VERTICAL SLIDING WINDOW FOR A BUILDING

Abstract

The invention is directed to a vertical sliding window as a closure for an opening in an exterior wall of a building, wherein for opening, at least one window pane of the sliding window may be lowered downwardly, in particular into a flat chamber within a box. The sliding window may be provided as a finished module, with the option of integrating insulation and/or designing the facade; it is also possible to integrate a roller shutter box, in particular also in heat-insulated form. The area of application for such a sliding window component ranges from single-family dwellings to high-rise buildings of any conceivable height.

Claims

1. A vertical sliding window (1) as a closure for an opening in an exterior wall of a building, wherein all superposed, movable window panes (2) of the sliding window (1) are an integral part of a single sliding sash (8), which for opening may be lowered vertically downwardly as a whole, and may be completely or essentially completely countersunk into a flat chamber (14) within a box (13), characterized in that the free lower edge of a filter mat (42a) or a horizontal rod fixed thereto is suspended or suspendable on the upper edge of the sliding sash (8), wherein the filter mat (42a) is suitable for filtering suspended particles such as fine sand, dust, allergens, fine particulate matter, soot, and/or aerosols, and may be unwound from a shaft (43a) installed above the closed sliding sash (8).

2. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that two straight longitudinal edges adjoin the free lower edge of the filter mat (42a) and connect the free lower edge of the filter mat (42a) to the shaft (43a), and in each of which a lateral guide and/or seal extends.

3. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lateral guide and/or seal for the filter mat (42a) have/has a U-shaped cross section whose opening faces the filter mat (42a).

4. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that one or both inner sides of the opening of a lateral guide is/are provided with a rubber seal or a brush seal.

5. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the free lower edge of an insect screen (42b) or a horizontal rod fixed thereto is suspended or suspendable on the upper edge of the sliding sash (8), wherein the insect screen (42b) may be unwound from a shaft (43b) installed above the closed sliding sash (8).

6. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one shaft (43a; 43b) from which the filter mat (42a) and/or the insect screen (42b) may be unwound is supported within an upper, horizontal closure element (12), wherein a shaft (43a; 43b) accommodating the filter mat (42a) and/or the insect screen (42b) is preferably pretensioned by a spring element in a rotational direction such that the spring element seeks to wind up the filter mat (42a) and/or the insect screen (42b).

7. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the shaft(s) (43a; 43b) is/are displaced perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the window pane.

8. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the free end of the filter mat (42a) and/or of the insect screen (42b) detaches from the particular shaft (43a; 43b) in an area facing the window pane.

9. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a first shaft (43a) for the filter mat (42a) and a second shaft (43b) for the insect screen (42b).

10. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the filter mat (42a) is wound onto the first shaft (43a) in an opposite winding direction than the insect screen (42b) is wound onto the second shaft (43b).

11. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a spring tensioning element for the first shaft (43a) is situated opposite from the spring element for the second shaft (43b) so as to act in a reverse direction of rotation.

12. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the insect screen (42b) is situated on the inner side of the filter mat (42a).

13. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that lateral guides for the insect screen (42b) are situated on the side of the guides for the filter mat (42a) that face the interior.

14. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the free lower edge of the filter mat (42a) or a horizontal rod fixed thereto is suspended or suspendable in the area of the outer side or in the area of the inner side of the upper edge of the sliding sash (8).

15. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the free lower edge of the insect screen (42b) or a horizontal rod fixed thereto is suspended or suspendable in the area of the inner side of the upper edge of the sliding sash (8).

16. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one shaft (37) from which a roller shutter (38), a roller blind, or a louver blind may be unwound is supported in the area of the upper, horizontal closure element (12).

17. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one guide groove for the guiding accommodation of each side edge of the roller shutter (38), roller blind, or louver blind is incorporated into each of the two lateral mullions (11) of the window casing (10), wherein the slotted openings of these two guide grooves lie in a shared vertical plane parallel to the plane of the vertical sliding sash (8), and face one another.

18. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the lateral guide grooves for a roller shutter (38) are situated on the outer side (40) of the countersinkable sliding sash (8), in particular on the other side of the guide for a filter mat (42a), and/or the lateral guide grooves for a roller blind or a louver blind are situated on the inner side (41) of the countersinkable sliding sash (8), in particular on the other side of the guide for an insect screen (42b).

19. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a panel (46) made of a transparent material is provided in the upper area of the window opening, preferably on the outer side, to allow gap ventilation that is not impaired by driving rain.

20. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one lowerable sliding sash (8) has a movable frame (3) that is connected to the glass pane(s), or is designed without a frame.

21. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing of the box (13) accommodating the lowered sliding sash (8) is not transparent, so that in any case the completely lowered sliding sash (8) is still visible along its upper edge strip; when the sliding sash (8) is completely lowered, the upper edge strip may preferably be either completely lowered into the box (13), or protrudes upwardly from the box (13) at most by a narrow region, preferably by a height of not more than 30 cm, preferably by a height of not more than 20 cm, in particular by a height of not more than 10 cm.

22. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the box (13) accommodating the lowered sliding sash (8) is an integral part of a window casing (10), wherein the movable sliding sash (8) is guided in each position, wherein at least one guide groove or guide rail (9) for the guiding accommodation of each side edge of the lowerable sliding sash (8) is preferably incorporated into the two lateral sections of the window casing (10), and wherein the slotted openings of these two guide grooves or the two guide rails (9) preferably lie in a shared vertical plane parallel to the plane of the vertical sliding sash (8), and face one another.

23. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the box (13) accommodating the lowered sliding sash (8) has a further, flat chamber for accommodating insulation (30), in particular thermal and/or acoustic insulation (30).

24. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a drive (17) for raising and/or lowering the lowerable sliding sash (8) is situated in the chamber (14) of the box (13) accommodating the lowered sliding sash (8) or in a further flat chamber or chamber extension (20) of the box (13) that is parallel to this first chamber (14).

25. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the drive (17) comprises at least one drive element selected from the group consisting of: a) one or more vertical toothed rack(s) (26) that is/are connected or connectable to the lowerable sliding sash (8); and/or b) one or more vertical scissor-like drive(s) (19) that is/are coupled or coupleable to the lowerable sliding sash (8); and/or c) one or more vertical threaded spindle(s) that is/are connected or connectable to the lowerable sliding sash (8); and/or d) one or more vertical traction element(s) that is/are connected or connectable to the lowerable sliding sash (8).

26. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the drive (17) has at least one energy converter for converting supplied auxiliary energy into a mechanical movement, for example an electric or hydraulic motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

27. The vertical sliding window (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the drive (17) of the sliding sash is coupled to control, regulation, and/or monitoring which according to predefined criteria automatically bring(s) about closing or partial or complete opening of the sliding sash (8), for example during deteriorating weather conditions, as an integral part of a central anti-burglary protection system upon leaving the building or living space in question, or when there is a low oxygen level or increased humidity in the interior in question.

28. A vertical sliding window (1) as a closure for an opening in an exterior wall of a building, characterized in that at least one window pane (2) of the sliding window (1) is an integral part of a sliding sash (8), which for opening is downwardly lowerable, in particular into a flat chamber (14) within a box (13).

