Caravan windows and opening mechanism for them

Abstract

The present invention relates to a skylight 1 or window of a caravan or motorhome, comprising a frame 10, a window sash 20 and window stays, comprising at least a first and a second window stay 140, 190, which can hold the window sash 20 in an open or closed position relative to the frame 10, wherein the window sash 20 can be opened outwards, and an opening mechanism for the skylight 1 or window, comprising an operating element 100, which can actuate a drive element 115 by exerting a force on the drive element 115, a first 120 and a second rack 170, which have longitudinal axes arranged parallel to each other and are simultaneously movable in opposite directions along the longitudinal axes by the drive element 115, and a first force transmission element 130, which can transmit the force linearly from the first rack 120 to the first window stay 140.and a second force transmission element 180, which can transmit the force linearly from the second rack 170 to the second window stop 190, wherein the operating element 100 can be actuated from inside the caravan and is arranged at least partially together with the drive element 115 and the first 120 and the second rack 170 within the frame 10, and wherein at least one of the force transmission elements 130, 180 is flexible and extends around the corner 15 of the frame 10.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a skylight or window for a caravan or motorhome, in particular an opening mechanism for the skylight or window that ensures more convenient handling for the user when opening and closing the skylight or window. The opening mechanism is adaptable to any type of window, it can be fitted into the frame of the skylight or window in a space-saving design, and it does not restrict the field of vision through the skylight or window in any way.

[0002] Skylights in caravans are known to have a glass or transparent plastic pane in the form of a hood and a lifting handle in the center for opening it. The disadvantages of this design are that the handle is positioned quite high, typically above the caravan ceiling, and that it restricts the view and the amount of light entering the skylight, as it is positioned across the skylight or window. Furthermore, considerable strength is required to open or close such skylights.

[0003] Sliding windows require sufficient space on at least one side of the window to allow the glass pane or transparent plastic to slide to the side. Furthermore, this design is unsuitable for a caravan skylight, as items such as leaves or twigs could fall through the window into the caravan's interior.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an opening mechanism for a skylight or window for a caravan or motorhome that does not have the disadvantages of those known in the prior art. In particular, an opening mechanism is needed with which the skylight or window can be opened by a pivoting movement of the glass pane or transparent plastic or the window sash of the glass pane or transparent plastic, which should be easily accessible, convenient to operate, and which should not obstruct the view or the amount of light entering through the skylight or window.

[0005] To solve this problem, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, an opening mechanism for a skylight or window of a caravan or motorhome, wherein the skylight or window comprises a frame, a window sash and window stays, comprising at least a first and a second window stay which can hold the window sash in an open or closed position relative to the frame, wherein the window sash can be opened outwards.The opening mechanism of the present invention comprises a control element that can actuate a drive element by exerting a force on the drive element, a first and a second rack having longitudinal axes arranged parallel to each other and simultaneously movable in opposite directions along the longitudinal axes by the drive element, a first force transmission element that can transmit the force linearly from the first rack to the first window stop, and a second force transmission element that can transmit the force linearly from the second rack to the second window stop. According to the present invention, the control element can be actuated from inside the caravan and is at least partially arranged within the frame together with the drive element and the first and second racks.According to the present invention, at least one of the force transmission elements is flexible and extends around a corner of the frame.

[0006] The interaction of the drive element, the two racks, and the two power transmission elements represents a small but effective technical design that can be completely concealed within the frame of the skylight or window, which itself can be very small. The opening mechanism therefore does not obstruct the view or the amount of light entering through the skylight or window in any way. The window sash can be opened outwards, for example, by rotating it, or it can be moved outwards while still parallel to the frame. Any type of actuating device can be positioned on the surface of the frame facing the interior of the caravan to operate the opening mechanism of the invention, thus making the opening mechanism easily accessible even for shorter people.Another advantage of the opening mechanism of the present invention is that the skylight or window does not only have one or perhaps two individual opening positions, but can be opened continuously and fixed in any position up to the maximum opening.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame has at least four sides, and the window sash can be rotatably opened outwards. The sash is hinged to the frame on one side parallel to the sash's axis of rotation, with the first and second window stops positioned on the sides of the frame adjacent to the side where the sash is hinged. In this embodiment, the skylight or window can be rotatably opened outwards. The sash rotates about the axis of rotation near and parallel to one side of the sash, or rather, the frame. The opposite side of the sash, which is furthest from the frame in the open position, requires no stop or similar device, so that the opening is not obstructed.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive element is a gear, and the racks have teeth arranged in a row along the longitudinal axes of the racks. The teeth of the first rack project in a direction opposite to that of the teeth of the second rack, and the first and second racks engage with the gear from opposite sides of the gear. The force, i.e., the torque exerted on the gear, is thus halved for both the first and second racks, which in turn transmits the force linearly to the window stays via the force transmission elements. This prevents faulty and uneven opening of the skylight or window.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the racks have the form of an elongated frame, and the row of teeth is positioned on one of the inner longitudinal edges of the elongated frame. This design results in a more stable and rigid system overall, as it prevents excessive bending of the racks.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first and the second force transmission element are flexible and extend around a corner of the frame. Thus, the force can be transmitted linearly within the frame, regardless of the frame's shape.

