EP3409869B1

EP3409869B1 - Reversible window and hinge mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP3409869B1
Application number: EP17173427.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Hellström
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-30
Publication date: 2022-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-30
Also published as: EP3409869A1

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a reversible and outwardly openable window of the type which comprises a frame and a sash with a laterally extending rabbet flange which, in the closed position of the sash, overlaps an outwardly facing support surface of the frame. A hinge mechanism for such a reversible window is also disclosed.

Background

Reversible windows are frequently used in dwellings and public buildings. In addition to these windows being able to be opened to admit fresh air, it is also possible to pivot the sash through almost 180° around a vertical or horizontal axis so that the outside of the window faces inwards. In this way, it is possible for a person who is inside the window to clean the outside of the window. With one type of reversible window, the upper or lower ends of the sides of the sash can move in vertical tracks that are arranged in the side jambs of the window frame. In addition, the sides of the sash are attached to the side jambs of the window frame by means of two hinge mechanisms or fittings and can rotate around a horizontal axis that is defined by pivot pins on the hinge mechanisms. By moving the vertically-movable ends of the sides of the sash upwards or downwards, the sash is moved outwards while, at the same time, it is pivoted around its horizontal axis.
Normally the head, sill and side jambs of the frame comprise an inner rabbet which exhibits and outwardly facing stop face against which a peripheral, inwardly facing surface of the sash takes support when the sash is in the closed position. An inner sealing is normally provided between said surfaces of the frame and the sash. In many instances it is advantageous to provide an additional sealing between the frame and the sash. For this purpose, the sash may be provided with an outer, peripheral and laterally extending rabbet flange which overlaps an outer outwardly facing stop surface of the frame when the sash is closed. Such a peripheral flange provides an outer stop surface and allows the arrangement of a second, outer sealing between the frame and the sash. The outer sealing may thus be compressed between the mutually facing outer stop surfaces of the frame and the sash. By this means the window may be provide with two or more compressible sealings which together defines a sealed space between the frame and sash. This enhances the thermal insulation of the window to a great extent.

