SE541285C2

SE541285C2 - An opening device for a window in a glazed balcony and a window unit including the opening device

Info

Publication number: SE541285C2
Application number: SE1651468A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Mikael Swartling
Original assignee: Tbo Haglinds Ab
Priority date: 2016-11-09
Filing date: 2016-11-09
Publication date: 2019-06-11
Also published as: SE1651468A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an opening device (5) for a window unit (1), the opening device (5) comprises a first part (17) comprising attachment means (27) for attaching the opening device (5) to the window unit (1), and a second part (19) having a guiding surface (21). The opening device (5) comprises a hinge (26) pivotally connecting the second part (19) to the first part (17) so that the second part (19) is allowed to be rotated about a rotational axis (A2) in relation to the first part (17) between a folded and an unfolded position, and the guiding surface (21) is disposed so that it faces a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis (A2). The present invention also relates to a window unit (1) comprising the opening device (5).

Description

An opening device for a window in a glazed balcony and a window unit including the opening device Field of the invention The present invention relates to an opening device for guiding a window of a glazed balcony during opening and closing of the window. The opening device comprises attachment means for attaching the opening device to the window, and a guiding surface for guiding the window during opening of the window. The invention also relates to a window unit fora glazed balcony including an opening device.

Background of the invention A conventional glazed balcony comprises a window unit comprising an upper frame including an upper track and a lower frame including a lower track, and a plurality of windows, which when put together glaze the balcony. The upper and lower frame comprises an inner frame having the upper and lower track. The upper track is located inside the upper frame and the lower track is located inside the lower frame. Each of the windows comprises a glass pane and is movable along the upper and lower tracks of the frame.

Figure 2a shows an example of the window 4 for a glazed balcony. Figure 2b shows an upper part of a prior art window unit for a glazed balcony. The window 4 comprises a plurality of guiding elements 22a-b and 25a-b attached to the window and adapted to fit in the tracks. At least some of the windows are arranged pivotally relative the tracks between an open position and a closed position. The windows are parallel to the upper and lower frame 7,11 and movable in the upper and lower tracks 9,13 when the window 4 is in the closed position. Typically, the window 4 comprises two first guiding elements 22a-b attached to the underside and upper side of the window and two second guiding elements 25a-b attached to the underside and upper side of the window. The upper and lower frame 7,11 comprises an opening which are arranged so that the first guiding elements 22a-b can move through the openings and away from the tracks 9,13 when the window 4 is in a position that allows opening of the window. The windows are allowed to be opened and closed when they are located in this position. The window is opened by rotating the window away from the frame 7,11 and the window is closed by rotating the window 4 towards the frame. Each of the guiding elements 22a-b, 25a-b comprises a sliding part 73 adapted to be in contact with a lower part of the tracks 9,13 and movable along the tracks when the window 4 is closed, and a bevelled part 74 attached to the window 4 and the sliding part 73.

The upper and lower tracks 9,13 further comprise a guiding portion 70 having a rotation portion 72 having a circular shape with a diameter about the same as the length of the bevelled part 74, which is parallel with the tracks 9,13, as shown in figure 2b. The second guiding elements 25a-b are adapted to rotate in the rotation portion 72 when the window 4 moves from the opened to the closed position. The guiding portion 70 is attached to the inner frame (not shown) at a distance from the lower part of the tracks 9,13 at a direction parallel with the rotational axis of the window 4. When the window 4 is moved along the tracks 9,13 to the position that the window 4 can be rotated to the opened position, the bevelled part 74 of the second guiding elements 25a-b will move through the guiding portion 70 into the rotation portion 72. The bevelled part 74 is adapted to engage with the rotation portion 72 when the window 4 is rotated, and thus having the window 4 in the same plane in the opened as well as in the closed position. The guiding portion 70 has an orifice 76 that extends from the rotation portion 72 and in a direction parallel with the tracks 9,13 in order for the second guiding element 25a-b to be moved into the rotation portion 72. A first end of the bevelled part 74 is facing that orifice 76 when the window 4 is in a closed position. The problem is that the bevelled part 74 can only engage with the rotation portion 72 when the window is rotated so that at least a part of the bevelled parts 74 first end faces the rotation portion 72. When the window 4 is rotating to and from the opened position, the window will tilt at a certain point. With tilting means that a portion of the window will move downwards relative the horizontal plane.

