EP1682739A1

EP1682739A1 - Dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window

Info

Publication number: EP1682739A1
Application number: EP03781148A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ryszard Florek; Bronislav Zwyrtek
Original assignee: Fakro PP Sp zoo
Current assignee: Fakro PP Sp zoo
Priority date: 2003-10-30
Filing date: 2003-12-05
Publication date: 2006-07-26
Also published as: PL210917B1; PL363210A1; CN1878924A; WO2005042890A1; AU2003287109A1

Abstract

A dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window equipped with a locking system which, alternatively, locks the swing mode while allowing the tilt mode, or locks the tilt mode while allowing the swing mode, secured against simultaneous use of the tilt and swing modes, and having a tilt pivot positioned in the upper member of the window frame (1), and a swing pivot positioned in the midsection of the sash (3) and not changing its position at some ranges of the opening angles of the sash. Also, when the basic tilt mode is used, elements of the locking system support the sash near its upper corners, which makes the structure more rigid and protects the sash against warping.

Description

Dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window

The object of the present invention is a dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window with a tilt pivot located at the top of the window frame, and a swing pivot in the midsection of the window sash, positioned close to the glazed surface and not changing its position at some ranges of the opening angles of the sash.

A dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window of the VELUX Company is known, having a frame in which the sash is set by means of an intermediate frame. The intermediate frame consists of three members assembled at right angles to each other. When the window is closed the frame is positioned between the window frame and the sash. The intermediate frame is pivotally mounted in the upper part of the window, so that its tilt pivot is positioned near upper members of the frame and the intermediate frame, close to the glazed surface, and it does not change its position when the window is being tilted. The sash is pivotally mounted in the free ends of the frame, so that the axis of rotation of the sash about the intermediate frame is in the middle of the height of the sash, and does not change its position when the sash is rotated, and is positioned at a constant, small distance from the glazing. The sash is locked to prevent rotation relative to the intermediate frame by a locking element which is positioned in the middle of the upper members of the window frame and the intermediate frame. The upper corners of the sash, however, are not supported and can bend inwardly under their own weight due to warping of the frame members. The swing mode of the VELUX roof window is activated by turning a handle positioned in the bottom member of the sash, by which the locking between the sash and the window frame is released, and by pushing the bottom part of the sash. The intermediate frame then moves along with the sash as both parts are connected by the locking element. But if the handle of the locking element is pulled when the window is ajar, thus uncoupling the locking between the sash and the intermediate frame, then both modes will be active at the same time, and it will be possible to rotate the sash between the intermediate arms of the intermediate frame raised above the roof surface. In this position the system of window elements loses its rigidity and stability, which is disadvantageous, and dangerous for the user. The swing mode of the roof window is activated by turning the handle, which releases the coupling of the sash with the window frame, and by pulling the handle of the locking element, positioned in the upper member of the sash, which releases the coupling between the sash and the frame. In this position both modes are available, tilting and swinging. By further pulling the handle of the locking element, the sash will rotate, as required, relative to the window frame and the intermediate frame which rests in the window frame under its own weight; by pushing the midsection of the sash, it will be raised above the roof surface with the frame acting as an outrigger. In this position, as in the previous case, the system of window elements loses its rigidity and stability. The design of the tilting/swinging roof window of the VELUX company allows for one mode to be used at one time, without preventing both modes to be used simultaneously.

The object of the present invention is a dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window equipped with a locking system which, alternatively, locks the swing mode while allowing the tilt mode, or locks the tilt mode while allowing the swing mode, secured against simultaneous use of the tilt and swing modes, and having a tilt pivot positioned in the upper member of the window frame, and a swing pivot positioned in the midsection of the sash and not changing its position at some ranges of the opening angles of the sash. Also, when the basic tilt mode is used, elements of the locking system support the sash near its upper corners, which makes the structure more rigid and protects the sash against warping. The roof window according to the present invention has a window frame in which a sash is mounted via an intermediate frame, advantageously in the form of two parallel intermediate arms. The upper ends of the intermediate frame arms are pivotally mounted in the side members of the window frame, very close to the upper cross member, and the sash is pivotally mounted in its midsection with the bottom ends of the intermediate frame arms, and the tilt pivot does not change its position when the window is tilted, and the swing pivot does not change its position at some ranges of the opening angles of the sash, and is positioned very close to the surface of the glazing. The window is equipped, advantageously on both sides, with a locking system comprising two catch systems and a control mechanism, which, alternatively, locks the intermediate frame with the window frame while uncoupling the sash from the intermediate frame, which prevents the window from being tilted and enables its rotation, or locks the sash with the intermediate frame while uncoupling the intermediate frame from the window frame, thus preventing rotation of the sash and enabling its tilt mode.

