Skylight window frame and skylight

Abstract

To provide a window frame for a skylight and a skylight capable of suppressing dew condensation without increasing a size of an inner frame member and preventing the inner frame member from being damaged or deformed due to thermal expansion.SOLUTION: A window frame 1 for a skylight installed in an opening provided in a roof of a building includes: a metal outer frame member 2; and an inner frame member 3 configured by connecting a plurality of resin divided bodies and disposed inside the outer frame member 2. As to the inner frame member 3, ends of the divided bodies are connected to each other by connectors 5, and the respective divided bodies are connected so as to freely slide in a longitudinal direction with respect to the connectors 5. The connectors 5 are attached to the outer frame member 2 so that the outer frame member 2 and the divided bodies forming the inner frame member 3 are separated by a predetermined gap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a window frame for a skylight that is attached to an opening provided on the roof or rooftop of a building, and to a skylight that uses the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Windows installed on the side of a building are composed of a shielding body made of glass or the like and a window frame that supports the periphery of the shielding body. Among such window frames, double-frame windows that combine a metal outer frame member with a resin inner frame member to achieve both strength and insulation are known.

[0003] Skylights, on the other hand, are installed in openings formed in the roofs of buildings and are used for lighting, ventilation, etc. Such skylights include a frame-like frame that is fixed to the periphery of the opening, and a shield that is attached to the frame in an openable and closable manner to close the opening. The shield is made of a transparent or white glass plate or a resin plate that can transmit external light, and various shapes, such as a flat plate, a hemispherical (dome-like), or a cone-like shape, are adopted depending on the application.

[0004] Because these skylights are installed on the roof of a building, they require different characteristics than windows installed on the side of a building. For example, damage to the skylight or water seepage through the skylight has a greater impact than windows installed on the side of a building, so they require greater strength and waterproofing.

[0005] Furthermore, because skylights are exposed to sunlight for longer periods of time than windows installed on the side of a building, the temperature conditions are even more severe due to radiant heat and re-radiation caused by glare from the roof, etc. For example, when constructing a long skylight that is installed from one end of the roof to the other, if a double frame structure made of different materials as described above is used, the difference in linear expansion between the components will be large, and therefore a structure that can mitigate and absorb the difference in linear expansion is required to prevent damage or deformation of the window frame.

[0006] Furthermore, unlike windows installed on the side of a building, skylights must directly support the weight of the shielding body and the load of snow during snowfall, so the shielding body and the skylight frame that supports the shielding body must be stronger. From these perspectives, skylights cannot be simply windows installed on the side of a building, and require a unique structure for skylights.

[0007] In order to mitigate and absorb the difference in linear expansion that occurs when a double frame structure made of dissimilar materials as described above is adopted, a skylight window frame has been proposed that has a structure in which an inner frame member is placed on an outer frame member and is relatively movable, thereby releasing the difference in linear expansion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an inner frame member made of synthetic resin that has an expansion-absorbing structure.

[0008] Also proposed is a skylight window frame that has a metal outer frame member and a resin inner frame member that is placed inside the outer frame member, the inner frame member being made up of multiple segments, and expansion-absorbing structures having elastic members being provided at the ends of the multiple segments (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 also discloses a structure for draining, for example, condensation water.

[0009] Furthermore, a skylight with a thermally insulated structure has also been proposed, in which a heat insulating material is placed between an inner frame member and an outer frame member (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-016084 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-156145 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-004518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] According to the skylight window frame described in Patent Document 1, the above-mentioned configuration reduces and absorbs the difference in linear expansion between the metal outer frame member and the resin inner frame member. However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the inner frame member is placed on the outer frame member, and the outer and inner frame members are mechanically connected, resulting in the existence of a thermal bridge. In order to improve the thermal insulation of such a structure, it is necessary to place the thermal bridge as far away from the indoor side as possible, which poses the problem of the inner frame member becoming larger.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the skylight window frame described in Patent Document 2, the configuration including the expansion absorption structure described above reduces and absorbs the difference in linear expansion that occurs between the metal outer frame member and the resin inner frame member, just like Patent Document 1. However, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 requires a separate elastic member made of a sponge-like member or the like, which creates problems of a complex structure and increased costs.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the skylight window frame described in Patent Document 3, the inner frame member and the outer frame member are thermally insulated by placing a heat insulating material between them. However, the skylight configuration described in Patent Document 3 has a problem in that when condensation occurs on the inner frame member, the structure is not able to drain this condensation, causing the condensation to drip into the room.

[0014] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a window frame for a skylight that can suppress condensation without increasing the size of the inner frame member and can prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion, and a skylight using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have found that by constructing the inner frame member from multiple segments and supporting the inner frame member at a distance from the outer frame member using connectors that connect these multiple segments, it is possible to achieve substantial thermal insulation between the outer frame member and the inner frame member without increasing the size of the inner frame member. Furthermore, by configuring the connectors so that each of the multiple segments can be connected to the connectors so that they can slide freely in the longitudinal direction, it has been found that the difference in linear expansion between the outer frame member and the inner frame member can be effectively alleviated and absorbed, and this has led to the completion of the present invention.

