[0001] The present disclosure relates to a roof window for installation in a roof structure
of a building.
Background
[0002] Generally, roof windows for installation in a roof structure of a building are popular,
since such roof windows may provide e.g. increased/desired inflow of natural light/sunlight,
help to provide heating, provide ventilation options and/or the like. However, such
roof windows may require a more complex window design in order to for example assure
sufficient water tightening. Also, it is a desire to provide aesthetically advantageous
roof window solutions that are also user friendly to install and/or maintain.
[0003] Patent document
US 5 355 644 discloses a roof window comprising a glass unit, a sash member, a glass retaining
member and gaskets. This solution may e.g. suffer from aesthetic disadvantages. Patent
document
EP 3 677 734 discloses another solution where a holding part extends in between glass sheets of
an insulating glass unit. This solution may suffer from drawbacks with regard to functionalities
of the window, heat insulation performance and/or aesthetic disadvantages.
[0004] The present disclosure provides a solution that may solve one or more of the above
mentioned drawbacks and e.g. provide an aesthetically desirable, energy efficient
and yet user friendly solution.
Summary
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a roof window for installation in a roof structure
of a building. The roof window comprises a frame arrangement comprising structural
elongated frame profiles that encloses a frame opening. The frame profiles each comprises
a first exterior side facing the frame opening and a second exterior side facing away
from the frame opening. The roof window also comprises one or more holding members
comprising a holding part, a wall part, and a fixation part. Moreover, the roof window
comprises an insulating glass unit comprising at least a first glass sheet and a second
glass sheet. An insulating gap is provided between a major surface of the first glass
sheet which faces the insulating gap and a major surface of the second glass sheet
which faces the insulating gap. The insulating gap is sealed by means of an edge seal
arranged between said major surface of the first glass sheet and said major surface
of the second glass sheet. A side portion of the major surface of the second glass
sheet extends with a distance past a part of the edge seal that faces away from the
insulating gap so as to provide a space opposite to said side portion and where the
space is located opposite to said part of the edge seal. The frame arrangement supports
the insulating glass unit and the insulating glass unit overlaps one or more of the
frame profiles. The wall part overlaps a side edge of the second glass sheet. The
fixation part overlaps the second exterior side of the overlapped frame profile and
is attached to the overlapped frame profile at the second exterior side. The holding
part extends into the space and provides a holding force towards the side portion
so as to secure the insulating glass unit at the frame arrangement.
[0006] The present disclosure provides a solution where aesthetical advantages are obtainable
as the outer surface of the first glass sheet that faces away from the insulating
gap may hence be un-overlapped by the holding member while still providing a good
fixation of the frame arrangement.
[0007] The solution provides a reliable assembly of roof windows with glazing units which
are exposed to more heat and thermal expansion/creep and also need to be watertight.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the solution may help to provide a simplified frame
design that may user friendly. As the fixation part overlaps the second exterior side
and is attached to the overlapped frame profile at the second exterior side, more
easy access to the fixation part may be provided. This enables a user friendly solution
when for example the insulating glass unit should be replaced and/or during manufacturing
of the roof window. Additionally or alternatively, the fact that the fixation part
is attached to the overlapped frame profile at the second exterior side may enable
a mechanically simple, yet user friendly and aesthetically advantageous solution for
glass unit fixation and replacement.
[0009] The present disclosure may also provide advantages in relation to obtaining a mechanically
simple, yet user friendly, solution for enabling adjusting/adapting the holding force
at the side portion.
[0010] Side part(s) of the insulating glass unit that comprises the elongated space may
hence overlap the frame profile in the width direction of the frame profile, and the
outermost part of the side part(s) of the insulating glass unit that overlaps the
frame profile comprises the elongated space that receives the holding part.
[0011] A resilient gasket is preferably placed sandwiched between the interior major surface
of the insulating glass unit and surface of the overlapped frame member that faces
towards the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit, and this gasket may
in preferred embodiments of the present disclosure be compressed due to the holding
force.
[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a side portion of a major surface
of the first glass sheet may extend with a distance past the outer side surface of
the first edge seal that faces away from the first insulating gap, wherein said side
portion of the major surface of the first glass sheet is placed opposite to the side
portion of the major surface of the second glass sheet, and wherein said elongated
space is placed between said side portions.
[0013] This may help to provide an improved "glass to edge" design at the exterior side
of the roof window, and also help to hide the holding part.
[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the said part of the edge seal
that faces away from the insulating gap may be an outer side surface of the edge seal.
[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixation part is attached
to the overlapped frame profile at the second exterior side by means of mechanical
fastening means.
[0016] Such mechanical fastening means may e.g. help to enable advantageous replacement
of the insulating glass unit.
[0017] In further embodiments of the present disclosure, said mechanical fastening means
may comprise one or more screws, clips and/or pop rivets.
[0018] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the mechanical fastening means
may comprise a fastening member, such as an elongated fastening member, for engaging
with the overlapped frame profile. The fastening member may here extend in an insertion
direction, and the insertion direction may extend with an acute angle relative to
a plane defined by the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit facing
the frame opening, in a direction away from the plane. In further embodiments of the
present disclosure, the direction may be towards a surface part of the second exterior
side.
[0019] This may help to enable advantageous adjustment of the holding force. The insertion
direction is (partly) in a direction away from a plane defined by the interior major
surface and in a direction away from the insulating glass unit. This may e.g. enable
providing a gradual increase or decrease in the holding force dependent on how much
the fastening means are "tightened" or displaced.
