TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to a roof window comprising a sash and a frame adapted for
receiving the sash. The sash is optionally suspended from the frame by means of suspension
arms, and the sash is configured to pivot around a pivot axis by means of an actuator
so as to open the sash towards an outer side of the window.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional roof windows are both difficult to install as well as move between open
and closed positions due to their location on top of a building.
[0003] It is known in prior art to provide roof windows with electrically operated actuators,
allowing one or several roof windows to be moved between open and closed positions
by means of remote control, see e.g.
WO 02/31304 A1. The use of electrically operated actuators furthermore allows automatic operation
for indoor temperature regulation or automatic closing of an open window due to changing
weather conditions.
[0004] The push-pull chain of an electrically operated actuator can be collapsed and wound
together when subjected to force extending in a first direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal extension of the push-pull chain, while reaching and maintaining a straight
configuration, or a slightly arched configuration, when being subjected to force extending
in an opposite second direction. When the push-pull chain is in the straight or slightly
arched configuration, the push-pull chain is stable enough to carry the weight of
the sash and subsequently be used to push the sash open or hold it in an open position.
[0005] One disadvantage with such a push-pull chain actuator is that the push-pull chain
can accidentally fold together due to undesired force being applied onto the chain
in the first direction.
DE 298 16 102 U1 provides a solution where the push-pull chain is stabilized against such undesired
force by offsetting the point at which load is applied onto the push-pull chain by
the sash, such that a counteracting force is generated which helps to maintain the
push-pull chain in the straight or slightly arched configuration.
[0006] However, such a solution does not prevent accidental collapse completely. For example,
a gust of wind may lift the sash upwards. The offset point of load, shown in
DE 298 16 102 U1, would in this case induce a collapsing movement since the offset point of load will
be pivoted around an end of the push-pull chain, partially in the first direction,
and effectively force the push-pull chain to straighten or bend in the first direction.
As the additional load provided by the gust of wind disappears, the load applied by,
e.g., the weight of the sash onto the unstable or possibly even bent and semi-collapsed
push-pull chain will cause the sash to pivot uncontrollably downwards into the frame.
[0007] Furthermore, such a push-pull chain actuator has to be individually adapted to fit
the specific dimensions of the roof window, since the radius of the push-pull chain
determines the size of the window sash.
SUMMARY
[0008] It is an object to provide a roof window having improved chain actuator stability
and flexibility.
[0009] The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claim.
Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description,
and the figures.
[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a roof window comprising a sash and
a frame adapted for receiving the sash, the sash being configured to pivot around
a pivot axis so as to open the sash towards an outer side of the window, the sash
optionally being suspended from the frame by means of suspension arms, each optional
suspension arm extending at least partially between the sash and the frame, the roof
window further comprising at least one actuator adapted for pivoting the sash in relation
to the frame against a load of the sash, the load mainly being caused by the weight
of the sash, the actuator comprising a push-pull chain and a bracket, the bracket
being rigidly connected to a first end of the push-pull chain, a second end of the
push-pull chain being received in an actuator housing connected to the frame, the
push-pull chain being adapted for bending freely in a first direction, past a configuration
in which the push-pull chain forms a straight line, and only to a limited extent past
the straight line configuration in a second opposite direction, the bracket providing
a support point for supporting the load of the sash, the support point being laterally
offset from the longitudinal extent of the push-pull chain so that the load of the
sash urges the push-pull chain to bend in the second opposite direction, a connection
pin connecting the bracket to at least one of the sash and the suspension arm, the
connection pin extending though an oblong first opening in the bracket for securing
the push-pull chain to one of the sash and the suspension arm whilst allowing the
connection pin to move in the oblong first opening in the direction of the longitudinal
extent of the oblong first opening, the longitudinal extent of the oblong first opening
being aligned with the longitudinal extent of the push-pull chain.
[0011] This solution provides a roof window having an actuator which is stabilized by a
stabilizing force, generated by the load of the sash, and which assists in preventing
accidental collapse of the push-pull chain of the actuator. Furthermore, an end of
the actuator is easily connected to the sash of the roof window after the frame and
subsequently the sash have been installed in the roof.
