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(11) | EP 1 334 253 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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WINDOW CONSTRUCTION HAVING SEVERAL WAYS OF OPENING FENSTERKONSTRUKTION MIT MEHREREN ÖFFNUNGSMÖGLICHKEITEN STRUCTURE DE FENETRE A PLUSIEURS MODES D'OUVERTURE |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
[0001] The present invention relates to a window structure having several ways of opening, said window structure being substantially rectangular and comprising a sash and a frame, in which opposite members of the sash and the frame are mutually connected at at least three sides of the window.
[0002] Such window structures comprise windows, which can pivot and/or tilt, see for instance CH Patent 385 066, which discloses a manually operated pivot hung/tiltable window. In the tilted position the sash is at the upper surface connected with the frame by means of a scissors-type mechanism, and in the pivot position the sash is at a side member connected to the frame through pivot hinges, the window being operated by an operating lever, which in the closed position of the window optionally may engage the pivot hinges or the scissor-type mechanism. This type of window structure does not, however, allow a parallel movement of the window perpendicular to the plane of the window and moreover, the structure is not suited to be motor driven.
[0003] Windows with parallel movement are preferred by architects for architectural reasons, as a window opened by parallel movement does not change the surface of the building, which is in particular of importance in respect of major buildings with unbroken surfaces of glass. Furthermore, there are from the point of view of the indoor climate many advantages in windows with parallel movement, as they, already by a small opening, ensure a large and evenly distributed vent opening with the smallest possible influence by draught.
[0004] A window structure allowing parallel movement of the window is for instance known from WO 99/15750, which relates to an opening mechanism with parallel and rectilinear movement of a window sash relative to a window frame. The opening mechanism comprises at least four scissors-type arrangements, which act on the window sash and are fastened on the window frame, and the open-out mechanism moreover comprises a drive, which by means of drive levers causes the scissors to open and close. However, this mechanism cannot be used in connection with windows with parallel movement and not for pivot hung/tiltable windows, as the scissors do not allow a pivoting movement.
[0005] Similarly, WO 98/42941 discloses a window with parallel movement, which at three sides is provided with hinges of the scissors-type and which at the fourth side is provided with a drive means. This window structure does not offer several ways of opening either, as the hinges only allow the window to be brought forwards and backwards by parallel displacement perpendicular to the plane of the window.
[0006] Applicant's own patent DK B 172 483 describes a window structure, in which a window frame is moved in a guide fitting, the sash being displaced by parallel displacement to a ventilation position, following which the window is opened in a traditional manner. In the ventilation position, the window is not actually open, as there is only a narrow gap around the sash for ventilation, which in some cases will not be sufficient to ensure a comfortable indoor climate. Furthermore, it is a question of successive movements, where in all events said parallel displacement of the sash takes place first, irrespective of the desired movement of the sash for opening of the window, which in some cases may be a disadvantage.
[0007] DE 198 071 A1 discloses a window structure with guide fittings to ensure, in a similar way, a parallel displacement of the sash to a ventilation position, following which the window sash can be opened in a traditional manner. This structure, however, suffers from the drawback that the window is not actually open, as only a small ventilation gap has been established around the sash, and also here, it is a question of successive movements giving the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a window structure having several ways of opening, in particular to provide a window structure, which allows parallel displacement of the sash to an actual opening, and a window structure, in which the different ways of opening are mutually independent.
[0009] The window structure according to the invention is characterized in that said connection between the sash and the frame at each of said at least three sides comprises at least one motor driven operating device comprising an operating member connected with the sash and the frame, said operating member having an associated motor driven operator for advancing the operating member substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the window, each operator device comprising means preventing displacement of the sash in the plane of the window but allowing pivoting of the sash relative to the frame about two substantially orthogonal axes, means for coordinated control of the operators of the operating members being designed in such a manner that opening of the window is allowed, both by parallel displacement of the sash perpendicular to the plane of the window and by pivoting of the sash about any pivot axis along one of the sides of the window under mutual coordination of the respective advancing positions of the operating members.
[0010] By a window structure of this type a window has been provided which is openable by parallel displacement of the sash relative to the window, by pivoting about an axis along a side edge and by pivoting about a top or bottom edge. In this manner a window has been obtained which may optionally be opened in one of the above ways, so that the window for instance may be opened sheltered from the wind direction to avoid draught, or on the contrary be opened against the wind to get a higher ventilation. Likewise, the window may in cold periods be opened at the top to avoid a draught along the floor. In addition to the advantages obtained in respect of the indoor climate by the several ways of opening, an optimum smoke outlet in connection with a possible fire is obtained, which is a substantial advantage in respect of safety and health for the persons staying in the building and, moreover, the smoke damages on building and inventory will of course be limited, if the smoke is let out quickly.
