A SKYLIGHT WINDOW

Abstract

 A skylight window for being installed in a roof of a building, the skylight window comprising a window frame having four frame side members, a window sash having four sash side members, and an IGU, a first frame side member comprising a lining panel protrusion located lower than an exposed interior major surface of the IGU in a height direction, wherein the lining panel protrusion protrudes away from the IGU, the lining panel protrusion comprising a first surface for abutting a surface of a reveal panel or lining panel so as to position the reveal panel or lining panel, wherein a first sash side member comprises an IGU supporting leg for supporting the IGU, the supporting leg, in the height direction, extending beneath the IGU and supporting the exposed interior major surface of the IGU, wherein, in the closed position of the skylight window, the first surface of the lining panel protrusion in a lateral direction extending along the exposed interior major surface of the IGU is positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a skylight window for being installed in a roof of a building, the skylight window comprising:

a window frame having four frame side members,

a window sash having four sash side members supporting an IGU having multiple layers of glazing, the window sash being movable in relation to the window frame between an open and a closed position of the skylight window,

a first of the frame side members being associated with a first of the sash side members, the first frame and sash side members extending in a respective longitudinal direction,

the IGU having an exposed interior major surface for facing an interior of the building in the closed position of the skylight window, the exposed interior major surface being of an interior pane of the IGU, the interior pane comprising a side surface extending substantially along the first frame members and sash side, a height direction extending perpendicularly to the interior major surface in the closed position of the skylight window,

the IGU further having an exposed exterior major surface facing in an opposite direction towards an exterior in the closed position of the skylight window,

the first frame side member comprising a lining panel protrusion located lower than the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the height direction,

wherein the lining panel protrusion protrudes away from the IGU, wherein said first frame side member has a frame height extending in a height direction which is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the major mu in said closed position of the skylight window, the lining panel protrusion comprising a first surface for abutting a surface of a reveal panel or lining panel so as to position the reveal panel or lining panel.

[0002] Inclined roof windows are typically built into an opening in an inclined roof structure with an angle above 15 degrees with a substantial part of the inclined roof window positioned within the inclined roof structure in an installed position. Flat roof skylight windows are generally installed on top of the exterior side of flat roofs of buildings, where the inclination of the roof is less than 5 degrees with respect to horizontal. In general, flat roof skylight windows are installed to cover an opening in the roof, i.e. a substantial part of the flat roof skylight window extends above an exterior side of the flat roof structure in an installed position.

[0003] It is common today to use a skylight window in flat roofs and potentially cover the window portion with a dome-shaped weather shield. One example of this type of skylight window is disclosed in WO 2009/080026 A1. This roof window comprises a standard VELUX ® outwardly openable window, to the sash of which a dome-shaped weather shield is attached.

[0004] Window sashes have typically comprised box structures consisting of hollow spacings as an attempt to provide structural support and thermal insulation through cavities. A typical example of such structures is presented in US2010269426. Windows comprising such sashes have typically a quite rough appearance, while limiting the view. What is more, these windows are usually associated with high materials and processing costs in terms of manufacturing the window sash.

[0005] There is also a general desire to provide skylight windows with higher influx of light and better insulation properties to provide better illumination of the interior of buildings as well as reduce the energy consumption required for illumination, heating and cooling of buildings.

[0006] On this background, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a skylight window according to the introduction in which the insulation properties are improved. Furthermore, it may be seen as an object of the invention to provide a skylight window in which a view through the window is improved or expanded.

[0007] According to the invention, one or more of these objects may be met by a skylight window according to the introduction and characterized in that the first sash side member comprises an IGU supporting leg for supporting the IGU, the IGU supporting leg, in the height direction, extending beneath the IGU and supporting the exposed interior major surface of the IGU,
wherein, in the closed position of the skylight window, the first surface of the lining panel protrusion in a lateral direction extending along the exposed interior major surface of the IGU is positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg.

[0008] With the skylight window according to the invention, the influx of light and the view through the skylight window may be improved since less of the exposed interior major surface of the IGU may be blocked by the supporting leg. It may also increase the amount of light reaching the interior of the building due to the positioning of the reveal or lining panel farther from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg, thereby creating a smooth, plane, and unobstructed surface below the exposed interior major surface for guiding the light into the interior of the building. It may further allow insulation material to be purposely positioned between the sash and frame side member and between the supporting leg and the lining panel protrusion, thereby improving the insulation properties of the skylight window.

[0009] The lining panel protrusion being positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg, may contribute to covering and hiding the supporting leg and/or first sash side member when looking through the skylight from the interior towards the exterior.

[0010] The skylight window may comprise a removable lining panel protrusion and/or recess. The removable lining panel protrusion and/or recess may be separately affixed to the frame and may be a part that is separate from the frame i.e. not an integral part of the frame.

[0011] The first surface may be located at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, or 100 mm farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg.

[0012] The supporting leg may extend in the lateral direction a first distance A from the side surface of the interior pane and the first surface of lining panel protrusion may be located in the lateral direction a second distance B from the side surface of the interior pane, wherein the second distance B is at least 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.5, or 3 times the first distance A. The first distance A may be at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm. The second distance B may be at least 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, or 300 mm.

[0013] The supporting leg may extend along an entire peripheral side of the IGU and/or along a part of a peripheral side of the IGU. The supporting leg may have a cross-section that is substantially identical to a cross-section of one of or all of the further legs of the first sash side member. Alternatively, a cross-section of the supporting leg may be different from one of or all of the further legs of the first sash side member.

