Patent Description:
Closing/locking devices for doors and/or windows are known, for example locks with latches. These devices are often configured in such a way that, when the door and/or window is open, part of the latch protrudes from the door and/or window or from the jamb. This configuration is aesthetically unpleasant and, in some cases, undesirable from the mechanical point of view since the protruding element can hit other elements in the vicinity or users of the door and/or window. Moreover, the known systems do not allow for simple and automatic adjustment of any play between the male and female locking elements.

In addition, the known systems require some type of actuation by the user to move the male locking element into the female locking element and/or some type of actuation by the user to lock the device. On the market there are no devices which, once the door and/or window has been closed, ensure that it automatically remains in the closed/locked position without an actuating operation by the user, such as turning a key, or without an electromechanical actuator.

Documents showing closing/locking devices according to the prior art are:
<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Thus, the invention is generically related to a closing/locking device in which the male element is located inside a first part and is extracted automatically only in proximity to a female element, for example by means of magnetic attraction.

In particular, the invention refers to a device for closing/locking a door and/or window with respect to a jamb, comprising a first part mountable on one between the door and/or window and the jamb, a second part mountable on the other between the door and/or window and the jamb, wherein the first part comprises a male locking element movable with respect to the first part, wherein the second part comprises a female locking element and a magnet, wherein the closing/locking device is configured in such a way that the male locking element is attracted by the magnet towards the second part.

The first part comprises holding means configured to prevent the return of the male locking element into the first part following the extraction of the male locking element from the first part.

According to the invention, the holding means comprise.

In some embodiments, the male locking element can feature a front end with a substantially convex shape in the direction of the second part.

In some embodiments, when the door and/or window is closed, the magnet can be positioned substantially opposite the male locking element with respect to the female locking element.

In some embodiments, the second part may comprise a frame and the female locking element can be made as a cavity in the frame.

In some embodiments, the width of the cross section of the cavity may decrease as the distance from the first part increases.

In some embodiments, the cavity may have a substantially V-shaped cross section.

In some embodiments, the second part may comprise one or more dampening elements configured to dampen the entry of the male locking element into the cavity.

In some embodiments, the frame may comprise one or more housings, respectively for the one or more dampening elements.

In some embodiments, the first part may comprise release means configured to act on the retaining element in such a way as to allow the male locking element to move back into the first part.

In some embodiments, the release means can be configured to push the retaining element towards the second part.

In some embodiments, the retaining element may comprise a thrust surface comprising at least one area with a substantially concave shape, the release means may comprise a conversion element and a roller pin, the roller pin may be at least partially contained within the area with a substantially concave shaped, the conversion element and the roller pin may be configured in such a way that a movement of the conversion element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the male locking element causes a movement of the roller pin such that the roller pin is pushed at least partially outside of the area with a substantially concave shape causing a movement of the thrust surface towards the second part.

In some embodiments, the closing/locking device may also comprise at least one handle connected to the release means.

In some embodiments, the closing/locking device may also comprise an elastic element configured in such a way as to arrange the release means in a position in which the release means do not exert a releasing action.

In some embodiments, the first part may furthermore comprise at least one sliding element integrally connected to the male locking element, and at least one return element configured to act on the at least one sliding element in such a way that, in the absence of other forces acting on the male locking element, a movement of the male locking element is obtained, such that the male locking element is retracted into the first part.

In some embodiments, the release means may comprise an interference element, and the first part may furthermore comprise a locking element configured so that it has a first position in which the locking element interferes with the interference element and a second position in which the locking element does not interfere with the interference element.

Further advantages and characteristics of the invention are highlighted in the following detailed description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments, which is illustrated by way of indicative, non-limiting example with the aid of the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify the same components.

In the following detailed description, various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and/or described herein, but is defined by the appended claims. In particular, it is clear that different characteristics of different embodiments can be combined with one another to obtain further embodiments. It is also clear that not all the features of a single embodiment are to be considered necessary for the implementation of that embodiment. In particular, in some cases certain features may be described only to clarify the specific operation of the described embodiment even if they are not strictly necessary for the implementation of the invention. Furthermore, it is possible to combine individual characteristics of a first and of a second embodiment in such a way as to obtain a third embodiment of the invention with no need to necessarily include all the other characteristics of the first and of the second embodiment.

