EP2924209B1

EP2924209B1 - An openable roof window with active lock

Info

Publication number: EP2924209B1
Application number: EP14161721.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jack Sanz; Ørnsvig Kristian Nielsen
Original assignee: VKR Holding AS
Current assignee: VKR Holding AS
Priority date: 2014-03-26
Filing date: 2014-03-26
Publication date: 2017-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-26
Also published as: EP3239439A1; EP2924209A1; EP3239439B1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an openable pivot- or top hung roof window with a lock to secure or lock the window in a closed position.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventional windows of this type, as disclosed in EP 2 317 026 A1 are provided with a locking mechanism that is manually operated by a handle for locking the sash in a closed position. Often, the possibility to manually lock the sash in a ventilation position is also provided. A compressible seal or gasket is provided between the frame and the sash in order to seal the sash to the frame in the closed position of the frame. The seal or gasket is typically provided along the complete circumference of the opening in the frame and the gasket requires considerable force to be compressed to the state it has when the sash is closed and sealed to the frame.
The locking mechanism needs to provide the force that is needed to compress the gasket to the state it has when the sash is closed and sealed to the frame, so that the locking mechanism can both tighten and lock the sash to the frame.
There is an increasing market for top or pivot hung roof windows that are electronically operated, such as e.g. a roof window provided with an actuator for moving the sash between the closed and open positions and vice versa.
The force required to lock the sash and compress the seal has two problems associate therewith. One problem is that the locking mechanism needs to generate the force to compress the seal and the locking mechanism will therefore require some energy form the operator to carry out the locking operation and it is difficult to render the operation of the lock completely smooth when the lock is under the load of the seal. The force and energy needed to operate the lock can reduce the comfort experience of the users.
Another problem associated with the force required to compress the seal is the fact that actuators for opening and closing the sash typically have insufficient force for compressing the seal, and such a window will thus still have to be closed and locked manually. As will be apparent by those skilled in the art, it is desirable not to provide power to the sash opening and closing means sufficient to drive the sash into a fully closed and locked position by itself. This can be, for example, because the sash opening and closing means cannot provide the force required.
Documents WO2012085181A , CH560831A and NL2007787C disclose windows of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect the above problems are at least partially solved and other objects and advantages are obtained by the provision of a pivot- or top hung roof window according to claim 1.
By providing a motorized lock that is configured to pull the sash from the nearly closed position to the closed position, the task of the final closing and locking of the sash does not need to be carried out by an operator or by an actuator that moves the window in the range of open positions. Instead, motorized electronically operated lock is operative to urge the sash into the fully closed position. For the operator, the action of closing and locking the window is facilitated and rendered more comfortable since he/she needs to do no more than to bring the sash in the nearly closed position, where after the window will automatically close and lock. For actuators that move the window in the range of open positions it is often not possible to close the sash against the frame with sufficient force, and thus the provision of a motorized lock renders the complete operation of opening, closing and locking automatic.
According to a preferred aspect the openable window further comprises a first sensor or switch configured to cause a first signal to be transmitted to the motorized electronically operated lock to pull the sash from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when the sash reaches the nearly closed position from one of the open positions.
According to another preferred aspect the openable window further comprises a first sensor or switch configured to cause a first signal to be transmitted to the motorized electronically operated lock to pull the sash from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when the first and second lock part engage one another.
According to another preferred aspect the motorized electronically operated lock is configured to lock or latch the sash after or when drawing the sash to the closed position.
According to another preferred aspect the motorized electronically operated lock is configured to actively move the sash from the fully closed position to the nearly closed position and to release the sash by disengaging the first and second lock parts upon receipt of a control signal, or wherein the motorized electronically operated lock is configured to allow the sash to move from the fully closed position to the nearly closed position and to release the sash by disengaging the first and second lock parts upon receipt of a control signal.
According to another preferred aspect the window comprises a controller operatively connected to the motorized electronically operated lock, the controller being configured to send a control signal to the motorized electronically operated lock to pull the sash from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when the controller receives a signal form the sensor indicating that the sash has reached the nearly closed position from one of the open positions.