[0012] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the support point is laterally
offset from the longitudinal extent of the push-pull chain in the first direction,
allowing the push-pull chain to be stabilized when in an end position arched past
its straight line configuration in the second opposite direction, which facilitates
an actuator which can be used with sashes having different dimensions.
[0013] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the push-pull chain
comprises a plurality of coupled links, wherein a last link at the first end of the
push-pull chain forms the bracket, allowing the main part of the actuator, including
a part of the bracket, to be at least partially collapsed or wound together within
the housing.
[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bracket comprises
a second opening adapted for receiving a pre-loading pin, the pre-loading pin extending
through the second opening and connecting the bracket to one of the sash and the suspension
arm, the load of the sash urging the push-pull chain to bend in the second opposite
direction by the pre-loading pin applying the load of the sash onto the bracket. This
allows the pre-load applied onto the push-pull chain, and induced by the load of the
sash, to be progressive and change in response to a change in the load of the sash.
[0015] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a center axis of the
connection pin and a center axis of the pre-loading pin extend parallel with each
other and substantially parallel with the pivot axis, allowing the bracket to be pivoted
without inducing collapse of the push-pull chain.
[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, an open end of the
second opening allows the pre-loading pin to at least partially exit the second opening,
in a direction parallel with the longitudinal extent of the oblong first opening,
if the load applied by the sash is reduced or reversed, preventing collapse of the
push-pull chain should the sash be lifted upwards by e.g. wind.
[0017] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the roof window comprises
a connecting plate, connected to at least one of the sash and the suspension arm,
the connecting plate comprising connection openings aligned with the oblong first
opening and the second opening, the connection pin and the pre-loading pin extending
through the connection openings of the connecting plate, allowing a simple yet stable
connection between actuator and sash.
[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bracket comprises
first and second parallel bracket plates, an oblong first opening in the first bracket
plate being aligned with an oblong first opening in the second bracket plate, and
a second opening in the first bracket plate being aligned with a second opening in
the second bracket plate, the bracket at least partially enclosing the connecting
plate such that the first and second bracket plates extend on opposite sides of the
connecting plate, facilitating an actuator which distributes force evenly upon the
connection pin, the pre-loading pin and, hence, the sash.
[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator comprises
locking means engaging the connection pin, the locking means being configured for
preventing the connection pin from being removed from the oblong first opening. This
solution provides an actuator one end of which is easily connected to the sash of
the roof window after the frame, and subsequently the sash, have been installed in
the roof. The actuator is connected to the sash from the inside of the building, i.e.
an inner side of the window, or, should the sash be in an open position, from the
exterior of the building, i.e. the outer side of the window. After installation, however,
the connection between sash and actuator can no longer be accessed from the exterior
when the window is closed, even after having removed any outer cladding.
[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the connection pin
comprises a first pin end and a second pin end, the second pin end comprising an enlarged
portion too large to pass through the oblong first opening, the first pin end engaging
the locking means, the locking means and the first pin end being arranged in a recess
within the sash side member or between the suspension arm and the sash, the second
pin end being arranged between the frame and the sash or between the frame and the
suspension arm. This solution facilitates use of the actuator in a window where the
sash is suspended directly from the frame without the use of suspension arms and provides
the locking means at a location which is unreachable from the exterior of the building
when the sash is closed, as well as a simple and reliable way of interlocking components
without, e.g., having to rely on moving parts.
[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the locking means
is releasable and comprises at least one of a threaded nut, a spring, a clip, a slider,
and a pin, all being reliable and easy-to-operate mechanical solutions for interlocking
components.
[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator further
comprises a protective casing adapted for enclosing the locking means and the first
pin end, further obstructing access to the locking means from the exterior as well
as providing protection against external influence such as ingress of dirt, weather
conditions, or unintentional mechanical forces such as bending forces.
