Connector assembly and method for weatherproofing roof window assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to connector devices and methods for weatherproofing roof window devices. A connector device for a protective component used in a roof window device is disclosed. The connector device includes a base connector element, a facade element, and a top connector element. Both connector elements have grooves located on their outer sides, and the grooves are open at one end to allow water to drain. An attachment section located on the inner side of the base connector element is configured to attach to a bracket for connecting the roof window to a load-bearing structure, and the facade element supports the top connector element such that the top connector element is positioned above the base connector element. In the installed state, a second end of the top connector element is arranged above the groove of the base connector element, and the length directions of the top connector element and the base connector element are generally parallel to each other. A method for weatherproofing a roof window device is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector device for a protective component used in a roof window assembly, the connector device comprising a base connector element configured to have an outer portion facing outward in the installed state, an inner portion opposite the outer portion, and a length direction extending from a first end toward a second end of the base connector element, wherein the outer portion includes a base groove having two longitudinal edges extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the base groove is open at the second end to allow water to drain from the base groove, and wherein an attachment section located on the inner portion is configured to attach to a bracket for connecting the roof window to a load-bearing structure. The invention also relates to a method for weatherproofing a roof window assembly using such a connector device. Background Technology

[0002] This type of connector device is known, for example, from EP3039198 and EP3680416. The connector device is used to connect and interconnect the cover members and protective members of a protective assembly, and the base groove is used to drain water that permeates through the protective assembly or condenses at these interconnections. The connector device is used between windows installed side-by-side and at the ends of window assemblies, wherein the cover members and protective members of the protective assembly extending along the side of the outermost window in the window assembly are connected to cover members and protective members extending along the top and bottom of the outermost window. In this context, the term "top" refers to the portion of the roof window that is at its highest point when viewed along the slope, and the term "bottom" refers to the portion of the roof window that is at its lowest point when viewed along the slope, wherein a typical slope of a roof window assembly using the connector device is at least 5 degrees. The slope is defined by the slope of the roof window panes in the installed and closed state of the window.

[0003] While existing connector devices work well, achieving reliable and cost-effective weatherproofing remains a challenge when installing roof windows where the top of the roof window is very close to the wall, and the outer surface of the wall extends at an angle of less than 180 degrees relative to the outer surface of the roof window panes. A particular problem is that existing connector devices cannot adequately compensate for tolerances and wall irregularities during roof window installation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector device that facilitates the installation of a roof window assembly at the top of the roof window, very close to the wall. A specific object is to provide a connector device that can be used within a range of different mutually included angles between the roof window slope and the wall surface and / or within a range of different distances between the roof window and the wall surface.

[0005] This objective and another objective are achieved by a connector device as mentioned in the introduction, characterized in that the connector device includes a facade element and a top connector element; the facade element is connected to and supports the top connector element such that the top connector element is positioned above the base connector element when viewed along a height direction extending from the inner side to the outer side; the top connector element includes a top groove having two longitudinal edges extending between a first end and an opposing open second end, wherein the length direction of the top connector element extends from the first end to the second end; and, when arranged on the facade element, the top connector element is arranged such that its second end is above the groove of the base connector element, and the length direction of the top connector element extends substantially parallel to the length direction of the base connector element.

[0006] By adding facade elements and top connector elements, the base connector elements can be used to attach and interconnect top covering members for the top frame members used to cover roof windows, while the top connector elements can be used to attach and interconnect top protective members spanning the gap between the wall and the top covering members. By arranging the top connector elements and base connector elements at different heights, the top protective members and top covering members are positioned at different levels and do not interfere with each other. To cover the distance between the top connector elements and base connector elements, the top protective member can be provided with legs that project inward along the height direction in the installed state, but additional covering or protective members can also be provided for this purpose.