The window will tilt when the first end of the bevelled part 74 faces the orifice 76. The weight of the window 4 will then cause a portion of the bevelled part connected to the upper track to be moved through the orifice 76 thus causing the tilting. When the window 4 has been rotated beyond that point, the bevelled part 74 will engage with the rotation portion 72 and the window 4 will tilt upwards relative the horizontal plane. This portion of the window 4 will therefore need to be tilted upwards relative the horizontal plane before the window 4 can be rotated back to the closed position in order to move the first guiding elements 22a-b through the orifice 76. If the window 4 is not tilted upwards, the first guiding element 22b attached to the underside of the window 4 can unintentially be pushed to the outside of the lower frame 11, and thereby cause the glass pane to fall out of the window 4. If the window 4 is heavy enough, the tilting of the window may cause the glass pane to fall out.

One prior art solution to this problem is to use a guiding device, which is attached to the upper side of the glazed balcony. The guiding device comprises an elongated body having a vertical guiding surface adapted to guide the first guiding element 22a of the window 4 during the rotation of the window 4 so the window is prevented from tilting downwards when the window is closed or opened. A problem with this solution is that it only functions properly when the guiding device is attached to an upper side of the balcony, i.e. above the window. This position of the guiding device hinders the use of curtains or blinds at the balcony.

Object and summary of the invention The object of the present invention is to provide an opening device which is possible to attach to a lower side of the balcony. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved opening device for a glazed balcony.

This object is achieved by an opening device as defined in claim 1.

According to the invention, the opening device comprises a first part comprising attachment means for attaching the opening device to the window unit, a second part having a guiding surface for guiding the window, and a hinge pivotally connecting the second part to the first part so that the second part is allowed to be rotated about a rotational axis in relation to the first part between a folded and an unfolded position, and the guiding surface is disposed so that it faces a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis.

By having the guiding surface disposed so that it faces a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis, the second part can support the window during opening and closing of the window so that the rotational movement of the window is kept in a horizontal plane during rotation of the window, and accordingly the window is prevented from tilting downwards during the rotational movement. The opening device according to the invention enables the opening device to be attached to a lower side of the balcony and below the window. Further, by having a hinge pivotally connecting the second part to the first part, the second part can be rotated relative the window to a folded position when it is not used and thereby be out of the way. The second part can be rotated to an unfolded position when it is used during opening and closing of the window. The present invention enables use of curtains and blinds on the balcony.

Preferably, the attachment means are designed so that the rotational axis of the opening device is parallel to the rotational axis of the window and thus parallel to the vertical line when the opening device is attached to the window. The guiding surface leads the guiding element when the guiding element has left the lower track during opening and closing of the window so that the rotational movement of the window is kept in the horizontal plane during rotation of the window.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the opening device comprises a locking device adapted to lock the second part from rotating in relation to the first part when the second part is in the folded position. The locking device is adapted to removably attach the second part to the first part when the second part is in the folded position. For example, the locking device is a snap lock. The locking device prevents the window from rotating to an open position when the second part is in the folded position. The locking device makes it possible to lock the window when it is closed, and by that prevents opening of the window from the outside of the balcony, and can thus prevent undesired visitors from entering the balcony. This embodiment provides an opening device which guides the window during opening and closing of the window, and also makes it possible to lock the window, i.e. the opening device combines the guiding function with a locking function. Thus, it is not necessary to have a separate locking device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second part comprises an elongated body having a first end pivotally connected to the first part, the body comprises a first supporting element extending along a longitudinal axis of the body and a second supporting element extending along the longitudinal axis of the body. The first supporting element includes said guiding surface, and the second supporting element including a second guiding surface disposed angled in relation to the first guiding surface. By having two guiding surfaces angled with respect to each other, the first guiding element can be guided in two directions. Thereby the guiding of the guiding element is improved.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second supporting element is protruding from the first supporting element in a direction perpendicular to the first guiding surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second guiding surface is perpendicular to the first guiding surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second supporting element is protruding from the first supporting element in a direction perpendicular to the first guiding surface, and the second supporting element has a front part and a rear part, and the height of the rear part is larger than the height of the front part. The fact that the height of the rear part is larger than the height of the front part, ensures that the rear part of the second part is located above a level of a lower part of the window if the second part is in its folded position. The rear part constitutes a stop element and prevents the window from bumping into the frame, and by that destroy the window, if the window is closed when the second part is in the folded position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first part has an opening for receiving a guiding element of the window, and the second part comprises a stop device disposed at the first end of the body so that the stop device at least partly blocks the opening of the first part when the second part is in the folded position. The stop device prevents the guiding element from leaving the lower track and by that the window from being opened when the second part is in the folded position. Thus, it is only possible to open the window from the inside of the balcony.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the stop device is projecting from the first guiding surface of the second part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first part has an opening for receiving a lower part of the window, i.e. a guiding element of the window, and the first part comprises a guiding surface arranged in connection to the opening for guiding the guiding element of the window through the opening during opening and closing of the window. The second part is arranged so that the first guiding surface of the second part is disposed at the same vertical level as the guiding surface of the first part when the second part is in the unfolded position. Thus, the movement of the guiding element between the first and second parts is facilitated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the opening device comprises an elevating mechanism adapted to move the second part in relation to the first part in a direction parallel to the rotational axis in response to a rotation of the second part in relation to the first part.