29. A vertical sliding window (1) as a closure for an opening in an exterior wall of a building, wherein all superposed, movable window panes (2) of the sliding window (1) are an integral part of a single sliding sash (8), which for opening may be lowered vertically downwardly as a whole, and may be completely or essentially completely countersunk into a flat chamber (14) within a box (13), characterized in that the free lower edge of an insect screen (42b) is suspended or suspendable on the upper edge of the sliding sash (8), which may be unwound from a shaft (43b) installed above the closed sliding sash (8).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Further features, particulars, advantages, and effects based on the invention result from the following description of one preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference to the drawings, which show the following:

[0064] FIG. 1 shows a sliding window according to the invention in a vertical section transverse to the plane of the pane, which by way of example is driven by a type of scissor linkage;

[0065] FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of detail II in FIG. 1; and

[0066] FIG. 3 shows an alternative drive for the sliding window according to FIG. 1 in a schematic illustration, in a viewing direction perpendicular to the plane of the pane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0067] The aim is for a sliding window 1 according to the invention to eliminate the disadvantages of conventional windows. For this purpose, multiple elements are combined into a unit.

[0068] The key component is a window pane 2, which may be made up of multiple glass panes, for example two or three glass panes, that are joined together. These panes may optionally also be separated by one or more cavities, thereby improving the thermal and/or acoustic insulation capability.

[0069] This window pane 2, or optionally the plurality of glass panes that comprise it, is preferably mounted in a sash frame 3. However, this is not absolutely necessary. A single glass pane or a window pane 2 made up of joined-together glass panes could also be used without directly joined frames.

[0070] The sash frame 3 may be situated all the way or only partially around the periphery of the window pane 2.

[0071] An upper horizontal bar 4 of the sash frame 3 preferably extends along the upper edge 5 of the window pane 2, and/or a lower horizontal bar 6 of the frame 3 extends along the lower edge 7 of the window pane 2. These two horizontal bars 4, 6 may be joined together by lateral struts, which, however, is not mandatory if the bar(s) 4, 6 is/are fastened to the window pane 2 in some other way.

[0072] The sash frame 3 is also suitable in particular as an engagement point for a sliding device that is driven manually or by motor. Without such a sash frame, punctiform, for example bracket-shaped, receptacles for the window pane 2 on a motor-driven sliding device are also sufficient for transmitting force into the window pane 2.

[0073] The overall entity made up of the window pane 2 and all parts 4, 6 of the sash frame 3 that are fixedly connected thereto form the sliding sash 8. Of course, the sash frame 3 of the sliding sash 8 could also have muntin bars that either may be superimposed, or that actually divide the sash frame 3 into multiple surfaces or openings into which a window pane 2 is inserted in each case. However, such a measure would generally be provided more for esthetic than for functional reasons.

[0074] In order for the sliding sash 8 to be vertically displaceable, its side edges, i.e., the side edges of the window pane 2 when a sash frame 3 is absent, or in the case of an incomplete sash frame 3, the end-face sides of the horizontal bars 4, 6, or for a complete sash frame 3, its vertical lateral stiles or struts that join the horizontal bars 4, 6 together, are height-adjustably accommodated in two lateral guide rails 9 of a window frame 10.

[0075] The window casing 10 surrounds the sliding sash 8 around its entire periphery. The sliding sash may be made of any desired material and may have any given shape and thickness. Illustrated as an example are two lateral uprights, mullions, or window casings 11 that accommodate the guide rails 9; these may be connected above and below the closed sliding sash 8 via a cross strut in each case. An upper leg or an upper closure element 12 connects the two mullions 11 above the sliding sash 8, while the lateral mullions 11 are connected by a weather guard and/or a window sill and/or a lower closure element 13, in particular at a distance below the upper closure element 12 that corresponds approximately to the height of the window pane 2.

[0076] The lower closure element 13 is preferably not designed as a pure crossbar, and instead may have a flat, preferably rectangular extension whose height corresponds to the height of the window pane 2.

[0077] A flat closure element 13 having a carrier plate for plaster 52 or some other plate-shaped facade material or also having a viewing surface may be provided on the inner and/or outer flat side.

[0078] This closure element 13 accommodates a chamber-like cavity 14. This cavity extends over the entire, or essentially the entire, height of the lower closure element 13, its width corresponds to the distance between the guide rails 9, and its depth extension perpendicular to the plane of the sliding sash 8 corresponds at least to the width of the guide slot of a guide rail 9. Due to its dimensions and the inner chamber 14, the lower closure element 13 resembles a box.