According to another preferred aspect the openable window further comprises a compressible seal interposed between at least a portion of the sash and a portion of the frame, the compressible seal being at least partially compressed when the sash is in the fully closed position.
According to another preferred aspect the first cooperating lock part is configured to provide a pulling force for pulling the sash from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position that is sufficiently large to compress the compressible seal.
According to another preferred aspect the compressible seal is substantially uncompressed in the nearly closed position of the sash.
According to another preferred aspect the first cooperating lock part comprises a moveable part that is operated by a motor or actuator, preferably under command from the controller, to move between a first position and a second position, the first position placing a first engagement member of the first cooperating lock part in a position to engage a second engagement member of the second cooperating lock part when the sash is in the nearly closed position, and the second position placing the first cooperating lock part in a position where the sash is fully locked when the second engagement member is engaged with the first engagement member.
According to another preferred aspect the sash actuator operatively connected to the sash and configured to move the sash between the nearly closed position and the open positions, preferably under command from the controller.
According to another preferred aspect the electric drive motor operably connected to a revolution-counter, the revolution counter being connected to the controller and the controller being configured to determine the position of the sash on the basis of a signal from the revolution counter.
According to another preferred aspect the controller monitors the electrical current supplied to the electric drive motor and wherein the controller is configured to determine that the sash has reached an end position, such as e.g. the nearly closed position and/or a fully open position when the current exceeds a threshold, the controller further preferably being configured to store the determined position relative to the position derived from the signal from the revolution counter.
According to another preferred aspect the sash actuator is configured to automatically disengage the sash when the sash is manually moved.
According to another preferred aspect the motorized electronically operated lock is operatively connected to a handle for manual locking and unlocking of the sash.
According to another preferred aspect the first cooperative lock part or the second cooperative lock part further comprises a motorized engagement member configured to move the lock part concerned between an engaged position and a disengaged position, preferably in response to a signal.
According to another preferred aspect the first engagement member of the first cooperating lock part and the second engagement member of the second cooperating lock part are configured to engage automatically when the sash arrives at the nearly closed position from one of the open positions.
The sash actuator can either form an integral part of the window or be provided to an already existing window as an add-on unit.
Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the pivot or top hung roof window according to the invention will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective outer view of a top hung window according to an example embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective inner view of a top hung window according to an example embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a schematic plane side view of an example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 4 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 5 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 6 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 7 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 8 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 9 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 10 is a schematic plane side view of another example embodiment of an openable top hung roof window with an a motorized automatic lock and with a sash actuator;
Fig. 11 is a bottom view on an example embodiment a motorized lock as used in the roof windows shown in Figs. 1 to 10;
Fig. 12 is a bottom view on another example embodiment a motorized lock as used in the roof windows shown in Figs. 1 to 10;
Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic side view of a top hung or pivoted roof window illustrating an example embodiment of a motorized lock;
Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of a top hung or pivoted roof window illustrating an example embodiment of a motorized lock;
Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of a top hung or pivoted roof window illustrating an example embodiment of a motorized lock; and
Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate the operation of the motorized lock of the roof window and motorized lock of the example embodiment of Fig. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 and 2 show perspective views of an openable top hung roof window generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The roof window comprises a rectangular frame 2 defining an opening and a rectangular sash 3 matching the opening. The sash 3 is connected to the frame 2 at the top portion of the frame 2 by suitable hinge 4 that is arranged at the top of the roof window 1. The frame members and the sash members can for example be wooden members, metal profiles, plastic (polymeric) material members or combinations thereof. Two arms 8 connect the sash 3 to the hinge 4. The sash 3 includes a window pane 11, such as for example double glazing, can undergo a pivotal movement relative to the frame 2 about the hinge 4 as indicated by the arrow B in Fig. 1 between a closed position and open positions. The sash 3 is via a link member 5 connected to an elongated member 6 in such a manner that the elongated member 6 will undergo an axial movement as indicated by the arrow A when the sash 3 undergoes a pivotal movement relative to the frame 2.
