Patent Description:
Windows for installation in an inclined roof surface may be provided in a number of varieties and include more or less complicated operational structures to allow opening of the sash and to fulfil other functions, such as ventilation. Such roof windows include the pivoting type hinged at or near the centre, the top-hinged type, and finally the roof windows that are top-hinged during normal operation but which pivot for cleaning. Roof windows of the top-hinged type have a primary hinge axis provided by a top hinge and pivot for cleaning by means of an intermediate frame in which the sash is hinged to provide a secondary hinge axis.

Basically, the hinges in such a window need to fulfil a number of requirements, in particular with regard to the movement pattern required to allow an overlap between the cover members fastened to the frame and the counterpart cover members fastened to the sash to be established in the closed position of the roof window. To improve the user experience, lifting assistance by force transmission to selected parts of the hinge may be provided to assist in particular the opening movement. Furthermore, braking means may be provided to modulate the movement of the sash during opening and closing and/or to render parking of the sash in arbitrary open positions easy and uncomplicated. Typically, one hinge will be located at either side of the roof window to define a substantially horizontal hinge axis.

One very well-proven type of hinge providing the required pattern of movements is the pivot hinge, which includes a guidance on the frame hinge part cooperating with a slide rail on the sash hinge part. Such pivot hinges are for instance disclosed in Applicant's <CIT> and <CIT> and are very versatile as regards operational areas and adaptation of components. Examples of roof windows incorporating such adapted hinges are shown in Applicant's published <CIT> and <CIT>.

However, as an alternative to the traditional pivot hinges in certain fields of application, so-called pantograph hinges are known, in which the desired pattern of movements is provided by a linkage mechanism. The use of hinges including linkage mechanisms is traditionally most often known from the furniture field, but such hinges are also well-known to use for roof windows. Prior art examples include <CIT>, <CIT>, and Applicant's European patents <CIT> and <CIT>. In a modern update of this so-called pantograph hinge, Applicant's <CIT> presents a hinge of the kind mentioned in the introduction.

Although the hinges in the above examples are to some extent capable of providing the kinetic and kinematic performances aimed at, there is still room for improvement.

With this background it is an object of the present invention to improve a hinge of the kind mentioned in the introduction with respect to controlling the output forces of the linkage mechanism of the hinge and enabling its relative movement and ease of operability.

This is achieved with a hinge of the kind mentioned in the introduction, wherein further the at least two links of the linkage mechanism are connected to each other in a bearing axle, that the at least two links comprise a sash link providing connection between the bearing axle and the frame hinge part, and a frame link providing connection between the bearing axle and the sash hinge part, and that at least one of the joints between the links and the frame and sash hinge parts comprises a sliding joint cooperating with a guide track and at least one other joint of said joints is selected from the group comprising a sliding joint and a hinged joint, wherein said at least one guide track comprises at least one curved portion.

By forming the links of the linkage mechanism, a more compact and secure connection is achieved between the hinge and the frame and/or sash of the roof window. Therefore, the opening of the roof window may be further facilitated.

By the term "link" it is to be understood an element in the form of a substantially rigid body retaining its shape throughout its motion.

The bearing axle enables a rotational relative movement between the links and is not fixed relative to any of the hinge parts and is thus able to move freely during the opening and closing movements. The links are therefore movable relative to the respective base plates of the hinge parts. In this way, a compact configuration of the hinge is achieved while maintaining suitable degrees of freedom.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the frame link is connected to the sash hinge part in a sliding joint and/or the sash link is connected to the frame hinge part in a sliding joint cooperating with a respective guide track provided in the respective sash hinge part. This configuration enhances operability of the window and control of the force during movement of the sash hinge part and the frame hinge part.

In another presently preferred embodiment, the guide track is provided in the base plate of the respective sash hinge part or frame hinge part. The provision of the guide track in the respective base plate enhances a stable and smooth movement.

In another presently preferred embodiment, one guide track is provided in a respective link of the linkage mechanism.

In the following description, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments according to the invention, and <FIG> show embodiments not according to the invention, and in which.

