Patent Publication Number: US-2023151680-A1

Title: Window or door having an actively pressing seal and method for closing said window or door

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB 2 116 672.3, filed Nov. 18, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated in full by this reference. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a window or door having a fixed frame, a sliding sash, which is slidable with respect to the fixed frame and a seal for sealing the first sash with respect to the fixed frame. In case of a window with a vertically sliding sash, such a window is also known as a “hung window.” The invention also relates to a method for closing such a window or door. 
     Background of the Invention 
     The structure of a vertical sliding window with a plurality of frame parts is known from JP 4908836 B2. 
     EP 3 214 250 B1 discloses a vertical sliding window for a building. A drive for raising and lowering a sliding sash is provided. 
     A plastering strip for a transition between thermal insulation and a window frame is known from EP 3 130 722 B1. 
     US 2,426,474 A discloses guides for sliding windows. 
     From US 4,395,847 A, a sliding window having improved seals is known. The sliding window can have a handle that can be pivoted by a user in order to be able to lock a slidable sash of the sliding window in different positions. 
     US 31,721 E discloses a sliding window having seals for a slidable and pivotable sash. 
     From CN 101864883 A, sliding windows having different seals are known. The seals are fastened to the fixed frame and are pressed against a side surface of a slidable sash in the closed position. 
     The sealing of these known windows, in particular against drafts, is significantly worse than the sealing of comparable side-hung windows or side– and bottom–hung windows. In order to save energy, the sealing of the windows described above (or doors) should be improved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Object of the Invention 
     It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a window or door that is significantly better sealed in its closed position. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for closing such a window or door. 
     Description of the Invention 
     This object is achieved according to the invention by a window or door according to claim  1  and a method according to claim  15 . The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments. 
     The object of the invention is thus achieved by a window or door having a fixed frame, a first sash that is slidable, preferably within the fixed frame, and a seal for sealing the first sash with respect to the fixed frame. The seal has a fastening element for fastening the seal to the fixed frame, a holding element having a sealing lip, a joint for moving , in particular pivoting, the holding element with respect to the fastening element, and a trigger element. The trigger element is actuated by the first sash when the first sash is closed, so that the sealing lip is moved, preferably pivoted, onto the first sash and pressed onto the first sash. 
     According to the invention, a sealing lip is thus provided which is actively pressed onto the first sash when the first sash is closed, so that a significantly better seal takes place. This is particularly true in the case of a first sash that has play in the fixed frame, in particular a groove in the fixed frame, so that the first sash can be easily moved with respect to the fixed frame. 
     The sealing lip is preferably pressed onto the first sash only after reaching at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 98%, of the closed position of the first sash. 
     The first sash can have a surface facing a user, which is referred to as the front (inside) and a surface facing away from the user, which is referred to as the rear (outside). The sealing lip is particularly preferably pressed onto this front or rear, in particular the front, when the first sash is closed. A particularly good sealing effect is achieved in this way. 
     The joint can be built as a sliding joint and/or a swivel joint. 
     The joint between the holding element and the fastening element can be designed in one piece, in particular in the form of a film hinge. However, the joint is preferably designed in at least two parts in order to maintain the durability of the joint even after many closing movements of the first sash. 
     Particularly preferably, a rounded projection of the joint is arranged or formed on the fastening element, which is at least partially encompassed by a compatible/corresponding/matching opening of the holding element. This ensures a particularly durable joint with a structurally simple and inexpensive design. 
     The sealing lip can be formed in one piece/integrally with the holding element. However, the holding element is preferably formed separately from the sealing lip. 
     More preferably, the holding element is designed to be rigid, so that the holding element is moved, in particular pivoted, as a whole when the trigger element is actuated. This ensures complete and uniform contact between the sealing lip and the first sash. 
     The trigger element can be designed in the form of a protrusion, in particular in the form of a flag-shaped protrusion. The trigger element can be arranged or formed on the holding element. 
     A first projection, in particular a ramp-shaped, first projection, can be arranged or formed on the first sash for actuating the first trigger element. 
     In addition to this – viewed in the closing direction of the first sash – a, in particular ramp-shaped, second projection for actuating a second trigger element of the seal can be provided in front of the first projection. 
     The first projection and the second projection can be formed identically. 
     The first projection can be arranged or formed at a more distant location perpendicular to the central main plane of the frame than the second projection. The first trigger element can be formed longer for actuation by the first projection than the second trigger element for actuation by the second projection. This can ensure that the sealing lip is only pressed against the first sash when the first sash is almost completely closed. 
     The window or door can have a third projection on the first sash for actuating a third trigger element of the seal. The third projection can – viewed in the closing direction of the first sash – be provided in front of the second projection. The third projection can be provided closer to the central frame main plane than the second projection and the third trigger element can be made shorter than the second trigger element for actuating the third projection. 
     This arrangement can ensure that all trigger elements are actuated by the respective projections at the same time / at the same position of the sash. 
     The sealing lip preferably runs parallel to the closing direction of the first sash. 
     The seal described above can additionally be provided on the opposite side of the first sash, in particular in a mirror-inverted manner. 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first sash has an end face running parallel to its closing direction, a first wedge seal running obliquely in the main plane of the frame being provided between this end face and the fixed frame. More preferably, the first sash has a first wedge seal running obliquely in the main plane of the frame between the respective end faces and the fixed frame on both end faces running parallel to the closing direction. 
     A first wedge seal running obliquely perpendicular to the main plane of the frame can be provided between the end face of the first sash running parallel to the closing direction of the first sash and the fixed frame. More preferably, the first sash has a first wedge seal running obliquely perpendicular to the main plane of the frame between the respective end faces and the fixed frame on both end faces running parallel to the closing direction. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the window or door, a first wedge seal running obliquely in the main plane of the frame as well as obliquely perpendicular to the main plane of the frame is provided between the corresponding end faces of the first sash and the fixed frame on both front sides of the first sash running parallel to the closing direction. 
     The wedge seal(s) described herein or a window or door with a fixed frame, at least one first sash and at least one wedge seal represent an independent aspect of the invention, which can be combined with any of the features described herein. 
     In order to properly seal the end face of the first sash running perpendicular to the closing direction, a static seal is preferably provided between this end face, in particular on this end face, and the fixed frame. Such a static seal can preferably be installed on the lower end of the first sash and/or on the upper end of the first sash. 
     For a particularly reliable sealing of the window or door, a molded corner part can be provided between the static seal and the fastening element. 
     The first sash can be slidable vertically. 
     The terms “above,” “below,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and the like generally refer to the installed state of the window or door in a building. 
     The window or door can have a slidable second sash, which overlaps with the first sash in the region of a so-called central break when both sashes are in the closed position. 
     The wedge seal(s) described herein is/are preferably installed in the area of this central break, only. 
     The previously described seal(s) between the first sash and the fixed frame can be provided between the second sash and the fixed frame, analogously to this/these, as an alternative or in addition thereto. 
     The first sash and the second sash can each have a seal, which is L-shaped in cross section in the region of the central break. The seals, which are L-shaped in cross section can engage behind one another in the closed position of both sashes. This creates a particularly windproof seal between the two sashes. 
     A window or door having a first sash, a second sash, and a seal, which seal is described herein and which is L-shaped in cross section, represents an independent aspect of the invention which can be combined with any of the features described herein. 
     The object according to the invention is also achieved by a method for closing a window or door described herein, the method comprising the following method steps:
     A) Sliding the first sash from its open position to its closed position;   B) Actuating the trigger element by the first sash and thereby moving, in particular pivoting, the sealing lip onto the first sash.   