The elongated member 6 is axially displaceable in the frame 2 and biased in its movement by a resilient biasing means such as for instance a helical spring 7 that encircles a portion of the elongate member 6 for balancing the sash 3 in various open positions thereof. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that other resilient biasing means can be used, such as a gas spring, a leaf spring or a torsion spring. Braking means (not shown) such as frictional braking means are also provided and the brake can act directly or indirectly on the elongated member 6. The breaking means can be in the form of the internal friction/resistance to movement of a sash actuator that will be described in greater detail further below. The resilient means can also be an integral part of the sash actuator.
The combination of the resilient biasing means and the braking means ensures that the sash 3 can assume and maintain any open position and will not change such an assumed open position due to the influence of gravity, wind or any other forces that can be expected to act on the sash 3 during normal use. However, the combination of the resilient biasing means and the braking means is such that an operator applying manual force to the sash 3 will be able to move the sash with relative ease.
The sash 3 can in this embodiment also pivot about a hinge 9 at the free end of arms 8 so that the sash 3 can be reversed, e.g. for cleaning the outer side of window pane 11 from the inner side of the roof window 1.
The frame 2 is provided with an opening that matches the sash 3 and in this embodiment the frame 2 is provided with a seal or gasket 30 that surrounds the opening and provides for a tight seal with the sash 3 when the sash is in a fully closed position. The seal or gasket 30 can be made of compressible material or can be made of flexible material that is arranged to fold or bend when it is compressed. Typically, the seal or gasket 30 is made from an elastomeric material.
When the sash 3 is in a nearly closed position, the sash 3 is proximate to the frame 2. In this position the opening in the frame 2 is almost closed, and the seal or gasket 30 is not- or only to a minor extend compressed (e.g. only compressed in the area of the gasket closest to the hinge 4). Fig. 16 illustrates the nearly closed position of the sash 3. The compressible seal 30 is at least partially compressed in most of its extend around the opening when the sash 3 is in the fully closed position.
With reference to Fig. 3 there is shown a schematic plane side view of a first example embodiment of an openable top or pivot hung roof window 1. In the frame 2 there is provided a linear sash actuator 40 with an operable free end. The linear sash actuator 40 can in an embodiment be a spindle actuator with an electric drive motor. In this embodiment the balancing and locking mechanism that allows the sash 3 to maintain a given position is integrated in the sash actuator 40.
In this embodiment the free end of the sash actuator 40 is connected to a free end of the link member 5 that is in turn connected with its opposite end to the arm 8. Thus, linear movement in the direction of the arrow on sash actuator 40 will cause rotational movement of the sash 2 in the direction of the curved arrow and vice versa. The linear sash actuator 40 is connected to a power source (not shown) and to a controller 50.
The controller 50 is in an embodiment provided with a user interface or connected to a device with a user interface such as a remote control unit which could e.g. be a smartphone with an app installed thereon for controlling the operation of the roof window 1 via the controller 50. Via the user interface the controller 50 can receive instructions from an operator to move the sash 3 to a desired position, such as the fully closed and locked position, or any open position. The controller 50 may also be connected to other sensors, such as a rain, storm or squeeze protection sensor and the controller 50 may be configured to automatically reduce the opening or even to close and lock the window when rain or storm is detected and the controller may be configured to stop movement of the sash, or even partially withdraw the last movement of the sash when the squeeze sensor signals a squeeze event. The controller 50 may also receive other external signals that do not come directly from an operator for changing the position of the sash 3, or for locking the sash 3.
The internal friction and construction of the sash actuator 40 is such that it allows the sash 3 to be moved manually with the sash actuator 40 following the movement of the sash 3.
The controller 50 is also connected to a first sensor 32 that detects when the sash 3 is in a nearly closed position where it is proximate to the frame 2, and in an embodiment the first sensor 32 can detect whether the sash 3 arrives at the nearly closed position from an open position.