The elevating mechanism causes the second part to move upwards in relation to the frame of the window unit so that the second part is located at a higher vertical level in the folded position than in the unfolded position. An advantage with this embodiment is that the window is allowed to pass above the second part when the second part is in the unfolded position, and the window is not allowed to pass above the second part when the second part is in the folded position. Thus, the second part prevents the window from bumping into the frame and by that destroying the window, if someone tries to close the window when the second part is in the folded position. Further, in order for the opening device to work satisfactorily, the first guiding surface of the second part and the corresponding guiding surface of the first part need to be located at about the same vertical level when the second part is in the unfolded position in order to enable the guiding element to be moved between the first and second part. Further, the first guiding surface of the second part and the corresponding guiding surface of the first part need to be located at different vertical levels when the second part is in the folded position to allow the second part to be positioned above the first part in the folded position. This embodiment ensures that guiding surfaces of the first and second parts are located at about the same vertical level when the second part is in the unfolded position, and at different vertical levels when the second part is in the folded position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second part comprises a bent stop element partly enclosing the hinge, and the stop element is designed so that it is in contact with a contact portion of the first part when the second part is in the unfolded position and by that prevents further rotation of the second part. When the second part is moved to the unfolded position, the second part is moved until the stop element is in contact with the first part. The stop element ensures that the guiding surface of the second part is in a correct horizontal position in relation to the guiding surface of the first part, and by that enables the guiding element of the window to move properly through the opening of the first part during opening and closing of the window.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the contact portion of the first part comprises a plurality of adjustment holes having different depth. The adjustment holes are designed to receive an elongated part, such as a screw or pin. This embodiment makes it possible to adjust the angle between the first part and the second part in the opened position depending on the thickness of the window. This is advantageous since the optimal angle between the first and the second part depends on the thickness of the window.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge comprises a shaft, a first member having an opening for receiving the shaft, and a second member having an opening for receiving the shaft, and the device comprises a third part including the shaft, the first part comprises the first member, and the second part comprises the second member. The shaft is adapted to be removably inserted in the openings of the first and second members. This embodiment facilitates mounting of the opening device. In a first step, the first part comprising the attachment means is mounted to the window unit, and in a next step the second part is connected to the first part by inserting the shaft through the openings of the first and second member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first member comprises a first pair of rings attached to the first part, and the second member comprises a second pair of rings attached to the second part, and each of the rings has a through hole, and the shaft is adapted to be inserted through said through holes of the rings. By having this arrangement, the shaft only needs to be inserted in the rings to attach the second part to the first part and to have a functional hinge. This is an advantage when considering that mounting the opening device to a balcony would be easier by first mounting the first part comprising the attachment means to the window unit, and then connecting the second part by moving the shaft through the rings.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a third part comprising a shaft and a cover partly enclosing the shaft. The cover is enclosing the stop element when the second part is in the unfolded position, and the stop element is in physical contact with the cover when the second part is in the unfolded position. Due to the fact that the cover and the stop element is in physical contact with each other, the horizontal movement of the second part is braked when the second part is in the unfolded position. Thus, movement of the second part is braked when there is a load on the guiding surface and the second part is in the unfolded position. By that horizontal movements of the second part is avoided during opening of the window.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a window unit with openable windows having an opening device arranged below.