[0014] The supporting leg may be of a same length and width as one of or all of the further legs of the first sash side member. The IGU may have a first peripheral side extending substantially in parallel with the first frame and sash side members and the respective longitudinal direction in the closed position of said skylight window. The respective longitudinal direction in which the first sash and frame side members extend, and which is substantially parallel with the first peripheral side of the IGU in the closed position of the skylight window, may define a length direction. A width direction may be defined as a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the height and longitudinal directions.

[0015] The supporting leg may comprise one or more abutment elements for abutting against the exposed interior major surface of IGU and/or the window frame. The supporting leg may comprise one or more sealing elements for sealing against the exposed interior major surface of the IGU and/or or the window frame. The supporting leg may be attached to the exposed interior major surface by an adhesive.

[0016] The window frame members may generally define an inner opening, each frame member having an inner side facing said inner opening and an outer side facing in an opposite direction of the inner side and away from the inner opening, an interior side for, in an installed position, facing an interior of the building, and an exterior side for facing in an opposite direction of the interior side and away from the interior of the building.

[0017] The entire supporting leg may generally be located inside of the outer and/or the exterior side of the first frame side member. Furthermore, the entire supporting leg may be located inside of the outer sides of the frame side members. The supporting leg may be substantially plate-shaped. The supporting leg may be substantially box-shaped.

[0018] An outer surface of the first frame side member may be flat and allow the attachment of a curb flange. The curb flange may be a detachably attachable curb flange. The term "detachably attachable" may be understood as the curb flange being attachable and detachable without causing substantial and/or permanent damage to the curb flange or skylight window.

[0019] The IGU (Insulated Glazing Unit) may have multiple layers of glass which define a volume comprising an inert gas or aerogels or vacuum. The IGU may in a conventional manner comprise one or, preferably two, three or more layers of glazing positioned at a distance from each other to form one or more sealed spacings or cavities between them. This spacing may be filled with an inert gas or may hold a vacuum to improve insulation. One or more of the layers of glazing may have a low emissivity coating or coating stack. One or more of the layers of glazing may be laminated e.g. the interior layer of glazing. One or more of the layers of glazing may be tempered. Similarly, the weather shield pane may be tempered. The IGU may be see-through transparent to provide a view out. The exposed interior major surface of the IGU may in that case be a lower major surface of a lowermost of the layers of glazing. Sealing and/or supporting members may be provided at one or more of four peripheral sides of the IGU between the layers of glazing. The sealing and/or supporting members may distance adjacent layers of glazing from each other and may together with lateral edges of the window glazing layers form respective side or lateral surfaces of the IGU. These side surfaces may be substantially plane and extend substantially in the height dimension as defined herein.

[0020] The interior pane of the IGU may be a glazing pane. The interior pane may define a bottom of the IGU. The interior pane may constitute a layer of glazing of the IGU. The interior pane may be of substantially the same size as one or more or all other layer(s) of glazing of the IGU. The interior pane or an exterior pane of the IGU may be of a larger size than one or more of the other layer(s) of the glazing of the IGU. The interior pane may be substantially identical to one or more of the other layer(s) of glazing of the IGU. The interior pane may be different to one or more of the other layer(s) of glazing of the IGU. The interior pane may comprise a first side surface extending substantially along the first frame and sash side members. The exterior pane may be a flat pane or a curved pane or a domed pane or a spherical pane.

[0021] The IGU may comprise an exterior-most layer of glazing of the skylight window. The exterior-most layer of glazing of the skylight window may be an interior or top pane of the IGU. The exposed exterior major surface of the IGU may be the exterior-most layer of glazing of the skylight window. The exterior-most layer of glazing may be substantially identical to the one or more or all other layer(s) of glazing of the IGU.

[0022] The supporting leg may extend from the first side surface of the interior pane. A total length of the exposed interior major surface may be a total length extending in a lateral direction from the first side surface and to a second opposite side surface of the interior pane or in the width direction.

[0023] The supporting leg may include or consist of all parts of the sash extending beneath the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the height direction.

[0024] An entirety of the supporting leg may be located within a periphery of the window frame. The term "periphery" may be understood as an outer perimeter e.g. an outer periphery of the window frame.

[0025] In this way, the skylight window may be more compact. Additionally or alternatively, the supporting leg may constitute an entirety of a part of the first sash side member located within the periphery of the interior pane of the IGU.

[0026] A further effect may be to allow the supporting leg to be more specifically tailored in terms of structural and material properties to the environment and stresses it will be subjected to in use. A majority of the first sash side member may extend above the exposed interior major surface.

[0027] The supporting leg may constitute an entirety of a part of the first sash side member located below the exposed interior major surface of the IGU. The supporting leg may be substantially solid. This may have the technical effect of providing a high-strength supporting leg. A further or alternative effect may be that the supporting leg has a low total height.

[0028] The first sash side member may comprise a sash second leg. The sash second leg may extend substantially in the height direction. The sash second leg may be substantially plate-shaped and/or substantially solid. The supporting leg may extend from the sash second leg. The supporting leg may extend from a bottom end of the sash second leg. The supporting leg may extend in the lateral direction from the sash second leg. The supporting leg may extend substantially perpendicularly from the sash second leg.

[0029] The first sash side member may further comprise a sash third leg. The sash third leg may overlap with the frame second leg in closed position of the skylight window. That is the sash third leg may extend over the second frame leg so as to at least cover it partly.