[0007] Another advantage of having the top protective member and the top covering member at different levels is that the base connector element can be implemented in essentially the same way as the base connector elements used in other roof window installations that are not mounted on the wall. This, in turn, means that the top covering member can be implemented in essentially the same way as those used on roof windows of roof window installations and / or in roof window installations not arranged adjacent to the wall.

[0008] Water that permeates through the protective components or condenses at the interconnections between the top cover members can be drained through grooves in the base trench and discharged onto the roof window below the trench in the same manner as in prior art connector devices. Water that permeates through the protective components or condenses at the interconnections between the top protective components will be captured by grooves in the top connector elements and drip from there onto the outer side of the cover members of the protective components or into the base trench.

[0009] The fact that the length direction of the top connector element extends approximately parallel to the length direction of the base connector element not only facilitates drainage. It is also necessary that the connection between the top protective members extend approximately parallel to the connection between the top covering members, which facilitates installation and / or provides aesthetic appeal to the roof window installation.

[0010] To allow the connector assembly to be used within a range of different mutual angles between the roof window slope and the wall surface, the top connector element can be displaced relative to the base connector element along its length. For example, if the mutual angle between the roof window slope and the wall surface, measured at the outer side, is relatively large, the first end of the top connector element can be moved away from the facade element so that it can be arranged close to the wall. On the other hand, if the mutual angle between the roof window slope and the wall surface, measured at the outer side, is small, the first end of the top connector element can be moved towards the facade element. The ability to compensate for differences in the mutual angles between the roof window slope and the wall surface not only allows the connector assembly to be used in different installation situations where the roof window slope is intentionally different, but it also allows the connector assembly to compensate for unintentional differences in the mutual angles. Therefore, it allows for greater tolerances in the installation of the roof window assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the connector assembly can compensate for irregularities in the wall by arranging two or more connector assemblies of the roof window assembly such that their top connector elements are in different positions relative to their respective base connector elements. By allowing the top connector element to shift relative to the base connector element even in the installation position, the connector assembly can even compensate for relative movement between the roof window assembly and the wall, for example, caused by thermal expansion.

[0011] Differences in distance between the roof window and the wall can also be compensated for by allowing the top connector element to be displaced relative to the base connector element. For example, this difference might arise due to the use of different types of mounting brackets, the use of insulating materials on the roof window, or the nature of the wall. As mentioned above, the difference in distance can also be unintentional, taking into account the mutual angle between the roof window slope and the wall surface, and can be compensated for by arranging the top connector element at different positions relative to its corresponding base connector element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connector device is delivered in an assembled state, wherein the relative positions of the connector elements correspond to a 90-degree angle between the roof sloping surface and the wall surface, and the top connector element is then moved until the first end abuts against the wall or an article attached to the wall when the base connector element is in place. In another embodiment, the connector device is delivered or placed in an assembled state, wherein the relative positions of the connector elements correspond to a predetermined angle between the roof sloping surface and the wall surface, and the connector device is then used to verify the sloping surface of the roof sloping device.

[0013] A fixing mechanism can be provided for securing the top connector element relative to the facade component and / or the facade component relative to the base connector element to ensure that the different parts of the connector assembly remain in their intended relative positions. In one embodiment, the fixing mechanism includes a series of recesses on the top connector element and corresponding protrusions on the flexible portion of the facade component adapted to engage with one or more of the recesses. By moving the flexible portion of the facade component away from the top connector element, the protrusions disengage from the top connector element, and the top connector element can then be displaced. When the flexible portion of the facade component is released, one or more protrusions will engage with the other recesses, and the fixing will be re-established. Alternatively, one or more recesses on the facade component and protrusions on the top connector element can be used, and / or a series of recesses or protrusions on the facade component and one or more corresponding protrusions or recesses on the top connector element can be used. In another embodiment, the fixing mechanism is a friction mechanism, wherein one or more elastic portions on the facade element press against the top connector element, and conversely, the top connector element presses against one or more elastic portions on the facade element, such that friction between the materials of the two elements prevents the two elements from moving relative to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the facade element is integrally formed with the base connector element. This reduces the number of separate parts in the connector assembly and thus reduces the risk of misuse. In another embodiment, the facade element is integrally integrated into the top connector element and is movable relative to the base connector element as described above. In yet another embodiment, the facade element is a separate element that can potentially be movable relative to both the top connector element and the base connector element.