The roof window 1 is provided with a motorized electronically operated lock 20 that comprises a first cooperating lock part 22 arranged in or near the bottom end of the frame 2 and second cooperating lock part 24 arranged in or near the bottom end of the sash 3. The first cooperating lock part 22 and the second cooperating lock part 24 can engage and disengage one another, i.e. the first cooperating lock part 22 and second cooperating lock part 24 are configured to engage one another when the sash 3 arrives from an open position at the nearly closed position. In an embodiment the first sensor 32 is configured to detect that the first cooperating lock part 22 and the second cooperating lock part 24 have engaged.
The second cooperating lock part 24 is operably connected to a handle 18 so that it can also be operated manually. The handle 18 also allows for manual operation of the sash 3 in order to move it between closed, nearly closed and open positions. The first cooperating lock part 22 is connected to the controller 50. The first cooperating lock part 22 is configured carry out a motorized movement that pulls the sash 3 from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when, i.e. as a soon as, the first and second cooperating lock parts 22,24 engage one another. Hereto, the controller 50 receives a signal from the first sensor 32 that indicates to the controller 50 that the sash 3 has arrived at the nearly closed position from an open position. In an embodiment the signal from the first sensor 32 can also indicate to the controller 50 that the first and second cooperating lock parts 22, 24 have engaged one another. Upon receipt of the signal from the sensor 32 the controller 50 issues a signal to the first cooperating lock part 22 to carry out the motorized movement that pulls the sash 3 from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position.
Thus, the first sensor or switch 32 is configured to cause a first signal to be transmitted to the motorized electronically operated lock to pull the sash 3 from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when the sash 3 reaches the nearly closed position from one of the open positions.
The first sensor or switch 32 may in an embodiment also be configured to cause a first signal to be transmitted to the motorized electronically operated lock 20 to pull the sash 3 from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when the first and second lock part 22,24 engage one another.
The motorized electronically operated lock is preferably configured to lock or latch the sash 3 after or when drawing the sash 3 to the closed position. A signal hereto can be issued under command from the controller 50.
In an embodiment the motorized electronically operated lock 20 is configured to actively move the sash 3 from the fully closed position to the nearly closed position and to release the sash 3 by disengaging the first and second lock parts 22,24 upon receipt of a control signal from the controller 50.
In another embodiment the motorized electronically operated lock 20 is configured to allow the sash 3 to move from the fully closed position to the nearly closed position and to release the sash 3 by disengaging the first and second lock parts 22,24 upon receipt of a control signal form the controller 50.
The controller 50 is in an embodiment configured to send a control signal to the motorized electronically operated lock 20 to pull the sash 3 from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position when the controller 50 receives a signal form the first sensor 32 indicating that the sash has reached the nearly closed position from one of the open positions.
The first cooperating lock part 22 is configured to provide a pulling force for pulling the sash 3 from the nearly closed position to the fully closed position that is sufficiently large to compress the compressible seal 30. Hereto, the first cooperating lock part 22 can be provided with an electric motor that provides the required force, such as e.g. a linear electric drive motor or a rotating electric motor connected to means that convert rotational movement of the drive motor to a linear movement, such as e.g. spindle or a chain or a rack.
Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the roof window 1 with a slightly differently arranged link mechanism between the sash actuator 40 and the arm 8, but otherwise the construction and operation of the roof window 1 of this embodiment is the same as described above with reference to Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the roof window 1 with an arranged link mechanism between the sash actuator 40 and the arm 8, but otherwise the construction and operation of the roof window 1 of this embodiment is the same as described above with reference to Fig. 3. In this embodiment the balancing and locking mechanism is not integrated into the sash actuator 40, but instead external thereto. In this embodiment the function of the first sensor 32 is an integral part of the sash actuator 40. Hereto, the sash actuator 40 is provided with an electric drive motor operably connected to a revolution-counter, the revolution-counter being connected to the controller 50 and the controller 50 being configured to determine the position of the sash 3 on the basis of a signal from the revolution-counter.
In an embodiment the controller 50 monitors the electrical current supplied to the electric drive motor of the sash actuator 40 and the controller 50 is configured to determine that the sash 3 has reached an end position, such as e.g. the nearly closed position and/or a fully open position when the current exceeds a threshold, the controller 50 further preferably being configured to store the determined position relative to the position derived from the signal from the revolution counter.
Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the roof window 1 with an arranged link mechanism between the sash actuator 40 and the arm 8, but otherwise the construction and operation of the roof window 1 according to this embodiment is the same as described above with reference to Fig. 3. In this embodiment the sash actuator 40 is pivotally connected with one free end to the frame 2 and with its other free end connected pivotally to the sash 3. In this embodiment the balancing and locking mechanism is not integrated into the sash actuator 40, but instead external thereto.
The embodiment of Fig. 7 is a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 6, with the arrangement of the link and balancing/brake construction being slightly different.
The embodiment of Fig. 8 is a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 6, with the arrangement of the link and balancing/brake construction being integrated in the tilting sash actuator 40 with one end fastened to the frame 2 and the opposite end fastened to the arms 8.
The embodiment of Fig. 9 is a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 8, with the sash actuator 40 situated in the plane of the arms 8 being connected to the arm 8 and the frame 2 via a link member 5 near the top hinge 4.
The embodiment of Fig. 10 is a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 8, with the sash actuator 40 situated in the plane of the frame being connected to the arm 8 and the frame 2 via a link member 5 near the top hinge 4. Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of the motorized electronically operated lock 20 in greater detail. The first cooperating lock part 22 is connected to the frame 2, preferably integrated therein, and comprises in an embodiment a moveable part 26 that is operated by a motor or actuator 27, preferably under command from the controller 50, to move between a first position and a second position as indicated by the vertically directed double arrow in Fig. 11. The movable part 26 is provided with an engagement member 23 in the form of an L-shaped slot that opens towards an edge of the movable part 26 and the slot 23 is configured to receive and engage second engagement member 25 of the second cooperating lock part 24. In the first position a first engagement member 23 of the first cooperating lock part 22 is placed in a position to engage the second engagement member 25 of the second cooperating lock part 24 when the sash 3 is in the nearly closed position, and the second position (shown in Fig. 11) places the first cooperating lock part 22 in a position where the sash 3 is fully locked when the second engagement member 25 is engaged with the first engagement member 23.
The second cooperative lock part 24 is connected to the sash 3 and preferably integrated therein and comprises a movable member 60 that is provided with second engagement members 25. In the present embodiment the movable member is a bar 60 that is configured to slide in the sash 3 in the direction of the horizontal double arrow in Fig. 11 and the engagement members 25 are pegs 25 that protrude from the bar 60 and the pegs 25 are configured for engaging the slot 23 in the first cooperative lock part 22. The bar 60 is also provided with an array of rectangular shaped recesses or openings 62 that are configured for engaging the teeth 19 of a rotatable sprocket that is attached to the rotatable handle 18. Thus, rotation of the handle 18 by an operator will cause rotation of the sprocket and thereby a translational movement of the bar 60 and the pegs 25 as indicated by the horizontal double arrow in Fig. 11 for manual operation of the motorized lock 20.
The bar 60 is also provided with a peg 63 that is configured to engage a bracket 70. The bracket 70 is operably connected to an actuator or motor 72 that can move the bracket 70 sideways as indicted by the double arrow in the bracket to render the latter into a motorized engagement member configured to move the second cooperating lock part 24 between an engaged position (is not shown in Fig. 11) and a disengaged position (shown in Fig. 11), preferably in response to a signal from the controller 50.
According an embodiment the first engagement member 23 of the first cooperating lock part 22 and the second engagement member 25 of the second cooperating lock part 24 are configured to activate engagement automatically when the sash 3 arrives at the nearly closed position from one of the open positions.