[0079] The chamber-like cavity 14 is open at its top side, and at that location has a slotted opening 15 through which the sliding sash 8 can slide. The slotted opening 15 may be sealed off by two lateral sealing strips 53, which may be fixed at the top side 16 of the lower closure element 13 as well as on the side, and/or at the longitudinal edges of the upper slotted opening 45.

[0080] Since the two guide rails 9 extend into the chamber-like cavity 14 and continue therein, the sliding sash 8 may be lowered into the chamber-like cavity 14 so that the window pane 2 completely or essentially completely disappears.

[0081] The window pane 2 could be raised once again manually, provided that a handle is provided for this purpose on the upper horizontal bar 4 of the frame 3 of the sliding sash 8, or by means of a crank via a crank drive.

[0082] On the other hand, a drive mechanism 17 may also be provided to once again raise the window pane 2 and thus close the window opening. Such a drive mechanism 17 is shown in FIG. 1, situated in an extension of the chamber-like cavity 14. As is apparent in FIG. 1, for this purpose the extension of the chamber 14 perpendicular to the plane of the sliding sash 8 may be greater than the thickness of the window pane 2 or a sash frame 3 surrounding it. There is one or, preferably in the area of both sides of the lowered window pane 2, one each, of a vertically adjustable element 18 that is coupled, for example connected, to the frame 3 of the sliding sash 8.

[0083] FIG. 1 illustrates by way of example a scissor-like drive, i.e., a type of lazy tongs 19 with an upwardly directed deployment direction. These lazy tongs connect a lower anchoring part 21, fixed at the base of the lateral chamber extension 20, to the upper, vertically adjustable element 18. By moving the two lower legs 21 of the lazy tongs 19 together or apart, they are retracted downwardly or extended upwardly, in each case taking the sliding sash 8 with them via the vertically adjustable element 18. The articulated joints 22 between the individual legs 23, 24 of the lazy tongs 19 may be additionally guided in lateral guide rails 25 to prevent the lazy tongs 19 from twisting.

[0084] Other forms of the drive mechanism 17 are conceivable. Thus, one or more vertical rotary spindles with a circumferential thread may be provided, on which in each case a block-shaped part with a matching female thread is adjustable by screw. When this block-shaped part is secured to the frame 3 of the sliding sash 8 and thus nonrotatably fixed, the rotary spindle itself may be set in rotation about its vertical rotational axis. In this way, the block-shaped part screws in upwardly or downwardly along the rotary spindle, depending on the rotational direction of the rotary spindle at that moment. In addition, with such a drive mechanism 17 the desired closing and opening motion of the sliding sash 8 could thus be brought about.

[0085] A further option for a drive mechanism 17 is depicted in FIG. 3. Two toothed racks 26 are apparent which are fastened to lateral vertical struts of the sash frame 3, preferably in the area of the guide rails 9, so that the toothed racks are concealed by the struts and thus are not visible from the outside. Provided in the area of the chamber 14 or its extension 20 are gearwheels 27, which are engaged with a toothed rack 26 in each case, and whose rotational position influences the vertical displacement of the toothed racks 26. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the two gearwheels 27 may be coupled via shafts 28 to a shared drive motor 29, optionally with a gear situated in between, for joint, synchronous rotary adjustment.

[0086] Another embodiment of the drive mechanism 17, not illustrated in the drawing, could be based, for example, on chain-like traction elements that are connected to the frame 3 of the sliding sash 8 in the area of a chain link. These could be two chains that are each self-contained and thus continuous, with an upper and a lower deflection chain wheel. A synchronous drive is ensured, for example, by coupling a pair of such mutually aligned deflection chain wheels in a rotatably fixed manner to one another or to a shared drive motor.