     Further advantages of the invention can be found in the description and the drawings. Likewise, according to the invention, the aforementioned features and those which are to be explained below can each be used individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations of any kind. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive enumeration but rather have exemplary character for the description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a window with a fixed frame and a closed first sash. 
         FIG.  2    is an isometric view of the window from  FIG.  1    with the first sash partially open. 
         FIG.  3    is a partial isometric view of the first sash. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial isometric view of the underside of the first sash with a static seal. 
         FIG.  5    is an isometric view of a seal, which can be partially pivoted onto the first sash and has a plurality of trigger elements. 
         FIG.  6    is a view of the end face of the seal from  FIG.  5    in a partially pivoted state. 
         FIG.  7    is an end face view of the window with the seal of  FIG.  5    fastened to the fixed frame and a plurality of projections on the first sash for actuating the plurality of trigger elements. 
         FIG.  8    is a view of a projection shortly before the actuation of a trigger element. 
         FIG.  9   a    is a view of the projection from  FIG.  8    upon contact with the trigger element. 
         FIG.  9   b    is a view of the end face of the seal of  FIG.  9   a   . 
         FIG.  10   a    is a view of the projection of  FIG.  9   a    with the trigger element actuated completely by the projection. 
         FIG.  10   b    is a view of the end face of the seal of  FIG.  10   a   . 
         FIG.  11   a    is a partial view of the window in the region of the central break with seals tapering in a wedge shape, the seals being on the first sash and on a second sash. 
         FIG.  11   b    is a plan view of the wedge-shaped tapered seals of  FIG.  11   a   . 
         FIG.  12    is an isometric view of a sealing member corresponding to wedge-shaped sealing parts shown in  FIGS.  11   a  and  11   b   . 
         FIG.  13   a    is an isometric view of the closed seal in the region of the central break. 
         FIG.  13   b    is a side view of the closed seal of  FIG.  13   a   . 
         FIG.  14    is a sectional view of the closed window in the region of the central break. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    shows a window  10  from the inside having a fixed frame  12 , a first sash  14   a , and a second sash  14   b . The first sash  14   a  can be displaced downward in the closing direction  16   a , the second sash  14   b  can be displaced upward in the closing direction  16   b . The displacement of the first sash  14   a  and/or the displacement of the second sash  14   b  preferably takes place completely within the fixed frame  12 . The window  10  is completely closed in  FIG.  1   , i.e., both sashes  14   a , b are closed. The second sash  14   b  could also be designed in the form of an immovable fixed field. 
       FIG.  2    shows the window  10  with the first sash  14   a  partially open. From  FIG.  2   , it can be seen that the fixed frame  12  extends in a central main plane  18  of the frame. 
       FIG.  3    shows part of the window  10  having the first sash  14   a . The first sash  14   a  is laterally sealed by a seal  20  that can be pivoted in itself. The first sash  14   a  is sealed on the underside by a static seal  22 . A molded corner part  24  is provided between the pivotable seal  20  and the static seal  22 . 
       FIG.  4    shows the first sash  14   a  with the static seal  22  in a detailed representation. 
       FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6    show the seal  20  with a fastening element  26  that can be fastened to the fixed frame  12  (see  FIG.  1   ), a holding element  28  with a sealing lip  30 , a joint  32  for pivoting the holding element  28  with respect to the fastening element  26 , a first trigger element  34   a , a second trigger element  34   b , and a third trigger element  34   c . 
