[0001] The present invention relates to a building envelop component comprising a load-bearing
structure for a building comprising a first set of beams arranged substantially horizontally
and a second set of beams arranged at right angles in relation to the first set of
beams, said first and second sets of beams forming a frame, which confines a number
of rectangular sections that may each be occupied by a panel, such as an infill, a
window, a door or a solar energy collector. Furthermore the invention relates to a
method of mounting a panel.
[0002] Systems of this kind are known from half-timbered houses, where the supporting walls
are made from a number of vertical posts, horizontal beams and inclined braces forming
a load bearing lattice. The spaces between these load bearing timber elements are
occupied by infill panels, normally made from brickwork, or by windows, doors and
the like. In this manner the half-timbering may be seen as a grid, which is fitted
with suitable panels depending on the intended use of a particular section. The method
thus provides a very flexible system, where windows, doors and like panels can be
placed very freely and where it is relatively easy to rearranged the design later
on, which is e.g. not possible when using concrete elements.
[0003] Building houses using half-timbering, however, tends to be quit costly. This is due
the fact that the infill panels are constructed in-situ and that windows and doors
are positioned by means of wedges and then fastened using nails or screws. This process
is cumbersome and labour-intensive and must normally be performed by skilled craftsmen.
[0004] GB 113 352 A discloses a building envelop component according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0005] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a building envelope component
with a load-bearing structure, where the completion of the sections confined by the
beam frames can be done in a more cost-effective manner.
[0006] According to the invention this problem is solved by a building envelop component
according to claim 1, comprising a load-bearing structure for a building comprising
a first set of beams arranged substantially horizontally and a second set of beams
arranged at right angles in relation to the first set of beams, said first and second
sets of beams forming a frame, which confines a number of rectangular sections that
may each be occupied by a panel, such as an infill, a window, a door or a solar energy
collector, where the beams of at least one set is provided with one or more feathers,
which, in the mounted state, projects at substantially right angles to the frame plane,
runs along substantially the entire length of the beam in parallel with the length
axis thereof along the side of the beam so that no part of the feather projects above
the upper level of the frame, and defines a groove running in parallel with the length
axis of beam, the groove being located between the main portion of the beam and the
feather, and a window occupying a section of the frame, said window comprising a stationary
frame with grooves running along the length axis of the at least two parallel frame
members and/or a number of mounting brackets, and said window being mounted on the
load-bearing structure by the grooves and/or mounting brackets of the window frame
fitting over the feathers of the beams of the load-bearing structure. All beams may
be provided with feathers and grooves leading to a particularly precise positioning
of the panels but it may also be advantageous that only the second set of beams is
provided with feathers and grooves, since the panels may then be slit into place guided
by the feathers.
[0007] The beams defining the outer boundaries of the frame usually need only have a feather
on the side facing the confined sections, where as the remaining beams, facing panel
sections on both sides, are advantageously provided with feathers and grooves on both
sides. If using two different kinds of panels in two neighbouring sections it may
be advantageous that the feathers and/or the grooves on the two sides are located
at different levels in relation to the frame plane as it is then possible to compensate
for differences in e.g. installation depths. It is thus to be understood that beams
belonging to the same set of beams may have different configurations, including a
different number of feathers.
[0008] The dimensions of the feathers and grooves depend on a number of factors such as
the necessary strength and rigidity. For softwood beams of the type usual used for
the construction of residential buildings the feathers will usually have a width in
the plane of the frame of approximately 5-30 mm, preferably approximately 5-15 mm,
more preferred approximately 10 mm, whereas the grooves will have a width in the plane
of the frame of approximately 5-30 mm, preferably approximately 10-20 mm, more preferred
approximately 15 mm.
[0009] If using the load-bearing structure in facade, where the beams are exposed to the
weather they may advantageously be provided with a drainage groove in the top side
seen in relation the frame plane. Depending on the material used for the beams, the
drainage groove may in itself serve as a gutter or a trough shaped covering may be
employed.
[0010] The building envelope component according to the invention may be used for the construction
of partitions such as walls, roofs or floors. It may therefore comprise further sets
of beams arranged at right angles in relation to the first set of beams and inclined
in relation to the second set of beams, said beams forming two or more non-parallel
frame portions. Typically a building may comprise two oblique frame portions serving
as the two faces of a pitched roof and two or more vertical frame portions serving
as exterior walls.
[0011] Common type roof windows are usually provided with a groove for the introduction
of side liners and these grooves may thus in stead be used as mounting grooves fitting
over the feathers as will be explained later.
[0012] The terms "component" and "element" are to be understood as sections of a building
constructed by traditional methods on site as well as prefabricated elements.
[0013] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawing, in which
Fig. 1 is a principle sketch in perspective view of a building constructed with a
building envelope component according to the invention,
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view in a roof construction,
Fig. 3a-d cross sectional views of the different kinds beams used in the construction
shown in Fig. 2, the location of each beam being marked with circles in Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 a perspective view of a common type roof window, which may be used as a panel
in a building envelope component according to the invention,
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first hinge part according to the alternative
description regarding panel I,
Fig. 6 is a perspective view, from another angle, of the first hinge part shown in
Fig. 5,
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge part shown in Fig. 5, and
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the second hinge part.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the upper part of an upper roof win-dow, where a locking
assembly according to the description is in its closed position,
Fig. 10 is a sectional view corresponding to the one in Fig. 9, but where the locking
assembly is in its open position,
Fig. 11 is a plane view of the strike plate seen from below.
Fig. 12 is a plane view of a part of the locking assembly seen from below.
Fig. 13 is a plane view of a part of the locking assembly seen from above,
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an encased operator hinge.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a hinge for connecting the operator member to the
sash.
Fig. 16 is a plane view seen from the side of the hinge shown in Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a liner for the actuator slide.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a pawl liner.
Fig. 19 is a schematic side elevation, partially in section, of one of the top corners
of a top-hung window according to the description.
Fig. 20 indicates the arrangement of the intermediate sash according to the description
regarding panel II.
Fig. 21 is a side elevation of a hinge fitting according to the description regarding
panel I.