[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the casing comprises
two casing halves, one casing half comprising an access opening allowing access to
the locking means such that the locking means can be released from the connection
pin, allowing the actuator to be released from the sash, facilitating a secure solution
which still allows for simple connection of the actuator to the sash.
[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator further
comprises chain support means, connected to at least one of the sash and the frame,
adapted for providing a stabilizing force onto the push-pull chain perpendicularly
to the longitudinal extension of the push-pull chain, the stabilizing force urging
the push-pull chain to bend in the second opposite direction.
[0025] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the roof window is
a top-hung roof window comprising one actuator, the actuator being arranged adjacent
a frame bottom member.
[0026] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the roof window is
a center-pivoted roof window or a top-hung roof window comprising two actuators, each
actuator being arranged adjacent one frame side member.
[0027] This and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments
and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example
embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1a shows a schematic perspective view of a roof window in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 1b shows a schematic perspective view of a roof window in accordance with a further
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective side view of a suspension arm and a thereto connected actuator
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 3a and 3b show sectional perspective front and rear views of the suspension
arm and the actuator shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 3c shows a partially exploded bottom view of the suspension arm and the actuator
section shown in Figs. 3a and 3b;
Figs. 4a and 4b show perspective front and rear views of a section of the actuator
shown in Figs. 3a to 3c;
Fig. 4c shows an exploded front view of the actuator section shown in Figs. 4a and
4b;
Fig. 5a shows a sectional perspective view of the suspension arm and the actuator
shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5b shows a partially exploded view of the suspension arm and the actuator shown
in Fig. 5a;
Fig. 6a shows a perspective front view of the suspension arm and the actuator shown
in Figs. 5a and 5b;
Fig. 6b shows a perspective rear view of the suspension arm and the actuator shown
in Fig. 6a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Figs. 1a and 1b show a roof window comprising a sash 1 and a frame 2 adapted for
receiving the sash 1, the sash 1 being configured to pivot around a pivot axis A so
as to open the sash towards an outer side of the window, i.e. towards the exterior
of a building. The sash 1 comprises two sash side members 1a, 1b connected to a top
sash member 1c and a bottom sash member 1d. The sash 1 may be suspended directly from
the frame 2 or, optionally, suspended from the frame 2 by means of suspension arms
3. Each optional suspension arm 3 extends at least partially between a sash side member
1a, 1b and an adjacent frame side member 2a, 2b.
[0030] At least one actuator 4 is provided to pivot the sash 1 between a closed position
and several open positions in relation to the frame 2, open positions being shown
in Figs. 1a and 1b. The actuator 4 may furthermore be adapted for securing the sash
1 in the closed position.
[0031] In one embodiment, the actuator 4 is adapted for pivoting the sash 1 in relation
to the frame 2 against a load L of the sash 1, the load L mainly being caused by the
weight of the sash 1. In part, the load L may also be attributed to external conditions
such as e.g. snow resting on the sash or wind.
[0032] As shown in more detail in Figs. 2 and 4a, the actuator 4 comprises a push-pull chain
5 and a bracket 6, the bracket 6 being rigidly connected to a first end 5a of the
push-pull chain. A second end 5b of the push-pull chain is received in an actuator
housing 7 connected to the frame 2, as shown schematically in Fig. 1a. As the sash
1 is closed, the push-pull chain 5 is withdrawn, completely or almost completely,
into the actuator housing 7 by an electrical motor (not shown). The push-pull chain
5 is maintained in the withdrawn position by means of the motor or any other suitable
locking means, such that the sash 1 is maintained in the closed position until the
actuator 4 is activated in order move the sash 1 to an open position.
[0033] The push-pull chain 5 comprises a plurality of coupled links 13, as shown in Fig.
2. In one embodiment, the last link 13a at the first end 5a of the push-pull chain
forms the bracket 6. In a further embodiment, the bracket 6 is a separate component
connected to the last link 13a of the push-pull chain 5.