[0015] The top connector element may include a series of attachment segments suitable for attaching the protective member to the top connector element. This allows for the attachment of different types of protective and / or covering members depending on the distance and angle between the roof sloping surface and the wall surface, and / or allows for the attachment of the protective and / or covering members at different locations. As an example, a top protective member used at a smaller angle will have a relatively smaller width and may only require attachment at one or two locations, while a top protective member used at a larger angle will have a larger width and may require attachment at three or more locations. The attachment segments may, for example, be receiving segments adapted to receive fasteners such as screws.

[0016] Another or complementary way to increase the versatility of the connector assembly is to use a top connector element that includes one or more weakening sections and / or separation guides adapted to facilitate the removal of a portion of the top connector element. In this way, the top connector element can be provided with a length that allows its use at the maximum permissible angle between the roof sloping surface and the wall surface, and can be easily shortened for smaller angles. By providing a series of weakening sections and / or separation guides along the length of the top connector element, those suitable for specific angles can be used. An angle indication on the top connector element can help determine which weakening sections and / or separation guides to use. Removal of a portion of the top connector element may result in the removal of one or more attachment segments.

[0017] In a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for weatherproofing a roof window device using a connector device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0018] A) The base connector element is attached to a bracket for connecting a roof window to a load-bearing structure using an attachment segment located on the inner side of the base connector element, such that the outer side of the base connector element faces outward, and such that a facade element connected to or integrally formed with the base connector element protrudes from the base connector element in a height direction extending from the inner side to the outer side, wherein the base connector element has a length direction extending from a first end to a second end, and the outer side includes a base groove having two longitudinal edges extending between the first end and the second end, and wherein the base groove is open at the second end, allowing water to drain from the base groove.

[0019] B) A top connector element is arranged on the facade element such that, when viewed along the height direction, the top connector element is positioned above the base connector element, wherein the top connector element includes a top groove having two longitudinal edges extending between a first end and an opposing open second end, wherein the length direction of the top connector element extends from the first end toward the second end, and the top connector element is arranged such that the second end is above the groove of the base connector element, and the length direction of the top connector element extends substantially parallel to the length direction of the base connector element.

[0020] C) Attach the two covers or protective members of the protective assembly to the base connector element such that the edge of each cover or protective member extends along the longitudinal edge of the base groove, and

[0021] D) Attach the two covers or protective members of the protective assembly to the top connector element such that the edge of each cover or protective member extends along the longitudinal edge of the top groove.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, the embodiments and advantages described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention, namely the connector device, also apply to the method, and the method also applies to the first aspect of the invention, namely the connector device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a roof window installation including two roof windows installed side by side, in which part of the protective components have been removed.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view showing details marked II, in which parts of the protective components have been removed.

[0026] Figure 3 It is observed from the outside. Figure 2 A perspective view of the connector device used.

[0027] Figure 4 It is observed from the inside. Figure 2 A perspective view of the connector device used.

[0028] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the cross-section of line VV in the diagram.

[0029] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the cross-section of line VI-VI in the diagram.

[0030] Figure 7 It is observed from the outside. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view of the top connector component.

[0031] Figure 8 It is observed from the inside. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view of the top connector component.

[0032] Figure 9 It is observed from the outside. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view of the base connector components and the facade components.

[0033] Figure 10 It is observed from the inside. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view of the base connector components and the facade components.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the top connector element, viewed from the outside.