Fig. 22 a perspective view of a part of a window frame element,
Fig. 23 a perspective view of a hinge for a side-hung window,
Fig. 24 a detailed perspective view of the joint between two frame elements of panels
III and IV prior to assembly,
Fig. 25a-e further perspective views of the joint in Fig. 24 at different stages of
assembly,
Fig. 26 a cross sectional view of the joint between two roof windows mounted one above
the other in a pitched roof,
Fig. 27 a cross sectional view of the joint between two windows mounted one above
the other, the uppermost in a pitched roof and the lowermost in a vertical facade,
Fig. 28 a cross sectional view of the lowermost part of a vertically mounted window
with coupled sash and frame,
Fig. 29a-b a cross sectional view of two roof windows mounted one above the other
in a pitched roof and of a detail of the joint between the two,
Fig. 30a-b a perspective view of a vertical window with an intermediate element for
providing a joint with an inclined window mounted above it and of the intermediate
element in detail.
[0014] Fig. 1 shows a building constructed by means of the bulding envelope component according
to the invention. In this case the structure is composed of four sets of beams, where
the first set 1-1 is horizontal defining the shape of the building in the longitudinal
direction, the second set 1-2 is vertical forming the exterior walls, the third set
1-3 is inclined at an angle of approximately 45 degrees forming the roof and the fourth
1-4 is also horizontal forming a horizontal division 1-5 and a balcony 1-6. Of cause,
the structure shown in Fig. 1 is only a sketch meant to illustrate the principle of
the system. It is, thus, to be understood that more beams are needed for the construction
of an entire building and that the mutual angles and positions of these may vary greatly
depending on the architecture. Roofing, walling, flooring, gutters etc. have been
left out for the sake of clarity and to allow the beams to be seen. For the same reasons,
the beams are depicted as having a rectangular cross-section but it is to be understood
that they are provided with feathers according to the invention, which is illustrated
in detail in Figs. 2 and 3a-d.
[0015] The spaces between the beams form sections that are filled by different kinds of
panels; in the present case illustrated by windows of different kinds I, II, III,
IV, V, VI. It is, however, to be understood that other kinds of panels such as solar
energy collectors, showcases, advertisement panel and the like may also be employed
and that the sections shown unfilled in Fig. 1 are to be provided with roofing, walling
and flooring, preferably in the form of prefabricated cassettes. According to the
invention, at least one of the panels is a window with a stationary frame. Figure
4 shows such a type of window. As shown in Figs. 3a-d the beams are provide with a
feather 3-1, which defines a longitudinal groove 3-2. When mounting the panels, these
feathers and grooves are used for positioning them, either by fitting with a corresponding
set of feather 3-3 and groove 3-4 in the panel sash 3-5 as shown in Fig. 3b or by
receiving mounting brackets 3-6 attached to the panel sash as shown in Fig. 3c. Depending
on the intended method of mounting the panels may be designed for mounting on feathers
along either two or all four of their sides.
[0016] In Fig. 3d the feathers 3-1 and grooves 3-2 on the two sides of a beam are shown
as located in different levels in relation to the frame plane as indicated by the
broken line. This may is particularly advantageous when the two sections adjacent
to the beam is to be filled with different types of panels where the feathers and
grooves or mounting brackets of the panels are positioned at different levels in relation
to a panel frame. An example is the case, where the section on one side of the beam
is to be filled by a roofing panel, while the section on the other side is to hold
a window.
[0017] In addition, the beam may, as also shown in Fig. 3d, be provided with a drainage
groove 3-7 for draining off rainwater and the like. If using beams of extruded aluminium
profiles, as is often the case in the construction of greenhouses and the like, the
groove may in itself serve as a gutter. If, however, wooden beams are used, as is
often the case in residential or office buildings, the groove should be provided with
a covering, which may consist of a plastic material, sheet metal or the like.
[0018] Other types of beams made for instance from steel, concrete or composites of wood
and plastic and possibly comprising reinforcing steel profiles may also be employed.
In such cases the design of the feathers and grooves may diverge from that shown in
the drawing, particularly regarding the relative dimensions thereof, and the need
for covering of the drainage groove and possibly other parts of the beams may vary.
[0019] In particular when using panels mounted by means of mounting brackets it may be advantageous
that the beams are made from a composite material consisting of a plastic intermixed
with wood fibres. Such materials combine many of the advantages of the two materials,
thus allowing mounting screws to be driven directly into the beams in the same way
as if using all wooden beams and having an increased resistance to moisture.
[0020] Common type roof windows usually comprise a groove 3-4 in the longitudinal direction
of each frame member on the side that faces the interior of the building in which
the window is installed. In a traditional mounting of the roof window this groove
is intended to receive a lining, but it is equally well suited for mounting on a beam
feather as explained above.
[0021] A window of this type, which may be used as a panel in the building envelope component
according to the invention, is shown in Fig. 4. It comprises a stationary frame 4-1,
4-2, 4-3, 4-4 and a sash 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, the latter supporting a pane of glass
4-16. The frame and the sash each comprises a horizontal bottom member 4-2, 4-6, a
pair of parallel side members 4-3, 4-7; 4-4, 4-8 and a horizontal top member 4-1,
4-5.
[0022] The frame and sash members are usually made from painted pinewood profiles or from
plywood coated with polyurethane, but other embodiments such as all-plastic or aluminium
profiles also occur.
[0023] In most cases the window is openable. The sash is then connected with the frame by
means of a set of hinge fittings 4-9 defining a hinge axis 4-10, which may be parallel
to either the top and bottom members or to the side members. The hinge axis may be
located closely to the frame and sash either at the top, the bottom or one of the
sides, but in common type roof windows it is usually located substantially halfway
between the top and bottom members as shown in Fig. 4. The hinge axis may also be
displaceable during opening e.g. by providing the window with a pair of sash arms,
which, as will explained later, displaces the centre of rotation e.g. from the top
of the window to the centre during opening.