In the following, embodiments of the inventive hinge and roof window will be described in further detail. When referring to the Figures, the terms up, down, upwards, downwards, top and bottom are taken relative to how the figures are displayed. A front view is taken from the hinge and viewing towards the frame. A view from behind is therefore taken as viewed from the frame towards the hinge. A longitudinal direction is, if nothing else is mentioned, longitudinal along the length of a member. It is to be understood that the arrangement shown in a horizontal orientation is not the normal orientation as the window is installed in an inclined roof.

Throughout the description of embodiments, reference will be made to a hinge carrying reference numerals <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> shown in its mounted condition in a roof window is representative for all embodiments, and any one of the hinges <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM> may thus be put in the place of the hinge <NUM> shown in <FIG>. While there may be differences between the embodiments, elements having the same or analogous function are denoted by the same reference numerals to which <NUM>, <NUM>. has been added.

Initially, reference is made to <FIG> in which a roof window according to the invention is shown, including a set of hinges of which one hinge <NUM> is indicated. The hinge <NUM> is representative of the hinges of the below embodiments.

In a manner known per se, the window comprises a sash <NUM> carrying a glazing in the form of a pane <NUM> and a primary stationary frame <NUM>. The window is intended to be built into a surface, which is inclined with respect to the horizontal, typically a roof, and the window will in the following be referred to as roof window. At a position between the top and centre of the window, there is a hinge connection between the frame <NUM> and the sash <NUM>. The frame <NUM> and sash <NUM> are each formed by four members of which one frame side member 1a and one sash side member 2a are indicated. The sash <NUM> is openable with respect to the frame <NUM>, as the sash <NUM> may be moved from a closed position, in which e.g. the sash side member 2a is substantially parallel with the frame side member 1a, to an open position, in which the sash side member 2a forms an angle with the frame side member 1a. During this movement the sash <NUM> rotates about a hinge axis α situated at the hinge connection. As indicated in <FIG>, the hinge axis α is located substantially at a centre axis of the roof window, as seen in the height direction. Other positions of the hinge axis are of course conceivable, for instance further upwards towards the top of the roof window. A corresponding operation of the window as described above and from here on is also true for the type of hinge described in the Applicant's international application published under <CIT>.

To protect the interior and the components of the window itself and to ascertain weather-proof transition to the surrounding roofing, the roof window comprises a covering, including flashing members (not shown), cladding and covering elements of which a frame side covering element 1b and sash side covering element 2b are shown.

From a closed position, the user operates the operating device of the window. The operating device typically comprises a handle (not shown) connected with the sash bottom member and/or, as a shown here, an operating and locking assembly <NUM> including a ventilation flap at the sash top member with a lock mechanism to interact with a striking plate on the frame top member. The force, and hence moment, exerted by the user operating the operating device, is transferred to the hinge <NUM> which in turn exerts a moment on the sash <NUM>, and the moment resulting from the weight of the sash <NUM> and pane <NUM> is overcome, along with any frictional forces present. All in all, the opening operation entails that the sash <NUM> is moved from a closed position to an open position as represented by <FIG>, in which the sash plane forms an opening angle with the frame plane. Closing the window from the open position entails the opposite movement of the sash <NUM>. It is possible to position the sash <NUM> in a number of arbitrary opening positions, in which the sash <NUM> is held stable relative to the frame <NUM>. The sash <NUM> is also able to be rotated to allow cleaning of the outside of the pane <NUM> from the inside of the building in which the roof window is installed. Depending on the position of the hinge axis in the window, the sash <NUM> may be rotated substantially through <NUM>°.

Referring now first to <FIG>, a first embodiment of a hinge <NUM> will be described in detail.

In <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> is shown in a position corresponding to a closed position of the sash <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. The roof window is represented by frame side member 1a and sash side member 2a in <FIG>, and by only the frame side member 1a in <FIG>, while other parts of the roof window have been omitted for ease of reading. The hinge <NUM> comprises a frame hinge part <NUM> and a sash hinge part <NUM> configured to assume an angle relative to the frame hinge part <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> forms part of a set of hinges, of which the frame hinge part <NUM> of each hinge <NUM> is configured to be connected to the frame side member 1a of the frame <NUM> of the roof window in a mounted condition, at a location chosen to provide the desired position of the hinge axis α, and the sash hinge part <NUM> is correspondingly configured to be connected to the sash side member 2a.