[0035] Figure 12 It is viewed from the inside. Figure 11 A perspective view of the top connector component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] First refer to Figure 1 The roof window assembly 1 includes two roof windows 2, which are mounted side-by-side on a column 31 forming part of the roof structure 32 and adjacent to a wall 33. The joint between the roof windows and the column and wall is covered by a protective assembly 4, which includes multiple covering and protective members, wherein the covering members cover the joint between the protective members and the roof windows. Figure 1 Only the covering and protective members 41-45 used at the top of the roof window assembly are shown in the diagram; however, it should be understood that the sides and bottom of both roof windows will also be covered when the roof window assembly is in its completed state. The joint between the windows is covered by the covering member 5.

[0037] Figure 1 Details marked II in Figure 2 As shown, the top corner protection member 41, the top corner cover member 42, and the side protection member 43 are removed, exposing the connector device 6 used for attaching and interconnecting the top cover and protection members. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Connector device 6 is shown separately, and Figure 5 The image shows a cross-sectional view taken along the centerline of the same connector assembly.

[0038] The connector assembly 6 includes a base connector element 61 and a top connector element 63. The base connector element 61 has an integral facade element 62, and the top connector element 63 is attached to the facade element. The base connector element 61 is attached to a mounting bracket assembly 21 for connecting the roof window frame 22 to a beam 34 attached to the wall 33. The base connector element is substantially implemented as disclosed in co-pending European patent application No. EP3680416A1, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference, and therefore the attachment of the base connector element to the mounting bracket will not be described in further detail here.

[0039] As in Figure 3 and Figure 4As best observed, the two connector elements 61, 63 have grooves 611, 631 on their outer sides, each groove being defined by two longitudinal edges 612, 632 extending along the length direction L between the first ends 613, 633 and the opposing second ends 614, 634, wherein the grooves are open, allowing water to drain from them. In this configuration, the two connector elements 61, 63 extend parallel in their length directions and thus share a common length direction L. In the installed state, the connector elements are arranged with a slight inclination toward the second ends, the inclination substantially corresponding to the slope of the roof window, i.e., corresponding to the inclination of the roof window pane 23 in the installed state.

[0040] By being arranged on the facade element 62, the top connector element 63 is positioned above the base connector element 61 when viewed along the height direction H extending from the inner side to the outer side.

[0041] Now also refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The top connector element 63 is used for attachment and interconnection of the top protective member 44 and the top corner protective member 41. In this embodiment, the bent edge 441 of the top protective member 44 protrudes into the top groove 631, and the top corner protective member 41 overlaps with the top connector element 63 and a portion of the top protective member 44. The top corner protective member 41 is attached to the top connector element 63 by passing a screw or similar fastener (not shown) through an opening 411 in the top corner protective member 41 and into a receiving section 635 of the top connector element 63, and the top protective member 44 is secured by being clamped between the top corner protective member 41 and the top connector element 63. In the same manner, by providing a bent edge 451 protruding into the base groove 611 in the top cover member 45, and by providing an opening 421 for receiving a fastener directly above the receiving section 615 of the base connector element 61, the base connector element 61 is used for attachment and interconnection of the top cover member 45 and the top corner cover member 42.

[0042] In this embodiment, as in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best observed, the top connector element 63 is provided with a wall segment 636 extending vertically from the longitudinal edge 632. (As in...) Figure 5 As observed, the wall segment matches the notch 4411 in the bent edge 441 of the top protective member 44, and thus prevents the top protective member from moving relative to the top connector element in the length direction.

[0043] Any water that seeps through the joint between the top cover member 45 and the top corner cover member 42, or through the opening 421, or condenses on the inner side of the protective assembly at the joint, will be captured in the base groove 611. Similarly, water that seeps or condenses at the joint between the top corner protective member 41 and the top protective member 44 will be captured in the top groove 631. Figure 5 As best observed, water draining from the top groove 631 drips onto the cover members 42, 45, from which it can be drained. In this embodiment, the top protective member 44 has a small drainage opening 46 at its overlap with the top corner protective member 41, which allows water to exit below the section of the top connector element 63 extending from the facade element 62 to the second end, in the space 47 formed between the top protective member 44 and the top cover member 45. However, the top protective member may also lack the section 442 extending along the outer surface of the top cover member 45, instead having a free edge (not shown) slightly away from the outer surface of the top cover member towards the inner section 443, allowing water to pass below the free edge.