       FIG.  7    shows the window  10  with the first sash  14   a , on which a first projection  36   a  for actuating the first trigger element  34   a , a second projection  36   b  for actuating the second trigger element  34   b  and a third projection  36   c  for actuating the third trigger element  34   c  are arranged. The second trigger element  34   b  is formed longer than the third trigger element  34   c . The first trigger element  34   a  is formed longer than the second trigger element  34   b . The second projection  36   b  is correspondingly further spaced from the central main plane  18  of the frame and/or the holding element  28  than the third projection  36   c . The first projection  36   a  is correspondingly further spaced from the central main plane  18  of the frame and/or the holding element  28  than the second projection  36   b . As a result, the plurality of trigger elements  34   a - c , in this case three trigger elements  34   a - c , are actuated simultaneously, but only shortly before the first sash  14   a  is completely closed. 
       FIG.  8    shows a part of the window  10 , from which it can be seen that the first projection  36   a  is designed so as to be ramp-shaped for simple actuation of the first trigger element  34   a . The first projection  36   a  is not yet in contact with the first trigger element  34   a . 
       FIG.  9   a    and  FIG.  9   b    show the window  10 , the first projection  36   a  being in contact with the first trigger element  34   a . As a result, the sealing lip  30  is pivoted toward the first sash  14   a . 
       FIG.  10   a    and  FIG.  10   b    correspond to  FIGS.  9   a  and  9   b   , the first projection  36   a  being in complete contact with the first trigger element  34   a , so that the sealing lip  30  is pressed onto the first sash  14   a  and reliably seals it. 
       FIG.  11   a    and  FIG.  11   b    show in a synopsis the window  10  in the region of the central break  38  between the sashes  14   a , b. The first sash  14   a  has a first sealing part  40   a , which thickens in a wedge-shaped manner counter to the closing direction  16   a  parallel to the main plane  18  of the frame. The second sash  14   b  has a second sealing part  40   b , which thickens in a wedge-shaped manner counter to the closing direction  16   b  parallel to the main plane  18  of the frame. From  FIG.  11   b   , it can also be seen that the sealing parts  40   a , b thicken in a wedge-shaped manner not only parallel to the main plane  18  of the frame, but also perpendicular to the main plane  18  of the frame against the closing direction  16   a  or  16   b . 
       FIG.  12    shows a third sealing part  40   c  with slopes which correspond to the slopes of the sealing parts  40   a , b. The third sealing part  40   c  can be designed in multiple parts. However, as in the present case, it is preferably designed in one piece. 
       FIG.  13   a    and  FIG.  13   b    show part of the window  10  in the region of the central break  38 , the sealing parts  40   a - c  forming a first wedge seal  42   a  between the first sash  14   a  and the fixed frame  12  (see  FIG.  1   ) and forming a second wedge seal  42   b  between the second sash  14   b  and the fixed frame  12 . 
       FIG.  14    is a partial sectional view of the window  10  in the region of the central break  38 . From  FIG.  14   , it can be seen that the first sash  14   a  has a first seal  44   a  which is L-shaped in cross section and the second sash  14   b  has a second seal  44   b  which is L-shaped in cross section. The two seals  44   a ,  b  which are L-shaped in cross section engage behind one another in the closed state of the two sashes  14   a ,  b . 
     Taking all the figures of the drawing together, the invention relates in summary to a window  10  or door having a fixed frame  12  and to a first sash  14   a  arranged displaceable thereon. A seal  20  is arranged or formed on the fixed frame  12 , the sealing lip  30  of which can be moved, in particular pivoted, and pressed onto the first sash  14   a , in particular onto the front or rear of the first sash  14   a . The moving, in particular pivoting, process can be carried out by at least one first trigger element  34   a , in particular by a plurality of trigger elements  34   a - c . The first trigger element  34   a  or the trigger elements  34   a - c  can be actuated by a first projection  36   a  or a plurality of projections  36   a - c . A first wedge seal  42   a  can be provided between the first sash  14   a  and the fixed frame  12 , which is preferably wedge-shaped both in the main plane of the frame  18  and perpendicular to the main plane  18  of the frame  12 . Between two sashes  14   a ,  b , in the region of the central break  38 , seals  44   a ,  b  which are L-shaped in cross section can be provided, which engage behind one another in the closed state of the two sashes  14   a ,  b . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 List of reference numbers 
               
