EP3724439B1

EP3724439B1 - End termination device for a horizontal support element in a balcony glazing

Info

Publication number: EP3724439B1
Application number: EP18887548.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Per Carlsson
Original assignee: Balco Group AB
Current assignee: Balco Group AB
Priority date: 2017-12-11
Filing date: 2018-12-11
Publication date: 2023-08-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-11
Also published as: SE542394C2; SE1751523A1; EP3724439A1; EP3724439A4; WO2019117790A1; EP3724439C0

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a section used as a horizontal support element in a balcony glazing, which section comprises an end termination device.

Background of the Invention

Balcony glazings are often subjected to wet environments where water from rain and condensation accumulates on the glazing. This water is directed away from the glazing through channels on sections used as horizontal support elements on which window panes of the balcony glazing are seated. Usually there are upper channels on the upper side of the sections as well as lower channels on the inside of the sections. Water is lead into the lower channels by holes on the upper side of the sections. At each end of the sections they have an end termination device which terminates a section as well as its channels. End termination devices are often placed where a section used as a horizontal support element meets a wall or a vertical support element of a balcony glazing or of a balcony. The end termination device is arranged to prevent that water simply flows out from the section in an uncontrolled manner. In order for water accumulated in the channels to leave the section, holes are made near the end of the section. There are holes made on the upper side of the section such that water can flow from the upper channels to a lower channel as well as holes made on the lower inside of the section such that water can flow from a lower channel out of the section.
In SE 533 817 such a section with an end termination device is described.
Document US 2010/192488 A1 corresponds to the preamble of claim 1 and describes a mullion system that includes a mull strip member with end caps designed to weep moisture away from and out of a window frame unit.
Document KR 2013 0091435 A also corresponds to the preamble of claim 1 and describes a window member for draining water to prevent water leakage and to discharge rainwater.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a section intended for use as a horizontal support element in a balcony glazing which is easier to manufacture.
According to the present invention there is provided a section intended for use as a horizontal support element in a balcony glazing, according to claim 1.
Through a section as described above, an upper channel may be fluidly connected to a lower channel such that water can flow from the upper side of the section down to the lower channel without having to make holes in the end of the section. Instead water may flow from the upper channel to the lower channel through a bypass through the end termination device. Since the holes are no longer needed, that manufacturing step may be skipped, saving both time and money. Since the upper and lower channel are connected through the end termination device, which is there anyway, no extra device is needed for this. The robustness of the section may also be increased by getting rid of the holes.
According to one embodiment the end termination device comprises an upper bypass for each upper channel.
By having a bypass for each upper channel, water from every upper channel may flow to a lower channel through a bypass of the end termination device. Because of this there may be no need at all for holes near the end of the section which connects an upper channel with a lower channel.
According to one embodiment the end termination device comprises an outlet which connects with the lower channel to lead water out of the lower channel through the end termination device.
By means of this outlet, a hole near the end of the section, which hole lets water flow from the lower channel out from the section, may not be needed anymore. Since the hole may not be needed anymore, that manufacturing step may be skipped, saving both time and money.
Since water in the lower channel may be led out through the end termination device, which is there anyway, no extra device is needed for this. The robustness of the section may also be increased by getting rid of holes.
According to one embodiment the section comprises at least two lower channels and the end termination device comprises at least one lower bypass connecting at least two of the at least two lower channels such that water may flow between them.
By having at least two lower channels the section may have one or more inner support elements, for example a web, and still be able to accumulate and lead water inside the section. The strength and robustness of the section may thus be increased without having to decrease the water flow through the section. By having at least one bypass connecting at least two of the at least two lower channels the section itself may not need any holes which connect any lower channels, which may increase the robustness of the section. Further, there may only be needed one outflow for water in the lower channels to exit the section since they may be connected.
According to one embodiment one of the at least one lower bypasses is an outlet arranged to lead water out of at least two of the at least two lower channels through the end termination device.
By means of this, an outlet through the end termination device may be combined with a lower bypass. Lower bypasses may not only connect the lower channels with each other, but also lead water from the channels out from the section through the end termination device.
According to one embodiment the end termination device consists of a plate, in which a bypass is incorporated.
By incorporating a bypass into a plate it may easily be comprised in the end termination device and arranged at the end of a section. The bypass may also easily fit between the end of a section and a wall or a vertical support element of a balcony glazing or of a balcony. By being incorporated into a plate a bypass may also be protected by the plate.