[0024] Hinges normally comprise a first hinge part for fastening to the frame, and a second
hinge part for fastening to the sash. Each hinge part may be provided with fastening
means such as spigots intended to be inserted into corresponding bores in the frame
and sash side member, respectively. In addition each hinge part often comprises a
base plate having a number of apertures intended to receive screws or like fastening
means to be secured to the frame or sash member.
[0025] For opening and closing the window, vertical facade windows and top-hung roof windows
comprise a handle positioned at a side sash member or at the bottom sash member depending
on the location of the hinge axis. Said handle provides a locking action of the sash
relative to the frame by way of a connected pawl engaging corresponding grooves in
a keeper mounted on an adjacent frame member. Locking mechanisms of this type are
commonly known as cremone bolts. Securing of the sash in relation to the frame is
often possible in two distinct positions, namely, a closed position and a ventilation
position.
[0026] Centre-hung roof windows are opened and closed by means of an operator member, which
is accessible from the inside of the window and usually arranged at the top sash member.
The operator member is connected to a locking control mechanism as will be explained
later.
[0027] On the exterior each of the frame and sash members are shielded from the weather
by means of a series of covering members usually made from thin metal sheeting. The
covering usually comprises a hood-like upper covering cap 4-32 for covering the frame
top member 4-1, a glazing profile 4-15 for covering the joint between the window pane
4-16 and the sash members 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, side covering members 4-11 for covering
the side of each frame side member 4-3, 4-4 facing away from the window pane and protruding
from the roofing (not shown), side cap members 4-20, 4-21 overlapping the glazing
profile and side covering member and a pair of lower covering members 4-12, 4-17 covering
the bottom members of the sash and the frame.
[0028] If the window is centre-hung, as is the case with most roof windows, two side cap
members are arranged at each side, one 4-20 above the other 4-21 to thereby allow
opening of the window.
[0029] To weatherproof the point where the window and the surrounding structure, e.g. roofing
or walling, meet a set of flashing members are attached to the exterior side of sash.
Such a set normally comprises a top member, a bottom member and two side members each
corresponding to one of the sash members, but additional flashing members may be necessary
depending on the site of installation. Likewise additional or alternatively shaped
flashing members may be employed when installing the window in close connection with
another window as will be explained later.
[0030] The covering and flashing members may be connected to the frame and sash members
by means of screws, by integral engagement means for snapping engagement with an engagement
means secured to the sash or frame or by fittings in fixed connection with the frame
or sash. If using screws or the like the frame may, depending on the materials used,
comprise pre-bored grooves in which bearing bushings made of a plastic material are
arranged for receiving the screws.
[0031] Sealing elements are provided at the points where the cap members meet, at the lower
ends of the lower cap members, where the glazing profile meet the pane and between
the sash and the frame.
[0032] The windows may be fixed to the supporting beam structure by means of mounting brackets.
These brackets usually consist of angular sheet metal provided with holes for receiving
screws or similar fastening means. Examples of mounting brackets 22-2 may be seen
in Fig. 22 and 30.
[0033] In the following the windows I-VI illustrated as examples of panels in Fig. 1 will
be described in closer detail.
[0034] Panel I is a roof window in accordance with the standard description above. Characteristic
of this window is that it is a centre-hung, horizontally pivoting upper roof window.
This window is in addition to that prepared for electric operation. Panel I is made
from a wood-base core, such as plywood, coated with a plastic material, such as polyurethane,
and is applicable for roof pitches of 15 to 90 degrees.
[0035] Panel I comprises covering members or cap members as described in the standard description
and as depicted in Fig. 4; however, the upper cap members 4-20 (above the pivot axis
4-10) are secured to the upper part of the frame side members to make opening of the
window possible.
[0036] As mentioned in the standard description above, the window comprises a set of hinge
fittings for mounting the moveable sash in the stationary frame. Said hinge fittings
will be described in further detail below with reference to Figs. 21 and 5 to 8.
[0037] In Fig. 21, a hinge fitting for a pivotal window is shown, comprising a first hinge
part 21-1 which with a base plate 21-2 is adapted to be fastened on a not shown side
element of the window frame, and a second hinge part 21-3 which also with a base plate
is adapted to be fastened on a corresponding sash side element, neither shown. A corresponding,
but mirror-inverted hinge fitting is mounted on the opposite pair of frame and sash
side elements to determine the pivot axis.
[0038] On the base plate 21-2 of the first hinge part 21-1 by means of rivets or screws
21-5 and in a distance from the base plate 21-2, there is fastened a plate member
21-6 with a circular arc-shaped aperture which forms a guide means or a guidance 21-7
for a slide rail 21-8 essentially uniform herewith on the second hinge part 21-3 during
a part of the opening and closing movement of the window. The slide rail 21-8 is by
means of a hinge pin 21-9 pivotally connected to the base plate 21-4 of the second
hinge part 21-3, which in addition has a guide pin 21-10, the function of which will
be explained in the following.
[0039] The convex side or wall 21-11 of the guidance 21-7 comprises in addition to the plate
member 21-6 one or more discs provided between the plate member 21-6 and the base
plate 21-2, and which with the plate member forms an abutting surface for the guide
pin 21-8 and the guide pin 21-10, whereas in the concave side between the plate member
21-6 and the base plate 21-2, there is inserted a spring device comprising a leaf
spring 21-12 which with its folded ends is clasped on the exterior rivets 21-5 in
this side and which is less curved than the guidance 21-7 such that its middle portion
projects into the guidance.
[0040] In the position shown in Fig. 21, the window sash and thus the second hinge part
21-3 are turned out to an opening angle of about 135° from the closing position. e.g.
with a view to cleaning the outside of window.
[0041] The principle of operation of the hinge shown in Fig. 21 corresponds to that for
the pivot hinge described in the following with reference to Figs. 5-7.
[0042] An alternative embodiment of the hinges is described in Figs 5-7, in which said first
hinge part 5-100, which is connected to the frame, comprises three main components,
namely a base member, a top member and an intermediate member 7-130.
[0043] Said base member comprises a base plate 7-101 having a number of fastening means
in the form of apertures 5-102 and spigots 7-103 as explained above. Furthermore,
the base plate is provided with a track 7-104 having substantially the same shape
as a guidance of the intermediate member (which will be described in further detail
later). Said track is surrounded by a depressed portion 7-105 and an inclined portion
7-106.