             
            
               
                 
                   10 
                 
                 Window 
               
               
                 
                   12 
                 
                 Fixed frame 
               
               
                 
                   14 
                   a 
                 
                 First sash 
               
               
                 
                   14 
                   b 
                 
                 Second sash 
               
               
                 
                   16 
                   a 
                 
                 Closing direction of the first sash  14   a 
 
               
               
                 
                   16 
                   b 
                 
                 Closing direction of the second sash  14   b 
 
               
               
                 
                   18 
                 
                 Main plane of the frame 
               
               
                 
                   20 
                 
                 Pivotable seal 
               
               
                 
                   22 
                 
                 Static seal 
               
               
                 
                   24 
                 
                 Molded corner part 
               
               
                 
                   26 
                 
                 Fastening element 
               
               
                 
                   28 
                 
                 Holding element 
               
               
                 
                   30 
                 
                 Sealing lip 
               
               
                 
                   32 
                 
                 Joint 
               
               
                 
                   34 
                   a 
                 
                 First trigger element 
               
               
                 
                   34 
                   b 
                 
                 Second trigger element 
               
               
                 
                   34 
                   c 
                 
                 Third trigger element 
               
               
                 
                   36 
                   a 
                 
                 First projection 
               
               
                 
                   36 
                   b 
                 
                 Second projection 
               
               
                 
                   36 
                   c 
                 
                 Third projection 
               
               
                 
                   38 
                 
                 Central break 
               
               
                 
                   40 
                   a 
                 
                 First sealing part 
               
               
                 
                   40 
                   b 
                 
                 Second sealing part 
               
               
                 
                   40 
                   c 
                 
                 Third sealing part 
               
               
                 
                   42 
                   a 
                 
                 First wedge seal 
               
               
                 
                   42 
                   b 
                 
                 Second wedge seal 
               
               
                 
                   44 
                   a 
                 
                 First seal, being L-shaped in cross section 
               
               
                 
                   44 
                   b 
                 
                 Second seal, being L-shaped in cross section