[0016] In other words, the present invention is a window frame for a skylight that is attached to an opening in the roof of a building, and comprises an outer frame member made of metal, and an inner frame member that is formed by connecting a plurality of divided bodies made of resin and is positioned inside the outer frame member, wherein the ends of the plurality of divided bodies of the inner frame member are connected to each other by connectors, and each of the plurality of divided bodies is connected to the connectors so as to be able to slide freely in the longitudinal direction, and the connectors are attached to the outer frame member so as to separate the outer frame member and the plurality of divided bodies that make up the inner frame member by a predetermined gap.

[0017] According to the present invention, as described above, the connectors are attached to the outer frame member so that the multiple segments that make up the outer frame member are separated by a predetermined gap, thereby ensuring thermal insulation between the inner and outer frame members without increasing the size of the inner frame member. This effectively prevents condensation from forming on the inner frame member and also improves the thermal insulation of the skylight. Furthermore, because the ends of the multiple segments of the inner frame member are connected with connectors and each of the multiple segments is connected to the connectors so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction, the difference in linear expansion between the outer frame member and the inner frame member can be effectively alleviated and absorbed, thereby preventing damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration of the skylight window frame of the present invention, it is more preferable that the inner frame member is formed with a groove portion that allows water to be drained toward the connecting device.

[0019] According to the present invention, by forming a groove portion in the inner frame member, even if water adheres to the window frame due to, for example, condensation or rain leakage, the water can be stably drained toward the connector, making it possible to prevent water from dripping into the room.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration of the skylight window frame of the present invention, it is more preferable that the connector has a guide portion that can consolidate the flow direction in the drainage path of water flowing in from the groove portion formed in the inner frame member and drain the water toward the outside of the inner frame member.

[0021] According to the present invention, by consolidating the path of water flowing in from the groove portion of the inner frame member, it becomes possible to effectively drain water that has adhered to the window frame due to, for example, condensation or rain leakage, toward the outside of the inner frame member.

[0022] Furthermore, in the skylight window frame of the present invention having the above configuration, it is more preferable that the inner frame member further has a protrusion on the side facing the outer frame member. According to the present invention, by providing a protrusion on the outer frame member of the inner frame member, for example, by making contact so as to bite into a packing made of an elastic material, it is possible to prevent air leakage and ensure the airtightness of the window frame and skylight. In addition, the bite into the packing as described above also acts as a rotation prevention mechanism for the inner frame member, making it possible to prevent the inner frame member and other components from falling off.

[0023] In addition, in the skylight window frame of the present invention, if a configuration is adopted in which, for example, multiple divided bodies are connected by the connecting devices at the corners of the inner frame member, the linear expansion difference that occurs between the outer frame member and the inner frame member can be more effectively mitigated and absorbed, and effective thermal insulation can be achieved between the inner frame member and the outer frame member.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, when a configuration is adopted in which multiple divided bodies are connected using the connecting devices arranged on two opposing sides of the inner frame member, particularly when a long skylight window using a skylight window frame is constructed, it becomes possible to significantly reduce and absorb the linear expansion difference that occurs between the outer frame member and the inner frame member while effectively providing thermal insulation between the inner and outer frame members.

[0025] The present invention is a skylight window comprising the window frame for a skylight according to the present invention described above, characterized in that it has a shielding body that is supported directly or indirectly on the outer frame member and blocks the opening of the outer frame member.

[0026] According to the present invention, since the skylight window frame of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration is provided, thermal insulation between the inner frame member and the outer frame member is reliably achieved, which effectively prevents condensation from forming on the inner frame member and improves the thermal insulation of the skylight. In addition, the difference in linear expansion between the outer frame member and the inner frame member can be effectively alleviated and absorbed, making it possible to prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion.

[0027] In addition, in the above configuration, the skylight window frame of the present invention can also adopt a configuration that further includes an outer shielding body made of resin that is supported by the outer frame member and blocks the opening of the outer frame member.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by providing an outer shielding body, it is possible to give the skylight additional functions, such as adjusting the amount of light transmitted through the skylight or imparting a specific color to the transmitted light, and it is also possible to give the skylight a specific design. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] In the skylight window frame according to the present invention, as described above, the connectors are attached to the outer frame member so that the multiple segments that make up the outer frame member and the inner frame member are separated by a predetermined gap, thereby reliably insulating the inner and outer frame members from each other without increasing the size of the inner frame member. This effectively prevents condensation from forming on the inner frame member and prevents condensation from dripping into the room. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which each of the multiple segments making up the inner frame member is connected to the connector so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to effectively mitigate and absorb the difference in linear expansion that occurs between the outer frame member and the inner frame member, thereby making it possible to prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion. Therefore, a window frame for a skylight can be realized that can suppress condensation on the inner frame member without making the structure more complex or larger, and can prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion.