The locking system permits only one selected mode at a time while completely locking the possibility of using the other function at the same time. The window is also equipped with a known system aiding the tilting of the window, comprising a support pivotally connected at one end with the window frame, while the other end of the support is connected with a slide equipped with a spring, which travels along a runner mounted in the intermediate frame arm.

The window according to the present invention is shown in four embodiments A, B, C, and D in a drawing wherein figures 1A, 1 B, 1C, and 1 D present a view of the window with its sash ajar, figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D present the view of the window in its rotating mode, figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D present the elements of the locking system in the exploded axonometric view, while figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D present exploded side views of elements of the window frame and elements of the locking system.

Embodiment A

A dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window has window frame 1 with fitting 2 along its side members, and sash 3, connected on both sides by intermediate arms 4. The intermediate arms 4 are at one end connected with the fitting 2 so that they can rotate about tilt pivot 5 positioned near the upper member of the window frame 1.

The sash 3 is pivotally connected with the opposite ends of the intermediate arms 4, and swing pivot 6 is positioned in the middle of the height of the sash 3. When the window is in the closed position the intermediate arms 4 are positioned between the side members of the window frame 1 and the sash 3. The window is equipped with a locking system, comprising two catch systems and a control mechanism. The control mechanism of the locking system comprises strip 7 connected with rocker 8, switch 9 and support 10 with a wedge-shaped recess. Strip 7 is set in the intermediate arm 4 so that it can slide along it, and its travel is limited by pin 11 on intermediate arm. 7 and co-operating oblong opening 14 in the intermediate arm 4. It is also secured against spontaneously shifting by setting recesses 15 co-operating with a spring snap 16 set in the window frame 1. Rocker 8, having the form of a double-arm lever, is connected with one end of strip 7 by pin 17. To one arm of rocker 8, pin 18 is affixed, passing through opening 19 in the intermediate arm 4, whereas the other arm has coupling fork 20. Switch 9, with plate 21 , is set in the side member of the window frame 1 , and is accessible through opening 22. Plate 21 co-operates with coupling fork 20. Switch 9 also has strip 23, with locking element 24. Strip 23 transmits the movement of switch 9 via rocker 25 and drive rod 26 from one side of the window to the other. Single-arm lever 28 with spring 29 is mounted on pin 27 affixed to the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. Lever 28 has pin 30 at its free end, and bumper 31 in the midsection. Lever 28 co-operates with locking element 24 travelling in curved recess 33 in the fitting 2 of the window frame. Element 10 is affixed to the sash 3 and its wedge-shaped recess supports the pin 18 on element 8.

