WO2007139354A1

WO2007139354A1 - Assembling structure of sliding window frame assembly for window closing in the sliding window system

Info

Publication number: WO2007139354A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/002631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwang-Seok Lee
Original assignee: Kwang-Seok Lee
Priority date: 2006-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-30
Publication date: 2007-12-06
Also published as: KR100671256B1

Abstract

Disclosed is a coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a horizontal sliding sash window system, the coupling structure including a rail guide assembly and a roller assembly respectively positioned above and below frames of a movable sash so that the movable sash can slide along top and bottom rails fixedly installed on a window frame and move together with a displacement component perpendicular to a direction of extension of the rails to be opened/ closed relative to the window frame, wherein U-shaped channel guides of a predetermined length are integrally installed above and below the frames of the movable sash, respectively, a bottom plate of the rail guide assembly connected to an opening/closing operation means and a top plate of the roller assembly connected to the opening/closing operation means are inserted into internal space of the U-shaped channel guides while being able to slide in a tilted direction, respectively, so that the frames of the movable sash and the U-shaped channel guides can have a relative movement displacement in a tilted direction with regard to the rail guide assembly and the roller assembly, respectively, and structures for fitting guide protrusions into tilted guide grooves are provided between the U-shaped channel guides and the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly, respectively, so as to guide a sliding movement displacement of the rail guide assembly and the roller assembly in the tilted direction.

Description

ASSEMBLING STRUCTURE OF SLIDING WINDOW FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR WINDOW CLOSING IN THE SLIDING

WINDOW SYSTEM

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a window system (hereinafter, interchangeable with a door system) such as a horizontal sliding sash window/door for a building or a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a more stable coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a horizontal sliding sash window system having a fixed sash (hereinafter, interchangeable with a fixed window or a fixed door) adapted to remain stationary and a movable sash (hereinafter, interchangeable with a movable window or a movable door) adapted to slide relative to the fixed sash to be opened/closed, the structure having tilted guide grooves and guide protrusions for connecting movable sash frames to a roller assembly and a rail guide assembly, respectively, so that, when the movable sash is opened/closed, the movable sash frames integrally compress the sealing member around the window frame in a perpendicular direction. Background Art

[2] A conventional horizontal sliding sash window system consists of sashes, which have a pane of glass installed therein, and a window frame, which is installed on the wall of a building to accommodate the sashes. More particularly, the window frame has rails for guiding the sliding movement of the movable sash. The movable sash has rail guides and rollers positioned on the upper and lower external portions thereof so that the movable sash can move smoothly along the rails of the window frame. The sashes have a pane of glass or other material installed therein, and are placed inside the window frame.

[3] However, such a conventional, simple structure makes it difficult to expect a high level of soundproofing, air tightness (windproofing), water tightness, heat resistance, wind pressure resistance, etc. in the entire window system. In an attempt to solve this problem, a sealing member, such as mohair or a windproof rubber gasket, may be attached between the window frame and the sashes. However, this type of sealing has its limitations. In addition, the sealing member is deformed or worn down as time elapses. This makes it difficult to maintain the same level of performance.

[4] In order to overcome the disadvantages of the above-mentioned conventional horizontal sliding sash window system, a lift & sliding type (in short, LS-type) opening/closing structure has been proposed. However, this structure has a problem in that, when the sash is to be opened/closed, components related to rollers below the sash must lift/lower the heavy sash. The resulting concentration of load on the rollers is unfavorable in terms of dynamics. In addition, frequent lifting/lowering of the sash requires high-strength components having considerable durability. If the sash size increases above a predetermined threshold, it becomes difficult to properly bear the weight of the bulky sash frame and windowpane. This restricts the allowable range of the sash size.

[5] Furthermore, the sealing type (i.e. mechanism and direction of sealing) differs among the top, side, and bottom of the same sash. This means that, when the corners of the sash and the window frame having different sealing types contact each other, perfect sealing performance is hardly guaranteed. The sealing at the top of the sash re lies on weak elastic force that compresses the top sealing member against the top guide. As a result, it is hard to expect perfect sealing. It is also difficult to block the heat transfer between the inside and outside of the window via the top guide.

[6] Another conventional structure of relevance is disclosed in Korean Patent

Publication No. 10-2004-0075123 laid-open on August 27, 2004 (Application No. 10-2003-0010568, Applicant: TAK, Dong-Ho). This publication discloses a sliding sash having guide pieces formed on its front and rear ends (shown in FIGs. 6-8 of the publication). The guide pieces of the front and rear ends are forced against corresponding guide rollers, which are respectively installed on the window frame and the fixed sash, in the final stage of closing the sliding sash. As a result, the siding sash is moved back (i.e. toward the window frame and the fixed sash) and is forced against a rubber buffer. When the sliding sash is closed in this manner, its guide pieces are fitted between the rollers and the rubber buffer at the end. The large friction force occurring in this case requires that the user exert much force to completely close the sliding sash. From another point of view, the large amount of force compressing the rubber buffer all around results in huge reaction force, against which a considerable amount of force must be exerted to open the sliding sash. At the final stage of closing the sliding sash, the sliding sash and the guide pieces slide further toward the window frame (i.e. in such a direction that the sliding sash is closed) while the rubber buffer contacts the guide pieces. The resulting sealing between the rubber buffer and the guide pieces applies transverse frictional pressure to the rubber buffer. This pressure degrades the durability of the rubber buffer and shortens its life. Besides, the technical construction and operating condition of the playing means related to the rollers of the sliding sash (shown in FIGs. 9-12 of the publication) have serious problems. The publication teaches that, when the sliding sash switches from an opened condition to a closed condition, the weight of the sliding sash is displaced toward the inside of the building by the tilted roller assembly and that the sliding sash can freely slide without any contact or interference with the sealing means (rubber buffer) behind the sliding sash. However, when the user inside the building actually opens/closes the sliding sash, it is customary to grab the handle and push the sliding sash backward while applying force necessary to slide it in the transverse direction. In this case, the conventional structure disclosed in the above-referenced publication provides no means to actively control the gap between the rollers and rails. This means that, when the user pushes the sliding sash backward, the contact between the sliding sash and the sealing means inevitably creates friction. Furthermore, even if the bottom of the sliding sash leans toward the inside of the building, there occurs a vertical clearance between the top of the sliding sash and the window frame, because the top of the sliding sash conventionally has a groove larger than that of the bottom so that the sliding sash can be easily fitted to or removed from the window frame. This means that the same eccentricity of weight of the sliding sash resulting from the tilted roller assembly on the bottom of the sliding sash does not occur in the top of the sliding sash. As a result, the top of the sliding sash jolts back and forth in the forward/backward gap between the top guide of the window frame and the top of the sliding sash (the gap must have the same size as that at the bottom the sash), regardless of the tilting direction.

