Waterproof member for roof window and roof window installed in inclined roof structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses waterproof components (30, 32 and 33) for a roof window (1) and the roof window installed in an inclined roof structure. The waterproof member is made of a sheet material and comprises an elongate main element (301) and at least one end element (302) attached at one end to the main element (301) by a folding seam connection (303). The main element (301) comprises a first section (3011) extending along a length axis (L) and a height axis (H) of the waterproof member and a second section (3012) extending along the length axis and a width axis (W). The main element (301) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 6% and the end element (302) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 12%.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a waterproof member for a roof window, the roof window including a frame which includes a top frame member, a bottom frame member and two side frame members, the frame members defining a frame opening, and each frame member having an outer side facing away from the frame opening, wherein the waterproof member is made of a sheet material, wherein the waterproof member includes an elongate main element having two ends and at least one end element, wherein the main element includes a first section extending along a length axis and a height axis of the waterproof member and a second section extending along the length axis and a width axis of the waterproof member, the length axis extending between the two ends of the main element, and wherein at least one end element is attached to the main element at one end by a foldable seam connection and connected to the first section and the second section. The utility model also relates to a method for manufacturing the waterproof member. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The waterproof member forms part of a waterproof assembly for weatherproofing the joint between a roof window and an inclined roof structure on which the roof window is installed. The waterproof member is configured to have a length axis extending parallel to the length axis of the frame member of the roof window, the first section being configured to extend along the outer side of the frame member, and the second section being configured to extend away from the outer side of the frame member and the frame opening. In the installed state, the first section thus engages directly or indirectly with the outer side of the frame member, and the second section extends substantially in a plane with the roof structure. For example, indirect engagement can occur when an insulating frame is arranged around the frame of the roof window. If the waterproof member is used as a bottom waterproof member and the roof window is installed deep in the roof structure, the second section can, for example, have a slightly upward inclination by extending at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the first section, such that the second section can lift water to the level of the outer side of the roof material used below the roof window as observed in the inclined direction of the roof structure. The first section and the second section are typically made of a single metal sheet and separated by a bend, such that the outer side of the main element facing the outside in the installed state is concave. The bend can be sharp or have a large radius, such that the main element has a curved appearance. Such a waterproof member has been used for many years and provides excellent watertightness and durability, but since such a waterproof member is typically made of metal or a metal alloy with a high percentage of pure metal, such as aluminum or copper, such a waterproof member has a relatively high carbon footprint. SUMMARY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] Against this background, the object of the utility model is to provide a waterproof member which can be made of a material with a lower carbon footprint than the materials currently used while maintaining watertightness and durability.

[0004] In a first aspect of the present utility model, this and other objects are achieved by a waterproof member of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is further characterized in that the main element is constructed of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 6%, and the end element is constructed of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 12% and greater than that of the main element. The elongation at break is measured in accordance with EN ISO 6892-1:2019. Preferably, the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the main element is from 6% to 24%, and the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the end element is from 12% to 32%. In one embodiment, the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the main element is at least 15%, and the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the end element is at least 30%.

[0005] Aluminum alloys have proven to be very suitable for use in waterproof assemblies because aluminum alloys are elastic, highly weather-resistant and easily recyclable. Since the main element and the end element are made of different materials with different elongations at break, the end element is made of a material that is easier to bend and has better stretching ability compared to the main element. This means that more material can be stretched from the end element when forming a folded seam connector. In the use state of the waterproof member, the end element will usually be partially hidden, for example, hidden under other waterproof members or roofing materials, while the main element will usually be exposed to the weather. Making the main element of a less ductile material reduces the risk of accidental deformation of the main element, for example, during installation or when encountering hail. Thus, the combination of the softer end element and the dimensionally more stable main element optimizes the use of materials according to their respective characteristics, which will in turn allow for a reduction in the total carbon footprint.

[0006] Soft-temper aluminum of the 3000 series is currently considered very suitable for both the main element and the end element, but other types of aluminum can also be used, for example, aluminum of the 3000 series for the main element and aluminum of the 8000 series for the end element.