[0020] The fastening member is preferably, in embodiments of the present disclosure, placed
opposite to the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit.
[0021] The insertion direction may also allow better access to the fastening member to allow
subsequent replacement of the insulated glass unit - after the roof window is installed
into the roof construction where tool access may be limited. This may for example,
in some situations, be relevant if the roof window is of the type where the insulated/insulating
glass unit is unmovable attached to a fixation frame not comprising a movable frame.
[0022] However if burglar resistance is a concern then the access to the fastening member
may be covered - for example by a frame part.
[0023] Another advantage of the insertion direction when/if the fastener is a screw may
be that it may provide a higher strength when screwed diagonally into the frame.
[0024] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the mechanical fastening means
may comprise manipulation means for operating the mechanical fastening means, wherein
the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit overlaps the fastening member
manipulation means.
[0025] This provides that the mechanical fastening means, and preferably also the fixation
part is/are hidden underneath the insulting glass unit, and this may e.g. provide
aesthetical advantages and/or advantages in relation to burglary protection.
[0026] It may generally be preferred that the insulating glass unit, such as the interior
major surface of the insulating glass unit overlaps the entire fastening part so that
the fastening part do not extend beyond the edge of the first and/or second glass
sheet.
[0027] In embodiments, the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit preferably
also overlaps the manipulation means.
[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the manipulation means may comprise
or be a screw head. The manipulation means may in embodiments of the present disclosure
be configured to be manipulated by means of a tool (such as a hand held screw driver,
a battery driven screw driver, hammer or the like), or by hand.
[0029] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a contact surface, such as
a plane contact surface, of the second exterior side may face towards, such as abut,
a contact surface of the fixation part. The contact surface of the second exterior
side may be arranged with an acute angle relative to the interior major surface of
the insulated glass unit so that the contact surface of the second exterior side faces
towards a plane defined by the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit.
[0030] This may enable an advantageous adaption of the pressure force applied at the insulating
glass unit. Gaskets between the insulating glass unit and the overlapped profile may
change characteristics over time, and adaption of the pressure provided by the insulating
glass units onto such gaskets may be advantageous to adjust to adapt to the specific
conditions at the window.
[0031] When making the mechanical fastening means engage with the profile, a pulling force
may be provided by the fixation part in a direction away from the interior major surface
of the insulating glass unit. This provides that the holding part provides the holding
force onto the said side portion so that the insulating glass unit is pulled towards
the overlapped frame member.
[0032] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixation part, such as
a plate shaped fixation part, is arranged with an acute angle relative to a plane
defined by an the interior major surface of the insulated glass unit so that a contact
surface of the fixation part faces away from said plane and extends along, such as
abuts, the contact surface of the second exterior side of the frame profile.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding part, wall part
(9c), and fixation part may be integrated in a unitary body of the holding member.
[0034] This provides a mechanical simple, strong and cost efficient holding solution.
[0035] The wall part preferably interconnects the holding part and fixation part.
[0036] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding member comprises
metal or consist of metal such as steel, brass or aluminium.
[0037] Metal provides good strength and is long lasting. However, metal such as steel, brass
or aluminium has a high thermal conductivity coefficient. Since the holding member
is attached at the second exterior side facing away from the frame opening, it may
hence not need extend in between, or at least not extend a larger distance in between,
the insulating glass unit and the overlapped frame member. Hence, cold bridges in
between e.g. the insulating glass unit and the overlapped frame profile due to the
holding member may be omitted or reduced, and hence, heat insulation performance may
be improved and/or condensation issues may be reduced while improving aesthetics and/or
user friendliness.
[0038] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the insulating gap may overlap
the frame profile with an overlapping distance.
[0039] This provides enhanced heat insulation performance. Also it may help to enable a
more space saving holding member and/or enable providing an improved "glass to frame
edge" impression from the exterior of the roof window. Additionally or alternatively,
it may e.g. provide the advantage of enhanced heat insulation due to increased insulated
glazing unit area.
[0040] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a lamination glass sheet may
be attached to a major surface of the second glass sheet by means of a lamination
interlayer. In further embodiments, the lamination glass sheet may provide the interior
major surface of the insulating glass unit for facing the interior of the building.
[0041] This provides improved safety. The holding part may hence clamp/press the second
glass sheet and the lamination glass sheet towards the overlapped surface of the frame
profile, and press a part of the interior major surface of the insulating glass unit
(e.g. provided by a major surface of the lamination glass sheet) towards a gasket.
[0042] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding part may engage
a holding bracket. The holding bracket may comprise a clamped part that is clamped
between the holding part and the side portion subjected to the holding force.
[0043] In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least the clamped part may comprise
or consists of a material that is softer than the material of the holding part. In
embodiments of the present disclosure, at least the clamped part may comprise or consists
of a resilient material that is softer than the material of the holding part. In embodiments
of the present disclosure, at least the clamped part may comprise or consists of a
polymer material that is softer than the material of the holding part.
[0044] This may help to provide a more gentle fixation of the insulating glass unit, thereby
reducing the risk of glass unit damage over time. It may also help to enable providing
a holding member of a harder/stronger material, such as a metal. Additionally or alternatively,
this may be advantageous in order to reduce heat transfer between the holding member
and the glass sheet comprising the side portion of the major surface of the second
glass sheet.
[0045] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, said elongated frame profiles
may be frame profiles of a movable frame, and the movable frame may be attached to
a fixation frame of the roof window by means of a hinge arrangement. In further embodiments
of the present disclosure, the roof window may be of the centre-hung type.