[7] In order to avoid the shortcomings of the above-mentioned conventional horizontal sliding sash window system, an arm rotation & sliding type opening/closing structure has been proposed. This system has a sash placed on an arm in a cantilever type. This makes it very difficult to analyze the load. More particularly, the size of the movable sash is limited, and components other than the arm (e.g. rollers, rails) also require sufficient strength and sophisticated treatment so that the cantilever support structure can bear the eccentric weight of the heavy sash. This is unfavorable to productivity and economy. It is conventional to install an arm only on the bottom of the sash in this arm-type rotation structure. This means that, unlike the bottom of the sash, the separately constructed top frame of the sash moves independently, i.e. its operation is not interlinked, until the sash is completely closed (if a strong wind blows while the sash is not completely closed, the resulting wind pressure jolts the top frame). This makes the user feel uneasy.

[8] In order to solve the above-mentioned structural problems of conventional window systems (e.g. horizontal sliding sash windows/doors), the inventors of the present application have proposed a novel window system as disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/KR2006/005909 filed on March 15, 2007 prior to the present application. The proposed window system has a fixed sash adapted to remain stationary and a movable sash adapted to slide relative to the fixed sash to be opened/closed. The system has a simple opening/closing structure, i.e. the number of components constituting the window system is minimized, while ensuring the basic performance that the entire window system is expected to exhibit, such as excellent soundproofing, air tightness (windproofing), water tightness, heat resistance, wind pressure resistance, stiffness for supporting a pane of glass or other material, etc. This reduces the sectional profile of the sash, on which components are installed, and improves the economy. As a result, a larger windowpane can be fitted to the same size of window frame. This increases the degree of lighting and openness. In addition, the horizontal sliding sash window system having such a structure (shown in FIGs. 1-9 of the accompanying drawings) requires a lower level of installation precision so that, when the system is assembled on the construction site, the possibility of erroneous installation can be lowered.

[9] The construction of the window system proposed in the above-referenced application, which precedes the present application, will now be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIGs. 1-3, top and bottom rails 1 Ia and 1 Ib are installed on the window frame 10 so that the movable sash 40 can slide along them. A rail guide assembly 41a, 42a is positioned above the top frame 40a of the movable sash 40. The rail guide 41a of the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a continuously engages with the top rail 1 Ia. A roller assembly 41b, 42b is positioned below the bottom frame 40b of the movable sash 40. The roller 41b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b continuously engages with the bottom rail 1 Ib. An opening/closing operation means (labeled 50 in FIG. 5) is installed on the lateral frame (labeled 40s in FIG. 5) of the movable sash 40 so that the top and bottom frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash 40 can be are separated from the roller assembly 41b, 42b below the bottom frame 40b and from the rail guide assembly 41a, 42b above the top frame 40a, respectively. After the separation, the top and bottom frames 40a and 40b can be moved in the forward/backward direction (labeled CL and OP in FIG. 1) together with a displacement component that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails 11a and 1 Ib of the window frame 10. As a result, the same pressure acts on the sealing member 30 (made of an elastic material, for example) interposed between the window frame 10 or the fixed sash frame (labeled 20 in FIG. 7) and the frames of the movable sash 40 in a generally perpendicular direction.

[10] The detailed construction and operating principle regarding the movement of the frames of the movable sash 40 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails 1 Ia and 1 Ib will now be described with reference to FIGs. 2-4. FIG. 2 shows a condition before a sealed movement, and corresponds to (a) of FIG. 4. FIG. 3 shows a condition after a sealed movement, and corresponds to (b) of FIG. 4. The roller assembly 41b, 42b, which includes the underlying roller 41b, is pushed by movement force Fp including a component parallel to the direction of extension of the bottom rail 1 Ib. The movement force Fp is divided into two components of force Fh and Fv by the tilted connection structure between a tilted guide groove 43b, which extends on the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b at an angle relative to the central axis of symmetry on the same plane, and a guide protrusion 44b protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom frame 40b of the movable sash 40. The vertical component of force Fv acting in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails constrains the roller assembly 41b, 42b so that the underlying roller 41b is not displaced out of the bottom rail 1 Ib in the perpendicular direction. The resulting reaction force moves the bottom frame 40b of the movable sash 40 in the forward/backward direction, i.e. in the direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails, as much as the width D of the tilted guide groove 43b. Use of such forward/backward movement constitutes the main principle of the proposed window system.

[11] FIGs. 5-7 show an exemplary opening/closing device embodying the above- mentioned operating principle. Particularly, the drawings show the action and effect of the window system when the rotation handle 4Oh of the opening/closing device 50 is rotated.

[12] When the window system is sealed by moving the frames of the movable sash 40 in the forward/backward direction together with a displacement component that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails, the repulsive force from the window frame 10 and the sealing member 30 acts on the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b and the guide protrusions 44a and 44b, which move in a staggering manner, because the underlying roller 41b and the overlying rail guide 41a are firmly fixed to the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and to the top plate 42b of the roller assembly, respectively, and because the guide protrusions 44a and 44b are firmly fixed to the top and bottom frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash 40, respectively. Such repulsive force causes distortion deformation of related components, particularly the bottom or top plate 42a or 42b having the tilted guide groove 43 a or 43b formed thereon. As a result, excessive separation displacement occurs between the frames of the movable sash 40 and the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a, as well as between the frames of the movable sash 40 and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b. This raises concern that the frames of the movable sash 40 may be derailed. In order to prevent such derailment, the inventors have proposed that anti- separation plates 46a and 46b be additionally provided to prevent the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly 41a, 42b and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b from distorting, as shown in FIG. 8. More particularly, the anti-separation plates 46a and 46b are provided by forming steel bonding portions 48a and 48b on flanges extending above and below the frames of the movable sash 40, respectively, as shown in FIG. 9.