Hereto, the controller 50 is in the embodiment of Fig. 11 configured to activate motor or actuator 72 when the sash 3 is in the nearly closed position with the pegs 25 received in the L-shaped slot 23, to be precise with the pegs 25 at the bottom of the horizontally extending leg of the L-shaped slot 23, as indicted by the pegs 25 drawn with interrupted lines. In this position of the sash 3 the peg 63 is received inside the bracket 70 as indicated by the dotted version of the peg 63 in Fig. 11. Activation of the motor or actuator 72 will cause the bracket 70 to move to the left (left as in Fig. 11) and thereby push the peg 63 and thereby the bar 60 with the pegs 25 leftwards, which in turn causes the pegs 25 to move leftwards into the dead end of the horizontal leg of the L-shaped slot 23, as also indicated by the pegs 25 drawn with interrupted lines in Fig. 11. Thus, the first cooperating lock part 22 has engaged the second cooperative lock part 24. Next, the controller 50 activates motor 27 and pulls the movable parts 26 with the pegs 25 caught in the L-shaped slot 23 downwards (downwards as in Fig. 11), thereby also pulling the second cooperative lock part 24 and therewith the sash 3 towards the frame 2 to the fully locked position of the sash 3.
When the sash 3 is to be opened the procedure is reversed, and the controller 50 starts by activating the motor or actuator 27 to move in the upward direction (upward as in Fig. 11) until the sash 3 assumes the nearly closed position. The controller 50 may in an embodiment receive a signal from the sensor 32 that the nearly closed position has been reached, and in an embodiment the sensor will also detect that the sash came to the nearly closed position from the fully closed position.
Next the controller 50 will activate the motor or actuator 72 so that the latter will move to the right (right as in Fig. 11) and thereby also move the peg 63 and the bar 60 including the pegs 25 to the right. Thereby the pegs 25 arrive again at the bottom of the upwardly extending leg of the L-shaped slot 23 and the first cooperating lock part 22 and the second corporate and lock part 24 are thereby disengaged. Next, the sash 3 can be moved to open positions manually or by a sash actuator 40.
According to another preferred aspect the motorized electronically operated lock 20 is operatively connected to a handle 18 for manual locking and unlocking of the sash 3.
Hereto, it is noted that in an embodiment the top hung or pivot hung roof window is not provided with a sash actuator 40, i.e. all opening movement between the nearly closed position and the open positions is manual.
According to another preferred aspect the first engagement member 23 of the first cooperating lock part 22 i.e. the slot 23 may be provided by an electromagnet activated striker plate which releases the second engagement member 25 of the second cooperating lock part 24 based on a signal from the controller 50.
Fig. 12 shows the motorized electronically operated lock 20 according to another example embodiment that is slightly different from the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, in that the first lock part 22 operates with a single motor 72 for the engagement procedure and for pulling of the sash 3 to the locked position. The second lock part 24 is essentially identical to Fig. 11. The first lock part is provided with two slanting slots 23 that can both engage the pegs 25 and draw the pegs 25 towards the frame 2 and thereby pull the sash 3 to its completely closed and locked position. The single motor or actuator 72 is operably connected the bracket 70 that is configured to engage the peg 63. When the controller 50 receives a signal from the first sensor 32 that the sash 3 is in the nearly closed position, it commands the motor or actuator 72 to move towards the right, thereby forcing the pegs 25 towards the bottom or dead end of the sloping slot 23. This action will cause the pegs 25 to be retained in the sloping slot 23 and this action will cause the pegs 25 to be drawn towards the frame 2 and thereby the sash 3 is urged to the closed position. Since the pegs 25 are secured in the dead end of the sloping slot 23, the sash 3 is also locked in this position. When the sash 3 is to be opened the controller 50 will upon receiving a corresponding control signal activate the motor or linear actuator 72 to move to the right (right as in Fig. 12) and push the peg 63 and thereby the pegs 25 towards the free opening of the sloping slot 23. Thereby, the pegs 25 in the second cooperating lock part 24 are engaged from the first cooperating lock part 22 and thus the sash 3 is no longer locked.
Fig. 13 is diagrammatic side view of an example embodiment of the top or pivot hung roof window 1. In this embodiment the first cooperative lock part 22 is arranged in the sash and the motor or actuator 27 is coupled to the handle 18. The motor or linear actuator 27 is also operatively coupled to a first engagement member 23 and configured to move the first engaging member 23 as shown by the double-sided arrow under command from the controller 50. The first engaging member 23 is configured as a member with a triangular cross-section. The second cooperating lock part 24 is provided with a second engaging member 25 that is secured to the frame 2. The second engaging member 25 also has a triangular cross-section and the respective inclined surfaces of the first and second engaging members 23, 25 allow for the locking of the sash and for pulling the sash 3 from a nearly closed position to a fully closed position, similar to the operation described with reference to the embodiments above.
Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of an example embodiment of the top or pivot hung roof window 1. In this embodiment the first cooperating lock part 22 is secured and preferably partially integrated into the frame 2. The first cooperating lock part 22 includes a motor or linear actuator 27 that is operatively connected to a spring-loaded catch 23 that protrudes from the frame 2 in order to be able to engage the latch 25 of the second cooperating lock member 24 that is provided in and preferably integrated into the sash 3. The latch 25 is operatively connected to the handle 18, so that rotational movement of the handle 18 will cause a translative moment of the latch 25 in the direction of the double-sided arrow in Fig. 14 for manually disengaging the latch 25. The operation of the roof window 1 according to this embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17.
Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of an example embodiment of the top or pivot hung roof window 1 with a motorized lock 20 as shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 16 shows the roof window of Fig. 14 with the sash 3 in the nearly closed position and with the first cooperating lock part 22 having engaged the second cooperative lock part 24 by the latch 25 being caught by the catch 23. The next step of the locking procedure is the activation of the linear actuator motor 27 that pulls the catch 23 and thereby the latch 25 and the sash 3 towards the frame 2 to thereby close and lock the window 1 as shown in Fig. 17.
According to an embodiment the sash actuator 40 is configured to automatically disengage the sash 3 when the sash 3 is manually moved.
In an embodiment the top or pivot hung roof window 1 is provided with means for protecting operators or other persons in the vicinity of the roof window 1 to get body parts stuck in the window. Hereto, the roof window 1 is provided with sensors that detect the amount of force that is applied to the sash 3 by the respective actuators or motors and the controller 50 is configured to determine on the basis of the magnitude of the force, the time during which the force has been applied and the position of the sash 3 whether an object is stuck in the roof window 1. If such an event has been determined the controller 50 will stop the operation of the actuators and motors or even reverse the last part of the movement of the sash 3. One further advantage of the disclosed motorized lock is that the high closing force of 10-50 Kg is applied in the end of the closing movement, thereby preventing large force exposure to body parts stuck between the frame and sash during the open positions. Another advantage of the disclosed motorized lock is that it allows the user to physically operate the window handle so straightforward manual and electric operation is provided.
Although the present invention has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations and combinations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the embodiments have been described with reference to a single controller, and with a single sensor for detecting the position of the sash. However, as will be apparent by those skilled in the art, there is more than one controller could be used to control the sash actuator and the motorized lock, respectively, and separate sensors could be provided for detecting the position of the sash and for detecting the position of the motorized lock and for detecting the state of the motorized lock, i.e. the lock being engaged or not engaged.
The term "comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

A pivot hung or top hung roof window, said roof window (1) comprising:
a frame (2) and a sash (3), said sash (3) being pivotally connected to said frame (2) and pivotally movable relative to the frame (2) between a fully closed position, a nearly closed position where said sash (3) is proximate to said frame (2) and open positions,

characterized by

a sash actuator (40) operatively connected to said sash (3) and configured to move said sash (3) between said nearly closed position and said open positions, wherein said sash actuator (40) comprises a linear actuator, such as for example a spindle actuator (53) driven by an electric drive motor (43), said sash actuator (40) being not self-locking and being configured to be movable by the sash (3) when said sash (3) is manually moved, and said sash (3) is at least partially balanced by a balancing arrangement (35) that may comprise a resilient member such as a helical wire spring or a gas spring,

a handle (18) provided with said sash (3) for manually moving said sash (3) between said fully closed and open positions, and

a motorized electronically operated lock (20) that comprises first and second cooperating lock parts (22,24) that can engage and disengage one another with the first or the second cooperating lock part (22,24) being attached to said frame (2) and the other cooperating lock part (22,24) being attached to said sash (3),

said first and second cooperating lock parts (22,24) being configured to engage one another when said sash (3) arrives from an open position at said nearly closed position,

at least the first cooperating lock part (22) being configured to carry out a motorized movement that pulls said sash (3) from said nearly closed position to said fully closed position when said first and second cooperating lock parts (22,24) engage one another.