This object is achieved by the window unit according to claim 10.

According to the invention, the window unit comprises an upper frame including an upper track and a lower frame including a lower track, and at least one window arranged pivotally relative the tracks about a first rotational axis between an open position and a closed position, the window comprises a guiding element attached to an underside of the window adapted to fit in the lower track, the window is parallel to the frame and movable in the upper and lower tracks when the window is in the closed position. The window unit comprises an opening device according to the invention attached to the lower frame, and the guiding surface is adapted to support said guiding element of the window when the guiding element has left the lower track during opening and closing of the window so that the rotational movement of the window is kept in a horizontal plane during rotation of the window.

The guiding element is adapted to move in the lower track when the window is in the closed position, and the guiding surface of the first part is adapted to support the guiding element when the window is moved between an opened and a closed position so that the rotational movement of the window is kept in a horizontal plane during rotation of the window.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a window unit including a window and an opening device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2a shows an example of a prior art window.

Fig. 2b shows an example of an upper part of a prior art window unit for a glazed balcony.

Fig. 3 shows the opening device in a folded position seen from above.

Fig. 4 shows the opening device in an opened position seen from above.

Fig. 5 shows the opening device in the folded position in a side view.

Fig. 6a shows a first part of the opening device in a side view.

Fig. 6b shows the first part of the opening device from above.

Fig. 7 shows a second part of the opening device in a side view.

Fig. 8 shows the second part of the opening device in a perspective view.

Fig. 9 shows a third part of the opening device in a side view.

Fig. 10 shows the third part mounted on the opening device.

Figs, lla-f illustrate opening and closing of the window by means of the opening device.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Figure 1 shows a window unit 1 including a first window 3 and a second window 4 and an opening device 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. The window unit 1 comprises an upper frame 7 including an upper track 9 and a lower frame 11 including a lower track 13. The second window 4 is possible to open when it is in the position as shown in figure 1. The windows 3, 4 are movable along the upper and lower tracks 9, 13 along a longitudinal axis LI when the windows are closed. The windows 3, 4 are connected to the tracks 9, 13 by means of a plurality of guiding elements attached to a lower side 24 and an upper side 23 of the windows 3, 4. The second window 4 is pivotal relative the tracks 9, 13 about a first rotational axis A1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LI so that the window 4 can be opened and closed. The opening device 5 is attached to the lower frame 11 of the window unit 1 and below the windows 3, 4. The opening device 5 has a first part 17 attached to the window unit 1 and a second part 19 pivotally connected to the first part 17 and movable between a folded and an unfolded position. The second part 19 is pivotal about a second rotational axis A2 parallel to the first rotational axis Al. When the window unit and the opening device are mounted, the first and second axes Al, A2 are parallel to the vertical line. In the following, the term "moved upwards" is meant moved along the vertical line in an direction opposite the gravity force, and the term "moved downwards" is meant moved along the vertical line in the direction of the gravity force.

Figure 2a shows an example of the window 4 in a front view including four guiding elements 22a-b and 25a-b. Two first guiding elements 22a-b are connected to an upper side 23 and a lower side 24 of the window and are adapted to engage with the upper and lower tracks 9, 13, as seen in fig 1, when the window is closed. When the window moves from closed to open, the first guiding elements 22a-b leave the upper and lower tracks. Two second guiding elements 25a-b are attached to the upper 23 and lower sides 24 respectively of the window 4, and the second guiding elements 25a-b are adapted to engage with the upper and lower tracks 9, 13 when the window is closed. The second guiding elements 25a-b are adapted to rotate inside the upper and lower tracks 9, 13 and to support the window 4 when the window is opened and closed.

Figure 3 shows the opening device 5 in a folded position, and figure 4 shows the opening device 5 in an unfolded position seen from above. The opening device 5 comprises a hinge 26 pivotally connecting the second part 19 to the first part 17. The hinge 26 comprises a shaft 32 defining the second rotational axis A2. The hinge 26 further comprises a first member 52a-b attached to the first part 17 having an opening for receiving the shaft 32, as shown in figures 6a-b, and a second member 54a-b having an opening for receiving the shaft 32 and attached to the second part, as shown in figure 8. The shaft 32 is adapted to be removably inserted in the openings of the first and second members.