[13] However, the structure shown in FIGs. 8 and 9 has a problem in that the anti- separation plates 46 and 46b are not easily installed, because it is not until seat-type sliding bearings 45a and 45b, the roller assembly 41b, 42b, and the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a are completely coupled to the frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash that the anti-separation plates 46a and 46b can be bonded to the frames 40a and 40b by the steel bonding portions 48a and 48b. Even after the installation, suppression of distortion deformation is limited to the area of contact between the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b and the guide protrusions 44a and 44b. This means that the window system may become unstable due to possible overall distortion deformation of the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly or the top plate 42b of the roller assembly. Furthermore, excessive concentration of load on the anti-separation plates 46a and 46b and the steel bonding portions 48a and 48b may deform the anti-separation plates 46a and 46b or even break the steel bonding portions 48a and 48b. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[14] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the present invention provides a coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a window system (e.g. horizontal sliding sash window/door) having a fixed sash adapted to remain stationary and a movable sash adapted to slide relative to the fixed sash to be opened/closed, the structure guaranteeing that a rail guide assembly and a roller assembly, which are major components for opening/closing the movable sash, stably slide on the top and bottom of the movable sash while providing excellent soundproofing, air tightness (windproofing), water tightness, and heat resistance, the structure ensuring that the window system can be easily assembled and installed on the construction site (i.e. the required level of installation precision is low) so that the possibility of erroneous installation can be decreased, and the structure providing stability high enough to prevent the movable sash from derailing from the window frame after installation, as well as sufficient durability.

[15] Also, the present invention provides a coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a window system having a fixed sash adapted to remain stationary and a movable sash adapted to slide relative to the fixed sash to be opened/closed, the structure guaranteeing not only that the movable sash can slide along rails installed on the window frame, but also that the movable sash can be separated from a rail guide and a roller positioned above and below the movable sash, respectively, and then moved in the forward/backward direction toward the window frame or the fixed sash frame (i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the rails) at any location on the rails so that the sealing member, which is interposed between the window frame or the fixed sash frame and the entire movable sash frame, is compressed by even pressure in the per- pendicular direction, and the structure properly controlling deformation resulting from distortion stress acting on the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly, which are installed on the top and bottom rails fixed to the window frame while being separated from the top and bottom of the movable sash frame, respectively, so as to provide better structural stability.

[16] The present invention aims at providing a technical means for minimizing distortion deformation occurring in the perpendicular direction when the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly of the horizontal sliding sash window system proposed in the preceding application receive force while sliding at an angle under the action of the tilted guide grooves and the guide protrusions. More particularly, it is a principle technical objective of the present invention to ensure a stable tilted sliding movement of the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly on the top and bottom of the movable sash, respectively, in order to minimize possible vertical distortion deformation of the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly. It is another principle technical objective of the present invention to provide a lubricating means for preventing concentrated friction force from occurring between the movable sash frame and the rail guide assembly and between the movable sash frame and the top plate of the roller assembly, respectively, so that the movable sash frame can smoothly move back and forth. The lubricating means also lessens friction between the guide protrusions and the tilted guide grooves. It is still another principle technical objective of the present invention to provide such a structure without causing any inconvenience during assembly while guaranteeing sufficient durability. Technical Solution

[17] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a horizontal sliding sash window system, the coupling structure including a rail guide assembly and a roller assembly respectively positioned above and below frames of a movable sash so that the movable sash can slide along top and bottom rails fixedly installed on a window frame and move together with a displacement component perpendicular to a direction of extension of the rails to be opened/closed relative to the window frame, wherein U- shaped channel guides of a predetermined length are integrally installed above and below the frames of the movable sash, respectively, a bottom plate of the rail guide assembly connected to an opening/closing operation means and a top plate of the roller assembly connected to the opening/closing operation means are inserted into internal space of the U-shaped channel guides while being able to slide in a tilted direction, respectively, so that the frames of the movable sash and the U-shaped channel guides can have a relative movement displacement in a tilted direction with regard to the rail guide assembly and the roller assembly, respectively, and structures for fitting guide protrusions into tilted guide grooves are provided between the U-shaped channel guides and the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly, respectively, so as to guide a sliding movement displacement of the rail guide assembly and the roller assembly in the tilted direction.

[18] A rail guide installation hole is formed on a top of the U-shaped channel guide above the frame of the movable sash so that a rail guide coupled to a top of the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly protrudes from the top of the U-shaped channel guide to be coupled to the top rail formed on the window frame while being able to slide. A roller installation hole is formed on a bottom of the U-shaped channel guide below the frame of the movable sash so that a roller coupled to a bottom of the top plate of the roller assembly protrudes from the bottom of the U-shaped channel guide to be coupled to the bottom rail formed on the window frame while being able to slide.

[19] The rail guide installation hole is formed as a rail guide installation hole having an opening toward a front surface of the U-shaped channel guide, the front surface being coupled to the rail guide assembly, the opening having a length equal to or larger than a length of the rail guide, and the roller installation hole is formed as a roller installation hole having an opening toward a front surface of the U-shaped channel guide, the front surface being coupled to the roller assembly, the opening having a length equal to or larger than a length of the roller, so that the components constituting the movable sash frame assembly can be assembled more easily and quickly.

[20] Guide protrusions are installed in the internal space of the U-shaped channel guides, respectively, and tilted guide grooves are formed on the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly. Alternatively, the tilted guide grooves may be formed on the U-shaped channel guides, and the guide protrusions may be fixedly installed in protrusion installation holes on the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly, respectively. In addition, the guide grooves and the guide protrusions may be installed on any combination of the top and bottom of the movable sash frame.

[21] The tilted guide grooves are formed as tilted guide grooves having an opening on one side so as to avoid interference with the guide protrusions installed in the internal space of the U-shaped channel guides, respectively, when the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly are assembled to the U-shaped channel guides, respectively. The tilted guide grooves are formed as tilted guide grooves having an opening on one side so as to avoid interference with the guide protrusions protruding from the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly, respectively, when the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly and the top plate of the roller assembly are assembled to the U-shaped channel guides, respectively.

