Arrangement For Moving Fenestration Panels
20230028153 · 2023-01-26
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
E06B3/509
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E06B3/4645
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
Abstract
The invention is an arrangement for moving fenestration panels, comprising fenestration panels (12a-12d) each having two guiding elements protruding respect to each of opposite guide sides, and two track constructions (5) having identical paths, each adapted oppositely arranged for guiding the two guiding elements.
In the arrangement the track constructions (5) are adapted to be arranged in a lower and upper structure portion, comprising first, second and third main track element (10a-10c) adapted to be arranged beside each other, and connector track elements (26a′-32b″) adapted for interconnecting the first and second main track element (10a, 10b), and the second and third main track element (10b, 10c), a track element-connecting pair (32a, 32b) of them is configured being suitable for separated transferring of the guiding elements of each fenestration panels (12a-12d) between the main track elements (10a-10c).
Claims
1. An arrangement for moving fenestration panels, the arrangement comprising fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) each having two guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) protruding respect to each of opposite guide sides thereof, and two track constructions (5, 7) having identical paths, each adapted oppositely arranged for guiding the two guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) protruding respect to each of the opposite guide sides of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d), characterised in that the two track constructions (5, 7) are adapted to be arranged in a lower structure portion (13, 113) and in an upper structure portion (15, 115), respectively, each of the track constructions (5, 7) comprising a first, a second and a third main track element (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) adapted to be arranged beside each other, and connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) adapted for interconnecting the first main track element (10a, 21a, 80a, 151a) and the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b), as well as the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b) and the third main track element (10c, 21c, 80c, 151c), wherein a respective track element-connecting pair (32a, 32b) of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) is configured being suitable for separated transferring of the two guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) of each of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to the given track construction (5, 7) between the respective main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c).
2. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that in a base position of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to a closed state the guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) are arranged in the first main track element (10a, 21a, 80a, 151a), and a separate track element-connecting pair (32a) of the connector track elements (26a′-26a″, 28a′-28a″, 30a′-30a″, 32a′-32a″, 86a″, 88a′, 142a″, 144a′) corresponds to each of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) between the first main track element (10a, 21a, 80a, 151a) and the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b), and in the base position of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) at least one of the guiding element (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) pairs of the guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) located at the opposite guide sides and corresponding to each other according to the identical paths of the track constructions (5, 7) is arranged at a connector track element (26a′, 28a′, 30a′, 32a′, 88a′, 144a′).
3. The arrangement according to claim 2, characterised in that a separate track element-connecting pair (32b) of the connector track elements (26b′-26b″, 28b′-28b″, 30b′-30b″, 32b′-32b″, 86b″, 88b′, 142b″, 144b′) corresponds to each of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) between the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b) and the third main track element (10c, 21c, 80c, 151c).
4. The arrangement according to claim 3, characterised in that connection locations of first track element-connecting pairs (32a) of the connector track elements (26a′-26a″, 28a′-28a″, 30a′-30a″, 32a′-32a″, 86a″, 88a′, 142a″, 144a′) between the first main track element (10a, 21a, 80a, 151a) and the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b), and of second track element-connecting pairs (32b) of the connector track elements (26b′-26b″, 28b′-28b″, 30b′-30b″, 32b′-32b″, 86b″, 88b′, 142b″, 144b′) between the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b) and the third main track element (10c, 21c, 80c, 151c) to the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b) are shifted with respect to each other along a longitudinal direction of the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b).
5. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that in the track element-connecting pairs (32a, 32b) of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) a distance between respective principal lines of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) is smaller than a distance between the two guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to the respective track constructions (5, 7).
6. The arrangement according to claim 5, characterised in that lateral sides interconnecting the guide sides of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d), adapted for being arranged to face adjacent fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) or an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) and a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218) are configured as sealing portions (68, 70, 122) adapted for sealing against the portions of the adjacent fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) or an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) and a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218) that are to be arranged opposite the lateral sides, and the sealing portions (68, 70, 122) have an inclined configuration such that the guide sides have a parallelogram-like shape, and in a base position of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to a closed state thereof, a connector track element (26a′, 28a′, 30a′, 32a′, 88a′, 144a′) of the track element-connecting pair (32a) of the given fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) is arranged near those guiding elements (38a, 40a, 52, 65, 118a, 155a, 220a, 222a) corresponding to the respective track constructions (5, 7) to which sealing portion (70, 122) with inclined configuration having the inclined configuration starting in a direction opposite the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) towards inside of the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) is situated closer.
7. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the main track elements (10a-10c, 80a-80c) and the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′) of the first track construction (5) adapted to be arranged in the lower structure portion (13, 113) are formed by means of an interconnected rail system (50, 100) of main rail pairs (58a-58c, 95a-95c) and connector rail pairs (97a, 97b), respectively, and first guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to the first track construction (5) adapted for arranging in the lower structure portion (13, 113) each have a first guiding roller (60, 83, 85) adapted for guiding on the rail system (50, 100).
8. The arrangement according to claim 7, characterised in that the first guiding roller (60, 83, 85) has a roller housing (61) and a roller ball (62, 81, 87) arranged therein and adapted for guiding on the rail system (50, 100).
9. The arrangement according to claim 7, characterised in that the interconnected rail system of the main rail pairs (58a-58c, 95a-95c) and the connector rail pairs (97a, 97b) is arranged in a recessed configuration.
10. The arrangement according to claim 9, characterised in that the first guiding roller (60, 83, 85) is connected to the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) by means of a connecting shaft (29, 98, 102, 104), and the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) and the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) adapted to be arranged in the lower structure portion (13, 113) are formed between threshold cover profile elements (56, 106), and the connecting shaft (29, 98, 102, 104) is formed being suitable for extending between threshold cover profile elements (56, 106).
11. The arrangement according to claim 10, characterised in that a brush sealing (66, 73, 90) protruding above the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) and the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) is connected to the threshold cover profile elements (56, 106) along the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) and the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′).
12. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the main track elements (21a-21c, 151a-151c) and the connector track elements (142a″, 144a′, 144a″, 146a′, 142b″, 144b′, 144b″, 146b′) of the second track construction (7) adapted to be arranged in the upper structure portion (15, 115) are formed by means of an interconnected guiding trough system (25, 135) of main guiding troughs (23a-23c, 133a-133c) and connecting guiding troughs (137a, 137b) having guiding side walls (27), respectively, and second guiding elements (52, 153b, 155a, 155b, 222a, 222b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to the second track construction (7) adapted for arranging in the upper structure portion (15, 115) each have a second guiding roller (42, 140) adapted for guiding on guiding side walls (27) of a guiding trough system (25, 135).
13. The arrangement according to claim 12, characterised in that in at least one of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) the second guiding roller (42, 140) is connected to the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) by means of an ironing scissors element (74, 215) enabling the tilted opening of the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d).
14. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that in a base position of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to a closed state thereof the guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) are arranged in the first main track element (10a, 21a, 80a, 151a), and the outermost fenestration panels from the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) are connected to a first closing lateral element (14, 216) and a second closing lateral element (20, 218), respectively.
15. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterised in that in the base position of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to the closed state thereof each of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) are connected directly to adjacent fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d), or to an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) and a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218).
16. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterised in that each of the track constructions (5, 7) comprises, adapted to be arranged along the first closing lateral element (14, 216) and/or the second closing lateral element (20, 218) a second parking track portion (34b) and a third parking track portion (34c) being connected, respectively, to the second main track element (10b, 21b, 80b, 151b) and to the third main track element (10c, 21c, 80c, 151c), as a continuation thereof, and one or more auxiliary parking track portion (34d, 34e), adapted for arranging beside the third parking track portion (34c), in such a number that a summed number of the second parking track portion (34b), the third parking track portion (34c) and the one or more auxiliary parking track portion (34d, 34e) is equal to or greater than the number of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d), and each auxiliary parking track portion (34d, 34e) is connected to the third parking track portion (34c) or to an adjacent auxiliary parking track portion (34d) situated closer to it than the third parking track portion (34c) by a track element-connecting pair (36c) of connector track elements (36c′, 36c″).
17. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that a principal line of each of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) is at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) connected to the connector track element (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′).
18. The arrangement according to claim 17, characterised in that each of the connector track elements are rounded off at their connection location to the main track elements.
19. The arrangement according to claim 17, characterised in that in the track element-connecting pairs (32a, 32b) of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) the distance between the principal lines of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) is smaller than the distance between the two guiding elements (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 52, 65, 116b, 118a, 118b, 153b, 155a, 155b, 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b) of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to the respective track constructions (5, 7), lateral sides interconnecting the guide sides of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d), adapted for being arranged to face adjacent fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) or an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) and a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218) are configured as sealing portions (68, 70, 122) adapted for sealing against the portions of the adjacent fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) or an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) and a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218) that are to be arranged opposite the lateral sides, the sealing portions (68, 70, 122) have an inclined configuration such that the guide sides have a parallelogram-like shape, and in a base position of the fenestration panels (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) corresponding to a closed state thereof, a connector track element (26a′, 28a′, 30a′, 32a′, 88a′, 144a′) of the track element-connecting pair (32a) of the given fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) is arranged near those guiding elements (38a, 40a, 52, 65, 118a, 155a, 220a, 222a) corresponding to the respective track constructions (5, 7) to which first sealing portion (70, 122) with an inclined configuration having the inclined configuration starting in a direction opposite the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) towards inside of the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) is situated closer, and the angle between the principal line of the connector track elements (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) and the main track elements (10a-10c, 21a-21c, 80a-80c, 151a-151c) connected to the connector track element (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) differs from the perpendicular such that the connector track element (26a′-26b″, 28a′-28b″, 30a′-30b″, 32a′-32b″, 86a″, 88a′, 86b″, 88b′, 142a″, 144a′, 142b″, 144b′) extends in a direction opposite with respect to the first sealing portion (70, 122) with the inclined configuration.
20. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that on each fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) a first connection element on a first lateral side interconnecting the guide sides of the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d), and a second connection element on a second lateral side interconnecting the guide sides of the fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) adapted to be arranged facing an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) or a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218), fixed to an operating ironing element (212) are arranged, wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are adapted to be displaced by means of the operating ironing element (212), and are configured to be connected, respectively, to a second connection element and a first connection element, adapted to be arranged oppositely, of an adjacent fenestration panel (12a-12d, 82a-82b, 202a-202d) or a closing lateral element (14, 20, 216, 218).
21. The arrangement according to claim 20, characterised in that the first connection element is formed by a projecting connection element (206, 226), and the second connection element is formed by a latching connection element (208, 228).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example with reference to the following drawings, where
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MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0077] The arrangement according to the invention is adapted for moving fenestration panels (or, called alternatively, fenestration elements), so it can also be called a (fenestration) panel moving arrangement, simply a fenestration arrangement, or a fenestration moving arrangement, or even a logistic system moving fenestration elements.
[0078] The arrangement according to the invention for moving the fenestration panels comprises [0079] fenestration panels each having two guiding elements protruding respect to each of opposite (mutually opposite) guide sides thereof (two for each guide side; see e.g. fenestration panels 12a-12d in
[0081] In the arrangement according to the invention the two track constructions are adapted to be arranged in a lower (architectural) structure portion and in an upper (architectural) structure portion (expediently also arranged opposite each other), respectively, (i.e. the track constructions are arranged in a bottom-top way; the (architectural) structure portion can be any such structure that can receive the track construction, i.e. for example they can be called a lower and an upper receiving structure, or their bottom-top arrangement could be formulated in other ways), each of the track constructions comprises [0082] a first, a second and a third main track element adapted to be arranged beside each other (next to each other, alongside each other; see an embodiment of the main track elements also in
[0084] Each of the track constructions are to be arranged in a lower structure portion and in an upper structure portion, respectively (one for each). This is essentially to say that at the bottom and at the top, and—because the track constructions (track structures) have the same path (route, line)—it follows that the panels will essentially be oriented vertically and will be moved in a vertical position (this does not hold true when, for example, they are brought in a tilted state), but a basic requirement during the movement is—and the track elements guide the panels accordingly—that the lower and upper guiding elements forming the pairs have to be in the same track element at the bottom and on the top on the same path, i.e. these run “parallelly” in the lower and upper track constructions.
[0085] The track constructions to be arranged at the bottom and at the top have therefore the same path, i.e. the track elements run identically at the bottom and at the top, the track constructions have mutually matchable configurations. This is necessary in order that the panels can be moved along the unity constituted by the upper and lower track constructions without getting stuck, in a vertical position. As it will be shown, they have the same path, but their configuration is not entirely the same because the lower and upper track constructions—according to their respective functions—are expediently configured for guiding different types of guiding rollers (the lower guiding roller could also be termed “supporting roller” while still using the term “guiding roller” for the upper) so in a different manner, i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, by means of rail pairs and troughs, respectively.
[0086] Accordingly, the track construction is not called “rail system” because rails are present in certain configurations thereof; it can however be termed a “track element arrangement”. Certain parts of the track construction are termed “track elements”; according to the above, a distinction is made between main and connector track elements (track portions). As illustrated in the figures, the main track element provides the main direction of the movement, while the connector (connecting) track elements (track switchers between the main track elements) are adapted for interconnecting the main track elements. In the illustrated embodiment the track elements are formed in a recessed manner, i.e. they are configured with an indentation (recess) and a rail pair therein (at the bottom) and a recess (at the top); at the same time, these can be considered elements because they can be formed by appropriately configuring the surroundings.
[0087] According to the above, the lower and upper track constructions encompass the panel such that the oppositely arranged guiding elements thereof are received in these, i.e. the guiding elements have to be arranged (at the bottom and also at the top) in the track constructions.
[0088] Therefore, the basic requirement related to the mutually analogous lower and upper track constructions is that they have to comprise three main track elements and at least one track element-connecting pair (track element-connection pair) between the first and the second main track element and at least one such pair between the second and the third track elements. As it will be demonstrated below, it can be made a requirement that especially between the first and the second main track elements, but also between the second and the third main track elements to be arranged a dedicated track element-connecting pair for each panel.
[0089] According to the above, the main track elements are adapted to have a side-by-side arrangement. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the main track elements are straight, run parallel to each other, are arranged spaced apart from each other with a gap, and are interconnected by the connector track elements.
[0090] According to the figures this also holds true for the parking track portions in the parking track block.
[0091] The side-by-side arrangement is necessary for forming a track construction from the track elements (with the main track elements being completed by the connector track elements). The distance of the main track elements from each other is affected by the thickness of the panels (their extension perpendicular to the main track elements) and the arrangement of the guiding elements, as this is what determines how the panels get arranged with respect to the main track element (cf. e.g.
[0092] A panel preferably not only comprises two guiding elements along a guide side but has exactly two, i.e. in an embodiment there cannot be arranged more guiding elements along a guide side than this. In such a case the two guiding elements are of course situated along a straight line, i.e., in other words, it can be considered to be supported along a (straight) line.
[0093] The connector track elements of the track element-connecting pair are of course situated between the same main track elements, so both are situated between a first and a second, or between a second and a third main track element.
[0094] As it is also pointed out herebelow, the panels can be glazed (glass panels in some type of frame) or filled in a solid way, or—as with conventional doors and windows, typically disposing the filling part in a frame—may have other types of filling. The configuration details of the invention related to this are not relevant, i.e. they can be freely chosen and created.
[0095] The guiding element can be implemented in several ways (for example, like in the illustrated embodiment, differently at the top and the bottom). It is preferably formed by means of a guiding roller (in this case, the track construction is adapted for guiding that; the guiding roller forms a part of the guiding element), but other solutions can also be conceived, for example utilizing only a protruding element (an element with a shaft-like configuration) at the top, or even also at the bottom that is guided in some manner (in this case the track construction guides directly the guiding element rather than an element forming a part of the guiding element). It is also possible to apply electromagnetic feet instead of rollers, for magnetic levitation support at the bottom and friction-free guiding at the top; applying a suitably configured control these can even be operated (moved) automatically (of course, a 90° track pass-through can also be feasible in such cases). In all of these cases it is needed to ensure expediently as easy movability as possible inside the track elements, by providing a well sliding relationship (even by lubrication) between the elements being in contact.
[0096] As touched above, two respective guiding elements are arranged at each of the oppositely situated guide sides (two for each) of the fenestration panels. This is applied according to the following reasons: The panels are run in the track construction on downwards-protruding guiding elements, i.e. two guiding elements are needed to ensure that a given panel does not become tilted. The two guiding elements at the top are needed so that they guide the panel in a coordinated manner also at the top in the track construction having the same path. Accordingly, as with the guide sides, the two lower guiding elements and the two upper guiding elements are situated on the panel opposite each other, i.e. the lower and upper guiding elements are “paired” also in this manner, or to put it in another way, they are aligned along an axis (this is illustrated by the vertical dashed-dotted line in
[0097] In relation to the guiding elements, it was also given above that they protrude respect to the opposite guide sides of the panels. Each panel will be naturally guided along its two opposite sides; the panels typically having a rectangular shape (their size is considerably large when seen from the front so they can also be called fenestration sashes), it depends on the panel's thickness to what extent it can be regarded as essentially rectangular block-shaped, or, as it will be shown—in the case of a slightly “oblique” shape—as having a parallelogram based prism-shape; however, thin panels also have guide sides (besides that, even a very thin panel can be regarded as a rectangular block or prism), and also those which have a significant thickness (accordingly, the guide side can also be called “guide face”). The guiding elements protrude with respect to these guide sides precisely in order to fulfil their guiding function. The term “panel” is thus used according to the above, referring to a large surface-area plate with a typically low thickness compared to that. In relation to the panels, it was specified above that there is a plurality of them, preferably it can also be specified that the arrangement comprises at least three panels, or even at least four of them. In such cases variability can manifest itself to an even greater degree.
[0098] The guiding elements are therefore responsible for guiding; the guide side itself (as its name indicates, it is only related to the guiding) will not be guided, but only the guiding elements connected to the panels, which—like in the illustrated cases—can be connected to the face of the panel adjacent to the guide side (this is the “large” side of the panel) but can also protrude from the guide face itself (the phrase “protruding respect to the guide side” is meant to include this as well; it is not expedient to affix them to the side facing the adjacent panels or the closing lateral element (i.e. fixed panels) because those sides are typically responsible for sealing, however, they can also be connected thereto). The guide sides themselves can be observed in
[0099]
[0100]
[0101] In
[0102] In
[0103] In
[0104] The top view of
[0105] The sealing portion can also be called a portion/side equipped with sealing elements, because it typically provides sealing such that sealing element (for example sealing rubber) are arranged on the circumference or only along some of the edges. Such sealing elements are applied also in conventional fenestrations, and these can also be observed in
[0106] Preferably, the rubber sealings on the sealing portions are not intended for tangential-direction shifting movement of the two panels; the illustrated sealing will fail if subjected to such loads. If, however, they are displaced in a manner that is consistent with their operation as linear sealings (for which they were developed) they will operate. The panels move like a wing being opened; the sealing element of the sealing portion is configured accordingly.
[0107] In addition to the closing lateral elements 14, 20 and the panels 12a-12d arranged along a single line, in
[0108] As it is also illustrated in
[0109] Based on
[0110] According to the above, from right to left in
[0111] The block corresponding to the parking tracks enables the user to unify two rooms that in the closed state are divided by the panels of the arrangement according to the invention (for example, a room and a terrace/environment or indoors), which can be done by “stacking” the sashes inside or behind a wall, that is, applying the block corresponding to the parking track.