[0030] The second and third sash legs may be substantially solid. The second and third sash legs may be substantially identical in cross-section to the first sash leg.

[0031] The term "substantially solid" is understood as there being no holes and/or hollow spacings comprised in the material structure and/or holes or cavities on the surface.

[0032] Generally, one or more of the frame and/or sash side members may comprise or be made substantially of polymer materials, such as plastic, specifically PVC (polyvinyl chloride), chlorinated PVC, PUR (polyurethane), fibre reinforced PUR such as glass fibre reinforced PUR, pultruded polymers, polyester, and/or glass fibre and/or wood and/or metal such as steel or aluminium or composites or combinations thereof.

[0033] The skylight window may further comprise a sealing element for abutting the first sash side member in the closed position of the skylight window, said sealing element being located on a side of the first frame side member that faces the sash in the closed position of the skylight window, wherein
the first sash side member is abutting said sealing element in the closed position of the skylight. This may have the effect of providing good sealing of the skylight window.

[0034] The first sash side member may further comprise one or more thermal breaks. The one or more thermal breaks may be made from a material of a lower thermal conductivity than other parts of the first sash side member. The one or more thermal breaks may be an insert or a joint joining parts of the sash. The insert or joint may be a separate part to the first sash side member. The insert or joint may inserted into the first sash side member. The insert or joint may be attached between parts of the first sash side member. Likewise, the other sash side members may comprise one or more thermal breaks. This may have the advantage of improving the insulation properties of the skylight as a lower thermal conductivity through the supporting section or sash member may be achieved. Thermal breaks may also be used for interconnecting the window frame and the sash. The one or more thermal breaks may substantially consist of or comprise a polymer and/or foam.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first surface is a lining panel supporting surface positioned farthest away from the side surface of the interior pane in the lateral direction.

[0036] This may allow a lining panel to be positioned and/or supported at an inner surface of the frame side member, thereby providing a clean potentially seamless looking aesthetic when viewing the skylight window from an interior of the building.

[0037] The lining panel supporting surface may be an innermost surface of the first frame side member.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first surface faces in the lateral direction towards the side surface of the interior pane.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first surface defines a surface of a lining panel recess,
said lining panel recess further comprising a second surface facing substantially oppositely from the first surface and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces, the third surface in upper corners of the lining recess potentially being connected to the first and second surfaces.

[0040] This may improve ease of positioning the reveal or lining panel as the additional surfaces of the lining panel recess provide more surfaces to align and position said panel against. Similarly, a better support of the lining or reveal panel may be achieved due to the additional surfaces.

[0041] The second surface may be for abutting another, potentially opposite surface, of the reveal panel or lining panel, and/or the third surface may be for abutting a top surface of the reveal panel or lining panel.

[0042] The second surface may be a surface of a second lining panel protrusion protruding away from the IGU, the second surface being for abutting another, potentially opposite, surface of the reveal panel or lining panel so as to position the reveal panel or lining panel between the first and second surfaces. Said second surface may also, in the closed position of the skylight window, in a lateral direction extending along the exposed interior major surface of the IGU be positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg. The second lining panel protrusion may protrude substantially perpendicularly to the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the closed position of the skylight window. The second protrusion may protrude farther or shorter or to a same level in a direction perpendicularly to the exposed interior major surface of the IGU than the first protrusion in the closed position of the skylight window. The second surface may extend substantially perpendicularly to the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the closed position of the skylight window.

[0043] In a development of the previous embodiment, in the closed position of the skylight window, the second surface of the lining panel recess in the lateral direction is positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg.

[0044] In an embodiment, wherein the lining panel protrusion is located, in the height direction, above a bottom of the first frame side member.

[0045] The bottom of the first frame side member may be the, in the height direction, lowermost surface or point of the first frame side member.

[0046] In an embodiment, a reveal panel or lining panel is positioned so that a surface thereof abuts the first surface of the lining panel protrusion.

[0047] In an embodiment, the first surface is positioned, in the lateral direction, 30% or less of a total width of the exposed interior major surface away from the side surface of the interior pane.

[0048] The first surface may be positioned equal to or less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% of a total width of the exposed interior major surface in the width direction. A total width of the exposed interior major surface may be a total width extending in the width direction between two points of the exposed interior major surface that have the largest distance between them in the width direction. In the closed position of the skylight window, the width direction may be substantially parallel to the lateral direction.

[0049] In an embodiment, there is a gap of 1 mm or more in the lateral direction between the first surface of the lining panel protrusion and the supporting leg of the first sash side member.

[0050] The gap may be equal to or more than 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm.

[0051] In an embodiment, the exposed interior major surface is located, in the height direction, below a top of the first frame side member. This may provide a more compact skylight window, particularly in the height direction as the IGU is positioned lower in the skylight window. This in turn may improve the thermal insulation properties of the skylight window as there will be less surface area of skylight window exposed to thermal energy exchange.

[0052] The top of the first frame side member may be a, in the height direction, uppermost surface or point of the first frame side member.

[0053] The first frame side member may, in the lateral direction, extend as far as or farther than the first sash side member from the interior pane side surface.

[0054] The first frame side member may extend farther than the first sash side member by an amount equal to or larger 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% of a total frame side width extending in a width direction that is substantially perpendicular to the height and longitudinal directions. The total frame side width may be a total width extending in the width direction between two points of the first frame side member that have the largest distance between them in the width direction.

[0055] This may have the effect of covering or hiding the sash when viewing the skylight window from the interior of the building.

