Patent Application
20090133332
The present invention relates to a device for opening a pivotable façade element, especially a skylight or a dome-shaped window that needs to be emergency opened in case of e.g. fire. The invention further relates to a façade element and a method for opening it. The invention further relates to a release mechanism and a method for releasing a façade element in the case of an emergency.
In known constructions for opening pivotable façade elements, especially skylights and dome-shaped windows, it is usually necessary to include some sort of automatic actuation means for opening the window for comfort ventilation since these types of elements are often out of reach of manual handling. Many types of automatic actuation means have been suggested, the most common being the use of a “remote controlled” actuator having one part fixed to the frame of the element and applying a pushing force to the openable part of the element with an extendable part.
In the known constructions of this type the length of stroke of the actuator is limited since it will otherwise obstruct the space underneath the element, making it cumbersome to pass below it as well as taking up space and being an unaesthetic solution. The stroke length of such actuators is therefore typically limited which in turn means that the element can only be opened to a limited angle. A limited stroke length may be sufficient for opening the façade element for everyday comfort ventilation purposes but will not suffice for opening the façade element fully in an emergency situation, e.g. in the event of fire. It is required by today's building standards that a façade element may be fully opened in an easy and quick manner in order to create a passageway for dangerous smoke fumes and/or flue gases.
Also, if an emergency should arise in a building having a pivotable façade element of one of the known constructions during a period of heavy snowfall or strong winds, a significantly powerful actuator will be needed in order to open the element according to the prescribed standards due to a possible heavy load on the façade element surface.
In DE 33 38 092 a dome window opening and closing installation is disclosed. The installation comprises a lever element pivotally connected at a first end thereof to a first side of an inner frame of the dome window and also pivotally connected at a second end to a link element, which in turn is pivotally connected to a raising element (such as a piston). A further damper element is also pivotally connected to the link element. The raising element is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a cross bar near the opposite side of the inner frame of the dome window. The cross bar substantially spans the width of the dome window between opposite inner frame sides. This is necessary for the purpose of maintaining stability and for reinforcing and strengthening the structure of the installation, particularly the dome.
With the installation disclosed in DE 33 38 092 adequate space is required “below” the vertical extent of the dome structure for the lever, link, damper and raising elements. These elements therefore poke into the air below the dome structure occupying valuable building space. If the installation needs to be fully opened, such as in the event of fire, the lever, link, damper and raising elements will at least partly be covering or “concealing” the opening in an inconvenient or even potentially dangerous manner by not allowing for an unhindered passage through the opening.
Also, the cross bar extending across the width of the window underneath the dome as well as the above-mentioned need for space for the different elements of the installation, leaves the installation according to DE 33 38 092 with a less aesthetic appearance.
Thus, there is a need for an improved device for opening of elements such as dome windows, in which the actual opening elements and/or any structure reinforcing members may be hidden or placed in a practical position, respectively avoided. Furthermore, there is a need for an opening device being able to operate even large façade elements that can be exposed to heavy loads with less force and smaller actuation elements, such as cylinders with smaller stroke length.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a pivotable façade element wherein the limitations with regard to stroke length and positioning of the actuator are eliminated and wherein the pivotable façade element is able to open both for everyday comfort ventilation purposes and in the case of fire in the building.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a pivotable façade element wherein the actuator force needed for opening the element is kept at a minimum.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a pivotable façade element that does not go beyond the vertical or horizontal extent of the façade element and its frame parts.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a pivotable façade element wherein no parts cover the element opening in the case of an emergency.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a pivotable façade element having an improved aesthetic appearance.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a release mechanism for a pivotable façade element facilitating an automatic, mechanic unlocking of the façade element in case of the need for an emergency opening.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a pivotable façade element openable by using an opening device.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method for opening a pivotable façade element by using an opening device.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method for opening a pivotable façade element by using an opening device wherein the centre of rotation of the opening device is displaced from the centre of rotation of the façade element.
In a first aspect of the present invention, the disadvantages of the known constructions described above are overcome by providing a device for opening a pivotable façade element comprising:
The rigid frame part of the device comprises a first side with a proximal and a distal end and a second side also having a proximal and a distal end. The first and the second sides are preferably at a substantially right angle to each other. In this application the term “distal end” should be interpreted as the end of a member farthest away from the centre of rotation of the rigid frame part, and the term “proximal end” should be interpreted as the end of a member closest to the centre of rotation of the rigid frame part.