[22] Preferably, a seat-type lubricating means is installed at an interface between a top internal surface of the U-shaped channel guide below the frame of the movable sash and the top plate of the roller assembly to lower frictional resistance. In addition, a seat-type lubricating means is additionally installed at an interface between a bottom inner surface of the U-shaped channel guide above the frame of the movable sash and the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly to lower frictional resistance.

[23] A number of U-shaped channel guides of a predetermined length and a number of rail guide assemblies or roller assemblies of a predetermined length may be provided, and intermediate connection members may be installed between respective assemblies to connect the assemblies to each other, the intermediate connection members having a number of connection holes so as to adjust a connection length.

[24] Those skilled in the art can easily understand that terminology used herein, including a horizontal sliding sash window, a movable sash, and a fixed sash, is not limited to glass windows on buildings, but is applicable to all types of doors adapted to slide to be opened/closed (e.g. sliding opening/closing doors for vehicles).

Advantageous Effects

[25] The coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a horizontal sliding sash window system according to the present invention is advantageous in that the elastic sealing member interposed between the window frame and the movable sash is substantially completely and integrally compressed regardless of the location of the movable sash on rails installed on the window frame when the movable sash is opened/ closed. This improves soundproofing, air tightness, water tightness, heat resistance, and wind pressure resistance. In addition, the durability is improved by preventing the sealing member from being damaged. Respective members constituting the system receive lesser load than in the case of conventional systems. In other words, the system according to the present invention is more structurally advantageous, durable, and easier to maintain. Furthermore, the fact that the members constituting the system can be easily assembled makes it easier to install the system on the spot. In particular, the structure suppresses distortion deformation that may occur in the top plate of the roller assembly or the bottom plate of the rail guide assembly when the movable sash is opened/closed. This prevents the sash from derailing from the window frame after installation. As such, the window system structure has high operational stability and sufficient durability, and undergoes little friction between the guide protrusions and the tilted guide grooves.

[26] Furthermore, the tilted guide grooves according to the present invention include a combination of sections having complex shapes so that the elastic reaction force occurring when the movable sash compresses the sealing member of the window frame while contacting it provides a locking action. This provides excellent soundproofing, air tightness (windproofing), water tightness, and heat resistance without a separate locking device.

Brief Description of the Drawings [27] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [28] FIG. 1 shows the basic construction of a horizontal sliding sash window system according to a preceding invention, to which the present invention is applied; [29] FIGs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the operating principle of the horizontal sliding sash window system according to the preceding invention, together with sectional views magnifying the major portion; [30] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the operating condition of the horizontal sliding sash window system shown in FIGs. 2 and 3; [31] FIG. 5 shows an opening/closing operation means according to a first embodiment of the preceding invention, which is used in the window system to which the present invention is applied; [32] FIG. 6 shows the major construction and operating condition of the opening/ closing operation means shown in FIG. 5; [33] FIG. 7 shows the operating condition of an entire window system to which the opening/closing operation means according to the first embodiment of the preceding invention shown in FIG. 5 is applied;

[34] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the preceding invention;

[35] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8;

[36] FIG. 10 shows a structure for coupling roller and rail guide assemblies to movable sash frames, respectively, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [37] FIG. 11 shows a combination of the first embodiment of the present invention and the opening/closing operation means according to the first embodiment of the preceding invention; [38] FIGs. 12 and 13 are sectional views showing the operating conditions of a window system as a combination of the first embodiment of the present invention and the opening/closing operation means according to the first embodiment of the preceding invention, when taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 10; [39] FIGs. 14 and 15 are sectional views showing the operating conditions of the window system as a combination of the first embodiment of the present invention and the opening/closing operation means according to the first embodiment of the preceding invention, when taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 10; [40] FIGs. 16 and 17 show combinations of the first embodiment of the present invention and alternative opening/closing operation means, respectively; [41] FIG. 18 shows a structure for coupling roller and rail guide assemblies to movable sash frames, respectively, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [42] FIG. 19 shows the operating condition of a window system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 18; [43] FIG. 20 shows the operating condition of the window system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when taken along line A-A shown in

FIG. 18; [44] FIG. 21 shows a structure for coupling roller and rail guide assemblies to movable sash frames, respectively, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [45] FIG. 22 shows a structure for coupling roller and rail guide assemblies to movable sash frames, respectively, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [46] FIG. 23 shows a structure for coupling roller and rail guide assemblies to movable sash frames, respectively, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [47] FIG. 24 shows a structure for coupling roller and rail guide assemblies to movable sash frames, respectively, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; [48] FIGs. 25 to 29 show tilted guide grooves having various shapes according to embodiments of the present invention; [49] FIGs. 30 and 31 show structures for installing guide protrusions according to preferred embodiments of the present invention; [50] FIGs. 32 to 35 show exemplary use of dual tube-type rotary bearing members according to embodiments of the present invention; [51] FIG. 36 is an enlarged sectional view showing the installation condition of a dual tube-type rotary bearing member; [52] FIG. 37 shows a contact surface between a rotary bearing member and a tilted guide groove according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [53] FIG. 38 shows a structure for connecting rail guide assemblies to each other according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for the Invention [54] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [55] Referring to FIGs. 10 to 17, a window system according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a window frame 10; top and bottom rails l la and 1 Ib installed on the window frame 10; a movable sash 40 adapted to slide along the top and bottom rails 1 Ia and 1 Ib; a rail guide assembly 41a, 42a positioned above a top frame 40a of the movable sash 40, a rail guide 41a of the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a continuously engaging with the top rail 1 Ia; a roller assembly 41b, 42b positioned below a bottom frame 40b of the movable sash 40, the roller 41b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b continuously engaging with the bottom rail 1 Ib; an opening/closing operation means (labeled 50 in FIGs. 12 to 15) installed on the lateral frame (labeled 40s in FIGs. 12 to 15) of the movable sash 40; and U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b integrally formed on the top and bottom frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash 40, respectively. The opening/closing operation means is used to separate the channel guides 146a and 146b from the rail guide assembly 41a, 42b above the top frame 40a of the movable sash 40 and from the roller assembly 41b, 42b below the bottom frame 40b of the movable sash 40 and, respectively (i.e. separate the movable sash 40). After the separation, the channel guides 146a and 146b are moved in the forward/backward direction (labeled CL and OP in FIG. 1) together with a displacement component that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails 11a and 1 Ib of the window frame 10. As a result, a sealing member 30 (made of an elastic material, for example) interposed between the window frame 10 or the fixed sash frame (labeled 20 in FIGs. 14 and 15) and the frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash 40 is compressed by the same pressure in a generally perpendicular direction. This type of organized combination of motions guarantees that the window system is sealed evenly and efficiently.

