EP2205804A1

EP2205804A1 - A roof window

Info

Publication number: EP2205804A1
Application number: EP07821192A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabio Valentini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-11
Filing date: 2007-10-11
Publication date: 2010-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-11
Also published as: EP2205804B1; WO2009046766A1

Abstract

The roof window comprises: at least a main frame (1), associated to a relative opening (7) afforded in a roof; means for closing (2), at least partially obstructing the opening (7); operating organs (3), cooperating with the main frame (1) and with the means for closing (2), for enabling movement of the means for closing (2) between a closed position (C), in which the means for closing (2) and the main frame (1) are at least partially in reciprocal contact, and a completely open position (A), in which at least respective portions of the means for closing (2) and the main frame (1) are distanced from one another.

Description

A ROOF WINDOW

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a roof window.

It is known that roof windows at present in production are substantially constituted by a main frame, associated to a relative opening in a floor, to which a window frame is constrained, which window frame is constituted by a mobile frame bearing a pane of glass. The window frame can be centre- pivoted or top-hung (or a combination thereof), or top-hung with a lateral sliding of the mobile frame for window cleaning operations.

The solution which has only the top-hung option is less used since the user has great difficulty in reaching the outside surface of the glass pane to clean it. The cleaning of the outside surface is, on the other hand, easy with roof windows having a top-hung/centre-pivoted combination, or a top-hung/sliding combination.

The edge portion of roof windows is protected against atmospheric agents by a metal coating which further enables connecting the window to the roof covering.

BACKGROUND ART

Almost all the models at present in production comprise an openable grid, associated for example to the mobile frame, which enables ventilation of a space (for example, a room) even when the window is closed; this grid has a further function of preventing, or at least limiting, formation of condensation on the internal portion of the window.

Almost all the models are further equipped with accessories for screening (for example roller blinds to be applied internally or electric shutters to be applied externally) and filtering shade curtains. It is also almost always possible to control the opening/closing of the window using suitable actuating means; curtains and shutters may also be operated in this way.

Roof windows presently in production are susceptible to various drawbacks.

Roof windows can be provided with a mosquito net which in centre-pivoted models cannot be applied to the window frame, as it would be an obstacle to opening thereof: in this case the mosquito net has to be fastened to the perimeter of the internal portion of the opening, with obvious functional and aesthetic problems.

Waterproofing is excellent with the window closed in all of the types of opening, while it is practically absent with the window open (with manual activation), in particular with centre-pivoted opening.

The heat insulation and wind-seal of known roof windows are unsatisfactory due to the presence of the ventilation grid, at which a temperature gradient can be established.

It is further stressed that in almost all the models sound-proofing is limited, due both to the presence of the ventilation grid which does not constitute a sound filter, and to the presence of the external metal parts which function as protections for the window. In particular, the external metal parts are noisy, and for both technical and operative reasons are not located in direct contact with the frame, but are free and therefore can vibrate if struck by rain, hail, etc.

The greatest drawbacks in relation to heat and sound insulation and wind seal are found in centre-pivoted models, due to the intrinsic problems related to the sealing of the hinge point in the window-closed configuration.

Finally, it is important to stress that no roof window at present on the market holds wind-seal certification or certifications relating to heat and sound insulation comparable to certification obtainable for traditional-type windows. This is essentially due to the structural characteristics of the present roof windows, which prevent them from being able to respect predetermined parameters outlined by the certification tests used for traditional windows.

Illumination in rooms having roof windows can be poor and/or problematic inasmuch as the total illuminating surface afforded by known-type windows is considerably smaller with respect to the dimensions of the opening which houses the master frame. The total illuminating surface is reduced by the presence of the two frames (fixed and mobile) and by the ventilation grid. In the best-selling models, for example, 25 cm in length and 16 cm in width are lost between the theoretical illumination area and the effective glassed surface; there is therefore a significant reduction in the illuminating surface, especially in windows of medium and small size.

It is stressed that roof windows have standard measurements which are overall correlated to the most common interaxes between two contiguous beams making up part of the bearing frame of the roof.

Further, if a curtain is used, applied internally of the window frame on the paned part thereof, this further limits the illuminating surface because of the presence of the curtain guides and the winder roll of the curtain itself.

The filtering and/or control of direct sunlight is imperfect in all models; indeed, the application of filtering curtains (and blinds) on the window frame means that when the window is open there are zones which do not filter the solar rays that are incident at particular inclinations (for example at sunset). With the window open, ventilation is satisfactory only with models having manual opening, whether top-hung or centre-pivoted, while it is extremely limited with electrically-opening models.

