WO1992013163A1

WO1992013163A1 - System for movable panels

Info

Publication number: WO1992013163A1
Application number: PCT/NO1992/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arild Ekeberg; Olav Nordsletten
Original assignee: Saxi Produkter A/S; Astrup & Son A/S
Priority date: 1991-01-28
Filing date: 1992-01-21
Publication date: 1992-08-06
Also published as: NO172196B; NO172196C; NO910320L; NO910320D0

Abstract

Sliding panel comprising panel elements (1), said elements may be individually guided in upper and lower guiding rails (7, 6) where the guiding in the upper guiding rail is achieved by using at least one rolling carrier with wheels (51, 52) running in a guiding groove (53) being formed in the upper guiding rail (7), and in the lower guiding rail via at least one sliding element (55) running along a correspondingly formed sliding rail (56) wherein the elements are equipped with sliding frames (2, 3) reciprocally fitting into each other as a feather-and-groove to give a tight, safe and stable panel surface. There is also disclosed a preferred design of the upper (7) and lower (6) guiding rails and corresponding rolling carrier (51) and sliding elements (55) in the panel element (1).

Description

System for Movable Panels.

D i s c l o s u r e

The present invention concerns a new system for movable

« panels especially of glass suited for the enclosing of e.g. ψ 5 balconies and terraces, where the system comprises shaping the end sections of the panels for advantageous sealing and leakage-proof meshing with each other, said forming also accomplishing a possibility for using approximately the same shape of all the panel sections in the folding panel. 10 Additionally, the system according to the invention comprises guiding rails for the panels and a suited rail profile giving new and advantageous properties to the panels sections.

15 The features which have to be considered when giving folding panels and panel systems their shape, especially for outdoor use such as for balconies, terraces, verandas etc. , and guiding rails therefore are:

20 - Operational comfort, functional safety and cleaning.

- Wind proofing and stability towards wind forces. "Water proofing" and draining of water both from without and from within via condensation. Lockability and security. 25 - Design, shaping and productional ease.

- Maintenance and service.

It is previously known different types of folding panels for use as folding walls and/or folding doors. Thus there is

30 from Swedish publication no. 429.776 known a folding panel type which in an expanded condition forms a smooth wall and with a tounge-and-groove configuration between the section ^* parts producing isolation proofing and meshing between the f end parts of each section. The disadvantage with such

35 folding panel types lies, however, in that they actually are equipped alternately with hinges to each panel section and this represents the inherent disadvantage with such folding panels: they do not easily form smooth walls. This disadvantage has been remedied by this Swedish publication by the therein disclosed locking device. Contrary to this the sections according to the present invention use no such hinges and are in addition not secured to each other, something which avoids completely the above mentioned "folding effect" with hinged panels.

According to this prior art cleaning of the outside by using hinged sections is made impossible.

Also in Swedish publication no. 371.467 there is disclosed folding panels where the guiding of the panels is being done by using rails in the roof and floor and rollers and guiding pins mounted on the section parts of the folding panel. In this document there is also shown that the section parts are guided separately in the guiding rails. In this document there is, however, not any special adaption between each of the section parts to ensure isolation or any of the other points mentioned above, and is thus regarded as a poorer construction than the construction and the system with movable panels according to the present invention.

In DE O fenlegungsschrift no. 1.509.410 there is shown a type of movable wall where each of the panels may be guided along rails and wherein the panels are not hinged to each other. Such a construction is, however, not suited for glass panels and may neither take into account the points mentioned above.

As prior art within the area movable elements for enclosing balconies etc. comprising glass panels there may addition¬ ally be mentioned the sliding system being sold under the name "Alnova-Optimi". In such a system each panel is separately movable and is guided by rails. However, the shape and operation of the ending section of the panels when they are being parked do not satisfy the points mentioned above. The purpose of the present invention is thus to produce a movable panel system taking into account the above mentioned points and a corresponding rail system which may guide the panel sections according to the invention so that there is produced a good and sealing joint between each section and up and down with respect to the guiding rails.