[0011] The use of several operator devices ensures besides that the window structure has several closing points, which provides an optimum securing of the window in the closed position.
[0012] If a type of operating member is used which has sufficient rigidity for ensuring the sash against displacement in the plane of the window, said operating members could also constitute the means of the operator device for preventing displacement of the sash in the plane of the window. According to a preferred embodiment the window structure is, however, characterized in that the means, which prevents displacement of the sash in the plane of the window are constituted by a number of Y-scissors comprising a first member, which at one end is connected in a manner secured against displacement but pivotally to the sash and at its other end connected displaceably and pivotally to frame, and a second member, which at one end is connected in a manner secured against displacement but pivotal to the frame and at its other end is connected in a manner secured against displacement but pivotally to the first member.
[0013] Such Y-scissors are suitable, as they prevent the sash from displacement in the plane of the window, when the window is open, and at the same time they allow a pivoting movement of the sash relative to the frame about at least one axis.
[0014] The operating member may be of any suitable kind, for instance linear actuators and spindles, but according to a preferred embodiment, the window structure is characterized in that the operating member is a chain or a spindle chain.
[0015] The advantage of such chains is that they take up very little space, when the window is not open.
[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment the window structure is characterized in that the means, which mutually coordinate the respective advancing positions of the operating members, are constituted by a control unit.
[0017] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the control unit optionally brings about a synchronization of the operating members with a fixed or variable relative synchronization ratio.
[0018] The window structure is according to a preferred embodiment characterized in that the control unit is a motor control which may be actuated to control the motor driven operating members (5) in a mutually coordinated manner in order to make it possible to open the window in a plurality of ways.
[0019] A control unit of this type will offer the advantage to the user that he only needs to actuate the control unit to open the window in one of the ways possible, following which the motor control, which may for instance be electronic and provided with sensor means for registration of the advancing speed, ensures a correct opening of the window.
[0020] The window structure is according to an embodiment characterized in that the motor control may control the advancing of the motor driven operating members to make the window openable by parallel displacement of the sash away from the plane of the frame.
[0021] The window structure is according to an embodiment characterized in that the motor control may control the advancing of the motor driven operating members to make the window openable by pivoting the sash relative to the frame about a pivot axis along one of the sides of the sash.
[0022] The window structure is according to an embodiment characterized in that the motor control may control the advancing of the motor driven operating members to make the window openable by tilting the sash relative to the frame about a pivot axis along the top or bottom edge of the sash.
[0023] The invention will now be described in detail in the following by means of an example of an embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows a window structure according to the invention,
Fig. 2 an operator device for the window structure according to Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 the window in its open position with sash displaced by parallel displacement,
Fig. 4 the window in its open position with the sash turned, and
Fig. 5 the window in its open position with the sash tilted.
[0024] The window structure 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a sash 2 and a frame 3, in which the opposite side and bottom members of the sash 2 and the frame 3 are mutually connected. In the example shown, each connection comprises a motor driven operator device.
[0025] Fig. 2 shows an operator device according to Fig. 1, the operator device comprising an operating member with associated, motor driven operator for advancing the operating member. The operating member may for instance be a traditional chain, like the one described in Applicant's Danish patent application PA 1999 01532, or a chain spindle like the one described in Applicant's Danish patent application PA 1999 00512, which relates to a chain especially designed and which may be coiled into a rod shape. Such chains will in most case have sufficient rigidity for carrying a window, but in the example of the embodiment shown, the operator device moreover comprises a pair of Y-scissors having a first member, which at one end is connected in a manner secured against displacement but pivotally to the sash 2, and at the other end displaceably and pivotally connected to the frame, and a second member, which at one end is connected to the frame in a manner secured against displacement but pivotally to the frame, and at the other end connected in a manner secured against displacement but pivotally to the first member.
[0026] Figs 3 - 5 show three different opening position of the window, the window in Fig. 3 being opened by parallel displacement of the sash 2 relative to the frame 3, in Fig. 4 by turning of the sash 2 relative to the frame 3 about an axis along one of the side edges and in Fig. 3 by tilting of the sash 2 relative to the frame 3 about an axis along the upper side of the window.