In particular, in models with centre-pivoted systems mounted on a non- splayed room, the upper opening is almost entirely obstructed by the wall of the room itself, basically halving the already small ventilating surface.

Ventilation is very poor in particular in models equipped with electrically- commanded opening/closing and rain sensor; the rain sensor determine total closure of the window not only when it is raining but also when humidity levels are high in the outside environment, for example when it is foggy, due to the depositing of condensation or micro-droplets of water on the external surface of the window pane. This eventuality prevents the opening, even partial, of the window, even when prevailing atmospheric conditions would allow for opening of the window.

Resistance to breaking-and-entering is poor in some electrically-operated models due to easy access from outside to the catch of the supplied opening actuator. In particular, the known fastening system with small blocks located externally and hidden only by the sheet steel covering makes it very easy and quick for those who know about installation techniques to remove the whole window using a simple screwdriver.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide a roof window which obviates the above-mentioned drawbacks, which guarantees an effective ventilating surface which is only slightly less than the opening housing the window itself and which also ensures ventilation when atmospheric conditions are unfavourable (rain, fog, snow etc.).

An additional aim of the present invention consists in providing a roof window which guarantees excellent heat, sound and wind insulation characteristics, all of which mean that the window can be certified with the same parameters used for traditional fixtures.

A further aim consists in providing a roof window which enables the mobile frame supporting the glass pane to be eliminated.

An additional aim of the present invention consists in providing a roof window which, once installed in an opening therefor, does not excessively limit the illuminating surface with respect to the effective measurements of the opening.

A further aim of the present invention consists in proposing a roof window which can be equipped with a total blind and/or a filter blind and/or a mosquito net, possibly electrically operated, while at the same time avoiding that the presence of organs of movement, winding and guiding of the blinds or net leads to a reduction in the illuminating surface.

A further aim of the present invention consists in providing a roof window which does not obstruct the view from the inside to the outside of the window.

An additional aim of the present invention consists in providing a roof window which enables the sheet steel portions of traditional roof windows, which protect the window from atmospheric agents, to be eliminated.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a roof window which guarantees excellent protection from solar rays.

A further aim of the invention consists in providing a roof window which can be installed on roofs having various degrees of lean, on flat covers, and on vertical walls.

A further aim is to provide a roof window made using a technical solution of simple conception, extremely functional and reliable, so as to ensure an easy and rapid installation and maintenance thereof.

The above-indicated aims are obtained according to the contents of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following description, wherein some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments thereof are described, with reference to the appended figures of the drawings, in which:

figures (paired) 1 , 1 A; 2, 2A; 3, 3A; 4, 4A illustrate corresponding views, lateral and perspective, of the roof window in various stages of opening;

figures 5, 6, 7, 8 schematically illustrate, in section perspective views, windows installed on a relative opening afforded in a roof and provided with corresponding accessories; figure 9A is a schematic lateral view in slightly smaller scale than in the preceding figures, of the window of the invention in a plurality of possible opening positions;

figures 9B, 9C, 9D schematically illustrates lateral views of the window of the preceding figure, installed on relative openings afforded on roofs having different inclinations;

figures 1 OA, 1 OB, 1 OC, 1 OD are schematic lateral views of a further embodiment of the roof window, shown in various stages of opening.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to figures 1 , 1A; 2, 2A; 3, 3A; 4, 4A , 100 denotes a preferred embodiment of the roof window of the invention. The roof window comprises a main frame fixed, for example by known-type screws, to the walls of an L- section surround 85 at an external perimeter of an opening 7 made in the roof 90. The surround 85 preferably partially receives the main frame 1 (figures 9B, 9C, 9D).

Means for closing 2, which cooperate with the main frame 1 and which are positioned superiorly thereto, enable the opening 7 to be at least partially closed up, as will be more fully described herein below.

Operating organs 3, cooperating with the main frame 1 and the means for closing 2, enable movement of the means for closing 2 between a closed position C, in which relative portions of the means for closing 2 and the main frame 1 are in reciprocal contact, and an open position A, in which the means for closing 2 and the main frame 1 are distanced from one another (figure 1 , 1A, 4, 4A).

The frame 1 is preferably rectangular in shape and is constituted by two pairs of straight elements, parallel and with rectangular section; the two pairs being perpendicular to one another.

The means for closing 2 are, for example, constituted by a double-paned glass unit, preferably realised by using glass panes, surfaces of which exhibit self- cleaning characteristics. In particular the upper surface of the external glass should exhibit the self-cleaning characteristics.

