DK179611B1

DK179611B1 - A window with an opening restrictor having an activation part

Info

Publication number: DK179611B1
Application number: DKPA201570489A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Nør Nielsen Thomas; Ibrahim Abdi
Original assignee: Vkr Holding A/S
Priority date: 2015-07-27
Filing date: 2015-07-27
Publication date: 2019-02-27
Also published as: DK201570489A1; PL3124725T3; EP3124725B1; EP3124725A1

Abstract

The window (1) installed in an inclined roof has a frame (2) and a sash (3) and opening restrictor (10) which is configured to assume an engaged condition where the opening restrictor (10) engages an engagement element (13) on the sash (3) and a disengaged condition in which the opening restrictor(10) is configured to be released from said engagement element (13) allowing an opening of the sash. The said restrictor comprises an arm (11) having an activation part (17) configured to, under influence from a pressure-activation of said activation part, activate a spring mechanism (60) engaging said arm(11) for rotation thereof.

Description

The present invention relates to a window for installation in an inclined roof, said window comprising a frame and a sash each having a top member, a bottom member and two side members, the sash being pivotably connected to the frame, such that a pivotal movement of the sash in relation to the frame brings the sash from a closed position to an open position, and comprising an opening restrictor connected to the frame and configured to assume an engaged condition, where the opening restrictor engages an engagement element on the sash, restricting the opening of the sash, and a disengaged condition in which the opening restrictor is configured to be released from said engagement element allowing an opening of the sash.

Opening restrictors of this kind are well known installations in windows where a limitation of the opening of the sash in relation to the frame is achieved. Conventionally, such limitation by an opening restrictor provides the possibility of locking the sash in for example a ventilation position leaving a free airflow into a room. Furthermore, conventional opening restrictors also provide for a child safety mechanism, preventing easy and unintended opening of the window.

Known opening restrictors, such as for example described in GB 2414513 and GB2190702, showing a window of the type mentioned in the introduction, are typically provided with a base element attached to either the sash of frame part of the window by attachment means. Further attached to the base element is an arm element comprising coupling means. The arm and the coupling means may be provided in many different ways and the attachment to the frame or sash, is also seen done in numerous ways. Thus, the general function of the opening restrictor is that the coupling mechanism of the arm element engages with an engagement element provided on the sash, so as to limit the opening angle of the window or preventing an opening at all.

The installation of such opening restrictors requires mounting of the base part having the arm, to either a part of the sash or frame and a counterpart, i.e. the engagement element, mounted to the opposite sash or frame.

This installation often requires the use of a number of mounting elements, such as screws for attaching the base element and/or the engagement element at their respective places on the sash and/or frame. In order for the arm to correctly engage the engagement element, the accuracy of the installation of the base element and engagement element in relation to each other is of importance. Thus, the installation thereof may be a somewhat complicated procedure for a manufacture and/or user installing the opening restrictor. The chance of placing the base element incorrectly in relation to the engagement element easily occurs if even small inaccuracies in the mounted base element and/or engagement element are wrongly measured for. Thus, screw holes could easily be misaligned with each other causing most likely a wrong installation of the opening restrictor, where the arm having the grip element does not align with the engagement element on the counterpart member, i.e. the sash and/or frame. This causes a potentially re-installation and possibly new screw holes, which complicates the installation process and furthermore provides the sash and/or frame with unintended screw holes, most likely visible from an interior space.

Furthermore, the screws used for attachment may also appear visible, whether in a closed or an open position of the window creating an unpleasant aesthetic appearance.

In case of dismounting of the opening restrictor, for example when a child safe installation of the window is no longer needed, the known opening restrictors most often leaves behind the mounting holes, also creating an unpleasant aesthetic appearance.

Opening restrictors, thus preferably is installed in a hidden position between the frame and sash, where their installation does not obstruct the finish of the frame and/or sash. However, the hidden opening restrictors may cause another drawback in that a disengagement of the opening restrictor, allowing a fully open window, could cause a user to get caught in the “hidden space”, in order to disengage the opening restrictor. For example these “hidden” opening restrictors might cause the fingers of the user being caught in the opening restrictor.

Therefore, in light of the above it is the object of the present invention to provide a window of the type mentioned in the introduction having an opening restrictor, which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages.