Generally speaking, the invention concerns a closing/locking device for doors and/or windows I which makes it possible to eliminate the presence of parts protruding from the door and/or window when this is in an open position, as opposed to classical solutions in which the latch is generally exposed on the outside of the door and/or window while it is being opened.

The invention is particularly advantageous when used with doors and/or windows installed in a hinged configuration. As shown, for example, in <FIG>, the door and/or window I is closed on a jamb S by rotating it in the direction indicated by the arrow, on hinges not illustrated herein.

The closing/locking device <NUM> can advantageously be used with a door and/or window I of this type and generally comprises a first part <NUM>, mountable on one between the door and/or window I and the jamb S, and a second part <NUM>, mountable on the other between the door and/or window I and the jamb S. In the configuration shown in <FIG>, the first part <NUM> is mounted on the door and/or window I, while the second part <NUM> is mounted on the jamb S. It is clear, however, that the installation can be reversed.

As can be seen in <FIG>, in general, the first part <NUM> comprises a male locking element <NUM> which is movable with respect to the first part <NUM>. The function of the male locking element <NUM> is conceptually similar to that of a latch. More specifically, as is evident from the following description, the male locking element <NUM> can be moved with respect to the first part <NUM> so that it reaches a position of interference with a respective female locking element of the second part <NUM>, preventing the opening of the door and/or window I.

In general, the second part <NUM> thus comprises a female locking element and a magnet <NUM>, which are described in greater detail below.

The closing/locking device <NUM> can thus be configured in such a way that the male locking element <NUM> is attracted by the magnet <NUM> towards the second part <NUM>. This configuration advantageously allows the male locking element <NUM> to be automatically extracted from the first part <NUM> at the moment when the door and/or window I is being closed and therefore is near the jamb S. In the remaining positions of the door and/or window I, as is more evident in the following description, the male locking element <NUM>, not being sufficiently attracted by the magnet <NUM>, may remain in a more internal position in the first part <NUM> without protruding from the door and/or window I.

Preferably, in some embodiments, the male locking element <NUM> can be attracted by the magnet <NUM> towards the second part <NUM> with a force that is sufficient to extract the male locking element <NUM> from the first part <NUM> only in an area in proximity to the closing position of the door and/or window I on the jamb S. In some embodiments, this area in proximity to the closing position may preferably correspond to an opening of the door and/or window I of less than <NUM>° with respect to the jamb S, measured with the centre in the hinges of the door and/or window I, even more preferably to an opening of less than <NUM>°.

It is therefore evident that the invention makes it possible to obtain a door and/or window I that when open has no protruding elements, and to automatically extract the male element <NUM> when the door and/or window I is being closed thanks to the presence of the magnet <NUM> in the second part <NUM>. It will be clear to the expert in the art that this approach can be implemented through a plurality of mechanically different solutions. Some particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are described here below, in such a way as to illustrate how this functional approach can be implemented. It is evident, however, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein and that alternative embodiments from a mechanical point of view can lead to the same functional approach as described above.

In some embodiments, the force of the magnet <NUM> can be configured to be sufficient to maintain the male locking element <NUM> in the extracted position while the door and/or window I is being closed.

In some embodiments, in addition to the force exerted by the magnet <NUM>, it is advantageous to keep the male locking element <NUM> in the extracted position with respect to the first part <NUM>, so as to ensure that the door and/or window I is closed/locked more securely.

In these embodiments, as can be seen, for example, in <FIG>, the first part <NUM> may comprise holding means <NUM> configured so as to prevent the male locking element <NUM> from moving back into the first part <NUM> after the extraction of the male locking element <NUM> from the first part <NUM>.

In general, the holding means <NUM> may be configured so as to allow the extraction of the male locking element <NUM> from the first part <NUM> and prevent the male locking element <NUM> from moving back into the first part <NUM> in the absence of an appropriate release operation. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that this behaviour can be obtained through various mechanical solutions, for example by means of a ratchet structure, or other solutions.

<FIG> shows a possible implementation of this functional concept, without necessarily limiting the invention to the specifically illustrated embodiment.

In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the holding means <NUM> comprise an element with variable cross section <NUM>, a movable element <NUM> positioned at least partially within the element with variable cross section <NUM>, one or more interference elements <NUM> positioned between the element with variable cross section <NUM> and the movable element <NUM>, and a retaining element <NUM> configured to retain the one or more interference elements.