[0112] In
[0113] Accordingly, the embodiment of
[0114] According to the above, the base position corresponding to the closed state of the fenestration panels is the status shown in
[0115] The embodiment illustrated in
[0116] Variability is therefore greatly increased by applying the three main track elements which also improves the interchangeability of the panels. For example, if one of the panels is solid and the other is transparent, the interchanging of the solid panel for the transparent one is achievable. With more than two panels, the inclusion of three main track elements increases variability to an even greater extent, as any given panel can be interchanged (swapped) for any other without restriction.
[0117] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to
[0120] to the second main track element are shifted with respect to each other along a longitudinal direction of the second main track element (see the relative shift between the track element-connecting pairs 32a and 32b).
[0121] It is expedient to apply some shift such that the panel transferred from the first to the second main track element does not slide further right away between the second and third track elements. If a weightier panel (wing) that has gained speed starts to move, it will not be able to slide onto a further adjacent main track element due to its inertia.
[0122] If some shift is included, the panel can be comfortably transferred from the first to the second main track element, the second main track element slightly removes inertia in that direction, and at further movement it can be decided to pass the panel onto the third main track element or to push it along the second main track element.
[0123] As mentioned above, in
[0124] As it was targeted above, in the present embodiment the parking track portion 34a will not be in use because it is not possible to slide a panel thereon due to the closing lateral element 14. This also means that the panels 12a-12d can be introduced into the block 24 corresponding to the parking tracks from the second and third main track elements 10b, 10c. Arriving on one of these (they can be moved on to the third track element 10c earlier), the panels 12a-12d can therefore enter the block 24. If they arrive on the second main track element 10b, then they can switch from one track element to another also inside the block 24. The panels 12a-12d can be transferred (which gets there) between the second and the third main track elements 10b-10c via a first and second connector track element 36a′ and 36a″, followed by passing them onto a first auxiliary parking track portion 34d, and from there onto a second auxiliary parking track portion 34e via track element-connecting pairs constituted by a third and fourth connector track element 36b′, 36b″ and a fifth and sixth connector track element 36c′, 36c″, respectively (a track element-connecting pair 36c constituted by a fifth and sixth connector track element 36c′, 36c″ is indicated in
[0125] Accordingly, the embodiment illustrated in
[0128] In
[0129] Accordingly, in the schematic front view of
[0130] In relation to
[0131] To reach the position it assumes on the third parking track portion 34c, the panel 12b has to follow a more complex route. Initially—in the base position, cf.
[0132] 1.
[0133] In case the panel 12a has been moved earlier to the position shown in
[0134] Because according to our initial assumption the second parking track portion 34b is already blocked by the panel 12a, it is necessary to transfer the panel 12b onto the third main track element 10c. There are two expedient options for that—i.e. without unnecessary movement to the right, also depending on which connector track elements have been chosen between the main track elements 10a-10b-either applying the pair constituted by the connector track elements 26b′ and 26b″, or the pair constituted by the connector track elements 28b′ and 28b″.
[0135] When the panel 12b is already on the third main track element 10c, all that is required for it to assume the position on the third parking track portion 34c (shown in
[0136] 2.
[0137] If we assume that the panel 12b is displaced from its base position than the panel 12a, then the following mode of transfer can also be applied (transfer modes can be combined arbitrarily corresponding to the configuration of the track constructions, provided that blocking of other panels is resolved, for example by pushing them away). For this mode of moving the panels it is also assumed that the panel 12c is not in the blocking position illustrated in
[0138] Then, the movement can be performed such that the base position of the panels 12a-12d is broken by displacing the panel 12b, transferring the panel 12b from the first main track element 10a onto the second main track element 10b. After that, the panel 12b can be slid along the second main track element 10b onto the second parking track portion 34b, and then it can be transferred via the connector track elements 36a′ and 36a″ onto the third parking track portion 34c. Thereafter, the panel 12a can also be transferred onto the second parking track portion 34b relatively simply (expediently via the connector track elements 26a′ and 26a″, and the second main track element 10b).
[0139] The two modes of movement of above were described in order to demonstrate the variability provided by the track construction 5 (and the appropriately arranged track construction 7).
[0140] In the following the possible movements of the panels 12c and 12d is also described in detail, also specifying how the panels 12a-12d move corresponding to the arrangement of the guiding elements in the configuration of this embodiment. These findings are therefore also valid for the movement of the panels 12a-12b, but for the sake of transparency in their case only the “big movements” were described. In
[0141] First, the manner of moving the panel 12c is described. As shown in
[0142] Because in the present embodiment a distance between the connector track elements in the track element-connecting pairs is smaller than a distance between the guiding elements corresponding to the same panel (i.e. to a given side thereof, as shown in
[0143] The position of the panel 12c shown in
[0144] The situation shown in
[0145] From this state, the first guiding element 38a can therefore be passed onto the connector track element 28b′, and according to this passing it pulls the second guiding element 38b to the left of the figure. The second guiding element 38b is then pulled on until it reaches the connector track element 28b″. As soon as it has reached it (this is illustrated in
[0146] Transferring the panel 12c onto the third main track element 10c is continued from the state shown in
[0147] Breaking of the base position corresponding to the closed state, i.e. opening up the unity formed by the fenestration panels 12a-12d can also be understood based on the above-described process (for more details on this see the description of
[0148] The shape of the panels 12a-12d is generally parallelogram-like (see also below), i.e. in top view their sides facing the adjacent panels or closing lateral elements are inclined (oblique, having an inclined angle), so the locations where the adjacent panels meet or where a panel and a closing lateral element meet are such locations where two (generally, because seals have complex shapes) inclined sides meet. The openability of the panels is determined by the direction of the inclination. As shown in
[0149] By pulling the given guiding element along that connector track element it will pull with itself the other guiding element, and after a relatively small amount of pulling, this other guiding element will also reach the connector track element corresponding to that. The required amount of pulling is determined by the location of this connector track element. Only such an amount of displacement is required due to opening (lifting out) of the other side of the panel that allows for the friction-free release of the overlapping seal (improved by a rubber sealing) from between the pulled-away side of the panel and the adjacent panel or closing lateral element.
[0150] The positioning of the panel 12d as illustrated in
[0151] However, contemplating the above description it could also be argued that
[0152] In
[0153] In
[0154]
[0155] In
[0156] In accordance with
[0157] However, from
[0158] The solution with bearing rollers (see the roller illustrated in
[0159] In
[0160] The guiding element 65 is affixed to the panel 12d (for example, a movable glass panel) with the help of an elongated first console 64. The guiding element 65 is a lower guiding element, as it is apparent from the illustration of the panel 12d. Expediently, all lower guiding elements (for the other panels 12a-12c) can be configured like the guiding element 65 (cf.
[0161] The console 64 has an L-shaped section, with the shorter side of the L pointing outward. A connecting shaft 29 adapted for connecting a first guiding roller 60 to the console 64 (and via the console 64, to the panel) is connected from outside to the shorter side. The first guiding roller 60 has a roller housing (casing) 61 retained in a retaining element 51 secured by means of double (double strained) nuts (female screws) to the end of the connecting shaft 29, with a roller ball 62 being arranged in the roller housing 61.
[0162] In
[0163] These components are assembled as follows: the ball roller is introduced (together with its housing) into the machined aluminium socket from the bottom. The threaded screw rod is then screwed into the top portion of the socket and is secured applying the first counter nut. The upper counter nut is screwed on the upper part of the threaded screw rod, and this is then screwed into the threaded body of the console 64, followed by counter-screwing thereon the upper counter nut.
[0164] Height adjustment is performed as follows: after loosening the upper counter nut, the console 64 (and the panel 12d) can be lifted from above by an Allen key by clockwise rotation, or, applying counter-clockwise rotation, descended; when the desired height is achieved it is fixed by tightening the upper counter nut.
[0165] The first guiding roller 60 is therefore preferably a ball roller, of which a preferred internal configuration is shown in
[0166] In a configuration example, the rail pair is implemented as a stainless rail pair (see the rail pairs e.g. in
[0167] According to the above, in this embodiment preferably [0168] the main track elements and the connector track elements of the first track construction adapted to be arranged in the lower structure portion are formed by means of an interconnected rail system (in the embodiment illustrated in
[0170] In this embodiment, preferably furthermore, the first guiding roller has a roller housing and a roller ball arranged therein and adapted for guiding on the rail system.
[0171] In the case of the invention, in some cases the ironing rotation point (pivot point; i.e. the guiding roller, ball roller) has to function in 2 dimensions while it is connected to a fenestration system with an ironing operation system and profile configuration designed for being operated in 1 dimension. The ironing is expediently implemented applying 2-dimensional ball rollers of the type utilized in conveyors (i.e. having high load bearing capacity; see
[0172] If the rotation points are set at different locations than what is shown, then the track path may change, as well as the edges of the panels move along a different path with respect to the current case. This may be necessary in case the material of the frame- or the filler material of the panels requires an alternative support position, or in case the thickness of the panels and/or the distance of the main rails would change significantly, or the path (in plan view) of the rail is a broken line or arcuate. Relocating the rotation point can be performed exclusively based on CAD design, after adjusting the single required parameter all the other parameters are adjusted accordingly, while retaining the layout and fixing principles.
[0173] The panels can be moved manually (which is also aided by particular technical configuration details, for example the inclined configuration of the connector track elements with respect to the main track elements), but motorized moving of the panels can also be conceived. The invention does not include the mode of moving the panels at this level; it is expedient to take into account that the bottom portion of the arrangement may be exposed to precipitation water.