[0087] For all drive mechanisms 17 there is the option in each case to provide two lateral drive means; in this case it must be ensured that the lateral drive means run synchronously with one another. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, this is achieved by a design with shared coupling elements such as the shafts 28. For scissor-type drives or spindle drives, a mechanical coupling may also be established by means of such synchronizing shafts. There is also the option for an electrical coupling, for example by providing each of the two drives with a rotary encoder and synchronizing the drive motors by control means, so that the signals of the rotary encoders are always kept synchronous during raising and lowering of the sliding sash 8.

[0088] This type of synchronization is dispensed with when only one drive means is used. However, a single drive means should then be centrally situated between the two guide rails 9 so that the sliding sash 8 cannot tilt or jam. However, a central arrangement with the toothed rack drive 17 according to FIG. 3 is not possible for esthetic reasons, since in such a case a toothed rack 26 would have to extend centrally across the glass pane. The toothed racks 26 are preferably situated in the area of the lateral guide slots of the window casing so that they are concealed. Other drive or gear elements may also be situated in the area of such guide slots, such as tension wires, chains, or other traction elements.

[0089] In all cases, the drive mechanism 17, 17 is equipped with a drive motor, preferably an electric motor, that is switched in one rotational direction or the other, depending on the desired actuation direction. This may be specified by selecting one of two actuating switches. Thus, a double rocker switch or button, as also used for raising and lowering electric roller shutters, may be provided as the actuating switch. In addition, a raising or lowering movement may be stopped by means of limit switches when an upper and/or lower end position is reached.

[0090] The auxiliary energy for raising or lowering the window pane may be supplied electrically, electronically, hydraulically, or magnetically, depending on the design of the drive unit. If the window is to be openable even in the event of a power failure, for example in an emergency situation, unlocking may be provided, which upon mechanical triggering moves the window pane, optionally together with a frame accommodating same, downwardly under its weight force and/or with manual assistance, so that an escape route is provided.

[0091] It is also apparent in FIG. 1 that flat insulation 30 may also be provided in the area of the lower closure element 13, in particular to thermally compensate for the rather unfavorable thermal insulation properties of the open hollow chamber 14, optionally together with the extension 20. The insulation 30 situated behind a carrier plate for plaster 52 may be provided with a plate-shaped intermediate layer 54 as acoustic insulation and/or anti-burglary protection, for example in the form of a cement-bonded plate or a metal plate.

[0092] The entire window casing 10 made up of the two lateral mullions 11, the upper closure element 12, and the lower closure element 13 is anchored in the masonry and is used for vertically guiding the sliding sash 8.

[0093] For this purpose, the entire lower closure element 13 is also inserted into the masonry and fixed there. To this end, the height of the wall recess clearance should be greater than that of the sliding sash 8, namely, approximately two times greater, so that not only the upper part of the window casing 10 fits into the wall recess, but so does the lower part, which once more is practically the same size, made up of the lower connecting element 13 with the chamber 14 for accommodating the open sliding sash 8. Accordingly, a wall recess that is suitable for this purpose resembles a door aperture, and extends downwardly much farther than the subsequent window opening, ideally down to the floor of the room in question, and/or in the form of an opening that is ceiling-high or that even extends beyond the ceiling level, for example to allow a tall window pane, whose height exceeds one-half the ceiling height, to be completely lowered.

[0094] As is also apparent from FIG. 1, there is an option to design the lower closure element 13 to be much thicker, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the window, than the lateral mullion 11 of the window frame 10. The thickness of the lower closure element 13 may approximately correspond to the thickness of the wall shell. On its large, inwardly pointing flat side 31 as well as on its outwardly pointing flat side 32, the lower closure element 13 may be additionally provided with a surface 52 that is suitable as a plaster base, or even directly as the visible side. As a result, it is no longer necessary here to wall in the lower closure element 13; at most, filling in the gap area between the window casing 10 and the wall reveal is sufficient. Otherwise, the lower closure element 13 may be smoothly plastered over.