[0011] Preferably, the force transmission elements are in the form of strips with a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the strips are sufficiently rigid in the longitudinal direction to transmit the force from the racks to the window stays, and wherein the strips are sufficiently flexible in the thickness direction to deflect the force around the corner of the frame. With such force transmission elements, a very compact design can be achieved.

[0012] Preferably, the first and second force transmission elements are positioned at least partially within a guide rail of the frame. This results in higher stiffness and accuracy of the system.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first and the second window retainer have at least two rods, one rod being connected to one of the force transmission elements and the other rod being connected to the window sash. When force is transmitted from the force transmission elements toward the window retainers, the rods act as a lever, opening the window sash. This allows the opening width and the force required to open the skylight or window to be easily adjusted by appropriately selecting the length of the rods. In one example, the rod connected to the window sash has a sliding component for engaging a track in the window sash. This allows the respective window retainer, or rather the engaged rod, to be reliably guided along the provided track of the window sash.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first and the second force transmission element are connected to the rod of the respective first or second window stop via a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is attached to the rod by a pin that ensures rotational movement between the connecting element and the rod. This results in greater stability and durability of the system. The connecting elements thereby reinforce the respective end sections of the force transmission elements for transmitting the force to the window stops.

[0015] Preferably, the opening mechanism includes a preload element for connection to the window sash. In one embodiment, the preload element is arranged between one of the rods, preferably the rod connected to the window sash, and the window sash itself. Therefore, an additional force acts between the window sash and the opening mechanism. This relieves the opening mechanism of stress during at least one of the movements of opening the window sash, closing the window sash, and holding the window sash in an open position. Furthermore, the aforementioned movements and positions of the window sash are stabilized. In one example, the preload element is a spring, preferably a coil spring, arranged between the components shown.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating element comprises a third rack and a handle connected to the third rack, wherein the third rack has a longitudinal axis arranged parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first and second racks, and wherein the handle and the third rack are displaceable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third rack, thereby allowing the third rack to actuate the drive element directly or indirectly. With this sliding mechanism of the operating element, the position of the skylight or window can be identified simply by observing the position of the handle, for example, using the rearview mirror of the caravan driver, without having to see the skylight or window itself. Furthermore, opening at predetermined opening positions can be easily achieved by placing corresponding markings along the sliding path of the handle.

[0017] More preferably, the operating element can be held in its position by means of a locking device comprising a notched rod and a stop, wherein the notched rod has several notches and is fixed in its position relative to the frame, and the stop is attached to the handle, wherein the stop can be engaged with at least one of the several notches by actuating the handle to hold the position of the operating element, and wherein the stop can be released from at least one of the several notches by actuating the handle to change the position of the operating element. The opening position of the skylight or window can thus be easily changed and is held securely when the stop rests in the notched rod.

[0018] Even more preferably, the operating element has a second gear and a third rack with teeth arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis of the third rack, the teeth of the third rack engaging with the second gear, and the second gear being designed for direct actuation of the drive element. The gear ensures reliable power transmission.

[0019] Even more preferably, the drive element is a gear that engages with the second gear. This allows the transmission ratio to be designed according to the desired opening width of the skylight or window and the desired length of the handle's sliding travel. As is known in the art, the transmission ratio can be adjusted by selecting suitable dimensions for the interacting gears.

