ′ a ,  141 ′ b  suited to be accessed by a user. 
     The shaped levers  127 ′ a ,  127 ′ b , in particular, are suited to be translated towards the inside of the component  720  through the action exerted by the user on the corresponding centre portion  141 ′ a ,  141 ′ b , and then through the traction exerted by the user on the centre portion  141 ′ a ,  141 ′ b  from left to right, as shown in  FIG. 61C . Each shaped lever  127 ′ a ,  127 ′ b  is maintained in its inoperative position in the direction contrary to the direction of traction, and therefore from right to left in the figures, through the action of an elastic return spring  135   a  that preferably acts on a lower end  142 ′ a ,  142 ′ b  of the corresponding lever  127 ′ a  and  127 ′ b.    
     In variant embodiments of the invention, the return thrusting means can be made in a different manner, for example with suitable magnetic and/or electromagnetic means. 
     During the translation of one of the two shaped levers  127 ′ a ,  127 ′ b  towards the inside of the second component  720 , the rotatable elements  24   a ,  24   b  are pushed inside the component  720  against the action of the springs  23   a ,  23   b , thus pushing them towards the release position, analogously to that which has been described above regarding the use of one ball only. 
     In the release position shown in  FIG. 61C , the end  12  of the first component  10  will be free to translate and therefore can be moved completely out of the second component  720  (thus obtaining the mutual release of the two components  720  and  10  of the system and also the opening of the associated panel  200 ). 
     In order to allow the second end portion  12  of the first component  10  to be inserted in the second component  720 , the two shaped levers  127 ′ a ,  127 ′ b  have respective recessed areas  143 ′ a ,  143 ′ b  suited to define a slit  145  that accommodates said second end portion  12 , as shown in  FIG. 63 . 
     Some embodiments of the first component of a system according to the present invention are described below with reference to Figures from  64  to  81 . 
     In the various embodiments described above, the first component is substantially constituted by a bar-shaped element (for example in metal, plastic or another similar rigid material) and is suited to be rigidly fixed to a wall portion, for example the post of a door or window. 
     In particular, an end portion, indicated above as second end portion  12  of the first component  10 , projects from said wall portion. Said end portion  12  of the first component  10  can however be bulky and/or dangerous. 
     The embodiments described below, therefore, refer to some solutions for the construction of the first component of the system according to the invention that are suited to overcome said drawback. 
     The solutions described herein make reference to a system in which the second component  420  is of the type described above with reference to Figures from  24  to  36 . It is evident that the solutions described below can be applied to any type of system illustrated above or falling within the inventive concept expressed by the present invention. 
     The Figures from  64  to  69  show a first embodiment of the first component  10 ′. The first component  10 ′ comprises the end portion  12 ′ suited to be housed in the second component  420 , according to the description provided above with reference to Figures from  24  to  36 . The end portion  12 ′ projects with respect to the wall portion  100 . According to the present embodiment, the end portion  12 ′ of the first component  10 ′ is associated with a retractable covering element  901 . In the rest condition, that is, when the door is open and the first component  10 ′ is not engaged with the second component  420 , as shown in  FIGS. 65 and 67 , the covering element  901  entirely covers the end portion  12 ′. The covering element  901  preferably and advantageously has a rounded shape, without corners, in such a way as to avoid any injury to people even in case of accidental contact (which may be a risk if the end portion  12 ′ were not covered). Furthermore, the covering element  901  is preferably made of a soft material, for example soft plastic. 
     The front portion of the covering element  901  is provided with an opening  905  for the passage of the end portion  12 ′. 
     The covering element  901 , furthermore, is preferably associated with thrusting means  902  suited to maintain the covering element  901  in said rest condition. The thrusting means  902  preferably comprise two helical springs  902   a ,  902   b  that maintain the covering element  901  in an external position with respect to the wall portion  100 . 
     The helical springs  902   a ,  902   b  are housed in a seat  903  suited to accommodate the covering element  901  when the latter is pushed towards the wall portion  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 66, 68 and 69 . 
     The seat  903  that accommodates the covering element  901  is advantageously positioned inside the wall portion  100 . 