The catch system locking the sash 3 with the intermediate arm comprises element 34 with recess 35; element 34 is affixed to the side member of the sash 3 at a considerable distance from the swing pivot 6 and stop pin 36 on strip 7. The catch system locking the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1 , comprises pin 13 affixed to strip 7 at a considerable distance from the tilt pivot 5, and recess 37 in the fitting 2, which has locking hook 38. The elements of the locking system affixed to the intermediate arm 4 are covered by a cover strip P, with locking pin 36 passing through the cover P to co-operate with wedge-shaped element 34 affixed to the sash 3. The roof window is in its basic tilt mode when strip 7 is in its end position closest to the tilt pivot 5. Pin 36 rests in recess 35 thus locking the sash 3 relative to the intermediate arm 4, whereas pin 13 rests in recess 37 outside the reach of locking hook 38. Switch 9 is in its end position in the direction of the tilt pivot 5. Pin 18 of rocker 8 is supported by a wedge-shaped recess in element 10, and fork 20 engages plate 21 of switch 9. On turning the handle, which is positioned in the bottom cross member of the sash 3, it will be possible to tilt the sash 3 along with the intermediate arm 4, as pin 13 can travel freely in recess 37. After the sash 3 is lifted together with the intermediate arm 4, fork 20 will move away from plate 21 of switch 9, which will prevent the locking system from switching modes when the window is in its tilt mode. Also, when the window is being opened, pin 32 will move away from bumper 31 while travelling in the curved recess 33 of the fitting 2, and the arm of lever 28 will be raised together with pin 30 by the action of spring 29, and pin 30 will hook locking element 24 and block movement of switch 9. After the window has been closed, coupling fork 20 will slide onto plate 21 , and pin 32 will depress bumper 31 and unlock switch 9. This will make it possible to change the mode of the window again. To switch over to the swing mode, one should, while the window is closed, shift switch 9 towards the swing pivot 6, as a result of which fork 20, which is coupled with plate 21 , will shift rocker 8, connected by pivot 17 with strip 7, and shift strip 7 to its end position that is closest to the swing pivot 6. Pin 36 will leave recess 35, thus unlocking the sash 3 from the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, pin 13 will travel in recess 37 under locking hook 38 and lock the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1. On turning the handle, which is located in the bottom member of the sash 3, it will be possible to rotate the sash 3 about the swing pivot 6. As the sash 3 changes its position, support element 10 will move away from pin 18 which will no longer be supported, and it will not be possible to switch over the locking system by means of switch 9. To return to the tilt mode, switch 9 must be shifted towards the tilt pivot 5 while the window is closed. Fork 20, which is engaged with plate 21 of switch 9, will move rocker 8 connected by pin 17 with strip 7, and will shift strip 7 towards the tilt pivot 5. Pin 36 will rest in recess 35 and the sash 3 will be locked with the intermediate arm 4. At the same tame pin 13 will slide out from under locking hook 38. The intermediate arm 4 will be unlocked from the window frame 1. After turning the handle, which is positioned in the bottom member of the sash 3, it will be possible to tilt the sash 3 together with the intermediate arm 4. The position of the strip 7 is changed by switch 9, which operates only when the window is closed, and only then the locking system can be change modes. The modes of the roof window are available alternatively, after releasing the handle positioned in the bottom section of sash 3 and pushing it when the window is being opened, or pulling the it when the window is being closed. When the locking system is set to the basic tilt mode, the sash 3 is supported in its upper part by the pin 36 resting in the recess 35 of the wedge-shaped element 34, which makes the sash 3 more rigid thus protecting it against deformation.

Embodiment B

The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window has a window frame 1 with fitting 2 along its side members, and the sash 3, which is connected on both sides by the intermediate arms 4. The intermediate arms 4 are at one end pivotally connected with the fitting 2 relative to the tilt pivot 5 positioned near the upper member of the window frame 1. The sash 3 is pivotally connected with the other end of the intermediate arms 4, and the swing pivot 6 is positioned in the middle of the height of the sash 3. In the window's closed position, the intermediate arms 4 are positioned between the side members of the window frame 1 and the sash 3.

The control mechanism of the locking system, comprising strip 7 and striplet 39 connected by spring 40, and also comprising wedge-shaped element 41 , is set in the side member of the sash 3, with the wedge-shaped surface oriented towards the tilt pivot 5. Strip 7, with catch 42 in its midsection, and thrust element 43 at the end positioned closer to the swing pivot 6, is mounted so that it can slide along the intermediate arm 4, with its travel limited by pins 44 positioned on the intermediate arm 4, and by oblong slots 45 in strip 7. Striplet 39, having catch 46 and pin 47, is set so that it can slide against strip 7, near catch 42 on the side lying closer to the tilt pivot 5, with its travel limited by oblong opening 48 in strip 7 and oblong opening 49 in striplet 39, and pins 44 and 47 co-operating with them. Spring 40 is positioned between catches 42 and 46. The wedge-shaped surface of element 41 co-operates with pin 47. The catch assembly which locks the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4 comprises wedge-shaped element 50 set on the side member of the sash 3, at a considerable distance from the swing pivot 6, with the wedge-shaped surface and recess 51 under it oriented towards the swing pivot 6, and also comprises striplet 52 with stop pin 53 and catch 54, set so that it can slide along strip 7, near catch 42 on the side oriented towards the swing pivot 6, with its travel limited by slot 55 in the strip 7 and slot 56 in striplet 52, and pins 44 and 53 cooperating with them. Spring 57 is positioned between catches 42 and 54. Pin 53 co-operates with the wedge surface of wedge-shaped element 50, and recess 51.