[0020] Preferably, the third rack has the form of an elongated frame, and the row of teeth is positioned on one of the inner longitudinal edges of the elongated frame. With regard to the first and second racks of the present invention, this rack design ensures high rigidity and accuracy during operation.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating element is a crank designed for actuating the drive element.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the control element has a wheel and a rod designed for actuating the drive element.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element is an electromechanical device designed for actuating the drive element.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a skylight or window of a caravan or motorhome with a frame, a window sash, window stays, comprising at least a first and a second window stay which can hold the window sash in an open or closed position relative to the frame, and the opening mechanism according to the present invention.

[0025] Preferably, the skylight or window has an additional locking means for securely locking the skylight or window in a closed position. This prevents the skylight or window from opening unintentionally. In one embodiment, the additional locking means comprises a first part and a second part. The first part is arranged on the window sash. The second part is arranged on the opening mechanism such that it interacts with the first part. In one example, the additional locking means is a snap-and-latch mechanism. The additional locking means can be controlled by the disclosed opening mechanism according to the present invention or individually by a corresponding activation mechanism. In the first case, the first part can be fixed to an inner wall of the window sash.Furthermore, the second part can be arranged on the force transmission element for movement in the same direction. The movement of the force transmission element thus allows the additional locking means to be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state, and vice versa. In one embodiment, several locking means are provided for the skylight or window.

[0026] The present invention relates to skylights and windows of a caravan or motorhome. Therefore, unless explicitly stated otherwise or the context is technically contradictory, whenever a skylight is referred to, the same applies to a window, and whenever a caravan is referred to, the same applies to a motorhome.

[0027] The term “window sash” in connection with the present invention may also be referred to as a “sash”. The window sash is an integral component of the skylight or window, consisting essentially of the glass pane or transparent plastic of the skylight or window, and may also include a frame that supports the glass pane or plastic.

[0028] The window retainer according to the invention can be any means suitable for opening and closing the window sash and for holding it in a desired position, typically comprising arms or rods coupled to the window sash.

[0029] The frame of the skylight or window can have a polygonal, preferably rectangular, shape. In connection with the present invention, a "side" of the frame is understood to be one of the edges of the polygon. However, the frame, or the entire skylight or window, can also have a round shape, at least partially. Therefore, the present invention also covers the possibility that the section of the frame in which the first and second racks are positioned has a round shape. In such an embodiment, the racks are curved according to the curvature of the respective frame section. Consequently, the longitudinal axes of the racks according to the present invention are not necessarily straight, but can also have a curvature.However, any such curvature must be essentially constant so that the racks can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the longitudinal axes of the drive element without colliding. The same logic applies to the term "parallel": two curvatures are parallel to each other if the distance between the curvatures is constant.

[0030] Unless explicitly defined otherwise, the force used herein refers to the force required to move the first and second racks or to open or close the skylight or window.

[0031] In embodiments where the racks are in the form of an elongated frame, this is to be understood as a longitudinally extending, plate-like component with a longitudinally extending recess across the center of the plate. The teeth of these racks are arranged in the recesses, namely on one of the longitudinal edges of the recess, and the tooth tips point towards the opposite longitudinal edge of the recess.

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below with reference to the drawings, wherein Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of a skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a view of the same skylight as in Fig. 1 shown, from below, Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of some components of the opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 shows a window stop according to an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position, Fig. 5 the same window stop as in Fig. 4 shown, shows, Fig. 6 illustrates the mechanism of power transmission between the drive element and the first rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. Figure 7 shows an exploded view of some components of the opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the control element according to the present invention, Fig. 9 illustrates the mechanism of power transmission from the rack of the control element via the second gear to the drive element according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 den in Fig. 9 illustrated the mechanism shown, in addition showing the first rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 den in Fig. 9 illustrates the mechanism shown, also showing the second rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 12 shows the complete opening mechanism, including the first and second window retainers according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment for a handle, Fig. Figure 14A shows a perspective view of another embodiment for a handle while the window sash is in the closed state, Fig. 14B the embodiment of Fig. 14A shows, while the window sash is in the open position, Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of some parts of an opening mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 16 shows another alternative embodiment for a handle, Fig. Figure 17A shows a perspective view of an additional locking means in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17B the additional locking device of Fig. 17A in the unlocked state shows and Fig. Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a prestressing component between the window sash and the opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a rectangular skylight 1 with a frame 10 and a sash 20, which is held in position by the first and second window stops 140 and 190, respectively. In this embodiment, the sash 20 consists essentially of a transparent plastic that is bent downwards at the edges, so that it has a convex side and a concave side. A thin frame is arranged inside the concave side of the sash 20, in which a track is provided for each of the window stops 140 and 190. Furthermore, the sash 20 is hinged on one side 12 of the frame 10 (hinge not shown). The shape of the skylight is not particularly restricted. It can also be polygonal with three or more sides and with angles other than 90° between them.