[0030] Furthermore, the skylight according to the present invention is equipped with the skylight window frame according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, and therefore, as described above, a skylight can be realized that can suppress condensation on the inner frame member and prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically explaining a skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing an example in which the ends of multiple divided bodies are connected together with connectors to form an inner frame member that is square in plan view and is provided in a skylight window frame. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing another example in which the ends of multiple divided bodies are connected together with connectors to form an inner frame member that is rectangular in plan view and is provided in a skylight window frame. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining a window frame for a skylight and a skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a main part of the window frame for a skylight and a skylight to which the inner frame member shown in FIG. 2 is applied. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram for schematically explaining the skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing only the outer frame member of the skylight window frame shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram for schematically explaining the window frame for a skylight and the skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing only the inner frame member of the window frame for a skylight shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram for explaining the window frame for a skylight and the skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a connector is attached to the outer frame member shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams for schematically explaining the skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams showing an enlarged view of the connector shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 7(a) is an oblique view showing the entire connector; FIG. 7(b) is a plan view of the connector from above; and FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the procedure for assembling the connector to the outer frame member. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams for schematically explaining the skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams showing a further enlargement of the connector shown in FIG. 6, where FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the connector from the indoor side, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the connector from the outdoor side. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams for schematically explaining a skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is an oblique view showing a state in which a connector is assembled to an outer frame member, and FIG. 9B is an oblique view showing a state in which a partition that constitutes an inner frame member is further assembled to one end side of the connector. [Figure 10] 9(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the drainage path of water is changed by a guide portion provided on the connector when water flows into the connector from the groove portion of the inner frame member shown in FIG. 9(b). [Figure 11]11A and 11B are diagrams for schematically explaining a skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams showing connectors to be placed at the corners of the inner frame members that are rectangular in plan view as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with FIG. 11(a) being a perspective view of the connector from the outside (outdoor) side, and FIG. 11(b) being a perspective view of the connector from the inside of the room. [Figure 12] 12(a) and 12(b) are perspective views showing the state in which the connector shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) is assembled to the outer frame member, as viewed from inside the frame; and FIG. 12(b) is a perspective view showing the state in which the connector shown in FIG. 12(a) is further connected to a divided body that constitutes the inner frame member. [Figure 13] FIG. 12(b) is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which the drainage path of water is changed by a guide portion provided on the connector when water flows into the connector from the groove portion of the inner frame member shown in FIG. 12(b). [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are diagrams for schematically explaining a skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of a portion of the skylight window frame to which the rectangular inner frame member shown in FIG. 2 is applied, and FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram showing a further enlargement of the main part shown in FIG. 14A. [Figure 15] 15(a) and 15(b) are diagrams for schematically explaining a skylight window frame and a skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams showing an example of a procedure for attaching a connector to an outer frame member. [Figure 16] 16(a) to 16(g) are diagrams for schematically explaining the window frame for a skylight and the skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams showing another example of the procedure for attaching the connector to the outer frame member. [Figure 17] 17(a) to 17(h) are diagrams for schematically explaining a window frame for a skylight and a skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams showing an example of a procedure for attaching an inner frame member to a connector. [Figure 18]18A and 18B are diagrams for schematically explaining a skylight window frame and skylight according to an embodiment of the present invention, and show an example of an assembly form of a protrusion provided on an inner frame member. FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of a skylight window frame and skylight to which an inner frame member having a protrusion is applied, and FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view showing only the inner frame member at a further enlargement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of a window frame for a skylight (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a window frame) and a skylight according to the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to Figures 1 to 18. Note that the drawings used in the following description may show characteristic parts enlarged for the sake of convenience in order to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional proportions of each component may differ from the actual ones.

[0033] <Skylight window frame and window frame configuration> Figures 1 and 2 are plan views showing inner frame members 3 (3A, 3B) that are rectangular in plan view and that constitute the window frame (skylight window frame) 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing essential parts of the window frame 1 and skylight 10 to which the inner frame member 3 (3B) shown in Figure 2 is applied. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing only the outer frame member 2 of the window frame 1 shown in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing only the inner frame member 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, a fixed skylight 10 and a window frame (skylight window frame) 1 applicable thereto as shown in the partial cross section of FIG. 3 are exemplified, and the skylight 10 and the window frame 1 will be described at the same time.

[0035] The inventors conducted extensive experiments and studies to address the aforementioned problems specific to skylights, namely, condensation on the inner frame members, especially in cold weather, and damage or deformation of the inner frame members due to thermal expansion caused by sunlight. As a result, they first confirmed that by constructing the inner frame member from multiple segments and supporting the inner frame member at a distance from the outer frame member using connectors connecting these segments, it is possible to substantially insulate the outer and inner frame members thermally. Furthermore, they confirmed that by adopting a configuration in which each of the multiple segments can be connected to the connectors so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to effectively mitigate and absorb the difference in linear expansion between the outer and inner frame members. Based on the results of their studies, the inventors have found that the above problems can be reliably solved by adopting the configuration described in detail below.

[0036] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the window frame 1 of this embodiment is a window frame to be attached to an opening provided in the roof of a building (not shown) and is applicable to a skylight 10. The window frame 1 of this embodiment includes an outer frame member 2 made of metal, fasteners (fixing members) 9 that secure the outer frame member 2 to an opening in the roof (not shown), and an inner frame member 3 that is configured by connecting multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D (as well as segments 30E and 30D; see FIGS. 1 and 2) made of resin and is disposed inside the outer frame member 2. In the inner frame member 3, end portions 30a and 30b of the multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D (as well as segments 30E and 30D) are connected to each other with connectors 5 (5A and 5B), and each of the multiple segments (as well as segments 30E and 30D) is connected to the connectors 5 (5A and 5B) so as to be freely slidable in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the connectors 5 (5A, 5B) are configured to be attached to the outer frame member 2 so as to separate the outer frame member 2 from the multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D (as well as segments 30E, 30D) that make up the inner frame member 3 by a predetermined gap.