The invention will below be described under reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the structure and shape of an embodiment of a window section built by elements according to the present invention.

Fig. 2a and 2b show the structure and connection of section end to each other for producing sealing joints between the panel sections according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a guiding rail system for guiding the movable panels according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a design of the sealing edge lists of the movable elements according to the invention being especially suited for the guiding rail system shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a design of the slide and rolling system for guiding the movable elements according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a side drawing of a joint between the sliding elements according to the invention.

When forming sliding panels, and especially panel sections comprising glass, the total form of the panel surface is important and simultaneously neither guiding rails nor other parts of the sliding panels ought to have elements pro¬ truding from the frame parts. These points have been observed in the present sliding panels whereof the ultimate structure and form is shown in fig. 1. Here reference number 1 represents each panel surface, preferably com¬ prising glass, and the reference numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5 refer to front and back as well as lower and upper edge elements of the frame construction around each panel surface 1, respectively. The reference numbers 6 and 7 specify lower and upper rail elements for guiding the panel sections 1, respectively.

It will be observed from fig. 1, 4 and 5 that the system according to the present invention does not have any protruding parts, something which facilitation both cleaning and operational security of the panels.

The sealing function between the panels 1 is shown in fig. 2a and 2b. Here it is shown a cut through the panel sections when they are about to mesh with each other. As will be observed the forward panel edge of the front edge profile 2 is equipped with a protruding guiding and sealing part 8 fitting into corresponding grooves in the back edge profile 3 of the preceding panel section. Simultaneously there are fitting lists 10 placed on each side of the groove 9 to ensure package tightness between each panel section and forming a pressure equilibrating chamber between the sections. Optionally the forward fitting 8 may be made of a soft material so that further proofing may be achieved when the protruding part 8 abuts against the bottom part 12 of the groove part 9.

In fig. 3 there is shown an example of the rail location of the individual elements, where the elements 1 are shown to be centrally guided in the guiding carriers. Such a rail location provides forced connection and guiding of the panels 1 via their respective connecting elements 8,9. The connecting elements produces leakage proofing as well as rigidity and locking of the panels in a correct position to each other and rigidity of the entire element wall being produced by each of the panels. Such a rail guidance as shown in fig. 3 makes each panel section available from both sides. This is especially relevant in connection with cleaning of both sides of the panels.

In fig. 4 there is shown an example of mounting glass 1 in the frame parts 2 and 3. Here it is also shown the connecting/meshing and leakage proofing function of the sealing lists 10 at the ultimate position of the panels.

In fig. 5 there is shown a preferred design of the upper 5 and lower 4 frame parts with corresponding profiling of the upper rail part 7 and lower guiding rail 6.

When designing the upper frame parts 5 with the correspond¬ ing rolling carrier 51 pivotally connected to the upper frame part 5 via securing devices such as screws 54, it is important that the wind and water-proofing function between the upper rail 7 and the frame part 5 of the panels are ensured. The same relates to the fitting of the lower frame part 4 to the lower guiding rail 6 via reciprocal sliding guidings 55 and 56.

In fig. 5 there is shown one design of a rail profile 7 comprising at least one u-shaped track groove 53 for guiding a rolling carrier 51 with at least one wheel 52. The rolling carrier 51, which also may be turned inwards so that wheel 52 runs in the guiding rail 53• , is pivotally mounted to frame part 5 of the panel and is connected via the securing devices 57 and 58.

By the forced guidance of the rolling carriers 51 in the guiding rails 7, where only one such rolling carrier is shown in fig. 5 but where there in practice is located one rolling carrier at each upper end section of the panels l, the forced guiding and steering of the panels 1 is produced by one rolling carrier running in the rail groove 53, whereas the other runs in the rail groove 53' . Thereby each end section of the panels 1 is guided separately by the rail grooves 53 and 53* not necessarily runs parallel but may depart away from and towards each other to produce the rail guiding shown in fig. 3.

To produce a good sealing the upper rail part 7 comprises a downwards extending edge 59 which at its end and facing towards the panel surface 1 is extended into a partly enclosing chamber 60 which is provided for the brush sealing 61. The downwards protruding edge 59, the chamber 60 and the sealing parts 61 run along all of the panel surface and produce thereby an obstacle for draft to exist.

