Internal roof window shielding device

Abstract

The present invention provides an interior roof window shielding device (10) in which a set of connecting arms (7) is provided, each connecting arm (7) comprising a first end connected or connectable to a top element (11) and adapted to be connected at a second end to a respective side rail (12, 13), the top element (11) and each side rail (12, 13) form an articulated connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an internal roof window covering device, which includes a top element and two side rails. The top element includes a front cover that extends in the width direction and defines a plane. Wherein, the covering device is configured to be brought from a supply state in which the side rails are separated from the top element to an installation state in which the side rails are connected to the top element and extend in the longitudinal direction in the plane. Background Art

[0002] Such internal covering devices provided for covering windows installed in roofs are usually brought by users who do not necessarily have artisan skills from the supply state to the installation state, in which the covering device is connected to the frame structure of the roof window. Since roof windows are essentially arranged in an inclined position, usually in an empty position in an inclined inner wall, installing such a covering device is particularly challenging and requires manually operating the various components while fitting them together.

[0003] The prior art document WO2008 / 131759A1 shows and describes an example of an internal roof window covering device of the type mentioned in the introduction. Although this document provides relatively easy installation, there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In this context, therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a covering device by which convenient and flexible installation becomes possible.

[0005] This object and other objects are achieved by a roof window of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is further characterized in that: the covering device further includes a set of connecting arms, each connecting arm includes a first end connected to or capable of being connected to the top element, and each connecting arm is also adapted to be connected to the corresponding side rail at the second end, so that a hinged connection is formed between the top element and each side rail, and at least a part of each side rail and the corresponding connecting arm is configured to present a first position at an angle relative to the plane and a second position in which the side rail is parallel to the plane corresponding to the installation state when connected to the top element.

[0006] By providing an intermediate assembled state between the supply state and the installed state of the connecting arm and the shielding device, the side rails can be connected one by one and at least temporarily held to the top element. For example, this can be the case when the person performing the installation has installed one side rail and reaches for another side rail without first completing the fixation of the first side rail to the side member of the frame structure. Depending on the angle that the side rail can form with the plane defined by the front rail of the top element, the side rail can be allowed to hang freely substantially vertically in the assembled state. Once one or both side rails have been connected to the respective connecting arms, the user will be able to rotate the side rail into the intended position along the side member of the frame structure by means of a hinge connection and only then complete the installation process to obtain the installed state in which each side rail extends along the side member of the frame structure.

[0007] In the presently preferred embodiment, each side rail includes a track, and the side rail is adapted to be connected to the connecting arm by receiving at least a portion of the connecting arm in the track. This provides a mechanically simple and quickly established connection between the connecting arm and the side rail.

[0008] Although in principle it is sufficient to provide only a temporary holding of the side rail, for example by an interference fit with the connecting arm, which is relatively easily overcome by overcoming the frictional force, it is advantageous if each connecting arm and the corresponding side rail are adapted to obtain a locked state by means of snap locking. Such snap locking provides a reliable connection between the top element and the side rail. The snap locking can be configured to be released by pulling hard on the side rail or requiring manual unlocking, for example by moving the snap engagement members relative to each other.

[0009] In a further preferred refinement of this embodiment, the snap locking is configured to allow movement of the side rail in the upward direction but prevent movement of the side rail in the downward direction. In this way, the flexibility of the installation is even further increased because the inevitable tolerances in the frame structure can be taken into account and accommodated by the mobility of the side rail along the side member of the frame structure in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] In the presently preferred embodiment incorporating such snap locking, the snap locking includes a flexible tongue arranged on the connecting arm, which is configured to interact with the track of the side rail to obtain a locked state. Preferably, the flexible tongue and the connecting arm are integrally formed. Providing the movable part of the snap engagement means on the connecting arm itself allows the side rail to be manufactured as a more or less standard version, for example an extruded profile made of metal or a composite material, while the connecting arm can be formed by molding to include the flexible tongue.

[0011] In another embodiment, at least a temporary retention between the side rails and the connecting arms and thus the top element is provided because each connecting arm includes a latch configured to interact with engagement means in a track in the side rail. Such a latch is rigid per se and, due to the presence of the articulated function of the connecting arm, can engage and disengage, respectively, with mating engagement means of the side rail. The engagement means in the track in the side rail can be formed, for example, by inserted hook elements which can in principle also provide an elastic engagement with the latch of the connecting arm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the articulated connection between the top element and each side rail is brought about by setting the connecting arms as flexible elements, preferably as elastically flexible elements, more preferably as flexible springs or elastic material. In this way, the articulated connection is provided by the connecting arms themselves. The articulated connection can be formed by the actual articulated part of the connecting arm or only by the inherent properties of the connecting arm. The advantage of this embodiment is that the connecting arms can be provided as part of the top element during the transportation and handling of the screening device and the risk of damaging any components is reduced due to the ability of the connecting arms to bend.

[0013] In a further preferred refinement of this embodiment, the first end of each connecting arm is fixedly connected to the top element in the supplied state. This further facilitates the installation process as it renders the step of connecting the connecting arms to the top element during the installation process redundant.

[0014] However, in an alternative embodiment, each connecting arm is provided as a separate element in the supplied state and includes means for releasably connecting to the top element. This provides increased flexibility in the design and manufacture of the connecting arms while still allowing for an easy and reasonable installation of the screening device.

