EP2386709B1

EP2386709B1 - Window with damper

Info

Publication number: EP2386709B1
Application number: EP11162958.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Senad Huskic; Tommy Madsen
Original assignee: VKR Holding AS
Current assignee: VKR Holding AS
Priority date: 2010-05-12
Filing date: 2011-04-19
Publication date: 2014-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-19
Also published as: EP2386709A2; EP2386709A3

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a ventilating window with a sash arranged to be openable with respect to a window frame by pivotal movement about a pivot axis parallel to a pair of opposed sash members and a movable ventilation flap registering with a ventilation opening in a closed position of the ventilation flap and not registering with the ventilation opening in an open position of the ventilation flap.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

WO 2007/071262 discloses a ventilating window having a sash arranged to be openable with respect to a window frame by pivotal movement about an axis parallel to a pair of opposed sash members. A ventilation flap is pivotally suspended from the sash and registers in a closed position with a ventilation opening of a ventilation path through the sash. In an open position the ventilation flap does not register with the ventilation opening and allows passage of air through the ventilation channel. A handlebar is connected to the ventilation flap. A link to a lock that is mounted in the ventilation opening is connected to the other side of the ventilation flap. The link operably connects the ventilation flap to the lock. The lock is part of a lock assembly that comprises a striking plate fixed to a window frame member opposite one of the pair of sash members and a housing of the lock is fixed to one sash member opposite the striking plate. A locking mechanism is arranged in the casing and the locking mechanism is operable by an operator through the handlebar that is connected to the ventilation flap. The handlebar is accessible to an operator on the side of the window facing the interior of the building in which the window is installed. The ventilation flap can assume three positions: a first end position defining the unlocked position, a second end position defining the locked position and a third, intermediate position where a ventilation path is open to achieve ventilation. Two locking pawls protrude through slots in the casing of the lock. When the window is shut the locking pawls come into engagement with a fixed striking plate whereby they are forced sideward and snap into their locked position. For the purpose of ventilation, the ventilation flap is pulled half way back towards a first position by use of the operator member without the locking pawls being displaced, i.e. the window remains locked.
The lock is provided with a noise reducing liner to prevent direct contact between the pawl members and the housing. The liner does indeed reduce the noise generated when operating the lock, but further reduction of the noise generated when operating the lock and ventilation flap is desirable.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

