Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
  • E06B9/40—Roller blinds
  • E06B9/42—Parts or details of roller blinds, e.g. suspension devices, blind boxes
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/02—Shutters, movable grilles, or other safety closing devices, e.g. against burglary
  • E06B9/08—Roll-type closures
  • E06B9/11—Roller shutters
  • E06B9/17—Parts or details of roller shutters, e.g. suspension devices, shutter boxes, wicket doors, ventilation openings
  • E06B9/17007—Shutter boxes; Details or component parts thereof
  • E06B9/1703—Fixing of the box; External plastering of the box
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/58—Guiding devices
  • E06B2009/587—Mounting of guiding devices to supporting structure
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/92—Means allowing the closures to be shifted out of the plane of the opening

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an external screening arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.
• Screening arrangements positioned in front of windows to cover the window opening from direct sunlight in the screening position are common. Such screening arrangements are typically either positioned on the interior or the exterior side of the window opening to be screened.
• Internal screening arrangements include roller blinds, Venetian blinds, pleated blinds etc. and are typically relatively easy to install, as the installation site is normally immediately accessible by the person carrying out the installation and the entire operation may be carried from the inside of the building in which the window is installed.
• External screening arrangements are from the outset made from materials being sturdier and heavier than internal screening arrangements, and the installation site involves building parts located on the exterior side of the building. Screening arrangements also must fulfil different requirements depending on whether they are installed in a fagade window, i.e.
• an external screening arrangement of the kind mentioned in the introduction which is furthermore characterised in that the screening arrangement furthermore comprises a positioning device to provide at least temporary, releasable engagement with engagement means of the respective side cover, in that said positioning device comprises a clip providing snap engagement with the engagement means of the side cover, and in that said positioning device is configured to be fastened to the roof window in the mounted condition of the screening arrangement.
• the side covers may be safely connected to the roof window during installation.
• the positioning device is fastened to the roof window, independently of the side cover, which may remain in its package, either on the roof or inside the building.
• the side cover is engaged with the positioning device and hence the roof window.
• the releasable engagement ensures that installation may be carried out single- handedly by the installer, without requiring additional and/or complicated tools to ensure the at least temporary engagement. Once the engagement has been established, the installer is now free to let go of the side cover to retrieve tools necessary for other parts of the mounting process.
• the releasable engagement between the positioning device and the side cover furthermore ensures that the side cover is connected to the frame in the correct position such that additional fastening means are introduced into the frame structure of the roof window at appropriate and designated positions.
• the engagement is carried out with ease, from arbitrary directions.
• the provision of a clip to provide the snap engagement is a well-known and reliable mechanical means of obtaining such a temporary engagement and may in some cases even function as a permanent engagement means.
• the external screening arrangement may be an external flat roof window screening arrangement and/or an external inclined roof window screening arrangement.
• the external screening arrangement may preferably be configured for being mounted on a roof window in an inclined roof and/or a flat roof.
• the external screening arrangement is in a mounted condition mounted on a roof window, wherein said roof window is mounted in an inclined roof or a flat roof.
• the snap engagement provides positive, form-locking engagement between the side cover and the clip or non-positive, force-locking engagement.
• the selection of appropriate snap engagement means is thus flexible and may for instance be chosen in accordance with the dimensions and materials of the screening arrangement and of the roof window, installation conditions etc.
• a form-locking engagement ensures that the side cover is secured and does not move excessively relative to the positioning device, thereby improving the positioning device to be used in orienting and connecting the side cover at appropriate and designated positions.
• the clip provides positive, form-locking engagement and comprises a hook portion to engage with the engagement means of the side cover.
• the side cover needs only to be provided with a recess or groove to engage with the hook portion, thereby keeping the side cover space-efficient.
• a hook portion protruding from one face of the positioning member ensures that the engagement is carried out with ease, while still ensuring a safe retention of the side cover on the positioning device and hence the frame structure of the roof window.
• a feature described in relation to one of the aspect may also be incorporated in the other aspect, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated.
• Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention, with the screening body in an unwound, screening position;
• Fig. 1b is a view corresponding to Fig. 1a, with the screening body in a wound-up, non-screening position;
• Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a roof window with a screening arrangement in another embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 2b is a perspective view of a roof window with a prior art screening arrangement
• Figs 3a and 3b are simplistic perspective views of the operational principles of a cord system, with a screening body in an unwound screening position;
• Fig. 4 shows a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of the upper left-hand corner of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention
• Fig. 5 shows a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of the side cover and the positioning device in the embodiment of Fig. 4;
• Fig. 6 shows a perspective view, from another angle, of the side cover in the embodiment of Fig. 4;
• Figs 7a to 7c show schematic partial perspective views of the mounting of a positioning device in an embodiment of the screening arrangement on a roof window;
• Figs 8a and 8b show schematic partial perspective views of the mounting of a side cover being mounted on a positioning device fastened to a roof window, in an embodiment of the screening arrangement;
• Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a roof window in a further step of fastening a side cover in an embodiment of the screening arrangement on a roof window;
• Figs 10a to 10d show views from various angles of a positioning device in an embodiment of the screening arrangement according to the invention
• Fig. 11 shows a partial perspective sectional view of the upper left- hand portion of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention
• Fig. 12 shows an exploded partial perspective view of the lower left- hand corner of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention
• Fig. 13 shows an end view of a side rail in an embodiment of the screening arrangement according to the invention
• Figs 14 and 15 show end views of a side rail and a side cover in further embodiments.
• Figs 16a to 16e show views from various angles of a positioning device in a further embodiment of the screening arrangement according to the invention.
• a screening arrangement 1 in an embodiment of the invention, it is seen how the screening arrangement 1 comprises a screening body 11 , a top casing 23 and a bottom profile 15.
• the screening arrangement 1 is configured to be mounted on a roof window 2 (see Fig. 2a) to assume a mounted condition, in which the screening body 11 is movable in a general longitudinal direction between a non-screening position and a number of non-screening positions in which the screening body 11 at least partially covers an opening of the roof window 2.
• the screening arrangement 1 further comprises a roller shaft 14 (Figs 3a and 3b) accommodated in the top casing 23 and connected to drive means, the drive means being configured to rotate the roller shaft 14 in a winding direction W1 and an unwinding direction W2 (see Figs 3a and 3b).
• the screening body 11 has two side edges and a predefined length between a first end portion and a second end portion.
• the first end portion is connected to the roller shaft 14 accommodated in the top casing 23 such that the screening body 11 may be wound on the roller shaft 14 in the non-screening position.
• the second end portion is connected to a bottom profile 15.
• the screening arrangement comprises two side rails 21 , 22, a first side rail 21 and a second side rail 22 to guide at least opposing ends of the bottom profile 15.
• the side edges of the screening body 11 may be guided in the side rails 21 , 22.
• the term “ends” of the bottom profile 15 is to be construed to encompass any structure of the bottom profile 15 suitable to interact with the side rails 21 , 22, including separate elements and one-piece configurations.
• the screening body 11 is shown in an unwound screening position, and in Fig. 1 b the screening body is shown in a non-screening position, in which the screening body 11 is wound and stored on the roller shaft 14 in the top casing 23.
• the bottom profile 15 may either be completely accommodated within the top casing 23, or protrude slightly therefrom.
• the screening arrangement 1 is configured to be mounted on the exterior side of the roof window 2, which in turn is typically mounted in an inclined roof surface (not shown).
• the roof window 2 has a frame structure 3 and a sash structure 4.
• the frame structure 3 is configured to extend in parallel to the roof surface, while the sash structure 4 is configured to be opened to a variety of positions, for instance as shown in Fig. 2a.
• the frame structure 3 and the sash structure 4 each has a top member 3a, 4a and a bottom member 3d, 4d and two mutually parallel side members 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c.
• the sash structure 4 is pivotally connected to the frame structure 3 via hinges 5, in the shown embodiment here at a substantially central hinge axis, however other positions of the hinge axis are conceivable as well. Also visible in Fig. 2a is a pane 7 encased in the sash structure 4.
• the side rails 21 , 22 are connected to the sash structure 4 in a slidable and rotatable connection at or near the bottom of the sash structure 4.
• the top casing 23 may either be rotatably or fixedly connected to the roof window 1 , at or near the top of the frame structure 3.
• the connection between the top casing 23 and the side rails 21 , 22 is either fixed, i.e. the side rails 21 , 22 are rigidly connected to the top casing, or rotatable, i.e. there is a hinge connection (not shown) between the top casing 23 and the side rails 21 , 22.