Prior Art

EP 0 542 050 A1 describes a fitting for windows that have a side of a sash with an upper or lower end that can move along the window frame and that can be pivoted through 180° around a horizontal axis. The fitting comprises a frame plate that has tracks to guide the movable end of the side of the sash. The fitting also comprises a hinge mechanism that is attached to the frame plate and to the side of the sash. The hinge mechanism comprises a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each with a first end that is attached to the frame plate in such a way that it can pivot, and a third pivot arm that is attached to the other ends of the first and second pivot arms in the vicinity of its first end, in such a way that it can pivot. The third pivot arm also comprises a pivot pin that defines the axis of rotation of the sash and that is located at the other end of the third pivot arm.
With the fitting described in EP 0 542 050 A1 , all the pivot arms and the pivot attachment points are on the opposite half of the side of the sash to the movable end of the side of the sash, when the window is in the closed position.
This fitting has an advantage in that the outer plane of the side of the sash pivots around the axis of rotation and never passes the third pivot arm. Accordingly, it is possible for the frame around the sash to be provided with a weather strip that is arranged on the outside and that projects sideways to cover part of the gap between the sash and the window frame in the closed position, and in particular to cover the third pivot arm that is arranged in this gap. However, pivoting of the sash to the reversed position requires that the upper end of the sash is received between the side jambs of the frame. Thereby, it is not possible to provide the sash with an outer peripheral rabbet flange which overlaps the frame in the closed position.
Therefore, the above arrangement does not allow for an outer sealing which is compressed between respective stop faces on the sash and the frame.
The above described fitting has also proved to have the serious limitation that the compressive forces that arise on the shorter of the two pivot arms that are attached to the frame plate are very large. In particular in the case of large and heavy windows, it has been the case that the compressive forces that act on the short pivot arm when the sash is in the fully open horizontal position have a tendency to deform this short pivot arm. In practice, it has therefore been necessary to supplement the fitting described above with various types of devices to reduce these forces.
EP 1802 837 B1 discloses a fitting for a reversible pivoting window. The fitting comprises a sliding part which is guided by a guiding rail and to which an end portion of the window sash is articulated. The guide rail comprises an upper curved portion for allowing the end portion of the sash to move inwards and outwards relative to the frame. A double bladed bracket comprises a first leg and e second leg. The first leg comprises an arm which at one end is articulated to the sash. The second leg is formed by two parallel aligned pivoted levers which both are articulated to a second end portion of the arm and to a mounting plate which is fixed to a side jamb of the frame.
With this fitting it is possible to provide the sash with an outer peripheral rabbet flange and still allow the sash to rotated almost 180° about a horizontal axis. However, the fitting is rather complex in construction and the arrangement of the double bladed bracket requires that all arms and levers are able to sustain compressive forces.
US 5,924,244 discloses a reversible window comprising a frame, a casement and two hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism comprises a first slide which is pivotally connected to an end potion of the sash and vertically displaceable along a first guide fixed to a side jamb of the frame. A pivot arm is, at one end, pivotally connected to the sash and, at the opposite end, pivotally connected to a second slide which is vertically displaceable along a second guide extending in parallel with the first guide. A support member is, at one end, pivotally connected an upper end of the side jamb and, at the opposite end, pivotally connected to the pivot arm, between its end portions.
This window allows for that the sash is completely reversible about 180° such that it may be fully closed in both mutually reversed positions. The hinge mechanism further allows for that only the pivot arm must sustain compressive strain whereas the support member need only to sustain tensile strain. However, this arrangement does not allow for that the sash is provided with and outer peripheral rabbet flange for the arrangement of an outer compressible sealing.
CH 702 221 B1 discloses a reversible and outwardly openable rabbeted window. The wing is connected to the frame by means of a support arm which is pivotaly connected to a slide which runs in a guide fixed to the frame and by a carrying arm which is pivotaly connected to the frame. The upper portion of the wing is pivotally connected to a lever device which is is is guided by the guide and by an upper curved extension of the guide. From the fully closed position, the wing may be reversibly opened to a maximum opening angle of approx. 150°.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide an enhanced reversible and outwardly openable rabbeted window.
Another object is to provide such a window which exhibits high thermal insulation.
A further object is to provide such a window which provides enhanced protection for components of the hinge mechanism.
Still another object is to provide such a window which is durable and reliable in use.
Yet another object is to provide such a window which is easy to assemble.
Another object is to provide such window which comprises a comparatively low number of constituent components.
These and other objects are obtained with a reversible window of the type specified in appended claim 1.
The invention concerns a reversible and outwardly openable rabbeted window. It comprises a frame; a sash with a laterally extending peripheral rabbet flange which, in a closed position overlaps a portion of the frame; and two hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism comprises a pivot arm with a first end being pivotally connected to the sash, at a first pivot axis and a second end being pivotally connected to a first slide at a second pivot axis. The second slide is arranged linearly displaceable along a first guide which is fixed to or made integral with the frame. A support member has a first end pivotally connected to the pivot arm and a second end pivotally connected to the frame. A second slide is pivotally connected to an upper portion of the sash and arranged linearly displaceable along a second guide which is fixed to or made integral with the frame. The support member is pivotally connected to the pivot arm by means of a distance member such that the movement plane of the support member is laterally offset from the movement plane of the first pivot arm by a distance which is greater than the lateral extension of the rabbet flange. The pivot arm is pivotally connected to the first slide by means of a pivot mechanism which is arranged to allow the second end of the pivot arm to move linearly relative to the second pivot axis.
The inventive window thus provides for that the sash comprises a peripheral rabbet flange which may form a support surface for an outer compressible sealing and still allow that the sash is reversible up to approximately 170-180°. When combining the outer sealing with an inner sealing that is arranged between inner opposing stop surfaces arranged at the frame and the sash in a traditional manner, the two sealings will define a hermetically sealed space in the gap between the frame and the sash. By this means the window will exhibit excellent thermal insulation.
In addition, both guides and both slides as well as the pivot arm of each hinge mechanisms may be arranged in said sealed space when the window is in its normal closed position. By this means these components are very well protected from rain, dust, and other particles and pollution. This in turn enhances the reliability and service life of the hinge mechanisms. A further advantage is that the support member needs only to sustain tensile strain, which makes it possible to design this member with reduced dimensions or even as a wire or the like if desired.
The frame may exhibit an outwardly facing support surface which, in the closed position, is overlapped by the rabbet flange.
The second slide may comprise a hinge, defining a pivot axis which is arranged outside of the frame's support surface.
The pivot axis of the hinge may be arranged in level between a sash support surface arranged on the inside of the rabbet flange and the outside of the rabbet flange.
The pivot axis of the hinge may be arranged laterally outside of the rabbet flange.
The pivot mechanism may comprise a slot and a pin guidedly received in the slot.
The pin may then be arranged to define the second pivot axis.
Alternatively or in combination, the pivot mechanism may comprise a link mechanism, such as a scissors mechanism or the like.
The support member may be or comprise a pivot arm.
Alternatively, the support member may be or comprise a wire.
The first and the second guides may be arranged in parallel.
The first and second guides may extend over essentially the entire length of a side jamb of the frame.
The first and second guides may be defined by a single profile element.
The second end of the support member may be pivotally fixed to the first or second guide.
Further objects and advantages of the invention appear from the following detailed description and from the appended claims-