[0044] Said top member comprises a plate part 7-110 and a disc part 7-120, the latter of
which is inserted between the plate part and the intermediate member. The plate part
comprises an arc-shaped track 7-111 having a concave side 7-112 and a convex side
7-113 and extends between an inlet end 7-114 and a bottom end 7-115. In addition,
the track defines an open section 7-116, which is open in the concave side of the
track. Between the inlet and the open section, the plate part has a bridge section
7-117 spanning the gap between the concave side and the convex side.
[0045] In the following section, some elements will be described with reference to the position
they have in Fig. 7, e.g. upper, lower, left-hand and right-hand. These references
are made with a view to a proper description only, as the hinge fitting may assume
other orientations in its mounted position.
[0046] Said intermediate member 7-130 comprises a bottom plate portion 7-131 having an extension
corresponding to a substantial part of the base plate forming the base member. A convex
guidance portion 7-132 is formed at the upper side of the bottom plate portion 7-131.
The right-hand end of the convex guidance portion is joined to an upstanding wall
portion 7-135. The height of the upstanding wall portion corresponds to the distance
between the base member and the top member. Adjacent to the upstanding wall portion,
a cladding-supporting portion 7-134 is formed intended for accommodating fastening
means, e.g. a screw, for supporting the cladding, which, as explained above, protects
the frame against the weather. In the left hand side of the bottom plate portion,
a guide block portion 7-133 is formed, which forms part of the concave side of the
guidance. Furthermore, the intermediate member has another upstanding wall portion
7-137, among other things serving as protection of the guidance against the intrusion
of e.g. fingers and/or dirt.
[0047] The intermediate member is provided with a plurality of through-going holes 7-136,
and the intermediate member is connected with the base member and the top member by
means of a plurality of rivets 7-140 extending through said through-going holes.
[0048] The base member and the top member are made of a metal alloy, while the intermediate
member is made as an integral piece of a plastic material.
[0049] In order to provide a braking action during movement of the sash with respect to
the frame, a leaf spring 7-125 is positioned with folded ends clasped on the outer-most
of said rivets. The leaf spring is made from spring steel, which has been subjected
to surface treatment. The spring may have other forms depending on the braking action
desired.
[0050] Referring now to Fig. 8, said second hinge part 8-200 comprises a base plate 8-201
having a number of apertures 8-202, and on its backside a number of spigots. The apertures
are intended for receiving fastening means, such as screws, and the spigots are intended
to be inserted into corresponding bores in the sash side member. In addition, the
second hinge part has means 8-204 for supporting the cladding protecting the sash.
[0051] The second hinge part furthermore comprises a drive pin 8-209, a guide pin 8-210,
and a slide rail 8-220. A separate bushing 8-210b has been placed on the guide pin
as a wear layer. The slide rail has a first section 8-220a starting at a hinge pin
8-221 connected with the base plate. The slide rail also has a second section 8-220b,
which is substantially arc-shaped. Near the free end of the slide rail, a blocking
element in the form of a stop pin 8-230 is provided. The stop pin is moveable between
two end positions in the transverse direction of the slide rail.
[0052] When closing the window from a widely open position, the sash pivots about the hinge
pin 8-221 during the initial part of the closing movement, and during the subsequent
part of the closing movement, the guide pin 8-210 is displaced in the guidance followed
by the slide rail. The guide pin 8-210 and/or the slide rail 8-220 enter into frictional
engagement with the leaf spring 7-125, thus providing a braking effect on the closing
movement of the sash with respect to the frame. Said braking effect entails, that
the sash may be parked in a desired opening angle with respect to the frame to provide
ventilation within a certain interval of the opening angle.
[0053] It is possible to turn the sash almost 180° e.g. in order to allow cleaning the outside
of the window. Hereby the slide rail 8-220 and the guide pin 8-210 are displaced in
the guidance until the stop pin 8-230 is brought to abutment with the bridge section
7-117. The sash is then pivoted further, whereby the guide pin 8-210 moves out of
the guidance at the open section 7-116 until the desired opening angle is obtained.
[0054] This type of upper roof window further comprises one barrel bolt in a sash member
and one corresponding barrel bushing in a frame member (in comparison, panel II and
III each comprises two barrel bolts and bushings) in order to secure the sash in the
above described almost inverted position for easy cleaning the outside of the window.
[0055] In the following sections references will be made to Figs 9 to 18.
[0056] Between the frame top member 9-8 and the sash top member 9-2 a clearance is provided
in order to allow space for a locking assembly and for ventilation. Said locking assembly
comprises a strike plate 11-7 with stationary locking members 11-71 secured to the
frame member 9-8 and a casing 9-4 secured to the sash member 9-2 opposite the strike
plate 11-7.
[0057] Said strike plate 11-7 is made entirely of a plastic material. The inner side of
the stationary locking members 11-71 of said strike plate describes a smooth, continuously
advancing curve for the sake of the movement of pawl members 12-6, which will be described
in further detail below.
[0058] Said casing 9-4 encases two pawl members 12-6, each being attached to the casing
via a fastening pin 12-64. A part 13-6' of each pawl member projects through a slot
13-41 in the casing 9-4, and each pawl member 12-6 is arranged such that the protruding
part 13-6' thereof is movable in said slot 13-41 between a locked position, in which
it is adapted to be in locking engagement with said separate stationary locking member
11-71, and an unlocked position, in which it is adapted to be released from said locking
engagement to allow opening of the window.
[0059] Said slot 13-41 has the shape of a circular section with the same radius of curvature
and the same length as the path of the pawl member 13-6', the movement of said pawl
member 13-6' in said slot 13-41 being a rotation about the fastening pin 12-64.
[0060] An operator member 9-1 is located on the inside of the window in connection with
the sash top member 9-2. When pulling on the operator member 9-1 to open the window,
an actuator slide 10-3 that protrudes through a slot 13-42 in the casing 9-4 is moved
towards the inside of the window, the operator member 9-1 and actuator slide 10-3
being connected via an operator arm 13-5 by means of an operator hinge 14-1a. Said
operator hinge 14-1a is made of metal and is in the case of panel I - not the other
panels - encased with a layer of lining material 14-1b.