On this background, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a ventilation window with improved noise reduction.
This object is achieved by providing a ventilating window having a sash arranged to be openable with respect to a window frame by pivotal movement about a pivot axis parallel to a pair of opposed sash members, a movable ventilation flap registering with a ventilation opening in a closed position of the ventilation flap and not registering with the ventilation opening in an open position of the ventilation flap, a lock operably connected to the ventilation flap and a damper operably connected to the ventilation flap.
The damper dampens the movement of the ventilation flap and of the lock and thereby noise generated by lock mechanism during operation of the lock is reduced. Further, the damper provides for smooth movement when an operator manually operates the ventilation flap and provides thereby a feedback to the operator that associated with high quality.
Preferably, the damper is arranged between the sash and the ventilation flap.
The window may further be provided with an operator handle operably connected to the ventilation flap.
The window may also be provided with a motor drive operably connected to the ventilation flap. Thus, the damper reduces noise during electric opening and the window is silent and does not disturb e.g. at night when automatic operation kicks in.
Preferably, the lock is sequential and has an open position, an intermediate ventilation position and a locked position.
In an embodiment the damper has a characteristic adapted to the use with the sequential lock. Hereto the damper can be configured to have a stronger damping effect in a first portion of a movement of the ventilation flap from the closed position to the open position than in any other portion of the movement of the ventilation flap between the closed position and the open position.
In an embodiment the ventilation flap is pivotally suspended from the sash, the damper is a linear damper with a stationary housing fixed to the sash and a movable rod with the free end of the movable rod connected to the ventilation flap by a guide bracket that allows the free end of the movable rod to slide relative to a surface of the ventilation flap.
In another embodiment, the damper is configured such that the damper piston may be separated from the damper cylinder.
Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the ventilation window according to the disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevated view of a ventilation window according to the present disclosure in an open position,
Figure 2 is a sectional view through the upper part of a ventilating window according to an embodiment of the disclosure, where a lock and a striking plate assembly are shown,
Figure 3 is a sectional view through the upper part of a ventilating window according to figure 2, where a damper is shown,
Figure 4 is an elevated worked open view of the top of the sash of the ventilating window according to figure 2 showing both the lock and the damper,
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a lock and ventilation flap,
Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a lock and ventilation arrangement according to another embodiment,
Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the ventilation window with a motor driven ventilation flap and lock,
Figure 8 is a top view of a lock that can be used in the present disclosure,
Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a damper arrangement that can be used in the present disclosure,
Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of another damper arrangement that can be used in the present disclosure,
Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of yet another damper arrangement that can be used in the present disclosure,
Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of another damper arrangement that can be used in the present disclosure,
Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of another damper arrangement that can be used in the present disclosure, and
Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of another damper arrangement that can be used in the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description the ventilation window according to the disclosure will be described by the exemplary embodiments.
Figure 1 shows a ventilation window having a sash 2 arranged to be openable with respect to a window frame 1 by pivotal movement about a pivot axis X parallel to a pair of opposed sash members. In figure 1 the sash 2 is in an open position. When the sash 2 is in a closed position ventilation is still possible through a ventilation path in the top of the sash 2. The ventilation window is provided with a top cover 4 that covers the ventilation opening in the sash 2 to protect the ventilation path from rain and the like, but an opening between the top cover 4 and the window pane 5 allows the passage of air.
Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views through the upper area of a first exemplary embodiment of the ventilating window. The sectional view in figure 2 shows a lock 10 and the sectional view in figure 3 shows a damper 13. For ease of reading the drawings the lock 10 and the damper 13 are not shown simultaneously in figures 2 and 3, although both components are present. Figure 4 is an elevated and worked open view showing both the lock 10 and the damper 13 at the sash top 3, showing also the locking pawls 11 protruding from the lock housing.
The ventilation path extends from an inlet 6 through the sash 2. The first part of the ventilation path is defined by the top cover 4 and the upper outward areas of the sash 2 and the window frame 2. A filter covers the inlet 6 of the ventilation channel. The inwardly facing end of the ventilation path ends at a ventilation opening in the sash 2. A pivotally mounted ventilation flap 7 is shown in an intermediate ventilating position. The ventilating flap 7 registers with the ventilation opening in a closed position (not shown) of the ventilation flap 7 for closing the ventilation opening and thereby preventing passage of air through the ventilation path. A handle bar 8 for an operator is connected to the ventilation flap 8.
A lock 10 is mounted in the ventilation opening in the sash 2. The lock is 10 described in greater detailed further below with reference to figure 8. The lock includes one or more movable locking pawls 11 that can engage a striking plate 12 that is mounted on the window frame 1.
A link to lock 9 operably connects the ventilation flap 7 to the lock 10. The ventilation flap 7 has a closed position, an intermediate ventilation position and a fully open position. In the intermediate ventilation position (shown) the ventilation flap 7 does not register with the ventilation opening so it allows passage of air through the ventilation path, but the lock 10 is in a locking position and the movable pawls 11 engage the striking plate 12 and prevent opening of the window. The lock 10 is also in the locked position when the ventilation flap 7 is in the closed position. When the ventilation flap 7 is in the fully open position the movable locking pawls 11 do not engage the striking plate 12 and the window can be opened.
A damper 13 is operably connected to the ventilation flap 7 and the damper creates a damping force when the ventilation flap 7 is moved. The damper 13 dampens the movement of the ventilation flap 7. Since the ventilation flap 7 is operably connected to the lock 10, the damper also dampens the movement of the lock 10 and thereby noise generated by the operation of the lock 10 and by the ventilation flap 7 is reduced. Further, the damper 13 provides for smooth movement when an operator manually operates the ventilation flap 7 and provides thereby a feedback to the operator that associated with high quality.
The damper 13 may have a damping characteristic that is adapted to the characteristics of the lock 10. In an embodiment the damping effect of the damper 13 is greatest during the first part of the opening movement (the movement towards the open position of the ventilation flap 7), e.g. between the closed and the intermediate ventilating position and the damping effect is lower in the rest of opening movement. The same may apply to the closing movement of the ventilation flap 7, with the highest damping effect in the last part of the closing movement, e.g. the highest damping when moving from the intermediate ventilating position.
Figure 5 shows the operating principle of the ventilation flap 7 and the lock 10. The lock link 9 connects to a lock operator 14. As shown in figure 8, the lock operator 14 is guided in a slot 19 in the housing of the lock with the lock operator 14 protruding from the lock housing.
Figure 6 shows another embodiment where the ventilation flap 7 moves linearly. The operator handle 8 may displace the ventilation flap 7 linearly or by a track. A guide may be provided for example by a support 15 with ventilation slots provided in the ventilation passage.
Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the ventilation window with a chain actuator 16 acting as a motor drive to operate the ventilation flap 7 and the lock 10. The chain actuator, includes a push-pull chain 17 with the free end of the chain 17 connected to an upper region of the ventilation flap 17. The chain 17 can extend and retract through operation of an electric drive motor in the chain actuator 16. This embodiment does not need to have (but may have) an operator handle 8 since the operation of the ventilation flap 7 and the lock 10 can be carried out by the chain actuator 16. The damper 13 ensures that sound generated by the operation of the ventilation flap and the lock 10 by means of the chain actuator 16 is dampened and reduced, i.e. also the noise generated by the chain actuator 16 and by the chain 17 is reduced.
Figure 8 illustrates the lock 10 in a top view. The lock 10 includes two movable locking pawls 11. A lock mechanism 18 connects the locking pawls 11 to the lock operator 14 and ensures movement of the locking pawls 11 between a shown locking position and a not shown opening position along an arcuate path. Two curved slots in the lock housing allow the locking pawls 11 to protrude through the lock housing and move along an actuate path. The curved slots and other parts of the lock can be provided with liners of soft material, such as plastic to reduce noise from the lock 10.
Figure 9 illustrates a detail of the damper 13 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment the damper 13 is a linear damper with a housing pivotally suspended from a tilt support 20 that is fixed to the sash 2 and an extendable damper rod that is connected to a tilt bracket 21. The tilt bracket 21 is fixed to the ventilation flap. The tilt support 20 allows the damper 13 to tilt during operation and avoids lateral loads on the damper 13.
Figure 10 illustrates a detail of the damper 13 according to another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment the damper 13 is a linear damper with a damper housing that is fixed to the sash 2. A guide bracket 22 fixed to a side of the ventilation flap 7 is provided with a slot that guides the free end of the damper rod.
Figure 11 illustrates a detail of the damper according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment the damper 13 is a rotary or torsion damper 13. The damper housing is secured to the sash 2 and the damper shaft is connected to the ventilation flap 7 by a crank mechanism 23.
Figure 12 illustrates a detail of the damper according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment the damper 14 is a rotary or torsion damper 13. The damper housing is secured to the sash 2. A pinion mounted on the damper shaft meshes with a toothed rack 24 to for operably connecting the damper 13 to the ventilation flap 7.
Figure 13 illustrates a detail of the damper according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment the damper 25 is a damper made of a deformable material with good damping characteristics, such as rubber.
Figure 14 illustrates a detail of the damper according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment the damper 13 is formed by a friction rod 26 connected at one end to the ventilation flap 7 in interaction with fixed friction pads 27.
The damping effect of the damper 13 can be generated in various ways, e.g. by friction, fluid or gas flow resistance or by deformable material. The damper may be of the linear or torsion type.
Due to sequential lock mechanism the damper 13 may in an embodiment have a special characteristic. This special characteristic may be obtained by a single linear damper or by a plurality of linear dampers in parallel. The damper 13 may have a progressive characteristic or may be a one way damper, e.g. based on and air valve. Further, the damper 13 can use a mechanism connecting it to ventilation flap 7 that has a non-linear characteristic. The damper 13 can be disposed inside the chain actuator 16.
When closing the sash 2 a gasket has to be compressed. The damper 13 may in an embodiment have a characteristic with reduced damping force when the gasket is compressed.
In order to reduce backlash the damper may be attached near the lock mechanism.
In an embodiment, the damper 13 is a friction damper with a cylinder and a piston which moves tight in the cylinder and provides friction. Preferably, the damper is configured such that the damper piston may be separated from the damper cylinder, that is, such that the damper has two separable parts. This allows for the flap to be decoupled from the sash, such as for easy manufacturing of the window, installation and service, including for flap gasket service, whereby a couple/decouple-mechanism may be dispensed with.
In an embodiment, the damper 13 dampens motion in both directions and the damper is operably connected to the ventilation flap 7 to transmit force both during opening and closing.