[0037] In this embodiment, a window frame 1A(1) will be described as an example, in which an inner frame member 3A(3) having a square (rectangular) shape in plan view, as shown in Figure 1, is assembled to an outer frame member 2A having a square (rectangular) shape in plan view by a connecting device 5A(5) (see also Figure 3 and Figures 9(a) and (b)). Furthermore, in this embodiment, a window frame 1B(1) will be described as an example in which an inner frame member 3B(3) having a rectangular (rectangular) shape in plan view, as shown in Figure 2, is assembled to an outer frame member 2B having a rectangular (rectangular) shape in plan view by a connecting device 5B(5) (see also Figure 3 and Figures 12(a) and (b)).

[0038] 1 and 2, the outer frame member 2 (outer frame members 2A, 2B; see FIG. 3, etc.) is not shown, but the inner frame member 3A shown in FIG. 1 is placed inside the outer frame member 2A, which is square in plan view like the inner frame member 3A, to form a window frame 1A that is square in plan view. The inner frame member 3B shown in FIG. 2 is placed inside the outer frame member 2B, which is rectangular in plan view like the inner frame member 3B, to form a window frame 1B that is rectangular in plan view.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 1, connectors 5 that are L-shaped in plan view are arranged at the corners of the inner frame member 3A when viewed in a plane, i.e., at four locations where the ends 30a, 30b of the four divided bodies 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are connected to each other. On the other hand, in the example shown in Fig. 2, first, connectors 5 having an L-shape in plan view are arranged at the corners of inner frame member 3B in plan view, i.e., at two locations where end portions 30a, 30b of four segments 30A, 30B and segment 30E are joined together, and at two locations where end portions 30a, 30b of segments 30C, 30D and segment 30F are joined together. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 2, connectors 5B configured in a straight line in plan view are arranged at two locations where end portions 30a, 30b of segments 30A, 30B arranged on the longer side in plan view and segments 30C, 30D are joined together.

[0040] Furthermore, the skylight 10 described in this embodiment comprises a window frame 1 having the above-described configuration, and a shield 6 that is supported directly or indirectly on an outer frame member 2 and blocks the opening in the outer frame member 2. The window frame 1 comprises an outer frame member 2 that is fixed to the edge of an opening in a building (not shown), an inner frame member 3 that is placed inside the outer frame member 2, and an anchor (fixing member) 9 that secures (attaches) the outer frame member 2 to the opening in the roof of the building. The outer surface of the edge of the opening in the building is covered, for example, by a waterproof layer (not shown).

[0041] The outer frame member 2 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or a copper alloy. More specifically, the outer frame member 2 can be made of aluminum, which has a high degree of freedom in cross-sectional shape and is also lightweight and weather-resistant, and can be obtained by extruding this aluminum material. On the other hand, when the outer frame member 2 is made of aluminum, it is more preferable to place a steel frame inside the outer frame member 2 to provide fire resistance, for example.

[0042] The outer frame member 2 has an outer shape in plan view that is a square frame, a rectangular frame, a circular frame, an elliptical frame, or the like, with an opening in the center. In this embodiment, the outer frame member 2 can be configured as an outer frame member 2A (see FIGS. 3 and 9(a) and (b)) having a shape in plan view similar to the inner frame member 3A that is square in plan view (a rectangular frame shape in plan view) shown in Fig. 1, or as an outer frame member 2B (see FIGS. 3 and 12(a) and (b)) having a shape in plan view similar to the inner frame member 3B that is rectangular in plan view (same as above) shown in Fig. 2.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4, the outer frame member 2 is formed, for example, to have a generally L-shaped cross section, and as shown in Figs. 9(a) and (b), an inner frame member 3B is supported by a connector 5B. A fastener 9 is attached to the lower part of the outer frame member 2 to secure the outer frame member 2 to the edge of an opening in a building. While detailed illustration is omitted in Figs. 3 and 4, the end of the fastener 9 is fixed to the edge of the opening in the building by, for example, anchor bolts (not shown). This secures the entire skylight 10 to the opening in the building.

[0044] The fasteners 9 can be made of, for example, aluminum plates, steel plates, etc. When the fasteners 9 are made of these materials, the outer frame members 2 can be reliably supported with high strength against the opening of the building. On the other hand, the fastening device 9 can also be made of resin. When the fastening device 9 is made of resin, together with the inner frame member 3 made of resin, it is possible to further improve the heat insulation of the skylight 10. Furthermore, a dome-shaped outer shielding body 7 is fixed to the outer frame member 2 in the illustrated example via a packing 23a or the like that is engaged with the upper part. In the illustrated example, the outer shielding body 7 is fixed to the outer frame member 2 by screwing together bolts 23b and nuts 23c, with packing 23d and washer 25e interposed in addition to the above-mentioned packing 23a.

[0045] From the viewpoint of increasing the fixing strength of the window frame 1 and skylight 10 to the building, it is more preferable that a mortar section (not shown) be formed between the lower part of the outer frame member 2 and the edge of the opening in the building (not shown), where mortar is packed in to fill the fastening device 9. It is also more preferable that the outer edge of the outer frame member 2 be formed with a protruding section 27 that protrudes so as to cover the edge of the opening in the building. This protruding section 27 may be formed integrally with the outer frame member 2 using the same material, for example.

[0046] Furthermore, the fixing member for fixing the outer frame member 2 to the opening in the roof of the building is not limited to a member such as the fastening device 9 of this embodiment, but may be any member capable of fixing the outer frame member 2 to the opening in the roof of the building.