To meet this object the window according to the present invention is characterized in that the opening restrictor comprises an arm having an activation part configured to, under influence from a pressure-activation of said activation part, activate a spring mechanism and engage said arm for rotation thereof.

By configuring the opening restrictor with an activation part, which through a pressure applied to the activation part activates a spring, an easy disengagement of the opening restrictor, is provided for, which at the same time provides for a child safety mechanism. According to the invention, the activation part is activated by a user applying a pressure to the activation part, which due to its configuration activates a spring mechanism engaging an arm of the opening restrictor. Due to the spring mechanism a rotation of the arm, bringing the arm out of engagement with the engagement element on the sash, is provided for.

Thus, an alternative opening restrictor is provided for which are also easily installed prior to or after mounting of a window, which will become apparent in the following the description.

Favorable embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

In the following further advantages of the invention will be described in more detail by means of examples of embodiments, with reference to the schematic drawings in which

Figs 1 to 2 show schematic illustrations of the general concept of the opening restrictor according to the invention, Fig 1, illustrating the disengaged condition and Fig. 2 illustrating the engaged condition,

Fig. 3 shows a window installed in an inclined roof, the window comprising an embodiment of an opening restrictor according to the present invention, where the window is in a closed position and the opening restrictor is not installed so as to show the aperture provided for mounting in the frame,

Fig. 4 shows the window of Fig. 3, wherein an opening restrictor according to an embodiment of the invention is installed in the aperture,

Fig. 5 shows the window of Fig. 3, wherein an opening restrictor according to another embodiment of the invention is installed in the aperture,

Fig. 6 shows the window of Fig. 3, wherein an opening restrictor according to a further embodiment of the invention is installed in the aperture,

Fig. 7 shows in more detail the elements of the spring mechanism along with the activation part,

Fig. 8 illustrates the general construction of a window, whether being top-hung, center-hung or installed in a fagade or roof.

Generally windows suitable to be configured with an opening restrictor according to the embodiments disclosed herewith comprises a stationary frame 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 and a sash 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, the latter supporting a pane of glass 4-16. The frame and the sash each comprises a horizontal bottom member 4-2, 4-6, a pair of parallel side members 4-3, 4-7; 4-4, 4-8 and a horizontal top member 4-1, 4-5 as illustrated in Fig. 8.

The frame and sash members are usually made from painted pinewood profiles or from plywood coated with polyurethane, but other embodiments such as all-plastic or aluminium profiles also occur. In most cases the window is openable. The sash is then connected with the frame by means of a set of hinge fittings 4-9 defining a hinge axis 4-10, which may be parallel to either the top and bottom members or to the side members. The hinge axis may be located closely to the frame and sash either at the top, the bottom or one of the sides, but in common type roof windows it is usually located substantially halfway between the top and bottom members as shown in Fig. 8. The hinge axis may also be displaceable during opening e.g. by providing the window with a pair of sash arms, which, displaces the centre of rotation e.g. from the top of the window to the centre during opening. Hinges normally comprise a first hinge part for fastening to the frame, and a second hinge part for fastening to the sash.

For opening and closing the window, vertical facade windows and top-hung roof windows comprise a handle positioned at a side sash member or at the bottom sash member depending on the location of the hinge axis.

Said handle provides a locking action of the sash relative to the frame by way of a connected pawl engaging corresponding grooves in a keeper mounted on an adjacent frame member. Locking mechanisms of this type are commonly known as cremone bolts.

Securing of the sash in relation to the frame is often possible in two distinct positions, namely, a closed position and a ventilation position. Centrehung roof windows are opened and closed by means of an operator member, which is accessible from the inside of the window and usually arranged at the top sash member. Furthermore, as will become apparent in the following the window may be equipped with an opening restrictor as the one disclosed herewith.

On the exterior each of the frame and sash members are shielded from the weather by means of a series of covering members usually made from thin metal sheeting. The covering usually comprises a hood-like upper covering cap (not shown) for covering the frame top member 4-1, a glazing profile 4-15 for covering the joint between the window pane 4-16 and the sash members 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8.

Referring now to Figs 1 to 2, these figures are provided so as to illustrate schematically the different positions of the opening restrictor, according to the invention.

