EP1532339A1

EP1532339A1 - Sliding, pivoting panel system

Info

Publication number: EP1532339A1
Application number: EP03736392A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anders Johansson
Original assignee: Windoor AB
Current assignee: WINDOOR IPR AB
Priority date: 2002-06-19
Filing date: 2003-06-18
Publication date: 2005-05-25
Also published as: AU2003237732A1; SE0201902D0; SE0201902L; SE524170C2; WO2004001168A1; NO20045489L; PL375081A1

Abstract

Panel system comprising at least two horizontally slidable panels (1, 2, 3, 4) and for each panel (1, 2, 3, 4), in the direction of sliding of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4), one longitudinal lower guiding device to guide the sliding of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) in a plane of sliding separated from and parallel with the plane of sliding of every other panel (1, 2, 3, 4), the panels (1, 2, 3, 4) being pivotable about a vertical axis at, at least one position along the lower guiding device, and the lower guiding device comprises on the lower side of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) and close to the lower side of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) complementary guiding means arranged to slide relatively each other, the first guiding means comprising a channel and the second guiding means at least one into the channel projecting element. Each panel (1, 2, 3, 4) comprises a control device arranged to vertically elevate each panel (1, 2, 3, 4) from the slidable position of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) and thus arranged to disengage the guiding means from each other, to fix the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) pivotable about a vertical axis when the guiding means are disengaged from each other, and to lock the panel (1, 2, 3, 4), whereby the sliding of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) in the direction of sliding of the panel (1, 2, 3, 4) is prevented.

Description

SLIDING, PIVOTING PANEL SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for sliding, pivoting windows or panels, suitable for balconies and patios or verandas, for example.

Background to the Invention

At present there generally exist two main types of closing in systems for balconies and patios or verandas, etc., which are the sliding panel system and the pivoting panel system. The sliding panel system comprises panels, each composed of, e.g., pane glass arranged into a frame, preferably of aluminium profiles, the lower profile of the frame being provided with wheels or sliding blocks. The wheels roll along an elevated track and facilitate the sliding of the panel. A later form of sliding panels has an inner frame or sash arranged into the panel surrounding the pane of glass, which can be pivoted for window cleaning.

The pivoting panel system comprises panels, preferably consisting of aluminium profiles surrounding the pane of glass or along only two sides of the pane of glass, the upper side and the lower side. These panels are suspended by wheels at the top or supported by wheels from below. Usually, the panels are sus- pended by wheels at the top. The panels stand consecutively on or in a longitudinal track. In one end of the pivoting system, the first panel is pivoted about a vertical axis by an attached hinge, after which the following panel is slidingly pushed towards the first panel and enters a hinge mechanism where it is to be pivoted. The other panels are subsequently subjected to the same procedure. The advan- tage of this system compared with the firstly mentioned sliding panel system is that it offers an easy way to clean the panes of glass and the whole panel system is possible to open, since the panels are pivotable.

US 5,749,172 discloses a pivoting panel system or a retractable balcony glass structure intended for closing in balconies, and comprises an upper guide, a lower guide and several panels. All of the panels are sliding in the same track and only possible to pivot and open at one end of the system.

US 3,303,612 also describes a pivoting panel system which generally has the same design and function as the pivoting panel system of US 5,749,172. The pivoting panel system of US 3,303,612 comprises upper guiding means, lower guiding means and several panels. All panels are sliding in the same guiding means and the panels are possible to pivot only at one end of the system.

DE 196,00,130 A1 discloses a sliding panel system comprising several panels and two guiding means for each panel located at the upper side and at the lower side of each panel. Thus, the panels are slidingly pushed parallel to each other in their own guiding means. Along the vertical sides of the panels there are weather strips arranged to prevent water and wind from entering trough the sliding panel system. However, there are disadvantages connected to the above mentioned systems. The sliding panel system with sashes not possible to open makes it, e.g., difficult to clean the outside of the pane glass surrounded by the sash. However, this problem is solved by sashes possible to open mounted into the panels, but this solution results in a great increase in the costs of manufacture and impairment in resistance to stress. When it comes to the pivoting panel system, the disadvantage is that the pivoting of the panels for opening and closing is complicated since, for example, only one panel at a time is possible to pivot. Further, said pivoting panel system comprises several loosely attached details which are subjected to stress and easily break.