[0007] It is currently considered advantageous that the aluminum of the aluminum alloy comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 90%, of recycled aluminum.

[0008] The thickness of the sheet material will generally be from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0009] The waterproof element can for example be a bottom waterproof element which is configured to be mounted at the bottom frame element of a roof window installed in an inclined roof, i.e., below the roof window when viewed in the inclined direction of the roof structure. The bottom waterproof element is subject to high water loads and high wind loads, and thus the watertightness of the bottom waterproof element is crucial. In addition, the bottom waterproof element will receive water discharged from the panes of the roof window, and thus usually has to project into the roof structure. This requires more material during manufacturing compared to manufacturing for example side waterproof elements, and usually requires a material with a higher degree of deformability. Therefore, reducing the risk of rupture and overstretching is particularly advantageous for the bottom waterproof element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the main element further includes a planar third section that extends between the first section and the second section, the third section extending along the longitudinal axis and being angled with respect to both the first section and the second section.

[0011] In the case of introducing the planar third section, when the main element is made of a single sheet material, there will be two bends: a first bend between the first section and the third section and a second bend between the second section and the third section, both the first bend and the second bend extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the waterproof element.

[0012] The bend between the first section and the second section makes it necessary to have a corresponding bend on the folded seam piece of the folded seam connector, and causes stretching of the material on one side where the angle between the first section and the second section is greater than 180 degrees, and causes compression of the material on the other side where the angle between the first section and the second section is less than 180 degrees. In prior art waterproof elements with sharp bends, i.e., bends with a small radius typically from 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters, these deformations are concentrated at the bends. Soft metals such as lead and pure aluminum alloys can deform sufficiently to compensate for these deformations, but when using recycled aluminum and other less ductile materials, stretching can lead to cracks or holes. Cracks typically occur in the material of the folded seam piece, and holes typically occur in the sheet material adjacent to the folded seam piece because the stretching makes the sheet material too thin to remain intact. In the case of providing the third section, the deformations are distributed over two bends spaced a certain distance apart. This not only means that the deformation required at each bend is reduced, but also means that the material can be stretched from a larger area of the respective sheet material, thus reducing the risk of rupturing the sheet material.

[0013] Compared with the prior art waterproof member with a larger radius to form a continuous bent portion, the arrangement of the third section and the two bent portions provides locking of the end element relative to the main element. This prevents the end element and the main element from sliding relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and provides better control of the stretching of the material during the formation of the folded joint, since the material will mainly be stretched from the regions adjacent to the bent portions on either side of the folded joint.

[0014] In a waterproof member for use with a roof window installed deep in the roof and / or having a low frame, the advantages provided by the two bent portions are particularly evident, such that the height of the main element along the height axis needs to be small, since only a small amount of material is subsequently used for stretching. In some embodiments, the total height of the main element along the height axis is from 25 mm to 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 40 mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the third section extends at an angle of 120 degrees to 140 degrees relative to the first section and the second section, the angle being measured at the outer side of the waterproof member, i.e., the side facing the outside in the installed state. If the height axis and the width axis defined by the first section and the second section respectively are substantially perpendicular, it is currently considered advantageous to make the two bent portions have substantially the same dimensions, thus contributing to a uniform distribution of the tension. However, it may also be advantageous to have two bent portions with, for example, different angles to achieve the shape of the main element, which provides good drainage performance and / or prevents dirt, hail or snow from accumulating.

[0016] As described above, if the waterproof member is a bottom waterproof member for use at the bottom frame member of a roof window installed in an inclined roof structure, the second section may be configured to extend at an angle to the plane defined by the roof structure, such that the second section can direct water under the roof window onto the roofing material. Then, the width axis may not be perpendicular to the height axis, and the angle between the first section and the second section will then be less than 90 degrees measured at the outer side. In this case, the angles between the third section and the first section and between the third section and the second section will be correspondingly smaller.

[0017] It is currently considered advantageous that the third section extends at an angle of at least 110 degrees, preferably at least 120 degrees, measured at the outer side, relative to both the first section and the second section.