[0046] In some embodiments where the roof window is of the centre-hung type, such roof windows
may be configured so that the movable frame can be rotated to an open position where
the exterior major surface of the first glass sheet faces inwards towards the building,
thereby providing advantageous cleaning options. Such windows are exposed to changing
gravity direction and exposed to slams and require reliable glass fixation.
[0047] In some embodiments where the roof window is of the centre-hung type, the fixation
frame may overlap and hide the fixation part of the holding member when the movable
frame is in a closed position.
[0048] In some embodiments where the roof window is of the centre-hung type, the fixation
frame may surround the movable frame.
[0049] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the overlapped, elongated frame
profile may be a side profile of a movable frame, wherein said side profile extends
between top and bottom frame profiles of the movable frame. In further embodiments,
the movable frame may be configured to rotate around an axis of rotation that is perpendicular
to a longitudinal direction of the overlapped side profile.
[0050] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the overlapped frame profile
may be a bottom profile of the frame arrangement.
[0051] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding member may be configured
so that all parts of the holding member is located at the same side of a plane defined
by a major surface of the first glass sheet. In further embodiments of the present
disclosure said plane may be defined by an exterior major surface of the first glass
sheet that faces away from the gap.
[0052] Hence the exterior major surface of the insulating glass unit is un-overlapped by
the holding member, and this may provide aesthetic advantages.
[0053] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the said side portion may be
terminated at an edge of the second glass sheet, and the first glass sheet may extend
beyond said edge of the second glass sheet. In further embodiments of the present
disclosure, this may be provided so as to overlap a frame profile of a fixation frame
of the roof window.
[0054] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the insulating glass unit may
comprise a plurality of said space located opposite different side portion and opposite
to the part of different edge seal parts enclosing the gap. The plurality of spaces
may be arranged along different sides of the insulating glass unit, and the insulating
glass unit may be attached to the frame arrangement by means of a plurality of said
holding members that are discretely arranged along said different sides of the insulating
glass unit.
[0055] In further embodiments, said holding members may be arranged at opposing sides of
the insulating glass unit so that holding parts of the holding members provides a
holding force towards the side portion to secure the insulating glass unit at the
frame arrangement at different frame profiles of the frame arrangement.
Figures
[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described in the following with reference
to the figures in which:
- fig. 1
- : illustrates a roof window according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
- fig. 2
- : illustrates a side part of an insulated glass unit according to embodiments of the
present disclosure,
- fig. 3
- : illustrates a holding member according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
- fig. 4
- : illustrates a roof window comprising a holding member according to embodiments of
the present disclosure
- fig. 5
- : illustrates a side part of an insulated glass unit according to further embodiments
of the present disclosure,
- fig. 6
- : illustrates a roof window 1 of the centre hung type comprising a movable frame and
a fixation frame, and
- Fig. 7
- : illustrates an insulating glass unit and discretely arranged holding members according
to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed description
[0057] Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a roof window 1 according to embodiments of the
present disclosure. The roof window 1 may also be known as a skylight. The roof window
1 comprises a frame arrangement 2, 20. The frame arrangement comprises a fixation
frame 20 and a movable frame 2. The movable frame 2 provides a support of an insulating
glass unit 3.
[0058] The movable frame 2 is movably attached to the fixation frame 20 by means of a hinge
arrangement 30. In fig. 1, the roof window 1 is of the centre-hung type. In centre-hung
type roof windows 1, the hinge arrangement 30 provides an axis of rotation RAX for
the movable frame 2 that is placed between the top T and the bottom B of the sash/movable
frame 2. This provides that the movable frame 2 is configured to be opened by the
lower part/bottom part B of the movable frame moving outwards, away from the interior
of the building in which the roof window 1 is installed, and the upper part/top part
T of the movable frame 2 moves inwards into the building upon opening of the movable
frame 2 from a closed position. It is understood that the axis of rotation RAX may
be arranged around the centre of the lengths of the side profiles 2d, 2c of the movable
frame. However, in some centre-hung configurations, the axis of rotation RAX may also
be displaced towards the top or bottom part of the movable frame in order to e.g.
provide a balancing of the weight of the movable frame 1. This is also understood
as a centre hung roof window according to the present disclosure. Centre-hung windows
may also be referred to pivot roof windows.
[0059] In roof windows of the centre-hung type, the fixation frame 20 may surround movable
frame 2. In roof windows 1 of the centre-hung type, the maximum width of the movable
frame 2 may be less than the interior, minimum width of the frame opening of the fixation
frame 20 in order to allow top T and bottom B parts of the movable frame 2 to move
into the frame opening of the fixation frame 20 when moving the movable frame 2 to
a closed position.
[0060] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the movable frame 2 may be hinged
in another way, for example top hung (not illustrated). In still further embodiments,
the roof window may be of the type where the insulated/insulating glass unit 3 is
unmovable attached to a fixation frame.
[0061] The fixation frame 20 comprises parallel side profiles 20c, 20d, a top profile 20a
and a bottom profile 20b placed parallel to the top profile. These profiles 20a-20d
are elongated and together they provides a rectangular fixation frame opening 21.