[0034] The material of the glass pane or transparent plastic is not particularly restricted, and all suitable materials known in the industry can be used. Polycarbonate and polyacrylonitrile are particularly preferred.

[0035] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the sliding handle 101 of the control element 100 is positioned on the inside of the frame 10, so that the user can easily reach it.

[0036] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the skylight 1 further comprises a retractable fly screen and / or a retractable blackout blind. With the opening mechanism of the present invention, the skylight 1 can be opened or closed while the fly screen is extended. This is not possible with prior art skylights that have a handle in the glass dome.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the drive element 115 is a gear 115 that converts its torque into a linear force for the first and second racks 120 and 170, respectively. The racks 120 and 170 are further connected to the first and second power transmission elements 130 and 180, respectively, which transmit the linear force around the corners 15 of the frame 10, or rather around the corner radii of the frame 10. As shown, the power transmission elements 130 and 180 have the form of strips with a length, a width, and a thickness, and are bent around the corner radii 15 of the frame 10 in the thickness direction of the strips. The force is transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the strips. The material of the force transmission elements 130, 180 is not particularly restricted as long as it meets the functional requirements, i.e. effectively transmits the force around the corner to the window stops 140, 190 to open or close the window sash 20.Therefore, the force transmission elements 130, 180 must be sufficiently flexible in their thickness direction. Suitable plastic materials are known and can be selected accordingly, based on the detailed technical design. The same applies to the thickness and width dimensions, which can be selected to ensure both a direct and rigid force transmission to the window stays 140, 190 and a deflection of the force around the corner radius 15 of the frame 10.

[0038] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the ends of the force transmission elements 130, 180 are connected to the window stays (only 140 is shown), in particular to a rod 141 of the window stay. When force is exerted on the rod 141, it pushes the second rod 142 upwards, which in turn opens the skylight 1 by rotating the window sash 20. Since the force transmission elements 130, 180 are made of a rather flexible material, their ends are protected by a connecting element 132, which provides greater stability. Because the force in this embodiment is transmitted to the window stays 140, 190 by rather small pins 131, the connecting element, which is preferably made of a stiffer and harder material than that of the force transmission elements 130, 180, also increases the durability of the mechanism.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the drive element 115 is preferably a gear 115 that engages with the teeth 121 of the first 120 and second rack 170 (not shown). This causes the gear 115 to protrude into the longitudinal recess of the rack 120 along its axis of rotation, with the row 123 of teeth 121 being arranged on one of the longitudinal edges 124 of the recess or on one of the longitudinal inner edges 124 of the frame 122. While, when looking at Fig. 6. When the gear 115 is rotated clockwise, the rack 120 moves to the left, as the row 123 of teeth 121 engages the gear 115 from below. The number of teeth and their dimensions, whether on the gear 115 or on the racks 120 and 170, are not particularly restricted and can be designed according to practical circumstances and requirements.

[0040] The type of control element 100 used for the opening mechanism of the present invention is not particularly restricted. Preferred control elements 100 include sliders, rods, cranks, and electromechanical devices. The control element 100 actuates the drive element 115 and can preferably be operated manually from inside the caravan. A handle 101 for operating the control element 100 is more preferably arranged on a side 11 of the frame 10 facing the inside of the caravan. In the case of an electromechanical device, however, the handle 101 can simply be a switch, which in turn can be located anywhere in the caravan and / or carried on a key ring and thus transmit a signal via radio link, infrared, or the like to the part of the electromechanical device that actuates the drive element 115.

[0041] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 shows some components of an opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a modified operating element 100. In particular, the operating element 100 has a rod 100A that is in functional contact with the drive element 115. Furthermore, the operating element 100 has a wheel as a handle 101 for rotating the rod 100A about the longitudinal axis of rotation A1 of the rod 100A. The wheel may have several grooves for easier handling of the operating element 100. By rotating the wheel 101 about the axis of rotation A1, a force is transmitted to the drive element 115 to move the window sash 20 into the required position.