[0015] In a further refinement of this embodiment, the articulated connection between the connecting arm and the top element is provided by means of a hook adapted to connect to at least one pin. Such an articulated connection is easily obtained and is a well-proven technical solution.

[0016] The first end of the connecting arm can advantageously include a hook and the at least one pin extends from the top element. This is particularly advantageous during transportation as the connecting arms can be formed to have substantially no protruding parts, thus reducing the space required for the components and also reducing the risk of damaging other components, the packaging or the components themselves.

[0017] In another improvement of this embodiment, the hook is a two-piece hook including two hook arms with a slit formed therebetween, and the hinge connection includes two pins protruding from the pin plate in opposite directions, wherein the pin plate is adapted to engage with the slit, and each hook arm is adapted to engage with one of the two pins. In addition to providing a simple and reasonable installation, symmetry also provides improved load transfer characteristics.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one pin has an elongated cross-section with a pin width and a pin length, and the hook has a hook opening with a hook opening width, wherein the hook opening width is shorter than the pin length and greater than the pin width. In this way, the connecting arm can be locked to the top element by rotating the connecting arm out of the angular range in which the pin can pass through the hook opening. Thus, the connecting arm can be connected to the top element, for example, from a direction perpendicular to the direction presented by the connecting arm in the installed state.

[0019] In another embodiment, the shielding device further includes a spring assembly configured to provide a bias in the longitudinal direction on the respective side rails preferably via the connecting arm in the installed state, or on the bottom member of the frame structure. By providing such a spring assembly, improved installation flexibility is obtained because not only can the inevitable tolerances in the frame structure be addressed, but also the side rails automatically assume an optimal position in the longitudinal direction along the side members of the frame structure.

[0020] In another preferred improvement of this embodiment, the spring assembly includes a spring capable of being compressed in the longitudinal direction and a carriage capable of sliding in the track of the side rail, the spring being positioned to exert a force on the carriage, and wherein the carriage and the track include complementary locking means for holding the spring in a compressed state. In this way, the bias of the spring assembly can be prepared and maintained in a separate step during installation until the user releases the complementary locking means at an appropriate time. Without such complementary locking means, a bias effect can still be obtained, but the user must overcome the spring force throughout the installation process.

[0021] The spring of the spring assembly can be configured to abut against the second end of the connecting arm in the assembled state and the installed state, and wherein the carriage is configured to be manually movable between a first opening and a second opening in the track of the side rail, the spring being in a compressed state when positioned in the second opening. The provision of the two openings sets a clearly defined position for the position of the carriage in the track of the side rail while forming a simple and reliable holding means.

[0022] In addition to via the connecting arms and the top element, the fixing of the side rails to the frame structure of the roof window can in principle be carried out in any suitable manner, including using fastening means such as screws or other elements that interact with the frame structure to securely hold the screening device in the installed state to the frame structure. However, in one embodiment, each side rail is adapted to be mounted on the side members of the frame structure by means of at least one connecting member to obtain the installed state, and each connecting member is mounted on the side member by means of an adhesive portion. In this way, it can be ensured that the risk of damage to the roof window itself is minimized. Thus, in the case where the screening device needs to be removed, for example when moving from a rental house, the roof window remains substantially intact.

[0023] During the use of the screening device, i.e., when operating the bottom profile to deploy the screening body to the screening position and back to the non-screening position, the side rails are subjected to some forces due to their interaction especially with the bottom profile during their movement. To mitigate the effects of the resulting loads, preferably each connecting member further includes engaging means adapted to engage with the side rail to obtain the installed state, the engaging means preferably including an engaging tongue of a tab connected to the central portion of the connecting member, the tab preferably being connected to the central portion of the connecting member by means of an elastic suspension loop, and the engaging means being more preferably adapted to engage with the track of the side rail such that the side rail can freely slide in the longitudinal direction when engaged with the connecting member. By providing the engaging means in this way, the loads from the side rail that would otherwise be transmitted to the adhesive portion are largely absorbed by the engaging means without the risk of compromising the adhesive properties of the adhesive portion.

[0024] In another embodiment, the top element includes two end members located at the respective longitudinal ends of the top element, and the top element is mounted to the frame structure by engaging the end members with mounting brackets provided on the side members of the frame structure in a snap-fit manner. Such mounting brackets are well known in the art and are typically pre-mounted in commercially available roof windows or can be provided as a mounting kit together with the screening device of the present invention for installation in a step prior to the installation of the screening device itself.

[0025] Other presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The features described with respect to one aspect in each respect can also be combined in another aspect, and the advantages of the feature apply to all aspects in which the feature is combined. Description of the Drawings

[0027] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to schematic diagrams, in the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1A Is a perspective view of a roof window with an installed internal roof window shading device in a general embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1B Shows a detailed partial view of the bottom of the roof window, where Figure 1A The shading body of the shading device is in the shading position.

[0030] Figure 1C Shows a partial view of the bottom left corner of the roof window, where Figure 1A The shading body of the shading device is in another shading position or non-shading position.

[0031] Figure 2 Is a perspective view of a roof window with Figure 1A The shading device in the assembled state.