[0034] The push-pull chain 5 bends freely in a first direction D1, at least partially towards
the pivot axis A, past a configuration in which the push-pull chain forms a straight
line 5c, shown in Fig. 2, such that at least the main part of the push-pull chain
6 can be collapsed and wound together. The push-pull chain 5 can bend only to a limited
extent past the straight line 5c configuration in a second opposite direction D2,
allowing the push-pull chain 5 to form an arc.
[0035] The bracket 6 provides at least one support point S for supporting the load L of
the sash 1, as shown in Figs. 4a to 4c. The support point S is laterally offset from
the longitudinal extent of the push-pull chain 5 so that the load L of the sash 1
urges the push-pull chain 5 to bend in the second opposite direction D2.
[0036] A connection pin 8, in one embodiment being releasable, connects the bracket 6 to
at least one of the sash 1 and the suspension arm 3, preferably one of the side sash
members 1a, 1b and/or the suspension arms 3, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b as well as
6a and 6b. The connection pin 8 has a first pin end 8a and a second pin end 8b as
shown in Figs. 3a to 3c.
[0037] The connection pin 8 extends though an oblong first opening 9 in the bracket 6 for
securing the push-pull chain 5 to one of the sash 1 and the suspension arm 3. The
connection pin 8 is allowed to move in the oblong first opening 9 in the direction
of the longitudinal extent of the oblong first opening 9, the longitudinal extent
of the oblong first opening 9 being aligned with the longitudinal extent of the push-pull
chain 5.
[0038] In one embodiment, the bracket 6 comprises a second opening 17 adapted for receiving
a pre-loading pin 18, the pre-loading pin 18 extending through the second opening
17 and connecting the bracket 6 to one of the sash 1 and the suspension arm 3. The
second opening 17 is essentially a U-shaped recess having an open end 17a, facing
away from the push-pull chain 5, allowing the pre-loading pin 18 to exit the second
opening 17 in one direction. The pre-loading pin 18 extends through the second opening
17 and connects the bracket 6 to the sash 1 rigidly. The load L of the sash 1 urges
the push-pull chain 5 to bend in the second opposite direction D2 by the pre-loading
pin 18 applying the load L of the sash 1 onto the bracket 6.
[0039] The center axis CA of the connection pin 8 and the center axis CA2 of the pre-loading
pin 18 extend parallel with each other and substantially parallel with the pivot axis
A.
[0040] The open end 17a of the second opening 17 allows the pre-loading pin 18 to at least
partially exit the second opening 17, in a direction parallel with the longitudinal
extent of the oblong first opening 9, if the load L applied by the sash 1 is reduced
or reversed.
[0041] The releasable connection pin 8 extends in a direction substantially parallel with
the pivot axis A, through the first opening 9 and through at least one of a fourth
opening 10 in the sash side member 1a, 1b and a third opening 11 in the suspension
arm 3. As the releasable connection pin 8 connects the bracket 6 to the side sash
member 1a, 1b and/or the suspension arm3, the first pin end 8a is arranged closer
to the center C of the sash than the second pin end 8b.
[0042] The actuator further comprises locking means 12 engaging the connection pin 8, the
locking means 12 being configured for preventing the connection pin 8 from being removed
from the oblong first opening 9. The locking means 12, shown in Figs. 4b and 4c, engage
the first pin end 8a such that the releasable connection pin 8 is prevented from being
removed from the fourth opening 10 and/or the third opening 11. The locking means
12 comprises at least one of a threaded nut, a spring, a clip, a slider, and a pin.
[0043] The first pin end 8a is configured for engaging the locking means 12 by means of
a section having a reduced diameter arranged at the first pin end 8a, as shown in
Fig. 3c, or, as in a further embodiment, by means of a throughgoing channel 14 which
extends perpendicular to the center axis CA of the releasable connection pin 8, and
which receives a part of the locking means 12 such as, e.g., one leg of a spring as
shown in Fig. 4b.