• a fitting 6 is generally designated to indicate the slidable and rotatable connection between the bottom corners of the sash structure 4, defined by the bottom sash member 4d and the side sash members 4c, 4b, to the first side rail 21 and the second side rail 22, respectively.
• the fittings 6 allow for the sash structure 3 to be guided along the side rails 21 , 22 when the sash structure 4 is pivoted about its hinge axis when opening the roof window 2.
• the top casing 23 comprises a slightly curved cover portion 232 and an end portion 233 at each of the longitudinal ends of the top casing 23. Furthermore, a solar panel 231 is placed in the top casing 23 which could be used to power the screening arrangement 1 , possibly connected to a battery inside the top casing 23; however, power may also be provided from a main housing supply. Wiring, motor control and power means for the motor are not shown.
• the top casing 23 is rotatably connected to the frame structure 3 of the roof window 2 with a top casing hinge 234.
• the side rails 21 , 22 are, at respective first fixed ends, rigidly, i.e. fixedly connected to the top casing 23 such that the side rails 21 , 22 may pivot out of the plane defined by the roof surface and the frame structure 3 when opening the sash structure 4.
• a prior art screening arrangement is shown. Elements having the same or analogous function as in the embodiments of the invention are denoted by the same reference numerals for convenience.
• the top casing 23 is fixedly connected to the top frame member 3a, and the side rails 21 , 22 are rotatably connected to the top casing 23.
• the movement of the side rails 21 , 22 is limited by the presence of a stay 8 connected to a respective side cover 30’ which in turn is connected to the side member 3c of the frame structure 3 of the roof window 2.
• a corresponding side cover is connected to the opposite side member 3b.
• the side covers 30’ provide general protection of the other components of the screening arrangement 1 and contributes to the shielding of the opening of the roof window 2.
• Figs 3a and 3b which show the operating principle and possible configurations of a cord system of embodiments of the screening arrangement 1 of the invention, two guidance cords 12 are provided to ensure parallel guidance of the bottom profile 15 during operation of the screening arrangement 1.
• Each guidance cord 12 is, at one end, connected to a respective winding device including a winding reel 16, and, at another end, connected to a tensioning device generally designated 13 in the bottom profile 15.
• the configuration of such winding reels are well-known as such, one example being found in the embodiment of Applicant’s WO 2006/074653 A1. It is noted that the term “in the bottom profile” should be interpreted in its broadest sense, thus including positions at or near a wall of the bottom profile, such as for instance behind a front wall of an open profile.
• the guidance cords 12 are wound on the winding device oppositely relative to how the screening body 11 is wound on the roller shaft 14, i.e. when the roller shaft 14 rotates in the winding direction W1 , the screening body 11 is wound, while the guidance cords 12 are unwound, and vice versa when the roller shaft 14 rotates in the unwinding direction W2.
• the winding device including the winding reel 16 and the roller shaft 14 are both accommodated in the top casing 23.
• the winding reels 16 should unwind/wind a length of guidance cord 12 substantially equal to the length of screening body 11 wound/unwound by the roller shaft 14 when the bottom profile 15 is moved in the general longitudinal direction of the screening arrangement 1 as defined by the screening body 11 and the side rails 21, 22.
• the guidance cords 12 are slackened, thereby impairing the parallel guiding function.
• the tensioning device 13 provides a tension on the guidance cords 12 such that during operation, variations in the required length of the guidance cords 12 is accommodated for.
• the winding reel 16 is arranged at one end of the roller shaft 14.
• the winding reel 16 can however, also be arranged inside the roller shaft 14 as shown in Fig. 3b, such that the roller shaft 14 and thus also the screening body 11 may be made wider, or two winding reels, one at the respective end of the roller shaft 14.
• Figs 3a and 3b Also visible in the general overviews of Figs 3a and 3b are return elements 10 for guiding the respective guidance cord 12 from the winding reel 16 around the associated return element 10 and up to and into the bottom profile 15, and further to the tensioning device 13. Since the return element 10 is located at or near the free end of the respective side rail 21 , 22, this means that the returning or upwards directed part of the guidance cord 12 runs alongside the downwards directed part of the guidance cord 12 from the winding reel 16 to the return element 10. The upwards directed part of the guidance cord 12 may run in the same track of the respective side rail 21 , 22 as the downwards directed part of the guidance cord 12. In the embodiment shown in one and the same track 221 (cf. Figures of specific embodiments) of the side rail 22.