The Object of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a combination of the sliding panel system and the pivoting panel system in form of a panel system, the panels of which are possible both to slide and pivot. The object is also to provide a panel system which is easy to handle, has surfaces easy to clean, a wide opening space when all panels are in a pivoted condition, and few loosely attached and movable parts, and offers lower costs of manufacture than conventional systems.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention comprises a panel system comprising at least two horizontally slidable panels and for each panel, in the direction of sliding of the panel, one longitudinal lower guiding device to guide the sliding of the panel in a plane of sliding separated from and parallel with the plane of sliding of every other panel, the panels being pivotable about a vertical axis at, at least one position along the lower guiding device, and the lower guiding device comprises on the lower side of the panel and close to the lower side of the panel complementary guiding means arranged to slide relatively each other, the first guiding means comprising a channel and the second guiding means at least one into the channel projecting element. Each panel comprises a control device arranged to vertically elevate each panel from the slidable position of the panel and thus arranged to disengage the guiding means from each other, to fix the panel pivotable about a vertical axis when the guiding means are disengaged from each other, and to lock the panel, whereby the sliding of the panel in the direction of sliding of the panel is prevented. The projecting element of the guiding means can be in form of a longitudinal rail or an elevating track, and several projecting element can be consecutively arranged along the longitudinal length of the system. The fact that the projecting element in principal can be totally enclosed by the lower channel of the panels along the longitudinal length of the system, when the panel is resting on the pro- jecting element enables an effective sealing preventing wind and rain from passing through the panel system. The combination of this effective sealing during the slidable position of the panel and the pivoting of the panels is possible due to inventive control device which is able to elevate the panel, which leads to the disengagement of said guiding means, before pivoting the panel. The panel is vertically elevated about 10 mm before being pivoted.

Since a suitable field of application for the panel system according to the invention is the closing in of balconies, patios, verandas, and openings in walls, preferably the panels comprise pane of glass surrounded by a frame or sash made of, for example, metal, such as aluminium, plastic or wood. The uncover factor of the panel system, i.e. how long distance of the total longitudinal length of the panel system, or of the length covered by the panel system, is possible to uncover, when all the panels have been pushed to one side of the panel system and pivoted, is about 90 %. The uncover factor when the panels only have been slidingly pushed aside to one end of the panel system and not piv- oted is dependent upon the amount of panels. Two panels give an uncover factor of about 50 %, three panels give an uncover factor of about 67 %, and four panels give an uncover factor of about 75 %, etc.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention, the control device comprises two rods connected to each other and arranged at one of the vertical sides of the panel, one upper and one lower rod, which are extendable from the lower and upper side, respectively, of the panel. Preferably, the rods are interconnected by a mechanism which facilitates the projection of the rods. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention, the ends of the projecting parts of the rods each engage in a recess positioned in the region of the projection of each rod. The extension of the projecting part of the lower rod, in at least one of the projecting positions of the lower rod, is longer than the total length of the vertical extension of the lower recess and the vertical extension of the projecting element of the guiding means. The relationship between the extension of the projecting part of the lower rod and the total length of the vertical extension of the lower recess and the vertical extension of the projecting element of the guiding means enables the disengagement of the guiding means from each other by the control device elevating the panel, whereby the panel is possible to pivot.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention each recess for the engagement of a rod has a distance in the direction of sliding of the panel to another recess for the engagement of a rod in the same plane of sliding, which distance is at least as long as the thickness of a panel. This enables the front side or backside of panel to abut against the front side or backside of the adjacent panel when the panels are in a pivoted position. The result of this is a maximum uncover factor. Naturally, the recesses can be positioned with other distances relatively each other.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention, above each panel there is an upper channel, in which the end of the projecting part of the upper rod runs upon the sliding of the panel. When one panel is in its slidable position, the upper rod projects as much as the end of the projecting part of the upper rod is able to run in the upper channel without engaging in a recess or abutting against the inner ceiling of the upper channel.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention, at the upper side of the panel there is a guiding pin arranged, which runs in the upper channel, upon the sliding of the panel. In the upper channel and in the close region of the upper channel, there is at least one guiding pin recess in which the guiding pin is positioned when each of the upper and lower rods is positioned at a recess. The guiding pin recess has a configuration complementary to the guiding pin such that the guiding pin is movable transversely to the direction of sliding of the panel. Preferably, the guiding pin is posi- tioned close to the corner opposite the corner where the rods of the control device are arranged. The guiding pin and its position increase the stability of the panel when the panel is in the slidable position, and said guiding pin recess enables the pivoting of a panel with an attached guiding pin. With this guiding pin recess excluded, the guiding pin would not be able to leave the upper channel and conse- quently the pivoting of the panel would be prevented.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention the upper part of the guiding pin has an extension in the longitudinal direction of the upper channel, and the guiding pin recess has a configuration complementary to the guiding pin such that the guiding pin is only movable transversely to the direction of sliding of the panel when the guiding means are disengaged from each other. The extension of the upper part of the guiding pin can, e.g., be formed such that the guiding pin laterally has a T-shaped form. When the panel is in the slidable position, the upper extension of the guiding pin is positioned beneath the recess complementary to the upper extension of the guiding pin, which prevents the guiding pin to leave the upper channel and brings stability to the corner where the guiding pin is arranged when the panel is in the slidable position. When the guiding means are disengaged from each other by the elevation of the panel, the upper extension of the guiding pin is positioned on the same level as the recess complementary to the upper extension of the guiding pin, which enables the guiding pin to be laterally moved, i.e. moved transversely to the direction of sliding of the panel, and leave the upper channel.

