Roof window that includes a cover kit for covering one element of the roof window.

Abstract

Roof window (100), comprising a cover set (10) for covering an element (1, 2, 3) of the roof window (100), wherein the cover set (10) comprises the following: - at least one fastening element (7) for use in a component (111, 121, 131, 141, 221, 241) of the roof window (100), wherein each fastening element (7) has a head section (72) and a body section (71) and wherein at least the head section (72) has a magnetic or magnetizable material, and - at least one cover element (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 26, 28, 29, 37) which has at least one opening (14a) for receiving a respective fastening element (7).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof window comprising a cover set for covering an element of the roof window. State of the art

[0002] Roof windows have been around for years, and their presence in building roof structures has significantly improved the amount of natural light entering buildings. When installing windows, especially roof windows, a safe and quick solution is essential to ensure installation quality. Specifically, a solution that is easy and quick to install guarantees both a safer and faster installation, which would allow for installation to be carried out under ideal weather conditions.

[0003] To withstand various weather conditions, the interior sections of roof windows are protected by cover elements that are placed on and attached to the exterior surface of the roof window, i.e., the frame and the sash. The cover elements themselves must also be attached to the roof window, and consequently, the fasteners used for installation, usually including screws, are tightened by the installer using a power tool. Alternative solutions, including a snap-fit ​​connection with components beneath the cover element such as a hinge, are known in the industry. However, not all cover elements are suitable for such a snap-fit ​​connection, which is why separate fasteners are still necessary.

[0004] Due to the need for protection from the elements, the fasteners are typically made of metal, including a rust-resistant material. During the assembly and installation of the roof window, at least some of the steps involve manually attaching the cover elements to the roof window at the installation site. This is particularly true for cover elements that conceal frame components, which are usually supplied as part of an installation kit that includes roof trim and insulation assemblies, and which are only connected to the frame once the frame has been installed in the roof structure.

[0005] An example of a roof window with cover elements is known from EP 2 751 354 B1. Brief description of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof window with a cover set by means of which the assembly and installation conditions can be facilitated.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, these and other tasks are fulfilled by means of a roof window according to claim 1.

[0008] Providing a roof window with the above features results in simpler and more versatile configuration and easier assembly and installation. Since at least the head section is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, the fastener can be temporarily held with a suitable tool and aligned with a corresponding opening in the cover element. Furthermore, if the fastener is accidentally dropped during installation, it will be attracted by a ferromagnetic material present in the roof window, including the cover element itself.

[0009] Since the head section only needs to be made of magnetic or magnetizable material to allow for easy assembly and installation, it is conceivable to make the head section from one material and the body section from another. However, in a currently preferred embodiment, the body section of the fastener is made of the same material. This typically reduces manufacturing costs, as the fastener is cheaper to produce.

[0010] In a further development of this embodiment, the fastening element is a self-tapping or threading screw, in particular a self-tapping or threading wood screw with a countersunk head section. This contributes to the desired ease of assembly and installation. Because a roof window is exposed to demanding external conditions, the weather resistance of external components must far exceed that of, for example, facade windows. These requirements also extend to the fastening elements, which play a critical role in securing the cover elements.

[0011] For this purpose, the fastening element can comprise a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, stainless material.

[0012] While the weather resistance of the fasteners is preferably high, it is also preferred that the fasteners are nevertheless easy to manufacture. In a currently preferred embodiment, the fastener has a tensile strength of less than 800 N / mm². 2 , preferably less than 600 N / mm 2 , most preferred between 470 N / mm 2 and 590 N / mm 2 on.

[0013] It is further preferred that the fastening element (7) has a yield strength, Rp0.2, of at least 280 N / mm². 2 , preferably between 330 N / mm 2 and 440 N / mm 2 exhibits [this]. It has been shown that this provides satisfactory strength.

[0014] In another embodiment, the fastening element has an elongation of between 20% and 30%. This ensures that movements of the cover elements, which normally occur during use of the roof window, are accommodated without the fastening elements being at risk of breaking.

[0015] In a currently preferred embodiment, the material of the fastening element is ferritic stainless steel. This material has proven particularly effective in manufacturing, assembly, and use.

[0016] In a further development of this currently preferred embodiment, the composition of the ferritic stainless steel has more than 20% Cr, preferably more than 22% Cr, most preferably more than 23% Cr.