Turning now to <FIG>, a base plate <NUM> of the frame hinge part <NUM> defines a hinge plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis α of the window in the mounted condition of the hinge, and a base plate <NUM> of the sash hinge part <NUM> being is substantially parallel to the base plate <NUM> of the frame hinge part <NUM>. The frame hinge part <NUM> has a receiver element <NUM> coupled to the base plate <NUM>, the function of which will be described further below, and a distance piece <NUM> to keep the base plate <NUM> at an appropriate position relative to the frame side member 1a.

The frame hinge part <NUM> and the sash hinge part <NUM> comprise fastening means which can be for example pins or spigots <NUM>, <NUM>, or any type of threaded fastening means, for fastening to the frame side member 1a and sash side member 2a, respectively. The spigots <NUM>, <NUM> are fixed on the receiver element <NUM> and the base plate <NUM> of the sash hinge part <NUM>, respectively, such that sash-side spigots <NUM> protrude through the distance piece <NUM>. The receiver element <NUM> is fastened to the frame side member 1a either in the supply condition or in a first step of installation, and the remaining components of the hinge <NUM> including the base plate <NUM> of the frame hinge part <NUM> are all connected to the sash <NUM>.

Due to the configuration of the hinge <NUM>, the sash link <NUM> and the frame link <NUM> are provided connected with each other by means of the bearing axle <NUM>, and thus form a coherent structure constituting the "remaining components of the hinge <NUM>".

Following correct positioning of the remaining components of the hinge <NUM> relative to the frame side member 1a with the receiver element <NUM>, the base plate <NUM> of the frame hinge part <NUM> is brought into connection with the receiver element <NUM> in that a base plate rivet 131a is brought into engagement with a receiver element slot 132a.

The frame hinge part <NUM> and the sash hinge part <NUM> are furthermore provided with holding clips <NUM>, <NUM> for connecting the covering elements 1b, 2b of the frame and sash side members 1a, 2a.

It is noted that during the entire opening and closure movement, the respective planes of the base plates <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame hinge part <NUM> and the sash hinge part <NUM> are at all times kept substantially parallel, thus avoiding transverse movements perpendicular to the hinge plane as defined by the base plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

In order to render the necessary movement between the parts of the hinge possible, each hinge comprises a movement supporting assembly. The movement supporting assembly comprises guiding means configured to allow the sash hinge part <NUM> to assume an angle relative to the frame hinge part <NUM> substantially around the hinge axis α during an opening movement from a closed position to an open position and during a closing movement from the open position to the closed position. In the type of hinge according to the invention, the guiding means comprise a linkage mechanism including at least two links <NUM>, <NUM> providing connection between the sash hinge part <NUM> and the frame hinge part <NUM>, and each link is connected to at least one of the frame hinge part and the sash hinge part at a joint and connected to each other as will be described in the following for the first embodiment.

The linkage mechanism comprises two links, namely a sash link <NUM> and a frame link <NUM> providing connection between the sash hinge part <NUM> and the frame hinge part <NUM>.

The frame link <NUM> is connected to the sash hinge part <NUM> in a sliding joint <NUM>. The sliding joint <NUM> cooperates with a guide track <NUM> (not encompassed by the wording of the claims). Here, the guide track <NUM> is provided in the sash hinge part <NUM>, more specifically in the base plate <NUM> of the sash hinge part <NUM>. The sliding joint may in principle comprise a pin or an axle, but is here formed as a sliding block <NUM>. The sliding block <NUM> is connected to an engagement part <NUM>. Suitable materials of the components of the sliding joint, and of other components of the hinge, are given in Applicant's above-mentioned <CIT>. The sliding connection may also include a pin and/or an axle, either alone or in combination with the sliding block.

The sash link <NUM> is connected to the frame hinge part <NUM> by means of an additional link <NUM> via a hinged joint <NUM>. In turn, the additional link <NUM> is connected to the frame hinge part <NUM> at a hinged joint <NUM> located eccentrically relative to the hinged joint <NUM> forming the connection between the sash link <NUM> and the additional link <NUM>.