[0018] A foldable seam connector for attaching at least one end element to a main element can be a lock seam, wherein each of the end element and the main element includes a bent edge, wherein the bent edges hook into each other, and wherein the seam connector has been compressed such that the bent edges are firmly pressed against each other. The hooked bent edges provide excess material that can be stretched when forming bends between the third section and the first section and between the third section and the second section. Additionally, the hooked engagement of the bent edges allows the materials of the end element and the main element to move slightly relative to each other during the initial stage of the deformation process for forming the bends, thereby facilitating material redistribution, but ultimately fixing the two elements to each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the waterproof member further includes a fourth section that extends from an edge of the first section opposite the third section, wherein the fourth section is configured to engage an outer side of the frame member in the installed state. When the roof window is installed in the roof of a building, the outer side of the frame member faces the outside, and the fourth section thus allows the waterproof member to rest on the frame member, thereby defining the position of the waterproof member relative to the roof structure in the height axis and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the roof structure.

[0020] The waterproof member may further include a fifth section that extends from an edge of the fourth section opposite the first section such that the first section, the fourth section, and the fifth section form a right-angled U-shape. This will allow the waterproof member to hook onto the outer section of the frame member, thereby preventing the waterproof member from moving in a direction parallel to the plane of the roof structure once installed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the waterproof member further includes a reinforcing element that is mounted or configured to be mounted on the inner side of the waterproof member at the first section, i.e., the inner side facing the frame of the roof window. The reinforcing element may have a right-angled U-shape corresponding to the right-angled U-shape formed by the above-mentioned first section, fourth section, and fifth section, and the reinforcing element may be configured to be received inside the U-shape formed by the first section, fourth section, and fifth section on the inner side of the waterproof member. The reinforcing element may hook onto the outer section of the frame member when having a U-shape, as described above with reference to the waterproof member itself. The reinforcing element is preferably made of an elastic material such as steel, aluminum, or a polymer. Preferably, the reinforcing element is shorter than the main element of the waterproof member along the length axis. Two or more reinforcing elements may be arranged at a distance from each other along the length axis. The reinforcing element may be attached to the main element of the waterproof member or provided separately and engaged with the waterproof member during installation of the waterproof member.

[0022] In one embodiment, the waterproof member further includes a sixth segment that extends from an edge of the second segment opposite the third segment. If the waterproof member is intended to be used as a top waterproof member or a side waterproof member, the sixth segment may be configured to extend beneath the roofing material. If the waterproof member is intended to be used as a bottom waterproof member, a skirt element may be attached to the sixth segment, or the sixth segment itself may be configured to function as a skirt element that extends over the roofing material.

[0023] The skirt element may also be attached to the main element of the bottom waterproof member in other ways such that the skirt element extends continuously with the second segment. This can be achieved, for example, by welding or by means of an adhesive.

[0024] In a second aspect of the present utility model, the above and other objects are achieved by a method for manufacturing a waterproof member for a roof window, the roof window including a frame that includes a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and two side frame members, the frame members defining a frame opening, and each frame member having an outer side portion facing away from the frame opening, the method including the following steps:

[0025] A) Providing a first sheet material and a second sheet material,

[0026] B) Forming an elongate main element having two ends from the first sheet material such that the main element includes a first segment that extends along the length axis and the height axis of the waterproof member, and a second segment that extends along the length axis and the width axis of the waterproof member, the length axis extending between the two ends of the main element,

[0027] C) Forming end elements from the second sheet material,

[0028] D) Attaching at least one end element to the main element at one end of the main element by means of a foldable seam connection, thereby connecting the end element to the first segment and the second segment,

[0029] wherein the main element is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 6%, and the end elements are made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 12%. The elongation at break is measured in accordance with EN ISO 6892-1:2019. Preferably, the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the main element is from 6% to 24%, and the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the end elements is from 12% to 32%. In one embodiment, the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the main element is at least 15%, and the elongation at break of the aluminum alloy used for the end elements is at least 30%.

[0030] As described above with reference to the first aspect of the present invention, using such a combination of materials means that more material can be stretched from the end elements when forming the foldable seam connector, and the use of materials can be optimized according to the respective characteristics of the materials.