Said at least one guiding pin recess can be arranged in a guiding pin recess device arranged in a recess adapted for the guiding pin recess device in the upper channel and in the close region of the upper channel. The invention also comprises a panel for use in a panel system according to any of the claims 1 to 8, the panel being provided with a control device arranged to be positioned in a first position, a second position, and a third position, in which first position the panel is horizontally slidable in a guiding device, in which second position the panel is pivotable about a vertical axis, and in which third position the panel is locked and prevented from sliding in the direction of sliding of the panel. The transition between the first position and the second position is carried through via the third position.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the panel according to the present invention a control handle is arranged to the control device, which handle brings the control device to be positioned in said positions. This handle can be designed in many different ways and preferably it is detachable, enabling the same handle to be used on all panels.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the panel according to the present invention, at the upper side of the panel, there is a longitudinal flexible sealing device arranged, abutting against the region above the panel, which longitudinal flexible sealing device is extended when the panel is in its slidable position and compressed when the guiding means are disengaged from each other. Such a flexible sealing device is advantageous since upon disengagement of the guiding means, the panel is vertically elevated about 10 mm. Consequently, there must be a corresponding distance between the upper side of the panel and the region above the panel. If this distance, e.g., would be an open space, snow and rain would be able to pass the panel system and onto the balcony or into the patio. Providing a flexible sealing device, this is prevented while the panel still can be elevated.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the panel according to the present invention the sealing device comprises a longitudinal profile, the cross section of which is U-shaped and the upper part of which has flexible sealing means which abut against the region above the panel, the sides of the U-shaped profile abutting against a longitudinal upper profile attached at the upper side of the panel, and between the U-shaped profile and the longitudinal upper profile there is at least one spring device arranged striving to separate said two profiles, a stop device between the U-shaped profile and the longitudinal upper profile preventing a complete disengagement of the profiles from each other. Preferably, there are at least two spring devices arranged, i.e. springs of conventional type, positioned close to each upper corner of the panel. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now, with the purpose of exemplifying, be described more in detail by way of embodiments and by referring to the appended drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a panel according to the invention,