[0032] Figure 3A Is an exploded perspective view of the shading device in the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3B Is an exploded perspective view of the shading device in the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3C Is an exploded perspective view of the shading device in the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4A Is a perspective view of the connecting arm of the shading device in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4B Is Figure 4A A side view of the connecting arm.

[0037] Figure 5 Is a perspective view of the side rail of the shading device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 Is connected to Figure 5 A perspective view of the connecting arm of the third embodiment of the side rail in an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 Is an exploded perspective view of the top element and the connecting arm of the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8A Is Figure 7 An exploded partial view of the top element and the connecting arm in an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8B Is a partial perspective view of the connecting arm connected to Figure 8A The top element of the embodiment in the first position.

[0042] Figure 8C is a perspective view of the connecting arm of the top element in the second position that is connected to Figure 8A in an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a roof window of an internal roof window shading device having a shading device in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side rail is in the assembled position.

[0044] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a side rail having a spring assembly in another embodiment of the shading device according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11A and Figure 11B show perspective views of the carriage of the spring assembly of Figure 10 from different angles.

[0046] Figures 12A to 12C shows the connection of the connecting arm of the third embodiment to Figure 10 a schematic diagram of the sequence of the side rail and the spring assembly in an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the top element, the side rail, and the spring assembly in an embodiment of the internal roof window shading device according to the present invention.

[0048] Figures 14A to 14C shows Figure 7 a partial perspective view of the top element and the connecting arm in different configurations in different steps during the installation of the shading device.

[0049] Figure 14D shows a partial perspective view of the top element and the connecting arm in an embodiment of the internal roof window shading device according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 15A and Figure 15B show the installation steps involving the activation of the biasing state of the spring assembly.

[0051] Figures 16A to 16C shows the steps of connecting the side rail to the connecting arm and the top element to reach the assembled state.

[0052] Figure 17A and Figure 17B show the steps of bringing the shading device from the assembled state to the installed state.

[0053] Figure 18A and Figure 18B show the installation steps involving the deactivation of the biasing state of the spring assembly to bring the shading device in an embodiment of the present invention to the installed state in the roof window. Detailed Embodiments

[0054] In the following detailed description, preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept will be described. However, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features of different embodiments are interchangeable between the embodiments and can be combined in different ways. It should also be noted that, for clarity, the dimensions of some components illustrated in the drawings may be different from the corresponding dimensions in the actual implementation.

[0055] It should be noted that terms such as "upper", "lower", "left side", "right side", "outer", "inner", "outside", "inside" are relative and refer to the perspective being discussed. Generally, when referring to the outside, this relates to the side of the roof window and / or the shielding device that faces the outside of the building or the outdoors in the installed state. Conversely, the inside refers to the side that faces the inside of the building, which is typically the room below including any light well. Terms such as "outward" and "inward" are directions that are generally perpendicular to the inside-outside direction, with the center of the roof window as the reference point.

[0056] First, referring to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 2 , schematic views of the roof window 1 are shown from the inner or interior side. Generally, the roof window includes one or more frame structures, typically a fixed frame 3 and a sash 2 that carries a glass element 4 such as a transparent pane. The sash 2 can be openable or fixed. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C show an embodiment of the roof window 1 including a fixed frame 3 and an openable sash 2. The frame structure of the roof window will hereinafter be represented by the sash 2, which includes two side members 2.2 and 2.3 extending in the height direction, herein represented as the longitudinal direction L. The sash 2 also includes a top member 2.1 and a bottom member 2.4 extending in the width direction W. The width direction W and the length direction L define a plane P (as indicated in Figure 9 ), and the depth direction D is perpendicular to this plane P. Thus, a window opening 5 is formed, which is herein defined by the inner sides of the sash members 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, and which will be shielded by the roof window shielding device 10 according to the present inventive concept, as will be described in further detail below. In a roof window without a sash frame structure, the shielding device 10 can be arranged in the fixed frame 3, for example, between two side members of the fixed frame 3.

[0057] The roof window 1 is adapted to be installed in an inclined roof here by means of a set of frame mounting brackets connected to a fixed frame 3, and two representative frame mounting brackets 6 of the set of frame mounting brackets are shown. It should be noted that the inclination shown throughout the drawings is merely illustrative and the internal roof window screening device 10 according to the present invention can be installed in the roof window 1 at an inclination different from the inclination indicated in these embodiments.

[0058] In Figure 1A , the roof window screening device 10 is shown in the installed state in the roof window 1. The screening device 10 includes two side rails 12, 13 connected to respective sash side members 2.2, 2.3. The side rail 13 is here a mirror image form of the side rail 12 and the two side rails 12, 13 are installed in the same manner. Hereinafter, only the right side rail 12 will be detailedly referred to; it should be understood that any feature related to the side rail 12 also applies to the opposite side rail 13.

[0059] Also briefly referring to Figure 5 , the two side rails 12, 13 each extend over their length range in the longitudinal direction L in the installed state of the screening device 10, and as shown for the side rail 12, it has a side rail front part 12.2 which has a width dimension extending in the width direction W in the installed state. Finally, the side rail 12 has a track 12.1 which has an extension from the side rail front part 12.2 in the depth direction D and extends in the longitudinal direction L in the installed state of the screening device 10 as shown in Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C .