[0031] In one embodiment, step B) includes forming a planar third section extending between the first section and the second section by bending a first piece of sheet material twice along two parallel lines such that the third section extends along a longitudinal axis and is at an angle to the first section and the second section.

[0032] As described above with reference to the first aspect of the present invention, providing two bends, one on each side of the third section, means that the tension generated by the deformation at the foldable seam connector can be controlled and maintained at a level that allows the waterproof member to be made of recycled aluminium alloy and other materials with poorer ductility.

[0033] When step D) is performed after step B), the foldable seam connector will also acquire two bends, and the material at the bends of the foldable seam connector will deform, while the material at the centre of the first section, the second section and the third section will mainly press against the material of another piece of sheet material. On the concave outer side of the waterproof member, the material will be compressed, while on the convex inner side of the waterproof member, the material will stretch. Experiments have shown that with two independent bends, the compression can be absorbed by adjacent parts of the foldable seam connector, and the stretching can be compensated by stretching the material of adjacent parts of the foldable seam connector.

[0034] In one embodiment, step D) includes the steps of: D1) folding the edge flange of the second piece of sheet material into a hook shape and joining the edge flange of the second piece of sheet material to the edge flange of the first piece of sheet material; and D2) folding the edge flange onto the first piece of sheet material, thereby forming the foldable seam connector. Folding the edge flange onto the first piece of sheet material, i.e. onto the main element, means that the deformation of the material at the bends can occur simultaneously with the formation of the foldable seam connector. This in turn means that at least some of the deformation occurs while there is still only loose contact between the first piece of sheet material and the second piece of sheet material. This can help to stretch the material from adjacent parts and / or push the material away from the bends.

[0035] The end element generally includes the following section: the section extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to extend along the side frame member of the roof window in the installed state, and the foldable seam connector will generally be positioned close to this section. In such a case, folding the edge flange onto the main element will involve forming two bends close to each other on the second sheet material, while only one bend is required on the main element. To allow for this additional deformation of the end element, the second sheet material can be made of a material with higher ductility compared to the first sheet material. This is particularly applicable when the waterproof member is the bottom waterproof member, where the main element should be able to carry the loads of water, snow, and ice accumulated under the roof window and resist wind loads.

[0036] In some embodiments, step D) includes step D3), that is, compressing the foldable seam connector into a flat-lock seam by pressing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Compression causes the two sheet materials to engage tightly, thus contributing to the strength and stability of the waterproof member. Alternatively, compression can be achieved as part of the process of folding the edge flanges of the two sheet materials onto the first sheet material corresponding to step D2) above, that is, applying pressure mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, applying pressure parallel to the longitudinal axis involves the risk of the edge flanges disengaging from each other because the part of the second sheet material adjacent to the edge flange will contact the pressing tool and may be stretched longer while the edge flange is pulled, only affected by the frictional contact with the first sheet material and largely maintaining its original shape. On the other hand, by applying pressure in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the pressure is applied substantially equally to the edge flanges and the adjacent parts of the multiple sheet materials. Therefore, after folding is completed, pressing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis increases the possibility of achieving a waterproof and durable connector.

[0037] To provide additional functions to the waterproof member, the method may further include one or more of the following steps:

[0038] E) Forming a fourth section extending from the edge of the first section opposite to the third section by bending the first sheet material,

[0039] F) Forming a fifth section extending from the edge of the fourth section opposite to the first section by bending the first sheet material, such that the first section, the fourth section, and the fifth section form a right-angled U-shaped configuration.

[0040] G) Attaching a strengthening element at the inner side of the first section,

[0041] H) Forming a sixth section extending from the edge of the second section opposite to the third section by bending the first sheet material,

[0042] I) Attach the skirt-like element to the sixth section.