[56] More particularly, the frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash 40 have U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b of a predetermined length integrally formed on their top and bottom, respectively. The bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a connected to the opening/closing operation means and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b connected to the opening/closing operation means are inserted into the inner space of the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b while being able to slide at an angle, respectively, so that the frames 40a and 40b of the movable sash 40 and the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b can slide at an angle on a plane. Structures for fitting the guide protrusions 44a and 44b to the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b are provided between the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b and the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly, respectively, so as to guide the tilted sliding displacement of the rail guide assembly and the roller assembly. After installing the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly in the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b, respectively, the rail guide 41a and the roller 41b are assembled, as shown in FIG. 10.

[57] The top U-shaped channel guide 146a has a rail guide installation hole 141a formed on its top so that the rail guide 41a, which is coupled to the top of the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a, protrudes from the top of the top channel guide 146a to be coupled to the top rail 11a, which is formed on the window frame, while being able to slide. The bottom U-shaped channel guide 146b has a roller installation hole 141b formed on its bottom so that the roller 41b, which is coupled to the bottom of the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b, protrudes from the bottom of the channel guide 146b to be coupled to the bottom rail 1 Ib, which is formed on the window frame, while being able to slide.

[58] The shape of the rail guide installation hole 141a and the roller installation hole

141b, as shown in FIG. 10, is determined so as to sufficiently reflect the tilted horizontal displacement of the movable sash frames, which incorporate the coupling structure according to the present invention, occurring when the movable sash frames are installed on the rails of the window frame and when the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly are displaced along the rails. Preferably, the rail guide installation hole 141a and the roller installation hole 141b have a shape corresponding to that of the tilted guide grooves. If necessary, a simple shape (e.g. square) can be used.

[59] When a combination of the movable sash incorporating the coupling structure according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 and the opening/closing operation means 50 according to the first embodiment of the preceding invention shown in FIG. 11 is applied to a window system, it is opened/ closed as shown in FIGs. 12-15. The opening/closing operation means 50 shown in FIG. 11 includes a rotation shaft member 50c extending on the lateral frame 40s of the movable sash 40 in the longitudinal direction and having a rotation handle 50h, and components for converting the rotational movement of the rotation shaft member 50c into a reciprocating movement. Particularly, the components include connecting rod members 52a and 52b linked with the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly, respectively, and rotation end members 51a and 51b coupled to the upper and lower ends of the rotation shaft member 50c, respectively, so that, when the rotation shaft member 50c rotates, the connecting rod members 52a and 52b push/pull the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly and ensure that they simultaneously move in the same direction as the top and bottom rails l la and 1 Ib together with a displacement component parallel to them. First ends of the rotation end members 51a and 51b are fixedly coupled to the upper and lower ends of the rotation shaft member 50c at the same location, respectively, and second ends thereof are linked with the connecting rod members 52a and 52b, respectively. The window system is operated as follows: when the rotation handle 50h is rotated, the rotation shaft member 50c and the rotation end members 51a and 51b, which are rigidly coupled to the upper and lower ends of the rotation shaft member 50c, respectively, rotate accordingly and push/pull the connecting rod members 52a and 52b, the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly, and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly. The resulting action affects the coupling structure of the movable sash frame assembly according to the present invention.

[60] FIGs. 12 and 13 are sectional views taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 10, and magnify portions of the window system during operation. FIGs. 14 and 15 are sectional views taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 10, and magnify portions of the window system during operation. Particularly, FIGs. 12 and 13 respectively show conditions before and after an opening/closing operation by rotating the rotation handle 50h while the movable sash 40 abuts the window frame 10 (i.e. movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails). FIGs. 14 and 15 respectively show conditions before and after an opening/closing operation by rotating the rotation handle 50h when the movable sash 40 is positioned halfway on the rails 1 Ia and 1 Ib of the window frame 10 (i.e. movement at an angle relative to the direction of extension of the rails). Such a difference in location of the movable sash 40, however, is not noticeable in the sectional views.

[61] As is clear from the enlarged sectional views of FIGs. 12-15, the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly are respectively adapted to slide inside the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b above and below the movable sash 40 while receiving force. Therefore, the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly is not severely distorted through a basic operation process of the window system according to the present invention, i.e. even if the bottom plate 42a receives force in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails while the rail guide 41a, which is coupled to the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly from above, engages with the top rail 11a. Similarly, the top plate 42b of the roller assembly is not severely distorted even if it receives force in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails while the roller 41b, which is coupled to the top plate 42b of the roller assembly from below, engages with the bottom rail 1 Ib. This prevents the movable sash frames from derailing and improves the operational stability. This also avoids concentration of stress in a specific part of the structure and improves the durability.

[62] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a seat-type lubricating means 45b is preferably installed at the interface between the top internal surface of the bottom channel guide 146b and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly in order to lower the frictional resistance. Such a lubricating means may be omitted if either the top internal surface of the bottom channel guide 146b or the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b is made of a material having a self- lubricating function. In addition, the lubricating means, if necessary, is not limited to the seat type, and any equivalent may be adopted as long as it incorporates the same function.

[63] The seat-type sliding bearing 45b preferably includes a self-lubricating material

(e.g. Turcite) containing, as its main component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon complex, polyoxymethylene, nylon monomer, MC nylon, high molecular weight polyethylene, and Teflon. More preferably, the seat- type sliding bearing 45b is made of a material capable of facilitating the sliding movement between the top internal surface of the bottom channel guide 146b and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly 41b, 42b, as well as improving the durability and abrasion resistance of all components. Those skilled in the art can understand that the seat-type sliding bearing 45b must have a hole through which the guide protrusion 44b can extend. This means that, more generally speaking, the seat-type lubricating means can be installed not only at the entire interface undergoing a relative displacement, but also only on a part of the interface.