The catch system, locking the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1 , comprises pivoted catch 58 with spring 59, set in the intermediate arm 4 at a considerable distance from the tilt pivot 5, and also comprises pin 60 set in the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. Catch 58 has the form of a double-arm lever with arms perpendicular to each other and to pin 61 located at its apex. One of the arms of catch 58, closer to thrust element 43, has a pin 62, and the other arm has hook 63 at its end. Pin 62 co-operates with curved slot 64 in the intermediate arm 4, and with thrust element 43 in the strip 7, whereas hook 63 co-operates with pin 60, affixed to the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. At both ends of the top member of the window frame 1 , two-position preselectors 65 are pivotally mounted; they are equipped with switch 66, and are connected by element 67, transmitting the swing movement from one preselector to the other. Pre-selector 65 co-operates with the strip 7. To ensure proper operation of the locking system, spring 40 is stronger than spring 57, and both springs are so affixed that they pull together pins 47 and 53 pressing them to the wedge-shaped surfaces of elements 41 and 50. The elements of the locking system are set on the intermediate arm 4 and are covered with the cover plate P, while pins 47 and 53 pass through it to cooperate with wedge-shaped elements 41 and 50 set in the sash 3. The roof window is in its basic tilt mode when pre-selector 65 is set in the bottom position, outside the reach of the strip 7. Then, strip 7 is in its end position closest to the tilt pivot 5. Pin 53 rests in recess 51 of element 50 and locks the movement of the sash 3 relative to the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, pin 62 is in the position forced by thrust element 43, and hook 63 is outside the reach of pin 60. In this situation, During opening of the window, the intermediate arm 4 moves together with the sash 3 and rotates about the tilt pivot 5. In order to switch to the swing mode, pre-selector 65 must be set in its upper position while the window is open. During closing of the window, by pulling the handle positioned in the bottom part of the sash, the strip 7 will move towards the swing pivot 6 while resting on pre-selector 65. Oblong slot 55 will slide pin 53 out of recess 51 and release the locking of the intermediate arms 4 with the sash 3. Pin 62, no longer pressed by thrust element 43, will travel in oblong slot 64 by the action of the spring 59 and turn rotary catch 58 so that hook 63 will rest on pin 60. When the window is in the final phase of closing, hook 63 will engage with pin 60 and lock the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1. After the window is opened again, by applying pressure to the handle, it will be possible only to rotate the sash 3 relative to the intermediate arm 4 and the window frame 1. As the sash 3 changes its position, the wedge-shaped element will move away from pin 47, which will move to pin 53 by the action of spring 40. To bring the window back to its tilt mode, pre-selector 65 should be set, while the window is open, in its bottom position, outside the reach of strip 7. During closing of the window by pulling its handle, wedge-shaped elements 41 and 50 will move pins 47 and 53 apart, thus puts springs 40 and 57 under tension. The stronger spring 40 will force the movement of strip 7 toward the tilt pivot 5. Pin 53 will travel on the wedge surface of element 50 until it rests in recess 51 , thus locking the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, thrust element 43, by pressing pin 62, will force rotation of catch 58, thus disengaging hook 63 from pin 60. After the window is opened again by applying pressure to the handle, the intermediate arm 4 will move together with the sash 3 and rotate about the tilt pivot 5.