[0044] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the outer surface 331 of the wall 33 is generally vertical, and the outer surface of the roof window pane 23 is inclined at an angle A of 5 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. This means that the angle B between the roof window slope and the wall surface is 95 degrees.

[0045] If the angle B between the roof window slope and the wall surface increases, the central portion 211 of the mounting bracket assembly 21 and therefore the entire connector assembly 6 will surround the wall. Figure 2 The joint 212 of the visible mounting bracket assembly rotates. This will cause the distance between the facade element 62 and the wall 33 to increase. To compensate for this, the top connector element 63 can be displaced relative to the facade element 62 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] In this implementation, this is done as in Figure 3 and Figure 7 The optimally observed configuration includes a top connector element 63 with a toothed rack 637 extending along each side of the top groove 631 in the length direction, and as shown in Figure 10 The optimally observed configuration is achieved by a facade element 62 with teeth 622 located on the protrusion 621. Figure 3 and Figure 4In the installed state of the connector assembly 6 shown, the top connector element is arranged on the facade element, wherein each toothed rack extends between the protrusion 621 of the facade element and the outer surface 623. Teeth 622 located on both sides of the facade element engage with the toothed racks, thus holding the top connector element at two points, one on each side. The protrusion 621 on the facade element is preferably slightly elastic, allowing the protrusion 621 to be forced away from the outer surface 623 and permitting intentional movement of the toothed rack 637 in the longitudinal direction. Although only one tooth is shown on each protrusion 621, it should be understood that each protrusion may include more than one tooth, and it is also conceivable to use other means for engagement between the facade element and the top connector element, such as hook-and-loop fasteners like Velcro, or friction devices.

[0047] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A second embodiment of the top connector element 63 is shown in the figures. Features having the same function will be used in these figures as in other figures, even if these features may differ.

[0048] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The top connector element 63 is significantly longer than Figures 2 to 7 The connector element is shortened according to the angle B between the roof window slope and the wall surface. For this purpose, the top connector element 63 is provided with a series of receiving sections 635, 635' along the top groove 631, and a series of weakening sections 638 are provided on the inner side.

[0049] The weakened portion 638 allows the top connector element 63 to be shortened, depending on the installation, by hand or by using a tool for breaking or cutting along the weakened portion. In this case, the weakened portion is linear, but it could also be a series of holes or recesses. Alternatively, the weakened portion can be replaced by a separation guide, for example, in the form of a printed line indicating a cut.

[0050] At each weakened section, an angle indicator 639 is provided to indicate the corresponding roof window tilt angle. Here, the angle indicator is in the form of a number indicating the roof window slope, but other types of indicators, such as color codes, can also be used.

[0051] When the top connector element 63 has been shortened, the top connector element is located at... Figure 11 The right side portion is as shown above. Figures 1 to 9 Used as described, and located in Figure 11The portion on the left side is removed. When shortened for use with a 5-degree roof window sloping surface, the top connector element 63 will look as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, only two receiving sections 635 and 635' are left. If shortened for use with a larger roof window sloping surface, several receiving sections marked 635' will be left, but only one or two receiving sections will be used depending on the total remaining length of the top connector elements and the need to secure one or more top guard members 44 and / or top corner guard members 41.