[0056] In an embodiment, the first frame side member comprises a sealing surface facing the exposed interior major surface of the IGU, said sealing surface having a sealing element for abutting the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the closed position of the skylight window, wherein a lower surface of the supporting leg is positioned substantially at the same height as the sealing surface or above the sealing surface in the height direction.

[0057] The lower surface of the supporting leg may be an interior surface of the supporting leg and/or may face towards the interior of the building and/or in substantially the same direction as the exposed interior major surface of the interior pane of the IGU. The lower surface may be a lowermost surface of the supporting leg, in the height direction, in the closed position of the skylight window. The sealing surface may be located within the periphery of the interior pane.

[0058] The first frame side member may comprise a frame supporting leg. The frame supporting leg may extend beneath the interior major surface of the IGU. The frame supporting leg may located within the exposed interior major surface of the IGU. The frame supporting leg may be located within the periphery of the interior pane. The frame supporting leg may comprise the sealing surface facing the exposed interior major surface of the IGU. comprising second frame leg.

[0059] The first frame side member may comprise a recess between the frame supporting leg and the frame second leg for receiving at least part of the sash supporting leg in the closed position of the skylight window. The exposed interior major surface of the IGU may abut an upper surface of the frame supporting leg in the closed position of the skylight window.

[0060] In an embodiment the supporting leg is generally plate-shaped, consisting of one single section of substantially solid material. This may have the technical effect of providing a high-strength supporting leg. A further or alternative effect may be that the supporting leg has a low total height. The supporting leg may have a constant cross-section.

[0061] In an embodiment, the supporting leg has a total supporting leg height extending in the height direction and the IGU has a total IGU height extending in the height direction,
wherein the total supporting leg height is equal to or less than 80 % of the total IGU height.

[0062] The total supporting leg height may be equal to or less than 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 8%, 9%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5% of the total IGU height.

[0063] Hereby, the IGU may be mounted lower in the skylight window, i.e. closer to a bottom of the window frame and closer to the interior of the building. A lower mounting of the IGU may increase the relative proportion the IGU takes up of a thermal energy exchange interface between the building and the skylight. The IGU typically has better insulation properties than other components of the skylight window. Therefore, increasing a relative proportion of this thermal energy exchange interface may improve the insulation properties of the skylight window as a whole. Furthermore, a high influx of light and good view through the skylight window may also be achieved as less light and/or view obstructing elements of the skylight window may be positioned between the IGU and the bottom of the window frame.

[0064] A small sash and/or interior part height may further provide more space for an IGU with a larger height, potentially with several or thicker panes of glazing or a higher gas-filled spacing between the panes, which may further improve insulation properties of the skylight window. The insulation properties may also be improved as less thermally conducting sash or frame material may need to be provided. This may also allow a more compact skylight window, i.e. with a lower total height.

[0065] Throughout this disclosure, the term "total height of the supporting leg" may be understood as a total height, in the height direction, of the supporting leg from a lowermost point of the supporting leg to an uppermost point of the supporting leg. Similarly, the term "total sash height" may be understood as a total height of the sash, in the height direction, from a lowermost point of the sash to an uppermost point of the sash. Similarly, a "total frame height" may be understood as a total height, in the height direction, of the frame from a lowermost point of the frame to an uppermost point of the frame. The respective lowermost point may be located on or constitute a bottom surface of the respective feature. Similarly, the respective uppermost point may be located on or constitute a top surface of the respective feature.

[0066] The term "total height" can alternatively or additionally be denoted a "largest height".

[0067] The total height of the supporting leg may be 40% or less of the total sash height.

[0068] The total height of the supporting leg of the first sash side member, in the height direction, may be less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3.5%, less than 3.16%, less than 2.5%, less than 2%, less than 1.5%, less than 1% less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.05% of the total sash height.

[0069] The total height of the supporting leg may be 25% or less of a total frame height extending in the height direction.

[0070] The total height of the supporting leg may be equal to or less than 24%, 23%, 22%, 21%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0,1%, or 0,05% of the total frame height.

[0071] In an embodiment, in the closed position of the skylight window, a part of the sash is positioned between at least a part of the IGU and a part of the window frame.

[0072] The sash may be connected to the window frame via one or more hinges. The Hinges may be linear displacement mechanisms or multi-link mechanisms. The skylight window may be hinged to open in the exterior direction i.e. away from the interior of the building.

[0073] In an embodiment, the skylight window may further comprise a motor-driven actuator comprising an elongated lifting element connecting the frame and the sash for moving the sash between the open position and the closed position, said elongated lifting element having a top end and a first position in which the skylight window is in the closed position and a second position in which the skylight window is in the open position. The top end of the elongated lifting element may abut or be attached to the sash. The motor-driven actuator may be positioned between the IGU and the frame in a direction parallel with the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the closed position of the skylight window. The motor-driven actuator may be a chain actuator, the elongated lifting element may be a chain, and the top end may be a top end of a top joint of the chain. The lifting element in the closed position may be collapsed, rolled-up, folded-up, telescopically retracted or in another way compacted. The lifting element may be unrolled, unfolded, telescopically extended, or in another way extended in the open position.