A roof window according to claim 1, further comprising a first sensor or switch (32) configured to cause a first signal to be transmitted to said motorized electronically operated lock (20) to pull said sash (3) from said nearly closed position to said fully closed position when said sash (3) reaches said nearly closed position from one of said open positions.
A roof window according to claim 1, further comprising a first sensor or switch (32) configured to cause a first signal to be transmitted to said motorized electronically operated lock (20) to pull said sash (3) from said nearly closed position to said fully closed position when said first and second lock part (22,24) engage one another.
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said motorized electronically operated lock (20) is configured to lock or latch said sash (3) after or when drawing said sash (3) to said closed position.
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said motorized electronically operated lock (20) is configured to actively move said sash (3) from said fully closed position to said nearly closed position and to release said sash (3) by disengaging said first and second lock parts (22,24) upon receipt of a control signal, or wherein said motorized electronically operated lock (20) is configured to allow said sash (3) to move from said fully closed position to said nearly closed position and to release said sash (3) by disengaging said first and second lock parts (22,24) upon receipt of a control signal.
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said window comprises a controller (50) operatively connected to said motorized electronically operated lock (20), said controller (50) being configured to send a control signal to said motorized electronically operated lock (20) to pull said sash (3) from said nearly closed position to said fully closed position when said controller (50) receives a signal form said first sensor (32) indicating that said sash has reached said nearly closed position from one of said open positions.
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a compressible seal (30) interposed between at least a portion of said sash (3) and a portion of said frame (2), said compressible seal (30) being at least partially compressed when said sash (3) is in said fully closed position.
A roof window according to claim 7, wherein said first cooperating lock part (22) is configured to provide a pulling force for pulling said sash (3) from said nearly closed position to said fully closed position that is sufficiently large to compress said compressible seal (30).
A roof window according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said compressible seal (30) is substantially uncompressed in said nearly closed position of said sash (3).
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first cooperating lock part (22) comprises a moveable part that is operated by a motor or actuator (27,72), preferably under command from said controller (50), to move between a first position and a second position, said first position placing a first engagement member (23) of said first cooperating lock part (22) in a position to engage a second engagement member (25) of said second cooperating lock part (24) when said sash (3) is in said nearly closed position, and said second position placing said first cooperating lock part (22) in a position where said sash (3) is fully locked when said second engagement member (25) is engaged with said first engagement member (23).
A roof window according to any one of claims 6 to 10,) and wherein said sash actuator (40) is configured to move said sash (3) between said nearly closed position and said open position under command from said controller (50).
A roof window according to claim 1, wherein said sash actuator (40) comprises an electric drive motor (43) operably connected to a revolution-counter, said revolution counter being connected to said controller (50) and said controller (50) being configured to determine the position of said sash (3) on the basis of a signal from said revolution counter.
A roof window according to claim 12, wherein said controller (50) monitors the electrical current supplied to said electric drive motor (43) and wherein said controller (50) is configured to determine that the sash (3) has reached an end position, such as e.g. said nearly closed position and/or a fully open position when said current exceeds a threshold, said controller (50) further is the being configured to store the determined position relative to the position derived from the signal from the revolution counter.
A roof window according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said sash actuator (40) is configured to automatically disengage said sash (3) when said sash is manually moved.
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said motorized electronically operated lock (20) is operatively connected to a handle (18) for manual locking and unlocking of said sash (3).
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said first cooperative lock part or said second cooperative lock part further comprises a motorized engagement member (70) configured to move the lock part concerned between an engaged position and a disengaged position, preferably in response to a signal.
A roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said first engagement member (23) of said first cooperating lock part (22) and said second engagement member (25) of said second cooperating lock part (24) are configured to engage automatically when said sash (3) arrives at said nearly closed position from one of said open positions.