[0060] The screening device further includes a top element 11 which extends between the two side members 2.2 and 2.3 near the top member 2.1 in the installed state of the screening device 10, as shown in Figure 1A . The top element 11 includes a front cover 11.1 and may also include a rear cover 11.2 and two end parts 11.3, 11.4, wherein one end part is arranged at each end of the top element 11, as known in the art. The front cover 11.1 of the top element 11 of the screening device 10 has a generally elongated shape and extends in the width direction W which is the same as the longitudinal direction of the front cover 11.1. The front cover 11.1 defines a plane as indicated in Figure 3A , which plane coincides with the plane P spanned by the frame structure of the roof window 1, i.e., here the width direction W and the length direction L of the sash 2, in the installed state of the screening device 10. For clarity, this plane will be referred to as plane P during the description of the screening device 10 as such.

[0061] When referring to the side rails 12, 13 being in the installed state, i.e., in a position where each side rail 12, 13 is substantially parallel to the plane P, it should be understood that the side rail 12 is connected to the side member 2.2 of the sash 2 and the side rail 13 is connected to the other side member 2.3.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the side rail 12 is connected to the side member 2.2 partly via the top element 11 and partly by means of a connecting part 20 which is provided with an adhesive part 21 on the surface facing the side member of the frame structure in the installed state. Figure 2 The connecting part 20 mounted on the left sash side member 2.3 is shown. The connecting part 20 is intended to provide the connection between the side rail 13 and the side member 2.3 of the sash 2 in the installed state of the screening device 10. The corresponding connecting part 20 for providing the connection of the side rail 12 can be seen exactly on the right sash side member 2.2. For the purposes of the present application, it should be noted that preferably each connecting part 20 includes engaging means 22 adapted to engage with the respective side rails 12, 13 to obtain the installed state. As Figure 1C shown, the engaging means 22 may include an engaging tongue of a tab connected to the central part of the connecting part 20. The tab is preferably connected to the central part of the connecting part 20 by means of an elastic suspension loop. The engaging means 22 is adapted to engage with the track 12.1 of the side rail 12 such that the side rail 12 can slide freely in the longitudinal direction when engaging with the connecting part 20.

[0063] The connection of the side rails 12, 13 to the top element 11 by means of the respective connecting arms 7 will be described in more detail below, allowing the side rails to rotate by means of a hinged connection to the top element 11.

[0064] The screening device 10 further includes a screening body 15 which has two side edges and a predetermined length between a first end part and a second end part. The screening body 15 is capable of moving in the longitudinal direction L between a non-screening position and a screening position in which the screening body 15 substantially covers the glass element 4. In the non-screening position, the screening body 15 is configured to be received in the top element 11, as shown in Figure 2 shown.

[0065] In Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C the window opening 5 covered by the glass element 4 is also covered by the screening body 15. To operate the screening body 15 of the screening device 10, the bottom profile 14 is arranged to extend substantially parallel to the top element 11 and is connected to the second end part of the screening body 15. Figure 1BA detailed view of the bottom profile 14 is shown, in which two guiding elements 14.1 and 14.2 of the bottom profile 14 engage with the side rails 12, 13. By means of the guiding elements 14.1 and 14.2, the side edges of the shielding body 15 and the ends of the bottom profile 14 are guided on the rear sides of the side rails 12, 13 during shielding. To provide an end stop for the end of the bottom profile 14 to allow the shielding body 15 to assume a fully shielded position, as Figure 1C shown, end stops 14.3 are provided towards the bottom ends of each of the side rails 12, 13, for example fastened to the bottom member 2.4 of the window sash 2.

[0066] In Figure 1A , the roof window shielding device 10 is shown in the installed state. The installed state of the top element 11 means that the top element 11 is fixed in a frame structure, such as the window sash 2, here fixed to the side members 2.2, 2.3 by suitable attachment means, such as mounting brackets 24 ([[]]END]] Figure 14D ) pre-mounted at the top of each of the side members 2.2, 2.3 of the window sash 2. The top element 11 can alternatively and / or additionally be fixed to the top member 2.1 of the window sash 2 or other frame structures.

[0067] Due to the fact that the side rails 12, 13 extend at right angles to the top element 11 in the installed state, they are usually packaged and transported separately from the top element 11. Therefore, bringing the side rails 12, 13 from the supply state of the shielding device 10 to the installed state involves connecting the side rails 12, 13 to the top element 11 by means of a set of connecting arms 7. The connecting arms 7 can be pre-connected to the top element 11 or can be supplied separately and connected to the top element 11 during installation in the step of preparing to connect the side rails 12, 13. The connecting arms 7 are connected to the side rails 12, 13 such that a hinge connection is formed between the top element 11 and each of the side rails 12, 13. Figure 2 The shielding device 10 is shown in a step during the installation procedure, with the top element 11 already in the position it will assume in the installed state of the shielding device 10, while the side rails 12, 13 are connected to the top element 11 by means of the respective connecting arms 7 and assume a first position corresponding to the assembled state of the shielding device 10.

[0068] In a first position, at least a portion of the side rails 12, 13 and the corresponding connecting arms 7 form an angle α with respect to the plane P. Since the internal roof window shading device of the present invention is installed in a roof window, and the roof window is installed in a roof that has an inclination with respect to the vertical, gravity will be used to swing the side rails 12, 13 towards a substantially vertical position, thus allowing the side rails 12, 13 to hang freely in the assembled state. To further move the shading device 10 from the assembled state to the installed state, the side rails 12, 13 are rotated through this angle and into a second position, in which the side rails 12, 13 are positioned substantially parallel to the plane P and extend along the corresponding side members 2.2, 2.3, after which they are connected to the sash 2 or other frame structures in any suitable manner, here, as mentioned above, by means of the connecting member 20 fastened to the side members 2.2 or 2.3 of the sash 2.