     When the second component  420  is pushed towards the first component  10 ′, that is, while the door is being closed, the covering element  901  is moved back into said seat  903 , as shown in  FIGS. 66, 68 and 69 , while the end portion  12 ′ moves out of the opening  905 , remaining exposed. The end portion  12 ′ is thus locked to the second component  420 , according to the procedures extensively explained above. When, vice versa, the door is opened and the second component  420  is disengaged from the first component  10 ′, the covering element  901  is automatically brought to the rest condition, in which it protects the end portion  12 ′, thanks to the action of the helical springs  902   a ,  902   b.    
     It is evident that in variant embodiments of the invention the number and shape of the thrusting means, as well as the shape of the covering element, can be different from those indicated above. 
     Figures from  70  to  75  show a second embodiment of the first component  10 ″. 
     The first component  10 ″ comprises the end portion  12 ″ suited to be accommodated in the second component  420 , according to the description provided above with reference to Figures from  24  to  36 . 
     The end portion  12 ″ is preferably arc-shaped, and more preferably semi-circular. In the rest condition, that is, when the door is open and the first component  10 ″ is not engaged with the second component  420 , as shown in  FIGS. 71 and 73 , the end portion  12 ″ does not project from the wall portion  100 . In this rest condition, the end portion  12 ″ is accommodated in a seat  913  preferably created directly in the wall portion  100 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the end portion  12 ″ is made project automatically with respect to the wall portion  100  when the second component  420  is pushed towards the first component  10 ″, that is, while the door is being closed, as shown in  FIGS. 72, 74 and 75 . 
     For this purpose, the end portion  12 ″ is hinged on a thrusting element  910 . 
     The thrusting element  910  is in turn hinged, around a rotation pin  911 , to an element  912  suited to be fixed to the wall portion  100 . In the rest condition, that is, when the door is open and the first component  10 ″ is not engaged with the second component  420 , as shown in  FIGS. 71 and 73 , the thrusting element  910  is partially housed in the seat  913  and projects at least partially with respect to the wall portion  100 . 
     The thrusting element  910  preferably and advantageously has a rounded shape, without corners, in such a way as to avoid any injury to people even in case of accidental contact. Furthermore, preferably, the thrusting element  910  is made of a soft material, for example soft plastic. 
     The thrusting element  910  and the end portion  12 ″ are normally in said rest condition (the one shown in  FIG. 71 ) due to the force of gravity related to their weight force. 
     In variant embodiments of the invention, however, the thrusting element  910  is preferably associated with thrusting means that are suited to maintain the thrusting element  910  and the end portion  12 ″ in said rest condition. The thrusting means comprise, for example, a spring that maintains the thrusting element  910  in the rest condition. It is evident that said thrusting means can be of a different type. 
     In the rest position, advantageously, the end portion  12 ″ does not project from the wall portion  100 , and therefore does not represent an encumbrance. 
     When the second component  420  is pushed towards the first component  10 ″, that is, while the door is being closed, the second component  420  acts pushing the projecting portion of the thrusting element  910 , as shown in  FIGS. 74 and 75 . This thrusting action causes the thrusting element  910  to rotate around the rotation pin  911  and consequently the end portion  12 ″ to move out of the wall portion  100 . The end portion  12 ″ is thus received in and locked to the second component  420 , according to the procedures extensively described above. When, vice versa, the door is opened by disengaging the second component  420  from the first component  10 ″, the end portion  12 ″ and the thrusting element  910  are automatically brought to the rest condition due to the force of gravity related to their weight force (or to the effect of special thrusting means, if provided, as described above). 
     It is evident that in variant embodiments of the invention the shape of the thrusting element can be different from the one described herein. 
     Figures from  76  to  81  show a third embodiment of the first component  10 ′″. The first component  10 ′″ comprises the end portion  12 ′″ suited to be accommodated in the second component  420 , according to the description provided above with reference to Figures from  24  to  36 . 
     In the rest condition, that is, when the door is open and the first component  10 ′″ is not engaged with the second component  420 , as shown in  FIGS. 77 and 79 , the end portion  12 ′ does not project with respect to the wall portion  100 . In this rest condition the end portion  12 ′″ is accommodated in a seat  923  preferably created directly in the wall portion  100 . 
     In the rest condition, advantageously, the end portion  12 ′″ does not project from the wall portion  100 , and therefore does not represent an encumbrance. 
     According to the present embodiment, the end portion  12 ′″ is made project automatically with respect to the wall portion  100  through magnetic attraction when the second component  420  approaches the first component  10 ″, that is, while the door is being closed, as shown in  FIGS. 78, 80 and 81 . 