[0047] For example, a caulking section (not shown) can be formed between the outer frame member 2 and the protruding section 27, and between the protruding section 27 of the outer frame member 2 and a waterproof layer (not shown) formed on the outer surface of the edge of the opening in the building. Such a caulking section is made of a waterproof resin caulking agent, and ensures waterproofness, airtightness, thermal insulation, etc. between the outside and inside of the skylight 10.

[0048] The outer frame member 2 of the example shown in Figure 4 has a receiving portion 21 extending from the frame body wall portion 20 toward the indoor side, and an engaging portion 26 formed by bending the end of the receiving portion 21 at a right angle, which receives water droplets generated by condensation on the indoor side and drains them through the drainage hole 28. This prevents condensation water from accumulating on the indoor side. In the illustrated example, the drainage hole 28 is fitted with a cover 29 that can collect the drained condensation water in one direction.

[0049] A groove 24 is integrally formed on the lower surface 21a of the receiving portion 21. A bolt 18A is inserted into the groove 24 (see FIG. 3), and together with a nut 18B, the bolt 18A engages with the fastener 9 (see FIG. 3).

[0050] Long grooves 25 are formed on the four sides of the rectangular outer frame member 2, which is rectangular in plan view. Screws 19A are inserted into these grooves 25, and when screwed into plate nuts 19B, they engage with the clamps 11 and glass holders 14 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the clamps 11 and glass holders 14 are engaged with the outer frame member 2 in a frame-like manner.

[0051] It is preferable that the clamping member 11 and the glass receiving member 14 abut against the vicinity of the groove portion 25 of the outer frame member 2 and receive external forces together with the outer frame member 2. In this embodiment, the weight of the skylight 10, the snow load caused by snowfall, wind pressure, etc. are received by the outer frame member 2, the clamping member 11, and the glass receiving member 14 together.

[0052] The shielding body 6 is a member that closes the opening of the outer frame member 2. The shielding body 6 is made of, for example, a light-transmitting or light-blocking plate-like member. As such a shielding body 6, for example, a transparent glass plate, an opaque glass plate, a resin plate, a metal plate, or the like can be used. As the glass plate, for example, a wired tempered glass plate, a heat insulating glass plate, a double glazing plate, or the like can be used. The resin plate may be, for example, a polycarbonate plate, a vinyl chloride plate, or a polyethylene plate. The metal plate may be, for example, an aluminum plate, a stainless steel plate, or a zinc alloy plate. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a double-glazed glass plate is used as the shielding body 6 used in the skylight 10.

[0053] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 3, there is also provided a flat outer shielding body 8 made of resin, which is supported by the outer frame member 2 and is positioned above the shielding body 6 so as to block the opening of the outer frame member 2. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the above-mentioned dome-shaped outer shielding body 7 is disposed above the flat plate-shaped outer shielding body 8 so as to close the opening of the outer frame member 2 .

[0054] The shape of the shielding body 6 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, a flat plate shape as shown in the example of FIG. 3, or a hemispherical shape (dome shape: see also outer shielding body 7 in FIG. 3), an oval shape, a square pyramid shape, or the like. Furthermore, a shielding body applicable to the skylight of this embodiment can be configured from multiple components, such as the shielding body 6 made of a flat glass plate, a flat resin plate (outer shielding body 8 in FIG. 3) that covers the shielding body 6 from above, and a translucent dome-shaped resin plate (outer shielding body 7 in FIG. 3) that covers the flat resin plate. In this embodiment, the outer shielding body 7 can be made of acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin molded into a dome shape by free-blow molding or vacuum molding.

[0055] As described above, the shielding body 6 is fixed to the upper part of the outer frame member 2 via the clamping metal fittings 11 and the glass receiving metal fittings 14. As a result, the load of the shielding body 6 is applied to the outer frame member 2 made of metal, making it possible to reliably support the shielding body 6 made of a heavy material such as a glass plate or a metal plate.

[0056] The inner frame member 3 (3A, 3B) is made of a synthetic resin material, such as polycarbonate resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, or nylon resin. In this embodiment, the inner frame member 3 may be a molded body made of rigid vinyl chloride resin, i.e., a configuration in which multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D (as well as segments 30E and 30D; see FIGS. 1 and 2) made of rigid vinyl chloride resin are connected together. These segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D (as well as segments 30E and 30D) are made of, for example, rigid vinyl chloride resin by extrusion molding. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of achieving both weight reduction and cost efficiency while maintaining strength and thermal insulation properties, each segment 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D (as well as segments 30E and 30D) constituting the inner frame member 3 preferably has a generally U-shaped cross section, as shown in the illustrated example, or a hollow structure.

[0057] Since no load other than its own weight is applied to the inner frame member 3, it does not necessarily need to be made of a high-strength material, and by using the above-mentioned synthetic resin material, a compact and economical inner frame member can be constructed.

[0058] The inner frame member 3 is configured to have a frame shape in a plan view, such as a square, rectangular, circular, or elliptical shape in a plan view, that can be inserted inside the outer frame member 2. In this embodiment, although detailed illustration is omitted, the inner frame members 3 (3A, 3B) are formed in a rectangular shape (frame shape) in a plan view that is slightly smaller than the outer frame members 2 (2A, 2B).