[0062] The movable frame 2 comprises elongated frame profiles comprising a top profile 2a,
and a bottom profile 2b. These, 2a, 2b, are placed parallel to each other. The movable
frame 2 also comprises parallel side profiles 2c, 2d. These profiles 2a-2d are elongated
and together they provide a rectangular frame opening in the movable frame 2, and
light passes through this frame opening. The movable frame 2 supports an insulated
glass unit. The insulated glass unit is fixated to the movable frame 2, and covers
the frame opening of the movable frame 2 that is placed between the profiles 2a-2d
of the movable frame.
[0063] The roof window 1 also comprises covers 9a, 9b such as side covers. A roof window
of the centre hung type 1 may comprise fixed covers 9a that is fixed to the fixation
frame, preferably proximate the top TF of the fixation frame 20. Moreover, the window
comprises movable covers 9b that are fixed to the movable frame 2 and moves together
with the movable frame 2. These movable covers 9b are often placed proximate the lower
part/bottom part B of the movable frame 2. The width of the covers 9a, 9b overlaps
profiles at the fixation frame 20 and also the movable frame 2 (see e.g. fig. 3) in
order to improve water tightening. When the movable frame is in a closed position,
the fixed covers 9a and the movable covers 9b may be placed in continuation of each
other. The covers 9a, 9b extends along the sides of the roof window 1, between the
top and bottom of the roof window 1. The covers 20 9a, 9b are exterior covers that
are subjected to the weather
[0064] The roof window 1 may also comprise a top cover 9c that is arranged at the top TF
of the fixation frame 20. This top cover 9c also overlaps the top T of the movable
frame when the movable frame 2 is placed in a closed position. In fig. 1, the movable
frame 2 is in an open position.
[0065] Fig. 2 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a side part of an insulated
glass unit 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, for installation
in a roof window 1 (not illustrated in fig. 1) according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The insulated glass unit 3 of fig. 2 comprises a first, outer glass sheet
3a, and a second glass sheet 3b. The glass sheets 3a, 3b comprises major surfaces
3a2, 3a1, 3b2, 3b1 placed parallel to each other.
[0066] Generally, the first glass sheet 3a may be configured to face the exterior EXT of
the building (see fig. 3) when the roof window 1 is installed in a roof structure
of the building and the insulated glass unit 3 is fixed to a fixed frame, or fixed
to a movable frame 2 as in fig. 1 (when the movable frame 2 is in a closed position).
[0067] An insulating gap 4a is provided between an inner, major surface 3a1 of the first,
outer glass sheet 3a, and a major surface 3b2 of the second glass sheet 3b, these
surfaces 3a1, 3b2 faces each other. The insulating gap 4a is sealed by means of an
edge seal 6.
[0068] The major surface 3b2 of the second glass sheet 3b may as illustrated face and preferably
abut the insulating gap 4a. The major surface 3a1 of the first, outer glass sheet
may as illustrated face and preferably abut the first insulating gap 4a.
[0069] The edge seal(s) 6 of the insulated glass unit 3 may in embodiments of the present
disclosure comprise spacer bars. Such spacer bars, that may be common, comprises a
metal profile, a composite profile, a structural foam or TPS (thermoplastic) and/or
the like. Other spacer bars may be used. Spacer bar may in some embodiments comprise
a desiccant for absorbing moisture. The edge seal 6 functions as a gas barrier sealant
to keep an insulating gas (commonly argon) in the insulating gap 4a for the lifetime
of the insulated glass unit. The edge seal(s) 6 may also structurally hold the glass
panes 3a-3c joined as a single, insulating glass unit 3.
[0070] As can be seen, the side surfaces 6e, 6i of the edge seal 6 are opposing and faces
in opposite directions, and extends between the glass sheet surfaces 3a1, 3b2. The
surface 6e faces away from the insulating gap 4a whereas the surface 6i faces the
insulating gap 4a, and the interior of the edge seal may be solid, hollow (partly
or fully) and/or filled with a desired material such as an heat insulation material
and/or desiccant for absorbing moisture.
[0071] One or more of the glass sheets 3a, 3b, 3L may be thermally tempered or may be annealed
glass sheets.
[0072] In fig. 2, the insulating glass unit 3 is a laminated glass unit, and hence, a further
lamination glass sheet 3L is attached to the second glass sheet 3b surface 3b1 by
means of a lamination layer LL, such as an adhesive. The lamination layer LL may for
example comprise EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) and should
be transparent to visible light so that sunlight can pass through the insulated glass
unit. The lamination of the insulated glass unit provides safety, and may e.g. be
advantageous in roof windows. Although the glass sheet 3b may be considered the inner
glass sheet of the insulated/insulating glass unit 3, the lamination glass sheet 3L
is often arranged as the innermost glass sheet of the window (when the movable frame,
if present, is in a closed position), and may provide the major surface 3Li for facing,
such as abutting, the interior of the building. This surface 3Li is placed opposite
to the surface of the glass sheet 3L that is attached to the glass sheet 3c by means
of the lamination lay LL.
[0073] The first glass sheet 3a comprises the major surface 3a2 that faces away from the
first insulating gap 4a. This surface 3a2 may in some embodiments of the present disclosure
be the major outer surface configured to face the exterior of the building (see fig.
3) when the movable frame 2 (see fig 1) is in a closed position, and may hence be
subjected to weather such as rain, snow, hail and/or the like.
[0074] The major surface 3b 1 of the glass sheet 3b or the major surface of the lamination
glass 3L may face the interior INT of the building (see e.g. fig. 4).
[0075] According to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, a side portion 8 of
the major surface 3b2 of the second glass sheet 3b extends with a distance DIS1 past
a part 6e of the edge seal 6 that faces away from the insulating gap 4a so as to provide
a space 10 opposite to said side portion 8. The space 10 is located opposite to the
part 6e of the edge seal 6.