The device further comprises an actuator which actuator is pivotally connected to an inner frame part of the façade element. The actuator is also pivotally connected to the distal end of the first side of the rigid frame part. Such pivot connections or joints may be provided as small protrusions on the exterior of the actuator engaging with small apertures in the edges of the sides of the rigid frame part or as any other suitable means for establishing a pivot joint. Bearings of any suitable kind may be provided for the pivotal connections.
The rigid frame part is also pivotally connected to an inner frame part of the façade element. The pivot joint is preferably, but not exclusively, placed in the proximal end of the first side of the rigid frame element. The inner frame part of the façade element may be provided with suitable means for establishing the pivot connection with the proximal end of the rigid frame part.
The distal end of the rigid frame part abuts a contact surface of the pivotable façade element. The contact surface of the element may be one of the sides of a plate-like metal element fixedly connected along at least one edge of the pivotable façade element. In this application, the term “plate-like metal element” should not exclude that the contact surface may comprise bends, neck-ins, flanges, corrugations, apertures, indentations, holes or the like.
The material used for the side of the rigid frame part is typically steel, but it may be any kind of material suitable for meeting the strength requirements of the opening device and may be chosen from any group of materials, e.g. metal, plastic, PVC etc.
In an embodiment the rigid frame part comprises a third side. The third side may preferably, but not exclusively, connect the first and the second sides of the rigid frame part. Particularly, but not exclusively, the third side connects the first and second sides at substantially the proximal end of the first side and substantially the distal end of the second side. The third side of the rigid frame part may preferably, but not exclusively, abut a contact surface of the pivotable façade element. The proximal end of the third side may be pivotally connected to the inner frame part of the façade element.
In an embodiment, the third side of the rigid frame part abuts a contact surface of the façade element.
In a specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the rigid frame part is pivotally connected to a bracket part at the proximal end of the first side of the rigid frame part, the bracket part having a first and a second end and being fixed to the inner frame part of the façade element.
The bracket part may be pre-mounted to the rigid frame part and the actuator thereby making the entire structure (i.e. rigid frame part, bracket and actuator) easy to handle and more stabile. In this way it can be easily fitted into existing façade elements and handling during transportation will also be improved.
In this embodiment the bracket part provides a mounting base facilitating easier connection of the pivot joints of the rigid frame part and/or of the actuator to the element. The bracket part may be made ready beforehand for being fixed to the inner frame part of the façade element, e.g. by providing mounting holes etc., and it will therefore not be necessary to provide the inner frame part with individual mounting means for each pivot joint.
In yet another specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the sides of the rigid frame part are U-shaped profiles. By using U-profiles as material for the sides of the rigid frame part it is possible to reduce the weight of the rigid frame part while still maintaining the required strength and furthermore it will be possible to contain and conceal other parts of the construction within the profile's U-shape.
In a further specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the device comprises a shock absorber element having a first and a second end with the first end being pivotally connected to the rigid frame part and with the second end being pivotally connected to the contact surface of the pivotable façade element.
The first end of the shock absorber element is pivotally connected to the rigid frame part. The second end of the shock absorber element may be pivotally connected to the contact surface of the pivotable façade element by any suitable means.
In further specific embodiments according to the first aspect of the invention the shock absorber element may be a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, a gas cylinder, a coil spring or a link or any other suitable absorbing means.
In a further specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the shock absorber element in a disengaged state is concealed within a side of the rigid frame part. In this way the shock absorber element may be positioned “within” the side of the frame part, i.e. concealed when the façade element is closed and the shock absorber thus not extended. By using U-profiles for the sides of the rigid frame part this is made particularly easy.
In a further specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the device comprises a releasable lock mechanism that is connected to the pivotable façade element. The mechanism has a biased member engaging a retaining device connected to the inner frame part of the façade element. The biased member is releasable from its engagement with the retaining device by lifting action of the rigid frame part provided by the actuator.