The double-paned glass unit preferably has longitudinal and transversal dimensions which exceed the relative longitudinal and transversal dimensions of the main frame 1 , such as to cover the main frame 1 completely and protect it from atmospheric agents.

The double-paned glass unit is also provided, for example at the perimeter portion of the lower face thereof 2D, with profile elements (not illustrated) for preventing any drops of water coming from the upper face 2U thereof from falling onto the lower face 2D.

The double-paned glass unit is further provided, in proximity of the perimeter portions of the lower face 2D thereof, with a gasket which contacts against a relative portion of the upper face of the main frame 1 , when the double-paned glass unit is in the closed position C, thus defining the window 100 seal against atmospheric agents.

Alternatively, the gasket can be positioned at the upper portion of the main frame 1.

Means for heating can advantageously be associated to the double-paned glass unit, for example to the lower face 2D thereof; the activation of the means for heating prevents and/or eliminates any condensation on the lower face 2D.

Anti-intrusion means can be comprised, associated to the double-paned glass unit and constituted, for example, by an electric cable fixed to or sunken into at least one of the panes constituting the double-paned glass unit.

Obviously, an electric cable associated to the glass unit can perform a double function of heating and alarm-wiring the window.

A supplementary frame 4 is removably associated to the main frame 1 , defining, in cooperation with the main frame 1 , a sort of box frame (figure 3A). In particular, the supplementary frame 4 is rectangular and is smaller than the main frame 1 , such that it can be fixed to the internal portion of the main frame 1. It is stressed that the walls of the supplementary frame 4 close the corresponding open portions of the main frame 1 (with a rectangular section), defining the above-mentioned box frame.

The internal longitudinal and transversal dimensions of the supplementary frame 4 are preferably similar to the corresponding dimensions of the opening 7 (figures 9B, 9C, 9D).

The external lateral faces 45 (figure 1 ) of the supplementary frame 4 define, in cooperation with the internal lateral faces 15 (figure 1 ) of the main frame 1 , a front chamber 5, a back chamber 5A and a pair of lateral chambers, respectively a left chamber 51 A and a right chamber 51 B (looking at the perspective view of figures 1 A, 2A, 3A and 4A).

The operating organs 3 comprise a first arm 32, of a predefined length, a first end 32A of which is hinged at a point P2 of the right lateral portion (taking the perspective view of figure 3A) of the lower face 2D of the double-paned glass unit. The opposite end 32B of the arm 32 is slidably associated to straight guide organs 31 , for example constituted by a nut screw, arranged in the right lateral seating 51 B (see figure 3A).

A second arm 33, which is extensible, exhibits a first end 33A which is hinged at a point P1 , aligned to point P2, of the right lateral portion of the lower face 2D of the double-paned glass unit, and an opposite end 33B hinged at a fixed point internally of the back chamber 5A, at the right lateral portions thereof (figures 1 , 2, 3, 4 4A). The point at which the end 33B of the second arm 33 is hinged is aligned to the axis of the nut screw.

Also provided are organs 34 for rotatingly reciprocally constraining the arms, first arm 32 and second arm 33, in proximity of the halfway line of each thereof.

In particular, the portion of the second arm 33 comprised between the first end 33A and the point of constraint defined by the organs 34 is extensible. Guide organs are housed in the left chamber 51 A, which guide organs are identical to the straight guide organs 31 and to which the bottom end of an arm 32C is constrained, which arm 32C is identical to the first arm 32. The bottom end of an arm 33C, identical to the second arm 33, is hinged at a fixed point internally of the back chamber 5A at the lateral left side thereof. The upper ends of the arms 32C, 33C are hinged, similarly to the corresponding ends of the first arm 32 and the second arm 33, at respective points P4, P3 of the lateral left portion of the lower face 2D of the double-paned glass unit. The points P4, P3 are aligned to one another and respectively aligned to above- described points P2, P1 (see figure 3A).

Organs 34C, alike to organs 34, are included to rotatingly constrain arms 32C and 33C to one another, in proximity of the half-way line of each thereof.

Connecting organs (not illustrated) are preferably included for connecting external walls of the main frame 1 to a relative portion of the roof covering 90.

Actuator organs (not illustrated) are advantageously comprised and housed in the front chamber 5, for moving the straight guide organs 31.

The actuator organs can be constituted by a pair of motors, each directly coupled to the relative nut screw, or by a single motor positioned in the front chamber 5 for synchronised actuating, via connecting organs, of both nut screws.