The position of strip 7 of the control mechanism is pre-selected with two- position pre-selector 65 set so that it can tilt relative to the window frame 1. Switch 66 is accessible only when the window is closed and the locking system switches modes during closing of the window. Depending on which mode is to be active after the window is re-opened, proper position of pre-selector 65 has to be set while the window is open.

Both modes of the roof window are activated by means of the handle located in the bottom member of the sash 3, by applying pressure to it during opening of the window, or pulling it during closing of the window. When the locking system is set to the basic tilt mode, the sash 3 is supported, in its upper part by pin 53, affixed to the frame 4 , while resting in recess 51 of the wedge-shaped element 50, which makes the sash 3 more rigid and protects its frame against deformation.

Embodiment C

The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window has the window frame 1 with the fitting 2 along its side members, and the sash 3 which are connected on both sides by intermediate arms 4. The intermediate arms 4 are at one end connected with the fitting 2 so that they can rotate about the tilt pivot 5 positioned near the upper member of the window frame 1. The sash 3 is pivotally connected with the opposite ends of the intermediate arms 4, and the swing pivot 6 is positioned in the midsection of the sash 3. When the window is in the closed position, the intermediate arms 4 are positioned between the side members of the window frame 1 and the sash 3.

The control mechanism of the locking system, comprising strip 7 and striplet 39 connected by spring 40, and also comprising wedge-shaped element 41 set in the side member of the sash 3 with the wedge-shaped surface oriented towards the swing pivot 6, and also comprising rotary catch 58 having pin 61 , set in the intermediate arm 4. Strip 7,with catches 42 and 42a in its midsection and thrust surface 43 at the end closer to the swing pivot 6, is set so that it can slide along the intermediate arm 4, with its travel limited by pins 44 in the intermediate arm 4 and oblong slots 45 in strip 7. Striplet 39 with catch 46 and pin 47 is set so that it can slide along strip 7, with its travel limited by oblong slot 48 in strip 7, and by pin 47. There is a spring 40 between catches 42 and 46. The wedge surface of the wedge-shaped element 41 co-operates with pin 47. Rotary catch 58 has the form of a double-arm lever whose one arm has at its end bumper 58a and the other arm has the shape of a pointed hook 63. The hook part of the arm has pin 62 co-operating with thrust surface 43 of strip 7. While catch 58 rotates, pin 62 travels along curved slot 64 in the intermediate arm 4. The catch system locking the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4 comprises wedge-shaped element 50 set in the side member of the sash 3 at a considerable distance from the swing pivot 6, and also comprising recess 51 under it, on the side closer to the tilt pivot 5, and also comprises striplet 52 with stop pin 53 and catch 54, set so that it can slide along strip 7, with its travel limited by oblong slot 55 and pin 53. Spring 57 is positioned between catches 42a and 54. Pin 53 co-operates with the wedge-shaped surface and recess 51 in the wedge-shaped element 50.

The catch system locking the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1 constitutes an arm of rotary catch 58 set in the intermediate arm at a considerable distance from the tilt pivot 5. The arm has hook 63 at its end, and pin 60 set in the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. Hook 63 and pin 60 co-operate with each other.

Along side members of the window frame 1 , two-position, slide-type preselectors 65 with switch 66 are set, connected with each other by elements 67, 67a, and 68 which transmit movement from one pre-selector to the other. Preselectors 65 are also equipped with thrust plate 69, co-operating with the arm of catch 58 that is equipped with bumper 58a.

To ensure proper operation of the locking system, spring 40 is stronger than spring 57, and both springs are so affixed that they pull together pins 47 and 53, and press them to the wedge surfaces of wedge-shaped elements 41 and 50.

The elements of the locking system are set on the intermediate arm 4 and are covered with the cover plate P, while pins 47 and 53 pass through it to cooperate with wedge-shaped elements 41 and 50 set in sash 3. The roof window is in its basic tilt mode when pre-selector 65 is closer to the tilt pivot 5. Thrust plate 69 of pre-selector 65 is outside the reach of catch 58. Strip 7 is in its end position, closest to the swing pivot 6. Pin 53 rests in recess 51 of element 50 and locks movement of the sash 3 relative to the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, pin 62 is in the position forced by thrust surface 43, and the arm of catch 58 that is equipped with hook 63 is outside the reach pin 60 in the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. In this situation, during opening of the window, the intermediate arm 4 moves together with the sash 3 and rotates about the tilt pivot 5.