• the screening arrangement comprises an external screening arrangement with a substantially flat screening body also known as a panzer as seen in the unwound screening position, but the concept is applicable also to other forms of screenings such as awning blinds, external roller blinds, roller shutters with various types of lamellae etc.
• a set of two side covers is configured to be connected to roof window 2, at the side members 3b, 3c of the frame structure 3 of the roof window 2, by means of a respective positioning device 40 connected to opposing sides of the frame structure 3 of the roof window 2.
• connection to the frame structure 3 includes also indirect connection, for instance via coverings or adapter pieces, and the concept of “sides” include side frame members 3b, 3c and adjacent portions of the top and bottom frame members 3a, 3d.
• the positioning device 40 is intended to provide at least temporary, releasable engagement with engagement means 33 of the respective side cover 30.
• the positioning device 40 is configured to be fastened to the roof window 2 in the mounted condition of the screening arrangement 1 .
• the positioning device comprises a clip 40 providing snap engagement with the engagement means 33 of the side cover 30.
• the snap engagement provides positive, form-locking engagement between the side cover 30 and the clip 40, such that an active releasing action is required to remove the side cover 30 from the clip 40, involving a directional change of the components interacting in the form-locking engagement.
• a non-positive, force-locking engagement is possible as well, in which case release is possible by moving the side cover in the opposite of the mounting direction.
• the clip 40 comprises a hook portion 412 configured to engage with the engagement means 33 of the side cover 30.
• the engagement means of the side cover 30 is here formed as a slot 33 formed in the side cover 30.
• the clip 40 comprises an upstanding leg 41 with a first side 411 configured to face the side cover 30 and a second side 413 configured to face outwards in the mounted condition, and a base leg 42 with fastening means 421 for fastening of the clip 40 to the roof window 2.
• the fastening means 421 includes an aperture 421 for receiving a separate fastening means such as a screw.
• the clip 40 comprises at least one side wall, preferably two side walls 43, 44, at the side of the base leg 42, and the side wall/s 43, 44 is/are located such that an interspace 45 is formed between the first side 411 of the upstanding leg 41 and the side wall/s 43, 44.
• the interspace 45 being configured for receiving the side cover 30.
• each side wall 43, 44 is provided with a guide portion 431 , 441 in the embodiment shown.
• the side cover 30 has a top end 301 and a bottom end 302, an upstanding flange 31 extending substantially from the top end 301 to the bottom end 302.
• the engagement means 33 of the side cover is provided in the upstanding flange 31 , at or near the top end 301 .
• the slot 33 constituting the engagement means of the side cover 30 in the embodiment shown is provided in the upstanding flange 31 .
• the side cover intended for connection with the opposing side of the frame structure 3 may be formed in a similar, mirror- inverted manner.
• the side cover 30 here also comprises a base flange 32 with a number of apertures, namely first, second and third apertures 321 , 322, 323 in the base flange 32.
• the first, second and third apertures 321 , 322, 323 being for receiving additional fastening means, for fastening the side cover 30 to the frame structure 3.
• FIG. 2a Also visible in Figs 4 to 6 is an inclined edge 311 of the upstanding flange 31 , ending in a connection area for connection with the top casing 23.
• reception means 34 for the top casing hinge 234 (Fig. 2a) is shown, as well as an aperture 35 for coupling means including a locking arm 37 (shown in Fig. 8a) for the top casing hinge 234, as well as an aperture 36 for other components of the top casing 23.
• the side cover 30 in the first embodiment shown has a substantially L-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal direction, but it is also conceivable to provide a plane side cover, or of another configuration.
• the engagement means of the side cover 30 are in the shown embodiment formed integrated in the side cover 30; however, it is also conceivable to include separate engagement means interacting with both the side cover 30 and the positioning device 40.
• the roof window 2 is prepared for receiving the positioning device 40 of the screening arrangement 1 according to the invention.
• this involves removing a screw 3a2 from a top box 3a1 covering the top frame member 3a and the frame side members 3b, 3c as shown in Fig. 7a.
• the screw aperture is sealed by a suitable material (Fig. 7b) before introducing the positioning device 40 and re introducing the screw 3a2 (Fig. 7c).
• the suitable material may be a putty or a similar material, thereby it may help with waterproofing the screw aperture.
• the procedure is repeated at the opposite side of the frame structure 3. Following this, the positioning device 40 is connected to the roof window 2 and ready to receive the side cover 30 (Fig. 7c).