[0044] In one embodiment, the releasable connection pin 8 extends through the fourth opening
10 of the sash side member 1a, 1b, and the first pin end 8a and the locking means
12 are arranged in a recess within the sash side member 1a, 1b. The recess extends
from the inner surface of the sash, i.e. from the surface closest to the center C
of the sash 1, in a direction towards the frame side member 2a, 2b. The second pin
end 8b is arranged between the frame side member 2a, 2b and the sash side member 1a,
1b. The releasable connection pin 8 extends, in other words, through the first opening
9 and the fourth opening 10.
[0045] If the window also comprises suspension arms 3, the second pin end 8b may be arranged
either between the frame side member 2a, 2b and the suspension arm 3, or between the
suspension arm 3 and the sash side member 1a, 1b. If the second pin end 8b is arranged
between the frame side member 2a, 2b and the suspension arm 3, the releasable connection
pin 8 also extends through the third opening 11 of the suspension arm 3, i.e. the
releasable connection pin 8 extends through the first opening 9, the third opening
11, and the fourth opening 10.
[0046] In one embodiment, the releasable connection pin 8 extends through the third opening
11 of the suspension arm 3, and the first pin end 8a and the locking means 12 are
arranged between the suspension arm 3 and the sash side member 1a, 1b. The second
pin end 8b is arranged between the frame side member 2a, 2b and the suspension arm
3. The releasable connection pin 8 extends, in other words, through the first opening
9 and the third opening 11.
[0047] In one embodiment, the second pin end 8b comprises an enlarged portion too large
to pass through the oblong first 9 and second 10 openings or the first 9 and third
11 openings, or even the first 9, second 10, and third 11 openings, such that the
releasable connection pin 8 can only be withdrawn from the openings in one direction,
i.e. in the direction extending from the first pin end 8a to the second pin end 8b.
The first pin end 8a receives a part of the locking means 12, which prevents the releasable
connection pin 8 from being withdrawn from the openings 9, 10, 11 in the direction
extending from the first pin end 8a to the second pin end 8b. The locking means 12
has to be released from the first pin end 8a, from the interior of the building in
order to be able to withdraw the releasable connection pin 8 from the openings 9,
10, 11.
[0048] As shown in Figs. 3a to 3c, 5a to 5b, and 6a to 6b, the suspension arm 3 may comprise
a ledge 3a extending parallel with the center axis of the third opening 11, such that
the ledge 3a at least partially covers any existing gap between the suspension arm
3 and the sash side member 1a, 1b. The ledge effectively covers the interior space
of the suspension arm such that any components at least partially surrounded by the
suspension arm can only be accessed from the interior of the building, i.e. from an
inner side of the window.
[0049] Furthermore, the actuator 4 may comprise a protective casing 15 adapted for enclosing
the locking means 12 and the first pin end 8a. The casing 15 comprises two casing
halves interlocking with each other such that a void is formed between the casing
halves, the void accommodating the locking means 12 and preferably the first pin end
8a. One casing half comprises an access opening 15a which allows access to the locking
means 12, from the interior of the building, such that the locking means 12 can be
released from the releasable connection pin 8. Correspondingly, the other casing half
comprises an opening allowing the releasable connection pin 8 to pass through and
enter the void formed by the two casing halves.
[0050] In one embodiment, shown in Figs. 3a to 3c, each suspension arm 3 has an upside-down
U-shaped cross-section enclosing the locking means 12 and the casing 15. The two parallel
legs of the U-shape are of different heights, the shorter leg extending the open end
of the U-shape. The open end of the U-shape is at least partially directed towards
the closest frame side member 2a, 2b, i.e. the frame side member 2a, 2b arranged adjacent
the suspension arm 3 when the window is in the closed position. The locking means
12, arranged such that it is enclosed by the U-shaped suspension arm 3, is accessible
through a wall opening 16 in a wall 3b of the U-shaped cross-section. The wall 3b
extends adjacent the sash side member 1a, 1b, and essentially perpendicular to the
ledge 3a. The wall 3b corresponds to the longer of the two parallel legs of the U-shape.
[0051] In one embodiment, the roof window further comprises a connecting plate 19 connected
to at least one of the sash 1 and the suspension arm 3. The connecting plate 19 comprises
connection openings 20 aligned with the oblong first opening 9 and the second opening
17, such that the connection pin 8 and the pre-loading pin 18 may extend through the
connection openings 20.