[0069] In the assembled state of the shading device 10, preferably, the articulated connection between the top element 11 and the side rails 12, 13 allows the side rails 12, 13 to be held on the corresponding connecting arms 7 at least temporarily.

[0070] One way to achieve the holding is by forming the connecting arm 7 in the shape of a substantially longitudinal element, which includes a body portion having two ends, namely a first end 7.1 connected to or capable of being connected to the top element 11 and a second end 7.2 for engaging and holding the side rail 12, for example, in the track 12.1.

[0071] In particular, it is advantageous that the connecting arm 7 and the side rails 12, 13 are adapted to obtain a locked state by means of snap - locking. As will be described in further detail below, the snap - locking of the illustrated embodiment is configured to allow the side rails 12, 13 to move in the upward direction, but prevent the side rails 12, 13 from moving in the downward direction. Alternatively, the engagement between the second end 7.2 of the connecting arm 7 and the side rail 12 can be friction - based.

[0072] Now also referring to Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C which show three alternative embodiments of the connecting arm 7. In all embodiments, elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Only the differences will be described in detail.

[0073] In Figure 3A and Figure 3B 's embodiments, the connecting arm 7 is formed as a flexible element, which allows the second end 7.2 of the connecting arm 7 to engage and follow the side rail 12, while the first end 7.1 remains stationary with respect to the top element 11. In Figure 3AIn the embodiment, flexibility is obtained by providing a hinge 7.5 between the first end 7.1 and the second end 7.2. In Figure 3B In the embodiment, the connecting arm 7 is an elastic flexible element formed as a strip of elastic material. Alternatively, the connecting arm 7 may include a spring. A latch 7.6 is formed at the second end 7.2 of the connecting arm 7, and the latch 7.6 is configured to be received in the track 12.1 of the side rail 12 together with at least a part of the connecting arm 7. The latch 7.6 itself is rigid, and the engagement with the mating engagement device of the side rail can be achieved by the hinge function provided by the connecting arm 7 or by forming the engagement device of the side rail 12 as a flexible and / or elastic engagement device. The engagement device (not shown) of the side rail 12 is correspondingly formed. In two of these embodiments, the first end 7.1 of each connecting arm 7 can be fixedly connected to the top element 11 in the supplied state of the shielding device 10.

[0074] In Figure 3C In the embodiment shown in and also in Figures 4A to 18B In the subsequent embodiments, the connecting arm 7 is a substantially rigid longitudinal element. Since the connecting arm 7 is rigid, i.e., can only flex to a limited extent, the hinge function needs to be provided by a pivot point.

[0075] Although the connecting arm 7 of the third embodiment can also be connected to the top element 11 in the supplied state in principle, the connecting arm 7 of this embodiment can be provided as a separate element in the supplied state, and for this purpose, the connecting arm 7 includes means for releasably connecting to the top element 11.

[0076] At the first end 7.1 capable of being connected to the top element 11, the hinge connection between the connecting arm 7 and the top element 11 is provided by means of a hook 7.3 adapted to be connected to at least one pin 11.3ii in these embodiments. The hook 7.3 is included in the connecting arm 7 here and the two pins 11.3ii are included in the top element 11. Here, the hook 7.3 and the connecting arm 7 are integrally formed. Alternatively, one or more pins may be included in the connecting arm 7 and the hook may be included in the top element 11.

[0077] The hook 7.3 here is a two-piece hook including two hook arms 7.3i such that a slit 7.3ii is formed between the two hook arms 7.3i. On the top element 11, the articulated connection means includes two pins 11.3ii protruding in opposite directions from the pin plate 11.3i. Each hook arm 7.3i is adapted to engage with a corresponding pin 11.3ii on the pin plate 11.3i. This provides a more stable connection in which each of the two hook arms 7.3i engages with one of the two pins 11.3ii protruding from the pin plate 11.3i such that the slit 7.3ii is arranged between the two hook arms 7.3i in the connected state. This arrangement limits the unintentional disconnection between the connecting arm 7 and the top element 11, such as the twisting of the connecting arm 7 in a direction different from the expected bending direction of the hinge.

[0078] Go to Figure 8A , which shows a detailed view of the pin 11.3ii and the connecting arm 7. Each pin 11.3ii may have an elongated cross-section having a pin width PW and a pin length PL, where PL > PW. The hook 7.3 may have a hook opening 7.3ii having a hook opening width HOW, where the hook opening width is less than the pin length, i.e., PL > HOW, and the hook opening width is greater than the pin width, i.e., PW < HOW. HOW is measured at the outer peripheral edge of the hook 7.3 and the narrowest part of the hook opening 7.3ii is less than HOW. The narrowest part of the hook opening 7.3ii is narrower than PW. HOW is wider than the narrowest part of the hook opening 7.3ii.