[0074] The chain actuator may comprise a push-pull chain which can extend and retract to open and close the skylight window. Such a chain may be referred to as a trust chain as it may transmit a push force. The chain may be driven by an electric motor. A reduction gear may be provided. The reduction gear may comprise a worm and/or multiple gear drive. A final sprocket gear may engage the chain. A spindle may be used to drive the chain. The chain actuator may fold the chain when the chain is retracted and stored. The chain may be stored to substantially extend in a storing direction or such that one or more lengths of the chain extend substantially in a storing direction. The chain extending to open the skylight window may extend substantially perpendicularly to the storing direction. The storing direction may be the same as the longitudinal direction, in which case the chain may be stored to substantially extend in the longitudinal direction along a frame side member. This may provide a compact solution.

[0075] The chain actuator may be hidden inside a window frame or sash or otherwise arranged out of sight, e.g. outside a periphery of the skylight window. The chain actuator may be arranged in a spacing defined between the sash and the frame in the closed position of the skylight window. Preferably the chain actuator may be arranged inside a frame profile or inside a sash profile. The chain actuator may comprise an actuator housing. The chain may extend and retract through an opening in the actuator housing. The actuator housing may be an elongated actuator housing. The actuator housing may extend substantially extend in parallel with the storing direction. The chain extending to open the skylight window may extend substantially perpendicularly to the actuator housing. The chain actuator housing may be hinged to the skylight window so the chain can tilt during movement such as extending and/ or retracting to open and/or close the skylight window. The chain actuator may be self-locking and support and/or hold the weight of sash and IGU. The chain actuator may also be assisted by a spring to carry some of the weight of sash and IGU. The chain actuator may comprise a locking mechanism and/or brake to lock-up the chain. Besides the compact design a chain actuator may have other advantages. The chain actuator may provide a stable opening force from the very beginning of the opening movement.

[0076] In an embodiment, further comprising a weather shield attached to the sash so as to protect a window portion of the skylight window, the window portion comprising the sash, the frame, and the IGU, the weather shield comprising a weather shield pane.

[0077] The weather shield may be provided as a unitary structure, which is or may be detachably attached to the sash. This may have the effect of providing for access to clean the IGU; this may also be of advantage during installation of the skylight window, e.g. when positioning or attaching the window portion or when attaching roofing felt to cover a potential gap between the frame and the roof structure. The weather shield may be mounted on the window portion to protect it from the elements and preventing rain and other precipitation from entering into gaps or slots in the roof or the window portion.

[0078] The weather shield may comprise a weather shield pane that may be surrounded by a weather shield skirt that may extend on an outer side of one or more or all four sides of the frame, i.e. of the respective frame side members. The skirt may be manufactured from or include metal. The weather shield pane may curve upwardly in relation to the window portion or the IGU to allow for rain and snow to slide or flow off of the weather shield pane. Alternatively, or additionally, the weather shield pane may be a transparent weather shield pane that may be made of a transparent or translucent material e.g. of glass or hardened glass or polymer. The weather shield pane may be considered as a transparent cover member for protection a window portion. The weather shield pane may comprise only one single layer of glazing, no further layers of glazing besides those of the weather shield potentially being provided in the skylight window. The weather shield pane may be dome-shaped or substantially flat. The weather shield pane may be of glass or of a plastic.

[0079] The weather shield may be a weather shield without a sealed gas-filled spacing between the weather shield pane and the IGU.

[0080] In an embodiment, the skylight window is installed in a flat roof, which may have an inclination equal to or less than 5 degrees relative to horizontal.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment the skylight is installed in an inclined roof, with an inclination equal to or more than 15 degrees relative to horizontal.

[0082] In another embodiment the skylight is to be installed in a roof with an inclination between 5 and 15 degrees relative to horizontal.

[0083] The skylight window according to the invention will now be described in greater detail based on non-limiting exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings, on which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from above of an embodiment of a skylight window according to the present invention installed in a roof,

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a skylight window according to the present invention without a weather shield,

Fig. 3 shows a similar cross-sectional view of a skylight window according to the present invention, with a ratio of the total height of the supporting leg HL to the total supporting leg width WL of 1:4,

Fig. 4 shows a similar cross-sectional view of a skylight window according to the present invention where a lower surface of the supporting leg is located above a sealing surface of the first frame side member,

Fig. 5 shows a similar cross-sectional view of a skylight window according to the present invention comprising a substantially flat weather shield pane, and

Fig. 6 shows a similar cross-sectional view of skylight window according to the present invention comprising an inclined, flat weather shield pane,

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view from above of an embodiment of the skylight window 1 according to the present invention installed in a roof.

[0084] Similar features in each of the figures have been given the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified.

[0085] Fig. 1 shows a skylight window 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention installed in a roof 2 of a building and covering an opening (not shown) in the roof 2. The skylight window 1 comprises a weather shield 3 protecting a window portion 4, which includes an IGU 5, a sash 6 supporting the IGU 5, and a frame 7. Roofing felt (not shown) may in a conventional manner be positioned to seal between outer surfaces of the frame 7 and of the roof 2. These outer surfaces of the frame 7 are here formed by a curb flange 40 of the frame 7.

[0086] The weather shield 3 is attached to the sash 6 so as to protect the window portion 4 of the skylight window. The weather shield 3 comprises a transparent weather shield pane 8 and a skirt 9, which cover the sash and the IGU. It should be noted that the skylight window 1 in other embodiments does not include the weather shield 3. The slightly curved weather shield pane 8 as seen in Fig. 1 extends over an entire roof opening (not shown), which opening the skylight window 1 is positioned to cover. The weather shield pane 8 is surrounded by the weather shield skirt 9, which extends on an outer side of all four sides of the frame 7, i.e. of the respective frame side members, see Fig. 1. The weather shield 3 is a weather shield without a sealed gas-filled spacing between the weather shield pane 8 and the IGU 5.