[0059] As described above, the inner frame member 3 is attached to the outer frame member 2 with the connectors 5 (5A, 5B). In other words, the inner frame member 3 is attached without direct contact with the outer frame member 2, but separated by a specified gap. This gap serves to maintain thermal insulation between the outer frame member 2, which is in contact with the outside air, and the inner frame member 3, which is exposed to the interior of the room. Furthermore, the gap allows for thermal contraction between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3, which have different thermal expansion coefficients due to differences in their constituent materials.

[0060] A shielding body 6 is arranged above the inner frame member 3 via a glass receiving bracket 14 and a gasket 15 so as to cover the opening of the inner frame member 3, and an outer shielding body 8 is arranged above that via a gasket 17 so as to cover the opening. The outer shielding body 8 is made of, for example, a resin plate, and in this embodiment, is made of a hollow polycarbonate resin plate as a light-transmitting material with high heat insulation properties.

[0061] As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, the inner frame member 3 included in the window frame 1 of this embodiment has a protrusion 37 at its upper end, on the side facing the outer frame member 2. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the protrusion 37 abuts against the packing 15 made of an elastic material so as to bite into it, thereby ensuring airtightness of the window frame 1 and skylight 10. In other words, by having the protrusion 37 on the inner frame member 3, airtightness between the inner frame member 3 and the outer frame member 2 can be ensured, and it becomes possible to prevent the connectors 5 (5A, 5B) and the inner frame member 3 from falling off into the room.

[0062] 3 and 5 (see also FIG. 12(b)), grooves 36 are formed that enable water to be drained toward the connectors 5 (5A, 5B), and in the illustrated example, the grooves 36 are located on the upper end side of the inner frame member 3. By forming the grooves 36 as described above in the inner frame members 3 (3A, 3B), even if water adheres to the window frame 1 due to condensation, rain leakage, or the like, the water can be stably drained toward the connectors 5 (5A, 5B), preventing water from dripping into the room.

[0063] As shown in the example of Fig. 5, it is preferable that the inner frame member 3 has a roughly L-shaped steep surface on the indoor side, and the back side thereof is formed as a recess 35. By providing the inner frame member 3 with the recess 35, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the surface temperature on the indoor side, and therefore to prevent condensation from occurring on the indoor side.

[0064] The connectors 5 (5A, 5B) provided on the window frame 1 (1A, 1B) of this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector 5B is assembled to the outer frame member 2 shown in Figure 4, and Figures 7(a) to (c) and Figures 8(a) and (b) are enlarged schematic views showing the connector 5B shown in Figure 6. Figure 9(a) is an oblique view showing the state in which a connector 5B is assembled to an outer frame member 2, and Figure 9(b) is an oblique view showing the state in which a divided body 30A that constitutes an inner frame member 3 is further assembled to an end portion 5a of the connector 5B. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which water that has flowed into the connector 5B from the groove 36 of the inner frame member 3A has its drainage path changed by a first splitter (guide portion) 51B and multiple second splitters (guide portions) 52B provided on the connector 5B. Figure 11(a) is a schematic diagram showing a connector 5A to be placed at a corner of the inner frame member 3 (3A, 3B) shown in Figures 1 and 2, and Figure 11(b) is an oblique view of the connector 5A as seen from inside the frame. Figure 12(a) is an oblique view of the connector 5 assembled to the outer frame member 2, viewed from inside the frame, and Figure 12(b) is an oblique view showing the connector 5 further connected to a divided body 30A that constitutes the inner frame member 3. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which water that has flowed into the connector 5 from the groove 36 of the inner frame member 3B has had its drainage path changed by the first splitter (guide portion) 51 and the second splitter (guide portion) 52 provided on the connector 5. Figure 14(a) is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged portion of a window frame 1B to which the inner frame member 3 (3B) shown in Figure 2 is applied, and Figure 14(b) is a schematic diagram showing a further enlargement of the main part shown in Figure 14(a).

[0065] As described above, the connectors 5 (5A, 5B) connect the ends 30a, 30b of the multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D (and segments 30E, 30D) that make up the inner frame member 3 (3A, 3B) so that they can slide longitudinally relative to the connectors 5 (5A, 5B). The connectors 5 (5A, 5B) provided in the window frame 1 (1A, 1B) of this embodiment are attached to the outer frame member 2 (2A, 2B) so as to separate the outer frame member 2 (2A, 2B) and the multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D (and segments 30E, 30D) that make up the inner frame member 3 by a predetermined gap.

[0066] Although connector 5A and connector 5B differ in planar shape and the direction in which multiple segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D (and segments 30E and 30D) are connected, they have the same function of connecting each segment so that it can slide freely.

[0067] 11(a) and 11(b), the connector 5A(5) is configured to be roughly L-shaped in plan view, and has two holding portions 55 formed in a roughly U-shaped cross section for slidably connecting the respective ends 30a, 30b of the four segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D. These two holding portions 55 are arranged in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the L-shape in plan view, and are provided to extend from the base portion 50, which is the perpendicular position.

[0068] In addition, a first splitter (guide portion) 51 and a second splitter (guide portion) 52 are arranged on the upper surface of each of the two holding portions 55 to concentrate the drainage path of water flowing in from the groove portion 36 of the inner frame member 3 in one direction. The first splitter 51 extends radially from the base 50 so as to be sandwiched between the two holders 55. In the illustrated example, the first splitter 51 has a generally U-shaped cross section, and is configured so that the direction of water flow can be guided by the side wall 51a. A plurality of second splitters 52 are provided on the upper surface of two holding portions 55, three of each in the illustrated example. The second splitters 52 are formed in a plate shape, protruding steeply from the upper surface of the holding portion 55, and are disposed so as to be parallel to the side wall 51 a of the first splitter 51.