In order to switch to the swing mode, pre-selector 65 must be moved towards the swing pivot 6 while the window is open. During closing of the window, by pulling the handle positioned in the bottom part of the sash, the arm equipped with bumper 58a of catch 58 will rest on the thrust plate 69 of pre-selector 65 and, during continued movement of the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4, will force rotation of catch 58 about pin 61. Pin 62, by pressing on thrust surface 43, will move strip 7 towards the tilt pivot 5, and opening 55 which limits the movement of pin 53 will slide it out of recess 51 and release the locking of the intermediate arms 4 with the sash 3. The arm of catch 58 that is equipped with hook 63 will engage with pin 60 and lock the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1. After the window is opened again, by applying pressure to the handle, it will be possible only to rotate the sash 3 relative to the intermediate arm 4 and the window frame 1. As the sash 3 changes its position, the wedge- shaped elements 41 and 50 will move away from pins 47 and 53 and pin 47 will move towards pin 53 by the action of spring 40. During closing the window the wedge-shapes element 41 will shift pin 47 towards the swing pivot 6 and put spring 40 under tension, but without moving strip 7 towards the swing pivot 6 as the latter is locked by pin 62.

To return to the tilt mode, the pre-selector 65 must be shifted towards the tilt pivot 5, while the window is open. This will move away thrust plate 69 beyond the reach of the arm with bumper 58a. During closing of the window, by pulling the handle, wedge-shaped element 41 will shift pin 47 and put spring 40 under tension, which will shift strip 7 towards the swing pivot 6. The shifting of strip 7, by the action of spring 57, will shift pin 53 to the wedge-shaped surface of element 50; pin 53 will rest in the recess 51 and lock the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, thrust surface 43, by pressing pin 62, will force rotation of catch 58 whose arm, having bumper 58a at its end, will not encounter an obstacle in the form of thrust element 69, and hook 63 will uncouple from pin 60, thus unlocking the intermediate arm 4 from the window frame 1. After the window is opened again by applying pressure to the handle, the intermediate arm will move together with the sash 3, rotating about the tilt pivot 5. The position of strip 7 of the control mechanism is changed (pre-selected) by pre-selector 65 set so that it can slide along the window frame. Switch 66 is available only when the window is open, and the locking system changes modes during closing of the window. Depending on which mode is to be active after the window is re-opened, proper position of pre-selector 65 has to be set while the window is open. The modes of the roof window are used alternatively, after releasing the handle positioned in the bottom section of sash 3 and pushing it when the window is being opened, or pulling the it when the window is being closed. When the locking system is set to the basic tilt mode, the sash 3 is supported in its upper part by pin 53, which is set in the intermediate arm 4, resting in the recess 51 of the wedge-shaped element 50, which makes the sash 3 more rigid thus protecting it against deformation.

Embodiment D

A dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window has the window frame 1 with the fitting 2 along its side members, and the sash 3, connected on both sides by the intermediate arms 4. The sash 3 is pivotally connected with the opposite ends of the intermediate arms 4, and the swing pivot 6 is positioned in the midsection of the sash 3. When the window is in the closed position, the intermediate arms 4 are positioned between the side members of the window frame 1 and the sash 3.