[0042] The most preferred control element 100 is a slider, as exemplified in Fig. Figure 8 shows a manually operated handle 101, positioned on the inside of a side 11 of the frame 10, which is connected upwards to a third rack 102 that can engage directly with the drive element 115. The handle and the third rack are displaceable in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third rack. As already implied by the term "rack," the third rack, as well as the first and second racks 120 and 170, generally have an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis in the direction of the rack. Furthermore, the longitudinal axes of the first rack 120, the second rack 170, and the third rack 102 are parallel to each other in the sense explained above. Not necessarily, but preferably and by way of example, Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the third rack 102 has the form of an elongated frame 110, similar to the preferred embodiments of the first and second racks 120 and 170 described above. This means that the row of teeth 103 of the third rack 102 is arranged on one of the inner longitudinal edges 111 of the frame 110. The tooth tips of the teeth 103 point towards the respective opposite inner longitudinal edge of the frame 110.

[0043] Furthermore, it points out that Fig. 8 The operating element 100 has a locking device 109 for holding the position of the slide. The locking device 109 has a notched rod 104, the position of which is fixed relative to the frame 10. The connection between the handle 101 and the third rack 102 is spring-mounted, so that the handle 101 can be moved upwards and downwards, or rather perpendicular to the permitted direction of movement of the third rack 102. With this additional translational degree of freedom of the handle 101, a stop 106 can engage in and disengage from the notches 105 of the notched rod 104. The stop 106 is thereby fixed in its position relative to the handle 101. As exemplified in Fig. Figure 8 shows the notched rod 104 with its notches 105 pointing upwards towards the third rack 102. The handle 101 is located below the notched rod 104, and the connection between the handle and the third rack 102 leads through a longitudinal recess in the notched rod 104. The handle 101, which is fixedly attached to the stop 106, rests above the notched rod 104 in one or more of the notches 105. In the embodiment shown, the stop 106 has the form of a T-piece that rests in a notch 105 and is held in this position by a spring 107. To operate the control element 100, the handle 101 together with the stop 106 can be pushed upwards so that the stop 106 is released from the notch 105 in which it rests, and then the handle can be pushed into a desired position to actuate the drive element 115 in the manner described above.Once the desired position is reached, the handle 101 is released, and the spring 107 presses the stop 106 down so that it rests in another notch 105. Pressing upwards deforms the spring 107, and thus a corresponding force must be applied, equal to the force that holds the stop 106 in the notch 105. However, the use of a spring 107 is not mandatory. Any means that achieves the desired function can be used, such as an elastic band or the like. A coil spring is most preferred, however.

[0044] It becomes apparent that the described arrangement, in conjunction with Fig. Paragraph 8 refers to a skylight 1 as an example, but can easily be applied to a window on a vertical side of the caravan by rotating the entire structure by 90°. The same applies to several paragraphs of the disclosure; however, for the sake of brevity, this reference is not repeated in each one.

[0045] The drive element 115 is preferably a gear 115, which can be driven either directly or indirectly via the teeth 103 of the third rack 102. If the gear 115 is driven directly by the third rack 102, the gear 115 engages with the teeth 103. In this case, the movement of the handle 101 corresponds to that of the first and second racks 120, 170, the movement of the first and second racks 120, 170 being determined by the opening path of the window sash 20. According to a preferred embodiment, the movement of the handle 101 can be selected independently of the opening path of the window sash 20. It can be comparatively longer to reduce the force required to move the handle 101, but it can also be chosen to be shorter if, for example, the space on side 11 of the frame 10 is limited.For this purpose, an additional gear 108 can be used, which interacts with the drive gear 115 as a gear transmission, the operation of which is generally known in the art and is therefore not explained in detail here. In this embodiment, the additional gear 108 engages with the teeth 103 of the third rack 102 and with the gear 115, which is the drive element 115. To reduce the force required to move the handle 101, the additional gear 108 preferably has a smaller pitch circle radius than the gear 115. This is illustrated by example in [reference]. Fig. Figure 9 shows that the third rack 102 is moved to the right, thereby inducing a counterclockwise rotation of the gear 108, since the teeth 103 engage with the gear 108 from below. The counterclockwise rotation of the gear 108 further induces a clockwise rotation of the gear 115. As shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, this movement is further continued by a movement of the first rack 120 to the left and by a movement of the second rack 170 to the right. An overview of the entire system of an exemplary and preferred embodiment of the opening mechanism of the present invention, which interacts with the first and second window retainers 140, 190, is shown in Figure 11. Fig. 12 shown. There, the power transmission elements 130, 180 have the form of bands that are bent around the corner radii 15 of the frame 10 and guided in guide rails 116.