[64] More preferably, another seat-type lubricating means 45a is installed at the interface between the bottom internal surface of the top channel guide 146a and the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly in order to lower the frictional resistance.

[65] FIGs. 16 and 17 show opening/closing operation means 150 and 250 as alternatives to the above-mentioned opening/closing operation means 50, when installed on a movable sash incorporating the coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The opening/closing operation means 150 and 250 have the same basic action and effect as the opening/ closing operation means 50. The sliding-type opening/closing operation means 150 shown in FIG. 16 includes a lateral sliding bar 150c extending on the lateral frame of the movable sash 40 in the longitudinal direction so as to move up and down; a rotation handle 150h for applying operation force necessary to move the lateral sliding bar 150c up and down; gear mechanisms 150L and 150P for converting the rotational movement of the rotation handle 150h into an upward/downward reciprocating movement of the lateral sliding bar 150c; flexible sliders 150S connected to the top and bottom of the lateral siding bar 150c so as to transmit the reciprocating movement to the top and bottom of the movable sash 40, respectively; top and bottom sliding bars 151a and 151b respectively installed on the top and bottom of the movable sash 40 in the horizontal direction so as to interwork with the flexible sliders 150S; and connecting rod members 152a and 152b for linking the top and bottom sliding bars 151a and 151b with the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly, respectively. Another type of opening/closing operation means 250 shown in FIG. 17 includes a rotation handle 25Oh installed on the lateral surface of the movable sash; a gear mechanism consisting of a lateral sliding bar 250C, a pinion 250P, and a rack 250L; and connecting rod members 252a and 252b connected to the top and bottom structures of the movable sash, respectively. These components are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment. However, the opening/closing operation means 250 shown in FIG. 17 has joint link members 251a and 251b positioned at the corners so as to transmit the upward/downward displacement occurring at the lateral surface of the movable sash into a transverse displacement occurring at the top and bottom thereof after inverting the direction. In the case of the embodiments shown in FIG. 16 and 17, when the rotation handles 150h and 25Oh are operated, the horizontal displacement occurring at the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly of the movable sash and the horizontal displacement occurring at the top plate 42b of the roller assembly have opposite directions, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b respectively formed on the top and bottom have opposite directions, and the guide protrusions 44a and 44b respectively fitted to the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b have opposite initial locations.

[66] Various opening/closing operation means other than those disclosed and shown in the specification and drawings of the present invention may be used in combination with the coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly according to the present invention, such as those disclosed and shown in the specification and drawings of the preceding application (PCT Application No. PCT/KR2006/005909).

[67] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGs. 18-20.

In the second embodiment, the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b have tilted guide grooves 143a and 143b formed thereon, respectively, and the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly have guide protrusions 44a and 44b fixedly installed in protrusion installation holes 144a and 144b, respectively. FIG. 18 shows exploded and assembled perspectives of such a structure. FIG. 19 shows enlarged sections of the window system during operation, when taken along line B-B shown of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 shows enlarged sections of the window system during operation, when taken along line A-A shown of FIG. 18. The positional relationship between the tilted guide grooves and the guide protrusions shown in FIGs. 12-15 is the inverse of that shown in FIGs. 19 and 20.

[68] FIGs. 21 and 22 show third and fourth embodiments as alternatives to the first and second embodiments, respectively. According to the third and fourth embodiments, which aim at improving the convenience of assembly, the rail guide installation hole 141a is replaced with a rail guide installation hole 141a' having an opening which faces the front surface of the U-shaped channel guide 146a coupled to the rail guide assembly 41a, 42a and which is at least as long as the rail guide 41a, so that the guide protrusion 44a can be assembled after assembling the rail guide 41a to the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and then to the U-shaped channel guide 146a. Similarly, the roller installation hole 141b is replaced with a roller installation hole 141b' having an opening which faces the front surface of the U-shaped channel guide 146b coupled to the roller assembly 41b, 42b and which is at least as long as the roller 41b, so that the guide protrusion 44b can be assembled after assembling the roller 41b to the top plate 42b of the roller assembly and then to the U-shaped channel guide 146b.

[69] FIGs. 23 and 24 show fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention as alternatives to the first and second embodiments (third and fourth embodiments), respectively. The fifth and sixth embodiments are provided to maximize the ease of assembly.

[70] The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 23 aims at guaranteeing not only that the rail guide 41a and roller 41b can be assembled to the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly and then to the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b, respectively, but also that the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly can be inserted even when the guide protrusions 44a and 44b are already installed on the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b, respectively. This is for the purpose of ensuring that the guide protrusions 44a and 44b are naturally fitted into the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b, respectively. To this end, the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b are preferably replaced with tilted guide grooves 43a' and 43b' having an opening on one side so that, when the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly are respectively assembled to the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b, they do not interfere with the guide protrusions 44a and 44b installed in the internal space of the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b, respectively. In the case of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the guide grooves 143a and 143b are preferably replaced with tilted guide grooves 143a' and 143b' having an opening on one side so that, when the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly are respectively assembled to the U-shaped channel guides 146a and 146b, they do not interfere with the guide protrusions 44a and 44b protruding from the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly, respectively.

[71] FIG. 25 shows the detailed shape of the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b, which have been given as examples in FIGs. 10-22 to describe the present invention. Referring to FIG. 25, the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b have a combination of a central tilted section S extending at an angle relative to the direction of extension of the rails, and parallel linear sections Ll and L2 positioned on both sides of the tilted section S while extending in parallel with the direction of extension of the rails. More particularly, the parallel linear sections Ll and L2, which are parallel to the direction of extension of the top or bottom rail 1 Ia or 1 Ib, guarantee that, once the forward/ backward sealed movement of the movable sash is completed, the movable sash does not jolt on the rails 11a and 1 Ib in the forward/backward direction due to external force (e.g. elastic repulsive force from the sealing member or strong wind force), but remains at a fixed location as long as the rotation handle of the sealing operation means is not operated in the opposite direction (i.e. as long as no force is applied in parallel with the direction of extension of the rails). As such, the parallel linear sections Ll and L2 act as locking means.

