Roof window with diverter rail

Abstract

A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2), a sash (3), a pane element (4), and a cover assembly (10), the cover assembly (10) comprising a diverter rail (103) extending longitudinally along and projecting from a top frame member (21) and forming a diverter angle (A) of between 45 and 89 degrees with respect to a plane (C) defined by an exterior surface (4e) of the pane element (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof window comprising a frame defining a frame opening, a sash, a pane element and a cover assembly including a diverter rail, the pane element having an interior surface configured to face an interior of a building and an opposing exterior surface configured to be oriented away from the interior of the building, the frame comprising a top frame member and the sash comprising a top sash member, the top frame member and the top sash member extending longitudinally parallel, and the cover assembly comprising a top flashing member extending longitudinally along the top frame member and a top sash cover extending longitudinally along the top sash member. [Background technology]

[0002] When installing windows on a roof, it is first and foremost important to ensure that the roof window itself is waterproof, which can be particularly difficult when the roof slope is very steep or very shallow. A particular challenge concerns waterproofing at the top of the roof window, where water that runs off the roof surface ends up collecting in a grooved top flashing element and from there is directed to the side of the window and drained via the side flashing elements. In the event of a large amount of water falling from the roof above the roof window, the top flashing element can overflow and water can seep in between the sash and the frame of the roof window. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a roof window which makes it possible to improve the waterproofing of the upper part of the roof window.

[0004] This and further objects are achieved by a roof window of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is further characterized in that a diverter rail extends longitudinally along the top frame member, said diverter rail having a proximal edge attached to the top frame member and an exposed diverter surface oriented away from and protruding from the top frame member, the exposed diverter surface forming a diverter angle of 45 to 89 degrees with respect to a plane defined by the exterior surfaces of the panes.

[0005] The exposed diverter face is exposed to wind and weather and faces away from the top frame member so as to form a face that faces wind and water coming off the roof above the roof window, and thus faces against the direction of water flow coming off the roof above the roof window.

[0006] The angled diverter rail results in the formation of vortices between the diverter rail and the top flashing member when a large amount of water flows from the roof above the roof window. These vortices have been shown to deflect additional water from the roof above the roof window, causing it to jump over the diverter rail and onto the exterior surface of the pane. This reduces the amount of water that drains through the flashing member and also reduces the risk of water getting between the roof window sash and the frame.

[0007] Since the exposed diverter surface is the main surface of the diverter rail, the outward projection of the exposed diverter surface is at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm.

[0008] To obtain the optimum effect of the vortex, it is currently believed to be advantageous for the distance measured perpendicular to the outer surface of the pane between the outermost point of the diverter rail seen in the outward direction and the outermost point of the top frame member seen in the outward direction to be less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm. However, it is noted that several factors such as the design of the sash and top sash cover, and the distance between the diverter rail and the pane element measured parallel to the outer surface of the pane, are also important.

[0009] The shape of the diverter rail has a significant effect on the formation of the vortex.

[0010] In one embodiment, the exposed diverter surface of the diverter rail forms an interior angle of 80-135 degrees with the adjacent surface of the diverter rail that extends away from the top frame member. In this manner, the diverter rail forms a longitudinally extending channel that helps redirect water to the side of the window. The optimal size of the interior angle depends on factors such as the slope of the roof and the amount of water that is to be drained, which in turn depends on factors such as the climate and the area of ​​the roof above the roof window.

[0011] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, the ratio of the diverter angle to the interior angle is in the range of 0.30 to 0.95, preferably in the range of 0.50 to 0.90. Such a ratio is favorable for the formation of vortices and the diversion of water.

[0012] In one embodiment, the diverter rail comprises a body extending from a proximal edge and having a distal edge opposite the proximal edge, and a head flange projecting from the body at the distal edge toward the top flushing member. The head flange contributes to the formation of a vortex and also impedes overflow. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the direction toward the top flushing member is also the direction away from the top frame member. In a further development, the head flange includes a surface adjacent the exposed diverter surface that forms an interior angle.

[0013] The head flange may further protrude towards the top frame member, thereby forming a guide surface for water to jump over the vortex and at least partially covering the gap between the body of the diverter rail and the top sash cover.

[0014] The diverter rail may additionally or alternatively include a diverter flange between the proximal and distal edges, said diverter flange projecting away from the top frame member. Such a diverter flange may result in the formation of primary and secondary vortices below and above the diverter flange, or in an outward direction only above the diverter flange, causing water below the diverter flange to be calmer and flow more freely towards the side of the window. In a further development, the diverter flange comprises a surface adjacent the exposed diverter surface that forms an interior angle.