Fig. 3 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a sealing device ar- ranged at the upper side of a panel according to the invention,

Fig. 4 illustratively shows an arrangement with a guiding pin and associated guiding pin recess.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the panel system according to the present invention showing the whole extension of the sliding, pivoting panel system. In this embodiment, four panels 1 , 2, 3, 4 are arranged and each panel 1 , 2, 3, 4 is slidable along guiding means 5, 6, 7, 8 of the lower guiding device. Fig. 1a shows a covering position when the panels 1 , 2, 3, 4 cover the whole opening, e.g., the opening of a balcony or patio. Fig. 1b shows an uncovering sliding posi- tion when all the panels 1 , 2, 3, 4 are pushed to one of the end positions of the system. Then, the panels 1 , 2, 3, 4 cover about 25 % of the opening and the system has an uncover factor of about 75 %. Fig. 1c shows an uncovering pivoted position, the panels 1 , 2, 3, 4 covering about 10 % of the opening, and this provides an uncover factor of about 90 %. Fig. 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a panel 9 according to the invention. In Fig. 2a the panel 9 is shown in its slidable position. At the foot of the panel 9 there is a longitudinal element 10.1 , on which a longitudinal channel arranged at the lower side of the panel 9 rests and along which the panel 9 is sliding. The longitudinal element 10.1 projecting into the longitudinal channel also prevents the panel from moving laterally when the panel 9 is in its slidable position. An upper rod 11 and a lower rod 12 of a control device are arranged at one of the vertical sides of the panel 9. The projecting part 13 of the upper rod 11 is engaging in an upper channel 14. A handle 15 is connected to the connection region of the upper rod 11 and the lower rod 12. Fig. 2b schematically shows the panel 9 in its locked position, when the panel 9 is prevented from sliding. The projecting part 13 of the upper rod 11 is in this position engaging in a recess positioned in the upper channel 14, and the projecting part 16 of the lower rod 12 is engaging in a lower recess. Fig. 2c shows the panel 9 in its elevated position when the projecting part 16 of the lower rod 12 is abutting against the bottom of the lower recess, and consequently the channel of the panel 9 is disengaged from the longitudinal element 10.1. In Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c also a second longitudinal element 10.2 is shown engaging in a channel or being disengaged from the channel in the same manner as the longitudinal element 10.1. This additional second longitudinal element 10.2 and corresponding channel makes the construction more stable.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a flexible sealing device 17 of a panel according to the present invention. A longitudinal U-shaped profile 18 is abutting against en longitudinal upper profile 19 attached at the upper side 20 of the panel. At the upper part of the U-shaped profile 18 there is a longitudinal brush strip 21 attached abutting against the region above the panel. Each of the sides of the U- shaped profile 18 terminates in a projection 23, 24, respectively, projecting towards the upper profile 19, and each of the both sides of the upper profile 19 of the panel terminates in a projection 25, 26, respectively, projecting towards the U- shaped profile 18. Inside the U-shaped profile 18 and the upper profile 19 of the panel there Is a spring 27 arranged striving to separate the U-shaped profile 18 and the upper profile 19 of the panel from each other such that the longitudinal brush strip 21 is pressed against the region above the panel. Said projections 23, 24, 25, 26 together form a stop device preventing a complete separation of the U- shaped profile 18 from said upper profile 19. However, other embodiments of stop devices are possible.

Fig. 4 illustratively shows an arrangement with a guiding pin and associated guiding pin recess. Fig. 4a shows a T-shaped guiding pin 28 shown from the direction of sliding of the panel, the guiding pin 28 comprising an extension 30 ex- tending in the longitudinal direction of the upper channel 29 (see Fig. 4b). In Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c the extension 30 of the guiding pin 28 is positioned above the upper channel 29 into a guiding pin recess 31 , as is clearly shown in Fig. 4c, where the guiding pin 28 is laterally shown relatively the direction of sliding of the panel, due to the elevated position of the panel when the panel is in order to be pivoted. Fig. 4b is a top view showing the guiding pin 28 and its extension 30 extending in the longitudinal direction of the upper channel 29 positioned in the guiding pin recess 31. The guiding pin recess 31 laterally provides a free passage to one side for the guiding pin 28 to be laterally moved relatively the direction of sliding of the panel, enabling the pivoting of the panel.