[0076] In the example of fig. 2, the part of the edge seal 6e that faces away from the insulating
gap 4a so as to provide the space 10 may be an outer side surface 6e, such as an outer
side surface of the edge seal 6. The edge seal 6 also comprises an interior side surface
6i that faces towards and abuts the gap 4a. In fig. 2,
[0077] This solution provides an elongated space 10 which overlaps the side portion 8 and
is placed next to the edge seal 6.
[0078] As can be seen in fig. 2 a side portion 5 of a major surface 3a1 of the first glass
sheet 3a may in further embodiments of the present disclosure extend with a distance
past a part, such as the outer side surface 6e of the edge seal 6 that faces away
from the first insulating gap 4a. At least a part of the side portion 5 of the major
surface 3a1 of the first glass sheet 3a is thus here placed opposite to the side portion
8 of the major surface 3b2 of the second glass sheet 3b, and the elongated space 10
is accordingly placed/located between said side portions 5, 8 of the major surfaces
3a1, 3b2.
[0079] It is generally understood that one or more of the major surfaces 3a1, 3a2, 3b1,
3b2 may be coated with various layers to provide features such as reflection and/or
filtering, or other features. For example such coatings may comprise so called low-e
coatings. Such coatings may be considered part of the respective glass sheet and hence
provide the one or more of the major surfaces 3a1, 3a2, 3b1, 3b2. Such coatings may
naturally also be omitted at one or more of said major surfaces.
[0080] Fig. 3 illustrates schematically a holding member 9 according to embodiments of the
present disclosure. The holding member comprises a holding part 9a, a wall part 9c
and a fixation part 9b. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the
holding member 9 may comprise, for example be made from, a metal or consist of metal
such as steel, brass or aluminium. In other embodiments, the holding member may comprise,
for example be made from or consist of, a polymer material such as a fibre-reinforced
polymer.
[0081] The holding part 9a, wall part 9c, and fixation part 9b are integrated in a unitary
body of the holding member 9.
[0082] The holding part 9a of the holding member 9 is configured to extend into the space
10 (see fig. 2), and the fixation part 9b is configured to fixate the holding member,
and hence the insulating glass unit 3, to a profile of a frame arrangement 2, 20.
See e.g. fig. 4.
[0083] The fixation part 9b may in some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise fastening
member engagement means 9d. In the present example, the fastening member engagement
means 9d comprises one or more holes 9d for receiving a fastening member 11a of mechanical
fastening means 11. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the fastening
member engagement means 9d may comprise a slit, rim, recess and/or the like (not illustrated).
[0084] The mechanical fastening means 11 may in embodiments of the present disclosure e.g.
comprise one or more nails, screws, pop rivets, bolts and/or the like. In some embodiments,
the mechanical fastening means may comprise one or more clips.
[0085] Fig. 3 also illustrates a holding bracket 19 according to further embodiments of
the present disclosure. The holding bracket 19 comprises a clamped part/part to be
clamped 19a. This part 19a is configured to be clamped between the holding part 9a
and the side portion 8, and thereby subjects a holding force as described in more
details below. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the clamped part 19a
may comprises or consists of a resilient material and/or a polymer material that is
softer than the material of the holding part 9a. In other embodiments, the clamped
part/part to be clamped 19a may be made from or comprise the same material as the
holding part 9a. The holding bracket 19 may comprise or consist of a polymer, such
as a plastic material, such as a fibre reinforced polymer.
[0086] The holding bracket 19 comprises a recessed portion 19b for receiving the holding
part. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 19b may be provided as a hole, either
a hole with a bottom or a bottomless hole (i.e. a through hole) a slit, or the like.
Hence, the recessed portion 19b may be provided between wall parts 19a, 19c, where
one of the wall parts may comprise the clamped part/part to be clamped 19a.
[0087] The present disclosure, the holding bracket 19 may (as illustrated in fig. 3) be
a part that is separate to the holding member 9. In other embodiments of the present
disclosure, the holding bracket may be integrated in or attached to the holding member
9, such as integrated in or attached to the holding part 9a.
[0088] Fig. 4 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a roof window 1 according
to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0089] As previously mentioned, the insulating glass unit 3 comprises the first and second
glass sheets, and the insulating gap 4a placed there between. The insulating gap 4a
is sealed by means of the edge seal 6 that may be arranged between the major surfaces
3a1 and 3b2 of the glass sheets 3a, 3b. The side portion 8 of the major surface 3b2
of the second glass sheet 3b extends with the distance DIS1 past the part 6e of the
edge seal 6 that faces away from the insulating gap 4a, and thereby provides the space
10 opposite to the side portion 8 and where the space 10 is located opposite to said
part 6e of the edge seal 6.
[0090] The frame arrangement 2 supports the insulating glass unit 3 and the insulating glass
unit 3 overlaps one or more of the frame profiles 2a-2d (see fig. 1) of the frame
arrangement 2. In the present example, the left elongated profile 2d is illustrated.
[0091] The wall part 9c of the holding member 9 overlaps the side edge 7b of the second
glass sheet 3b.
[0092] The frame profile 2d comprises a first exterior side ES1 that faces the frame opening
FO. The exterior side surface of the profile facing the frame opening FO provides
the exterior side. The frame opening is provided between the profiles 2a-2d of the
frame, and the profiles 2a-2d surrounds the frame opening, see fig. 1. The frame profile
2d also comprises a second exterior side ES2 facing away from the frame opening FO.