[0043] The embodiments and advantages described with reference to the first aspect of the present invention are also applicable to the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa. However, for the sake of avoiding undue repetition, only one of the aspects may be described. This means that the devices described with reference to the first aspect can be made by the methods described with reference to the second aspect, and the methods described with reference to the second aspect may include forming the device features described with reference to the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to schematic diagrams. In the drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof window installed in an inclined roof structure, the roof window being provided with a waterproof assembly;

[0046] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the section marked II in

[0047] Figure 3 corresponds to Figure 1 , but only the waterproof assembly is shown and the sealing element is removed;

[0048] Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 2 , but only the waterproof assembly is shown and the sealing element is removed;

[0049] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the bottom waterproof member at the position marked V in Figure 4 ;

[0050] Figure 6 shows a cross-section along the line VI-VI in Figure 5 ;

[0051] Figure 7 is a top view indicated by the arrow VII in Figure 5 ;

[0052] Figure 8 shows a cross-section along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 4 ;

[0053] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the reinforcing element; and

[0054] Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 8 , Figure 10It is merely observed from a slightly different angle and also shows the bottom frame member of the roof window and the insulating frame. Detailed Description

[0055] First, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a roof window 1 installed in an inclined roof structure 2, also known as a pitched roof structure, is shown. Here, the joint between the roof window and the roof structure is covered with a waterproof assembly 3. The roof structure slopes in a downward sloping direction D and includes rafters 21, a lower roof 22, battens 23, and laths 24. Here, the roof structure and the waterproof assembly are configured for use with a corrugated roof material (not shown), such as tiles. The roof material will be supported by the laths, and the bottom waterproof member 30 of the waterproof assembly is connected to a skirt element 31, which is configured to extend over the roof material below the roof window. On the side waterproof member 32 and the top waterproof member 33, a sealing element 34 is provided to close the gap between the waterproof assembly 3 and the roof material.

[0056] As can be better seen in Figure 2 and in Figure 3 and Figure 4 where the sealing element 34 on the side waterproof member 32 has been removed, the bottom waterproof member 30 includes an elongated main element 301 and two end elements 302. As seen along the length axis L, there is one end element 302 at each end of the main element. The end elements overlap with the side waterproof member 32, and the skirt element 31 extends over the total length of the main element and the two corner elements, such that water discharged from the side waterproof member will be guided through the end elements to the skirt element, and the water can be discharged from the skirt element below the roof window onto the roof structure.

[0057] In Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the main element 301 of the bottom waterproof member 30 has been shown as transparent, such that the reinforcing element 35 located on the inner side of the main element is visible. The reinforcing element will be described in more detail below.

[0058] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 the shape of the main element 301 of the bottom waterproof member 30 is seen, Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a section of the right - hand side end of the bottom waterproof member 30 corresponding to the position marked V in Figure 4 and a cross - section along the line VI - VI in Figure 5 . In these figures, all other parts of the roof window, roof structure, and waterproof assembly have been removed, so only the main element 301 and the right - hand side end element 302 are seen.

[0059] The main element 301 includes: a first section 3011 that extends along a length axis L and a height axis H; a second section 3012 that extends along the length axis and a width axis W; and a planar third section 3013 that extends along the length axis between the first section and the second section and is angled with respect to both the first section and the second section. Thus, the third section also extends at an angle with respect to the height axis H and the width axis W.

[0060] In Figure 6 an embodiment, the height axis H and the width axis W extend at an angle of 83 degrees with respect to each other, the angle between the first section 3011 and the third section 3013 is 135 degrees, and the angle between the third section 3013 and the second section 3012 is 128 degrees.

[0061] In this embodiment, the total height h of the main element along the height axis H is approximately 40 mm, and the height of the first section 3011 and the width of the second section 3012 along the width axis W are each approximately 20 mm. It will be understood that these dimensions can vary depending on the intended use of the waterproof member, and the relative dimensions, such as the relative dimension of the width of the second section with respect to the height of the first section, can also be different from the relative dimensions shown, for example to facilitate the attachment of a skirt, as will be described below. This also applies to the above angles, and the need to change the dimensions may result in changing one or both of the angles between the sections, or vice versa.

[0062] In addition to the first, second, and third sections, the main element 301 further includes herein: a fourth section 3014 that extends from an edge of the first section 3011 opposite to the third section; a fifth section 3015 that extends from an edge of the fourth section opposite to the first section; and a sixth section 3016 that extends from an edge of the second section opposite to the third section. All of these sections are made of a single piece of metal sheet and are separated from each other by bending. The functions of the fourth, fifth, and sixth sections will be described in more detail below.