[0027] In order to ensure a correct opening in respect of the opening manner chosen, it is imperative that the movements of the operator devices at the individual side edges are mutually coordinated. For this purpose, an electronic control unit may advantageously be used, said control unit calculating and regulating by means of stored or measured values the advancing speed of the individual operator devices. These values may for instance be the actual position of the individual operator devices, which may be measured by means of sensor means. In this way, the operator devices can be induced to move at a mutually coordinated speed, which may be different in the cases, where it is required, whereby the window sash can make the above-mentioned pivoting and tilting movements. The control unit may thus optionally cause a synchronization of the operating members in a fixed or variable relative synchronization ratio. The synchronization ratio of the advancing speed of the individual operating members may for instance be 1:1, corresponding to a parallel displacement of the sash, or for instance a relative synchronization of 1:0.5, so that the advancing speed of one operating member at one side is twice as high as the speed of the operating members at the two other sides, corresponding to a displacement and pivoting of the sash.
[0028] Furthermore, an electronic control unit may advantageously be used for monitoring the function of the operator devices, including for instance increased current consumption in one or several motors, which may indicate that an error has occurred and/or for instance that a maintenance is required.
[0029] The simplest manner of opening the window structure is the parallel displacement shown in Fig. 3, in which the operating members 5 in each of the three operator devices 4 at the bottom edge and at the two side edges, respectively, are advanced simultaneously and at the same speed by each respective motor driven operator 6, so that the sash 2 is displaced outwards relative to the frame 3 by parallel displacement.
[0030] Another way of opening the window structure is the pivoting shown in Fig. 4, in which the operating member 5 in the operator device 4 at one side edge is advanced farthest, whereas the operating member 5 at the bottom edge in the example shown is advanced approximately half as far as the operating member at the side edge, which induces the sash 2 to make a pivoting movement relative to the frame about the other side edge.
[0031] A third way of opening is the tilting shown in Fig. 5, in which the operating member 5 at the bottom edge is advanced farthest, whereas the operating members at the two side edges in the example shown are advanced half as far as the operating member at the bottom edge.
[0032] In connection with opening by means of pivoting or tilting, as shown in Figs 4 and 5, it is advantageous that also the operator device, which is positioned at a side which is to be kept closed, is advanced somewhat, so that no squeezing of the weather strip and the window structure occurs at the side of the window which is not to be open.
[0033] It is evident that the window structure may comprise an operator device at each side edge to make it possible, as shown on the drawing, to supplement the window structure with an operator device between opposite top members of sash 2 and frame 3, which will provide an additional way of opening of the window structure, viz. as a bottom-hinged window, in which the sash 2 is turned relative to the frame 3 about an axis along the bottom edge.
[0034] Moreover, it will be evident to the one skilled in the art that the window structure may comprise several operating members 5 for each side, which may be necessary in case of big windows, which can only be handled with difficulty in case of a single operator device 4 for each side edge. In case of several motor driven operating members 5, it will likewise be evident for the one skilled in the art that the motors have to be synchronized to counteract tensions in the sash, but as mentioned before, the synchronisation may be variable.
1. A window structure having several ways of opening, said window structure (1) being
substantially rectangular and comprising a sash (2) and a frame (3), in which opposite
members of the sash (2) and the frame (3) are mutually connected at at least three
sides of the window, characterized in that said connection between the sash (2) and the frame (3) at each of said at least three
sides comprises at least one motor driven operator device (4) comprising an operating
member (5) connected with the sash (2) and the frame (3), said operating member having
an associated motor driven operator (6) for advancing the operating member (5) substantially
perpendicularly to the plane of the window, each operator device (4) comprising means
preventing displacement of the sash (2) in the plane of the window but allowing pivoting
of the sash (2) relative to the frame (3) about two substantially orthogonal axes,
means for coordinated control of the operators of the operating members being designed
in such a manner that opening of the window is allowed, both by parallel displacement
of the sash (2) perpendicular to the plane of the window and by pivoting of the sash
(2) about any pivot axis along one of the sides of the window under mutual coordination
of the respective advancing positions of the operating members.
2. A window structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means preventing displacement of the sash (2) in the plane of the window are
constituted by a number of Y-scissors (7) comprising a first member (8), which at
one end is connected in a manner secured against displacement but pivotally to the
sash (2) and at the other end connected displaceably and pivotally to frame (3), and
a second member (9), which at one end is connected in a manner secured against displacement
but pivotal to the frame (3) and at its other end is connected in a manner secured
against displacement but pivotally to the first member (8).
3. A window structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating members (5) themselves also constitute the means preventing displacement
of the sash (2) in the plane of the window.
4. A window structure (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the operating member (5) is a chain or a chain spindle.