[0174] In an embodiment of the invention the guiding element is arranged (retaining the operating principle of the outside-affixed rotation ironing) at the inside plane of the panel. Accordingly, in an embodiment the arrangement according to the invention is installed such that the guiding elements and thereby the track construction (cf.
[0175] In the following, further configuration details of the substructure shown in
[0176] In
[0177] The threshold cover profile elements 56 are fitted on a block 59 (see the leftmost threshold cover profile element 56, the configuration is similar for the others as well). It is shown in
[0178] In
[0179]
[0180] In the case of
[0181] In
[0182]
[0183] In
[0184] Accordingly, in this embodiment preferably [0185] the main track elements and connector track elements (examples are shown in
[0187] The bottom boundary line of the upper structure portion 15 shown in
[0188] As shown in
[0189] The main guiding troughs 23a-23c shown in
[0190] In
[0191] In a manner analogous to
[0192] Accordingly,
[0193] Like in
[0194] Referring to
[0195] In
[0196] It can easily be seen in
[0197] Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated above, [0198] in a base position of the fenestration panels corresponding to a closed state the guiding elements of the fenestration panel are arranged in the first main track element (as it was shown above, this condition may be fulfilled on its own, without the condition set forth in the next paragraph), and [0199] a separate track element-connecting pair of connector track elements corresponds to each of the fenestration panels between the first main track element and the second main track element (i.e. the number of the included pairs equals the number of the panels such that each pair can use its own “exit” from the first main track element towards the second main track element; this greatly improves variability), and in the base position of the fenestration panels at least one of the guiding element pairs of guiding elements of the fenestration panels located at opposite guide sides and corresponding to each other according to the (mutually) identical paths of the track constructions is arranged at a connector track element (see guiding element 40a in
[0200] The guiding element pairs referred to above are those guiding elements that are at an identical (corresponding) position in the lower and upper track constructions. According to the figures it will be shown below that in certain cases it is even more expedient if only one of these pairs is situated at a connector track element (i.e. that pair at which the panel is opened from the base position).
[0201] It is also clearly observable in
[0202] The track element-connecting pairs among the connector track elements can be determined unambiguously, because those pairs wherein the distance between the pair members is greater than the distance between the two guiding elements corresponding to the same panel cannot be considered, since it would not be possible the pass the panel along such a pair in a manner that each of the two guiding elements thereof advance along each of the two connector track elements, while too close pairs also do not come into consideration because it is apparent that they do not correspond to the same panel.
[0203] The distance between the connector track elements of the same track element-connecting pair can of course not be greater than the distance between the guiding elements (more precisely, the components being responsible for guiding, see in detail below) corresponding to a panel. On the one hand, this is meant by that the track element-connecting pairs of the connector track elements are configured being suitable for separated transferring of the two guiding elements of each of the fenestration panels corresponding to the given track construction between the main track elements. Additional aspects for appropriately configured track element-connecting pairs (also related to separated transferring) are described below.
[0204] The situation is a bit more complex if the panels do not have identical width. This is because, according to the principle of panel exchangeability and to the possibility of rearranging the panels, if for example a wider panel is to be inserted in the place of a narrower panel, it can be only realized if the corresponding appropriate distance (space) has also been provided. That is why a “matrix” was mentioned, i.e. the distance between the track connector elements is envisioned to be specified in steps (for example steps of 25 cm).
[0205] As it would not be possible to transfer a narrower panel on a track element-connecting pair dimensioned for a wider panel, the distance between the connector track elements of the track element-connecting pairs is chosen to match the narrowest applicable panel, because panels wider than that can be transferred on such a pair. This would also allow that in the base state the guiding element situated at the front (from the aspect of opening) can be positioned at the connector track element (providing a fixed order of panels in the base state).
[0206] In addition to that, the following can be set forth in relation to the minimum of the distance between the connector track elements of the same track element-connecting pair, naturally beside that if the members of the pair are too close to each other, that is not preferred because then they essentially do not form a distinct connection element, therefore in such a case they do not help the transfer between the main track elements on a short section.
[0207] What is important in relation to specifying these is the relationship between the distance of the connector track elements of the same pair and the distance between the guiding elements; these distances are both variable. In the present disclosure, the conditions are given such that the distance between the guiding elements is considered to be fixed, while the distance between the connector elements is regarded as variable, but based on the foregoing a reverse scenario is conceivable possible, or even one wherein both distances are variable.
[0208] In certain figures it can be observed (cf.
[0209] This is a “point-like” requirement (pertaining to the narrowest panel in case the panels have variable width) regarding the relationship of the distances. Provided that the track construction has a clear layout, the distance at which the guiding elements have to be arranged from each other for a given track element-connecting pair in order that this requirement is fulfilled can be obtained (the scenario that they have a fixed distance have been abandoned here to make this sole assertion). And in case the distance between the guiding elements is fixed, then the location of the connector track elements can be obtained such that the above requirement is fulfilled.
[0210] A possibility to make this requirement a “non point-like” one is to set a requirement for the track construction and the arrangement of the guiding elements that the relationship between the distance of the guiding elements and the distance of the connector track elements within a pair relate to each other such that the trailing guiding element (considering the progress) should reach the corresponding connector track element of the track element-connecting pair no later than the moment when the leading guiding element has finished travelling along the connector track element corresponding thereto. If the trailing guiding element reaches this position earlier than that, i.e. it starts to travel therein before the leading completes the crossing, then the two guiding elements of the panel travel at the same time in the connector track elements corresponding to them. If this condition is made a requirement, then the transferring of the panel between the main track elements preferably does not take too long but is completed over a relatively short track section with respect to the main track elements.
[0211] If, however, the trailing guiding element gets there only after the leading one has got through, it is preferably because at any given time only one of the guiding elements of a given panel switches between the main track elements, i.e. is situated in the connector track element corresponding thereto.
[0212] Configuration limitations can also be formulated as follows: the distance between the connector track elements is smaller than the distance of the guiding elements, and besides that, as a minimum condition it can be specified for the distance of the connector track elements of a track element-connecting pair that the leading guiding element that has already got through should travel a maximum distance along the main track element after arriving thereon that equals the length of the connector track element (or a double or half thereof) until the trailing guiding element reaches the connector track element corresponding thereto. If the panels do not have identical width, then this requirement may pertain to the narrowest panel, in which case wider panels will travel more until the trailing one also reaches the corresponding connector track element (see the above description on variable panel width).
[0213] In the embodiment of
[0214] Such embodiment, however, can also be conceived wherein the connector track elements do not have a straight shape but, an embodiment is conceivable for example based on the present embodiment wherein the connector track elements are formed such that their shape slightly differs from the linear in a manner that the connector track elements are rounded off at their connection location to the main track elements.
[0215] The rounded-off portions may facilitate the introduction of the guiding elements of the panels onto the connector track element, while they have such a small size that they do not affect the manner of the transferring process of the panels between the main track elements (which process was described above for the straight connector track elements). By “small size” it is meant that the rounded-off portions extend along a small portion, for example along maximum 25%, on each side, of the length of the connector track element (“length” here refers to length measured along the principal line, i.e. a distance obtained by interconnecting the two main track elements by the principal line). Track switching is operable irrespective of whether it is implemented in an inclined angle, right angle, in an arc (in a rounded-off manner), or in an “S” curve defined by two arcuate sections. The shape of the track will determine the degree of comfort provided by the arrangement and it is also related to the mode of fitting the panels (sashes) to each other.
[0216] In case rounding-off is applied, the principal line of the connector track element will preferably be the straight line that can be obtained as a continuation of the linear portion thereof situated in the middle. Utilizing this straight line, the distance between the connector track elements can be determined (in the case of non-straight/linear track elements taking into account the distance of these lines).
[0217] If it holds true that a distance between respective principal lines of the connector track elements of the track element-connecting pairs is smaller than a distance between the two guiding elements of the fenestration panels corresponding to the respective track constructions, furthermore [0218] the lateral sides interconnecting guide sides of the fenestration panels, adapted for being arranged to face adjacent fenestration panels or an adjacent fenestration panel and a closing lateral element are configured as sealing portions adapted for sealing against the portions of the adjacent fenestration panels or an adjacent fenestration panel and a closing lateral element that are to be arranged opposite the lateral sides, (the sealing portions of a panel may face adjacent panels, or, because several panels are included, an adjacent panel and a closing lateral element; in an embodiment this requirement may be fulfilled individually, i.e. not only in combination with the forthcoming ones), and [0219] the sealing portions have an inclined configuration such that the guide sides have a parallelogram-like shape, and in the base position of the fenestration panels corresponding to a closed state thereof, a connector track element of the track element-connecting pair of the given fenestration panel is arranged (in the lower and upper track construction) near those guiding elements corresponding to the respective track constructions (in the case of complex guiding elements, the element thereof responsible for guiding, for example in the case of a guiding element having a guiding roller, the guiding roller, more precisely the roller ball thereof) to which sealing portion with inclined configuration having the inclined configuration starting in a direction opposite the main track elements towards inside of the fenestration panel is situated closer (cf.
[0220] In the case of a fenestration element (e.g. considering a conventional window wing), the term “inclined configuration” refers to a “non-linear” configuration, but interrupted by steps and seals it extends in a given—inclined—direction such that the element can be fitted against its counterpart extending in the opposite direction. This inclination defines one side of the parallelogram-like shape, so this explanation also makes it easier to understand the concept “parallelogram-like”. The term “parallelogram-like” is taken to mean that the parallelogram (that characterizes the shape) has sides that are not straight lines but (the inclined sides) have various interruptions constituted by steps and seals. The longer sides of the parallelograms are typically straight lines, in line with the panel configuration (cf. the panel shape shown in
[0221] In order to make a parallelogram-like shape from a normal wing having a trapezoidal cross section a so-called conversion profile (“stulp”) can be applied, which is a column-like component that can be affixed by screws to the side of a wing and complementing the existing cross-section such that it becomes a parallelogram from the trapezoid.