Along the intermediate arms 4, the control mechanism of the locking system is positioned, comprising strip 7 and striplet 39 connected by spring 40, and wedge-shaped element 41 set in the side member of the window frame 3 and the wedge surface oriented towards the swing pivot 6, also comprising a rotary element 58b in the form of a double-arm lever rotating on pin 61 set in the intermediate arm 4 positioned at a considerable distance from the tilt pivot 5. One arm of the rotary element 58b has at its end bumper 58a and at the other end there is a pin 62 co-operating with curved slot 64 in the intermediate arm 4. Strip 7, having catch 42 and recess 43 on its side closer to the swing pivot 6 and the recess 43 co-operates with pin 62 and oblong slots 45, 48 and 48a, and is set so that it can slide along the intermediate arm 4 with its travel limited by pins 44 positioned on the intermediate arm 4, and openings 45. Striplet 39, having catches 46 and 46a and pins 47 and 47a is set so that it can slide along strip 7. The movement of pins 47 and 47a is limited by oblong slots 48 and 48a in strip 7. There is spring 57 between catch 46a on striplet 39 and catch 70 on arm 4, and another spring 40 between catches 42 and 46. The wedge surface of the wedge-shaped element 41 co-operates with pin 47. The catch system locking the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4 comprises wedge-shaped element 50 set in the side member of sash 3 at a considerable distance from the swing pivot 6, and also comprises a wedge-shaped surface and recess 51 under it, on the side closer to the tilt pivot 5, and also comprises stop pin 53 set in strip 7. Pin 53 co-operates with the wedge-shaped surface and recess 51 in element 50.

The catch system locking the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1 consists of rotary catch 58 having the form of a single-arm lever with pin 61 constituting its axis of rotation, which also constitutes the axis of rotation for rotary element 58b, and pin 60 set on the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. The arm of catch 58 has the form of hook 63, which at the bend has pin 71 , cooperating with curved slot 72 in the arm of rotary element 58b. Rotary element 58b and rotary catch 58 co-operate with each other via pin 71 and opening 72, and spring 73 attached to pins 62 and 71.

Along the fitting 2 of the window frame 1 , two-position slide-type pre-selectors 65 are set on both sides, comprising switch 66 and thrust plate 69. Preselectors are connected with each other by elements 67, 68, 74, and 75 transmitting movement from one pre-selector to the other. Pre-selector 65 cooperates, via thrust plate 69 with an arm ended with bumper 58a of rotary element 58b.

Springs 40 and 57 are so affixed that they pull together pins 47 and 53, pressing them to the wedge-shaped surfaces of elements 41 and 50, and spring 57, affixed between catch 46a and catch 70 in the intermediate arm, protects the control mechanism against spontaneous, gravitational switching of modes when the sash 3 is tilted open together with the intermediate arm 4. The elements of the locking system are set on the intermediate arm 4 and are covered with the cover plate P, while pins 47 and 53 pass through it to cooperate with wedge-shaped elements 41 and 50 set in the sash 3. The roof window is in its basic tilt mode when pre-selector 65 is closer to the tilt pivot 5. Thrust plate 69 of pre-selector 65 is then outside the reach of rotary element 58b. Strip 7 is in its end position, closest to the swing pivot 6 and pin 53 rests in recess 51 and locks the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, pin 62 is in the position forced by recess 43, and the arm of rotary catch 58 that has hook 63 is outside the reach pin 60 in the fitting 2 of the window frame 1. During opening of the window, the intermediate arm 4 moves together with the sash 3 and rotates about the tilt pivot 5. In order to switch to the swing mode, pre-selector 65 must be moved towards the swing pivot 6 while the window is open. During closing of the window, by pulling the handle positioned in the bottom part of the sash, bumper 58a at the end of arm of rotary element 58 will rest on the thrust plate 69 of pre-selector 65 and, during continued movement of the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4 will force rotation of rotary element 58b about pin 61. Pin 62, via spring 73 which connects it with pin 71, will force rotation of catch 58 so that hook 63 will rest on pin 60 of the fitting 2 affixed to the window frame 1. The change of position of pin 62 by recess 43 will move strip 7 towards the tilt pivot 5, and opening 55, sliding pin 53 out of recess 51 and releasing the locking of the intermediate arms 4 with the sash 3. When the window is in the final phase of closing, the hook 63 will engage with pin 60 and lock the intermediate arm 4 with the window frame 1. After the window is opened again, by applying pressure to the handle, it will be possible only to rotate the sash 3 relative to the intermediate arm 4 and the window frame 1. As the sash 3 changes its position, the wedge-shaped element 41 will move away from pin 47 and pin 47 will approach pin 53 by the action of springs 40 and 57. During closing of the window, wedge-shapes element 41 will shift pin 47 towards the swing pivot 6 and put spring 40 under tension, but without moving strip 7 towards the swing pivot 6, as the latter is locked by pin 62.