[0052] The bracket 6 may comprise first and second parallel bracket plates 6a, 6b, arranged
such that the oblong first opening 9 in the first bracket plate 6a is aligned with
the oblong first opening 9 in the second bracket plate 6b, and the second opening
17 in the first bracket plate 6a is aligned with the second opening 17 in the second
bracket plate 6b, The bracket 6 encloses the connecting plate 19 at least partially
such that the first and second bracket plates 6a, 6b extend on opposite sides of the
connecting plate 19.
[0053] In one embodiment, the actuator 4 further comprises chain support means 21, connected
to at least one of the sash 1 and the frame 2. The chain support means 21 provide
a stabilizing force F onto the push-pull chain 5 perpendicularly to the longitudinal
extension of the push-pull chain 5, such that the stabilizing force F urges the push-pull
chain to bend in the second opposite direction D2, as shown in Fig. 2.
[0054] In one embodiment, the roof window is a top-hung roof window comprising one actuator
4, the actuator 4 being arranged adjacent a frame bottom member 2d.
[0055] In a further embodiment, the roof window is a center-pivoted roof window or a top-hung
roof window comprising two actuators 4, each actuator 4 being arranged adjacent one
frame side member 2a, 2b.
[0056] The present roof window has several benefits. For example, it enables large opening
angles. Another benefit is having a large load capacity which remains stable with
changing roof angles and during high load conditions (any push-pull situations which
occur). A further benefit is that the push-pull chains can be placed substantially
out of sight at the sides of the window, allowing the window to have a slenderer appearance
and providing a better view. Additionally, the need for window load balancing by springs
is reduced, such that the springs do not need adjustment or may be entirely omitted.
Another benefit is that the push-pull chain actuator may keep the window closed without
additional need for a window lock. Furthermore, the window installation process and
the process of connecting the push-pull chain(s) is enhanced. Finally, the push-pull
chain is burglar protected while still enabling service of the window.
[0057] The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various
embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be
understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter,
from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims,
the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite
article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures
are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination
of these measured cannot be used to advantage.
[0058] The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.
1. A roof window comprising a sash (1) and a frame (2) adapted for receiving said sash
(1), said sash (1) being configured to pivot around a pivot axis (A) so as to open
said sash (1) towards an outer side of said window, said sash (1) optionally being
suspended from said frame (2) by means of suspension arms (3), each optional suspension
arm (3) extending at least partially between said sash (1) and said frame (2),
said roof window further comprising:
at least one actuator (4) adapted for pivoting said sash (1) in relation to said frame
(2) against a load (L) of said sash (1), said load (L) mainly being caused by the
weight of said sash (1),
said actuator (4) comprising a push-pull chain (5) and a bracket (6), said bracket
(6) being rigidly connected to a first end (5a) of said push-pull chain (5), a second
end (5b) of said push-pull chain (5) being received in an actuator housing (7) connected
to said frame (2),
said push-pull chain (5) being adapted for bending freely in a first direction (D1),
past a configuration in which said push-pull chain (5) forms a straight line (5c),
and only to a limited extent past said straight line (5c) configuration in a second
opposite direction (D2),
said bracket (6) providing a support point (S) for supporting the load (L) of said
sash (1), said support point (S) being laterally offset from the longitudinal extent
of said push-pull chain (5) so that the load (L) of said sash (1) urges said push-pull
chain (5) to bend in said second opposite direction (D2),
a connection pin (8) connecting said bracket (6) to at least one of said sash (1)
and said suspension arm (3),
said connection pin (8) extending though an oblong first opening (9) in said bracket
(6) for securing said push-pull chain (5) to one of said sash (1) and said suspension
arm (3) whilst allowing said connection pin (8) to move in said oblong first opening
(9) in the direction of the longitudinal extent of said oblong first opening (9),
the longitudinal extent of said oblong first opening (9) being aligned with the longitudinal
extent of said push-pull chain (5).