Claims

A ventilating window having a sash (2) arranged to be openable with respect to a window frame (1) by pivotal movement about a pivot axis parallel to a pair of opposed sash members, a movable ventilation flap (7) registering with a ventilation opening in a closed position of the ventilation flap and not registering with said ventilation opening in an open position of the ventilation flap (7), a lock (10) for locking said sash (2) to said frame (1), said lock being operably connected to said ventilation flap (7), characterized in that a damper (13) is operably connected to said ventilation flap (7) for damping movement.
A ventilating window according to claim 1, wherein said damper (13) is arranged between said sash (2) and the ventilation flap (7).
A ventilating window according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operator handle (8) operably connected to said ventilation flap (7).
A ventilating window according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a motor drive (16, 17) operably connected to said ventilation flap (7).
A ventilating window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lock (10) is sequential and has an open position, an intermediate ventilation position and a locked position.
A ventilating window according to claim 5, wherein the damper (13) has a characteristic adapted to the use with the sequential lock (10).
A ventilating window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the damper (13) is configured to have a stronger damping effect in a first portion of a movement of the ventilation flap (7) from the closed position to the open position than in any other portion of the movement of the ventilation flap (7) between the closed position and the open position.
A ventilating window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation flap (7) is pivotally suspended from the sash (2), the damper (13) is a linear damper with a stationary housing fixed to the sash (2) and a movable rod with the free end of the movable rod connected to the ventilation flap (7) by a guide bracket (22) that allows the free end of the movable rod to slide relative to a surface of the ventilation flap (7).
A ventilating window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the damper (13) is a friction damper with a cylinder and a piston which moves tight in the cylinder and provides friction.
A ventilating window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the damper (13) dampens motion in both directions and the damper is operably connected to the ventilation flap (7) to transmit force both during opening and closing.
A ventilating window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the damper (13) is configured such that the damper piston may be separated from the damper cylinder