[0079] PL being greater than HOW ensures that the hook 7.3 and the pin 11.3ii cannot be connected and disconnected when the hook opening 7.3ii is aligned with the pin length PL, as Figure 8C shown in. PW being less than HOW ensures that the hook 7.3 and the pin 11.3ii can be connected when they are aligned, as Figure 8B shown in. Thus, the connecting arm 7 and the top element 11 are adapted to be connected in a limited number of ways, which ensures the correct assembly of the two components. Additionally, it limits the risk of unintentional disconnection once the two components are assembled.

[0080] In Figure 8B , HOW is aligned with PW and can thus be disconnected. Here, PL extends in a length direction parallel to the plane and PW is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane. In the illustrated embodiment, this ensures that the hook 7.3 and the pin 11.3ii can be connected and disconnected only when the length direction of the connecting arm 7 is perpendicular to the plane. Go to Figure 8C , the connecting arm 7 is rotated such that HOW is aligned with PL. Thus, the connecting arm 7 and the top element 11 are arranged in a locked state in which they cannot be disengaged without using destructive force.

[0081] Now, with particular reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the second end portion 7.2 of the connecting arm 7 and its interaction with the side rail 12 will be described in more detail.

[0082] Generally, the rail 12.1 of the side rail 12 includes two rail members 12.1i that extend vertically from the front portion 12.2 of the side rail to form the rail 12.1. Additionally, the rail 12.1 includes two rail retainers 12.1ii that extend substantially parallel to the front portion 12.2 of the side rail from the rail members 12.1i, such that when the connecting arm 7 is inserted into the rail 12.1, the connecting arm 7 is restricted to a sliding motion along the longitudinal direction L.

[0083] The rail retainers 12.1ii are discontinuously interrupted to form one or more openings. Here, a first opening 12.4 is provided near the upper end portion of the side rail 12 and a second opening 12.6 is provided further downward along the longitudinal direction L.

[0084] The first opening 12.4 and the second opening 12.6 function when the connecting arm 7 and the side rail 12 are configured to obtain a locked state by means of snap - locking. As Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 6 shown, the connecting arm 7 is adapted to be fitted into the rail 12.1 of the side rail 12 by inserting the second end portion 7.2 into one end of the rail 12.1. It should be noted that the dimensional relationships between the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional relationships of the connecting arm 7 and the side rail 12, and thus the connecting arm 7 is dimensioned to be fitted into the rail 12.1 of the side rail 12.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the snap - locking between the connecting arm 7 and the side rail 12 includes a flexible tongue 7.4 disposed on the connecting arm 7, which is configured to interact with the first opening 12.4 of the rail 12.1 of the side rail 12. The locked state is obtained for the following reason: the flexible tongue 7.4 is pressed inward during its passage under the rail retainer 12.1ii and is allowed to resume its relaxed state in the first opening 12.4 and thus enter the Figure 6 locked state shown. In the case where it is desired to disengage the connecting arm 7 from the engaging device, the flexible tongue 7.4 is pushed and guided under the rail retainer 12.1ii.

[0086] The second opening 12.6 functions in an embodiment where a spring assembly is included in the shielding device 10. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 10 to 13 .

[0087] Here, a spring assembly 50 is provided, which is configured to provide a biasing force in the longitudinal direction L on the side rails 12, 13 in the installed state of the screening device 10. The spring assembly 50 interacts with the connecting arm 7 to provide the biasing force. Alternatively or additionally, a biasing device may be provided at the bottom member 2.4 of the sash 2.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring assembly 50 includes a spring 51 that can be compressed in the longitudinal direction and a carriage 52 that can slide in the track 12.1 of the side rail 12. The spring 51 is positioned to apply a force to the carriage 52, and the carriage 52 and the track 12.1 include complementary locking means for holding the spring 51 in a compressed state. The carriage 52 includes a first engagement member 52.1 configured to interact with the second end 7.2 of the connecting arm 7, a second engagement member 52.2 that interacts with the spring 51, and a carriage runner 52.3 that interacts with the track 12.1 of the side rail 12. Finally, a flexible tongue 53 and a finger grip section 54 are provided.

[0089] In particular, the Figures 12A to 12C sequence shown most clearly shows the function of the interaction between the side rails 12, the spring assembly 50, and the connecting arm 7 during connection.

[0090] As shown, the spring 51 of the spring assembly 50 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to abut against the second end 7.2 of the connecting arm 7 in the assembled state and the installed state. At the other end of the spring 51, the track plate 12.5 holds the spring 51 relative to the track 12.1 of the side rail 12. To enable biasing, the carriage 52 is configured to be manually movable between a first opening 12.4 and a second opening 12.6 in the track 12.1 of the side rail 12, wherein the spring 51 is in a compressed state when positioned in the second opening 12.6.

[0091] Hereinafter, a method of installing the screening device 10 from the supply state to the installed state will be described in particular with reference to Figures 14A to 18B the above-described embodiment. Also refer to the embodiment described above.

[0092] As a first step, if provided separately, the connecting arm 7 is connected to the top housing 11 and, if necessary, the connecting arm 7 is brought to a suitable position to allow connection to the side rails 12, 13. This is reflected in Figures 14A to 14C the figure.

[0093] Subsequently, the top housing 11 with the attached connecting arm 7 is connected to the sash 2 by inserting the end members 11.3, 11.4 onto the mounting brackets 24 at the side members 2.2, 2.3 of the sash, as indicated in Figure 14D the figure.