The sash link <NUM> and the frame link <NUM> are connected to each other in a bearing axle <NUM>.

Furthermore, the frame link <NUM> is connected to the frame hinge part <NUM> in a hinged joint <NUM>, and the sash link <NUM> is connected to the sash hinge part <NUM> in a hinged joint <NUM>.

A force transmission device <NUM> is provided for exerting lifting assistance to the movement of the sash <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> during opening of the roof window in the mounted condition of the hinge <NUM>. The force transmission device <NUM> is provided with biasing means, which in general may be selected from the group comprising leaf springs, torsion springs and tension/compression springs. In the embodiment shown, the biasing means is a tension spring <NUM>. The tension spring <NUM> is connected to the base plate <NUM> of the sash hinge part <NUM> and acts on a pick-up <NUM> connected to the sash hinge part <NUM> in a hinged joint <NUM> such that the pick-up <NUM> acts on the sliding joint <NUM>, at the engagement part <NUM> thereof.

Finally, the hinge <NUM> comprises a braking device <NUM> acting on an element of the movement supporting assembly over a part of the opening and/or closing movement. In its most simple form, the braking device <NUM> comprises a friction element configured to provide a frictional force on a link of the linkage mechanism and/or at a joint between the linkage mechanism and the frame hinge part.

In the shown first embodiment, the braking device <NUM> comprises a friction element in the form of a friction disc <NUM>, biased by a plate spring <NUM> acting on the sash link <NUM> via a washer <NUM>. The friction disc <NUM> is provided between the sash link <NUM> and the additional link <NUM>. The friction disc <NUM> is made of a suitable material which is able to apply a braking force on the sash link <NUM> and consequently on the entire linkage mechanism. The person skilled in the art is aware of materials which are able to withstand wear over long periods of time, for instance suitable plastic materials.

Turning now to <FIG>, a sequence of positions during the opening movement of the hinge <NUM> and thus of the sash <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> of the entire roof window is shown.

From the closed position shown in <FIG>, the sash <NUM> is rotated relative to the frame <NUM> when the user operates the operating device. The particular movement pattern of the linkage mechanism of the guiding means ensures that the sash side covering element 2b moves out of engagement with the frame side covering element 1b without conflict into an open position as represented by <FIG>. The force transmission device <NUM> assists during the lifting operation, and the braking device <NUM> is configured such that it modulates the movement of the sash hinge part <NUM> relative to the frame hinge part <NUM>, and thus of the entire sash <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> in order to keep any exaggerated movement in check.

Turning now to the remaining Figures of the drawings, it is again noted that elements having the same or analogous function are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, to which <NUM>, <NUM>. has been added. Only differences will be described in detail.

In a second embodiment, the force transmission device <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> comprises a pick-up <NUM> connected to the sash hinge part <NUM> in a hinged joint <NUM> and configured to act on the sliding joint <NUM> via a separate pick-up link <NUM>. This provides for an alternative set-up of the force transmission device <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, a guide track <NUM> (not encompassed by the wording of the claims) is provided in the sash link <NUM>, and the sliding joint <NUM> is provided on the frame hinge part <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>.

The friction element of the braking device <NUM> comprises two squeeze blocks <NUM>, <NUM>. The squeeze blocks <NUM>, <NUM> are provided in connection with the sliding joint <NUM> and interact with the sash link <NUM> at the guide track <NUM> therein. Alternatively, a single squeeze block may be provided. The provision of squeeze blocks has proven to function well as an alternative braking solution.

A leaf spring <NUM> acts directly on the sliding joint <NUM>. Specifically, the leaf spring <NUM> acts on the engagement part <NUM> connected to the sliding block <NUM> of the sliding joint <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> is formed substantially as an S-shaped hook.

The force transmission device <NUM> comprises an engagement portion 772a of the leaf spring <NUM>, as well as a first fastening protrusion 775a and a second fastening protrusion <NUM> b. The leaf spring <NUM> attaches to the two protrusions 775a and 775b.

In a still further embodiment shown in <FIG>, the force transmission device <NUM> is biased by two leaf springs 972a, 972b, positioned oppositely. A protrusion <NUM> is comprised at an end of each leaf spring 972a, 972b.