[0063] The junction between the main element 301 and the right - hand end element 302 is embodied as a folding seam connector 303, which is shown from above in Figure 7 . On the main element 301, the edge has been bent such that the edge flange 3017 extends rearward along the body 3018 of the element, thereby forming a hook - like shape. On the end element 302, the edge has been bent twice such that the edge flange 3027 extends rearward toward the body 3028 at a 90 - degree angle to the body and forms a hook - like shape that engages with the hook - like shape on the main element 301.Figure 5 and Figure 7 the folded seam connector shown in Figure 7 has been formed in the following sequence of steps:

[0064] The edge flange 3017 of the main element 301 is bent so that the edge flange 3017 extends at 90 degrees relative to the body 3018;

[0065] The edge flange 3027 of the end element 302 is bent so that the edge flange 3027 extends at 180 degrees relative to the body 3028, thereby forming a hook shape;

[0066] The end element 302 is hooked onto the edge flange 3017 of the main element 301 so that the edge flanges 3017, 3027 extend parallel and adjacent to each other; and

[0067] The two edge flanges 3017, 3027 are folded onto the body 3018 of the main element, thereby forming the folded seam connector as shown in Figure 7 . Figure 7 in Figure 7 .

[0068] The folded seam connector 303 shown in Figure 5 can be transformed into a flat-lock seam by pressing in the direction indicated by the arrow P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. When this is done, the sheet material of the main element 301 and the sheet material of the end element 302 will be compressed and in close contact with each other, thereby eliminating the space 3031 seen in Figure 7 . Since the friction between the main element 301 and the end element 302 will prevent the main element 301 and the end element 302 from moving relative to each other, this compression results in a stronger connection, and the absence of a space between the main element 301 and the end element 302 will also contribute to improving the watertightness. Figure 5 and Figure 7 Figure 7 Figure 7 It will be understood that the left-hand end element can be connected to the main element in the same manner as described above, but this is not necessarily the case and / or the end element can be implemented in a different way. For example, in the case where this waterproof member is to be used in a set of roof windows to be installed in close proximity to each other, there can also be a waterproof member with an end element only at one end.

[0069]

[0070] In Figure 8 , the main element 301 in Figure 6 is shown, which has a reinforcing element 35 inside the first section 3011 and a skirt element 31 attached at the second section 3012, and the skirt element 31 extends continuously with the second section 3012. Figure 8 is shown Figure 6 Figure 6

[0071] Figure 9The overall shape of the reinforcing element 35 shown in [description] is L-shaped, having a first leg 351 extending along the first section 3011 in the installed state and a second leg 352 extending along the fourth section 3014. In Figure 10 In the installed state shown in [description], the first leg extends along the outer portion 111 of the frame member 11 of the frame of the roof window, here the bottom frame member, and is provided with holes 354 such that the reinforcing element can be attached to the frame member using screws or similar fasteners. The second leg 352 rests on the outer side portion 112 of the frame member 11, i.e., the side facing the outside in the installed state of the roof window, and thus determines how deep the waterproof member 30 reaches into the roof structure. In this embodiment, the reinforcing element 35 further includes a shorter third leg 353 that engages with a groove 113 in the outer portion 111 of the frame member. The third leg can assist in correctly positioning the waterproof member 30 during installation of the waterproof member 30 and can help prevent the waterproof member from lifting away from the frame member once installed, for example, preventing the waterproof member from lifting away from the frame member under the influence of wind suction. The length of the second leg 352 corresponds to the distance between the first section 3011 and the fifth section 3015 of the main element 301, and the first section 3011 and the fifth section 3015 together with the fourth section 3014 form a right-angled U-shaped shape such that the bottom waterproof member can be hooked onto the reinforcing element 35, as Figure 8 and Figure 10 shown in [description]. The unit composed of the main element 301 and the reinforcing element 35 is stronger and stiffer than the main element 301 alone, so that the bottom waterproof member has better resistance to wind loads, especially to wind suction.