According to the invention the end termination device comprises a rigid plate, which on at least one side has a sealing rubber sheet attached.
By comprising a rigid plate with a rubber sheet on, the end termination device may combine the good sealing properties of rubber with the rigidness of the plate.
According to one embodiment the end termination device comprises a first portion, abutting the section, and a second portion, terminating the section, wherein a bypass is incorporated in the first portion.
By having a first and a second portion the end termination device may be better adapted to its use since the portions may be made with different characteristics or properties in mind. By having the first portion abut the section and the second portion not having to do so the end termination device may be further adapted to its use. By incorporating a bypass in the first portion the first portion may be made with the bypass in mind such that the bypass may be made in a fashion which is as easy or cheap or in which the function of the bypass is as good as possible. Further, the first portion may be made with sealing between the end termination device and the section in mind. The second portion may be made with the sealing between the end termination device and a wall or vertical support element of a balcony glazing or of a balcony in mind. Further, the second portion may be made with the sealing between the section and a wall or vertical support element of a balcony glazing or of a balcony in mind.
According to one embodiment both the first portion and the second portion comprise rigid plates, which plates on each of their flat sides have sealing rubber sheets attached.
By having each portion consist of a rigid plate, both portions may be made stiff. By having rubber sheets on each of their flat sides they may form a good seal against the section and/or against each other and/or against a wall or a vertical support element of a balcony glazing or of a balcony. Since both portions are structurally equal, they may be manufactured in the same manner, thus decreasing the cost of manufacture.
According to one embodiment a bypass is formed as a recess in the end termination device.
By forming a bypass as a recess in the end termination device the bypass may be formed without taking up any extra space. Further, the bypass may be formed as a last step in the manufacturing of the end termination device, thus already existing manufacturing techniques for end termination devices may be easily adapted to the formation of a bypass. By forming a bypass as a recess the bypass may be protected by the end termination device, for example from the wear and tear associated with an outside environment or from damage sustained during assembling of a balcony glazing frame. Further, by being formed as a recess in the end termination device, no extra material may be needed, thus making the manufacturing cheaper, as well as easier.
According to one embodiment said recess is formed as a cutout.
By being formed as a cutout, no extra material may be needed, thus making the manufacturing cheaper, as well as easier. By being formed as a cutout the recess may be manufactured by cutting, such as water cutting, or by stamping, or by milling.
According to one embodiment a bypass is formed as a duct.
By being formed as a duct, no extra material may be needed, thus making the manufacturing cheaper, as well as easier. The duct may be formed by drilling or, if the end termination device itself is molded, by molding.
According to one embodiment the smallest dimension of a bypass is at least 6 mm.
By having the smallest dimension of a bypass be at least 6 mm the bypass is kept large enough such that water may easily flow through it from an upper channel of the section to a lower channel of the section. If a bypass is too small the cohesive force of the water will prevent the water from flowing through the bypass. If the smallest dimension is at least 6 mm the cohesive force is kept small enough and water may flow through the bypass.
According to one embodiment the width of said bypass is between 6 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 15 mm.
By having bypasses with a width of this size the end termination device is assured to be compatible with a section and with the upper channels of a section.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will hereafter be described in more detail and with reference to the appended schematic drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates two balconies with balcony glazing frames.
Figure 2 illustrates a frame of a balcony glazing and a cross sectional view of the middle of a section used as a horizontal support element.
Figure 3 illustrates a frame of a balcony glazing and a zoomed in view of the end of a section used as a horizontal support element.
Figure 4 illustrates an end of a section used as a horizontal support element and an end termination device detached from the section.
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of an end termination device.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 illustrates two balconies 1 with balcony glazing frames 3. The balcony glazing frame includes sections 7 used as horizontal support elements and sections 9 used as vertical support elements. The sections 7 used as horizontal support elements are seated between sections 9 used as vertical support elements. Slidable, and possibly foldable, window panes may be installed on the balcony glazing frame 3. The window panes may be seated on the sections 7 used as horizontal support elements. The balconies themselves have vertical support elements 11 which help to support the balconies.
The balcony glazing frame 3 may not need the sections 9 used as vertical support elements, instead the vertical support elements 11 for the balconies themselves could be utilized. A wall on which the balcony may be attached may also be used as a vertical support element for a balcony glazing. There may be not only one window pane seated on each horizontal support element, there might be several window panes per horizontal support element.