[0087] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, both the entire sash 6 and the entire frame 7 are positioned above an upper roof surface of the roof 2, also denoted the exterior roof surface. The skylight window 1 may, however, also be positioned so that a part of the frame 7 and/or the sash 6 are positioned below the exterior roof surface level.

[0088] The flat roof 2 shown in Fig. 1 has a roof inclination of about 0 degrees in relation to horizontal. The skylight window may, however, also be installed in an inclined roof having a roof inclination of above 0 degrees.

[0089] A cross-sectional view of the invention is shown in Figs. 2-5, the cross-sectional view is along line II-II in Fig 1 and shows the elements of the skylight window. Although only a cross-section of a side of the skylight window is shown in Figs 2-5, the embodiments shown in Figs 2-5 are generally similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, e.g. in that they comprise four frame and sash side members, an IGU, and a weather shield (with the exception of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 which does not comprise a weather shield) positioned in a manner similar to what is shown in Fig. 1.

[0090] Turning to Fig. 2, which shows another embodiment of the skylight window according to the invention without a weather shield, the IGU 5 in this embodiment in a conventional manner comprising three layers of glazing 5c, 5e, 5d in the form of glass panels, distanced from each other by sealing members or spacers 24 located at peripheral sides of the IGU between the layers of glazing to form two spacings 51. These spacings 5l are filled with inert gas to improve insulation. The IGU 5 further has an exposed interior major surface 5b facing downwards towards an interior of the building in the shown installed and closed position of the skylight window 1 and an exposed exterior major surface 5g facing in an opposite direction towards an exterior. The exposed interior major surface 5b is of the interior pane 5d of the IGU 5. The exposed interior and exterior major surfaces 5b, 5g of the IGU 5 are substantially parallel with each other and with a plane defined by the roof surface, i.e. an exterior roof surface level. The interior pane 5d comprises a side surface 5s extending substantially along the first frame and sash side members 10, 14. It should also be noted that the top layer of glazing 5c in this embodiment is larger than the other layers of glazing 5e, 5d of the IGU 5 and extends farther in the width direction; the layers of glazing 5c, 5e, 5d, however, may be of equal size in other embodiments.

[0091] The frame 7 of Figs 1 and 2, respectively, comprises four frame side members of which two 10, 11 are visible in Fig. 1, and one 10 is visible in Fig. 2. Each frame side member is associated with one of four corresponding sash side members of which one 14 is visible in Fig. 2.

[0092] The four frame side members are made from glass fibre reinforced PUR (polyurethane) and form a substantially rectangular shape and, similarly, the four sash side members form a substantially rectangular shape. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, each frame side member is positioned at an outer side of a respective associated one of the four sash side members, i.e. on the side facing away from the IGU 5, so that the sash fits into the frame 7 and the frame 7 encloses the sash 6 in the shown closed position of the skylight window 1.

[0093] The four sash side members made of pultruded glass fibre reinforced PUR support the IGU 5 which has multiple panes or layers of glazing 5c, 5d, 5e (the interior pane constitutes a layer of glazing of the IGU), and the sash 6 is connected to the frame 7 via hinges (not shown) so that, in a conventional manner, it is movable (pivotable) in relation to the frame 7 between an open (not shown) and a closed position of the skylight window 1. The skylight window 1 is shown in the closed position in all of the figures.

[0094] The first frame side member 10 is associated with the first sash side member 14, and both of these extend in a respective longitudinal direction L substantially in parallel with a respective first peripheral side 5a of the IGU 5 (i.e. into the drawing) in a closed position of the skylight window 1.

[0095] The first sash side member 14 comprises an IGU supporting leg 79 for supporting the IGU 5, the supporting leg, in the height direction, extending beneath the IGU and supporting the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU.

[0096] The first frame side member 10 further comprises a lining panel protrusion 10e located lower than the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU 5 in the height direction. The lining panel protrusion 10e protrudes away from the IGU 5 and has a first surface 10c for abutting a surface of the reveal panel or lining panel 50 so as to position a reveal panel or lining panel 50 as shown in Fig. 2. The reveal or lining panel 50 covering the first frame side member 10 to provide a seamless and clean aesthetic when viewing through the skylight window 1 from an interior of the building.

[0097] In the embodiments of Fig. 2-6, the first frame side member 10 further has a sealing element 76 for abutting the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU 5 in the closed position of the skylight window 1.

[0098] In the embodiments of Figs. 2-6, in the closed position of the skylight window, the first surface 10c of the respective protrusion 10e of each embodiment in a lateral direction extending along the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU 5 is positioned farther away from the side surface 5s of the interior pane 5d than the supporting leg 79.

[0099] In the embodiments of Figs. 2, 3, and 6, the first surface 10c of the lining panel protrusion 10e together with a second surface 10d of the first frame side member form the sides of a lining panel recess 10b, which is an empty spacing that accommodates an upper part or upper end of a reveal panel or lining panel 50 in the installed position of the skylight window 1. Fig. 4 and 5 does not comprise a lining panel recess, but comprise a lining panel protrusion 10e on or as part of the interior side of the first frame side member.

[0100] As seen in Fig. 2, the lining panel prustrusion 10b is located, in the height direction, above a bottom surface 10a of the first frame side member. Wherein the bottom surface 10a of the first frame side member is the lowermost surface of the skylight window 1.