[0072] As best seen in Figure 6 [description], the fifth section 3015 is here formed by two layers of sheet material folded over each other, where the inner layer 30151 is shorter than the outer layer 30152 such that a recess is formed between the inner layer and the fourth section 3014. This allows the bottom waterproof member 30 to snap onto the reinforcing element 35, and the edge of the second leg 352 of the reinforcing element opposite the first leg 351 engages with this recess. However, the fifth section can also be a simple single-layer edge flange.

[0073] Similarly, the shorter third leg 353 of the reinforcing element 35 is here shown to be made of two layers of sheet material to provide strength and stiffness, but can also be a single-layer edge flange.

[0074] The reinforcing element 35 shown in [description] is significantly shorter than the main element 301 along the length axis L. A longer reinforcing element would provide greater strength in the installed state, but may also make installation more difficult.

[0075] The bottom waterproof member 30 can also be installed without the strengthening element 35. In this case, the fourth section 3014 of the main element 301 will rest directly on the outer side portion 112 of the frame member 11, or the first section 3011 can be attached to the outer side portion 111 of the frame member 11 using screws or similar fasteners, as described above with reference to the strengthening member. In the latter case, the main element can be without the fourth section.

[0076] As Figure 8 and Figure 10 shown in, the sixth section 3016 of the main element 301 is for attaching the skirt element 31. The sixth section 3016 and the second section 3012 together form a hook shape, and the skirt element also has a bent edge 311, thus forming a hook shape. These two hook shapes engage with each other and can be pressed together more tightly than shown to establish a firm connection. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive or seal (not shown) can be provided between these two hook shapes.

[0077] As Figure 10 seen in, there is a space 4 between the bottom waterproof member 30 and the insulating frame 5, and the insulating frame 5 is arranged at the outer side portion 111 of the bottom frame member 11. This space can make room for components of the roof structure or additional insulating materials.

[0078] Also with reference to Figure 6 explained, the slightly upward inclination of the sixth section 3016 can contribute to the connection with the skirt member 31, but in the shown embodiment, it corresponds to the inclination of the part of the end element 302 extending from the end of the side waterproof member 32 to the skirt member 31, as best seen in Figure 4 As is well known to those skilled in the art, this inclination will depend on the depth at which the roof window is installed in the roof structure and the type of roof material to be used. If the waterproof assembly 3 is intended to be used with a flat roof material, such as slate, then such an inclination will not be necessary, and the first section 3011 and the second section 3012 of the main element can be perpendicular to each other.

[0079] The waterproof assembly 3 shown in the drawings is configured to be made entirely of tempered aluminum alloy 3003 of H41, while at least some elements of the applicant's prior art waterproof assembly have been made of a more ductile aluminum alloy 8011, which contains less manganese and more iron and silicon.

[0080] The strengthening element 35 can be made of the same aluminum alloy, and the outer part of the skirt element 31 can also be made of the same aluminum alloy.

[0081] The waterproof member has been mainly described above with reference to the bottom waterproof member 30, but the waterproof member may also be the top waterproof member 33 or may be the side waterproof member 32 although the end elements are typically used on the top and bottom waterproof members. Then, the relative dimensions of the first, second, and third segments may be different, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth segments may be implemented in different ways or may not exist. In the case of the top waterproof member 33, the second segment will be significantly longer than the second segment 3012 shown in the figure, such that the second segment can extend upward under the roofing material above the roof window 1, or a flat sixth segment continuous with the second segment may be provided. In the case of the side waterproof member 32, the sixth segment will replace Figure 2 the outer segment 321 on which the middle sealing element 34 lies.