Generally the opening restrictor is installed in a window as the one previously described, preferably a roof window 1 having a frame 2 and a sash 3 each comprising a top 8, 9 and a bottom member 4, 5 and two side members 6, 7. The top, bottom and side members of the sash 3 and frame 2 together define a window plane in which a pane is installed.

As illustrated the opening restrictor 10 is rotatably connected to a part of the frame 2 through at least a point of rotation, also provided as an activation part 17. The opening restrictor is configured to assume the engaged condition of Fig. 2, where the opening restrictor 10 engages an engagement element 13 provided on the sash 3, thereby restricting the opening of the window, and the disengaged condition of Fig. 1, in which the opening restrictor 10 is configured to be released from the engagement element 13 allowing a complete opening of the window.

In more detail the general concept of the opening restrictor of the invention is to provide an opening restrictor which upon a pressure activation of a spring mechanism 60 may be released from the engaged condition. The opening restrictor is therefore furthermore provided with an arm 11 having an activation part 17 configured to, under influence from a pressure-activation of said activation part, activate a spring mechanism 60 engaging said arm 11 for rotation thereof.

In more detail, especially illustrated in Figs 3 and 4, the opening restrictor is configured so that the activation part 17 is mounted to the side frame member 6 at an aperture 61 provided in a bottom part of said side frame member 6. This aperture should preferably be understood as being prefabricated so that it fits the specific dimension of the activation part of the opening restrictor. In this way unnecessary mounting holes, such as those provided by screws or similar tools, does not obstruct the finish of the surface of the frame. Furthermore, this aperture is normally applied for locking the window in a 180 degree cleaning position, why the aperture, at least in most VELUX type roof windows, is already existing. There is therefore no need for adapting the fabrication procedures for creating this aperture for installing the opening restrictor of this invention.

The arm of the opening restrictor, as for example illustrated in Fig. 7, generally comprises a first end 11a and a second end 11b, said first end 11a being configured to engage with said engagement element 13 provided on a side sash member 7, and said second end 11b comprising said activation part 17 mounted to said side frame member 6.

Furthermore the opening restrictor according to the embodiments are all installed in the previous mentioned aperture 61 provided in the side frame member 6. This aperture 61 is provided with a hollow insert 62, configured to receive the activation part 17 in a mounted condition, to be explained in more detail in the following.

Referring to Figs 4 to 6 showing different embodiments of the opening restrictor, it should be noticed that the general concept of the opening restrictors are similar, i.e. especially the mounting of the restrictors in the aperDK 179611 B1 ture 61 and the activation thereof. However as is evident that the shape of the opening restrictors may vary and the specific shapes shown should not limit the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the opening restrictor 110 is arranged in a hollow insert 62 provided in the aperture 61 of the side frame member. The arm 111 extends from the activation part 117, and engages an engagement element 113 on the sash. In this embodiment, the engagement element 113 is provided as a hollow structure, having an opening 115 intended to receive the arm 111. Furthermore, the hollow structure is provided with two opposing walls 116, wherein at least one of said walls 116 comprises a flange 118. As illustrated, the wall 116 and the flange 118 together define the opening 115. The walls 116 extends from a bottom part 119 of the engagement element 113, where the bottom part 119 is configured as a mounting surface, for mounting of the engagement element 113 to the sash side member. Furthermore the flange 118 provides for guiding means of the arm 111 during an opening and/or closing of the window.

In a similar manner as described for the previous embodiment, the opening restrictor 210 of the embodiment in Fig. 5 comprises an arm 211 extending from the activation part 217. The arm 211 is in the engaged condition connected to an engagement element 213. In this specific embodiment the arm 211 has a U-shape, the closed bottom of the U-shape extending towards an interior of the room and where one of the open ends 211b of the U connects with the activation part 217, and the other end 211a engages with the engagement element 213 in an engaged condition of the window. The engagement element 213 is in this specific embodiment shaped as a box having an opening intended for receiving the first open end 211a of the arm 211.

A further embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 6. Here the arm 311 of the opening restrictor 310 is also connected to the aperture of the side frame member 6 through the hollow insert 62. Also shown in Fig. 6 are engagement element 313 and activation part 317.