[0101] A sealing member 76 abuts a sealing surface 10s of an upper side, in the height direction, of the lining panel prutrusion 10b and the exposed interior major surface 5b. This helps covering and hiding the supporting leg 79 and first sash side member 14 when viewing through the window 1 from the interior of a building, thus providing a clean and aesthetic appearance.

[0102] In Fig. 2, there is a gap G in the lateral direction between the second surface 10d of the frame side member 10 and the supporting leg 79 of the first sash side member 14. Thus, the supporting leg 79 is not in contact nor overlaps the lining panel protrusion 10e. Further the gap G works as a thermal break between the supporting leg 79 and the first frame side member 10. The gap G allows for the first side 10d of the first frame side member to be positioned with a distance away from the peripheral 5s side of the IGU in the lateral direction.

[0103] As seen in Fig. 2, the entire supporting leg 79 is located within the periphery of the window frame 7 and is substantially solid. The supporting leg 79 constitutes the part of the first sash side member 14 that is located below the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU 5 and within the periphery of the interior pane 5d of the IGU 5. The supporting leg 79 also has a width extending in the shown width direction which is perpendicular to the height direction and to the longitudinal direction L.

[0104] The top surface 10t of the first frame side member 10 extends, in the height direction, beyond the supporting leg 79.

[0105] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a sealing member 22 for abutting the first sash side member 10 in the closed position of the skylight window 1 is located on a side of the first frame side member 14 that faces the sash 6 and abuts the first sash side member 14 in the closed position of the skylight window 1.

[0106] Fig. 3 shows a skylight window 1 according to another embodiment of the invention with a dome-shaped weather shield 3, but it should be noted that the weather shield 3 may alternatively be shaped similarly to the weather shield pane 8 and weather shield 3 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, the supporting leg 79 extends beyond the second surface of the lining panel prutrusion in a lateral direction away from the peripheral side 5s of the IGU. The supporting leg 79 has a ratio of a total height of the supporting leg HL to a total supporting leg width WL of 1:4 and a ratio of the total supporting leg width WL to total sash height HS of 1:8. The supporting leg 79 further comprises a sealing element 14b for sealing against the exterior major surface 5g of the IGU 5 and a sealing element 14a for sealing between the supporting leg 79 and the first frame side member 10.

[0107] Fig. 4 shows a skylight window 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention where the first frame side member 10 further comprises a sealing surface 10s facing the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU 5, said sealing surface 10s having a sealing element 76 for abutting the exposed interior major surface 5b of the IGU 5 in the closed position of the skylight window 1, where a lower surface 791 of the supporting leg 79 is positioned above the sealing surface 10s in the height direction. In this embodiment the first sash side member 14 further comprises a sealing element 14a for sealing against the first frame side member 10 near the weather shield skirt 9. The IGU 5 in this embodiment comprises only two layers of glazing 5c, 5d distanced by sealing member 24 to form a single spacing 5l comprising vacuum to improve insulation properties. The supporting leg 79 has a ratio of the total height of the supporting leg HL to the total supporting leg width WL of 1:3 and a ratio of the total supporting leg width WL to a total sash height HS of 1:10. The supporting leg further comprises a sealing element 14b for sealing against the exposed exterior major surface 5g of the IGU 5. The dome-shaped weather shield 3, may alternatively be shaped similarly to the weather shield pane 8 and weather shield 3 shown in Fig. 1.

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a skylight window 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, with a substantially flat weather shield 3. The weather shield 3 may alternatively be shaped similarly to the weather shield pane 8 and weather shield 3 shown in Fig. 1.

[0109] The embodiment of Fig. 5 further comprises an insulating member 81 made of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) insulating the skylight window 1 between the first frame side member 10 and the first sash side member 14. The skylight window 1 may similarly comprise insulating members between the other three frame side members and sash side members.

[0110] The supporting leg 79 has a ratio of the total height of the supporting leg HL to the total supporting leg width WL of about 1:5 and a ratio of the total supporting leg width WL to total sash height HS of about 1:12.

[0111] As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the first sash side member 14 comprises a sealing element 14a near the weather shield skirt 9 for sealing against the first frame side member 10 to prevent precipitation or debris such as dust or dirt from entering between the sash 6 and frame 7. It further comprises a sealing element 14a located above the insulating member 81.

[0112] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment that is very similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, but with an inclined, flat weather shield pane 8 and with a first sash side member 14 of a lower height. A curb flange may be attached if required. As in the other embodiments, the weather shield pane 8 may alternatively be shaped similarly to the weather shield pane 8 and weather shield 3 shown in Fig. 1. The total height of the supporting leg HL is 0.3% of the total frame height HF. A ratio of the total height of the supporting leg HL to the total supporting leg width WL is about 1:4, and a ratio of the total supporting leg width WL to a total sash height HS is about 1:4.

[0113] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from above of an embodiment of the skylight window 1 according to the present invention installed in a roof 2, where a part of the window has been removed for illustration purposes. The weather shield pane 8 here has been removed for clarity. A screening device 34, which is mounted in a spacing delimited in the width direction W by the first 14 and second 13 sash side members is also shown. It is to be understood that the second sash member 13 is substantially identical to the first sash side member 14 so that the exterior sides of the sash side members together define an exterior side of the sash 6 which extends substantially in parallel to the exterior major surface 5g of the IGU 5.

