DK177751B1 - A roof window having improved cleaning properties, and a method of cleaning such a roof window - Google Patents

Abstract

The roof window comprises a stationary frame (1) adapted to be built into a structure and having a top member (12), two side members (13, 14) and a bottom member (11), and defining a frame plane, a sash (2) having a top member (22), two side members (23, 24) and a bottom member (21), and carrying a pane (3) and defining a sash plane in parallel with the pane, an intermediate frame (4), and at least one first hinge connection (15) for connecting the sash (2) and the intermediate frame (4) to the stationary frame (1). Releasable locking means (16) for releasing the first hinge connection (15) are provided, and at least one second hinge connection (25) for connecting the sash (2) to the intermediate frame (4), as well as operating means (8) for opening and closing the sash relative to the frame. In order to provide a substantially weather-proof transition between the roof window and the surroundings, a first set of cover elements is provided on the stationary frame and a second set of cover elements provided on the sash. The second set of cover elements includes a top sash cover element (200) and the first set of cover elements includes a top frame cover element (100), and that the top sash cover elements overlaps the top frame cover element to a maximum opening angle when the sash is rotated in a first direction relative to the frame plane, but is releasable from the overlap to allow a rotation of the sash in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

DK 177751 B1 A roof window having improved cleaning properties, and a method of cleaning such a roof window 5 The present invention relates to a roof window comprising a station ary frame adapted to be built into a structure and having a top member, two side members and a bottom member, and defining a frame plane, a sash having a top member, two side members and a bottom member, and carrying a pane and defining a sash plane in parallel with the pane, an intermediate 10 frame, at least one first hinge connection for connecting the sash and the intermediate frame to the stationary frame, releasable locking means for releasing the engagement between the intermediate frame and the sash at the first hinge connection, at least one second hinge connection for connecting the sash to the intermediate frame, operating means for opening and closing the 15 sash relative to the frame, and a first set of cover elements being provided on the stationary frame and a second set of cover elements provided on the sash to provide a substantially weather-proof transition between the roof window and the surroundings. The invention furthermore relates to a method of cleaning such a roof window.

20 Basically, such roof windows may be provided in a number of varie ties and include more or less complicated structures in order to allow opening of the sash and to fulfil other functions, such as ventilation.

Windows of the pivoting or centre-hung type have found widespread acceptance, especially as roof windows, inter alia because this kind of win-25 dow facilitates easy window cleaning, due to the fact that the pane-carrying sash may be pivoted essentially 180° to allow cleaning of the outside surface of the pane from inside the building. This is made possible by the provision of a pivot hinge, with a particular pattern of movements, which in turn makes it possible to establish an overlap between the cladding members forming part 30 of a set of cover members of the sash and the frame in the closed position of the pivot window, without the use of elaborate devices such as linkage 2 DK 177751 B1 mechanisms to provide the appropriate relative movement. This is a particularly important feature in windows installed in a roof. A further advantage of the pivot window is that it can be fully opened to a position where the sash is turned approximately 90° in which position air inlet is essentially unrestricted, 5 rather than being restricted by a linkage mechanism limiting the opening angle. Eventually, a pivot window provides for an easy operation, partly due to the position of the operating means at the top member of the sash, partly because the weight of the sash is substantially balanced with the hinge axis situated close to the centre line of the window.

10 On the other hand, top-hung windows, i.e. windows in which the hinge axis is located near or at the top members of the sash and frame, have a number of advantages as well; for instance, operation of the window may take place with a handle at the bottom member of the sash, which is a logical and easily accessible position. Furthermore, a large opening is provided when 15 the sash is opened, allowing even small top-hung windows to function as emergency exits. However, in order to allow cleaning of a top-hung window, normally installed in an inclined roof, from the inside of the building, an intermediate frame must be provided.