In greater detail, in some embodiments the movable element <NUM> may be a mechanical element in a generically elongated shape, integrally connected to the male locking element <NUM>. Preferably, the movable element <NUM> has a shape that is generically elongated along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to a main direction of extension of the male locking element <NUM>. In <FIG>, the movable element <NUM> has a substantially circular cross section along a plane that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The invention, however, is not limited to this configuration, other shapes of the cross section are possible as will be clear to the person skilled in the art.

According to the invention, the element with variable cross section <NUM> has a cavity with variable cross section. In particular, the cross section can be defined as the cross section of the cavity along a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the movable element <NUM>. Preferably, said cross section measured with the element with variable cross section <NUM> in a first position has a larger surface area than said cross section measured with the element with variable cross section <NUM> in a second position. Specifically, the first position is preferably closer to the male locking element <NUM> than the second position. In some embodiments, the cross section of the element with variable cross section <NUM> is preferably reduced gradually between the first position and the second position.

Thanks to this configuration, by positioning the interference elements <NUM> inside the element with variable cross section <NUM>, between the inner surface of the element with variable cross section <NUM> and the outer surface of the movable element <NUM>, it is possible to create an interference that prevents the movable element <NUM> from moving in the direction away from the second part <NUM>, that is, in the negative X direction with reference to the figures.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interference elements <NUM> may be constituted by small spheres; it will, however, be clear that the invention is not limited to this embodiment and that alternative elements, for example rollers, may be used.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the interference elements <NUM> are retained by a retaining element <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the retaining element <NUM> has a substantially tubular shape with an outer surface positioned at least partially inside the cavity of the element with variable cross section <NUM> and an inner tubular area within which the movable element <NUM> can be at least partially positioned. Thanks to this configuration, the retaining element <NUM> advantageously allows the interference elements <NUM> to be maintained in a predetermined position. Furthermore, as is evident from the following description, the retaining element <NUM> can advantageously be used to release the holding means <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated, the holding means <NUM> may further comprise a thrust element <NUM>, for example a spring, respectively positioned between the element with variable cross section element <NUM> and the retaining element <NUM>, in such a way as to provide a force that tends to move these two elements away from each other. In this manner, as will be evident to those skilled in the art, the holding means <NUM> tend to position the interference element <NUM> in a position of interference of the movement of the movable element <NUM> with respect to the first part <NUM>. This makes it possible to ensure that any movement of the movable element <NUM> in the negative X direction is prevented. It is evident that alternative forms of thrust element <NUM> can be implemented, for example it can be constituted by a return spring, or a magnet, acting on the retaining element <NUM> in such a way as to provide a force acting on it in a negative X direction.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first part <NUM> comprises a frame which is schematically represented by two components 2130A and 2130B and supports at least the holding means <NUM>.

Figures from 6A to 6C schematically illustrate a possible mode of operation of the holding means <NUM>.

In particular, in <FIG> the closing/locking device is in an open position. In this position, the distance between a contact area of the thrust element <NUM> with the element with variable cross section <NUM> and a contact area of the thrust element <NUM> with the retaining element <NUM> is indicated by D1A. Analogously, a distance between the end of the element with variable cross section <NUM> and the male locking element <NUM> is indicated by D2A.

<FIG> schematically shows a closed position of the closing/locking device. As schematically shown by the arrow, in the closed position the male locking element <NUM> has moved in the positive X direction in such a way as to engage with the female locking element, which is not shown. This movement increases the distance D2A, as indicated by the distance D2B. The position of the male locking element <NUM> inside the female locking element ensures that the door and/or window I can be closed on the jamb S.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the operation of releasing the latch element. In particular, as schematically illustrated by the arrow acting on the retaining element <NUM>, the retaining element <NUM> can be moved in the positive X direction, that is, in the direction of the element with variable cross section <NUM>, so as to reduce the distance D1A until obtaining the distance D1B. This movement causes the corresponding movement of the interference elements <NUM> with respect to the element with variable cross section <NUM>. The interference of the interference elements on the movable element <NUM> is thus eliminated, allowing the latter to move with respect to the element with variable cross section <NUM>. This freedom of movement therefore allows the male locking element <NUM>, mounted on the movable element <NUM>, to move in the negative X direction, that is, towards the first part <NUM>, as schematically indicated by the arrow acting on the male locking element <NUM>. The movement of the male locking element <NUM> in the negative X direction can be caused by various factors, which are described in detail below.