Correspondingly, the lower rail element 6 comprises an outer upwards protruding edge 62 which on the top is extended to an inwards directed chamber 63 enclosing the brush 64. Additionally the guiding element 56 may include correspond¬ ing sealing elements such as brushes 67 being secured in chambers 66 of a depending edge 65 of the lower frame part 4. Also these brush devices 64, 67 and chamber 63, 66 run along the entire length of the panel surfaces 1.

The purpose with such sealing elements 61,64,67, chambers 60,63,66 and edges 59,62,65 is also to stabilize the guiding of the panel elements l and simultaneously provide a sound¬ proofing function.

As shown in fig. 5 the lower frame part 6 is additionally designed to achieve draining for water which may get past the sealing elements (brushes) 64. For this reason there is situated a drainage chamber 68 between the upwards extending frame parts 56 and 62, and condensation and rain water may be led away via this drainage chamber and additional drainage apertures 69 which will lead the water away via an outer fitting 70.

The top and bottom rails 6 and 7 are continuous and non- broken seen from the outside. A design of the panel unit 1 with corresponding upper guiding rails and lower sliding rails as well as sliding grooves improves also the security of a panel according to the invention by the fact that the panel can not fall out.

According to previous art there existed a possibility for the panel elements accidentally falling outwards, and this represented a significant danger for persons moving below the element and especially if the panels were made of glass. It is advantageous if the panel elements at possible loosening are kept in place between upper and lower guiding rails as in the present invention.

This is achieved by minimize the distance between the lower guiding element 55 and the guiding rail 56 so that if the securing between the upper wheel 52 and the carrier 51 should break the panel 1 would only fall down until it becomes supported on the lower guiding rail 56 and the carrier would either stop by falling inwards against the rail part 53' or by falling outwards against the rail part 53 and 59.

If the securing 54 between the rolling carrier 51 and the panel 1 should break the panel would be prevented in falling inwards by the fact that each panel has two sets of upper hanging rollers.

Replacement of panel elements is according to the invention also achieved simply by lifting up the panel and inclining it slightly inwards or twisting it in the upper guiding rail 7 so that the wheels 52 clear the rail 53 to be subsequently removed. This may be done by the flanges 95 and 96 either containing apertures permitting the wheel 52 to be lifted over these flanges, or the flanges 95 and 96 being hinged either in their entire lengths or at such areas and may be locked both to be able to remove the panel and additionally producing maximal security for such panels. The panel 1 is then lifted so high that the sliding guidance 55 clears the lower guiding rail 56 and the panel may be removed inwards from the guiding rails. This makes replacement and repair of elements very easily possible with a minimum of tools and the time at which the room the sliding panel is connected to needs to stand open.

For demounting it is thus neither necessary to either remove the top or the bottom rails.

It is preferred to make the frame and rail parts from materials that are wind, weather and water repellent such as from aluminum or other non-corroding metals or of synthetic materials such as plastic or vinyl or make the parts from mixtures of these materials.

In fig. 3 there is shown a design of the guiding rail for the sliding elements according to the present invention. To achieve a tight fitting between each element and an ending wall from which the elements may be drawn out from a resting position the listing location and structure of the last element is somewhat different from the other elements. This is shown in fig. 4.

In fig. 3 there is shown guiding rails 7 along which each of the elements may be rolled. When all the elements, except the last element, has been guided into their final position, the last element will be pivoted along the path being shown in dashed lines in fig. 3. As shown in the figure this element has two wheel hangers as well. For this last element to get a tight fitting to the other elements and to the frame profile 83, it is secured to a fitting list 84 being fastened to the ending wall 94 shown in fig. 4, and it is at the part facing away from the ending wall 84 secured a specially designed edge list/brush 81, said edge list/brush 81 having wings 82 only on the inside of the listing to make the end element slidable to its place in the correct position both with respect to the edge list 8 in the previous element and with respect to the frame profile 83 at the end wall 94.