The first part 17 is shown in more details in figures 6a-b, and the second part 19 is shown in more details in figures 7-8. The second part 19 comprises a first supporting element 20 with a guiding surface 21, in the following called the first guiding surface facing a plane perpendicular to the first and second rotational axes Al, A2. The second part 19 and the first guiding surface 21 are adapted to support the windows 4 during opening and closing of the window, and by that prevent the windows 4 from tilting. By tilting means that a part of the window 4 moves downwards when the window moves between opening and closing.

The first part 17 comprises a receiving portion 35, as shown in figure 4, which receives the second part 19 when the second part moves to the folded position. The first part 17 comprises attachment means 27, as seen in figure 6a, adapted to attach the opening device 5 to the window unit 1. In this embodiment, the attachment means comprises a plurality of holes adapted to receive fastening means, such as screws, for attaching the first part 17 to the lower frame 11 of the window.

The first part 17 has a surface 29 adapted to bear on the lower frame 11 of the window unit, as shown in figure 1. The first part 17 has an opening 43, as shown in figure 6a adapted to receive the first guiding element 22b and to guide it to the lower track 13, as seen in figure 1. The first part 17 comprises a third guiding surface 45 adapted to guide the first guiding element 22b into and out of the lower track 13. The first guiding surface and the third guiding surface are preferably aligned when the second part is in the unfolded position to enable the first guiding element 22b to be moved between the first and second parts 17, 19, as shown in figure 4. A portion of the first guiding surface 20 and a portion of the third guiding surface are overlapping in a vertical direction when the second part 19 is in the folded position. The first part 17 comprises a u-shaped part 46, as shown in figure 6a. The u-shaped part 46 defines the opening 43 and comprises the third guiding surface 45 adapted to guide the first guiding element 22b into and from the lower track 13. In this embodiment, the u-shaped part 46 is attachable to an inner portion of the lower frame 11. The u-shaped part 46 may comprise second attachment means (not shown) adapted to attach the u-shaped part to the inner portion of the lower frame 11 of the window unit 1.

The second part 19 has an elongated body 30 having a first end 33a pivotally connected to the first part 17 and a second end 33b movable in relation to the first part. The body 30 has a second longitudinal axis L2 facing a plane perpendicular to the second rotational axis A2. The body 30 comprises a first supporting element 20 comprising the first guiding surface 21 and a second supporting element 34, also shown in figure 8, comprising a second guiding surface 36. The second supporting element 34 is suitably disposed perpendicular to the first supporting element 20 and the first guiding surface 21 is about perpendicular to the second guiding surface 36, as shown in figure 4. When the window is closing, the first supporting element 20 is adapted to support the first guiding element 22b. The first and second guiding surfaces 21, 36 are adapted to guide the first guiding element 22b into the lower track during closing of the window. The second supporting element 34 and the second guiding surface 36 are adapted to prevent the first guiding element 22b from leaving the opening device, and to guide the window along the first guiding surface 21, so it can be received by the opening 43 of the first part 17. The first supporting element 20 has a directing part 48 inclined in relation to the first guiding surface and adapted to direct the first guiding element 22b onto the first guiding surface 21. The directing part 48 extends from the second supporting element 34 from the second end 33b, and along a portion of the second supporting element. The second end 33b is sloping downwards in relation to the guiding surface, as shown in figure 7.

The second supporting element 34 further comprises a bent stop element 50 partly enclosing the hinge 26, as shown in figures 3 and 4. The stop element 50 is designed so that it is in contact with a contact portion 47 of the first part 17 when the second part 19 is in the unfolded position, as shown in figure 4, and by that prevents further rotation of the second part 19.