[0017] Furthermore, or alternatively, the composition of the ferritic stainless steel includes an alloy containing at least a selection of at least five of the following elements: Cr, C, Si, Mn, Ni, Mo, N, P, and S. It may also be considered that the compositions include alloys containing at least a selection of at least five of the following elements: Al, Cb, Cr, C, Si, Mn, Ni, Nb, Mo, N, P, S, and Ti.

[0018] In another embodiment, the ferritic stainless steel has been tempered. Without committing to a specific theory, it is assumed that tempering increases the ductility of the ferritic stainless steel and reduces its hardness, thereby improving its workability. In one embodiment, the ferritic stainless steel is 100% ferritic after tempering.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the fastening element is arranged to be connected, at least temporarily, to a tool during the installation of the roof window, in particular a magnetic screwdriver bit that is connected or connectable to a screwdriver which preferably has a magnetic or magnetizable screwdriver bit holder.

[0020] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features cited in the claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which show (one) embodiment(s) of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof window according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of a fastening element according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the lower part of a frame of the roof window in an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of the upper part of the in Fig. 3 shown frame of the roof window and Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of the lower part of a wing of the roof window in an embodiment of the invention. Description of embodiments

[0022] The figures show embodiments of a roof window according to the invention.

[0023] For clarity, the sizes of the layers and areas in the figures are exaggerated, and the figures are intended to illustrate the general structures of embodiments of the present invention. Throughout this document, identical reference numerals refer to the same elements, even though they may not be depicted identically.

[0024] First, the focus will be on Fig. 1. Reference is made to a roof window 100 comprising a number of elements including a frame 1, a sash 2 and a pane 3. In the embodiment shown, the sash 2 can be opened about a hinge axis α with respect to the frame 1.

[0025] The roof window could also have additional or alternative features relating to the frame, sash, and glass, etc. It could be a fixed frame with a pane of glass, or a frame with a sash that is either fixed or can rotate around a central, top, bottom, or side axis. Alternatively or additionally, the frame could accommodate a ventilation device, a solar panel, etc.

[0026] The roof window 100 includes a cover set 10 for covering one or more elements of the roof window 100; i.e., in the embodiment shown, such elements comprise the frame 1, the sash 2, and the pane 3. In a mounted state of the roof window 100, the cover elements at least partially cover one or more of the elements.

[0027] The cover set 10 has at least one fastening element 7, usually a plurality of fastening elements 7 which are either identical to each other or vary in shape and size.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of the fastening element 7 according to one embodiment of the invention. The fastening element 7 has a body section 71 and a head section 72. At least the head section 72 comprises a magnetic or magnetizable material. The head section 72 and the body section 71 of the fastening element 7 typically comprise the same material, namely a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, stainless material.

[0029] The fastening element 7 according to the present invention facilitates easy assembly of the roof window components during installation without compromising the durability and weather resistance of the fastening element 7 and the roof window's cover elements. It is therefore understood that the fastening element 7 of the present invention meets the requirements both with regard to its chemical composition and with regard to accelerated aging tests; the latter serve to determine the product's service life. It is particularly evident to those skilled in the art that the fastening element according to the invention comprises magnetic or magnetizable material that is resistant to corrosion, such as that caused by weather conditions.

[0030] In one embodiment, the fastening element 7 comprises ferritic stainless steel, wherein the composition of the ferritic stainless steel includes more than 20% Cr, preferably more than 22% Cr, or even more preferably more than 23% Cr. Examples of suitable compositions of the ferritic stainless steel include alloys containing at least a selection of at least five of the following elements: Cr, C, Si, Mn, Ni, Mo, N, P, and S.

[0031] Another example of suitable compositions of ferritic stainless steel includes alloys containing at least a selection of at least five of the following elements: Al, Cb, Cr, C, Si, Mn, Ni, Nb, Mo, N, P, S and Ti.