[72] Although the tilted guide grooves shown in FIG. 25 have parallel linear sections on both sides of the tilted section, they may have a parallel linear section only on one side. Alternatively, the tilted guide grooves shown in FIG. 26 have a first tilted section S 1 lying at the center while extending at an angle θ and a second tilted section S2 positioned on one side (e.g. left) of the first tilted section S 1 while extending at an angle θ that is opposite to the angle θ of the first tilted section Sl. The angle and length of the sections are preferably determined in such a manner that the range Δ of movement enabled by the second tilted section S2 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails is smaller than the range Δ of movement enabled by the first titled section Sl (i.e. in order to keep the sealing member fastened properly).

[73] FIG. 27 shows a tilted guide groove as an alternative to that shown in FIG. 25. The alternative tilted guide groove guarantees that the rotation handle 5Oh can be rotated further when the guide protrusions 44a and 44b move along the tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b and compress the sealing member 30 against the window frame to the greatest extent. Then, the movable sash can receive the elastic repulsive force from the sealing member 30 and move backward. In order to realize such an operating condition, a stopping groove G may be formed in the first parallel linear section Ll on one side of the central tilted section Ll as a space having a diameter d2 larger than the diameter dl of the guide protrusions 44a and 44b, as shown in FIG. 25. The depth of the stopping groove G is preferably determined in such a manner that the range Δ of movement of the guide protrusions 44a and 44b in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rails, when they enter the stopping grooves G due to the elastic repulsive force from the sealing member 30, is smaller than the range Δ of movement of the guide protrusions 44a and 44b in the central tilted section S (i.e. in order to keep the sealing member fastened properly).

[74] Tilted guide grooves having the shape shown in FIGs. 26 or 27 are advantageous in that, when the user rotates the rotation handle to close the movable sash while forcing it against the sealing member, the user can feel, via the rotation handle, that the degree of compression decreases in the section of maximum compression of the sealing member. As such, the user can sense how much the movable sash has been closed.

[75] FIGs. 28 and 29 show tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b, which are slightly modified versions of those shown in FIGs. 25 and 26, respectively. The tilted guide grooves 43a and 43b have an additional stopping groove G at the end of a parallel linear section L or L2 to the right of the central tilted section Sl or S. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that various types of tilted guide grooves can be obtained by variously combining any of the above-mentioned shapes.

[76] Besides the shapes shown in FIGs. 25-29, the tilted guide grooves may have a simpler shape, e.g. a linear shape or the shape of a circular arc having a predetermined curvature.

[77] When guide protrusions 44a according to the present invention are installed on a

U-shaped channel guide 146a or on the bottom plate 42a of a rail guide assembly as shown in FIG. 30 or 31, rotary bearing members 47a are placed in respective installation holes so that the guide protrusions 44a are supported in the axial direction while being able to rotate. This prevents the guide protrusions 44a from generating friction when they slide along the tilted guide grooves of various above-mentioned shapes and collide with the lateral walls of the tilted guide grooves. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that, although the rotary bearing members 47a are solely installed on the top channel guide 146a and the bottom plate 42a of the rail guide assembly to support the guide protrusions 44a according to the embodiments shown in FIGs. 30 and 31, the bottom channel guide 146b and the top plate 42b of the roller assembly may also have rotary bearing members installed thereon to support the guide protrusions 44b. Furthermore, although the rotary bearing members 47a are interposed between the installation holes and the fixed ends of the guide protrusions 44a as shown in the left half of FIG. 30 and in FIG. 31, the positional relationship may be modified as long as friction is reduced. For example, as shown in the right half of FIG. 30 and in FIG. 32, the fixed ends of the guide protrusions 44a are fixedly installed in the installation holes, and the rotary bearing members 47a are placed on parts (halfway parts shown in the drawing) of the guide protrusions 44a, which make contact with the lateral surface of the tilted guide grooves, so that the friction between the guide protrusions 44a and the titled guide grooves is reduced.

[78] The rotary bearing members 47a are not limited to the conventional cylindrical ball bearings shown in FIGs. 30-32. An alternative rotary bearing member 47a shown in FIG. 36 has a dual-tube structure and, particularly, includes a cylindrical lubricating means 47al made of a self-lubricating material and axially coupled to a portion (e.g. upper end) of the guide protrusion 44a which makes contact with the lateral surface of the tilted guide groove 43a, and a cylindrical rotary cap 47 a2 coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the lubricating means 47 a 1 (after the dual tube is fitted, the upper end of the guide protrusion is compressed and deformed to fixedly couple it). Various examples of guide protrusions 44a having rotary bearing members 47a of such a dual- tube structure are shown in FIGs. 33-35.

[79] More particularly, the contact surfaces of the rotary bearing members 47a formed on the guide protrusions 44a and 44b and/or the tilted guide grooves 43 a, 43b, 43 a' 43b' 143a, 143b, 143a' and 143b' include convex surfaces as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 37. This reduces the contact surfaces as much as possible so that, when the tilted guide grooves 43a, 43b, 43a' 43b' 143a, 143b, 143a' and 143b' are at a high level, the guide protrusions 44a and 44b undergo minimized friction even if they are tilted.

[80] Meanwhile, although it has been assumed that, among the major components of the device for opening/closing the horizontal sliding sash window system according to the present invention, a single rail guide assembly 41a, 42a and a single roller assembly 41b, 42b are placed above and below each movable sash, respectively, more than one rail guide assemblies and roller assemblies may be used. In this case, it is convenient to connect a number of U-shaped channel guides 146a, rail guide assemblies 41a, 42a, and roller assemblies 41b, 42b, which respectively have a predetermined length, to one another. Considering that the size (width) of the sashes is not the same, it is preferred to use intermediate connection members 49a, which have a number of connection holes, between the bottom plates 42a of respective rail guide assemblies as shown in FIG. 38 so that the distance between the connected bottom plates 42a can be adjusted. This is favorable to mass production and ease of assembly. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that, although the intermediate connection members 49a have been described and shown in FIG. 38 with regard to the rail guide assemblies 41a, 42a only, they can also be used to connect roller assemblies 41b, 42b to each other.