The second exterior side surface of the profile facing away from the frame opening
FO provides the second exterior side ES2.
[0093] The fixation part 9b overlaps the second exterior side ES2 of the overlapped frame
profile 2d and is attached to the overlapped frame profile 2d at the second exterior
side ES2 by means of the mechanical fastening means 11.
[0094] The holding part 9a of the holding member 9 extends into the space 10 and provides
a holding force towards the side portion 8 so as to secure the insulating glass unit
3 at the frame arrangement 2. It is generally understood that the holding force provided
by the holding member 9 may be considered a clamping force that clamps the glass sheet
3b, and possibly also the lamination glass, if present, towards the overlapped frame
profile 2a-2d and deforms a resilient gasket 12.
[0095] It is generally understood that the frame profiles 2a-2d, 20a-20d (see fig. 1) may
be hollow (not illustrated in fig. 4) and comprise one or more interior spaces that
are enclosed by walls of the profile. This/these spaces may be filled with a heat
insulating material (not illustrated), and/or may comprise one or more air spaces
for insulation purposes. In further embodiments, the interior of the frame profiles
may be massive, e.g. provided by a massive wood profile.
[0096] The gasket 12 is placed between the interior major surface 3Li and a third external
side ES3 of the profile 2d that faces and overlaps the insulating glass unit 3. The
third external side ES3 is provided by the surface of the profile 2d that faces and
overlaps the insulating glass unit 3.
[0097] The gasket 12 is preferably resilient and is partly compressed between the insulating
glass unit 3 and the overlapped profile 2d side surface ES3. The gasket may be made
from a natural rubber or synthetic rubber material, a silicone material and/or the
like. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the gasket may overlap at least
25%, such as at least 33%, for example at least 50% of the maximum width MW1 of the
profile 2d.
[0098] It is generally understood that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the
holding bracket 19 may be a loose, separate part. In other embodiments of the present
disclosure (not illustrated), the holding bracket 19 may be an integrated part of
the gasket 12, and the gasket 12 may thus comprise parts extending around the edge
7b to the portion 8 so as to provide at least the clamped part 19a that is clamped
between the holding part 9a and the side portion 8 subjected to the holding force
provided by the holding member 9 by means of the holding part 9a. In some further
embodiments, both the clamped part19a, and the opposing wall part 19c (if present
- it 19c may in some embodiments of the present disclosure be omitted) of the holding
bracket 19 that is placed at the other side of the recessed portion 19b may be integrated
in the gasket 12.
[0099] In still further embodiments, the holding bracket 19 may be attached to the holding
member 9, such as attached to the holding part 9a, e.g. by mechanical and/or chemical
fastening means.
[0100] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the side portion 8 may as illustrated be
placed opposite to the profile 2d. In still further embodiments, the edge 7b of the
insulating glass unit glass sheet 3b may be placed opposite to the profile 2d and
not extend out over the outermost exterior periphery of the profile that the second
exterior side ES2.
[0101] As can be seen in fig. 4 the second exterior surface ES2 may not be entirely plane,
and may in some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a contact surface ES2S,
such as a plane surface. The contact surface ES2S faces away from the frame opening
FO but may be arranged with an acute angle a1 relative to the interior major surface
3Li of the insulated glass unit 3. The angle a1 may be between 10° and 80°, such as
between 20° and 75°. This part of the surface ES2S of the second exterior side ES2
faces towards a plane PL1 defined by/comprising the interior major surface 3Li of
the insulating glass unit. The surface ES2S acts as a contact surface for a contact
surface 9CS of the fixation part 9b that faces the surface ES2S. The mechanical fastening
means presses the surface 9CS towards the surface ES2S, thereby fixating the holding
member to the profile 9d.
[0102] The mechanical fastening means 11 comprises a fastening member 11a, such as an elongated
fastening member, for engaging with the overlapped frame profile 2d at the contact
surface part ES2S of the exterior side surface ES2. The fastening member 11a extends
in an insertion direction IDIR. The insertion direction ISDR extends with an acute
angle a2 relative to the plane PL1 of the interior major surface 3Li of the insulating
glass unit 3 facing the frame opening. The insertion direction is in a direction away
from the plane PL1. The insertion direction IDIR may preferably be within ±35°, such
as within ±20°, for example within ±10° from a direction that is perpendicular to
the contact surface ES2S. As can be seen, another part of the second exterior surface
ES2 may extend with another angle to the plane PL1 than the contact surface ES2S of
the second exterior surface ES2, for example substantially perpendicular to the plane
PL1.
[0103] In other embodiments of the present disclosure (not illustrated), the contact surface
ES2S may extend substantially perpendicular to the plane PL1, and hence, the insertion
direction IDIR may be substantially parallel to the plane PL1 or within ±35°, such
as within ±20°, for example within ±10° from a direction that is parallel to the plane
PL1. Hence, in this embodiment, the fixation part 9b may extend in a direction that
may be perpendicular to the plane PL1.
[0104] The mechanical fastening means 11 comprises manipulation means 11b, such as a screw
head, for operating the mechanical fastening means 11. The interior major surface
3Li of the insulating glass unit glass sheet 3b extends over a part ES2S of the surface
ES2, so that the interior major surface 3Li of the insulating glass unit overlaps
the fastening member manipulation means 11b.