[0061] Simultaneously, the pawl members 13-6' are being shifted to the unlocked position
from the locked position at the other ends of the slots 13-41 in the casing 9-4, the
pawl members 12-6 being connected to the actuator slide 10-3 via a locking control
mechanism 12-43, 12-44, 12-45 consisting of a system of link joint arms inside the
casing, as will be explained later. The pawl members 13-6' are thereby brought out
of engagement with the stationary locking members 11-71 projecting from the strike
plate 11-7. The slots 13-41, 13-42 in the casing 9-4 through which the pawl members
13-6' and actuator slide 10-3 protrude serve as guide means.
[0062] When closing the window, the pawl members 13-6' come into engagement with the stationary
locking members 11-71 of the strike plate 11-7 and are thereby forced to the sides,
moving along the slots 13-41 to the locking position. The movement of the pawl members
12-6 are transmitted to the actuator slide 10-3 via the locking control mechanism
12-43, 12-44, 12-45, and the actuator slide 10-3 is pulled in a direction away from
the inside of the window to a position further away from the inside of the window.
The pawl members 13-6' are now located behind the stationary locking members 11-71
of the strike plate 11-7 thereby locking the window.
[0063] The actuator slide 10-3 and pawl members 12-6 are interconnected via said locking
control mechanism 12-43, 12-44, 12-45, which consists of said system of link joined
arms 12-43, which are spring loaded 12-44, 12-45, and which force the actuator slide
10-3 to move stepwise between three predetermined positions, namely a locking position,
an unlocking position and an intermediate ventilation position, while the pawl members
move between only two positions.
[0064] To achieve ventilation with only a limited loss of heat, a window with a locking
assembly as the one being described may be opened slightly by placing the actuator
slide in said intermediate position. The pawl members are not affected by the moving
of the actuator slide between its locked position and its ventilating position due
to the locking control mechanism.
[0065] The airflow passage between the frame 9-8 and sash members 9-2 on which the strike
plate and casing, respectively, are mounted, can in the locked position of the window
thus be opened and closed by the pivotal cover member formed by said operator member
9-1.
[0066] The operator member 9-1 is connected to the sash member 9-2 by means of a hinge 15-9.
The hinge consists of two hinge parts 15-91, 15-92, which are connected to the operator
member 9-1 and the top sash member 9-2, respectively, and which are interconnected
by means of a pivot 15-93 projecting through bend back edges 15-94, 15-95 of the two
hinge parts. The pivot 15-93 is provided with a plastic coating 16-96 preventing direct
contact between the pivot 15-93 and the hinge parts 15-91, 15-92.
[0067] The locking assembly further comprises noise-reducing liners. The noise-reducing
liners include a slide liner 17-31 and a pair of pawl liners 18-61.
[0068] Each pawl liner 18-61 is positioned to prevent direct contact between the fastening
pin 12-64 and the casing 9-4 and between the pawl member 12-6 and the casing 9-4,
respectively. It has the overall shape of an isosceles triangle, where the apex 18-62
envelopes the fastening pin 12-64, the angle between the two legs projecting from
the apex 18-62 corresponding to the angle of the circular section covered by the slot
13-41 in the casing, where these two legs extend beyond the third side 18-63 of the
triangle, the two extensions 18-65 lining the end sides of the slot, and where the
third side 18-63 of the triangle is curved with the same radius of curvature as the
slot 13-41, lining the side surface of the slot facing the apex 18-62. To keep the
liner secured in relation to the fastening pin 12-64, the liner may have one or more
retaining or connecting members.
[0069] The slide liner 17-31 prevents the actuator slide 10-3 from coming into direct contact
with the casing, the spring-loaded arms 12-43 and the operator arm 13-5. The slide
liner has a base 17-311, which abuts against the spring-loaded arms 12-43, a projecting
edge 17-312, which serves as a contact surface with the casing, a pair of projections
17-313 protruding through the slot 13-42 in the casing, and a connecting piece 17-314
projecting into the actuator slide and preventing contact with the operator arm. To
make room for the slide liner, the slot 13-42 may be made slightly wider than in the
traditional locking assembly so that the effective width of the slot is approximately
the same.
[0070] The liners are made from a plastic material having a sufficient strength and resistance
to wear.
[0071] As can be seen from Fig. 9, a filter is, by means of a filter rail and filter clips,
retained in the hood-like upper cap described above for filtering the air flowing
through said airflow passage between the top frame and top sash members.
[0072] This type of window is solely operated by said operator member and does not comprise
a cremone-type of handle, unlike panel II and III, which will be described below.
[0073] Panel II is an upper roof window in accordance with the standard description of a
roof window and the description of panel I above. However, panel II differs from panel
I in a number of ways, which will be described in the following.
[0074] Characteristic for panel II is, inter alia, that it is a top-hung, horizontally pivoting
upper roof window. In the embodiment shown, the window is made from plywood coated
with polyurethane and is applicable for roof pitches of 20 to 55 degrees; however,
with special springs (said springs will be described later on) it is applicable for
roof pitches up to 65 degrees.
[0075] Another difference includes the upper cap member 4-20, which, in order for the window
to be openable about its axis defined by its top hinges, is secured to an intermediate
sash arm, which will be described in further detail later on.
[0076] In the following sections references will be made to Fig. 19.
[0077] For this type of window, the first hinge part 5-100 of the hinge fitting as described
above is not fastened to a frame member but to a member of said intermediate sash.
[0078] Said intermediate sash constitutes a support to said glass-carrying pivotal sash.
The pivotal sash is normally connected with the intermediate sash by means of upper
closing means, the hinges thus being in use at normal operation of the frame during
opening and closing, while the pivoting function is mainly used for cleaning the outside
of the glass. The hinge connection between the intermediate sash and the glass-carrying
sash employed in this embodiment differs from the hinge connection described above,
in that the first hinge part has no actual base member. Instead, the intermediate
member is secured directly to the intermediate sash, thus forming one integrated member
fulfilling the functions of the above described intermediate member as well as base
member. Said integrated member is made entirely out of a plastic material.