[81] In addition, although seat- type sliding bearings 45a and 45b have been provided as seat-type lubricating means in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, they may be either omitted or replaced with equivalents (e.g. ball bearings) having similar functions, depending on the friction at the interface, which is determined by the load of the movable sash and the material, as mentioned above.

[82] Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A coupling structure for a movable sash frame assembly in a horizontal sliding sash window system, the coupling structure comprising: a rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and a roller assembly (41b, 42b) respectively positioned above and below frames (40a, 40b) of a movable sash (40) so that the movable sash (40) can slide along top and bottom rails (Ha, 1 Ib) fixedly installed on a window frame (10) and move together with a displacement component perpendicular to a direction of extension of the rails (Ha, 1 Ib) to be opened/closed relative to the window frame (10), wherein U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b) of a predetermined length are integrally installed above and below the frames (40a, 40b) of the movable sash (40), respectively, a bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) connected to an opening/closing operation means and a top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) connected to the opening/closing operation means are inserted into internal space of the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b) while being able to slide in a tilted direction, respectively, so that the frames (40a, 40b) of the movable sash (40) and the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b) can have a relative movement displacement in a tilted direction with regard to the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the roller assembly (41b, 42b), respectively, and structures for fitting guide protrusions (44a, 44b) into tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b) are provided between the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b) and the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b), respectively, so as to guide a sliding movement displacement of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the roller assembly (41b, 42b) in the tilted direction.

[2] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rail guide installation hole (141a) is formed on a top of the U-shaped channel guide (146a) above the frame (40a) of the movable sash (40) so that a rail guide (41a) coupled to a top of the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) protrudes from the top of the U-shaped channel guide (146a) to be coupled to the top rail (1 Ia) formed on the window frame (10) while being able to slide.

[3] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rail guide installation hole (141a) is formed as a rail guide installation hole (14Ia') having an opening toward a front surface of the U-shaped channel guide (146a), the front surface being coupled to the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a), the opening having a length equal to or larger than a length of the rail guide (41a).

[4] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a roller installation hole (141b) is formed on a bottom of the U-shaped channel guide (146b) below the frame (40b) of the movable sash (40) so that a roller (41b) coupled to a bottom of the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) protrudes from the bottom of the U-shaped channel guide (146b) to be coupled to the bottom rail (1 Ib) formed on the window frame (10) while being able to slide.

[5] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the roller installation hole

(141b) is formed as a roller installation hole (14Ib') having an opening toward a front surface of the U-shaped channel guide (146b), the front surface being coupled to the roller assembly (41b, 42b), the opening having a length equal to or larger than a length of the roller (41b).

[6] The coupling structure as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are installed in the internal space of the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b), respectively, and tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b) are formed on the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) so that the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are fitted to the tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b), respectively.

[7] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(43a, 43b) have a linear shape.

[8] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(43a, 43b) have a circular arc shape.

[9] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(43a, 43b) have a combination of a central tilted section extending at an angle relative to the direction of extension of the rails (Ha, 1 Ib), and a parallel linear section positioned on one or each side of the tilted section while extending in parallel with the direction of extension of the rails (Ha, 1 Ib).

[10] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(43a, 43b) are formed as tilted guide grooves (43a¹, 43b') having an opening on one side so as to avoid interference with the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) installed in the internal space of the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b), respectively, when the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) are assembled to the U- shaped channel guides (146a, 146b), respectively.

[11] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tilted guide grooves

[12] The coupling structure as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein tilted guide grooves (143a, 143b) are formed on the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b), respectively, and guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are fixedly installed on the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) to be fitted into the titled guide grooves (143a, 143b), respectively.

[13] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(143a, 143b) have a linear shape.

[14] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(143a, 143b) have a circular arc shape.

[15] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(143a, 143b) have a combination of a central tilted section extending at an angle relative to the direction of extension of the rails (Ha, 1 Ib), and a parallel linear section positioned on one or each side of the tilted section while extending in parallel with the direction of extension of the rails (Ha, 1 Ib).

[16] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tilted guide grooves

(143a, 143b) are formed as tilted guide grooves (143a¹, 143b') having an opening on one side so as to avoid interference with the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) protruding from the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b), respectively, when the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) are assembled to the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b), respectively.

[17] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tilted guide grooves

[18] The coupling structure as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein a seat-type lubricating means (45b) is installed at an interface between a top internal surface of the U-shaped channel guide (146b) below the frame (40b) of the movable sash (40) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b) to lower frictional resistance.

[19] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 18, wherein the seat- type lubricating means (45b) is a seat-type sliding bearing comprising a self-lubricating material having, as a main component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon complex, polyoxymethylene, nylon monomer, MC nylon, high molecular weight polyethylene, and Teflon.

[20] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 18, wherein a seat- type lubricating means (45a) is additionally installed at an interface between a bottom inner surface of the U-shaped channel guide (146a) above the frame (40a) of the movable sash (40) and the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) to lower frictional resistance.

[21] The coupling structure as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein, when the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are installed on the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b) or on the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b), respectively, rotary bearing members (47a) are installed in installation holes so that the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are axially supported so as to rotate.

[22] The coupling structure as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein, when the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are installed on the U-shaped channel guides (146a, 146b) or on the bottom plate (42a) of the rail guide assembly (41a, 42a) and the top plate (42b) of the roller assembly (41b, 42b), respectively, fixed ends of the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) are fixedly installed in installation holes, and rotary bearing members are installed on portions of the guide protrusions (44a, 44b), the portions making contact with lateral surfaces of the tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b), so as to reduce friction between the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) and the tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b).

[23] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the rotary bearing members comprise cylindrical lubricating means made of a self-lubricating material, the lubricating means being axially coupled to portions of the guide protrusions (44a, 44b) making contact with the lateral surfaces of the tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b), and cylindrical rotary caps coupled to outer peripheral surfaces of the lubricating means.

[24] The coupling structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein contact surfaces of the rotary bearing members and/or the tilted guide grooves (43a, 43b) comprise convex surfaces.

[25] The coupling structure as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein a number of U- shaped channel guides of a predetermined length and a number of rail guide assemblies or roller assemblies of a predetermined length are provided, and intermediate connection members (49a) are installed between respective asse mblies to connect the assemblies to each other, the intermediate connection members (49a) having a number of connection holes so as to adjust a connection length.