[0222] If the conditions set forth above are fulfilled, an adequate sealing between adjacent components can be provided; and it is then possible to “open up” a panel when the guiding element at which the connector track element is situated in the base position is “started off” along the connector track element. Furthermore, in line with the condition specified for the distances, the inclined side that is tilted towards (tilted on) the next inclined side is brought out from behind said next inclined side, and then—when it is pulled away to a sufficient extent (by pulling it from behind the protruding corner of the adjacent inclined side)—it can be “started off” along the connector track element, now not disturbed by the inclined end given by the inclined side.
[0223] In relation to that, in
[0224] Based on
[0225] In an embodiment, in addition to the condition pertaining to the angle laid down in the previous paragraph it also holds true that (cf. the above description, these conditions are partially fulfilled therein as well, but in an embodiment only the following set as a requirement for the invention in addition to the condition related to the angle) [0226] in the track element-connecting pairs of the connector track elements the distance between the principal lines of the connector track elements is smaller than the distance between the two guiding elements of the fenestration panels corresponding to the respective track constructions, [0227] lateral sides interconnecting guide sides of the fenestration panels, adapted for being arranged to face adjacent fenestration panels or an adjacent fenestration panel and a closing lateral element are configured as sealing portions adapted for sealing against the portions of the adjacent fenestration panels or an adjacent fenestration panel and a closing lateral element that are to be arranged opposite the lateral sides, [0228] the sealing portions have an inclined configuration such that the guide sides have a parallelogram-like shape, and in a base position of the fenestration panels corresponding to a closed state thereof, a connector track element of the track element-connecting pair of the given fenestration panel is arranged near those guiding elements corresponding to the respective track constructions to which the first sealing portion with inclined configuration having the inclined configuration starting in a direction opposite the main track elements towards inside of the fenestration panel is situated closer, and [0229] the angle between the principal line of the connector track elements and the main track elements connected to the connector track element differs from the perpendicular such that the connector track element extends in a direction opposite with respect to the first sealing portion with the inclined configuration.
[0230] The condition formulated in the bullet point just before is fulfilled in
[0231] It is also expedient to apply inclined (angled) connector track elements because it allows for releasing the overlap seal between the sealing portions without causing friction. In addition to that, our experience shows that displacing the panels in an inclined angle is also more comfortable in the case of manual operation; it somehow feels softer, “more ergonomic”. Perpendicular displacement is supported by automatic (motorized) operation, but, because manual operation is preferred, angled displacement is primarily applied. Manual operation can also be applied in the case of perpendicular displacement, i.e. in case the main and connector track elements lie at a right angle.
[0232] A guided movement of the panel (wing) wherein the wing is not momentarily stopped during track switching but the panel can switch tracks (at both of its support points) while still moving with a reduced speed (in the illustrated embodiments this condition is fulfilled) is called a “constrained-path” movement.
[0233] If a track angle of 90° is applied between the main and connector track elements, and a thereby the panels are lifted out from the closed state (and the wing edge seals are released) at a right angle, a so-called “not constrained path” solution is in play.
[0234] Furthermore, our experience indicates that this way the panel can also be given some momentum, allowing that it can be opened easily and can be transferred onto the second main track element, and, utilizing the momentum, even from the second main track element onto the third main track element.
[0235] In
[0236] All guiding elements 38b, 40a, 40b have the same orientation, irrespective of whether they are arranged at the right or at the left side of the panel. The guiding elements 38b and 40b arranged at the right side of the panels 12c and 12d, respectively slightly extend over the end of the given panel 12c, 12d.
[0237] For the location of the guiding elements 38b, 40a, 40b it is relevant where the connecting shaft 29 (shown in
[0238] In
[0239] In addition to that,
[0240] An appropriately oriented brush holder element 71 is arranged at both sides of each angled connector track element. In an example, the brush holder element 71 is preferably a 3D-printed component that has an inclined layout in top view, and is adapted for closing off ends of threshold elements and for holding brush. The included brush sealings are therefore implemented applying mutually oppositely arranged brushes facing each other, with the shaft of the guiding element (a connecting shaft 29, preferably a threaded rod) running between them.
[0241]
[0242] As shown in the schematic portion of
[0243] In
[0244] Ironing scissors elements are also applied for conventional tilt windows and doors; the operation thereof is described below. The ironing scissors element has two arms that are interconnected via a shaft; when the arms are released, these can turn about the shaft with respect to each other.
[0245] The arms of the ironing scissors element can be implemented such that one arm has a longer, straight shape with the shaft being disposed along its length, while the other arm (second, openable arm) extends from the shaft. If such an ironing scissors element is applied in the present invention, the longer arm can be arranged on the panel (more precisely, in the illustrated embodiments only on the shorter leg of the L-shaped console 44 that has a corresponding length measured along the panel), while the guiding roller 42 can be arranged at the end of the second arm on a shaft protruding therefrom (cf.
[0246] The ironing scissors element functions as follows in the invention. If the scissors are not open, that is the ironing scissors element is secured in its closed state (cf. a tilting window in the closed state, in such a case only complete closure or complete—non-tilted—opening is possible), then the two arms of the ironing scissors element are brought in alignment, i.e. the guiding roller 42 will be situated above the console 44 (cf.
[0247] In line with
[0248] In
[0249] In
[0250] In relation to the arms, it is noted that a non-openable (remaining) arm can also be integrated in the console, or alternatively it may lift up the openable arm from the console. By including a washer under the guiding roller 42 it can be provided that the opened arm is distanced to a greater extent from the plane of the upper structure portion.
[0251] In the case of the illustrated arrangement, between the ironing element arranged in the panel (at the rim thereof) and the ironing scissors element taken to the console a connection is formed that ensures that—at the appropriate position of the handle—the scissors can be released or fixed, that is, by appropriately coupling the scissors and the ironing element the scissors are opened by the ironing element when the latter is turned (cf.
[0252] Such an operating mode and such an implementation of the connection can also be conceived wherein in the closed state the arms of the scissors are perpendicular to the panel, with a projection (being expediently flat) protruding from each arm (the projections being rotatably interconnected at their ends opposite the scissor arms), said projections in their closed state being parallel with the plane of the panel. In addition to that, a cut with a shape ending in an open portion is made in each projection (under each other in the closed state) that receives a connection element of the ironing element (the cut is L-shaped, with the shorter leg of the L ending in the open portion, so the short leg extends to the edge of the projection in a direction opposite the console, the connection element of the ironing element can come free of the cut at this location, and the longer leg of the L is a closed portion wherein the connection element of the ironing element can move without being opened, when the scissors are not yet released).
[0253] So, by displacing the ironing element the projections are released and the opening arm of the scissors is started off by tilting the panel (now the scissors are able to open, because the connection element of the ironing element can come freely out of the cut). If the ironing element (i.e. the handle—to ensure that the scissors are opened only when the tilt function is activated) is displaced only to an extent corresponding to opening the panel, the connection element of the ironing element (expediently a cylindrical element) is displaced, but only to an extent that the connection element stays in the closed portion of the cut, so for the moment the scissors remain closed, and the connection element comes free from the cut only in case the ironing element is further displaced and reaches the open portion. Until this happens, the scissors stay closed which implies that the roller connected to the scissors can leave the main track element only in the direction of the connector track element, i.e. the panel can be opened only via (along) the track construction.
[0254] Other solutions are also conceivable, for example such that in order to activate the tilt function (for example at a given orientation of the handle) the scissors have to be opened by manual release at the top of the panel.
[0255] Based on the top and other figures it can be understood that in case of a parallelogram-shaped cross-sectional configuration, the side of the panel that was not “started off” directly along a connector track element—said side slightly “hiding” behind the corner of the adjacent panel—has to be “pulled out”. From that it also follows that with this configuration the tilt function of the panels cannot be activated in the closed state, because the adjacent panels or the closing lateral element obstruct the tilting of the upper portion of the panels at one side thereof. However, when a panel is brought out from its obstructed position (by pulling the panels sideways at their location, or by bringing them into a “free state” on a main track element), its tilt function becomes available. If the cross-sectional shape of the panels is not parallelogram-like but rectangular, then of course the tilt function can be applied without restrictions, i.e. in such a case the panel is lifted out from the closed state at 90°. It is also possible in the case of the illustrated configuration that only the last panel (the panel 12d) has a tilt function, because therein a trapezoidal panel cross section can be applied instead of a parallelogram-like one, i.e. the configuration is resolvable.
[0256] In
[0257]
[0258] In
[0259] Therefore, in
[0260]
[0261] In
[0262] As it was touched above in
[0263] Furthermore, the guiding element of the panel 12c shown further left in the figure was transferred from the second main track element 10b onto the third main track element 10c. Preferably, this guiding element will be situated at the corresponding connector track element when the panel 12c is fully transferred onto the second main track element 10b, i.e. when the guiding element thereof situated further right is transferred from the first main track element 10a onto the second main track element 10b.
[0264] In addition to that, in
[0265]
[0266] In
[0267]
[0268] Assuming that the panels 12a-12d are arranged in the order shown in
[0269] In order that the panel 12d can be brought into place first, it has to be passed beside the panel 12c in some manner, and then—expediently already on the third main track element 10c—also beside the panel 12b. This expediently involves sliding the panel 12d beside the panel 12c along the second main track element 10b, followed by transferring it—passing it before the location of the panel 12b shown in
[0270] Thereafter, the panel 12c and then the panel 12b can be relatively simply brought in place inside the block 24. The panel 12c is situated on the third main track element 10c already in
[0271]
[0272]
[0273]
[0274]
[0275]
[0276]
[0277] In the figure connector track elements 86a″ and 88a′ situated between the first main track element 80a and the second main track element 80b are shown (in the spatial drawings the connector track elements are marked in accordance with the above; the references a′, a″ and b′, b″ are applied also here for identifying the members of track element-connecting pairs; in
[0278] In
[0279] The illustrated section is perpendicular to the main track elements 80a-80c, so the view clearly shows that the connector track elements lie at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the main track elements 80a-80c.