Brief description of drawings

In the following, exemplifying embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig.i is a perspective view of a window according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cross section of the window shown in fig. 1.
Fig. 3a is a side view with some components removed of the window shown in fig. 1 and fig. 3b is a detail in enlarged scale thereof.
Fig. 4 is a side view corresponding to fig. 3a and shows the sash at a larger opening angle.
Fig. 5a is a side view corresponding to fig. 3a where the sash is at an opening angle of approx. 90° and fig. 5b is a detail in enlarged scale thereof.
Fig. 6 is a side view corresponding to fig. 3a where the sash is at an opening angle of approx. 170°.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view corresponding to fig 1 where the sash is at a fully reversed position with an opening angle of almost 180°

Detailed description of embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a reversible window according to an exemplifying embodiment of the invention. The window comprises a frame 10, a casement or sash 20 and two hinge mechanisms 30. The two hinge mechanisms are mirror images of each other and in the following only one hinge mechanism will be described in detail.
The frame comprises a head 11, a sill 12 and two vertical side jambs 13. Each of these frame members 11, 12, 13 exhibits an inner rabbet 14 which together form an inner circumferential outwardly facing frame stop surface 15. The head 11 and the sill 12 further exhibits an outer, outwardly facing stop surface 16 which, as will be explained below, together with an outwardly facing side surface of respective guide members of the two hinge mechanisms form a circumferential outer outwardly facing frame stop surface 17. In the shown example the frame members 11, 12, 13 are formed of wood. However, they may also be formed of or comprise may other materials such as aluminium, and polymer materials, e.g. PVC and other materials suitable for the construction of window frames.
The sash 20 comprises an upper 21, a lower 22 and two side 23 sash members. These sash members 21, 22, 23 exhibit inner inwardly facing sash stop surfaces which together form a circumferential inwardly facing inner sash stop surface 24. The inner sash stop surface 24 is arranged to lie in parallel with and at a small distance from the inner frame stop surface 15 when the sash 20 is in the closed position.
Each sash member 21, 22, 23 further exhibits a laterally extending peripheral rabbet flange 25 which overlaps a portion of the frame 10 when the sash is in the closed position. The rabbet flanges 25 each exhibit an inwardly facing surface which together form an outer circumferential sash stop surface 26. The outer sash stop surface 26 is arranged to lie in parallel with and at a small distance from the outer frame stop surface 17 when the sash 20 is in the closed position. In the shown example the rabbet flanges 25 are formed of aluminium profiles which are fixed to wooden base portions of the respective sash members 21, 22, 23. It is however also possible that the rabbet flanges are formed integral with the base portions of the sash members. Irrespective of the rabbet flanges and the base portions being formed integral or by separate components, they may be formed of various materials such as e.g. wood, aluminium, polymer material such as PVC and other materials suitable for the construction of window sashes.
A first compressible sealing jointing (not shown) is attached to the inner frame stop surface 15 and arranged such that it is compressed between the inner frame stop surface 15 and the inner sash stop surface 24 when the sash is in the closed position.
A second compressible sealing jointing (not shown) is attached to the outer frame stop surface 17 and arranged such that it is compressed between the outer frame stop surface 17 and the outer sash stop surface 26 when the sash is in the closed position.
The two compressible sealing jointings define together with the frame members 11, 12, 13 and the sash members 21, 22, 23 a hermetically sealed space in the gap between the frame 10 and the sash 20, when the sash is in its closed position.
Each of the two hinge mechanisms comprises a first guide 32 and a second guide 31, which are best shown in fig. 5b. The first guide 33 is arranged in parallel with and outwardly of the second guide 31. In the shown example the first 32 and second 31 guides are formed of respective longitudinal grooves or channels arranged in a single guide member 33 which is fixed to a respective side jamb 23 of the frame 20. It is however also possible that the first and second guides are formed of channels or rails defined by a common or respective guide members fixed to the side jambs. Alternatively the first and second guides may be defined by grooves or rails formed integral with the side jambs. The guide member 33 exhibits an outwardly facing surface which in the shown example forms the outer frame stop surface 17 of the frame's side jambs 13.
A fist slide 35 is arranged linearly displaceable in the first guide 32 and a second slide 34 is linearly displaceable in the second guide 31. The second slide 34 comprises a slide member 34a which is guidedly received in the second guide 31 and an arm 34b which extends outwardly from the slide member 34a. A hinge is fixed to the free end of the arm 34b. The hinge comprises a first hinge part 34c which is fixed to the arm 34b and a second hinge part 34d which is pivotally movable relative to the first hinge part 34c by means of a hinge axis 34e. The second hinge part 34d is fixed to an upper portion of the sash 20. The arm 34b is dimensioned such that the hinge axis 34 lies outwardly of the outer frame stop surface 17. As shown, the hinge axis 34e is arranged in level between the outside of the rabbet flange 25 and the outer sash stop surface. Advantageously, the hinge axis is arranged approximately midway between the outer frame support surface 17 and the outside of the rabbet flange 25. This allows for that the outer sash stop surface goes free from the outer frame stop surface 17 when the sash is opened from the fully closed position and that the outside of the rabbet flange 25 goes free from the outer frame stop surface 17 when the sash approaches the fully reversed position shown in fig. 7. This will be explained more in detail below.