• the side covers are successively positioned at the respective sides of the frame structure 3 of the roof window 2 as shown in Fig. 8a.
• the engagement means 33 of the side cover 30 is aligned with the positioning device 40, the engagement means 33 is moved into engagement with the positioning device 40 to attain the position of Fig. 8b.
• the engagement means 33 of the side cover 30 is not aligned with the positioning device 40 prior to engagement, instead the side cover 30 is moved into engagement with the positioning device 40, and subsequently the engagement means 33 are moved into engagement with the positioning device 40, thereby attaining the position of Fig. 8b.
• the positioning device comprises a clip 40 providing form-locking engagement
• the hook portion 412 of the clip 40 snaps into the slot 33 and thereby provides the at least temporary, releasable engagement aimed at.
• the person carrying out the installation is now free to move to further operations, since the side cover 30 remains in its position as it is held by the positioning device 40.
• the side cover 30 is connected to the frame structure 3 of the roof window 2 by introducing additional fastening means, such as screws, into the first, second and third apertures 321 , 322, 323 as indicated in Fig. 9.
• Figs 11 to 15 focus on improving the general protection conferred by the side covers 30 to the remaining components of the screening arrangement 1 and the roof window 2 even further, in particular regarding the snugness of the cooperation between the side rails 21 , 22, the screening body 11 , bottom profile 15, and the side covers 30.
• the snugness include proofing against weather and sound, and in particular light from the surroundings to the room of the building via the opening to be screened.
• Each side rail 21 , 22 may thus be provided with sealing means between the side rail 21 , 22 and the screening body 11 and/or the bottom profile 15. Additionally or alternatively, each side rail 21 , 22 may be provided with sealing means between the side rail 21 , 22 and the side cover 30.
• each side rail 21 , 22 is provided with a top flange 222, a first side flange 223 and a bottom flange 224 to define a track 221 with a track opening 2211 configured to receive at least the bottom profile 15, by its opposing ends 150.
• “ends” of the bottom profile 15 is to be construed to encompass any structure of the bottom profile 15 suitable to interact with the side rails 21 , 22. Flere, the ends are provided as separate elements 150, but one-piece configurations are conceivable as well.
• a side edge of the screening body 11 is received and guided in the respective side rail.
• each side rail 21 , 22 is furthermore provided with a fitting track 225 for the fitting 6 connecting the side rail 21 , 22 to the sash structure 4.
• the fitting track 225 is here provided in conjunction with the bottom flange 224, but other configurations are conceivable.
• each side rail 21 , 22 is provided with a descending second side flange portion 226 and an ascending second side flange portion 227 at a distance from the first side flange 223, said descending second side flange portion 226 and ascending second side flange portion 227 being provided at either side of the track opening 2211 .
• an upper flange section 2260 is provided adjacent the descending second side flange portion 226 and a lower flange section 2270 is provided adjacent the ascending second side flange portion 227.
• sealing means may be positioned and here comprise a plurality of tracks 2261 , 2262, 2271 , 2281 configured to receive one or more gaskets.
• Figs 14 and 15 further embodiments are shown, in which the cooperation with the side rail 22 and the side cover 30 is made even more snug.
• the sealing means here comprise a groove 229 configured to receive the side cover 30.
• tracks for receiving gaskets may be provided at strategic positions within the side rail, including within the groove 229.
• the side cover 30 may be provided with sealing means as well, either in addition to the side rails 21 , 22, or alternatively.
• FIG. 16a to 16e A second embodiment of the positioning device in the form of a clip 40 is shown in Figs 16a to 16e. In substance, this embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in detail in Figs 10a to 10d.
• the upstanding leg 41 with the hook portion 412 and the side walls 43, 44 are here provided with recesses to increase the resilient properties further.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
• Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=76130299

Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (3)

Citations (6)

• 2020
  • 2020-11-24 PL PL20816900.3T patent/PL3959408T3/pl unknown
  • 2020-11-24 ES ES20816900T patent/ES2953157T3/es active Active
  • 2020-11-24 EP EP20816900.3A patent/EP3959408B1/en active Active
  • 2020-11-24 HU HUE20816900A patent/HUE062472T2/hu unknown
  • 2020-11-24 WO PCT/DK2020/050329 patent/WO2021104593A1/en unknown

Patent Citations (6)

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