[0105] As illustrated, the insulating gap 4a overlaps the frame profile 2d with an overlapping
distance DIS2. The insulating gap 4a may as illustrated in fig. 4 overlap the profile
surface ES3. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the insulating gap 4a
may overlap at least 25% of the maximum width MW1 of the profile 2d, such as at least
33%, for example at least 50% or at least 65% of the maximum width MW1 of the profile
2d.
[0106] The overlapped profile 2d is in fig. 4 a side profile 2d of a movable frame 2. The
side profile extends between top and bottom frame profiles 2a, 2b of the movable frame
2 (see fig. 1). Preferably, the movable frame 2 is configured to rotate around an
axis of rotation RAX that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the overlapped
side profile 2d. In other embodiments, the overlapped profile may additionally or
alternatively comprise the other side profile 2c, the top profile 2a and/or the bottom
profile 2b.
[0107] The holding member 9 may as illustrated in fig. 4 be configured so that all parts
9a, 9b, 9c of the holding member 9 is located at the same side of a plane PL2 defined
by a major surface 3a1, 3a2 of the first glass sheet 3a. Preferably, said plane PL2
may be defined by an exterior major surface 3a2 of the first glass sheet 3a that faces
away from the gap 4a.
[0108] Fig. 5 illustrates schematically an embodiment of the present disclosure where the
side portion 8 is terminated at the edge 7b of the second glass sheet 3b, and the
first glass sheet 3a extend beyond said edge 7b of the second glass sheet 3b. Thereby,
the first glass sheet 3a may overlap a frame profile 20b of a fixation frame 20 of
the roof window not illustrated in fig. 5. This may additionally or alternatively
help to hide the holding member(s) 9.
[0109] Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the roof window
1 is a centre hung type window. Here, the fixation frame 20 (in the present example
fixation frame profile 20d is illustrated) surrounds the movable frame 2 and the fixation
frame profile 20d is thus placed opposite to the exterior side ES2 of the movable
frame 2, at least when the movable frame is in a closed position as illustrated. The
fixation frame hence hides a part of the holding member 9a. As illustrated, the fixation
frame 20 may be placed opposite to both the holding part 9a, wall part 9c and fixation
part 9b when the movable frame is in a closed position.
[0110] Fig. 7 illustrates schematically an insulating glass unit according to embodiments
of the present disclosure. It is generally understood that the insulating glass unit
3 may comprise a plurality of said space 10 located opposite different side portions
and opposite to the part 6e of different edge seal 6 parts enclosing the gap 4a. These
plurality of spaces 10 are arranged along different sides Sa-Sd of the rectangular
insulating glass unit 3. The insulating glass unit 3 is attached to the frame arrangement
2 (not illustrated in fig. 7) by means of a plurality of said holding members 9, and
the holding members 9 are discretely arranged along the different sides of the insulating
glass unit 3.
[0111] In fig. 7, the holding members 9 are arranged at opposing sides Sa-Sd of the insulating
glass unit 3 so that holding parts 9a of the holding members 9 provides a holding
force towards the side portion 8 to secure the insulating glass unit 3 at the frame
arrangement 2 at different frame profiles of the frame arrangement (not illustrated
in fig. 7, see e.g. fig. 1. As can be seen, the holding bracket 19 is placed in the
space 10.
[0112] In fig. 7, the outer, first glass sheet 3a is larger than the second glass sheet
3b in length, while the glass sheets 3a, 3b have substantially the same width. This
provides the edge 7a overlap as illustrated in fig. 2, in this case at the bottom
part of the insulating glass unit. Thereby, the first glass sheet 3a may overlap the
fixation frame and move away from the bottom part 20b of the fixation frame and outwards
when the movable frame is opened as for example illustrated fig. 1.
[0113] Hence, the holding members 9 at the bottom may be fully overlapped by the first glass
sheet 3a at the bottom Sb, whereas for example at the sides Sc and Sd and/or the top
Sa, where some of the holding member may not be overlapped by the glass first sheet
3 a.
[0114] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one, two, three, four or even more
holding members 9 may be arranged/distributed at each of one, two three or all sides
Sa-Sd of the insulating glass unit 3. In fig. 7, two holding members 9 are arranged/distributed
at each of the four sides Sa-Sd of the insulating glass unit 3.
[0115] In general, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to
the particular examples described above but may be adapted in a multitude of varieties
within the scope of the invention as specified in e.g. the claims. Accordingly, for
example, one or more of the described and/or illustrated embodiments above may be
combined to provide further embodiments of the present disclosure.
1. A roof window (1) for installation in a roof structure of a building, wherein the
roof window (1) comprises:
- a frame arrangement (2) comprising structural elongated frame profiles (2a-2d) that
encloses a frame opening (FO), wherein said frame profiles (2a-2d) each comprises
a first exterior side (ES1) facing the frame opening (FO) and a second exterior side
(ES2) facing away from the frame opening (FO),
- one or more holding members (9) comprising a holding part (9a), a wall part (9c),
and a fixation part (9b),
- an insulating glass unit (3) comprising at least a first glass sheet (3a) and a
second glass sheet (3b), wherein an insulating gap (4a) is provided between a major
surface (3a1) of the first glass sheet (3a) which faces the insulating gap (4a) and
a major surface (3b2) of the second glass sheet (3b) which faces the insulating gap
(4a), where the insulating gap (4a) is sealed by means of an edge seal (6) arranged
between said major surface (3a1) of the first glass sheet (3a) and said major surface
(3b2) of the second glass sheet (3b),
wherein a side portion (8) of the major surface (3b2) of the second glass sheet (3b)
extends with a distance (DIS1) past a part (6e) of the edge seal (6) that faces away
from the insulating gap (4a) so as to provide a space (10) opposite to said side portion
(8) and where the space (10) is located opposite to said part (6e) of the edge seal
(6),
wherein the frame arrangement (2) supports the insulating glass unit (3) and wherein
the insulating glass unit (3) overlaps one or more of the frame profiles (2a-2d),
wherein the wall part (9c) overlaps a side edge (7b) of the second glass sheet (3b),
and wherein the fixation part (9b) overlaps the second exterior side (ES2) of the
overlapped frame profile (2a-2d) and is attached to the overlapped frame profile (2a-2d)
at the second exterior side (ES2), and
wherein the holding part (9a) extends (9) into the space (10) and provides a holding
force towards the side portion (8) so as to secure the insulating glass unit (3) at
the frame arrangement (2).