Additionally, the second hinge part 34e is fixed to the inwardly facing surface of the rabbet flange 25 of the sash's upper sash member 21, and arranged such that the outer sash stop surface 26 will lie in parallel with and at a suitable distance from the outer frame stop surface 17 when the sash is in the closed position. By this means the outer sailing jointing (not shown) will be uniformly and accurately compressed when the sash is in the closed position.
The first slide 35 comprises a slide member 35a which is guidedly received in the first guide 32 and a pivotal pin 35b which extends normal to the second guide 32.
Each hinge mechanism 30 further comprises a pivot arm 36 with a first end that is pivotally fixed to a side member 23 of the sash 20 at a first pivot axis 36a. The second end of the pivot arm 36 is pivotally fixed to the first slide 35 at a second pivotal axis which is defined by the pivotal pin 35b. The second end of the pivot arm is fixed to the first slide 35 by means of a pivot mechanism which is arranged to allow the second end of the pivot arm 36 to move linearly relative to the second pivotal axis. In the shown example the pivot mechanism comprises the pivotal pin 35b and a guide slot 36b arranged in an angular extension 36c of the pivot arm's 36 second end. The second end of the pivot arm 36 may thus both pivot about the pivotal pin 35b and be displaced linearly relative to the pivotal pin 35b of the first slide 35. In the shown example the slot is rectilinear. It is however also possible that the slot may be curved. In another not shown example the pivot mechanism comprises a link mechanism such as a scissors mechanism which is arranged to allow the second end of the pivot arm to both pivot and be linearly displaced relative to the second pivotal axis.
Each hinge mechanism 30 also comprises a support member 36, which s pivotally fixed to the pivot arm 36 and to a side jamb 13 of the frame. In the shown example the upper end of the support member 36 is fixed to the side jamb 13 via the guide member 33. It is however also possible that the support member is pivotally fixed directly to a side member 23 of the frame.
The lower end of the support member 37 is pivotally fixed to a mid portion of the pivot arm 36 by means of a distance member 38 which protrudes laterally from the pivot arm 36. By this means the movement plane of the support member 37 is arranged laterally offset from the movement plane of the pivot arm 36. The lateral extension of the distance member 38 is dimensioned such that the movement plane of the support member is arranged laterally outside of the rabbet flange 25 of the sash's side members. By this means, the sash 20 including the rabbet flange 25 of the side members will go free from and between the support members 37 of both hinge mechanisms 30.
In the following the functioning of the window will be described with reference to figs. 3a, 5a, 6 and 7. Fig 3a illustrates how the sash 20 has been opened from a fully closed position to an opening angle of approx. 10°. During this opening action, the second slide 34 has moved downwardly a short distance along the second guide 31. Simultaneously the second hinge part 34d and the rabbet flange 25 of the upper sash member 21 has pivoted counter clock wise as seen in the figures. Since the hinge axis 34 is arranged essentially in the plane of the outer frame stop surface 17 and above the rabbet flange 25, the rabbet flange 25 goes free from the outer frame stop surface 17. At the same time, the fist slide 35 has been displaced somewhat upwardly along the first guide 32. During this displacement the pivot arm 36 has pivoted clockwise around pivot pin 35b but there has been no linear displacement between the slot 36b and the pivot pin 35b. The second end of the pivot arm 36 has thus been maintained in its inner portion relative to the first slide 35. The support member 37 has pivoted counter clockwise around pivot axes 37a and 37b. Grace to the distance member 38 the support member 27 goes free from the rabbet flange 25 of the sash's side members 23.
During continued pivoting of the sash 20 to the position shown in fig. 5a, where the sash 20 exhibits an opening angel of approx. 90°, the above described movements continue in the same directions.
When the sash continues to pivot clockwise from the position shown in fig. 5a, the second slide 34 continues its displacement downwardly along the second guide 31. However, from this position the pivot arm 36 and the support member 37 pivots in the opposed direction as compared to the opening action from the closed position to the opening angel of 90°. Additionally, the first slide 35 reverses its direction of displacement such that it is displaced downwardly along the second guide 32 from the 90° opening angle to the fully reversed position of the sash shown in fig. 7. During this final movement the outer sash stop surface 26, now facing downwardly and outwardly, contacts the pivot arm 36 and forces the second end of the pivot arm to be linearly displaced relative to the pivot pin 35b of the first slide 35. By this means the rabbet flange 25 is allowed to go free from the outer frame stop surface 17 such that the sash may be fully reversed to very close to 180° as shown in fig 7.
An exemplifying embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described above. It is however realized that the invention may freely be varied within the scope of the appended claims. Since the support member only needs to withstand tensile forces this hinge member may, in a not shown embodiment be formed of or comprise a wire or another flexible member. At other not shown embodiments, the first and second guides are formed integral with the frame. Advantageously in such embodiments the frame is formed of aluminium, PVC or other materials which allow extrusion such that guide channels or rails may readily be formed during manufacturing of the frame's side jambs. In the shown example the upper lower and side sash members each comprises a wooden base member with rabbet flanges formed of aluminium members being fixed to the base members. It is however also possible that the rabbet flanges are formed integral with the base members. It is also possible that the base members and the rabbet flanges are formed of or comprises any suitable material such as wood, aluminium, PVC and other suitable materials.