[0082] List of Reference Numerals

[0083] 1 Roof window

[0084] 11 Bottom frame member

[0085] 111 Outer side

[0086] 112 External side

[0087] 113 Groove

[0088] 2 Roof structure

[0089] 21 Rafter

[0090] 22 Lower roof

[0091] 23 Counter battens

[0092] 24 Laths

[0093] 3 Waterproof assembly

[0094] 30 Bottom waterproof member

[0095] 301 Main element

[0096] 3011 First segment

[0097] 3012 Second segment

[0098] 3013 Third segment

[0099] 3014 Fourth segment

[0100] 3015 Fifth segment

[0101] 30151 Inner layer

[0102] 30152 Outer layer

[0103] 3016 Sixth section

[0104] 3017 Edge flange

[0105] 3018 Body

[0106] 302 End element

[0107] 3027 Edge flange

[0108] 3028 Body

[0109] 303 Folding seam connector

[0110] 3031 Space

[0111] 31 Skirt element

[0112] 311 Bent edge

[0113] 32 Side waterproof member

[0114] 321 Outer section

[0115] 33 Top waterproof member

[0116] 34 Sealing element

[0117] 35 Reinforcing element

[0118] 351 First leg

[0119] 352 Second leg

[0120] 353 Third leg

[0121] 354 Hole

[0122] 4 Space

[0123] 5 Insulating frame

[0124] L Length axis

[0125] H Height axis

[0126] W Width axis

[0127] D Tilt direction

[0128] P Pressure.

Claims

1. A waterproof member for a roof window, the roof window including a frame, the frame including a top frame member, a bottom frame member (11) and two side frame members, the frame members defining a frame opening, and each frame member having an outer side portion (111) facing away from the frame opening, Among them, The waterproof member is made of sheet material, wherein the waterproof member includes an elongate main element (301) having two ends and at least one end element (302), wherein the main element (301) includes a first section (3011) extending along a length axis (L) and a height axis (H) of the waterproof member, and a second section (3012) extending along the length axis and a width axis (W) of the waterproof member, the length axis extending between the two ends of the main element, and wherein the at least one end element (302) is attached to the main element (301) at one end by a folded seam connector (303) and is connected to the first section and the second section, characterized in that, the main element (301) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 6%, and the end element (302) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 12% and greater than the elongation at break of the main element.

2. The waterproof member according to claim 1, wherein the main element (301) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of 6% to 24%, and the end element (302) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of 12% to 32%.

3. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the main element (301) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 15%, and the end element (302) is made of an aluminum alloy having an elongation at break of at least 30%.

4. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The folded seam connector (303) is a standing seam.

5. The waterproof member according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the end element (302) and the main element (301) includes a bent edge, wherein the bent edges hook onto each other, and wherein the standing seam has been compressed such that the bent edges press firmly against each other.

6. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The height axis and the width axis are perpendicular to each other, and the first section and the second section extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

7. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main element (301) further includes a planar third section (3013) extending between the first section (3011) and the second section (3012), the third section extending along the length axis and being at an angle to both the first section and the second section.

8. The waterproof member according to claim 7, characterized in that The third section extends at an angle of at least 110 degrees with respect to the first section and the second section.

9. The waterproof member according to claim 7, wherein The waterproof member further includes at least one of the following: a fourth section (3014) extending from an edge of the first section opposite to the third section, the fourth section being configured to engage with the outer side portion of the frame member in an installed state, a fifth section (3015) extending from an edge of the fourth section opposite to the first section such that the first section, the fourth section and the fifth section form a right-angled U-shape, Reinforcing element (35), which is configured to be installed at the inner side of the first section, Sixth section (3016), which extends from the edge of the second section opposite to the third section, and Skirt-like element (31), which is attached to the sixth section or the second section.

10. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The waterproof member is configured to be used as a bottom waterproof member installed at the bottom frame member of a roof window installed in an inclined roof.

11. The waterproof member according to claim 10, characterized in that, The skirt-like element extends continuously with the second section.

12. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sheet material is a metal sheet.

13. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The total height of the main element along the height axis is 25 mm to 60 mm.

14. The waterproof member according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third section extends at an angle of at least 120 degrees with respect to the first section and the second section.

15. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sheet material is aluminum.

16. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The total height of the main element along the height axis is less than 50 mm.

17. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The total height of the main element along the height axis is less than 40 mm.

18. A roof window installed in an inclined roof structure, characterized in that, The waterproof member according to one or more of claims 1 to 17 is installed at the bottom frame member of the roof window, and when observed in the inclined direction of the inclined roof structure, the waterproof member is located below the roof window.

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