In this embodiment, the second part 19 further comprises a stop device 38 attached to the first supporting element 20 and adapted to prevent the first guiding element 22b from leaving the lower track 13 when the window 4 is closed, and the second part 19 is in the folded position, as shown in figure 3, and thus prevents the window 4 from opening. The stop device 38 is disposed in the first end 33a of the elongated body 30. The stop device 38 is protruding from the first guiding surface 20 in a direction parallel with the second rotational axis A2, as shown in figure 8. The stop device 38 is disposed so that the stop device faces the opening 43 of the first part 17 when the second part 19 is in the folded position, as shown in figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the opening device 5 in the folded position. The opening device comprises a locking device 78 adapted to lock the second part 19 to the first part 17 when the second part is folded. In this embodiment, the locking device 78 comprises a first snap element 80 attached to the receiving portion 35 of the first part 17, as shown in figure 6b, and a second snap element 82 attached to an underside of the second part 19, as shown in figure 7. The first and second snap elements 80, 82 form together a snap lock. The first snap element 80 is adapted to engage with the second snap element 82 when the second part 19 is folded, thereby locking the second part 19 to the receiving portion 35 of the first part 17. By pushing the second part 19 in an upward direction parallel to the second rotational axis A2, the second part 19 becomes unlocked.

In this embodiment, the contact portion 47 comprises a plurality of adjustment holes 40, as shown in figure 5, adapted to adjust the angle of the second part 19 relative the first part 17 in the opened position. Each of the adjustment holes 40 has different depths and are adapted to receive an elongated object e.g. a screw, pin, or a bolt. When the second part 19 rotates to the unfolded position, the small object inserted in one of the holes (not shown) will prevent the second part 19 from rotating beyond a certain point, since the object comes into contact with the stop element 50 and thus prevents the second part 19 from rotating further.

The second supporting element 34 has a front part 55a and a rear part 55b. The rear part 55b comprises a safety portion 56, as shown on figure 5. The height of the safety portion 56 is larger than the height of the front portion. Thus, the height of the rear part is larger than the height of the front part. The fact that the height of the rear part is larger than the height of the front part, ensures that the rear part 55b is located above the underside of the window in folded position, as shown in figure 1. The rear part constitutes a stop element for the window when the second part is in the folded position. The safety portion 56 is arranged so that it will allow the window 4 to close or open in the unfolded position, and prevent the window from being closed or opened in the folded position. In the folded position the safety portion 56 is disposed above the lowest part of the window. Thus, if the window 4 closes and the second part 19 is in its folded position, the window 4 will come into contact with the safety portion 56 and thereby prevents the window from moving to a position where the window may tilt. In this embodiment, the safety portion 56 has a convex part protruding upwards parallel to the rotational axis A2, which allows the safety portion to, if necessary, guide a part of the window 4 over the safety portion 56 when the second part 19 is unfolded. In another embodiment, the safety portion 56 may be of another design for example a rod protruding from the rear part.

The opening device comprises an elevating mechanism adapted to move the second part 19 in relation to the first part 17 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis A2 in response to a rotation of the second part in relation to the first part, as shown in figure 5. The elevating mechanism comprises an elevating part 42 attached to the second part 19 and protruding part 44 attached to the first part 17. The elevating part 42 is adapted to cooperate with the protruding part 44 to move the second part 19 in relation to the first part 17 in a direction parallel to the second rotational axis A2 when the second part 19 is rotated in relation to the first part, as shown in figure 5. The elevating part 42 has an surface 84 inclined in relation to the second rotational axis A2, as shown in figures 5 and 7. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 84 is curved. The protruding part 44 has a surface 85 inclined in relation to the second rotational axis A2. In this embodiment the elevating part 42 and the protruding part 44 are wedge shaped. The inclined surface 84 of the elevating part 42 is in contact with, and is bearing on the surface 85 of the protruding part 44. The elevating part 42 and the protruding part 44 are arranged so that the second part 19 is moved upwards in relation to the first part, and accordingly in relation to the window, when the second part 19 is moved to the folded position, and the second part 19 is moved downwards in relation to the first part, and accordingly in relation to the window, when the second part 19 is moved to the unfolded position. This causes the safety portion 56 to move upwards in relation to the window when the second part 19 is moved to a folded position and causes the safety portion 56 to move downwards in relation to the window when the second part 19 is moved to the unfolded position. Further, this enables the first guiding surface 21 of the first part to be aligned with the third guiding surface 45 of the first part in the unfolded position. In orderto enable folding of the second part 19, the second part needs to first move upwards so the first part 17 allows a portion of the second part 19 to move into a portion of the first part 17. This movement is achieved by the elevating part 42 and the protruding part 44.