[0046] Preferably, the window sash 20 can be rotatably opened using the opening mechanism of the present invention. However, it is also possible for the window sash 20 to be moved outwards while remaining parallel to the frame 10. To achieve this, for example, two additional window stops can be provided, a total of two window stops in a row on each side 13, 14 of the frame. Each force transmission element 130, 180 is then successively connected to two window stops. Thus, the four window stops can be moved simultaneously to open the window, which in turn opens the skylight 1 with a parallel movement of the window sash 20.

[0047] The handle 101 of the control element 100 can be arranged on the surface of the frame 10 that faces into the interior of the caravan, in other words, on the front of the frame 10, as described above and for example in Fig. 2 shown. In such embodiments, which also include the locking device 109 as described above and for example in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the handle 101 is pushed towards the roof or side wall of the caravan, depending on whether it is a skylight 1 or a window. In another figure in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the handle 101 can be arranged on the side 11 of the frame 10 that is not the front and, if a locking device 109 is included, can be pressed against the frame 10 in a direction parallel to the roof or side wall of the caravan to unlock the locking device 109. While held pressed, the handle or slider 101 can be moved along the side 11 of the frame to open or close the skylight 1 or window. A further development of this embodiment is a handle 101, which is referred to as a slider 101, but operates electromechanically. Thus, when the slider 101 is moved in a direction, an electrical signal is generated that actuates the drive element 115.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, shown in the Fig. 14A and Fig. In Figure 14B, the handle 101 of the control element 100 is also arranged on the side 11 of the frame 10 that is not the front. Specifically, the handle is located on the inner surface 11A of the frame 10. If a locking device 109 is provided, the handle 101 can be pressed against the frame 10 in a direction parallel to the roof or side wall of the caravan to release the locking device 109. While held pressed, the handle or slider 101 can be moved along the inner surface 11A of the frame to open or close the skylight 10 or window.

[0049] Regarding the design of the Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B, the opening mechanism can be further described in Fig. The third rack 102 is implemented as shown in Figure 15. The handle 101 is connected to the third rack 102. The handle 101 and the third rack 102 are displaceable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third rack 102, which is parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first and second racks 120 and 170. The third rack 102 thus actuates the drive element 115. The operating element 100 can be held by means of the locking device 109, which has a notched rod 104 fixed to the frame 10 and a stop 106. The stop 106 is located on the handle 101 and can be engaged with the notches 105 of the notched rod 104 to block any movement. By pushing the handle in a direction parallel to the roof, the stop 106 no longer engages the notched rod 104. Now the handle 101 and the third rack 102 can be moved so that the drive element 115 is actuated.

[0050] According to another in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the handle is designed as a lever located on the side 11 of the frame 10 that is not the front. The dashed line represents the position of the lever 101 when the opening mechanism is locked. The lever can be pivoted about an axis and will automatically rest in its folded-down position (solid line), for example, by means similar to the locking device 109 described above. The lever 101 then functions as a slide and can be moved along the side 11 of the frame 10 in the slide guide 119, as indicated by the two parallel arrows in Figure 16. Fig. 16. Once the desired position is reached, the lever 101 can be unlocked again by pushing it sideways in the direction of the axis of rotation, as indicated by the bold arrow in Fig. 16 shown, and the lever 101 can pivot back to its previous position to lock the opening mechanism.

[0051] Advantageously, there are markings 118 on or near the handle 101 or lever 101 that provide the operator with information about where the handle 101 or lever 101 must be moved to open or close the skylight 1 or window, as for example in Fig. 13 shown.

[0052] The handle or lever 101, in whatever form it may be, is advantageously equipped with suitable ergonomic grooves or furrows, for example finger grooves, as for example in Fig. 13 shown.

[0053] All embodiments of the present invention preferably include additional locking means (not shown in the figures) for securely locking the skylight 1 or window in its closed position. This is important for safety reasons, so that, for example, the skylight cannot be opened by an airflow while driving. Such locking means are generally known in the art; however, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening mechanism also controls such locking means.