[0069] As described above, by providing second splitters 52 at multiple locations, double or triple water return function is achieved, making it possible to reliably prevent water from flowing into or dripping into the indoor side. In order to further improve the water return function described above, for example, the second splitter 52 may be made partly or entirely of a soft resin, in which case the connector 5A(5) may be molded by two-color molding using different materials.

[0070] The two holding portions 55 of the connector 5A are inserted into either the end portion 30a or the end portion 30b of the segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D. Each of the end portions 30a and 30b is held slidably while housing the holding portions 55 therein. The connectors 5A are arranged at four locations between the segments 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, ie, at the corners, to form an inner frame member 3A that is square in plan view.

[0071] The material of the connector 5A is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the same synthetic resin material as that of the inner frame member 3, i.e., polycarbonate resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, nylon resin, etc. In this embodiment, the connector 5A may be an integrally molded product obtained by injection molding using the above synthetic resin material.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(c) and 8(a) and 8(b), the connector 5B (5) is a member configured linearly in a plan view. The connector 5B is disposed in the inner frame member 3A, which is rectangular in a plan view as shown in Figure 2, at two locations where the ends 30a, 30b of the segments 30A, 30B and the segments 30C, 30D, which are disposed on the longer sides, are connected to each other. The connector 5B also has two holding portions 55B formed in a generally U-shaped cross section to slidably connect the ends 30a, 30b of the segments to each other. These two holding portions 55B are provided so as to extend in opposite directions from a base portion 50B disposed at the center of the connector 5B in the longitudinal direction.

[0073] In addition, similar to the connecting device 5A, the two holding portions 55B are provided on their upper surfaces with a first splitter (guide portion) 51B and a second splitter (guide portion) 52B for concentrating the drainage path of water flowing in from the groove portion 36 of the inner frame member 3 in one direction. The first splitter 51B is provided extending from the base portion 50B at a position between the two holding portions 55B, 55B from the base portion 50B. In the illustrated example, the first splitter 51B is plate-shaped and configured to be able to guide the direction in which water flows. A plurality of second splitters 52B are provided on the upper surface of two holding portions 55, three of each in the illustrated example. Similar to the first splitter 51B, the second splitter 52B is formed in a plate shape, and is formed to rise steeply from the upper surface of the holding portion 55B, and is disposed so as to be parallel to the first splitter 51B.

[0074] In the connector 5B(5), similarly to the connector 5(5A) described above, the second splitters 52B are provided at multiple locations, thereby achieving double or triple water return functionality and making it possible to reliably prevent water from flowing in or dripping into the interior of the room. Furthermore, similarly to the above, in order to further improve the water return functionality, the second splitters 52B may be partially or entirely made of soft resin, and the connector 5B(5) may be a molded body obtained by two-color molding using different materials.

[0075] The connector 5B is also provided with horizontal ribs 53 and engagement claws 54 for clamping and engaging the engagement portion 26 of the outer frame member 2 (see also the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3). The connector 5B is also provided with vertical ribs 56 that function as a contact stopper for the engagement portion 26 of the outer frame member 2.

[0076] As described above, the two holding portions 55B of the connector 5B are inserted into either the end portion 30a or 30b of each of the segments 30A and 30B or the segments 30C and 30D. These end portions 30a or 30b are also slidably held while the holding portions 55B are housed therein. The connectors 5B arranged in two locations, together with the six divided bodies 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F and the connectors 5A provided at the four corners, form an inner frame member 3B that is rectangular in plan view.

[0077] The material of connector 5B is not particularly limited, and the same synthetic resin material as connector 5A, i.e., polycarbonate resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, nylon resin, etc., can be used, and an integrally molded product obtained by injection molding using these synthetic resin materials can be used.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, the connector 5B is attached in a fitted state to the engaging portion 26 of the outer frame member 2 and is held in place without using screws, etc. This improves the ease of assembly of the window frame.

[0079] 9(a) and 9(b), when the divided body 30A constituting the inner frame member 3 is assembled to the end portion 5a of the connector 5B, the groove portion 36 is arranged to face upward, and this groove portion 36 effectively functions as a drainage path for condensation water, etc. In the illustrated example, the base portion 50B of the connector 5B and the end portion 30a of the divided body 30A are assembled so that a predetermined gap (open gap) G is secured between them, as shown in FIG.

[0080] 12(a) and 12(b), when the divided body 30A constituting the inner frame member 3 is assembled to the end portion 5a of the connector 5A, the groove portion 36 is arranged to face upward, so that the groove portion 36 effectively functions as a drainage path for condensation water, etc. Also in this example, the connector 5A is assembled so that a predetermined gap (opening) G is secured between the base portion 50 and the end portion 30a of the divided body 30A.

[0081] Below, with reference to Figures 14(a) and (b), the effect of mitigating and absorbing the linear expansion difference that occurs between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3, which is obtained by the connecting device 5 (5A, 5B) provided in the window frame 1 of this embodiment, will be described in detail using the example of a window frame 1B provided with connecting device 5B.