[0079] The intermediate sash is supported on each side by lifting arms 19-5 pivotally connected
with the sash at one end, and at their other end pivotally connected with slide shoes
19-6, which are displaceable in a longitudinal direction in guide rails 19-7 on the
upwards facing sides of the frame. In its side facing the lifting arm 19-5, the slide
shoe 19-6 has a hook-shaped recess 19-8 for engagement with a coupling member 19-9.
The coupling member is U-shaped and is, in its mounted position, placed in such a
way, that the U-branches are positioned on either side of the slide shoe 19-6 and
a transverse pin 19-9a between the U-branches can engage with the recess. The upper
end of a tie rod 19-10 extends through a hole in the bottom of the coupling member
and has a head 19-10a abutting thereon. In its lower end facing away from the hinges
19-2, the guide rail has an end bottom 19-7a firmly connected with a top end of a
spring box 19-11 having a U-shaped cross section and guiding an auxiliary spring 19-12.
A bottom end of the spring box constitutes an abutment for the top end of a lifting
spring 19-13, which at its bottom end has a bush 19-15 with a nut 19-16. The lifting
spring can be pre-stressed to a desired value by screwing the nut 19-16 upwards toward
the upper end of the tie rod.
[0080] In its wall near the top end 19-11a, the spring box 19-11 has a recess 19-17a for
receiving a moveable abutment 19-18. Below the recess 19-17a, in the wall of the spring
box 19-11, there is a plurality of successive recesses 19-17b, which are also adapted
for receiving the moveable abutment 19-18. The bottom end of the auxiliary spring
19-12 bears against another abutment 19-19 which is stationary with respect to the
tie rod 19-10, and can be pre-stressed to a desired value by moving the moveable abutment
19-18 from one recess 19-17a to another recess 19-17b, so that the spring 19-12 will
be compressed between the abutments 19-18, 19-19.
[0081] A window of this type comprises a cremone-type handle as described above. The handle
is located at the bottom sash member. This is used for normal operation of the window,
i.e. opening and closing the window about the axis of rotation formed by its top hinges.
However, the cremone-type handle must be in a non-engaging position in order to be
able to operate the window by means of the operator member.
[0082] Panel III is an upper roof window in accordance with the standard description of
a roof window and the description of panel II above, however, panel III differs from
panel II in a number of ways, which will be described in the following.
[0083] Characteristic for this window is, inter alia, that it forms the upper part of a
roof balcony. Thus, the frame of panel III differs from the standard frame in that,
due to the window's ability to function as an element forming the upper part of said
roof balcony, it has no frame bottom member, as this would block the necessary free
passage from the interior of the building to the roof terrace.
[0084] This window type is made from surface coated pinewood profiles and is applicable
for roof pitches of 35 to 53 degrees.
[0085] The lower roof windows, corresponding to panels IV, V and VI of Fig. 1, are regarding
the general frame/sash structure identical with the aforementioned upper roof windows,
corresponding to panels III, II and I of Fig. 1 respectively.
[0086] Hence, also the sash of the lower panels may be either movable or stationary with
respect to said frame.
[0087] As an example of an element of the type referred to as panel IV, a lower roof window
with a movable sash, i.e. a lower roof window that may be opened, shall be considered.
The frame and sash structures of such a roof window are separate and said frame does
not comprise a top member. In the case serving as example herein the frame and sash
are both made of pinewood.
[0088] The parallel, vertical elements of the frame, cf. Fig. 22, comprise a longitudinal
groove 22-1 adapted for receiving mounting brackets 22-2 and two bushings each provided
with a threaded inset 22-3. The insets 22-3 are adapted to receive adjustment screws
22-4 for purposes of exact placement of the roof window.
[0089] The horizontal bottom member is preferably made of a more durable material, e.g.
hard wood, than the rest of the frame as this element serves as a doorstep for access
to e.g. a balcony. The horizontal bottom member furthermore comprises two bushings
each provided with a threaded inset 22-3. The insets 22-3 are adapted to receive adjustment
screws 22-4 for purposes of exact placement of the roof win-dow.
[0090] The coupling of the parallel, vertical frame to the corresponding part of the upper
roof window, and the to this end necessary elements will be described in the following.
[0091] Said moveable sash is side-hung. With reference to Fig. 23 one of the parallel side
elements of said sash 23-1 is provided with a set of hinges of which only one 23-2
is shown. Each hinge comprises two hinge parts of which one 23-3 is attached to the
sash and the other 23-4 on the adjacent frame element (not shown). The hinge part
23-3 attached to the sash is one-pieced and shaped as an angle iron with one half
23-5 adapted for attachment with the outwards facing part of said side element, and
the other half 23-6 being provided with a substantially cylindrical bushing 23-7 with
the opening facing downwards when oriented as shown in Fig. 23. The corresponding
hinge part 23-4 is identical therewith, except instead of said bushing 23-7 it comprises
a substantially cylindrical pin 23-8, which extends in parallel with the length axis
of the frame and sash side elements connected by the hinge 23-2. Said pin 23-8 is
inserted in the bushing 23-7 in such a way that the two hinge parts 23-3, 23-4 may
pivot in relation to each other.
[0092] The opposite parallel side elements of the sash and frame respectively are provided
with a handle and a corresponding locking mechanism of the cremone type respectively
as described above to operate the opening and closing of the sash.
[0093] With regard to the frame, the now open upwardly facing ends 24-1 of the two parallel
side members are bevelled to comprise a pointed end 24-2, which pointed end is displaced
slightly towards the outer side 24-3 of the frame. The bevelling 24-4 towards the
outer side 24-3 of the frame comprises a larger slope than the bevelling 24-5 towards
the inner side 24-6.
[0094] Similarly for the corresponding upper panel, the frame and sash structures are separate
and the frame does not comprise a bottom member. Similarly, the now open downwardly
facing ends 24-7 are bevelled identically with their counterparts 24-1 on the lower
panel. Said bevellings of said frame elements are provided to enable mounting of said
panels in an angle with respect to each other.