[0052] List of reference numerals

[0053] 1. Roof window installation

[0054] 2. Roof window

[0055] 21 Installed bracket assembly

[0056] 211 Central Section

[0057] 212 Joint

[0058] 22 Frames

[0059] 23 window panes

[0060] 31 Columns

[0061] 32 Roof Structure

[0062] 33 wall

[0063] 331 External surface

[0064] 34 beams

[0065] 4 Protective Components

[0066] 41 Top corner protection components

[0067] 411 Opening

[0068] 42 Top corner covering component

[0069] 421 Opening

[0070] 43 Side protective components

[0071] 44 Top protective components

[0072] 441 Bending edge

[0073] 4411 Notch

[0074] 442 Sections extending along the outer surface

[0075] 443 Towards the inner section

[0076] 45 Top Covering Component

[0077] 451 Bending edge

[0078] 46. ​​Discharge opening

[0079] 47 Space

[0080] 5. Covering components

[0081] 6 Connector assembly

[0082] 61 Base connector components

[0083] 611 trench

[0084] 612 Vertical edge

[0085] 613 First end

[0086] 614 Second end

[0087] 615 Receiving Section

[0088] 62 Facade Components

[0089] 621 Protrusion

[0090] 622 teeth

[0091] 623 External surface

[0092] 63 Top connector element

[0093] 631 trench

[0094] 632 Vertical edge

[0095] 633 First end

[0096] 634 Second end

[0097] 635 Reception Section

[0098] 635' Receiving section

[0099] 636 wall segment

[0100] 637 Toothed rack

[0101] 638 Weakening Section

[0102] 639 Angle Indicator

[0103] A. Roof window slope angle

[0104] B. The angle between the roof window slope and the wall surface

[0105] H (height direction)

[0106] L (length direction)

Claims

1. A connector device for a protective component used in a roof window assembly, the connector device comprising a base connector element configured to have an outer side facing outward in an installed state, an inner side opposite to the outer side, and a length direction extending from a first end toward a second end of the base connector element, wherein, The outer portion includes a base groove having two longitudinal edges extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the base groove is open at the second end to allow water to drain from the base groove, and wherein an attachment section located on the inner portion is configured to attach to a bracket for connecting the roof window to the load-bearing structure. Its features are, The connector assembly also includes facade elements and top connector elements. The facade element connects to the base connector element and supports the top connector element, such that the top connector element is positioned above the base connector element when viewed along a height direction extending from the inner side towards the outer side. The top connector element includes a top groove having two longitudinal edges extending between a first end and an opposing open second end, wherein the length direction of the top connector element extends from the first end toward the second end, and When arranged on the facade element, the top connector element is positioned such that the second end of the top connector element is above the groove of the base connector element, and the length direction of the top connector element extends substantially parallel to the length direction of the base connector element.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The top connector element is capable of shifting relative to the base connector element along the length direction of the base connector element.

3. The connector device according to claim 2, further comprising a fixing mechanism for fixing the top connector element relative to the facade element and / or fixing the facade element relative to the base connector element.

4. The connector device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The facade element and the base connector element are integrated.

5. The connector device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The top connector element includes a series of attachment segments suitable for attaching the protective member to the top connector element.

6. The connector device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The top connector element includes one or more weakening portions and / or separation guide portions adapted to assist in removing a portion of the top connector element.

7. A method for weatherproofing a roof window device, the method using a connector device according to any one of claims 1-6 and comprising the following steps: A) The base connector element is attached to a bracket for connecting the roof window to the load-bearing structure using an attachment segment located on the inner side of the base connector element, such that the outer side of the base connector element faces outward, and such that a facade element connected to or integrated with the base connector element protrudes from the base connector element in a height direction extending from the inner side toward the outer side. B) A top connector element is arranged on the facade element such that the top connector element is positioned above the base connector element when viewed along the height direction. C) Attach two covers or protective members of the protective assembly to the base connector element such that the edge of each cover or protective member extends along the longitudinal edge of the base groove, and D) Attach two covers or protective members of the protective assembly to the top connector element such that the edge of each cover or protective member extends along the longitudinal edge of the top groove.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, During step B), the top connector element is displaced relative to the facade element in the length direction.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising the following steps: E) Remove a portion of the top connector element, which is performed before or during step B).

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising the step of: F) Fixing the top connector element relative to the facade element, step F) is performed before or during step B).

Images