[0015] The diverter rail may be held in place by being attached to, or possibly integral with, the top flashing member or top sash cover. Attachment to the top flashing member or top sash cover may be achieved, for example, by providing it with a bent edge adapted to receive the proximal edge of the diverter rail.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the proximal edge of the diverter rail may be inserted into a groove in the top frame member or in an interface unit attached thereto. In one embodiment, the proximal edge of the diverter rail is inserted into a bent edge of the top flashing member, which is then inserted into a groove in the interface unit.

[0017] Sealing strips and / or sealing members may be employed to waterproof the joints between the diverter rail and the top flashing member, top sash cover, top frame member, and / or interface unit.

[0018] As mentioned above, the slope of the roof is important to the function of the diverter rail and the amount of water that reaches the top flashing member. To allow the roof window to be used on a variety of roofs, it may be advantageous for the diverter angle to be adjustable and / or for the diverter rail to be removable and / or replaceable.

[0019] In one embodiment, the diverter rail engages a sealing lip on the interface unit in the top frame member, which provides additional waterproofing by preventing water ingress along the outer sides of the top frame member.

[0020] The diverter rails may be provided with drainage channels to collect and drain any water that may nevertheless seep along the outer sides of the top frame members. This may of course be advantageous even when there is no sealing lip engaging the diverter flange.

[0021] In one embodiment, an extension element is attached to the diverter rail, preferably elevating the outermost point of the diverter rail relative to the exterior surface of the pane element, thereby helping to lift the water further. The extension element is preferably angled relative to the exposed diverter surface, extending the bag toward the top frame member. The extension element may be a plate-like rail and / or may be made from a metal or polymer.

[0022] A sealing gasket may be provided on the diverter rail and / or on the extension element and, if present, covers the gap between the diverter rail and the top sash cover, thereby preventing water ingress along the outer side of the top frame member. The sealing gasket as well as the sealing member and / or sealing lip are preferably made from one or more elastomers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] In the following description, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to schematic drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roof window having a cover assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a top flashing member. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 2, only seen from a different angle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the top flushing member in FIGS. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section taken along line VV in FIG. 1 and an enlarged detail thereof. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the top of another roof window having a cover assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the cover assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlargement of the detail marked VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the diverter rail in use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the diverter rail in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section taken along line XI-XI in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Description of the embodiments Referring initially to FIG. 1, a roof window 1 is shown with a cover assembly 10 and the right hand side of the top flashing member 1011 is shown in its delivered condition prior to being adapted to the shape of the roof material (not shown) that will be used alongside the roof window.

[0025] 2-4 show the left hand side of the top flushing member 1011 in the delivered state in more detail.

[0026] As may be seen, the top flashing member comprises a flange 1017 which projects substantially parallel to the outer face 4e of the pane element 4 of the roof window 1 in the installed state, and to which a diverter rail 103 is attached. In this embodiment the diverter rail has a bent edge 1036 which is attached to the top flashing member over the flange 1017, although it may also be a flange of the diverter rail which is attached to the bent edge of the top flashing member, or the diverter rail may be an integral part of the top flashing member.

[0027] The diverter rail 103 extends in the longitudinal direction L of the top flashing member, and therefore extends along the top frame member of the roof window 1 when attached.

[0028] In Figure 5 a top flashing member 1011 and diverter rail 103 such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4 are shown attached to a roof window 1 which is attached to a roof structure 11, the roof window being shown only with the top frame member 21, interface unit 8 and insulating frame 7, and the roof structure being shown only with the lath 111 and underroof 113.

[0029] As best seen in the enlargement at the top of FIG. 5, the flange 1017 of the top flashing member 1011 and the bent edge 1036 of the diverter rail 103 are inserted into groove 85 of the interface unit 8, which could also be inserted into a groove in the top frame member 21.

[0030] 2-5, the diverter rail 103 comprises a body 1031 having a distal edge 1033 and a head flange 1034 projecting from the body at the distal edge. The head flange 1034 gives the diverter rail an overall T-shape and has a first section 10341 that projects towards the top flashing member 1011 (and thus away from the top frame member 21) and a second section 10342 that projects towards the top frame member 21.

[0031] Diverter rail 103 projects from top frame member 21 and has an exposed diverter surface 103d that forms a diverter angle A of approximately 80 degrees with respect to a plane C defined by exterior surface 4e of pane element 4, and head flange 1034 has a surface adjacent exposed diverter surface 103d and that forms a 90 degree included angle B with exposed diverter surface 103d. The relationship between diverter angle A and included angle B is here 0.89.

[0032] The outermost point 103 e of the diverter rail 103 in the outer direction E is located a distance D above the plane C defined by the outer faces 4 e of the pane elements 4 .