In fig. 5 there is shown a sectional view of an embodiment of a mounted glass element 1 in the upper 7 and lower 6 guiding rails. According to this embodiment there is attached a sliding pad 91 on the guidance block 55 to exert a pressure against the upstanding part 56 correspondingly pressed from the sealing brushes 67 to achieve as good a sealing as possible and smooth sliding in the lower guiding rail 6. This is also achieved by the sealing brushes 64. The inner part of lower guiding rail 6 is given reference number 90. Additionally there is in fig. 5 shown a lower 92 and an upper 93 gasket giving a tight sealing between the glass in the element 1 and the respective profiles 4 and 5. Corresponding gaskets are shown in fig. 4 for the vertical profile elements 2 and 3.

In fig. 6 there is shown how a fitting between each element will appear wherein the reference numbers correspond to the reference numbers in the other figures.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. Sliding panel comprising sliding elements (1) said elements (1) may be passed individually in upper and lower guiding rails (7,6) where the guiding in the upper guiding rail (7) is achieved by using at least one wheel carrier (51,52) running in an upper guiding rail designed groove (53), and in the lower guiding rail is achieved by at least one sliding element (55) running along a to the sliding element correspondingly designed sliding rail (56) , and where the elements (1) at their side edges are equipped with reciprocally pressed parts (2,3), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the reciprocally pressed parts (2,3) are formed as a tongue (8) and groove (9) with protruding lists (10) in the groove parts (9) for sealing between each of the panel elements (1) .

2. Sliding panel according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the upper guiding rail (7) is designed with a downwards protruding edge (59) comprising an inwards directed chamber (60) in said chamber (60) isolating elements (61) are included for isolation against the upper edge list (5) .

3. Sliding panel according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the lower guiding rail (6) comprises an outer upwards extending edge (62) con¬ taining an inwards directed open chamber (63) , in said chamber (63) there are located isolating elements (64) for sealing against the lower edge list (4) .

4. Sliding panel according to claim 1 - 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the lower guiding rail (6) on its upright sliding section (56) abuts against sealing elements (67) and where the lower edge list (4) comprises a downwards protruding edge (65) with an open chamber (66) where sealing elements (67) are located.

5. Sliding panel according to claim 1 - 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the sealing elements (61,64,67) are brushes.

6. Sliding panel according to claim 1 - 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the lower sliding rail (56) protrudes so high that the rolling carrier (51) is prevented from falling out from the upper guiding rail (7) when the carrier's (51) securing to the sliding panel (1) is lost or if the wheel (52) of the rolling carrier (51) falls off.

7. Sliding element in a sliding panel according to each of the previous claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the element (1) comprises at least a vertical edge list (82) which is suited for cooperating with a corresponding edge list (2,8) in the adjacent panel element and which further does not have any outer edge list part for being suited for sliding into the sequence of panels (1) mainly perpendicularly to the panel surface being formed by the other elements in the sliding panel.

8. Sliding panel system, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it in addition to panel elements according to each of the claims 1 - 7 also comprises at least one end panel element, said end panel element at its one female part gripping the next panel element's male part, or vise versa, includes only one sealing profile part (82) to be moved about perpendicularly towards the surface of the panel elements (1) .

9. Sliding panel system according to claim 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the ending panel's other meshing part fits into a frame profile (83), option¬ ally secured to a fitting element (84) on at least one of the ending walls (94) of the sliding panels.

10. Sliding panel system according to claim 8 or 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that each of the panels' (1) guiding rolling carriers (51) alternately run in their separate guiding rail part (53,53').

11. Sliding panel system according to claim 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that each guiding rail part (53,53') of the upper guiding rail (7) run independently from each other for guiding each of their respective rolling carriers (51) .

12. Sliding panel system according to claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the panels which are moved to the end panel in the sequence of panels being cross-wise positioned at the inner guiding rail (53') depart inwards towards the first panel.

13. Use of sliding panels or a sliding panel system according to any of the prior claims for covering balconies, verandas and/or terraces with slidable glass elements.