It is therefore apparent that, thanks to the presence of the thrust element <NUM>, in the absence of a force acting on the retaining element <NUM> in the direction substantially indicated by the arrow schematically shown in the figure, the closing/locking device remains in a locked position. On the contrary, when a force is exerted on the retaining element <NUM>, it is possible to release the closing/locking device as described above. When this force is not applied any longer, the retaining element <NUM> can return to the position shown in <FIG>, thus ensuring that the device will be locked the next time the door and/or window is closed/locked.

In preferred embodiments, as can be seen in <FIG>, the male locking element <NUM> can have a front end <NUM> having a substantially convex shape in the direction of the second part <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end <NUM> has a substantially rounded shape, but this form is not limiting and alternative forms are possible, for example with a substantially triangular cross section.

As is more evident from the following description, in particular with reference to <FIG>, the substantially convex shape of the front end <NUM> advantageously allows the male locking element <NUM> to be gradually pushed into the first part <NUM> when the door and/or window I is being opened, thanks to the mechanical interference between the substantially convex shape of the front end <NUM> and the shape of a cavity <NUM> that is described in greater detail below. However, it is apparent that the invention is not limited to the presence of a substantially convex shape for the front end <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic exploded view of a second part <NUM>. In this embodiment, as can be seen, when the door and/or window I is in the closed position, the magnet <NUM> is positioned substantially opposite the male locking element <NUM> with respect to the female locking element <NUM>. Thanks to this configuration, the magnet <NUM> can therefore attract the male locking element <NUM> towards the female locking element <NUM>, that is, in the positive X direction.

In preferred embodiments, the second part <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be configured in such a way that the female locking element <NUM> is constituted by a cavity <NUM> obtained in the frame <NUM>. Preferably, furthermore, the frame <NUM> may comprise a seat <NUM> for the magnet <NUM>, in a position substantially opposite the cavity <NUM>.

Preferably, the width of the cross section of the cavity <NUM> decreases as the distance from the first part <NUM> increases. In greater detail, the cross section, as can be seen in <FIG>, can be considered along a plane XZ perpendicular to a direction Y of greatest longitudinal extension of the female locking element <NUM>. The width of the cross section, thus measured in direction Z, decreases gradually as the distance from the first part <NUM> increases or, in other words, as the distance from the magnet <NUM> decreases. Thanks to this shape, it is advantageously possible to gradually push the male locking element <NUM> out of the cavity <NUM>. In particular, as is more evident from <FIG>, a movement in a direction substantially parallel to Z, caused by the rotation of the door and/or window I on its hinges, causes the male locking element <NUM> to be pushed in a direction substantially parallel to X due to the substantially convex shape of the cavity <NUM>, so that the male locking element <NUM> is moved out of the female locking element <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cavity <NUM> has a substantially V-shaped cross section. Preferably, the direction of an axis of symmetry of the "V" shape substantially corresponds to the direction of longitudinal extension of the movable element <NUM> when the closing/locking device is in the closed position. Advantageously, this shape makes it possible to eliminate any play between the male locking element <NUM> and the female locking element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows also connection elements <NUM>, for example screws, configured to connect the frame <NUM> to the jamb S. It is clear, however, that alternative solutions for the connection elements <NUM> and/or for the connection of the frame <NUM> to the jamb S can be implemented.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a possible alternative for the second part <NUM>. In particular, the second part <NUM> differs from the second part <NUM> in that it is provided with one or more dampening elements <NUM> configured to dampen the entry of the male locking element <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>. Preferably, the frame <NUM> comprises one or more housings <NUM> for the one or more dampening elements <NUM>, respectively.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the dampening elements <NUM> can be constituted, for example, by rings made of a substantially elastic material, which are inserted into housings <NUM> substantially made as grooves in the frame <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the rings keep a substantially circular shape in the absence of the male locking element <NUM>. As the male locking element <NUM> approaches the second part <NUM>, the attraction exerted by the magnet <NUM> on the male locking element <NUM> causes the male locking element <NUM> to enter the cavity <NUM>, thereby impacting the rings and deforming them accordingly. The presence of the rings as dampening elements <NUM> makes it possible to control the entry of the male locking element <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> and to avoid a general noisiness of the device. Furthermore, the use of the dampening elements <NUM> provides a closed configuration of the device, in which the dampening element <NUM> is at least partially positioned between the male locking element <NUM> and the female locking element <NUM>, thereby ensuring that any play between the male locking element <NUM> and the female locking element <NUM> is compensated for by the elastic nature of the dampening element <NUM>. Advantageously, therefore, this configuration also makes it possible to ensure that the closed/locked position of the closing/locking device is substantially stable.