To return to the tilt mode, the pre-selector 65 must be shifted towards the tilt pivot 5, while the window is closed. This will move away thrust plate 69 beyond the reach of the arm of rotary element 58b that has bumper 58a at its end. During closing of the window, by pulling the handle, wedge-shaped element 41 will shift pin 47 and put spring 40 under tension, which will force shifting of strip 7 towards the swing pivot 6. As a result, pin 53 will move and rest on wedge- shaped surface of element 50 and next will rest in recess 51 , thus locking the sash 3 with the intermediate arm 4. At the same time, recess 43, by pressing pin 62, will force rotation of element 58b, and opening 72 with spring 73 affixed to pins 62 and 71 will force rotation of catch 58 so that hook 63 will uncouple from pin 60, thus unlocking the intermediate arm 4 from the window frame 1. After the window is opened again, by applying pressure to the handle, the intermediate arm 4 will move together with the sash 3, rotating about the tilt pivot 5.

The position of strip 7 of the control mechanism is pre-selected with two- position pre-selector 65, set so that it can slide relative to the window frame 1. Switch 60 is accessible only when the window is closed, and the locking system switches modes only during closing of the window. Depending on which mode is to be active after the window is re-opened, proper position of pre-selector 65 has to be set while the window is open.

The modes of the roof window are used alternatively, after releasing the handle- positioned in the bottom section of sash 3 and applying pressure to it when the window is being opened, or pulling the it when the window is being closed. When the locking system is set to the basic tilt mode, the sash 3 is supported in its upper part by pin 53, which is set in the intermediate arm 4, resting in the recess 51 of the wedge-shaped element 50, which makes the sash 3 more rigid thus protecting it against deformation.

Claims

Patent claims

1. A dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window, with a tilt pivot located at the upper member of the window frame, and a swing pivot in the midsection of the sash, positioned close to the glazing surface and not changing its position at some ranges of the opening angles of the sash, comprising a window frame with fitting at its side members, and a sash set in the frame via an intermediate frame, characterised in that it is equipped with a locking system which alternatively locks the swing mode while making the tilt mode available, or locks the tilt mode while making the swing mode available, and also, the intermediate frame advantageously has the form of two parallel intermediate arms IAI.

2. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 1 , characterised in that it is equipped on both sides of the window with a locking system, comprising two catch systems, which alternatively lock either the sash /3 / with the intermediate arm IAI, or the intermediate arm IAI with the window frame; and a mechanism controlling the catch systems which activates only one mode at a time, the tilting one or the swinging one.

3. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 2, characterised in that the catch system locking the sash /3/ with the intermediate arm IAI is positioned at a considerable distance from the swing pivot /6/, and the system locking the intermediate arm IAI with the window frame IM is positioned at a considerable distance from the tilt pivot /5/.

4. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 2, characterised in that the locking system is switches mode when the window is closed.

5. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 2 or 4, characterised in that the control mechanisms of the locking systems, positioned on both sides of the window, are so coupled that the shifting of the position of either of the control mechanisms is automatically transmitted to the other one.

6. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 2, characterised in that it is equipped advantageously on both sides with a locking system and a pre-selector /65/ co-operating with it, which makes it possible to select the window's mode of operation.

7. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 6, characterised in that the pre-selectors /65/, positioned on both sides of the window, are so coupled, that a change of position of one pre-selector /65/ is automatically transmitted to the other pre-selector /65/.

8. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the pre-selectors /65/ is set for a given position when the window is open, and the locking system switches modes during closing of the window, and the selected mode is available after the window is reopened.

9. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, characterised in that when the window is open in one mode, it is secured against the possibility of switching to the other mode.

10. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterised in that the elements of the locking system support the sash near its upper corners.

11. The dual-mode tilting/swinging roof window according to claim 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, characterised in that both modes are activated with a handle located in the bottom part of the sash /3/ by applying pressure to it.