Claims

1. Panel system comprising at least two horizontally slidable panels and for each panel, in the direction of sliding of the panel, one longitudinal lower guiding device to guide the sliding of the panel in a plane of sliding separated from and parallel with the plane of sliding of every other panel, the panels being pivotable about a vertical axis at, at least one position along the lower guiding device, and the lower guiding device comprises on the lower side of the panel and close to the lower side of the panel complementary guiding means arranged to slide relatively each other, the first guiding means comprising a channel and the second guiding means at least one into the channel projecting element, characterized in that each panel comprises a control device arranged to vertically elevate each panel from the slidable position of the panel and thus arranged to disengage the guiding means from each other, to fix the panel pivotable about a vertical axis when the guiding means are disengaged from each other, and to lock the panel, whereby the sliding of the panel in the direction of sliding of the panel is prevented.

2. Panel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device comprises two rods connected to each other and arranged at one of the vertical sides of the panel, one upper and one lower rod, which are extendable from the lower and upper side, respectively, of the panel.

3. Panel system according to claim 2, characterized in that the ends of the projecting parts of the rods each engage in a recess positioned in the region of the projection of each rod, the extension of the projecting part of the lower rod, in at least one of the projecting positions of the lower rod, being longer than the total length of the vertical extension of the lower recess and the vertical extension of the projecting element of the guiding means.

4. Panel system according to claim 3, characterized in that each recess for the engagement of a rod has a distance in the direction of sliding of the panel to another recess for the engagement of a rod in the same plane of sliding, which distance is at least as long as the thickness of a panel.

5. Panel system according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that above each panel there is an upper channel, in which the end of the projecting part of the upper rod runs upon the sliding of the panel.

6. Panel system according to claim 5, characterized in that at the upper side of the panel there is a guiding pin arranged, which runs in the upper channel, upon the sliding of the panel, and in that in the upper channel and in the close region of the upper channel there is at least one guiding pin recess in which the guiding pin is positioned when each of the upper and lower rods is positioned at a recess, the guiding pin recess having a configuration complementary to the guiding pin such that the guiding pin is movable transversely to the direction of sliding of the panel.

7. Panel system according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper part of the guiding pin has an extension in the longitudinal direction of the upper channel, and in that the guiding pin recess has a configuration complementary to the guiding pin such that the guiding pin is only movable transversely to the direction of sliding of the panel when the guiding means are disengaged from each other.

8. Panel system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said at least one guiding pin recess is arranged in a guiding pin recess device arranged in a recess adapted for the guiding pin recess device in the upper channel and in the close region of the upper channel.

9. Panel for use in a panel system according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the panel is provided with a control device arranged to be positioned in a first position, a second position, and a third position, in which first position the panel is horizontally slidable in a guiding device, in which second position the panel is pivotable about a vertical axis, and in which third position the panel is locked and prevented from sliding in the direction of sliding of the panel.

10. Panel according to claim 9, characterized in that a control handle is arranged to the control device, which handle brings the control device to be positioned in said positions.

11. Panel according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at the upper side of the panel, there is a longitudinal flexible sealing device arranged abutting against the region above the panel, which longitudinal flexible sealing device is extended with the panel in its slidable position and compressed when the guiding means are disengagement from each other.

12. Panel according to claim 11 , characterized in that the sealing device comprises a longitudinal profile, the cross section of which is U-shaped and the upper part of which has flexible sealing means which abut against the region above the panel, the sides of the U-shaped profile abutting against a longitudinal upper profile attached at the upper side of the panel, and between the U-shaped profile and the longitudinal upper profile there is at least one spring device arranged striving to separate said two profiles, a stop device between the U-shaped profile and the longitudinal upper profile preventing a complete disengagement of the profiles from each other.