Figure 6a shows a first part 17 of the opening device in a side view, and figure 6b shows the first part of the opening device from above. The first part comprises two first rings 52a-b fixedly connected to the first part 17.

Figure 7 shows the second part 19 of the opening device 5 in a side view, and figure 8 shows the second part 19 of the opening device in a perspective view. The second part 19 comprises two second rings 54a-b fixedly connected to the second part 19, and adapted to connect to the first rings 52a-b by means of the shaft 32, as shown in figure 5 and by that pivotally connect the second part 19 to the first part 17. The first rings 52a-b constitute the first member 52a-b and the second rings 54a-b constitute the second member 54a-b.

Figure 9 shows a third part, hereinafter called a shaft part 60 of the opening device 5 in a side view. Figure 10 shows the shaft part 60 mounted on the opening device 5. The shaft part 60 comprises the shaft 32. The shaft 32 is adapted to be inserted in the first rings 52a-b of the first part 17 and the second rings 54a-b of the second part 19, and allow the second rings 54ab to be moved around the second rotational axis A2 relative the first rings 52a-b.

The shaft part 60 further comprises a cover 62 adapted to prevent pinching between the first and second rings 52a-b, 54a-b. The cover 62 has a first frictional surface 64 adapted to be in mechanical contact with a second frictional surface 66 of the stop element 50, as seen in figure 4 when the second part 19 is subjected to pressure during opening and closing of the window. The first and second frictional surface 64, 66 are movable relative each other. However, the friction between the surfaces 64, 66 causes a braking of the movement, thus preventing the second part 19 from moving to the folded position when the second part 19 supports the guiding element 22b.

The material of the first and second part is, for example, plastic or a metal, such as aluminum.

Figures lla-d illustrates opening and closing of the window by means of the opening device 5 as seen from above. The figures show a lower part of the window unit including the lower track 13, the lower frame 11, the window 4, the first guiding element 22b, the second guiding element 25b, and the opening device 5. Each of the upper and lower tracks 9, 13 has an upper and lower guiding portion 70, comprising an upper and lower rotation portion 72. Each of the second guiding element 25a-b has a bevelled part 74 that during the opening and closing of the window 4 rotates inside the upper and lower rotation portion 72. The upper and lower guiding portion 70 has an orifice 76 facing the rotation portion 72. During the opening and closing of the window 4, and when the window is at a certain angle in relation to the frames, the bevelled parts 74 will engage with the rotation portion 72 and thus keeping the window 4 from tilting. However, when the window 4 is open just a small angle, for example around 10°, the bevelled parts 74 will face the orifices 76, and the bevelled part 74 connected to the upper track (not shown) will move through a portion of the orifice 76, which will cause the window 4to tilt. In figures lla-e, only the lowertrack 13 and the second guiding element 25b is shown. Both the bevelled parts 25a-b are always in the same angle relative each other, and both guiding portions 70 are preferably identical to each other. The bevelled part of the second guiding element 25a inside the upper track 9 as seen in figure 1 will rotate in the same way as illustrated in figures lla-f.

Figure 11a shows the opening device in a folded position and the window 4 is closed. The window 4 is prevented from opening by the stop device 38 that hold the first guiding element 22b inside the lower track 13 and the second part is locked to the receiving portion 35.

Figure lib shows the opening device in an opened position and the window is closed. The window is now possible to open. By rotating the second part 19 to the folded position the elevating part allows the second part 19 to move to a position that allows a portion of the second part 19 to move into a portion of the first part 17 so that the second part can be rotated to the folded position.

Figure 11c shows the window rotated to a point so that the first guiding element 22b is in contact with the first guiding surface 21 and supported by the first supporting element 20. The second supporting element and the second guiding surface keep the first guiding element from leaving the first guiding surface. The bevelled part 74 is from the closed position rotated to a point where it would start engaging with the rotation portion 72 had it not been for the opening device. By closing the window that point is where the tilting of the window would start had it not been for the opening device.

Figure lid shows the window in a position at the second end 33b. At this point when opening the window first guiding element 22b has left the first guiding surface and the bevelled part has engaged with rotation portion. By closing the window the first guiding element 22b of the window 4 is allowed to enter the first guiding surface 21 by means of the directing part 48.