2. A roof window (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation part (9b) is attached
to the overlapped frame profile (2a-2d) at the second exterior side (ES2) by means
of mechanical fastening means (11), preferably wherein said mechanical fastening means
comprises one or more screws, clips and/or pop rivets.
3. A roof window (1) according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical fastening means (11)
comprises a fastening member (11a), such as an elongated fastening member, for engaging
with the overlapped frame profile (2a-2d), wherein the fastening member (11a) extends
in an insertion direction (IDIR), and wherein the insertion direction extends with
an acute angle (a2) relative to a plane (PL1) defined by the interior major surface
(3Li) of the insulating glass unit (3) facing the frame opening, in a direction away
from the plane and towards a surface part (ES2S) of the second exterior side (ES2).
4. A roof window (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the mechanical fastening means
(11) comprises manipulation means (11b), such as a screw head, for operating the mechanical
fastening means (11), wherein the interior major surface (3Li) of the insulating glass
unit overlaps the fastening member manipulation means (11b).
5. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a contact surface
(ES2S), such as a plane contact surface, of the second exterior side (ES2) faces towards,
such as abuts, a contact surface (9CS) of the fixation part (9b), and wherein said
contact surface (ES2S) of the second exterior side (ES2) is arranged with an acute
angle (a1) relative to the interior major surface (3Li) of the insulated glass unit
(3) so that the contact surface (ES2S) of the second exterior side (ES2) faces towards
a plane (PL1) defined by the interior major surface (3Li) of the insulating glass
unit.
6. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding part
(9a), wall part (9c), and fixation part (9b) are integrated in a unitary body of the
holding member (9).
7. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding member
(9) comprises metal or consist of metal such as steel, brass or aluminium.
8. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating
gap (4a) overlaps the frame profile (2a-2d) with an overlapping distance (DIS2).
9. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a lamination glass
sheet (3L) is attached to a major surface (3b1) of the second glass sheet (3b) by
means of a lamination interlayer (LL), preferably wherein the lamination glass sheet
(3L) provides the interior major surface (3Li) of the insulating glass unit (3) for
facing the interior of the building.
10. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding part
(9a) engages a holding bracket (19), wherein the holding bracket (19) comprises a
clamped part (19a) that is clamped between the holding part (9a) and the side portion
(8) subjected to the holding force, preferably wherein at least the clamped part (19a)
comprises or consists of a material, such as a resilient material and/or a polymer
material, that is softer than the material of the holding part (9a).
11. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elongated
frame profiles (2a-2d) are frame profiles of a movable frame (2), wherein the movable
frame is attached to a fixation frame (20) by means of a hinge arrangement (30), such
as wherein the roof window (1) is of the centre-hung type.
12. A roof window (1) according to claim 11, wherein the overlapped, elongated frame profile
is a side profile (2c, 2d) of a movable frame (2), wherein said side profile extends
between top and bottom frame profiles (2a, 2b) of the movable frame (2), preferably
wherein the movable frame (2) is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation (RAX)
that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the overlapped side profile (2c,
2d).
13. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding member
(9) is configured so that all parts (9a, 9b, 9c) of the holding member (9) is located
at the same side of a plane (PL2) defined by a major surface (3a1, 3a2) of the first
glass sheet (3a), preferably wherein said plane (PL2) is defined by an exterior major
surface (3a2) of the first glass sheet (3a) that faces away from the gap (4a).
14. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side portion
(8) is terminated at an edge (7b) of the second glass sheet (3b), and wherein the
first glass sheet (3a) extend beyond said edge (7b) of the second glass sheet (3b),
preferably so as to overlap a frame profile (20b) of a fixation frame (20) of the
roof window.
15. A roof window (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating
glass unit (3) comprises a plurality of said space (10) located opposite different
side portion (8) and opposite to the part (6e) of different edge seal (6) parts enclosing
the gap (4a), wherein the plurality of spaces (10) are arranged along different sides
(Sa-Sd) of the insulating glass unit (3),
wherein the insulating glass unit (3) is attached to the frame arrangement (2) by
means of a plurality of said holding members (9), wherein the plurality of holding
members (9) are discretely arranged along said different sides of the insulating glass
unit (3), preferably wherein said holding members (9) are arranged at opposing sides
(Sa-Sd) of the insulating glass unit (3) so that holding parts (9a) of the holding
members (9) provides a holding force towards the side portion (8) to secure the insulating
glass unit (3) at the frame arrangement (2) at different frame profiles (2a-2d) of
the frame arrangement (2).