<FIG> schematically illustrate an alternative embodiment for the dampening elements. In particular, the dampening elements <NUM> are constituted by tabs elastically mounted in the cavity <NUM>, preferably with one end of the tabs <NUM> connected to the frame <NUM> in an area of the cavity <NUM> close to its end towards the first part <NUM>. In this manner, as will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the entry of the male locking element <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> can cause the tabs <NUM> to flex, achieving the same dampening and play compensation effect described above. Clearly, the dampening elements <NUM> can be constructed independently of the frame <NUM> and mounted on it, or they can be made from the material of the frame itself.

In the preceding description, the operation of releasing the closing/locking device was schematically illustrated as resulting from the application of a force which causes the retaining element <NUM> to move in the positive X direction, that is, in the direction of the element with variable cross section <NUM>. It is clear that various mechanical solutions can be implemented to obtain this type of force acting on the retaining element <NUM> and thus the release of the closing/locking device and the consequent opening of the door and/or window I. <FIG> illustrates a possible specific implementation which makes it possible to obtain this type of movement. It is clear, however, that the invention is not limited to the configuration shown in <FIG>.

In general, the first part <NUM> can thus comprise also release means <NUM> configured to act on the retaining element <NUM> in such a way as to allow the male locking element <NUM> to return into the first part <NUM>. In particular, the release means <NUM> can be configured to push the retaining element <NUM> towards the second part <NUM>, that is, in the positive X direction or, in other words, in the direction of the element with variable cross section <NUM>.

More specifically, as can be seen in <FIG>, the retaining element <NUM> may comprise a thrust surface <NUM> comprising at least one area in a substantially concave shape. The substantially concave shape of the thrust surface <NUM> can also be seen in <FIG>.

The release means <NUM> can comprise also a conversion element <NUM> and a roller pin <NUM>, wherein the roller pin <NUM> can be at least partially contained in the area with a substantially concave shape. Preferably, the roller pin <NUM> has a substantially convex shape with a cross section comparable to the concave cross section of the thrust surface <NUM> in size. In other words, it is possible to at least partially insert the roller pin <NUM> in the concave section of the thrust surface <NUM>, as particularly illustrated in <FIG>.

The conversion element <NUM> and the roller pin <NUM> are thus configured in such a way that a movement of the conversion element <NUM> in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the male locking element <NUM> causes a movement of the roller pin <NUM> such that the roller pin <NUM> is pushed at least partially out of the area in a substantially concave shape, causing a movement of the thrust surface <NUM> towards the second part <NUM>. This behaviour is particularly evident when comparing <FIG>.

The at least partial exit of the roller pin <NUM> from the thrust surface <NUM> causes a movement of the thrust surface in the positive X direction, and thus a consequent movement of the retaining element <NUM>, which results in the release operation described above.

It is clear that the specific embodiment described is only one of the possible embodiments and that, for example, the roller pin <NUM>, instead of being a separate element, can be obtained by means of an area with a substantially similar form, created in the conversion element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the closing/locking device also includes at least one handle <NUM> connected to the release means <NUM>.

This configuration is particularly advantageous since it is possible to push the handle <NUM> in direction Z causing a corresponding movement of the release means <NUM> and thus carrying out the release operation. This type of movement is particularly advantageous since pushing the handle <NUM> results not only in the release of the closing/locking device but also in the movement of the door and/or window I. It is therefore evident that with a single movement it is possible to release and open the door and/or window I.