[0054] An example of an additional locking device 192 is shown in the Fig. 17A and Fig. Figure 17B shows that this is compatible with each of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. With reference to Fig. Reference 17A describes several components of one side of an opening mechanism in the closed state, i.e., the window sash 20 is in a closed position. The additional locking means 192 comprises a first part 192A and a second part 192B. The first part 192A is arranged on the window sash 20. The second part 192B is arranged on the opening mechanism such that it interacts with the first part 192A. In particular, the first part 192A is a catch that is fixed to an inner wall of the window sash 20. Furthermore, the second part 192B is arranged between the second force transmission element 180 and the connecting element 132. The second part 192B has a bolt 194 for interacting with the described catch.

[0055] Although the opening mechanism is in the aforementioned closed position, the bolt 194 of the second part 192B engages in the catch. This blocks any movement of the window sash 20 towards an open position. Unintentional opening of the window sash 20 is thus prevented.

[0056] When the operating element 100 actuates the drive element 115, the second force transmission element 180 transmits the force to the second window stop 190. In other words, the second force transmission element 180 moves toward the second window stop 190 to open the window sash 20. Since the second part 192B of the additional locking means 192 is arranged between the second force transmission device 180 and the connecting element 132, the bolt 194 moves toward the second window stop 190 as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17B. This releases the bolt 194 from its engagement with the catch. The movement of the window sash 20 towards an open position is no longer blocked. The additional locking means 192 can therefore be controlled by the disclosed opening mechanism according to the present invention. Naturally, the described additional locking means 192 can equally be provided on the other side of the opening mechanism, or rather, on the transom. In one embodiment, both sides are provided with a respective additional locking means.

[0057] As in the Fig. 17A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17B, the rod 142 can be a sliding element 198 according to the present invention. The sliding element 198 engages in a track of the window sash 20. While the window sash 20 is being opened or closed, the respective movement is reliably guided by the aforementioned system of the sliding element 198 and the corresponding track of the window sash.

[0058] With reference to Fig.18. All embodiments of the present invention may further include a prestressing element 196. In particular, the prestressing element is arranged between the window sash 20 and at least one of the rods 141 and 142. In the present embodiment, the prestressing element is a coil spring. One end of the coil spring is connected to a bolt that is fixed to an inner wall of the window sash 20. The other end may be connected to the rod 141. In another embodiment, the other end may be connected to the rod 142. Preferably, the other end is arranged at the connecting surface of the rod 141 and the rod 142. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 skylight in a caravan 10 frames of the skylight 11th page of the frame 11A Inner surface of the frame 12th page of the frame 13th page of the frame 14th page of the frame 15 Corner or corner radius of the frame 20 window sashes 100 Control element 100A rod 101 Handle of the control element 102 Rack of the control element 103 teeth of the rack of the control element 104 notched rod of the locking device 105 notches of the notched bar 106 attacks 107 feather 108 Gear of the control element 109 Locking device 110 elongated frame of the rack of the control element 111 inner longitudinal edges of the third rack 115 Drive element 116 Guide rail 117 finger grooves 118 markers 119 Slide guide 120 first rack 121 teeth of the first rack 122 elongated frame of the first or second rack 123 row of teeth of the first or second rack 124 inner longitudinal edges of the first or second rack 130 first power transmission element 131 Pin for connecting the power transmission element to the window stop 132 Connecting element between force transmission element and window stop 140 first window stop 141 Window stop rod 142 Window stop rod 170 second rack 171 teeth of the second rack 180 second power transmission element 190 second window stop 192 additional locking device 192A first part of the additional locking device 192B second part of the additional locking device 194 bolts 196 Preload component 198 sliding element A1 Rotary axis of the control element