Figure lie shows the opening device in the unfolded position and the window is opened.

Figure Ilf shows the opening device in the folded position and the window is moving towards its closed position. Because the elevating part 42 as seen in figure 5 moves the second part upwards in a direction parallel to the second rotational axis A2 the safety portion 56 prevents the window 4 from closing by coming in contact the window 4. At this point the bevelled part is still engaged with the rotation portion 72 so the window 4 is prevented from tilting.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An opening device (5) for guiding a window unit (1) of a glazed balcony, wherein the opening device comprises: - a first part (17) comprising attachment means (27) for attaching the opening device (5) to the window unit (1), and - a second part (19) having a guiding surface (21), characterized in that that the opening device (5) comprises a hinge (26) pivotally connecting the second part (19) to the first part (17) so that the second part is allowed to be rotated about a rotational axis (A2) in relation to the first part (17) between a folded and an unfolded position, the guiding surface (21) is disposed so that it faces a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis (A2), and the opening device (5) comprises an elevating mechanism (42; 44) adapted to move the second part (19) in relation to the first part (17) in a direction parallel to the rotational axis (A2) in response to a rotation of the second part (19) in relation to the first part.

2. The opening device according to claim 1, wherein the opening device (5) comprises a locking device (78) adapted to prevent the second part (19) from rotating in relation to the first part (17) when the second part is in its folded position.

3. The opening device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second part (19) comprises an elongated body (30) having an end (33a) pivotally connected to the first part (17), the elongated body (30) comprises a first supporting element (20) and a second supporting element (34) extending along a longitudinal axis (L2) of the elongated body, wherein the first supporting element (20) includes said guiding surface (21), and the second supporting element (34) includes a second guiding surface (36) disposed angled in relation to the guiding surface (21).

4. The opening device according to claim 3, wherein the second supporting element (34) is protruding from the first supporting element (20) in a direction perpendicular to the guiding surface (21), and the second supporting element (34) has a front part (55a) and a rear part (55b), and the height of the rear part (55b) is larger than the height of the front part (55a).

5. The opening device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first part (17) has an opening (43), the second part (19) is elongated and one end (33a) of the second part is pivotally connected to the first part (17), and the second part (19) comprises a stop device (38) disposed at said end (33a) so that the stop device faces said opening (43) of the first part (17) when the second part (19) is in the folded position.

6. The opening device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second part (19) comprises a bent stop element (50) partly enclosing the hinge (26), and the stop element (50) is designed so that it is in contact with a portion (47) of the first part when the second part is in the unfolded position and by that prevents further rotation of the second part (19).

7. The opening device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the hinge (26) comprises a shaft (32), a first member (52a-b) having an opening for receiving the shaft (32), and a second member (54a-b) having an opening for receiving the shaft (32), and the opening device comprises a third part (60) including the shaft (32), the first part (17) comprises the first member (52a-b), and the second part comprises the second member (54a-b), and the shaft (32) is adapted to be removably inserted in the openings of the first and second members (52a-b).

8. The opening device according to claim 6, wherein the third part (60) comprising a cover (62) partly enclosing the shaft (32) and enclosing said stop element (50) when the second part (19) is in the unfolded position, and the stop element (50) is in physical contact with the cover (62) when the second part (19) is in the unfolded position

9. A window unit (1) for a glazed balcony, wherein the window unit comprises an upper frame (7) including an upper track (9) and a lower frame (11) including a lower track (13), and at least one window (4) arranged pivotally relative the tracks (9,13) about a first rotational axis (Al) between an open position and a closed position, the window (4) comprises a guiding element (22b) attached to an lower side (24) of the window (4) adapted to fit in the lower track (13), the window (4) is parallel to the frame (7,11) and movable in the upper and lower tracks (9,11) when the window is in the closed position, characterized in that the window unit (1) comprises an opening device (5) according to any of the claims 1-9 attached to the lower frame (11), wherein the guiding surface (21) is adapted to support said guiding element (22b) of the window (4) when the guiding element has left the lower track (13) during opening and closing of the window (4) so that the rotational movement of the window (4) is kept in a horizontal plane during rotation of the window (4).