In general, therefore, the action of a force in direction Z, that is, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the door and/or window I, can be converted by the conversion element <NUM> into a force in direction X, that is, substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the movable element <NUM>, resulting in the previously described release operation. It is evident that the conversion from a force applied in direction Z into a resulting force in direction X can be achieved with different mechanical configurations, for example with various types of lever mechanisms, different from the release means <NUM> described herein. It is therefore apparent that release means <NUM> functionally configured to convert a force acting in direction Z into a force acting in direction X can be used in alternative embodiments of the invention, independently of their mechanical construction.

Furthermore, although the action of the release means <NUM> described above is particularly advantageous, given that a single movement makes it possible to release and open the door and/or window I, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. In alternative embodiments, it is possible to act on the handle <NUM> through a rotary movement, and to configure the release means <NUM> so that the rotation of the handle <NUM> results in a rotation of the release means <NUM> and the rotation of the latter results in a force in direction X acting on the retaining element <NUM>. By way of example, it is possible to configure the conversion element <NUM> as a cam acting on the surface <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, as schematically illustrated in <FIG>, the closing/locking device may furthermore comprise an elastic element <NUM>, for example a spring in a substantially laminar shape, mounted on the frame of the first part <NUM>. The conversion element <NUM> may also advantageously be provided with a seat for the elastic element <NUM>. This configuration advantageously allows the conversion element <NUM> to be returned to a position where the roller pin is contained to the maximum extent in the area having a substantially concave shape. Clearly, alternative mechanical embodiments can achieve the same functional effect. The invention can thus be implemented by means of any elastic element <NUM> configured to arrange the release means <NUM> in a position in which the release means <NUM> do not exert a release action on the holding means.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the device is provided with two handles <NUM> which can thus be respectively mounted internally and externally with respect to the door and/or window I. It is evident from the description provided above that the advantageous conversion of the pushing or pulling action exerted on the handle will result in a simultaneous release and opening of the door and/or window for any of the handles <NUM>, regardless of their position inside or outside the door and/or window I, respectively. The invention, however, is not limited to this embodiment, and embodiments comprising a single internal or external handle will also be possible.

In the above description, the return of the male locking element <NUM> into the first part <NUM> was described as resulting from the interference action of the male locking element with the walls of the cavity <NUM> of the female locking element <NUM>.

Alternatively, or additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first part <NUM> may furthermore comprise at least one sliding element <NUM> integrally connected to the male locking element <NUM>, and at least one return element <NUM> configured to act on the at least one sliding element <NUM> in such a way that, in the absence of other forces acting on the male locking element <NUM>, the male locking element <NUM> is moved in such a manner as to retract the male locking element <NUM> into the first part <NUM>.

More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment there are two sliding elements <NUM> but the invention is not limited this specific number. Furthermore, although the return element <NUM> is illustrated as a spring compressing one of the sliding elements <NUM>, the invention is not limited this embodiment. For example, the return element <NUM> can be constituted by a spring exerting a traction action on the sliding element <NUM>, or a foil, or a magnet, or an elastic band, etc..

It is therefore apparent that, in the absence of other forces exerted on the male locking element <NUM>, the action of the return element <NUM> on the sliding element <NUM> will cause a movement of the male locking element <NUM> in the direction of return into the first part <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the male locking element <NUM> does not remain externally exposed on the first part <NUM> when the door and/or window I is open.

In some embodiments of the invention, as for example shown in <FIG>, the release means <NUM> may comprise an interference element <NUM>, and the first part <NUM> may comprise also a locking element <NUM> configured so that it has a first position in which the locking element <NUM> interferes with the interference element <NUM> and a second position in which the locking element <NUM> does not interfere with the interference element <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a locking control element <NUM>, for example a knob, can be connected to the outside of the first part <NUM> and act on the locking element <NUM> inside the first part <NUM>. In this manner, from the side of the first part where the locking control element <NUM> is provided, it is possible to check whether the device can be released or not. In particular, in the position illustrated in <FIG>, the position of the locking element <NUM> prevents the movement of the interference element <NUM> and consequently of the conversion element <NUM> in direction Z, making it impossible to release the device and thus guaranteeing that the door and/or window I is closed securely.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, on the opposite side with respect to the knob the element <NUM> can have such a shape that the device can be released in case of emergency. For example, on the side opposite the knob, the element <NUM> may have a shape into which a tool in a complementary shape can be inserted, through a special hole in the part 2130B of the frame. Thus, this simple hole, in the absence of the release tool, prevents the release of the device, which therefore cannot be easily opened from side 2130B. On the other hand, the possibility to release the device from side 2130B with an appropriate tool, for example a screwdriver or another tool having a specially shaped head, advantageously makes it possible to guarantee the possibility to release the device in case of emergency. In <FIG>, for example, the element <NUM> is configured with a recess for inserting a flat screwdriver in the side opposite the knob.