5. A window structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for mutual coordination of the respective advancing positions of the operating
members are constituted by a control unit.
6. A window structure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit optionally brings about a synchronization of the operating members
in a fixed or variable relative synchronization ratio.
7. A window structure (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control unit is a motor control which may be actuated to control the motor driven
operating members (5) in a mutually coordinated manner in order to make it possible
to open the window in a plurality of ways.
8. A window structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the motor control may control the advancing of the motor driven operating members
(5) to make the window openable by parallel displacement of the sash (2) away from
the plane of the frame (3).
9. A window structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the motor control may control the advancing of the motor driven operating members
(5) to make the window openable by pivoting the sash (2) relative to the frame (3)
about a pivot axis along one of the sides of the sash (2).
10. A window structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the motor control may control the advancing of the motor driven operating members
(5) to make the window openable by tilting of the sash (2) relative to the frame (3)
about a tilting axis along the top or bottom edge of the sash.
1. Fensterkonstruktion mit mehreren Öffnungsmöglichkeiten, welche Fensterkonstruktion
(1) im wesentlichen rechtwinkelig ist und einen Flügelrahmen (2) und einen Blendrahmen
(3) umfasst, wobei gegenüberliegende Elemente des Flügelrahmens (2) und des Blendrahmens
(3) mindestens an drei Seiten des Fensters untereinander verbunden sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verbindung zwischen dem Flügelrahmen (2) und dem Blendrahmen (3) auf jeder der
erwähnten mindestens drei Seiten zumindest eine motorbetriebene Antriebsvorrichtung
(4) mit einem mit dem Flügelrahmen (2) und dem Blendrahmen (3) verbundenen Bedienungselement
(5) umfasst, welches Bedienungselement einen zugehörigen motorbetriebenen Antrieb
(6) aufweist, zum Vorschub des Bedienungselements (5) im wesentlichen senkrecht zur
Fensterebene, und jede Antriebsvorrichtung (4) Mittel umfasst, die ein Verschieben
des Flügelrahmens (2) in Fensterebene verhindern, aber ein Drehen des Flügelrahmens
(2) gegenüber dem Blendrahmen (3) um zwei im wesentlichen orthogonale Achsen erlauben,
wobei Mittel zur koordinierten Steuerung der Antriebe des Bedienungselements derart
ausgebildet sind, dass ein Öffnen des Fensters sowohl durch Parallelverschiebung des
Flügelrahmens (2) senkrecht zur Fensterebene als durch Drehen des Flügelrahmens (2)
um jegliche Drehachse entlang einer der Fensterseiten unter gegenseitigem Koordinieren
der betreffenden Vorschubstellungen der Bedienungselemente ermöglicht wird.
2. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel, die ein Verschieben des Flügelrahmens (2) in Fensterebene verhindern,
eine Anzahl Y-Scheren (7) sind, umfassend ein erstes Element (8), dessen eines Ende
verschiebungssicher, aber drehbar an den Flügelrahmen (2) befestigt ist, und dessen
anderes Ende verschiebbar und drehbar mit dem Blendrahmen (3) verbunden ist, und ein
zweites Element (9), das an seinem einen Ende verschiebungssicher, aber drehbar mit
dem Blendrahmen (3) verbunden ist, und an seinem anderen Ende verschiebungssicher,
aber drehbar mit dem ersten Element (8) verbunden ist.
3. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bedienungselemente (5) an sich auch die Mittel sind, die ein Verschieben des
Flügelrahmens (2) in Fensterebene verhindern.
4. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Bedienungselement (5) eine Kette oder eine Kettenspindel ist.
5. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel zum gegenseitigen Koordinieren der betreffenden Vorschubstellungen der
Bedienungselemente aus einer Steuereinheit bestehen.
6. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinheit wahlfrei ein Synchronisieren der Bedienungselemente mit einem festen
oder variablen relativen Synchronisationsverhältnis verursacht.
7. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinheit eine Motorsteuerung ist, welche zu einem Steuern der motorbetriebenen
Bedienungselemente (5) in untereinander koordinierter Weise aktiviert werden kann,
um eine Vielfalt des Öffnens des Fensters zu ermöglichen.
8. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Motorsteuerung den Vorschub der motorbetriebenen Bedienungselemente (5) steuern
kann, so dass das Fenster durch Parallelverschiebung des Flügelrahmens (2) weg von
der Ebene des Blendrahmens (3) geöffnet werden kann.
9. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Motorsteuerung den Vorschub der motorbetriebenen Bedienungselemente (5) steuern
kann, so dass das Fenster durch Drehen des Flügelrahmens (2) gegenüber dem Blendrahmen
(3) um eine entlang einer Seite des Flügelrahmens (2) verlaufende Drehachse geöffnet
werden kann.
10. Fensterkonstruktion (1) nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Motorsteuerung den Vorschub der motorbetriebenen Bedienungselemente (5) steuern
kann, so dass das Fenster durch Kippen des Flügelrahmens (2) gegenüber dem Blendrahmen
(3) um eine entlang der Oberkante oder Unterkante des Flügelrahmens verlaufende Kippachse
geöffnet werden kann.
1. Construction de fenêtre à plusieurs modes d'ouverture, construction de fenêtre (1)
qui est essentiellement rectangulaire et comprend un ouvrant (2) et un cadre (3),
dans laquelle des parties opposées de l'ouvrant (2) et du cadre (3) sont reliées l'une
à l'autre à au moins trois côtés de la fenêtre, caractérisée en ce que ladite liaison entre l'ouvrant (2) et le cadre (3) à chacun desdits au moins trois
côtés comprend au moins un dispositif de raccord à traction motrice (4) comprenant
un élément de raccord (5) relié à l'ouvrant (2) et au cadre (3), élément de raccord
qui présente une commande à traction motrice associée (6) pour faire avancer l'élément
de raccord (5) essentiellement perpendiculairement au plan de la fenêtre, chaque dispositif
de raccord (4) comprenant des moyens qui empêchent l'ouvrant (2) de se déplacer dans
le plan de la fenêtre, mais permettent à l'ouvrant (2) de pivoter par rapport au cadre
(3) autour de deux axes essentiellement orthogonaux, des moyens pour la commande coordonnée
des commandes des éléments de raccord étant conçus si bien que la fenêtre peut être
ouverte, tant par un déplacement parallèle de l'ouvrant (2) perpendiculairement au
plan de la fenêtre que par un pivotement de l'ouvrant (2) autour de tout axe de pivotement
le long de l'un des côtés de la fenêtre sous coordination mutuelle des positions respectives
d'avancement des éléments de raccord.
2. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les moyens pour empêcher le déplacement de l'ouvrant (2) dans le plan de la fenêtre
sont constitués par un nombre de ciseaux en Y (7) comprenant un premier membre (8)
qui, à l'un bout, est relié de manière à empêcher un déplacement, mais à pouvoir pivoter
par rapport à l'ouvrant (2), et à l'autre bout, est relié de manière à pouvoir se
déplacer et pivoter par rapport au cadre (3), et un deuxième membre (9) qui, à l'un
bout, est relié de manière à empêcher un déplacement, mais à pouvoir pivoter par rapport
au cadre (3), et à son autre bout, est relié de manière à empêcher un déplacement,
mais à pouvoir pivoter par rapport au premier membre (8).
3. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les éléments de raccord (5) eux-mêmes constituent également les moyens pour empêcher
un déplacement de l'ouvrant (2) dans le plan de la fenêtre.
4. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, caractérisée en ce que l'élément de raccord (5) est une chaîne ou un arbre de chaîne.
5. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisée en ce que les moyens pour coordination mutuelle des positions respectives d'avancement des
éléments de raccord sont constitués par une unité de commande.
6. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de commande à titre facultatif entraîne une synchronisation des éléments
de raccord dans un ratio fixé ou variable relatif de synchronisation.
7. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de commande est une commande pour moteur qui peut être actionnée à commander
les éléments de raccord à traction motrice (5) d'une manière mutuellement coordonnée
pour permettre une ouverture de la fenêtre à plusieurs modes.
8. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que la commande pour moteur peut commander l'avancement des éléments de raccord à traction
motrice (5) pour permettre une ouverture de la fenêtre par un déplacement parallèle
de l'ouvrant (2) loin du plan du cadre (3).
9. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que la commande pour moteur peut commander l'avancement des éléments de raccord à traction
motrice (5) pour permettre une ouverture de la fenêtre par un pivotement de l'ouvrant
(2) par rapport au cadre (3) autour d'un axe de pivotement le long de l'un des côtés
de l'ouvrant (2).
10. Construction de fenêtre (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que la commande pour moteur peut commander l'avancement des éléments de raccord à traction
motrice (5) pour permettre une ouverture de la fenêtre par un basculement de l'ouvrant
(2) par rapport au cadre (3) autour d'un axe de basculement le long du bord supérieur
ou inférieur de l'ouvrant.