Figure 2 illustrates a balcony glazing frame 3 and a zoomed in cross sectional view of the middle of the section 7 used as a horizontal support element.
In the cross sectional view of the middle of the section 7 used as a horizontal support element, drainage holes 17 can be seen. These drainage holes 17 allow water to drain from the upper side to the inside of the section 7. The drainage holes 17 are situated in upper channels 13.
The section 7 includes five upper channels 13. There may be another number of upper channels 13, for example just one channel. The upper channels 13 extend along the length of the section 7.
The section 7 includes rails 14, on which window panes may be seated. The rails 14 extend along the length of the section 7. The rails 14 separate the upper channels 13 from each other.
The upper channels 13 are made such that water can accumulate in them. Water which can accumulate in the upper channels 13 may come from rainwater, from condensate, or from both. The upper channels 13 are made such that water may flow through them.
On the inside of the section 7 there is a web 19. The web 19 acts as a support for the section 7, increasing its strength and robustness. The web 19 extends along the length of the section 7.
On the inside of the section 7 there are also two lower channels 15. There may be another number of lower channels 15, for example one channel. The lower channels 15 extend along the length of the section 7 and are made such that water can accumulate in and flow through them. Further, the inside of the section 7 is made such that water will accumulate in the lower channels 15. The water which accumulates in the lower channels 15 may come from the upper channels 13. Water may flow from the upper channels 13 to the lower channels 15 through the drainage holes 17.
Figure 3 illustrates a balcony glazing frame 3 and a zoomed in view of where the end of the section 7 used as a horizontal support element meets the section 9 used as a vertical support element.
In the zoomed in view the end of a section 7 can be seen. The section 7 includes an end termination device 21 situated at the utmost end of the section 7. The end termination device 21 is sealingly arranged at the end of the section 7. In this context sealingly arranged does not mean that the end termination device has to completely seal the end of the section 7. Being sealingly arranged means that water may not flow out of the end of the section 7 in an uncontrolled manner. The end termination device 21 is in contact with the vertical section 9. The section 7 is wider than the vertical section 9, such that the section 7 extends outside of the vertical section 9. The end termination device 21 also extends outside of the vertical section 9.
The end termination device includes bypasses 23. The bypasses 23 fluidly connect the upper channels 13 with lower channels 15 by allowing water flow through the bypasses 23 themselves into the inside of the section 7.
Figure 4 illustrates an end of a section 7 used as a horizontal support element and an end termination device 21 detached from the section 7. The end termination device 21 consists of a first portion 25 abutting the section 7 and a second portion 27 which does not abut the section 7. The end termination device 21 includes bypasses 23 which are incorporated in the first portion 25. The end termination device 21 further includes an outlet 24. The outlet 24 is formed as an opening through the end termination device 21. The outlet 24 is formed in both the first 25 and the second 27 portion of the end termination device 21. The outlet 24 is arranged such that it connects with the lower channels 15 and allows water to flow out of the lower channels 15 through the end termination device 21.
The end termination device 21 includes five bypasses 23. There may be another number of bypasses 23, such as just one bypass 23. The number of bypasses 23 may, as in this case, be the same as the number of upper channels 13. The depth and width of the bypasses 23 are at least 6 mm. A bypass 23 which is smaller than that may not connect an upper channel 13 with lower channel 15 since cohesive forces would prevent water from flowing through the bypass 23 in an efficient manner. The width of the bypasses 23 are preferably at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 15 mm. In this context the depth of the bypass means the size of the bypass 23 in the direction along which the upper channels 13 extend. The width means the size of the bypasses 23 in a horizontal direction being perpendicular to the direction along which the upper channels 13 extend. The height means the size of the bypasses 23 in a vertical direction.
Figure 4 also shows screws 31 which are used to attach the end termination device 21 to the section 7. The end termination device 21 and the section 7 may be attached to each other by other alternative means.
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the end termination device 21. In the exploded view of the end termination device 21 it can be seen that the end termination device 21 is made up of a first portion 25 closest to the section 7 and a second portion 27 furthest away from the section 7. Each portion in its turn consists of three plates 25a, 25b, 25c, 27a, 27b, 27c. The end termination 21 device may consist of any other number of portions, for example one or three. Each portion may consist of any other number of plates, for example one or two.
Both the first 25 and the second portion 27 consists of a rigid plate 25b, 27b made of aluminium. On each flat side of each plate there is a sheet of rubber 25a, 25c, 27a, 27c attached. The rubber sheets 25a, 25c, 27a, 27c are attached to the plates 25b, 27b by vulcanization.
The bypasses 23 are incorporated in the first portion 25. The bypasses 23 are formed in the first portion 25 by cutting the first portion 25. The bypasses 23 may be formed in the end termination device 21 by other means, for example by milling, drilling or stamping. The bypasses 23 may be incorporated in the second portion 27 instead of the first portion 25 or may be incorporated in both portions.