In a further specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the releasable lock mechanism comprises
a plate-like contact surface element fixed to the façade element along at least one edge thereof and having a first and a second side and at least two holes therein;
a substantially L-shaped, spring-loaded ratchet element with a long leg of the L-shaped element being slidably positioned in guides on the first side of said surface element and with a short leg of the substantially L-shaped element extending through one of said holes in said surface element;
a protruding part integral with the second side of said surface element and extending in a direction away from said second side of said surface element, and
an end part of said long leg of the L-shaped element engaging the retaining device protruding through a second hole of said surface element.
In this embodiment the releasable lock mechanism comprises a plate-like contact surface element fixed to the façade element along at least one edge thereof. The contact surface is preferably fixed along two edges of the façade element, i.e. in a corner position of the façade element. The plate-like contact surface element has a first and a second side and at least two holes therein. As mentioned, the contact surface may be shaped to fit the requirements for any kind of individual façade element.
On the first side of the contact surface are guides for guiding a substantially L-shaped ratchet element. The long leg of the ratchet element may slide along the guides. The short leg of the ratchet element extends through a hole in the contact surface. In the normal situation the ratchet is brought into engagement with a retaining device that protrudes through another hole in the contact surface. A protruding part integral with the second side of the surface element extends in a direction away from the second side of the surface element. The ratchet element is constantly drawn in a direction towards the retaining device by a spring that may e.g. be attached to the long leg of the ratchet element and to the first side of the contact surface. Other mechanisms for drawing the ratchet element towards the retaining device may also be applied.
In yet another specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the device further comprises a separate opening mechanism for everyday comfort ventilation with an actuator being fixed to the inner frame part of the pivotable façade element where the actuator is driving an extension arm that engages the contact surface of the pivotable façade element.
The actuator for driving the extension arm of the separate opening mechanism may be any suitable means but is preferably an electromotor. The extension arm protrudes through a hole in the contact surface and is kept in engagement with a releasable lock mechanism for release of the façade element according to the invention.
In yet another specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the retaining device is the extension arm of the separate opening mechanism.
If the façade element is not equipped with a separate opening mechanism a fitting fixed to the inner frame part of the façade element may be provided. The fitting comprises an elongated bar protruding through a hole in the contact surface thereby providing the necessary engagement for the ratchet element in order to keep the window locked during normal conditions.
Hence, in another specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the retaining device is an elongated bar integral with a fitting fixed to the inner frame part of the façade element and having a rounded or conical head.
By providing the elongated bar with a rounded or conical head, the elongated bar will slide through the hole in the contact surface when the façade element is closed again after comfort ventilation.
In the normal situation the pivotable façade element is opened for everyday comfort ventilation either by use of the rigid frame part being actuated or by the separate opening mechanism according to the invention.
Hence, in the normal situation the long leg of the L-shaped ratchet element is in constant engagement with the either the extension arm of the separate opening mechanism or with the elongated bar integral with the fitting. This is provided by means of the ratchet element being biased towards the extension arm.
In the case of an emergency where the façade element has to be opened fully, an element, e.g. a hydraulic cylinder or any other type of actuation means, can be pressed into engagement with the short leg of the L-shaped element and the protruding part, in a direction towards the second side of the surface element. Thereby, the L-shaped ratchet element is drawn in a direction away from the retaining device and thereby releasing it from its engagement therewith. Once released, the pivotable façade element is free to open by pivoting around its own individual centre of rotation displaced from the centre of rotation of the opening device.
When the device is actuated, the distal end of the side of the rigid frame part engages the contact surface of the façade element as the device begins to rotate about its pivot joint. The distal end of the side of the frame part engages the short leg of the slidable L-shaped ratchet while simultaneously engaging the protruding part whereby the L-shaped ratchet element is drawn in a direction away from the retaining device thereby releasing it from its engagement therewith.
In yet another specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention the rigid frame part further comprises one or more members connecting the first, second and/or third sides. The member(s) may be of the same material as the sides of the rigid frame part. Thereby the rigid frame part of the opening device may be so constructed that it provides a framework or lattice construction with any suitable construction. This may preferably be applied in the case of the opening of a very large façade element or if the façade element is likely to be exposed to very large loads. The rigid frame part may therefore be both a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional structure.