The frame link <NUM> is connected to the frame hinge part <NUM> in a hinged joint <NUM>. The sash link <NUM> is connected to the sash hinge part <NUM> in a hinged joint <NUM>.

A guide track <NUM>, <NUM> (not encompassed by the wording of the claims) is provided in the sash link <NUM> and the frame link <NUM>, respectively. A sliding joint <NUM> is provided on the frame hinge part <NUM> and the sash hinge part <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, two guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the sash hinge part <NUM> and the frame hinge part <NUM>. Each of the tracks <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a curved portion.

The sash link <NUM> comprises a hinged joint <NUM> and a sliding joint <NUM>. The two links <NUM>, <NUM> of the linkage mechanism are connected to each other in the bearing axle <NUM>. The sliding joints <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with the guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM>.

The force transmission device <NUM> is biased by the spring <NUM>. An additional link <NUM> is connected with the frame link <NUM>. The force transmission device <NUM> comprises a pick-up <NUM> connected to the frame hinge part, which is configured to act on the sliding joint <NUM>.

In a still further embodiment, two guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the sash hinge part <NUM> and the frame hinge part <NUM>. Each of the tracks <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a curved portion.

The two links <NUM>, <NUM> of the linkage mechanism are connected to each other in the bearing axle <NUM>. The sash link <NUM> comprises a hinged joint <NUM> and a sliding joint <NUM>. The sliding joints <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with the guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the two links <NUM>, <NUM> have a substantially triangular shape. Each guide track thus comprises at least two portions forming an angle relative to each other, for instance an angle of <NUM>° to <NUM>° relative to each other.

The hinge of the embodiments described in the above is also applicable in roof windows which are top-hinged during normal operation and which pivots for cleaning. It is understood that in such a roof window, the stationary frame <NUM> constitutes a primary frame, and the sash <NUM> functions as a first secondary frame and an intermediate frame functions as a second secondary frame. The intermediate frame is fastened to the stationary frame at a top mounting fitting and the sash is hinged at the top of the roof window, via the intermediate frame to the stationary frame, to render the roof window top-hinged during normal operation. The sash is also pivotally connected to the intermediate frame in order to be able to rotate the sash to provide access to the exterior of the pane, for instance for cleaning purposes. To that end, the intermediate frame is provided with a frame hinge part of the hinge and the sash with the counterpart sash hinge part.

Claim 1:
A hinge (<NUM>; <NUM>) for a roof window with a stationary primary frame (<NUM>) having a plurality of frame members including at least two opposing side members (1a), and at least one secondary frame including a sash (<NUM>) having a plurality of sash members including at least two opposing side members (2a) and optionally an intermediate frame, said hinge being configured to be connected to the primary frame (<NUM>), or to the intermediate frame and to the secondary frame sash (<NUM>) to define a hinge axis (α) of the roof window,
said hinge (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a frame hinge part (<NUM>; <NUM>), a sash hinge part (<NUM>; <NUM>), and a movement supporting assembly comprising guiding means configured to allow the sash hinge part to assume an angle relative to the frame hinge part substantially around said hinge axis (α) during an opening movement from a closed position to an open position and during a closing movement from the open position to the closed position, the guiding means comprising a linkage mechanism including at least two links (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) providing connection between the sash hinge part and the frame hinge part, each link being connected to at least one of the frame hinge part and the sash hinge part at a joint and connected to each other, the frame hinge part (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a base plate defining a hinge plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis (α) of the roof window and the sash hinge part (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a base plate substantially parallel to the base plate of the frame hinge part,
wherein
the at least two links (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of the linkage mechanism are connected to each other in a bearing axle (<NUM>; <NUM>), that the at least two links comprise a sash link (<NUM>; <NUM>) providing connection between the bearing axle (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the frame hinge part (<NUM>; <NUM>), and a frame link (<NUM>; <NUM>) providing connection between the bearing axle and the sash hinge part (<NUM>; <NUM>), and that at least one of the joints between the links and the frame and sash hinge parts comprises a sliding joint (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) cooperating with a guide track (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one other joint of said joints is selected from the group comprising a sliding joint and a hinged joint (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>),
characterised in that
said at least one guide track comprises at least one curved portion.