The actuator organs can be manual and constituted, for example, by a handle for rotating the nut screws 31 via connecting and gear-reducing organs.

In motorized models with a rain sensor, the rain sensor is preferably positioned at the upper face 2U of the double-paned glass unit, or on the upper portion of the main frame 1.

Organs for winding and moving filtering means 8 are contained in the back chamber 5A, which filtering means 8 are slidable in relative guides afforded in the lateral internal portion of the supplementary frame 4. The filtering means 8 can be constituted by a mosquito net 81 and/or a blind curtain 82 and/or a shade (not illustrated) (see figures 5, 6, 8).

The means for winding the filtering means are, for example, constituted by known-type rollers, and the relative movement organs are for example constituted by known-type electric motors.

The filtering means 8 can, alternatively, be slidably associated to the external portion of the double-paned glass unit, by including special guides on the external surface. In figures 7, 8 a shade curtain 83 is illustrated, positioned at the upper portion of the double-paned glass unit.

In a further embodiment which is not illustrated, the second arm 33, 33C has a predetermined length and the relative first end 33A is slidably associated to straight guide means comprised on the lower face 2D of the double-paned glass unit.

In a further embodiment (figures 1 OA, 1 OB, 1 OC, 10D), the operating organs 3 are constituted by at least a hinge 55 which constrains a part of the terminal portion 22 of the double-paned glass unit to the corresponding back terminal portion 1 A of the main frame 1 , to enable a partial rotation of the double-paned glass unit about the rotation axis of the hinge 55. At least an extensible arm 39 is comprised in order to facilitate the opening/closing operations of the double- paned glass unit. In particular, a first end of the arm is hinged at a point of the lower face 2D of the double-paned glass unit, and the opposite end is hinged at a point, for example, internally of one of the lateral chambers 51 A, 51 B.

There follows a brief description of the functioning of the window 100, starting from a condition in which the double-paned glass unit has already been positioned, from the top towards the bottom, in the perimeter surround 85 afforded about the opening 7, and has also been fixed to the surround 85.

Let us imagine that the window is initially in the closed position C.

In this closed position C (figure 1 , 1 A), the first arm 32 and the second arm 33 are completely contained in the right chamber 51 B. In particular, the end 32B of the first arm 32 is substantially positioned at the end stop position of the nut screw 31 , close to the front portion of the frame 1. The second arm 33 is preferably in a completely retracted position, in its smallest longitudinal extension. The same conditions apply to the arms 32C, 33C positioned in the left chamber 51 A.

If it is desired to open the window 100, the actuator organs are operated to cause the nut screw to rotate. The rotation causes the displacement of the end 32B of the first arm 32 towards the back terminal portion 1 A of the main frame 1 (direction W in figure 2), and the consequent rotation of the second arm 33 about the point at which the end 33B thereof is hinged. By effect of the resultant of the applied forces, in a first stage the double-paned glass unit moves in a perpendicular direction to the plane defined by the upper surface of the frame (figures 2, 2A), completely detaching from the upper portion of the frame 1 : the second arm 33 lengthens according to the progressive distancing of the double-paned glass unit of the frame (figures 3, 3A).

Thereafter the arms 32, 33, 32C, 33C cause the double-paned glass unit to rotate up to complete opening of the window 100 (position A in figures 4, 4A). It is therefore advantageously possible to position the double-paned glass unit in a plurality of positions between the closed position C and the open position A (figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D).

Obviously the double-paned glass unit can be moved with only the first and second arms 32, 33 and the nut screw, as long as those components are of the correct sizes.

From the above it can be seen how the roof window 100 can make elimination of the mobile frame possible, which mobile frame, in roof windows in the prior art, supports the glass.

The organs for moving the glass, for example the above-described arms 32,

32C, 33, 33C guarantee an effective and rapid opening/closing of the glass. In particular, the arms 32, 32C, 33, 33C, during the stage of opening the double- paned glass unit, initially defining a movement thereof which is upwards and in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the plane defined by the main frame, enable the window to be kept partially open, thus ventilating the room, even in adverse weather conditions (such as fog or light rain) without the water droplets entering the room; this is different to known-type roof windows. For this purpose, the metal profile elements applied to the edges of the double-paned glass unit are advantageously included.