Although some embodiments already allow the closing/locking device to be locked in the closed position, it is evident that it will also be possible to install a latch, so that the device can be locked with a key. An example is illustrated in <FIG>, where it can be seen that the first part can furthermore comprise a latch <NUM>, which can be configured in any known way. In this case, the second part <NUM> can furthermore comprise a locking element <NUM> for the latch, which can be made in any known manner, too.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an assembled closing/locking device <NUM> comprising one or more additional closing/locking elements <NUM>. The additional closing/locking elements <NUM> provide additional closing/locking points with respect to the single closing/locking point of the previously described closing/locking devices.

The additional closing/locking elements <NUM> are connected to the first part <NUM> via an actuating element <NUM> configured to propagate a release movement from the first part <NUM> to the one or more closing/locking elements <NUM>. In the figure, the actuating element is constituted by a rod but it is clear that alternative embodiments, for example by means of a cable, are possible.

Each of the additional closing/locking elements <NUM> conceptually operates similarly to the previously described closing/locking devices and comprises in particular a first part <NUM> and a second part, not illustrated. The second part may be constituted by any of the previously described second parts.

The first part <NUM> comprises a male locking element <NUM> similar to the one described above and connected to holding elements <NUM> similar to those described above. As the male locking element <NUM> approaches the second part, not illustrated, it moves out of the first part and remains locked in the second part, as previously described. From this position, the release operation can be carried out, analogously to what has been described above, through a movement of the retaining element <NUM> to the right, as can be seen in <FIG>.

In particular, as can be seen in <FIG>, a movement of the retaining element <NUM>, or of the release means, causes, via a conversion element <NUM>, a movement of the actuating element <NUM>. The movement of the actuating element <NUM> in turn causes, via a conversion element <NUM>, a movement of the retaining element <NUM>. Preferably, the movement of the retaining elements <NUM> and <NUM> is in the same direction. Preferably, the movement of the actuating element is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the retaining elements. The conversion elements <NUM>, <NUM> can thus be made with any mechanical configuration allowing for this type of conversion, for example with cams.

For example, as can be seen in <FIG>, the conversion element <NUM> may comprise a roller pin <NUM> connected to the actuating element <NUM>. The retaining element <NUM> may comprise a concave seat for the roller pin <NUM>. A movement of the actuating element <NUM> in direction Y will then result in a movement of the roller pin with respect to the seat, which will cause the movement of the retaining element <NUM> in direction X.

Analogously, as can be seen in <FIG>, the conversion means <NUM> may comprise a cam <NUM> connected to the release means. The cam can act on a convex seat of the actuating element <NUM>, so that a movement of the release means in direction Z can result in a movement of the actuating element <NUM> in direction Y.

Claim 1:
Closing/locking device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for closing a door and/or a window with respect to a jamb, comprising:
a first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) mountable on one between the door and/or window and the jamb,
a second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) mountable on the other one between the door and/or window and the jamb,
wherein the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a male locking element (<NUM>) movable with respect to the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a female locking element (<NUM>) and a magnet (<NUM>),
wherein the closing device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured in such a way that the male locking element (<NUM>) is attracted by the magnet (<NUM>) towards the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises holding means (<NUM>) configured so as to prevent the male locking element (<NUM>) from moving back into the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) following the extraction of the male locking element (<NUM>) from the first part;
the closing/locking device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being characterized in that:
the holding means (<NUM>) comprise:
- an element with variable cross section (<NUM>) having a cavity with variable cross section,
- a movable element (<NUM>) positioned at least partially within the cavity of the element with variable cross section (<NUM>),
- one or more interference elements (<NUM>) positioned between the element with variable cross section (<NUM>) and the movable element (<NUM>), and
- a retaining element (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured so as to retain the one or more interference elements (<NUM>).