[0095] In addition, the lateral sections of a sliding window element 1, generally referred to as window casings 10, may be provided with a surface 52 that is suitable as a plaster base on their inner side facing the room and/or on their outer side facing the building facade. Metal surfaces as well as plastics, such as (colored) acrylic glass, are examples of suitable visible surfaces.

[0096] The situation is similar for the upper closure element 12. Here as well, the upper closure element may be designed to be much thicker, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the window, than the lateral mullion 11 of the window casing 10, for example exactly as thick as the lower closure element 13, and on its inner and/or outer flat side 33, 34 may likewise be provided with a surface that is suitable as a plaster base, so that at this location as well, it is not necessary to wall in the upper closure element 12, and filling in the gap area between the window casing 10 and the wall reveal is sufficient. Otherwise, the upper closure element 12 may also be smoothly plastered over.

[0097] Such an upper closure element 12 with a thickened design may also have one or more chambers 35, 36 in its interior for accommodating further functional elements.

[0098] In such a chamber 35, on the one hand there is space for a shaft 37, extending in the horizontal direction parallel to the upper closure element 12, for winding up a roller shutter curtain 38, which in the unwound state may be guided downwardly in lateral guides 39 that extend along the mullion 11 to the upper closure element 13. The guides 39 for such a roller shutter curtain 38 are preferably situated at the outer side 40 of the sliding window 1. The shaft 37 may be drivable by hand or by motor for winding and unwinding the roller shutter curtain 38.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, a similar mechanism for winding and unwinding a roller blind or a mechanism for raising and lowering a louver blind could be provided at the inner side 41 of the sliding window 1. These elements in the wound-up or raised state may also be accommodated in a chamber in the area of the upper closure element 12. The winding and unwinding or raising and lowering may be carried out by hand or by motor. A motor, in particular an electric motor, may be an integral part of an automatic control, so that the closed state of a roller shutter or roller blind may be controlled, even in the absence of a person, according to the time of day and/or according to the position of the sun.

[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates a filter mat 42a as a further functional element, which may be wound onto and unwound from a further shaft 43a within a chamber 36 in the upper closure element 12.

[0101] The shaft 43a for this filter mat 42a may be pretensioned by a spring element, in particular in a rotational direction that is suitable for winding up the filter mat 42a, so that the filter mat 42a by itself is pulled upwardly and wound up.

[0102] A horizontally extending crossbar 44a which is thicker than a slotted opening 45a in the upper closure element 12, through which the filter mat 42a exits downwardly from the chamber 36 in question, may be situated at the lower end of the filter mat 42a. Completely winding up the filter mat 42a may be avoided in this way.

[0103] Elements of a detachable connection whose counterparts are situated on the upper horizontal bar 4 of the sliding sash 8 may be provided on such a crossbar 44a in the area of the lower end of the filter mat 42a. As a result of these connecting elements, the crossbar 44a in the area of the free lower edge of the filter mat 42a may be connected to the horizontal bar 4 in the area of the free upper edge of the sliding sash 8.

[0104] When the sliding sash 8 is opened, at the same time the filter mat 42a is thus always unwound from its shaft 43a and pulled off, in each case to the extent that the clearance opening above the sliding sash 8 is completely closed by the filter mat 42a, and insects therefore cannot penetrate through the window 1. When the sliding sash 8 is closed, the spring element situated on the shaft 43a always pulls the filter mat 42a as far upwardly as possible, and also always holds it tautly so that it cannot flutter, even in the event of a wind gust.

[0105] The filter mat 42a preferably extends in two lateral guides which tightly engage around it and thus prevent flow around the filter mat 42a.

[0106] The shaft 43a, the lateral guides for the filter mat 42a, and the crossbar 44a are preferably situated on the outer side of the sliding sash 8, so that a filter mat 42a that is loaded with suspended particles is washed clean by rain.