The pivotable façade element may of course be opened for everyday comfort ventilation purposes by either the lifting force from the rigid frame part applied by the main actuator or by the actuator of the separate opening mechanism. Preferably, however, the separate opening mechanism is used for the everyday comfort ventilation.
When the façade element is opened for everyday comfort ventilation by activating the actuator of the separate opening mechanism, the shock absorber element extends simultaneously. When the extension arm of the opening mechanism is fully expanded for comfort ventilation the shock absorber element provides an extra hold of the façade element against possible damage caused by strong winds.
The device according to the first aspect may be installed with any kind of orientation but is preferably installed with a horizontal or vertical orientation.
The device according to the first aspect may be built into a separate box attachable along the inner frame part of the façade element or it may be incorporated directly in the inner frame part of the façade element. In this manner the device will be concealed whenever the façade element is closed thus improving aesthetics.
In a second aspect of the present invention, the disadvantages of the known constructions described above are overcome by providing a method of opening a pivotable façade element with a device according to the first aspect of the invention wherein
By pivotally connecting the actuator to the distal end of the first side of the rigid frame part and by further letting the actuator be pivotally connected to the inner frame part of the façade element, a force will be transferred from the distal end of the rigid frame part to the contact surface of the façade element when the actuator is actuated. By making a distance between the point of application of the force from the actuator and the pivot joint of the rigid frame part, this distance acts as a moment arm. Hence, the force needed from the actuator is dependent on the length of the distance between the point of application of the force from the actuator and the pivot joint of the rigid frame part, which means that the longer the distance, the smaller the actuator force needed to provide the lifting force at the contact surface of the façade element.
By providing the method according to the second aspect of the invention it is further possible to allow the pivot joints (i.e. the centres of rotation) of the pivotable façade element itself and of the rigid frame part, to be displaced with respect to each other. The opening of the façade element is therefore possible over two centres of rotation, which in turn means that the force and the required stroke length needed to open the façade element is reduced by the method according to the second aspect of the invention.
In a specific embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention the shock absorber element pivotally connected to a side of the rigid frame part and to the contact surface of the façade element engages at a position where gravity pulls the façade element backwards in the pivoting direction thereby absorbing shock.
During the pivoting of the façade element the shock absorber connected to the side of the rigid frame part and to the contact surface of the façade element will engage at a position where gravity pulls the façade element backwards in the pivoting direction. The shock absorber will thus absorb the shock that this force would otherwise have inflicted on the device.
The extended shock absorber further facilitates opening of the façade element beyond the possible angle provided by the fully extended actuator. Depending on the different dimensions of the pivotable façade element, various sizes and types of shock absorbers may be utilized and may be positioned at any suitable position along a side of the rigid frame part.
In a third aspect of the present invention, the disadvantages of the known constructions described above are overcome by providing a pivotable façade element having at least one device according to a first aspect of the invention
The pivotable façade element may be equipped with one or more devices according to the first aspect of the invention. Preferably the number of devices is two per façade element. Furthermore, any number of façade elements may be provided and installed next to each other and their actuators being either individually or commonly actuated.
In specific embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention the pivotable façade element is a vertical window, a door, a skylight or a dome-shaped window.
The pivotable façade element may be any type of window, door, gate or the like, preferably a skylight such as dome-shaped windows or convex windows or plane windows or pyramidal windows or double-inclined windows/skylights, and the windows comprise single-layer or multi-layer windows, such as windows with two layers or three layers, and the layers of the multi-layer windows may be separated by air spaces.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in details with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
a is a plan view of the release mechanism of
b is a plan view of the release mechanism of
a is plan view seen from above of the releasable lock mechanism (26) showing in more detail how the ratchet element (21) has a long leg (19) being guided in guide rails (27) and engaging either the extension arm (20) of the electromotor (15) or the elongated bar (23) of the fitting (22) depending on the construction. The figure also shows the short leg (18) of the ratchet element (21) extending through the contact surface (16) to a position where it may engage with the side (3) of the rigid frame part (6) when this is actuated by the force of actuator (10).
b is a plan view similar to
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA 2005 01306 | Sep 2005 | DK | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DK06/50043 | 9/20/2006 | WO | 00 | 6/16/2008 |