Claims

A reversible and outwardly openable rabbeted window, which comprises a frame (10); a sash (20) with a laterally extending peripheral rabbet flange (25) which, in a closed position overlaps a portion of the frame, said sash being reversible to an opening angle of almost 180°; and two hinge mechanisms (30), each hinge mechanism comprising;
- a pivot arm (36) with a first end being pivotally connected to the sash at a first pivot axis (36a) and a second end being pivotally connected to a first slide (35) at a second pivot axis (35b), which first slide is arranged linearly displaceable along a first guide (32) which is fixed to or made integral with the frame,

- a support member (37), with a first end pivotally connected to the pivot arm (36) and a second end pivotally connected to the frame, and

- a second slide (34) which is pivotally connected to an upper portion of the sash and arranged linearly displaceable along a second guide (31) which is fixed to or made integral with the frame, wherein

- the support member (37) is pivotally connected to the pivot arm (36) by means of a distance member (38) such that the movement plane of the support member is laterally offset from the movement plane of the pivot arm by a distance which is greater than the lateral extension of the rabbet flange (25) characterized in that

- the pivot arm (36) is pivotally connected to the first slide (35) by means of a pivot mechanism (35b, 36b, 36c) which is arranged to allow the second end of the pivot arm (36) to move linearly relative to the second pivot axis (35b).
A window according to claim 1, wherein the frame exhibits an outwardly facing support surface (17) which, in the closed position, is overlapped by the rabbet flange (25).
A window according to claim 2, wherein the second slide (34) comprises a hinge (34c, 34d, 34e), defining a pivot axis (34e) which is arranged outside of the frame's support surface (17).
A window according to claim 3, wherein the pivot axis (34e) of the hinge (34c, 34d, 34e) is arranged in level between a sash support surface (26) arranged on the inside of the rabbet flange 25 and the outside of the rabbet flange (25).
A window according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pivot axis (34e) of the hinge (34c, 34d, 34e) is arranged laterally outside of the rabbet flange (25).
A window according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a slot (36b) and a pin (35b) guidedly received in the slot.
A window according to claim 6, wherein the pin (35b) is arranged to define the second pivot axis.
A window according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a link mechanism.
A window according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the support member (37) comprises a pivot arm.
A window according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the support member comprises a wire.
A window according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the first (32) and the second (31) guides are arranged in parallel.
A window according to claim 11, wherein the first (32) and second (31) guides extend over essentially the entire length of a side jamb (23) of the frame (20).
A window according to any of claims 1-12 wherein the first (32) and second guides (31) are defined by a single profile element (33).
A window according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the second end of the support member (37) is pivotally fixed to the first (32) or second (31) guide.