[0095] Furthermore said open upwardly facing ends 24-1 of said frame comprise fittings 24-8
secured on the surface facing away form the sash (cf. Fig. 24). Said fittings 24-8
are intended to be coupled to corresponding fittings 24-9 on the corresponding surface
of the open downwardly facing ends 24-7 of the corresponding two parallel side members
of the upper panel.
[0096] The fittings 24-8 provided on said open upwardly facing ends 24-1 of said frame may
for example be U-shaped with the bottom part 24-10 of the U intended to be coupled
to said corresponding fitting by the use of screws or the like. To this end the U-shaped
fitting/mounting is provided with a set of threaded holes 24-11. Furthermore said
fitting/mounting is provided with an indentation 24-12 so formed that its protrusion
on the inside of said fitting 24-8 will engage with a corresponding indentation 24-13
in said corresponding fitting 24-9. Furthermore the open ends 24-1, 24-7 in connection
with bevellings 24-5 and 24-14 respectively comprise indentations 24-15 and 24-16
respectively shaped substantially as a keyhole halved along its longitudinal axis.
[0097] With reference now to Figs. 25a - 25e, the indentations 24-15 and 24-16 are placed
with the top, 25-1 and 25-2 respectively, of the keyhole nearest the point 25-3 of
the respective open ends 24-1 and 24-7 respectively, and lying along the least sloping
of the said bevellings 24-5 and 24-14 respectively. The indentations are so placed
as to bear against each other to form the shape of an entire keyhole, when the upper
and lower panels are placed angled with respect to each other in their intended mounting
position, cf. Figs. 25a and 25b. When placed in said position, the now keyhole shaped
indentation is intended to receive a correspondingly shaped mounting 25-4 shown in
Fig. 25b, which is secured thereto with screws or the like. Finally a set of covering
members, cf. Figs. 25c, d and e, is placed to cover the so joined connection between
lower and upper panel. Said set of covering members comprise a member 25-5 to cover
said keyhole shaped mounting 25-4, two members 25-6 and 25-7 to cover the upper and
lower part of said connection respectively and a supporting member 25-8 to be placed
underneath the members 25-6 and 25-7.
[0098] As an example of an element of the type referred to as panel V and VI respectively
a lower roof window with a stationary sash, i.e. a lower roof window that cannot be
opened, shall be considered. The sash and the frame are in such roof windows provided
in one integral piece. In the case serving as example herein the integral sash/frame
structure of both roof windows are made of plywood coated with polyurethane.
[0099] Apart from said sash and frame being integral the lower roof windows exemplifying
panels V and VI are identical with their counterparts of the corresponding upper roof
windows exemplifying panels II and I respectively with the exception of upper horizontal
part 27-1 and 26-1 respectively of the frame facing the upper panel. With reference
to Figs. 27 and 26 respectively, this surface comprises a cut out 27-2 and 26-2 running
along the entire length of the surface. The cut out 27-2 and 26-2 is provided with
the shape of a lying U with the upper leg missing. In this cut out is provided indentations
and bored holes in-tended for receiving and fastening a gutter-like flashing member,
which will be described later.
[0100] A lower panel adapted to be stationary may generally as shown in Fig. 1 be mounted
together with an upper panel such that said panels are either lying in extension of
each other in the plane of the roof, which is the case for lower panel VI, or angled
with respect to each other such that the lower panel is mounted vertical in a wall
and the upper panel is mounted in a roof construction, which is the case for lower
panel V.
[0101] Returning to the exemplary roof windows, in the case that the lower and upper roof
windows are intended to be mounted lying in extension of each other (panel VI of Fig.
1) in the plane of the roof, said outer surface as shown in fig. 26 further comprises
a number of bushings 26-3 adapted to receive screws 26-4 or the like intended to hold
together the upper and lower roof windows by protruding through the surface 26-5 at
which said panels bear against each other.
[0102] In the case that the lower and upper roof windows are intended to be mounted angled
with respect to each other (panel V of Fig. 1) said integral sash/frame structure
of said lower roof window as shown in Fig. 28 further bears captive flashings 28-1,
28-2, 28-3 on the out-wards facing side of the bottom element of the frame 28-5, as
well as a captive wooden element 28-6 on the underside of said bottom element 28-5
to facilitate the installation process.
[0103] When arranging panels of the kinds described above closely one above another special
flashing and possibly also cover members are necessary for weather proofing of the
joint. An example of this is shown in Fig. 29a, which is a cross sectional view showing
panel I mounted closely above panel VI as illustrated in Fig. 1. Had the panels I
and VI been mounted at a distance from each other, panel I would have been provided
with a bottom flashing corresponding to the one 29-1 used on panel VI and panel VI
would have been provided with a top flashing corresponding to the one 29-2 used on
panel I. In the present installation these two flashings members have, however, been
replaced by a gutter-like flashing 29-3 which leads rain water and the like of onto
side flashing members (not shown) provided along the side sash members of the panel
IV. Additionally an extra covering member 29-4 have provided for covering the gutter-like
flashing member 29-3 thereby preventing it from being filled with snow, leaves and
the like and giving the window assembly an aesthetically more pleasing appearance.
Such a gutter-like flashing element is known from e.g.
WO2004/055291.
[0104] Fig. 27 shows a detail of the joint between the panels II and V when mounted closely
above one another as shown in Fig. 1. Here too an extra covering member 27-3 has been
provided for covering the joint, but additional flashing members are not necessary.
[0105] Such a covering member 30-1 is shown in Fig. 30a and in detail in 30b. It comprises
a front piece 30-2 adapted to cover the connection between the lower and upper panels
seen from the inside. Said piece 30-2 is formed substantially perpendicular to an
intermediate element 30-3 adapted to fit in between the respective frame elements
of said upper and lower panels in the full length of said frame elements. Said intermediate
element 30-3 is on the upwardly facing surface provided with a sealing strip 30-4.