[0033] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the outermost point 103e of the diverter rail 103 as viewed in the outward direction E is located at the same height as the outermost point 21e of the top frame member 21, although in some cases there may be a distance between them.

[0034] 6, an alternative embodiment of the diverter rail 103 is shown. In this embodiment, the head flange 1034 projects only towards the top flashing member 1011 (and thus away from the top frame member 21), but is located in a section of the diverter rail that is bent towards the top frame member 21 relative to the body 1031. The diverter rail 103 further comprises a diverter flange 1035, the function of which will be described below with reference to FIG. 10, which projects away from the top frame member 21. In FIG. 6, the diverter angle A is about 70 degrees. The interior angle B is here 110 degrees formed in the diverter flange 1035 including the surface adjacent to the exposed diverter surface 103d, the relationship between the diverter angle A and the interior angle B being 0.64.

[0035] A further embodiment of a diverter rail 103 is shown in Figure 7 in which the diverter angle A is about 60 degrees. As can be seen in the enlargement of Figure 8, the joint between the bent edge 1036 of the diverter rail and the flange 1017 of the top flashing member is now sealed by a sealing strip 1037. The interior angle B is now 120 degrees and the relationship between the diverter angle A and the interior angle B is 0.50.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the diverter rails 103 are made from a single piece of sheet metal, such as stainless steel, that is bent to shape, however, it is also possible to make them from two or more pieces, or by other means such as molding or extrusion.

[0037] 9-10, the function of the diverter rail 103 is shown.

[0038] Due to the angle of the diverter rail, if there is a lot of water flowing from the roof above the roof window, a vortex 12 will form between the diverter rail 103, particularly the exposed diverter face 103d, and the top flashing member 1011. As more water comes, it will be deflected by the vortex as shown by the double arrow, thereby forcing it upwards over the head flange and onto the top sash cover 1021s as shown in Figure 10, from where it can be drained onto the exterior face 4e of the pane element. The distance D may help to create this effect.

[0039] The top vortex in Fig. 10 between the head flange 1034 and the diverter flange 1035 usually forms only when the water load is very high. When less water is present, the groove formed between the head flange 1034 and the diverter flange 1035 can function as a groove to direct water towards the side of the roof window. The groove formed between the diverter flange 1035 and the top flashing member 1011 can also serve to direct water towards the side of the roof window, and in some cases, the water flow in this groove can be relatively gentle, while a vortex exists between the head flange 1034 and the diverter flange 1035.

[0040] For further waterproofing, the diverter rail 103 is shown in all embodiments to be in contact with the sealing lip 892 of the interface unit 8 in the top frame member 21, and all diverter rails are provided with drainage channels 1038 for draining water passing between the sealing lip and the diverter rail. These features are advantageous, but are not considered strictly necessary. It will be appreciated that the drainage channels 1038 are formed in a portion of the diverter rail 103 that is not exposed to the weather, whereas the exposed diverter face 103 faces away from the top frame member and is exposed to the weather.

[0041] Another embodiment of the diverter rail 103 is shown in Figure 11. Here, the diverter rail is provided with an extension element 1039 which extends diagonally upwards relative to the second section 10342 of the head flange and extends diagonally back towards the top frame member relative to the exposed diverter face 103d. In this way, the outermost point 103e of the diverter rail 103 is positioned higher than if a diverter rail without an extension element were used, increasing the distance D and also raising the outermost point 103e relative to the top sash cover 1021s. This may enhance the effect described with reference to Figure 9.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the extension element 1039 is attached to the diverter rail by attaching a bent edge over the first section 10341 of the head flange 1034, although other attachment means are possible including welding and the use of adhesives.

[0043] The extension element 1039 may extend the entire length of the diverter rail 103 or may be shorter, for example to be present only where the water load is highest. It is also possible to provide two separate extension elements at positions distant from each other on the diverter rail.

[0044] To further improve the waterproofing, a sealing gasket 10391 is provided on the extension element 1039. Here, the sealing gasket is held by being inserted into a fold in the extension element, but other attachment means are possible, including the use of adhesives. This sealing gasket 10391 engages the top sash cover 1021s and thus complements the sealing already provided by the contact between the sealing lip 892 of the interface unit 8 and the diverter rail 103. In the embodiment shown, the sealing gasket has a tubular portion 103911, shown in an undeformed state, which engages with the top sash cover 1021s. The large internal volume of the tubular portion allows for large deformations and thus a considerable movement of the extension element 1039 relative to the top sash cover with loss of sealing effect. Such movements can occur, for example, due to wind and / or water loads on the diverter rail and / or the extension element. However, other embodiments of the sealing gasket are also possible.