Referring now to Fig. 7, the different components of the spring mechanism 60 and activation part 17 used in the different embodiments deDK 179611 B1 scribed, is illustrated. As illustrated, the activation part 17 comprises a body 63 having a top part 64 and a bottom part 65, said top part 64 being configured to act upon a pressure-activation, i.e. a force applied to the top part 64, and said bottom part 65 being connected to a spring 66. The spring 66 is in one end connected to the body 63, and in a second end mounted in the hollow insert 62 of the aperture 61.

Upon applying a force to the top part 64 of the body 63, the spring 66 activates so as to allow the head part 64 to engage the end 11b of the arm, thereby locking the head part 64 to the arm 11. The end 11b of the arm 11 and the side of the head part 64 facing the end 11b of the arm are provided with counter flanges and/or grooves, so as to engage each other. After the push activation resulting in the locking of the body to the arm, a following rotation of the head part 64 thus forces the arm to rotate along with the head part, thereby causing a release of the arm 11 from the engagement element, when rotating the head part.

The spring is in the disengaged condition compressed due to the locking of the head part 64 to the end 11b of the arm.

Bringing the arm back to the engaged condition is achieved by again applying a pressure to the head part 64, wherein the same mechanism of activating the spring and engaging the head part and arm is achieved. As explained previously this allows the head part to rotate the arm back to its engaged condition.

In one embodiment of the activation part, corresponding to that of Fig. 7 the top part 64 comprises a tool-shaped surface, configured to receive a corresponding shaped tool, said tool being configured to activate said activation part. As an example the tool could be in the shape of a key, wherein the key and body part of the activation part forms a key and a lock mechanism.

Even though the key and lock mechanism is only illustrated in one specific embodiment, this should not limit the invention to this specific embodiment. The shape of the key-and-lock mechanism could be provided in many ways, such as a regular key-shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape or similar.

Furthermore the activation part could also be produced without incorporating a key and lock. In this case, a simple pressure on the surface of the top part would activate the opening restrictor.

With the opening restrictor of the present invention, the risk of a user getting a finger caught in between the sash and frame of the window is minimized. This due to the opening restrictor being installed on a part of the frame which is not in contact with the sash as such. The opening restrictor may thus be handled easily by a push and twist mechanism.

The invention should not be regarded as being limited to the embodi10 ments described in the above, but various modifications may be carried out without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A window (1) for installation in a sloping roof, the window comprising a frame (2) and a frame (3), each having a top part (8, 9), a bottom part and two side parts (6, 7), wherein the frame (3) is rotatably connected to the frame (2), so that a rotating opening movement of the frame (3) relative to the frame (2) brings the frame from a closed position to an open position, and comprises an opening limiter (10), which is connected to the frame (2), and which is adapted to assume a coupled state, wherein the opening limiter (10) is coupled to a connecting element (13) on the frame (3), which limits the opening of the frame, and a disengaged state in which the opening limiter (10) is arranged to be released from the connecting element (13), which allows an opening of the frame, characterized in that the opening limiter comprises an arm (11), which has an activating part (17) adapted to, under actuation from a pressure actuation of the actuating part, to actuate a spring mechanism (60) and engage arm a (11) for rotating it.

A window according to claim 1, wherein the activating part (17) is mounted on the side frame part (6), by a hole (61) provided in a bottom part of the side frame part (6).

A window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (11) comprises a first end (11a) and a second end (11b), the first end (11a) being arranged to connect with the connecting element (13). , which is provided on a side frame part (7), and wherein the other end (11b) comprises the activating part (17) mounted on the side frame part (6).

A window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hole (61) is provided with a hollow insert (62) adapted to receive the actuating part (17) in a mounted condition.

A window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the activating part (17) comprises a body (63) having a top part (64) and a bottom part (65), the top part (64) being arranged to act, when the pressure-activated force is applied to the top part (64), and to actuate a spring (66) connected to the bottom part (65).

A window according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the spring (66) is connected at one end to the body (63) and at another end, in a mounted condition, is received in the hollow insert (62) of the hole (61) .

A window according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the top part

5 (64) comprises a tool-shaped surface which is arranged to receive a correspondingly shaped tool, the tool being arranged to activate the activating part.

A window according to claim 7, wherein the tool is a key, wherein the key and the body part of the activating part form a key and lock mechanism.