[0032] Ferritic stainless steel can also undergo tempering. Experts are familiar with suitable materials. The inventors discovered that ferritic stainless steel, which is not the standard choice for roof window fasteners, not only possesses magnetic properties but also exhibits sufficient corrosion resistance, thus meeting the product's service life requirements. This contrasts with the conventional approach in the roof window sector, where austenitic stainless steel has been the norm due to its recognized resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

[0033] In another embodiment, the composition of the ferritic stainless steel comprises at least Cr and Mo, wherein the quantity and distribution of Cr and Mo are selected to provide a substantially corrosion-resistant fastener. It is known to those skilled in the art how to determine this quantity and distribution. In another embodiment, the composition of the ferritic stainless steel comprises Cr as its main alloying element and at least four additional alloying elements selected from the list including Al, C, Cb, Si, Mn, Ni, Nb, Mo, N, P, S, and Ti, wherein the additional alloying element, if present in the composition, is present in an amount of less than 4%, e.g., in an amount of less than 2.5%.

[0034] The fastening element 7 preferably has a tensile strength of less than 800 N / mm². 2 , preferably less than 600 N / mm 2 , most preferred between 470 N / mm2 and 590 N / mm 2 The yield strength, Rp0.2, of the fastening element 7 is at least 280 N / mm². 2 , preferably between 330 N / mm 2 and 440 N / mm 2 The fastening element 7 exhibits an elongation of between 20% and 30%. It is known to those skilled in the art how to determine the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation using appropriate measurement standards available in the field. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element 7 is selected with a tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation that provides a material which facilitates easy assembly during the installation of the roof window.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the fastener 7 comprises ferritic stainless steel that has been tempered. Without committing to a specific theory, it is assumed that tempering the ferritic stainless steel increases its ductility and reduces its hardness, thereby improving its workability. In one embodiment, the ferritic stainless steel is 100% ferritic after tempering. The choice of dimensions for the fastener 7 depends on the specific application. In the context of the present invention, the fastener 7 has a length between 0.2 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. The head section 72 of the fastener 7 has a diameter of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3.5 mm. The body section 71 of the fastener 7 has a diameter of less than 4 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

[0036] The body section 71 has a thread 711 that extends over at least the portion of the body section 71 that is to be inserted into the material of components of the roof window 100, as explained in more detail below. To ensure easy installation, the fastener 7 is a self-tapping or threading screw, in particular a self-tapping or threading wood screw, in which the head section 72 is countersunk.

[0037] The head section 72 has a screw drive according to specifications, which may be, for example, a slotted drive, cross drive, cross-recessed drive (e.g. a Phillips drive), 6-lobe drive (e.g. a Torx drive).

[0038] Each fastening element 7 is designed to be inserted into a component of the roof window 100 through an opening in the respective cover element. With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, which show frame 1, and on Fig. Figure 5, which shows the wing 2, includes the following components: an upper member 111 of the frame 1, side members 121, 131 of the frame 1 and a lower member 141 of the frame 1, a side member 221 of the wing 2 and a lower member 241 of the wing 2.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the cover elements comprise the following: - a first cover element 11, which forms an upper housing to be connected to the upper link 111 of the frame 1, - a second and a third cover element 12, 13, which form side frame covers, which are to be connected to the side members 121, 131 of the frame 1, - a fourth cover element 14, which forms a lower frame cover to be connected to the lower member 141 of the frame 1, - fifth cover elements 15 in the form of lower guides, which are connected to the fourth cover element 14, i.e. the lower frame cover, and are intended to be connected to the side members 121, 131 of the frame 1 in order to form connection points for the second and third cover elements 12, 13 respectively, - a sixth cover element 26 in the form of a lower wing cover, which is to be connected to the lower member 241 of the wing, - a seventh cover element 37 in the form of a glazing profile for covering a side edge of the pane 3 and for being connected to the side member 221 of the sash 2, - an eighth and a ninth cover element 28, 29, which form a lower wing side cover, and - a tenth and an eleventh cover element 16, 17, which form an upper wing side cover.

[0040] The cover elements, which are to be connected to the components of the roof window 100 by means of the fastening elements 7, have one or more openings, which are shown here by an opening 14a in the fourth cover element 14. It is understood that suitable openings are also provided in the remaining cover elements, either as pre-formed openings or in the form of markings that are pierced during assembly or installation.

[0041] The cover elements of cover set 10 can be supplied either together with the roof window elements or separately, for example, as part of an installation kit comprising roof trim and insulation assemblies. Some cover elements are supplied pre-attached to the components of roof window 100 and remain in this position during installation and use. Others are supplied separately; this applies to the first to fifth cover elements 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which are only connected to frame 1 once frame 1 has been installed in the roof structure.