Said intermediate element is also provided with indentations (not shown) on the upwardly
facing surface and on the surface opposite said piece 30-2, which indentations are
adapted to receive flashing elements. Further indentations (likewise not shown) adapted
to engage with corresponding indentations on the adjacent surface of the upper horizontal
frame element of the lower panel are provided on the downwardly facing surface of
said intermediate element. Furthermore said intermediate element is provided with
bushings intended to receive screws 30-5 or the like for fastening the covering member
to the upper frame element 30-6 of the lower panel. In this case said covering member
30-1 is adapted to function for roof inclinations in an interval ranging form 15°
to 55°.
[0106] When mounting windows closely side by side as illustrated in Fig. 1 the side flashing
members supplied for each window may be arranged in an overlapping manner, but it
is preferred to use a common side flashing with a U-shaped cross section (not shown),
where each vertical leg of the U abuts on the side sash member of each window.
[0107] The considerations regarding the covering and flashing of windows given above also
applies to other kinds of panels, which do not form part of a weather screen as such,
e.g. a solar energy collectors.
1. Gebäudehüllenkomponente, wie ein Wand- oder Dachelement, aufweisend
eine lasttragende Struktur für ein Gebäude, umfassend einen ersten Satz (1-1) von
im Wesentlichen horizontal angeordneten Trägern und einen zweiten Satz (1-2) von Trägern,
die im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig zum ersten Satz von Trägern angeordnet sind, wobei
der erste und zweite Satz von Trägern einen Rahmen bilden, der eine Anzahl an rechteckigen
Abschnitten einschließt, die jeweils von einer Platte, wie einer Füllung, einem Fenster,
einer Tür oder einem Solarenergiekollektor, eingenommen werden können,
wobei die Träger wenigstens eines Satzes mit einer oder mehreren Federn (3-1) versehen
sind, die im Einbauzustand im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig zur Rahmenebene vorstehen,
im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge des Trägers parallel zu dessen Längenachse
entlang der Seite des Trägers verlaufen, so dass kein Teil der Feder über das obere
Niveau des Rahmens hinausragt, und die eine Nut (3-2) definieren, die parallel zur
Längenachse des Trägers verläuft, wobei die Nut zwischen dem Hauptabschnitt des Trägers
und der Feder angeordnet ist, und
ein Fenster, das einen Abschnitt des Rahmens einnimmt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fenster einen stationären Rahmen (4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4) mit Nuten (3-4), die entlang
der Längenachse der wenigstens zwei parallelen Rahmenelemente verlaufen, und/oder
mit einer Anzahl an Montageklammern (3-6) aufweist, und
dass das Fenster auf der lasttragenden Struktur montiert ist, indem die Nuten und/oder
die Montageklammern des Fensterrahmens über die Federn der Träger der lasttragenden
Struktur gesteckt sind.
2. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass alle Träger der lasttragenden Struktur mit Federn (3-1) und Nuten (3-2) versehen
sind.
3. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass nur der zweite Satz von Trägern der lasttragenden Struktur mit Federn (3-1) und Nuten
(3-2) versehen ist.
4. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass einer oder mehrere Träger der lasttragenden Struktur auf beiden Seiten mit Federn
(3-1) und Nuten (3-2) versehen ist/sind.
5. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Federn (3-1) und/oder die Nuten (3-2) auf den zwei Seiten in Bezug zur Rahmenebene
auf unterschiedlichen Höhen angeordnet sind.
6. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Federn (3-1) der Träger der lasttragenden Struktur eine Breite in der Ebene des
Rahmens von ungefähr 5-30 mm, vorzugsweise ungefähr 5-15 mm, besonders bevorzugt ungefähr
10 mm, aufweisen.
7. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Nuten (3-2) der Träger der lasttragenden Struktur eine Breite in der Ebene des
Rahmens von ungefähr 5-30 mm, vorzugsweise ungefähr 10-20 mm, besonders bevorzugt
ungefähr 15 mm, aufweisen.
8. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass einer oder mehrere Träger der lasttragenden Struktur in Bezug zur Rahmenebene auf
der Oberseite mit einer Drainagerinne (3-7) versehen ist/sind.
9. Gebäudehüllenkomponente nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein dritter Satz (1-3) von Trägern der lasttragenden Struktur in rechten Winkeln
zum ersten Satz von Trägern und schräg in Bezug auf den zweiten Satz von Trägern angeordnet
sind, wobei die Träger zwei nicht-parallele Rahmenabschnitte bilden.
10. Verfahren zum Einbau eines Fensters auf einer lasttragenden Struktur,
wobei die lasttragende Struktur einen ersten Satz (1-1) von im Wesentlichen horizontal
angeordneten Trägern und einen zweiten Satz (1-2) von Trägern, die rechtwinklig zum
ersten Satz von Trägern angeordnet sind, aufweist,
wobei der erste und zweite Satz von Trägern einen Rahmen bilden, der eine Anzahl an
rechteckigen Abschnitten einschließt, wobei die Träger wenigstens eines Satzes mit
einer oder mehreren Federn (3-1) versehen sind, die im Einbauzustand im Wesentlichen
rechtwinklig zur Rahmenebene vorstehen, im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge des
Trägers parallel zu dessen Längenachse entlang der Seite des Trägers verlaufen, so
dass kein Teil der Feder über das obere Niveau des Rahmens hinausragt, und die eine
Nut (3-2) definieren, die parallel zur Längenachse des Trägers verläuft, wobei die
Nut zwischen dem Hauptabschnitt des Trägers und der Feder angeordnet ist,
wobei das Fenster in einem Abschnitt des Rahmens angeordnet ist, wobei das Fenster
einen stationären Rahmen (4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4) mit Nuten (3-4), die entlang der Längenachse
der wenigstens zwei parallelen Rahmenelemente verlaufen, und/oder mit einer Anzahl
an Montageklammern aufweist, und wobei das Fenster auf der lasttragenden Struktur
montiert ist, indem die Nuten und/oder die Montageklammern des Fensterrahmens über
die Federn der Träger der lasttragenden Struktur gesteckt sind.