[0280] In
[0281] It can also be observed in
[0282] In the view of
[0283] The brush sealings 90 are retained in threshold cover profile elements 106 (in specially configured grooves thereof, in the same manner as is shown in
[0284] In the view shown in
[0285] The guiding elements 116b, 118a, 118b are configured identical to the guiding element 65 (cf.
[0286] In the view shown in
[0287] In contrast to the closed state of the panels 80a, 80b illustrated in
[0288] To assume the position illustrated in
[0289] The motionless state of the panel 82a is also demonstrated by the fact that the guiding roller 83 stays in place (if the panel 82a was opened at its other guiding roller, then the guiding roller 83 would also be displaced due to it being pulled along the connector track element, especially because the latter is in an angled position tending towards the foreground of the figure).
[0290] The following features also contribute to bringing about the position of
[0291] In
[0292]
[0293] Like
[0294] Like in
[0295]
[0296] It is therefore shown in
[0297] In
[0298] In
[0299] In contrast to
[0300]
[0301] In
[0302] In the view of
[0303] In
[0304] As with
[0305] The above mentioned threshold cover (such as e.g. threshold cover profile elements 56 and 106) are typically made of extruded aluminium profiles, like every aluminium fenestration profile. In addition to the brush sealing arranged in the longitudinal groove (cf. the brush sealings shown in
[0306] In
[0307] The brush holder element 71 shown in
[0308] The brush holder elements 71 with unique development (preferably 3D-printed) illustrated in
[0309] The illustrated component therefore has the following parts: a vertical block (a block 177) adapted for securing the component to the substructure and/or to the threshold covers; a horizontal element (a brush retaining rail 175) adapted for receiving the groove of the brush sealing and also provides the horizontal securing of the threshold cover elements; and finally a brush retaining groove (a brush retaining portion 173) that passes around 3 sides of the component and is adapted for receiving the retractable brush sealing.
[0310] The unique components are therefore made in pairs (left hand-right hand), and in addition to receiving a seal they also stiffen the threshold elements. We also wondered on forming the component adapted for providing transverse sealing utilizing aluminium profiles with ends cut at 45 degrees (a “mitre joint”), but this would result in a very small piece, so it is more expedient to apply the unique component illustrated above that can even be made with a 3D printer, and can also be suitable for serial production.
[0311] According to the above, therefore, in an embodiment the rail pairs of the track construction to be arranged in the lower structure portion are arranged in a recessed configuration, that is the interconnected rail system of the main rail pairs and the connector rail pairs is arranged in a recessed configuration (as illustrated in the figures, the rail pairs are preferably recessed (sunk) between blocks, but the recessed configuration can also be provided in another way). The recessed configuration preferably ensures that the rail pairs are not disturbing.
[0312] Furthermore, preferably there are threshold cover profile elements arranged along the main and connector track elements; this can also be formulated as the main and connector track elements are formed between threshold cover profile elements (thereby the threshold cover profile elements appoint the track elements, with the threshold cover profile elements also extending above which), the connecting shaft (to be arranged at a right angle with respect to the rail pair) that is coupled to the panel via a console and is coupled to the guiding rollers extending between the threshold cover profile elements. Therefore, also concealing the rail pairs is provided.
[0313] In the illustrated embodiment, therefore, [0314] the first guiding roller is connected to the fenestration panel by means of a connecting shaft, and [0315] the main track elements and the connector track elements adapted to be arranged in the lower structure portion are formed between threshold cover profile elements, and the connecting shaft is formed being suitable for extending between threshold cover profile elements.
[0316] Preferably, brush sealings are also arranged along the main track elements and along the connector track elements, i.e. at the end portions of the threshold cover profile elements preferably cut at an inclined angle (the shape of this portion corresponds to the shape of the connector track elements, cf. the description of the shape of the connector track elements); this is preferably implemented applying the element illustrated in
[0317] In an embodiment, therefore, a brush sealing protruding above the main track elements and the connector track elements is connected to the threshold cover profile elements along the main track elements and the connector track elements.
[0318] In
[0319] This condition is not strictly necessary, because the arrangement according to the invention can also be situated indoors, or may also be applied as a separator that must be ready to be opened any time, i.e. that for opening it from the closed state—even without turning a handle, i.e. by means of a simple tab or even by only grabbing the panel—the closed state should be broken at one of the panels.
[0320] In
[0321]
[0322] In
[0323] A function group involving three positions of the handle 210 is described below. These functions may also involve handle positions that are different from the ones described below, and it is also important to mention that there can be such situations wherein the tilt function is not available (e.g., due to certain configuration features, such as angled sealing portions, it is not possible to tilt the panel from the closed state), in such cases the handle may expediently only be turned between two positions.
[0324] If large and heavy panel is applied, it can be expedient to apply a longer handle (providing greater lever arm), or to arrange another handle on the other edge of the panel that faces in the same direction. In the latter case the two handles belonging to the same panel operate the same ironing, so the two handles have to be turned in a synchronized manner.
[0325]
[0326]
[0327] Firstly, it is important to note that a great advantage of the illustrated embodiment lies in that the configuration and arrangement of the connection elements allows that the panels can be handled completely separately from each other. In other words, it allows for freely selecting the particular panel that we would like to open in order to release the closed state; and it is also important to emphasize that if a particular panel is selected for opening, then the connection elements need to be activated (released) on the given panel, i.e. it is not necessary to adjust the other panels (see in more detail below). This also makes possible that even two panels can be opened simultaneously at the start of the process.
[0328] In
[0329] Opposite the connection elements 206 auxiliary latching connection elements 204 are arranged on a closing lateral element 216, and latching connection elements 208 are arranged on the panels 202a-202d (the latching connection elements can also be called “receiving” in the sense that—as it will become apparent below—the protruding connection element can be introduced behind them into a latching position). The auxiliary latching connection elements 204 are fixed, the connection elements 206 are movable relative to them by turning the handle 210 of the adjacent panel 202a. At the same time, the latching connection elements 208 are arranged on a third ironing element branch 212c of the ironing element 212, and can also be operated displaced also by turning the handle 210, but upwards.
[0330] A second ironing element branch 212b of the ironing element 212 is adapted for interconnecting the first and third ironing element branches 212a and 212c, such that the turning of the handle affects the entire ironing element 212.
[0331] The operation of the embodiment that is illustrated also in
[0332] By turning the handle 210 by 90° (this is illustrated by a dashed quarter-circular arrow drawn at the handle 210)—said handle points downwards in
[0333] The closure points and the counterparts (protruding and latching connection elements 206 and 208) are expediently affixed to the ironing element 212 (preferably implemented as an aluminium rod), as was touched upon in the foregoing. Like a train on its tracks, upon turning the handle 210 the ironing element branches 212a-212c of the ironing element 212 slide in a longitudinal groove (recess) formed in the side of the profile of the panel (wing). As it was mentioned above, the auxiliary latching connection elements 204 are an exception, as they are fixedly arranged on the frame (the closing lateral element 216; this also applied for connection elements 206 arranged on the closing lateral element 218 that are also fixed, so when the panel 202 is opened the connection elements 208 are pulled therefrom). The extent to which the components are displaced by sliding relative to each other depends on the extent to which the handle 210 is turned; thereby the sliding (
[0334] Both the sliding and the tilting functions require the release of the closure points, so the sliding displacement of the connection elements and the distance of the closure points have to be configured such that the latter are released in both states (sliding and tilting; accordingly, the positions of connection elements 206 and 208 are identical in
[0335] In
[0336] In the case of activation, i.e. in this case, if the handle 210 is turned by 90°, the protruding connection elements 206 of the panel 202b are displaced downwards and pulled out from the latching connection elements 208 of the panel 202a (in the case of the outermost panel 202a, they are pulled out from the latching connection elements 204). In general, it can be rephrased that these connections are released by displacing the protruding connection elements 206. To achieve that it is not needed that the latching connection elements 208 (or at the sides, the connection elements 204) are displaced.
[0337] Furthermore, in the case of activation, the latching connection elements 208 of the illustrated panel 202b are also displaced with the help of the ironing element 212. Because the protruding connection elements 206 of the adjacent panel 202c are fixed (assuming that the opening function of the panel 202c has not been activated), they are displaced (moved) upwards. It can be observed in
[0338] The panel 202b can then be opened because it is not locked against the adjacent panels. The protruding connection element 206 is configured such that (cf.
[0339] If, therefore, the handle 210 is turned by another 90° (also in the anti-clockwise direction) according to
[0340] For accessing the slide function from the ventilation function, the panel has to be pushed inwards at its upper portion to eliminate the tilt, then the slide function can be accessed by turning the handle clockwise by 90°. Turning the handle by another 90° will close the panel. Expediently, the tilt function cannot be accessed in the slide state, but because in such a state the arrangement can be applied for airing/ventilation so there is no need for tilting the panel/wing also when it is slid aside.
[0341] Ironing scissors elements 215 allowing for the tilt function is affixed to the consoles of the upper guiding elements (such as the guiding elements 222a, 222b in
[0342] In relation to
[0343] In
[0344] In the case of such a fenestration arrangement wherein the moving wing/element and the fixed portion are closed against each other at an inclined connection angle, due to the applied configuration overlapping contacts are formed both along the inside and along the outside faces. The components can butt against each other only in one direction, so it is possible that the mechanism has an inward or outward opening function (in most cases, fenestration mechanisms are inward or outward opening due to their configuration; in most cases, this is also determined by the mutually contacting portions of the sashes).