[0042] A preferred installation of the roof window after the installation of frame 1 in a roof surface includes the following steps for the frame: F1) Attaching the lower frame cover 14 and the lower guides 15, F2) Attaching the side frame covers 12, 13, F3) Attaching the upper frame side covers 16, 17 and F4) Attaching the upper housing 11.

[0043] The following steps apply to wing 2: S1) Attaching the lower wing cover 26, S2) Attaching the sash glazing profile 37 and S3) Attaching the lower wing side covers 28, 29.

[0044] Finally, the frame and the wing are joined together.

[0045] During assembly and installation, the fasteners 7 are used to attach the cover elements to the components of the roof window in such a way that each fastener 7 can be temporarily connected to a tool. While this can in principle be done manually with a screwdriver, the process is usually carried out using a magnetic or magnetizable screwdriver bit connected to a power tool.

[0046] Assembly and installation, which are carried out using screws, have the advantage that the cover elements can be easily disassembled and the components of the roof window can therefore be replaced and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner at the end of their service life.

[0047] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Quite the contrary. Within the scope of protection of the accompanying claims, many modifications and variations are possible.

[0048] Furthermore, variations of the disclosed embodiments are apparent to a person skilled in the art by carrying out the claimed invention through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the accompanying claims, and can be carried out by such a person. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a / an" does not exclude a plural. The fact that certain measures are mentioned in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Reference number list 1 frame 2 wings 3 discs 7 Fastening element 71 Body section 711 Thread 72 Head section 10 cover set 11 first cover element / housing 111 Component / upper link of the frame 1 12 second cover element / side frame cover 121 Component / side member of the frame 1 13 third cover element / side frame cover 131 Component / side member of the frame 1 14 fourth cover element / lower frame cover 14a opening 141 Component / lower link of the frame 1 15 fifth cover element / lower guide 16 tenth cover element / upper frame side cover 17 eleventh cover element / upper frame side cover 26 sixth cover element / lower wing cover 28 eighth cover element / lower wing side cover 29 ninth cover element / lower wing side cover 221 Component / side member of the wing 2 241 Component / lower element of the wing 2 37 seventh cover element / glazing profile 100 roof windows α Hinge axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 751 354 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Roof window (100) comprising a cover set (10) for covering an element (1, 2, 3) of the roof window (100), wherein the cover set (10) comprises the following: - at least one fastening element (7) for use in a component (111, 121, 131, 141, 221, 241) of the roof window (100), wherein each fastening element (7) has a head section (72) and a body section (71) and wherein at least the head section (72) has a magnetic or magnetizable material, and - at least one cover element (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 26, 28, 29, 37) which has at least one opening (14a) for receiving a respective fastening element (7). [2] Roof window (100) according to claim 1, wherein the head section (72) and the body section (71) of the fastening element (7) are made of the same material. [3] Roof window according to claim 2, wherein the fastening element (7) is a self-tapping or threading screw, in particular a self-tapping or threading wood screw with a countersunk head section (72). [4] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (7) comprises a ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic, stainless material. [5] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (7) has a tensile strength of less than 800 N / mm² 2 , preferably less than 600 N / mm 2 , most preferred between 470 N / mm 2 and 590 N / mm 2 exhibits. [6] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (7) has a yield strength, Rp0.2, of at least 280 N / mm² 2 , preferably between 330 N / mm 2 and 440 N / mm 2 exhibits. [7] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (7) has an elongation of between 20% and 30%. [8] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the fastening element (7) comprises ferritic stainless steel. [9] Roof window (100) according to claim 8, wherein the composition of the ferritic stainless steel has more than 20% Cr, preferably more than 22% Cr, most preferably more than 23% Cr. [10] Roof window (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the composition of the ferritic stainless steel comprises an alloy in which at least a selection of at least five of the following elements is included: Cr, C, Si, Mn, Ni, Mo, N, P and S. [11] Roof window (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the ferritic stainless steel is tempered. [12] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (7) has a length of between 0.2 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. [13] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head section (72) of the fastening element (7) has a diameter of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3.5 mm. [14] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body section (71) of the fastening element (7) has a diameter of less than 4 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. [15] Roof window (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (7) is arranged to be at least temporarily connected to a tool during the installation of the roof window (100), in particular a magnetic screwdriver bit which is connected or connectable to a screwdriver which preferably has a magnetic or magnetizable screwdriver bit holder.

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