Claims

[1] Opening mechanism for a skylight (1) or window of a caravan or motorhome, wherein the skylight (1) or window has a frame (10), a window sash (20) and window stays, comprising at least a first and a second window stay (140, 190) which can hold the window sash (20) in an open or closed position relative to the frame (10), wherein the window sash (20) can be opened outwards, characterized by, that the opening mechanism comprises an operating element (100) which can actuate a drive element (115) by exerting a force on the drive element (115), a first (120) and a second rack (170) which have longitudinal axes arranged parallel to each other and are simultaneously movable in opposite directions along the longitudinal axes by the drive element (115), a first force transmission element (130) which can transmit the force linearly from the first rack (120) to the first window stop (140), and a second force transmission element (180) which can transmit the force linearly from the second rack (170) to the second window stop (190), wherein the operating element (100) can be actuated from inside the caravan and is arranged at least partially within the frame (10) together with the drive element (115) and the first (120) and second rack (170),and wherein at least one of the force transmission elements (130, 180) is flexible and extends around a corner (15) of the frame (10). [2] Opening mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by , that the frame (10) has at least four sides (11, 12, 13, 14) and the window sash (20) can be opened rotatably outwards and is hung on the frame (10) on a side (12) of the frame (10) which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the window sash (20), and wherein the first and second window stops (140, 190) are positioned on the sides (13, 14) of the frame (10) next to the side (12) of the frame (10) on which the window sash (20) is hung. [3] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the drive element (115) is a gear (115) and the racks (120, 170) have teeth (121, 171) arranged in a row (123) along the longitudinal axes of the racks (120, 170), wherein the teeth (121) of the first rack (120) protrude in a direction opposite to that of the teeth (171) of the second rack (170) and wherein the first (120) and the second rack (170) engage in the gear (115) from opposite sides of the gear (115). [4] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the racks (120, 170) have the shape of an elongated frame (122) and the row (123) of teeth (121, 171) is positioned on one of the inner longitudinal edges (124) of the elongated frame (122). [5] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that both the first (130) and the second power transmission element (180) are flexible and run around a corner (15) of the frame (10). [6] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the force transmission elements (130, 180) are in the form of strips having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the strips are sufficiently rigid in the longitudinal direction to transmit the force from the racks (120, 170) to the window stays (140, 190), and wherein the strips are sufficiently flexible in the thickness direction to deflect the force around the corner (15) of the frame (10). [7] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the first and second power transmission element (130, 180) are positioned at least partially within a guide rail (116) of the frame (10). [8] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that both the first and the second window stop (140, 190) have at least two rods (141, 142), wherein one rod (141) is connected to one of the force transmission elements (130, 180) and the other rod (142) is connected to the window sash (20), wherein when the force is transmitted from the force transmission elements (130, 180) in the direction of the window stops (140, 190), the rods (141, 142) act as a lever, so that the window sash (20) is opened. [9] Opening mechanism according to claim 8, characterized by , that both the first and the second force transmission element (130, 180) are connected to the rod (141) of the respective first or second window stop (140, 190) via a connecting element (132), wherein the connecting element (132) is attached to the rod (141) via a pin (131) which ensures the rotational movement between the connecting element (132) and the rod (141). [10] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the control element (100) has a third rack (102) and a handle (101) connected to the third rack (102), wherein the third rack (102) has a longitudinal axis arranged parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first (120) and second rack (170), wherein the handle (101) and the third rack (102) are displaceable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third rack (102) and thereby the third rack (102) can actuate the drive element (115) directly or indirectly. [11] Opening mechanism according to claim 10, characterized by, that the control element (100) can be held in its position by means of a locking device (109) which has a notched rod (104) and a stop (106), wherein the notched rod (104) has several notches (105) and is fixed in its position with respect to the frame (10) and the stop (106) is attached to the handle (101), wherein the stop (106) can be engaged with at least one of the several notches (105) by actuating the handle (101) in order to hold the position of the control element (100), and wherein the stop (106) can be released from at least one of the several notches (105) by actuating the handle (101) in order to change the position of the control element (100). [12] Opening mechanism according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by, that the operating element (100) has a second gear (108) and the third rack (102) has teeth (103) arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis of the third rack (102), wherein the teeth (103) of the third rack (102) engage with the second gear (108) and the second gear (108) is designed for the direct actuation of the drive element (115). [13] Opening mechanism according to claim 12, characterized by , that the drive element (115) is a gear (115) and engages with the second gear (108). [14] Opening mechanism according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the third rack (102) has the shape of an elongated frame (110) and the row of teeth (103) is positioned on one of the inner longitudinal edges (111) of the elongated frame (110). [15] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that the control element (100) is a crank designed for actuating the drive element (115). [16] Opening mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the control element (100) is an electromechanical device designed for actuating the drive element (115). [17] Skylight (1) or window of a caravan or motorhome with a frame (10), a window sash (20) and window stays, comprising at least a first and a second window stay (140, 190) which can hold the window sash (20) in an open or closed position relative to the frame (10), and the opening mechanism according to one of the preceding claims.

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