[0045] Although extension element 1039 and sealing gasket 10391 are shown for use only with diverter rails 103 having a head flange 1034, it will be understood that similar extension elements and / or sealing gaskets may also be used with diverter rails without a head flange and / or diverter rails having a diverter flange.

[0046] Other details of the embodiment of FIG. 11 correspond to those described with reference to the previous embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] List of reference numbers 1 Roof Window 10 Cover Assembly 1011 Top flashing components 1017 Flange of top flashing member 1021s top sash cover 103 Diverter Rail 103d Exposed diverter surface 103e Outermost point 1031 Main unit 1033 Distal Edge 1034 Head flange 10341 Section 1 10342 Second Section 1035 Diverter flange 1036 Bent Edge 1037 Sealing Strip 1038 Drain 1039 Extension element 10391 Sealing gasket 11 Roof structure 111 Las 113 Underroof 12. Vortex 21 Top frame member 21e Outermost point 31 Top sash components 4 Pane Elements 4i-pane element inner face 4e Outer surface of pane element 7 Insulation Frame 8 Interface Unit 85 Groove 892 sealing lip A Diverter angle of diverter rail B Diverter rail inner angle D Distance C the plane defined by the exterior faces of the pane elements E Outer direction L Length direction

Claims

1. A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2) defining a frame opening, a sash (3), a pane element (4), and a cover assembly (10), wherein the cover assembly (10) comprises a diverter rail (103), the pane element having an interior surface (4i) configured to face inward toward the interior of the building and an opposite exterior surface (4e) configured to face outward toward the exterior (E) away from the interior of the building, the frame comprising a top frame member (21), the sash comprising a top sash member (31), the top frame member and the top sash member extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), the cover assembly comprising a top flashing member (1011) extending in the longitudinal direction along the top frame member (21) and a top sash cover (1021s) extending in the longitudinal direction along the top sash member (31), The diverter rail (103) extends along the top frame member (21) in the longitudinal direction, and the diverter rail has a proximal edge attached to the top frame member and an exposed diverter surface (103d) facing away from the top frame member (21) and protruding from the top frame member, and the exposed diverter surface (103d) forms a diverter angle (A) of 45 to 89 degrees with respect to a plane (C) defined by the outer surface (4e) of the pane element (4). The diverter rail (103) comprises a body (1031) extending from the proximal edge and having a distal edge (1033) opposite to the proximal edge, and a head flange (1034) projecting from the body toward the top frame member (21) at the distal edge. The roof window (1) is characterized in that the head flange (1034) further protrudes toward the top frame member (21).

2. The roof window (1) according to claim 1, wherein the head flange (1034) gives the diverter rail an overall T-shape and has a first section (10341) projecting toward the top flashing member (1011) and thus toward the top frame member (21), and a second section (10342) projecting toward the top frame member (21).

3. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance (D) measured perpendicular to the outer surface (4e) of the pane (4) between the outermost point (103e) of the diverter rail as viewed in the outward direction (E) and the outermost point (21e) of the top frame member (21) as viewed in the outward direction (E) is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm.

4. The exposed diverter surface (103d) of the diverter rail (103) forms an interior angle (B) of 80 to 135 degrees with respect to an adjacent surface of the diverter rail (103), the adjacent surface extends away from the top frame member (21), and preferably the head flange (1034) includes the adjacent surface with respect to the exposed diverter surface (103d) that forms the interior angle (B), according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The roof window (1) according to claim 4, wherein the ratio of the diverter angle (A) to the interior angle (B) is in the range of 0.30 to 0.95, preferably in the range of 0.50 to 0.

90.

6. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter rail (103) is provided together with a drainage channel (1038).

7. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter rail (103) engages with a sealing lip (892) in the interface unit (8) on the top frame member (21).

8. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an extension element (1039) is attached to the diverter rail (103).

9. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sealing gasket (10391) is provided on the diverter rail (103) and / or the extension element (1039) to cover the gap between the diverter rail (103) and the top sash cover 1021s.

10. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter rail (103) comprises a diverter flange (1035) between the proximal edge and the distal edge, the diverter flange protruding away from the top frame member (21), and preferably the diverter flange (1035) includes the adjacent surface to the exposed diverter surface (103d) that forms an interior angle (B).

11. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter rail (103) is attached to the top flashing member (1011) or the top sash cover (1021s).

12. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximal edge of the diverter rail (103) is inserted into a groove (85) in the top frame member (21) or in an interface unit (8) attached thereto.

13. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter angle (A) (103) is adjustable.

14. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter rail (103) is replaceable.

15. The roof window (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diverter rail (103) is attached to the flange (1017) of the top flashing member (1011), and the diverter rail (103) optionally includes a bent edge (1036) into which the flange (1017) of the top flashing member (1011) is inserted.

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