[0345] In the case illustrated in
[0346] The protruding connection elements (closure points) are typically cylinders with their axis set parallel to the inside plane of the fenestration element. These are some kind of rollers against which the closure counterpart (latching connection element) is tensioned by rolling on it, and thereby ensures tightness for the closure (the roller can also move with respect to the closure counterpart, cf. for example the release mechanism of the connection elements 204 and 206). Tightness of closure can be achieved by the appropriate shape/configuration of the closure points.
[0347] The shape of this (i.e. of the latching connection element) can be socket-like near the edges of the structure, but because a solution has to be found also for the middle fields (between the pairs formed by the panels 202a-202d), and because the closure point can only be displaced perpendicular to the axis of the closure point, it has to be configured as some kind of a projection thereof (see also FIG. 26E). The projection is pulled from the mantle of the roller, i.e. their connection is released (by displacing the roller or the projection) such that by turning the handle, it is forced by the ironing mechanism (rod) to move inside the groove of the panel (wing).
[0348] For these, further illustration is given in relation to
[0349] In
[0350] It is important to note here that the closed state with the projection will be brought about together with the surrounding configuration (this was referred to above), because the configuration of the projection makes use of the opening direction of the fenestration element (that the panel can be opened in a particular direction may be caused by the inclined connection faces on the sides of the panel, but the panel can even be prevented from opening in the opposite direction by the track construction; the closure method illustrated in
[0351] Markings of
[0352]
[0353] In the embodiment illustrated in
[0356] (the first and second connection elements) adapted to be arranged facing an adjacent fenestration panel or a closing lateral element, fixed to an operating ironing element are arranged, wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are adapted to be displaced by means of the operating ironing element, and are configured to be connected, respectively, to a second connection element and a first connection element, adapted to be arranged oppositely, of an adjacent fenestration panel or a closing lateral element.
[0357] According to the above, therefore, the first and second connection elements are adapted to be connected to each other; they can be interconnected by displacing them, and their connection can of course be released in a similar manner; in this case their interconnection implies—according to the above—that in their interconnected state they prevent the panel from being opened with respect to the adjacent panel, optionally in cooperation with other configuration features—for example, panel edges, track configuration.
[0358] The following is noted concerning the dimensions: The dimensions of the wing can be determined, expediently for two-handed operation, for example as follows. In such a case, possible preferred values are given below.
[0359] The height of the wing/panel equals the storey height, maximum 3.0 metres, its maximum width is 1.5 metres. Wider panels are expediently moved by a motor.
[0360] About masses: Sashes with a mass greater than 300-350 kg are already uncomfortable to move by manually, but applying motorized operation even several tons can be moved if the roller can bear the load (the illustrated roller can).
[0361] Basically, the minimum wing width can be approximately 1000 mm, with manual operation the maximum width can be 1500 mm. The height can be 2700-3000 mm, which equals the height of room. The size of the parking tracks is minimum the width of the sashes. Distance between track axes is approximately twice the thickness of the panels+20 mm. The console is arranged at a distance from the edge that is minimum the same as the wing thickness.
[0362] In an example, the characteristic values are the following: The number of panels is four. The width of the panels is for example 963 mm (i.e. approximately 1 m as specified above), while their thickness is 86 mm. In the example, the mass of the panel is 100 kg (glazed panel with an aluminium frame).
[0363] In this example, the distance between the connector track elements in a track element-connecting pair is 832 mm, and between connector track elements (closer to each other) not forming a pair the distance is 131 mm. In an example, the panel height is 2200 mm, but this can of course be adjusted according to the height of room.
[0364] In this example, furthermore, the distance between the centerlines of the main track elements is 185 mm, the width of the lower main track elements is 60 mm (at the portion under the threshold, around the roller), and the width of the roller socket fitting thereto is 55 mm; also, the width of the upper main track elements is 20 mm, and the width of the roller (shown as double) fitting thereto is 18 mm.
[0365] The width of the closing lateral element 14 characterizing well width of the block of parking tracks is 1200 mm in the example (the sealing edge is further 29 mm).
[0366] In the example, the shaft protruding from the console is at a distance of 18 mm from the edge of the panel, and the console extends 10 cm upwards along the panel, and the end of the roller ball extends 8 cm downwards from the bottom of the console.
[0367] Further dimensions of the example can also be obtained from the scaled drawings.
[0368] Thanks to this arrangement, therefore, the portion of the guiding element that is directly responsible for guiding is preferably recessed and concealed, and the bottom plane of the panel is situated above the threshold profile (with a tolerance; i.e. it is arranged in a manner to prevent contact). Thus, the rollers and the rail system are not visible, because preferably the size of the gaps between the threshold profile elements is such that the connecting shaft of the guiding roller can (comfortably) fit between the brush sealings arranged along their edges (the distance between the oppositely arranged brush sealings is preferably smaller than the diameter of the connecting shaft).
[0369] In the invention a suspension mechanism is not expediently applied because it is not needed; guiding at the top is sufficient also in the case of sliding or folding-systems. In case of sliding panel systems there are two types of existing approaches: the first comprises rollers for a “floating” configuration at the bottom frame (i.e. the panel—which in many cases is very heavy—runs on the rollers) and a guiding configuration at the top (which is essentially adapted for ensuring that the panel does not fall out, that is why the rollers of the illustrated type are applied at the top guiding), the embodiments illustrated in the figures are based on this principle; while according to the other approach the panels are suspended at the top applying guiding at the bottom portion (in this case, the panel runs along a rail arranged at the top by means of a carriage, while at the bottom a pin is arranged on a rail to guide the panel and prevent it from falling out).
[0370] The approach disclosed in HU 223 805 B1, mentioned in the introduction, is adapted for vertically moving window sashes; the accessible functions are provided accordingly, with a number of natural limitations on the movements that stem from the functions. In this approach the window sashes can only be moved from their base position one after the other, and even thereafter the sashes can only be moved considering each other, because only two rail tracks allowing for the simple opening of the window (i.e. freeing up the lower part) are arrange behind each other.
[0371] HU 223 805 B1 does not aim at extending the set of functions as the desired functionality can be achieved by the disclosed approach. On the contrary, one of the advertised advantages of this approach is its small space demand. In contrast to that not the space demand, but for the invention the primary consideration was providing the greatest possible variability.
[0372] In HU 223 805 B1 the configuration of the rails (grooves) also serves the sole function that is disclosed in the document (i.e. utilizing the turnout track sections perpendicular to the main track sections, and applying the curved pullaway track section). In contrast to that, in the invention the tracks (rails at the bottom) are arranged as a system, preferably even modularly, the connector track elements are arranged parallel to each other (i.e. generally at the same distance from each other along their entire length). This also allows for a modular configuration, i.e. an arbitrary number of the repeated blocks (as shown in the drawings) can be applied, so the number of the applied fenestration panels can be chosen freely.
[0373] In HU 223 805 B1 such modularity is not desirable, so local (non-modular, non-repeating) configuration types adapted for providing the given function are applied (see for example the arrangement of the rail tracks adapted for tilting the lower window sash backwards and for introducing the upper sash into the wall portion under the window, and also the internal arrangement of the rail tracks inside the wall portion under the window). Accordingly, the approach of HU 223 805 B1 is does not have a continuous (raster-net) configuration.
[0374] It is mentioned in HU 223 805 B1 that the window can also be manually operated. It has to be noted that, due to the complexity of the movements, there can occur a lot of such situations in the approach of HU 223 805 B1 wherein it would not be possible to manually operate the arrangement (due to obstructions or inaccessible parts), or it could be manually operated only by simultaneously approaching it from both sides, which is not really feasible in the case of a window. In contrast to that, the high degree of variability of the arrangement according to the invention can be made use of even by applying manual operation.
[0375] In the introduction more documents were mentioned that include tracks (typically two of them) extending beside each other, but the tracks are not connected by means of connector track elements (i.e. switching between the main tracks is not implemented utilizing such elements) but by other (e.g. lifting) mechanism.
[0376] Also, certain prior art approaches apply divider ribs between the panels (see further below) that can be expedient for the given application. In contrast to that, according to the invention it is not desirable to apply divider ribs. Without applying divider ribs, an opening covered by the fenestration panels arranged in a row can be freed up completely, so the spatial regions divided by the fenestration arrangement can be joined fully (see the state illustrated in
[0377] In such an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention wherein, in a base position of the fenestration panels corresponding to the closed state [0378] the guiding elements of the fenestration panel are arranged in the first main track element, and [0379] the outermost fenestration panels are connected to a first closing lateral element and a second closing lateral element, respectively,
[0380] it preferably also holds true that in the base position of the fenestration panels corresponding to the closed state thereof each of the fenestration panels are connected (a connecting seal—with parallelogram-shaped layout outlines —, or one meeting at edges—with rectangular-shaped layout outlines) directly (that is, expediently without inserting a fixed divider rib affixed in the lower and upper guiding element) [0381] to adjacent fenestration panels (such panels are the fenestration panels that are arranged in the base position between two other fenestration panels; in such a case wing-to-wing connections are made, producing an overlapped tightness—with parallelogram-shaped layout outlines —, or one meeting at edges—with rectangular-shaped layout outlines), or [0382] to an adjacent fenestration panel and a closing lateral element (such are the fenestration panels arranged in outermost positions in the base state; in the case of identical panel sizes these are interchangeable, but panels of different width may also be applied).
[0383] In relation to the prior art approaches the following additional points are made.