To this can be added the fact that in motorised models, the possibility of arranging the rain sensor at the internal face of the window, or on the upper portion of the main frame, means that the double-paned glass unit can be brought automatically into the closed position C only when there are particularly adverse atmospheric conditions, for example with rain falling at an angle which is particularly inclined with respect to the vertical. In particular, the use of a suitable management system of automatic window closing, cooperating with the rain sensor installed in the above-described position, enables, where the window is completely open and it starts raining, the window to be brought into a slightly-open configuration (a position in which the double-paned glass unit substantially overlies the main frame 1 ) to allow the room to be ventilated; and then to close the window completely if the sensor continues to be struck by drops of water.

The positioning of the main frame 1 of the perimeter surround 85, leads to an extremely small reduction in the illuminating surface with respect to the size of the opening itself.

The special opening system of the double-paned glass unit further makes possible an effective ventilating surface a little smaller than the opening surface to which the window is associated, and does not obstruct the view from inside towards the outside. To this can be added that the opening system enables the double-paned glass unit to be opened up at, end stop, to an angle such as to allow a person to accede to the roof the window is installed in.

Adherence between the glass and the gasket (positioned on the upper surface of the main frame 1 ), guarantees excellent heat, sound and wind insulation characteristics; this means that the window can be certified using the same parameters as those used for traditional fixtures.

The conformation and the dimensions of the double-paned glass unit, which guarantee a high level of protection for all the components underlying it from atmospheric agents, mean that the sheet steel portions which in traditional roof windows protect the window from atmospheric agents can be eliminated.

To this can be added the fact that the double-paned glass unit provided with a self-cleaning glass has no need of devices and/or constructional specifications which enable the glass pane to be tilted for cleaning operations.

The blinds and filters are advantageously positioned such as to enable protection from sun rays having varied inclinations.

The presence of the auxiliary frame and the surround afforded around the window opening means that blinds and/or filters and/or a mosquito net can be installed (and can be electrified) in the auxiliary frame itself, without causing any consequent reduction in the illuminating surface.

The roof window of the invention is advantageously installable on surfaces having slopes comprised between 0° and 90°, and is thus usable on both flat covers and in vertical walls, like a normal fixture.

Obviously the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, by way of non-limiting example, and it is therefore evident that modifications and variations can be brought to it which are, however, comprised in the ambit of protection as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAlMS

1 ). A roof window, characterised in that it comprises: at least a main frame (1 ), associated to a relative opening (7) afforded in a roof; means for closing (2), cooperating at least with an upper portion of the main frame (1 ), for at least partially obstructing the opening (7); operating organs (3), cooperating with the main frame (1 ) and with the means for closing (2), for enabling movement of the means for closing (2) between a closed position (C), in which the means for closing (2) and the main frame (1 ) are at least partially in reciprocal contact, and a completely open position (A), in which at least respective portions of the means for closing (2) and the main frame (1 ) are distanced from one another.

2). The window of claim 1 , characterised in that the means for closing (2) are positioned above the main frame (1 ).

3). The window of claim 2, characterised in that the operating organs (3) comprise: at least a first arm (32, 32C) having a first end (32A) hinged to at least the lower portion of the means for closing (2) and an opposite end (32B) which is slidably associated to straight guide organs (31 ) associated to the main frame (1 ); a second arm (33, 33C) having a first end (33A) hinged to at least the lower portion of the means for closing (2), and an opposite end (33B) hinged to a terminal back portion (1A) of the main frame (1 ); organs (34) for rotatingly constraining the first arm (32, 32C) and the second arm (33, 33C) to one another in proximity of a half-way point of each thereof.

4). The window of claim 2, characterised in that the operating organs (3) comprise: at least a first arm (32, 32C) having a first end (32A) hinged to at least the lower portion of the means for closing (2) and an opposite end (32B) slidably associated to straight guide organs (31 ) associated to the main frame (1 ); a second arm (33, 33C) having a first end (33A) which is slidably associated to straight guide means provided on the lower portions of the means for closing (2), and the opposite end (33B) hinged to the terminal back portion (1 A) of the main frame (1 ); organs (34) for rotatingly constraining the first arm (32, 32C) and the second arm (33, 33C) to one another in proximity of the half-way point of each thereof.

5). The window of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the first arm (32, 32C) is of a predetermined length.

6). The window of claim 3, characterised in that the second arm (33, 33C) includes an extensible portion comprised between the first end (33A) thereof and a constraint point defined by the organs (34).

7). The window of claim 4, characterised in that the second arm (33, 33C) is of a predetermined length.

8). The window of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that it comprises actuator organs for moving the straight guide means (31 ), enabling movement of the first arm (32, 32C) and consequently of the second arm (33, 33C).