Examples of top-hung windows that pivot for cleaning are for in-20 stance disclosed in Applicant’s WO-A-89/10460, EP 0 733 146 B1 and EP 1 873 323 B1. To make it possible to pivot the window sash approximately 180° to a convenient cleaning position, the sash structure is connected with an intermediate frame with frame arms, which in the closed position of the window are positioned between the upper parts of the frame and sash side members, 25 and which during normal use of the window as a top-hung turning window follow the sash side members. The axis of rotation of this connection lies approximately halfway between the top and bottom members of the frame and sash, and operation of the window to this pivoting movement is carried out in a manner frequently used in connection with roof windows by means of a ven-30 tilation and control flap which releases a locking mechanism positioned between the frame and sash top members. The total pattern of movements of the sash, the frame and the intermediate frame requires that the top cap con- 3 DK 177751 B1 nected with the intermediate frame is retained against a support member connected with the intermediate frame arm, whereas the lower part with a screw connection is secured to the screw fitting which is connected with the part of the fitting connected with the intermediate frame arm between the in-5 termediate frame arm and the sash side member.

For most fields of application, the engagement between the cladding parts poses no problem during operation. However, there are situations in which a less complex form of such cladding parts is desired.

One example of a roof window seeking to overcome the problem of 10 two-part claddings is described in FR-A-2581119; however, this window is of a relatively elaborate design.

In such roof windows in general, it is of importance to ascertain that the movements to be performed are manageable throughout, and without the risk of body parts such as fingers or, even worse, a head are caught between 15 moving window parts.

With this background it is an object of the present invention to improve a roof window of the kind mentioned in the introduction with respect to manufacture, installation and cleaning facilities.

In a first aspect, this and further objects are met by the provision of a 20 roof window of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which is furthermore characterized in that the second set of cover elements includes a top sash cover element and the first set of cover elements includes a top frame cover element, and that the top sash cover element overlaps the top frame cover element to a maximum opening angle when the sash is rotated in a first direc-25 tion relative to the frame plane, but is releasable from the overlap to allow a rotation of the sash in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Thereby a roof window is provided, with which the desired improved manufacturing and operational conditions are improved. It is thus possible to rotate the sash in a relatively easy and uncomplicated manner, without the 30 use of additional equipment in the form of links or guides.

In another aspect, a method of cleaning such a roof window is provided.

4 DK 177751 B1

Presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description and the dependent claims.

The invention will be described in more detail below by means of a non-limiting example of an embodiment and with reference to the schematic 5 drawing, in which

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a roof window in an embodiment according to the invention;

Figs 2, 3 and 4 show partial sectional views of the roof window in the embodiment of Fig. 1, on a larger scale; 10 Fig. 5 shows a schematic partial perspective view of details of a roof window in another embodiment, with the sash of the roof window in another position;

Figs 6 to 8 show schematic cross-sectional views of a detail of a roof window in a further embodiment of the invention, with the sash of the roof 15 window in three different positions; and

Figs 9 to 12 show schematic perspective views of a roof window in an embodiment of the invention, in four different positions during use of a method for cleaning a roof window according to the invention.

The embodiment of the roof window shown in Figs 1 to 4 comprises 20 a stationary frame 1 to be built into an inclined roof surface (not shown) and a sash 2 carrying a pane 3. The stationary frame has, in a manner known per se, a bottom member 11, a top member 12, and two side members 13, 14, which together define a frame plane, and the sash in a corresponding manner a bottom member 21, a top member 22, and two side members 23, 24 encas-25 ing the pane 3 and defining a sash plane.

Referring also to the schematic views of Figs 9 to 12 illustrating the principle underlying the invention, the roof window includes a first hinge connection 15 at the top members 12, 22 of the frame and the sash, respectively, to render the roof window top-hung during normal operation, via an interme-30 diate frame generally designated 4, of which only its top member 42 is shown in more detail. A second hinge connection 25 is provided between the sash and the intermediate frame in order to rotate the sash about this second hinge 5 DK 177751 B1 connection to provide access to the outside of the pane 3 for cleaning purposes. In the embodiment shown, a lifting device including a spring arrangement 6 comprising a spring, or two springs, is connected to a lifting arm 7.

From a closed position, the user operates the operating means of the 5 window. The operating means may as shown be a handle 8 connected with the sash bottom member. The bias of the spring arrangement 6 of the lifting device acts on the lifting arm 7, which in turn exerts a moment on the intermediate frame 4 and hence on the sash 2 relative to an axis at the first hinge connection 15. In combination with the force, and hence moment, exerted by 10 the user operating the operating device, the moment resulting from the weight of the sash and the pane is overcome to move the sash in a first direction such that the sash plane is moved away from the frame plane. Closing the window from the open position entails the opposite movements of the sash and relevant parts of the lifting device. A similar lifting device may be provided 15 at each side of the roof window.