[0384] Hungarian patent No. HU 223805 discloses a sliding window structure that is made up of two sashes balanced by suspended counterweights and guided by pins in guiding grooves in the two vertical sides of the frame. Each of the two sashes moves along a respective vertical track. The sashes can be placed on both tracks in the wall portion under the window—in that case the opening above said wall portion is freed up completely. This prior art approach has the drawbacks that the sashes are not able to exchange their places, and that the sashes are guided only along two guiding rails.
[0385] GB 1,263,866 discloses a window structure wherein the sashes can be displaced from their base position in a horizontal plane—perpendicular to their principal surface—by a special roller system, whereupon the sashes can slide in front of each other's plane. A disadvantage of the approach that it utilizes a vertical divider rib. The wing does not connect with wing, so they do not form a surface that could be freed up completely (and thus could be used e.g. for terrace access). The sashes cannot be pushed away to the left or right (cannot be stacked) because only two tracks are included, and the sashes can move at 90°.
[0386] U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,524 A discloses a sliding door cupboard wherein the doors can be lifted in front of each other's plane applying a special ironing system disposed at the bottom, and thus they can be freely and independently moved in front of/behind the other door panel. The disadvantages of the approach are that the sliding and lifting displacement are only at right angles, and that the doors are moved applying special mechanisms rather than a rail track.
[0387] In CN204370956 U a sliding door cupboard is disclosed similar to the approach disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,524 A wherein the doors can be lifted in front of each other's plane applying a special ironing system arranged at the top, and thus they can be freely and independently moved in front of/behind the other door panel. A drawback of the approach is that the doors can be displaced only sequentially—like a train with carriages—along a track including switches. It has a suspended system, and there is an angle of 90° between the track and the direction of displacement. It cannot be applied for implementing a windproof and waterproof frontage fenestration element, and it is also not suitable as an indoors acoustic barrier, while the door segments cannot be moved in a tilted position.
[0388] In JP2010-024800 A a guide system is disclosed by means of which flat panels/fenestration elements can be moved in two directions. Panel movement is enabled horizontally in the two principal directions (parallel to and perpendicular to the plane of the panels) by a suspension rail system. A disadvantage of the approach is that it has an “office chair” mechanism, i.e. the wheel rotates.
[0389] In KR100806171 B1 a movable terrace door arrangement is disclosed that allows for modifying the size of a terrace by moving fenestration elements in directions perpendicular to the plane thereof. The glazed elements can be moved guided by bottom and top rails (concealed in the bottom and top floor); with mesh/foil built into the frame structure extending between the edges of fenestration elements pulled away from each other. The approach has the disadvantage that the tracks cannot be moved laterally. The sashes are not interchangeable, cannot be tilted, and the surface cannot be freed up completely (in lack of parking tracks).
[0390] As a summary of the foregoing, the followings are also noted in relation to the invention (referring also to the figures; the features described below are optional which fulfilled in some cases).
[0391] In Europe only thermal bridge-free (i.e. thermally insulated) facade fenestration elements can be put on the market. In the closed (i.e. rest) state every system component has to contribute to perfect sealing, while there is a constant need for temporarily opening up the facade surface. One of the dominant trends in contemporary architecture is minimalism. This trend aims at implementing glazed surfaces extending from floor to ceiling and along the entire width of the façade, consisting of as large uninterrupted panes as possible.
[0392] The object set before the invention is to provide a complex solution for operating fenestration elements that fulfils all needs for various modes of opening, and allows for moving the panels both simultaneously and individually, and preferably provides a thermal bridge-free closed state. The weight limit of the movable frames preferably allows for moving panels weighing 1500 kg.
[0393] The essential feature of the system preferably implemented by the invention is that panels (e.g. thermal insulating glass panels) are moved in a restricted manner along raster-net rail tracks recessed into the floor and in the ceiling plane, on special suspension and support elements, by way of manual, electromagnetic, or electric force, by tensioned wires, or optionally by a combination thereof, such that in the rest position the panels can be arranged in a row with each other along a vertical plane in a sealed (windproof) manner to fulfil the need of closing off an opening in the building and facade (see
[0394] Standing angle of the facade panels during operation is not necessarily vertical, because due to the properties of the rail system and the lower and upper guiding elements it may be necessary to implement an inward tilt function at the top (see
[0395] In case the number of the lower and upper guiding elements does not exceed 2-2 pieces each, then the panels can also perform “corner turns” on certain arcuate or broken-line rail systems. If all the guiding elements of the 2-2 piece set are in a sliding (retractable) relationship with the panel, then the panels can also perform the openable function (i.e., when one (top and bottom) pair of the preferably four consoles can be retracted with the rollers from the lower and upper rails, while the other side is fixed below and above them by the corresponding consoles utilizing protruding pins, then it will be possible to open the wing; this, however, works only for edge-sealed sashes).
[0396] Utilizing the special guiding mechanism preferably applied in the invention a product that is unique in the world market has been produced, with which applying the largest currently available thermal insulating glass panes with the highest transparency, functions performing almost all the opening modes, individually for each panel, or even simultaneously can be performed, while it is also possible to move away the panels and stack them at a given location. The panels can be glazed or solid but may practically also have any filling that is allowed as a result of static dimensioning.
[0397] The frame structure of the panels and the sealing approach included around them, as well as the control and/or power supply of the suspending and supporting guiding elements do not fall into the competence of the present patent claim. The system established with the invention preferably is operable only with parallel bottom and top raster-net track guiding.
[0398] In relation to guiding and supporting the panels at the bottom, the followings are given. The facade being in connection with the panels preferably receives a framing extending fully around. The framing is preferably fully built into the receiving structure (floor, ceiling, and side walls) in a recessed implementation.
[0399] The bottom framing is a load relieving element that extends all along, is partially thermal bridge-free, but incapable of water absorption, which element is preferably also adapted for draining water (e.g. splash water in a pool room, condensation water leaking from the panels) in a non-visible manner.
[0400] The bottom framing receives the bottom raster-net rail track that can be formed applying prefabricated rails, rail crossings, and special module elements, built as a raster connectible by means of claws. The bottom raster-net rail track is preferably built from modules to provide an easy modular design (manufacturing) and easy on-site installation and establishing free from human errors.
[0401] Preferably, a step-proof covering is placed on top of the modules of the raster-net rail track aligned with the level of the indoor floor, in which the entire track layout and its crossings are milled out from. The width of the milling-out is chosen to the connector stem between the bottom guiding element and the supported panel. The inclusion of such a covering is expedient (necessary if certain parts are to be concealed), because without it the passages of the modular raster-net rail track may become blocked, even an occasional fallen foreign object may cause operational obstructions, as well as in the fully open state this is also required for providing that user may pass comfortably.
[0402] In relation to guiding and suspending at the top, the followings are given. The upper framing is identical in appearance to the bottom one, but it does not have waterproofing tasks. Like with the bottom raster-net rail track, track modules are also arranged in the upper framing mirrored to a horizontal axis parallel to the floor plane, which can be done by prefabricated rail and rail crossing module elements (crossing point), building in a raster interconnectable mechanically by claws.
[0403] A covering is fixed on the underside of the track modules place to the upper framing, aligned with the level of the indoor ceiling, and the entire track layout and its crossings are milled out from the covering. The width of the milling is chosen to the connector stem between the upper guiding element and the suspended panel. The upper covering is implemented applying material dimensioned for tensile and shear loads and corresponding retaining elements, because suspension is realized only by means of the guiding element supported on the upper edges of the milled-out portions of the covering.
[0404] The invention is preferably a logistic system for moving fenestration elements, which—like a marshalling yard—is able to realize the moving of fenestration panels independent of each other, exchanging their positions, in an airtight-sealed manner utilizing more than two rail tracks. Rail track moving can be realized by an expedient modification of the fenestration threshold such that a guiding upper threshold is also applied together with the bottom threshold suitable for providing the independent movement.
[0405] The system provided by the invention is preferably such an ironing mechanism that is adapted for tilting, opening, sliding, parallel-opening, collecting to a place of fenestration panels (optionally glazed) which can be installed along straight, arcuate or broken-line layouts that is characterised by that it operates/moves an unlimited number of frames guided simultaneously at multiple points by means of stems, connector elements and/or sliding or rolling elements in continuously installed raster-net rail tracks simultaneously and/or independent of each other depending on the track capacity, operated and moved manually, or by electromagnetic, electric means, tensioned wires, or motorized, or a combined force thereof.
[0406] Not all buildings are of straight base layout, but opening up a corner is also frequently needed. The guiding function of the transverse-direction tracks can also operate in a broken-line configuration, but in this case their relative position (distance and angle) at the breaking edges will be different in the case of the first and the second pusher tracks and of the second and third pusher tracks (main track element).
[0407] In the case of an arcuate or broken-line layout, the position of the transverse tracks is preferably calculated by software, and fully unique manufacturing is done, so we cannot speak of modularity.
[0408] Arcuate configuration: In the case of a guiding requiring any curve that differs from the straight track path, the main track paths are not kept parallel to each other because, although the arcs they describe have the same radius, these have different focal points. The path of the track switch (connector track element) can be designed accordingly; the bottom support and the top guide paths are still required to be parallelly extending.
[0409] Broken-line configuration: The main track may also have a path that is different from the straight-line, i.e. a broken-line guiding configuration can be formed such that the corner points of the main track path (path of the main track elements) are situated on a constructed (not mutually parallel) curved line, with the arcs having identical radius but different focal points. The paths of the track switches can be designed accordingly; the bottom support and the top guiding are still required to be parallelly extending. The breaking points can be arranged symmetrically along the arcs situated between the track switches; however, if we would like to arrange them more densely, or the radius of the arcs would be highly reduced, then some track switches must be eliminated proportionately.
[0410] The invention is, of course, not limited to the preferred embodiments described in details above, but further variants, modifications and developments are possible within the scope of protection determined by the claims.