[0094] The spring assembly 50 biases the carriage 52 to move from the first opening 12.4 to the second opening 12.6 by gripping the finger grip section 54, as Figure 15A and Figure 15B shown therein.

[0095] Then, the side rails 12, 13 are connected to the respective connecting arms 7 and thus to the top element 11, as Figures 16A to 16C indicated therein. When the shielding device 10 is installed in the roof window 1 in a pitched roof, the shielding device 10 itself will be inclined relative to the ground. Therefore, since the side rails 12, 13 are hingedly connected to the top element 11 and allowed to freely hang in the assembled position, the side rails 12, 13 will be arranged substantially vertically due to the pull of gravity.

[0096] In Figure 17A it is shown how the person performing the installation grasps the side rail 12 and rotates it out of the vertical position in the outward direction until the side rail 12 is parallel to the plane P and the engaging device 22 of the connecting member 20 is guided into the track 12.1 of the side rail. During this movement, the upper edge of the side rail 12 is arranged behind the front cover 11.1 of the top element 11, as Figure 17B shown in the enlarged cutout of

[0097] The side rails 12, 13 can be installed independently of each other as shown, that is, one side rail can be connected to the connecting arm 7 and then rotated into place and fixed in its installation position while the other side rail remains in its supply state. Or, as in the described embodiment, the two side rails 12, 13 are connected to the respective connecting arms 7 and allowed to freely hang before being rotated into place one by one. Another alternative is to grasp both side rails 12, 13 from their freely hanging positions and then rotate them into place.

[0098] Finally, Figure 18A and Figure 18B it is shown how the spring 51 of the spring assembly 50 applies its bias by moving the carriage 52 through its finger grip section 54 such that the side rail 12 is pressed downward, thus providing a compression installation.

[0099] In this way, the user will be guided through the steps of the installation procedure, which in principle start from any supply state. Providing the assembly condition of the side rails freely hanging gives the opportunity to pause the installation to perform other preparatory steps, such as preparing to fix the side rails to the frame structure subsequently.

[0100] Subsequently, the side rails are typically fixed to the frame structure by attaching the side rails to the associated side members of the frame in question, most commonly the sashes of a roof window, although other attachment locations are also conceivable. Preferably, a separate connecting part with an adhesive portion fastened to the respective side member is used.

[0101] The installation of the top element can also be carried out arbitrarily; however, it is preferred to use mounting brackets on the side members for interaction with end parts appropriately formed at the longitudinal ends of the top element.

[0102] In combination, this preferred step enables easy installation and also allows the internal roof window shading device to be disassembled without damaging the roof window itself.

[0103] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described above, but various modifications and combinations are possible.

[0104] List of reference numerals

[0105] 1 Roof window

[0106] 2 Frame structure / sash

[0107] 2.1 Top member

[0108] 2.2 Side member

[0109] 2.3 Side member

[0110] 2.4 Bottom member

[0111] 3 Fixed frame

[0112] 4 Glass element / pane

[0113] 5 Window opening

[0114] 6 Mounting bracket

[0115] 7 Connecting arm

[0116] 7.1 First end of the connecting arm

[0117] 7.2 Second end of the connecting arm

[0118] 7.3 Hook

[0119] 7.3i Hook arm

[0120] 7.3ii Hook opening

[0121] 7.4 Flexible tongue

[0122] 7.5 Hinge

[0123] 7.6 Latch

[0124] 10 Shielding device

[0125] 11 Top element

[0126] 11.1 Front cover

[0127] 11.2 Rear cover

[0128] 11.3 End part

[0129] 11.3i Pin plate

[0130] 11.3ii Pin

[0131] 11.4 End part

[0132] 11.4i Pin plate

[0133] 11.4ii Pin

[0134] 12 Side rail

[0135] 12.1 Rail

[0136] 12.1i Rail member

[0137] 12.1ii Rail retainer

[0138] 12.2 Front part of side rail

[0139] 12.4 Opening

[0140] 12.5 Rail plate

[0141] 12.6 Second opening

[0142] 13 Side rail

[0143] 14 Bottom profile

[0144] 14.1 Guide element

[0145] 14.2 Guide element

[0146] 14.3 End stop

[0147] 15 Shielding body

[0148] 15.1 End cap

[0149] 20 Connecting part

[0150] 21 Adhesive part

[0151] 22 Joining device

[0152] 24 Mounting bracket

[0153] 50 Spring assembly

[0154] 51 Spring

[0155] 52 carriage

[0156] 52.1 First engaging member

[0157] 52.2 Second engaging member

[0158] 52.3 Carriage traveling member

[0159] 53 Flexible tongue

[0160] 54 Finger gripping section

[0161] α angle

[0162] H distance

[0163] L Longitudinal direction

[0164] W Width direction

[0165] D Depth direction

[0166] P Plane

Claims

1. An internal roof window screening device (10) comprising a top element (11) and two side rails (12, 13), the top element (11) comprising a front cover (11.1) extending in a width direction (W) and defining a plane (P), in, The screening device (10) is configured to be brought from a supply state in which the side rails (12, 13) are separated from the top element (11) to a mounted state in which the side rails (12, 13) are connected to the top element (11) and extend in the plane (P) in a longitudinal direction (L), It is characterized in that The screening device (10) further comprises a set of connecting arms (7), each connecting arm (7) comprising a first end (7.1) connected or connectable to the top element (11), and each connecting arm (7) is also suitable for being connected at a second end (7.2) to the respective side rail (12, 13), so that an articulated connection is formed between the top element (11) and each side rail (12, 13), And each side rail (12, 13) and at least a portion of the corresponding connecting arm (7) are configured to assume a first position at an angle (α) relative to the plane (P) when connected to the top element (11) and a second position corresponding to the installed state in which the side rail (12, 13) is parallel to the plane (P).

2. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each side rail (12) comprises a track (12.1), and the side rail (12) is adapted to be connected to the connecting arm (7) by receiving at least a portion of the connecting arm (7) in the track (12.1).

3. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that Each connecting arm (7) and the corresponding side rail (12, 13) are suitable for obtaining a locked state by means of snap locking.

4. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The snap lock is configured to allow movement of the side rails (12, 13) in an upward direction in the longitudinal direction (L), but prevent movement of the side rails (12, 13) in a downward direction.

5. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The snap lock comprises a flexible tongue (7.4) arranged on the connecting arm (7), the flexible tongue (7.4) being configured to interact with the track (12.1) of the side rail (12) to obtain a locked state.

6. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that Each connecting arm (7) comprises a latch (7.6) configured to interact with an engagement means in the track in the side rail.

7. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hinged connection between the top element (11) and each side rail (12, 13) is formed by arranging the connecting arm (7) as an elastically flexible element.

8. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first end (7.1) of each connecting arm (7) is fixedly connected to the top element (11) in the supply state.

9. The internal roof window shading device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each connecting arm (7) is provided as a separate element in the supply state and comprises means for releasable connection with the top element (11).

10. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The hinged connection between the connecting arm (7) and the top element (11) is provided by means of a hook (7.3) adapted to be connected to at least one pin (11.3ii).

11. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The first end (7.1) of the connecting arm (7) comprises a hook (7.3), and the at least one pin (11.3ii) extends from the top element (11).

12. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The hook (7.3) is a two-piece hook comprising two hook arms (7.3i) such that a slit (7.3ii) is formed between the two hook arms (7.3i), and the hinged connection comprises two pins (11.3ii) protruding in opposite directions from a pin plate (11.3i), wherein the pin plate (11.3i) is adapted to engage with the slit, and each hook arm (7.3i) is adapted to engage with one of the two pins (11.3ii).

13. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The at least one pin (11.3ii) has an elongated cross-section with a pin width (PW) and a pin length (PL), and the hook (7.3) has a hook opening (7.3ii) with a hook opening width (HOW), wherein the hook opening width (HOW) is shorter than the pin length (PL) and greater than the pin width (PW).

14. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The screening device (10) further comprises a spring assembly (50), which is configured to provide a bias on the corresponding side rails (12, 13) in the longitudinal direction (L) via the connecting arm (7) in the installed state, or to provide a bias on the bottom member (2.4) of the frame structure (2).

15. An internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 14, characterised in that The spring assembly (50) comprises a spring (51) which can be compressed in the longitudinal direction and a carriage (52) which can slide in a track (12.1) of the side rail (12), the spring (51) being positioned to exert a force on the carriage (52), and wherein the carriage (52) and the track (12.1) comprise complementary locking means for keeping the spring (51) in a compressed state.

16. An internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 15, characterised in that The spring (51) of the spring assembly (50) is configured to abut the second end (7.2) of the connecting arm (7) in an assembled state and a mounted state, and wherein the slide (52) is configured to be manually movable between a first opening (12.4) and a second opening (12.6) in the track (12.1) of the side rail (12), the spring (51) being in a compressed state when positioned in the second opening (12.6).

17. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The top element (11) is suitable for being connected to the frame structure (2) of the roof window (1) between the side members (2.2, 2.3) of the frame structure (2) and at the top member (2.1) of the frame structure (2) in the installed state, and wherein each side rail (12, 13) is connected to the top element (11) by means of the connecting arm (7), so that the side rail (12, 13) is allowed to hang vertically freely in an assembled state between the supply state and the installed state by means of the hinged connection formed by the connecting arm (7).

18. An internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 17, characterised in that Each side rail (12, 13) is adapted to be mounted on a side member (2.2, 2.3) of the frame structure (2) by means of at least one connecting component (20) to obtain a mounted state, and each connecting component (20) is mounted on the side member (2.2, 2.3) by means of an adhesive portion (21).

19. An internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 18, characterised in that Each connecting part (20) also includes an engaging device (22) suitable for engaging with the side rails (12, 13) to obtain the installed state, the engaging device (22) including an engaging tongue-shaped piece connected to a lug in the central part of the connecting part (20), the lug being connected to the central part of the connecting part (20) by means of an elastic suspension ring, the engaging device (22) being suitable for engaging with the track (12.1) of the side rail (12), so that the side rail (12) can slide freely in the length direction when engaged with the connecting part (20).

20. The internal roof window screening device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that The top element (11) comprises two end parts (11.3, 11.4) at respective longitudinal ends of the top element (11), and wherein the top element (11) is mounted to the frame structure (2) by means of snap-fit ​​engagement of the end parts (11.3, 11.4) with mounting brackets (24) provided on side members (2.2, 2.3) of the frame structure (2).

Images