Claims

Section (7) intended for use as a horizontal support element in a balcony glazing, comprising at least one upper channel (13), in which channel water, such as rainwater or condensate, can accumulate, and a lower channel (15), which can receive water accumulated in said at least one upper channel (13),
further comprising an end termination device (21) arranged at an end of the section (7),

wherein the end termination device (21) comprises an upper bypass (23) which connects said at least one upper channel (13) with the lower channel (15), characterized in that the end termination device (21) comprises a rigid plate (25b), which on at least one side has a sealing rubber sheet (25a, 25c) attached.
Section (7) according to claim 1, wherein the end termination device (21) comprises an upper bypass (23) for each upper channel (13).
Section (7) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the end termination device (21) comprises an outlet (24) which connects with the lower channel (15) to lead water out of the lower channel (15) through the end termination device (21).
Section (7) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the section (7) comprises at least two lower channels (15) and the end termination device (21) comprises at least one lower bypass connecting at least two of the at least two lower channels (15), such that water may flow between them.
Section (7) according to claim 4, wherein one of the at least one lower bypasses is an outlet (24) arranged to lead water out of at least two of the at least two lower channels (15) through the end termination device (21).
Section (7) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the end termination device (21) consists of a plate, in which a bypass (23) is incorporated.
Section (7) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the end termination (21) device comprises a first portion (25), abutting the section (7), and a second portion (27), terminating the section (7), wherein a bypass (23) is incorporated in the first portion (25).
Section (7) according to claim 8, wherein both the first portion (25) and the second portion (27) comprise rigid plates (25b, 27b), which plates on each of their flat sides have sealing rubber sheets (25a, 25c, 27a, 27c) attached.
Section (7) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein a bypass (23) is formed as a recess in the end termination device.
Section (7) according to claim 10, wherein said recess is formed as a cutout.
Section (7) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a bypass (23) is formed as a duct.
Section (7) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the smallest dimension of a bypass (23) is at least 6 mm.