In order to allow the sash of the roof window to be rotated to a cleaning position, in which the outer side of the pane 3 is accessible from the inside of the building in which the roof window is mounted, the engagement between the intermediate frame 4 and the sash at the first hinge connection 15 is re-20 leasable, in that locking means 26 provided at the top of the roof window are released. Such locking means are well-known as such and the provision thereof is obvious to the person skilled in the art.

In order to provide a substantially weather-proof connection between the roof window and the exterior, a number of cover elements are provided. In 25 a more traditional window, cover elements include cladding elements and flashing elements, and also in the roof window according to the invention, such cladding and flashing elements may be used wherever appropriate. At the top of the roof window according to the invention, however, a particular design of the cover elements is foreseen: 30 Referring to Fig. 5 showing the principle underlying the invention, a first set of cover elements is provided on the stationary frame 1 and a second set of cover elements is provided on the sash 2 to provide a substantially 6 DK 177751 B1 weather-proof transition between the roof window and the surroundings.

The second set of cover elements includes a top sash cover element 200 and the first set of cover elements includes a top frame cover element 100. The top sash cover element overlaps the top frame cover element to a 5 maximum opening angle when the sash is rotated in the first direction relative to the frame plane, but is releasable from the overlap to allow a rotation of the sash in a second direction opposite the first direction. Also shown in this figure is a third set of cover elements in the form of an intermediate frame cover element 400.

10 A presently preferred embodiment of such a roof window is shown in

Figs 6 to 8 showing the roof window in three different positions: Fig. 6 shows the sash in the closed position, in the position shown in Fig. 7, the sash has been rotated about the first hinge connection and in a first direction to a maximum opening angle, which in the embodiment shown is approximately 15 45°, and in Fig. 8, the locking means 16 of the first hinge connection 15 has been released and the sash 2 is free to move in a second direction about the second hinge connection 25, without the respective cover elements 100, 200, 400 coming into conflict with each other.

Thus, in the embodiment shown the top sash cover element 200 20 comprises a first leg section 201 substantially parallel to the sash plane and a second leg section 202 at an angle thereto. The top frame cover element 100 comprises a first leg section 101 substantially parallel to the frame plane and an upstanding second leg section 102 substantially perpendicular thereto, the second leg section 202 of the top sash cover element overlapping the up-25 standing second leg section 102 of the frame cover element slightly in the closed position of the sash, and abutting the first leg section 101 of the top frame cover element 100 in the maximum opening angle as shown when comparing Figs 6 and 7. In order to increase the weather-proofing even further, the top frame cover element 100 also comprises a third leg section 103 30 perpendicular to the upstanding second leg section 102 in the embodiment shown. Furthermore, a third set of cover elements is provided and includes an intermediate frame cover element 400, which is adapted to be brought into 7 DK 177751 B1 releasable contact with the top sash cover element 200, as shown at a sealing member 205. The intermediate frame cover element 400 comprises a hook-shaped section 401 cooperating with the third leg section 103 of the top frame cover element 100. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate frame 5 cover element 400 is provided on the top member 42 of the intermediate frame 4, but it is conceivable to provide this cover element 400 on other parts, for instance at the sides of the intermediate frame 4.

In order to bring the window sash 2 from the position shown in Fig. 6 to the position shown in Fig. 7, the intermediate frame 4 and the pane-10 carrying sash 2 are in an initial step opened and rotated relative to the stationary frame 1, with the locking means 26 in a locked position, about the first hinge connection 15. This initial step is in the embodiment shown carried out by the assistance of the lifting device 6, 7. In a secondary step, the engagement between the sash 2 and the intermediate frame 4 is released to bring 15 the locking means 26 to an unlocked position. This operation allows the sash 2 to be lifted out of contact with the stationary frame 1 by rotating the sash 2 about the second hinge connection 25 without guidance from the stationary frame. Comparing Figs 7 and 8, it is seen how the top sash cover element 200 during the initial phase of this step is moved from the position in Fig. 7, in 20 which the second leg section 202 abuts the first leg section 101 of the top frame cover element 100, to the position of Fig. 8, in which the top sash cover element 200 has been moved out of contact with the top frame cover element 100 without any conflict between the cover elements.

In order to ease the movement of the sash about the second hinge 25 connection, the top sash member is in the embodiment shown provided with an additional operating means, here in the form of a handle 85.