     For this purpose, at least one part of the end portion  12 ′″ and/or at least one part of the second component  420  comprise/s materials suited to be attracted magnetically when moved near each other. 
     For example, in a first embodiment, the end portion  12 ′″ may comprise a magnetic material and a part of the second component  420  may comprise a ferrous material, or vice versa. In other cases, both the end portion  12 ′″ and at least one part of the second component  420  may comprise a properly polarized magnetic material, so that they are mutually attracted when moved near each other. 
     It is evident that in further embodiments of the invention there may be any other combination between magnetic and ferromagnetic materials to be associated with the first and the second component of the system. 
     In the embodiment described herein, in the rest condition, that is, when the door is open and the first component  10 ′″ is not engaged with the second component  420 , as shown in  FIGS. 77 and 79 , the end portion  12 ′″ is accommodated in a seat  933 . The seat  933  that accommodates the end portion  12 ′″ is advantageously positioned inside the wall portion  100 . 
     The end portion  12 ′″ also comprises a supporting base  934 . 
     The end portion  12 ′″ is associated with a guide element  935  suited to be fixed to the wall  100 . The guide element  935  comprises an opening  936  for the passage of the end portion  12 ′″ and two oblique walls  937   a ,  937   b  that serve as a guide for the base  934  of the end portion  12 ′″. 
     The end portion  12 ′″ with the supporting base  934  are normally in said rest condition (that shown in  FIG. 77 ) due to the force of gravity related to their weight force. 
     In variant embodiments, however, the end portion  12 ′″ with the supporting base  934  are preferably associated with thrusting means suited to maintain the end portion  12 ′″ with the base portion  934  in said rest condition. The thrusting means comprise, for example, a spring that maintains the end portion  12 ′″ with the supporting base  934  in the rest position. It is evident that said thrusting means can be of a different type. 
     In other variant embodiments, the thrusting means can be made in a different manner, for example with magnetic elements suited to maintain the end portion  12 ′″ in the seat  933  in which the attraction force of said magnetic elements is lower than the magnetic attraction force between the end portion  12 ′″ and the second component  420 . 
     When the second component  420  is pushed towards the first component  10 ′″, that is, while the door is being closed, the magnetic attraction force acts between the second component  420  and the end portion  12 ′″, and the end portion  12 ′″ moves out of the opening  936  and therefore of the wall portion  100 . The end portion  12 ′″ is thus housed in and locked to the second component  420 , according to the procedures extensively described above. When, instead, the door is opened disengaging the second component  420  and moving it away from the first component  10 ′″, there is no more magnetic force and the end portion  12 ′″ with the supporting base  934  is automatically moved back due to the force of gravity related to their weight force (or due to the action of apposite thrusting means, if provided, as described above). 
     Although the invention has been described making reference to the attached drawings, in the construction stage it can be subjected to changes that are all to be considered protected by the present patent, provided that they fall within the same inventive concept expressed in the following claims. 
     In variant embodiments of the invention, for example, the elastic element (or spring) that thrusts the translatable element may be replaced by a magnet. The magnet may comprise, in particular, two portions having the same polarity (positive or negative), of which a first portion is integral with the translatable element, while a second portion is integral with the second component. The magnetic force generated between the two portions will tend to push the portion of the magnet that is integral with the translatable element towards the outside of the component, and thus the translatable element itself in the same direction towards the outside of the component. In this embodiment, furthermore, the releasing means will push against the rotatable and translatable element, wherein said thrusting action will be exerted against the action of the magnetic force instead of against the action of an elastic element as in the embodiments previously described. 
     Furthermore, other embodiments of the invention may include suitable combinations of the solutions described above with reference to the various embodiments. In this way, for example, a sliding door or a single door can be provided with a system comprising on one side a handle of the lever type and on the other side a handle of the knob type, so that the operation of said handles can be obtained by thrust or traction or rotation or combined rotating and translating movements. Again, the system can be provided with one or more of the locking systems illustrated above, like for example a manual locking device or a key locking device on both sides of the system, emergency release devices on both sides of the system, etc. 
     It has thus been shown by means of the above description that the system according to the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved. 
     Although the present invention has been illustrated above by means of the detailed description of some of its embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and represented in the drawings; on the contrary, further variants of the embodiments described herein fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the claims.