[0114] Towards the interior, the spacing is delimited by the step surface 17c formed by the sash side member 14. The step surface 17c thus serves as a screening device support section. The screening device 34 is here depicted as a roller curtain in which the screening body 36 is a covering cloth, which is at least partially rolled up on a collection device 35 in the form of a collection roller in the first non-screening, end position, but which is here shown in a second, screening end position, where it is extended towards the second sash side member 13 for covering the IGU 5. The screening device 34 might, however, also be another type of blind or a shutter. A fixation member 39 is also attached to the first sash side member 14 and extends towards the second sash side member 13. The fixation member 39 contributes to retaining a top casing of the screening device 34 by preventing it from moving upwards, away from the exterior major surface 5g of the IGU 5.

[0115] The following is a list of reference numerals used throughout this specification.

1

Skylight window

2

Roof

3

Weather shield

4

Window portion

5

IGU

5a

First peripheral side

5b

Exposed interior major surface

5c

Layer of glazing

5d

Interior pane / layer of glazing

5e

Layer of glazing

5g

Exposed exterior major surface

5s

Side surface

5l

Spacing

6

Sash

7

Frame

8

Weather shield pane

9

Weather shield skirt

10

First frame side member

10a

Bottom surface of frame side member

10b

Lining panel recess

10c

First surface

10d

Second surface

10e

Lining panel protrusion

10s

Sealing surface of frame side member

10t

Top surface of frame side member

13

Second sash side member

14

First sash side member

14a

Sealing element

14b

Sealing element

17c

Stepped surface

22

Sealing member

24

Sealing member

34

Screening device

35

Collection device

36

Screening body

39

Fixation member

40

Curb flange

50

Reveal panel or lining panel

75

Thermal break

76

Sealing element

79

Supporting leg

791

Lower surface of the supporting leg

80

Sash covering leg

81

Insulating member

HF

Total frame height

HL

Total supporting leg height

HS

Total sash height

WL

Total supporting leg width

W

Width direction

Claims

1. A skylight window for being installed in a roof of a building, the skylight window comprising:

a window frame having four frame side members,

a window sash having four sash side members supporting an IGU having multiple layers of glazing, the window sash being movable in relation to the window frame between an open and a closed position of the skylight window,

a first of the frame side members being associated with a first of the sash side members, the first frame and sash side members extending in a respective longitudinal direction,

the IGU having an exposed interior major surface for facing an interior of the building in the closed position of the skylight window, the exposed interior major surface being of an interior pane of the IGU, the interior pane comprising a side surface extending substantially along the first frame members and sash side, a height direction extending perpendicularly to the interior major surface in the closed position of the skylight window,

the IGU further having an exposed exterior major surface facing in an opposite direction towards an exterior in the closed position of the skylight window,

the first frame side member comprising a lining panel protrusion located lower than the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the height direction,

wherein the lining panel protrusion protrudes away from the IGU, the lining panel protrusion comprising a first surface for abutting a surface of a reveal panel or lining panel so as to position the reveal panel or lining panel,

characterized in that

the first sash side member comprises an IGU supporting leg for supporting the IGU, the IGU supporting leg, in the height direction, extending beneath the IGU and supporting the exposed interior major surface of the IGU,

wherein, in the closed position of the skylight window, the first surface of the lining panel protrusion in a lateral direction extending along the exposed interior major surface of the IGU is positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg.

2. A skylight window according to claim 1, wherein the first surface is a lining panel supporting surface positioned farthest away from the side surface of the interior pane in the lateral direction.

3. A skylight window according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface faces in the lateral direction towards the side surface of the interior pane.

4. A skylight window according to claim 3, wherein the first surface defines a surface of a lining panel recess,
said lining panel recess further comprising a second surface facing substantially oppositely from the first surface and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces, the third surface in upper corners of the lining recess potentially being connected to the first and second surfaces.

5. A skylight window according to claim 4, wherein, in the closed position of the skylight window, the second surface of the lining panel recess in the lateral direction is positioned farther away from the side surface of the interior pane than the supporting leg.

6. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims wherein the lining panel protrusion is located in the height direction above a bottom of the first frame side member.

7. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface is positioned in the lateral direction 30% or less of a total width of the exposed interior major surface of the IGU away from the side surface of the interior pane.

8. A skylight window according any of the preceding claims, wherein there is a gap of 1 mm or more in the lateral direction between the first surface of the lining panel protrusion and the supporting leg of the first sash side member.

9. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exposed interior major surface is located in the height direction below a top of the first frame side member.

10. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first frame side member in the lateral direction extends as far as or farther than the first sash side member from the interior pane side surface.

11. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first frame side member comprises a sealing surface facing the exposed interior major surface of the IGU, said sealing surface having a sealing element for abutting the exposed interior major surface of the IGU in the closed position of the skylight window, wherein a lower surface of the supporting leg is positioned substantially at the same height as the sealing surface or above the sealing surface in the height direction.

12. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting leg is generally plate-shaped, consisting of one single section of substantially solid material.

13. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting leg has a total supporting leg height extending in the height direction and the IGU has a total IGU height extending in the height direction,
wherein the total supporting leg height is equal to or less than 80 % of the total IGU height.

14. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed position of the skylight window, a part of the sash is positioned between at least a part of the IGU and the window frame.

15. A skylight window according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a weather shield attached to the sash so as to protect a window portion of the skylight window, the window portion comprising the sash, the frame, and the IGU, the weather shield comprising a transparent or translucent weather shield pane.

Drawing