In order to clean primarily the outside of the pane of the roof window according to the invention, the following steps are performed, with particular reference to the consecutive Figures 9 to 12: 30 rotating the sash in a first direction relative to the frame plane about the first hinge connection, releasing the locking means of the first hinge connection, 8 DK 177751 B1 rotating the sash about the second hinge connection in the second direction opposite the first direction through a predefined angle, cleaning the outside of the pane, rotating the sash in the first direction about the second hinge connec- 5 tion, reengaging the locking means of the first hinge connection, and closing the sash by rotation in the second direction about the first hinge connection.

During the rotation of the sash about the second hinge connection, 10 the sash 2 is located entirely outside the plane of the stationary frame 1. The movement is completely free, in that no guidance between the bottom member 21 of the sash 2 relative to the stationary frame 1 is necessary. This provides for a particularly easy operation at all stages of the procedure. Furthermore, as the user is able to control the movement, no unforeseen sudden 15 movements are possible.

Once the locking means have been released, it is possible to move the sash slightly back towards the frame plane, before commencing the rotation about the second hinge connection, in case this increases the user comfort.

20 As a still further aspect, a method is provided by which an intermedi ate frame and a pane-carrying sash in an initial step are opened and rotated relative to a stationary frame, with locking means in a locked position, about a first hinge connection, preferably by the assistance of a lifting device. In a secondary step, the engagement between the sash and the intermediate 25 frame is released to bring the locking means to an unlocked position. Following this secondary step, the sash is rotated about a second hinge connection without guidance from the stationary frame.

It should be noted that the above description of preferred embodiments serves only as an example, and that a person skilled in the art will 30 know that numerous variations are possible without deviating from the scope of the claims.

Claims (8)