[0107] On the one hand, an insect screen 42b may also be provided, which in the unused state is wound onto a shaft 43b, and which on its free end may be provided with a crossbar 44b and may run in lateral guides. The arrangement of the insect screen 42b, its shaft 43b, and its lateral guides is preferably a mirror image of the filter mat 42a and its shaft 42a and its guides, with respect to the window pane as a plane of symmetry.

[0108] The shaft 43b for the insect screen 42b may also be provided with an integrated spring that seeks to wind the insect screen onto the shaft 43b when the window is closed. The crossbar 44b prevents the insect screen from being inadvertently pulled through a slotted opening 45b in the upper closure element 12.

[0109] To provide gap ventilation with protection from driving rain when the window pane 2 is only partially open, the invention also provides a panel 46 made of glass or acrylic glass that is placed in front of the upper area of the window opening. Since the panel 46 placed in front is transparent and also is situated only in the upper area of the window opening, the transmission of light is only marginally impaired. By use of a specialized electrical circuit, the allowable open position of the window pane 2 under the assumption of protection from driving rain is controlled in such a way that it is adapted to the existing structural and country-specific criteria; in areas with intense storms, the allowable settable gap width would be much narrower than, for example, areas with less severe weather.

[0110] The outer upper face of the lower closure element 13 is protected by a window sill 47 made of aluminum or some other water- and UV-resistant material.

[0111] In addition, for purposes of personal protection, for example, a contact strip 48 may be applied, for example in the upper inner area of the upper closure element 12, which when pressed causes the window pane 2 to remain in any desired position, for example to prevent persons from being pinched.

[0112] Such a function for immediately immobilizing the window pane 2 may also be achieved via other means, for example, with a photoelectric barrier sensor or a laser beam, which when interrupted causes the window pane 2 to be immediately immobilized, or by means of magnetic contacts or other proximity switches which when triggered or closed instantaneously immobilize the window pane 2.

[0113] The lower receptacle of the lifting device and of the window pane 2 in the lower area is preferably designed as a watertight trough 50 having a height of several centimeters, and in addition a protective film 51 or a molded part may be situated on the inner side of the outer insulation 30 for repelling water that possibly passes into this watertight trough 50.

[0114] To allow water that passes into the cavity 14 or into the chamber extension 15 to drain off, a drain pipe 49 may be provided, preferably in the lower area of the cavity 14 and/or the chamber extension 15, from that location to the outside.

[0115] Various refinements of the invention are possible. Thus, the boundary surface 32 of the box 13 facing a room, or a panel 52 mounted at that location, may be prepared for holding a heating element by providing appropriate mounting elements there, etc.

[0116] In addition, the insulation 30 could have a tapered design, for example having a thickness of only a few centimeters, so that the boundary surface 32 is recessed into a niche in which space remains for a heating element.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0117]

TABLE-US-00001 1 sliding window 2 window pane 3 sash frame 4 upper horizontal bar 5 upper edge 6 lower horizontal bar 7 lower edge 8 sliding sash 9 guide rail 10 window casing 11 mullion 12 upper closure element 13 lower closure element 14 chamber-like cavity 15 slotted opening 16 top side 17 drive mechanism 18 adjustable element 19 lazy tongs 20 chamber extension 21 anchoring part 22 articulated joint 23 leg 24 leg 25 lateral guide rails 26 toothed rack 27 gearwheel 28 shaft 29 drive motor 30 insulation 31 inner flat side 32 outer flat side 33 inner flat side 34 outer flat side 35 chamber 36 chamber 37 shaft 38 roller shutter curtain 39 guide 40 outer side 41 inner side 42a filter mat 42b insect screen 43a shaft 43b shaft 44a crossbar 44b crossbar 45a slotted opening 45b slotted opening 46 glass panel 47 window sill 48 contact strip 49 drainage option 50 watertight trough 51 seal/film/molded part 52 panel/plaster 53 seal 54 intermediate layer