2. The roof window according to claim 1, wherein said support point (S) is laterally
offset from the longitudinal extent of said push-pull chain (5) in said first direction
(D1).
3. The roof window according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said push-pull chain (5) comprises
a plurality of coupled links (13), wherein a last link (13a) at said first end (5a)
of said push-pull chain (5) forms said bracket (6).
4. The roof window according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said bracket
(6) comprises a second opening (17) adapted for receiving a pre-loading pin (18),
said pre-loading pin (18) extending through said second opening (17) and connecting
said bracket (6) to one of said sash (1) and said suspension arm (3),
the load (L) of said sash (1) urging said push-pull chain (5) to bend in said second
opposite direction (D2) by said pre-loading pin (18) applying the load (L) of said
sash (1) onto said bracket (6).
5. The roof window according to claim 4, wherein a center axis (CA) of said connection
pin (8) and a center axis (CA2) of said pre-loading pin (18) extend parallel with
each other and substantially parallel with said pivot axis (A).
6. The roof window according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an open end (17a) of said second
opening (17) allows said pre-loading pin (18) to at least partially exit said second
opening (17), in a direction parallel with the longitudinal extent of said oblong
first opening (9), if the load (L) applied by said sash (1) is reduced or reversed.
7. The roof window according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a connecting
plate (19), connected to at least one of said sash (1) and said suspension arm (3),
said connecting plate (19) comprising connection openings (20) aligned with said oblong
first opening (9) and said second opening (17),
said connection pin (8) and said pre-loading pin (18) extending through said connection
openings (20) of said connecting plate (19).
8. The roof window according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said bracket (6) comprises
first and second parallel bracket plates (6a, 6b), an oblong first opening (9) in
said first bracket plate (6a) being aligned with an oblong first opening (9) in said
second bracket plate (6b), and
a second opening (17) in said first bracket plate (6a) being aligned with a second
opening (17) in said second bracket plate (6b), said bracket (6) at least partially
enclosing said connecting plate (19) such that said first and second bracket plates
(6a, 6b) extend on opposite sides of said connecting plate (19).
9. The roof window according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said actuator
further comprises locking means (12) engaging said connection pin (8), said locking
means (12) being configured for preventing said connection pin (8) from being removed
from said oblong first opening (9).
10. The roof window according to claim 9, wherein said connection pin comprises a first
pin end (8a) and a second pin end (8b),
said second pin end (8b) comprising an enlarged portion too large to pass through
said oblong first opening (9),
said first pin end (8a) engaging said locking means (12), said locking means (12)
and said first pin end (8a) being arranged in a recess within said sash side member
(1a, 1b) or between said suspension arm (3) and said sash (1),
said second pin end (8b) being arranged between said frame (2) and said sash (1) or
between said frame (2) and said suspension arm (3).
11. The roof window according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said locking means (12) is releasable
and comprises at least one of a threaded nut, a spring, a clip, a slider, and a pin.
12. The roof window according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said actuator (4) further comprises
a protective casing (15) adapted for enclosing said locking means (12) and said first
pin end (8a).
13. The roof window according to claim 12, wherein said casing (15) comprises two casing
halves, one casing half comprising an access opening (15a) allowing access to said
locking means (12) such that said locking means (12) can be released from said connection
pin (8), allowing said actuator (4) to be released from said sash (1).
14. The roof window according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said actuator
(4) further comprises chain support means (21), connected to at least one of said
sash (1) and said frame (2), adapted for providing a stabilizing force (F) onto said
push-pull chain (5) perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of said push-pull
chain (5), said stabilizing force (F) urging said push-pull chain to bend in said
second opposite direction (D2).
15. The roof window according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said roof window
is a top-hung roof window comprising one actuator (4), said actuator (4) being arranged
adjacent a frame bottom member (2d).
16. The roof window according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said roof window is
a center-pivoted roof window or a top-hung roof window comprising two actuators (4),
each actuator (4) being arranged adjacent one frame side member (2a, 2b).