9 DK 177751 B19 DK 177751 B1 1. Ovenlysvindue omfattende: en stationær karm (1) indrettet til at blive indbygget i en struktur og udvisende et 5 overstykke (12), to sidestykker (13, 14) og et bundstykke (11) og definerende et karmplan, en ramme (2) med et overstykke (22), to sidestykker (23, 24) og et bundstykke (21) og bærende en rude (3) og definerende et rammeplan, som er parallelt med ruden, en mellemramme (4), 10 mindst en første hængselforbindelse (15) til at forbinde rammen (2) og mellemram men (4) til den stationære karm (1), udløseligt låsemiddel (16) til frigørelse af indgrebet mellem mellemrammen (4) og rammen (2) ved den første hængselforbindelse (15), mindst en anden hængselforbindelse (25) til at forbinde rammen (2) til mellemram-15 men (4), betjeningsmiddel (8) til åbning og lukning af rammen i forhold til karmen, og et første sæt beklædningselementer tilvejebragt på den stationære karm og et andet sæt beklædningselementer tilvejebragt på rammen for at tilvejebringe en i det væsentlige vejrbestandig overgang mellem ovenlysvinduet og omgivelserne, 20 kendetegnet ved, at det andet sæt beklædningselementer inkluderer et over- rammebeklædningselement (200), og det første sæt beklædningselementer omfatter et overkarmbeklædningselement (100), og at overrammebeklædningselementet overlapper overkarmbeklædningselementet til en maksimal åbningsvinkel, når rammen roteres i en første retning i forhold til rammeplanet, men kan frigøres fra overlappet for at tillade en 25 rotation af rammen i en anden retning modsat den første retning.A skylight window comprising: a stationary frame (1) adapted to be built into a structure and having a top piece (12), two side pieces (13, 14) and a bottom piece (11) and defining a frame plane, a frame (2) ) having a top piece (22), two side pieces (23, 24) and a bottom piece (21) and carrying a pane (3) and defining a frame plane parallel to the pane, an intermediate frame (4), at least a first hinge connection (15) for connecting the frame (2) and intermediate frame but (4) to the stationary frame (1), releasable locking means (16) for releasing the engagement between the intermediate frame (4) and the frame (2) at the first hinge connection (15) , at least a second hinge connection (25) for connecting the frame (2) to the intermediate frame (4), actuator (8) for opening and closing the frame relative to the frame, and a first set of cladding elements provided on the stationary frame and another set of cladding elements provided on the frame to provide an i the substantial weather-resistant transition between the skylight window and the surroundings, characterized in that the second set of cladding elements includes an overlay cladding element (200) and the first set of cladding elements comprises an upper frame cladding member (100) and the frame is rotated in a first direction relative to the frame plane, but can be released from the overlap to allow rotation of the frame in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 2. Ovenlysvindue ifølge krav 1, hvor overrammebeklædningselementet (200) omfatter en første bendel (201) i det væsentlige parallelt med rammeplanet og en anden bendel (202) i en vinkel i forhold dertil.A skylight window according to claim 1, wherein the overlay frame element (200) comprises a first leg portion (201) substantially parallel to the frame plane and a second leg portion (202) at an angle to it. 3. Ovenlysvindue ifølge krav 2, hvor overkarmbeklædningselementet (100) omfatter 30 en første bendel (101) i det væsentlige parallelt med karmplanet og en opretstående anden bendel (102) i det væsentlige vinkelret derpå, hvor den anden bendel (202) af overrammebeklædningselementet (200) overlapper den opretstående anden bendel (102) af overkarmbeklædningselementet (100) en smule i den lukkede stilling af rammen, og ligger an mod den første bendel (101) af overkarmbeklædningselementet i den maksimale åb- 35 ningsvinkel.A skylight window according to claim 2, wherein the upper frame part (100) comprises a first leg part (101) substantially parallel to the frame plane and an upright second leg part (102) substantially perpendicular thereto, wherein the second leg part (202) of the top frame part ( 200), the upright second leg portion (102) of the upper frame covering element (100) overlaps slightly in the closed position of the frame, and abuts the first leg portion (101) of the upper frame covering element at the maximum opening angle. 4. Ovenlysvindue ifølge krav 3, hvor overkarmbeklædningselementet (100) yderligere omfatter en tredje bendel (103) vinkelret på den opretstående anden bendel (102).The skylight of claim 3, wherein the upper frame covering member (100) further comprises a third leg member (103) perpendicular to the upright second leg member (102). 5. Ovenlysvindue ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 2 til 4, hvor et tredje sæt beklædningselementer omfatter et mellemrammebeklædningselement (400), der er indrettet 40 til at blive bragt i udløselig kontakt med overrammebeklædningselementet (200), fortrinsvis ved et tætningselement (205). DK 177751 B1 10A skylight window according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a third set of cladding elements comprises a middle frame cladding element (400) arranged to be releasably contacted with the topframe cladding member (200), preferably by a sealing member (205). . DK 177751 B1 10 6. Ovenlysvindue ifølge krav 4 og 5, hvor mellemrammebeklædningselementet (400) omfatter en krogformet del (401), som samvirker med den tredje bendel (103) af over-karmbeklædningselementet.A skylight window according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the intermediate frame cladding element (400) comprises a hook-shaped part (401) which cooperates with the third leg part (103) of the upper frame cladding element. 7. Ovenlysvindue ifølge et af de foregående krav, hvor overrammestykket er forsynet 5 med et yderligere betjeningsmiddel, fortrinsvis i form af et håndtag (85).A skylight window according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overhead frame is provided with an additional operating means, preferably in the form of a handle (85). 8. Fremgangsmåde til rengøring af et ovenlysvindue ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1 til 7, omfattende trinnene: rotation af rammen i en første retning i forhold til karmplanet omkring den første hængselforbindelse, 10 frigivelse af indgrebet mellem mellemrammen og rammen ved låsemidlet ved den første hængselforbindelse, rotation af rammen omkring den anden hængselforbindelse i den anden retning modsat den første retning gennem en forudbestemt vinkel, rengøring af ydersiden af ruden, 15 rotation af rammen i den første retning omkring den anden hængselforbindelse, genindgreb med låsemidlet af den første hængselforbindelse, og lukning af rammen ved rotation i den anden retning omkring den første hængselforbindelse.A method of cleaning a skylight window according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: rotating the frame in a first direction relative to the frame plane about the first hinge connection, releasing the engagement between the intermediate frame and the frame by the locking means at the first hinge connection, rotation of the frame about the second hinge connection in the second direction opposite the first direction through a predetermined angle, cleaning the exterior of the pane, rotation of the frame in the first direction around the second hinge connection, re-engaging with the locking means of the first hinge connection, and closing the frame by rotation in the other direction around the first hinge joint.