9). The window of claim 2, characterised in that the operating organs (3) comprise at least a hinge (55) for reciprocally constraining a terminal portion (22) of the means for closing (2) and a corresponding terminal back portion (1 A) of the main frame (1 ), in order to define an at least partial rotation of the means for closing (2) about the rotation axis of the hinge (55).

10). The window of claim 9, characterised in that the operating organs (3) comprise an extensible arm (39) for facilitating the opening and closing operations of the means for closing (2), having a first end which is hinged at a predetermined point of the lower face (2D) of the means for closing (2) and an opposite end which is hinged in proximity of a lateral portion of the frame (1 ).

1 1 ). The window of claim 2, characterised in that the main frame (1 ) is at least partially and removably housed in a surround (85) afforded at an external perimeter of the opening (7).

12). The window of claim 2, characterised in that the main frame (1 ) is rectangular and exhibits a rectangular section. 13). The window of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that it comprises a supplementary frame (4) associated to an internal portion of the main frame (1 ) and aimed at defining, together with the back terminal portion (1 A) of the main frame (1 ), at least a back chamber (5A) housing the end (32B) of the second arm (33).

14). The window of claim 3, or 4, characterised in that it comprises a supplementary frame (4) associated to the internal portion of the main frame (1 ) and defining, in cooperation with the front terminal portion thereof, at least a front chamber (5).

15). The window of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that it comprises a supplementary frame (4), removably associated to the internal portion of the main frame (1 ), external lateral faces (45) of which, in cooperation with the internal lateral faces (15) of the main frame (1 ), define at least a lateral chamber (51 A, 51 B) housing the straight guide organs (31 ).

16). The window of claim 13 or 14 or 15, characterised in that the supplementary frame (4) exhibits internal dimensions which are substantially equal to dimensions of the opening (7) to which the main frame (1 ) is associated.

17). The window of claim 15, characterised in that the straight guide organs (31 ) are constituted by a nut screw.

18). The window of claim 3 and 17, characterised in that the end (33B) of the second arm (33) is hinged at a point aligned to an axis of the nut screw.

19). The window of claim 2, characterised in that the means for closing (2) are constituted by a double-paned glass unit.

20). The window of claim 19, characterised in that the double-paned glass unit has longitudinal and transversal dimensions which exceed the longitudinal and transversal dimensions of the main frame (1 ).

21 ). The window of claim 19, characterised in that the double-paned glass unit forms, in proximity of the perimeter portion of the lower face (2D) thereof, profiles for preventing any water drops coming from the upper face (2U) of the double-paned glass unit from reaching the lower face (2D).

22). The window of claim 19, characterised in that the double-paned glass unit comprises glass panes having at least a surface exhibiting self-cleaning characteristics.

23). The window of claim 19, characterised in that the double-paned glass unit is provided, in proximity of the perimeter portion of the lower face (2D) thereof, with a gasket which contacts a relative portion of the upper face of the main frame (1 ) when the double-paned glass unit is in the closed position (C), in order to enable the window (100) to be sealed against atmospheric agents.

24). The window of claim 19, characterised in that the main frame (1 ) is provided, in proximity of the upper face thereof, with a gasket which contacts a relative portion of the lower face (2D) of the double-paned glass unit when the double-paned glass unit is in the closed position (C), to seal the window (100) against the atmospheric agents.

25). The window of claim 14, characterised in that the front chamber (5) contains winding and moving organs of the filtering means (8) which are slidably associated to the lateral internal portion of the main frame (1 ).

26). The window of claim 25, characterised in that the filtering means (8) are constituted by a mosquito net (81 ).

27). The window of claim 25, characterised in that the filtering means (8) are constituted by a shade curtain.

28). The window of claim 14, characterised in that the front chamber 5 contains the winding and moving organs of relative filtering means (8) which are slidably associated to the external portion of the double-paned glass unit.

29). The window of claim 28, characterised in that the filtering means (8) are constituted by a shade (83). 30). The window of claim 28 or 25, characterised in that the filtering means (8) are constituted by a blind.

31 ). The window of claim 19, characterised in that it comprises means for heating associated to the double-paned glass unit, for preventing misting of the lower face (2D) of the double-paned glass unit.

32). The window of claim 19, characterised in that it comprises anti-intrusion means associated to the double-paned glass unit.

33). The window of claim 32, characterised in that the anti-intrusion means are constituted by an electric cable associated to at least one of the panes which constitute the double-paned glass unit.