[0082] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), a perforated mounting structure is used in which a predetermined gap G is secured between the connectors 5A and 5B and the segments 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F. In this embodiment, the segments 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F constituting the inner frame member 3B are slidably connected to the connectors 5A and / or 5B, and the gap G functions to absorb the difference in linear expansion between the outer frame member 2B and the inner frame member 3B. As described above, no fasteners such as screws are used between the segments and the connectors. Therefore, when a force greater than a certain level is applied between them, the segments can slide freely, thereby mitigating and absorbing the difference in linear expansion. Furthermore, even if the fixing structure between each divided body and each connecting device is also made up of screws or the like (not shown), it is possible to mitigate and absorb the linear expansion difference by causing a sliding movement similar to that described above within the range of backlash, for example, between the screw member and the screw hole.

[0083] In particular, in a window frame 1B that is rectangular in plan view, by arranging connectors 5B on the long sides, i.e., between segments 30A, 30B and between segments 30C, 30D, the linear expansion absorption capacity is significantly improved, making it possible to lengthen the skylight. Furthermore, even if it becomes necessary to install more segments 30A to 30D on the long sides, by installing a corresponding number of connectors 5B, it is possible to configure a longer window frame while mitigating and absorbing the linear expansion difference.

[0084] The function of effectively draining condensation water and the like due to the configuration of the window frame 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 10 and 13, taking the case of the window frame 1B as an example.

[0085] As shown by the arrows in Figure 10, for example, when condensation occurs on the indoor side, water drips into the groove 36 of the inner frame member 3A. The first splitter 51B and the second splitter 52B formed on the upper surface of the connector 5B converge the drainage path in one direction and drain out of the inner frame member 3A. At this time, the direction of the water flowing in from the groove 36 of the inner frame member 3A is changed by the first splitter 51B, and the water is discharged out of the drain hole 28 via the receiver 21 of the outer frame member 2 shown in Figures 3 and 4. In addition, the multiple second splitters 52B prevent the splashes and currents that bounce off the first splitter 51B from flowing back, ensuring that the water is guided to the drainage path.

[0086] 13, the first splitter 51 and the second splitter 52 formed on the upper surface of the connector 5 concentrate the water that drips into the groove 36 of the inner frame member 3B in one direction, and the water is drained to the outside of the inner frame member 3. At this time, the water that flows in from the groove 36 of the inner frame member 3 has its flow direction changed by the first splitter 51, as described above, and is discharged to the outside through the drainage hole 28 via the receiving portion 21 of the outer frame member 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, etc. Furthermore, the second splitter 52 prevents the splashes and currents that bounce off the first splitter 51 from flowing back, making it possible to reliably guide the water to the drainage path.

[0087] In other words, the connector 5 provided in the window frame 1 of this embodiment has three functions: connecting the inner frame member 3 to the outer frame member 2, holding the inner frame member 3, and draining condensation water.

[0088] The procedure for attaching the connector 5 to the outer frame member 2 will be described below using as an example the procedure for attaching the connector 5B to the long side of the outer frame member 2B. Figures 15(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a procedure for attaching a connector 5B to an outer frame member 2B, and Figures 16(a) to (g) are schematic diagrams showing another example of a procedure for attaching a connector 5B to an outer frame member 2B.

[0089] In this embodiment, by utilizing the flexibility of the synthetic resin material that constitutes the connectors 5 (5A, 5B), the connectors 5B can be attached by pushing them from the front into the engaging portions 26 of the outer frame member 2B, as in the example shown in Figures 15(a) and (b). Alternatively, as in the example shown in Figures 16(a) to (g), when the connectors 5B are attached to the engaging portions 26 of the outer frame member 2B while being rotated, the attachment work becomes easier and good assembly properties can be achieved.

[0090] Next, the procedure for attaching the inner frame member 3 to the connector 5 will be described using as an example the procedure for attaching the divided body 30A that constitutes the inner frame member 3B to the connector 5B. 17(a) to 17(h) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a procedure for attaching the inner frame member 3 to the connector 5B.

[0091] In this embodiment, when attaching the segments 30A to 30D that make up the inner frame member 3B to the connector 5B, these segments 30A to 30D must be rotated while being attached. More specifically, for example, the segment 30A is dropped from above the connector 5B (see FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)), until the recess 35 hits the top of the connector 5B (see FIG. 17(c)), and then the segment 30A is rotated (see FIGS. 17(d) to 17(h)). This allows the segment 30A, made of a synthetic resin material, to be fitted to the connector 5B by utilizing its flexibility.

[0092] Next, the function of preventing the inner frame member 3 from coming off in the window frame 1 of this embodiment and ensuring airtightness will be described using a skylight 10 equipped with the window frame 1B as an example. Figure 18(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the window frame 1B and skylight 10 to which an inner frame member 3B having a protrusion 37 is applied, and Figure 18(b) is a further enlarged cross-sectional view of only the divided body 30A that constitutes the inner frame member 3B. Figures 18(a) and (b) are diagrams explaining the mechanism for preventing the inner frame member 3B(3) from coming off, and the function of ensuring airtightness by the inner frame member 3B(3).

[0093] As shown in Figures 18(a) and 18(b), in this embodiment, protrusions 37 located at the upper end of the inner frame member 3B bite into and abut against the packing 15 made of an elastic material, preventing air leakage and ensuring airtightness of the window frame and skylight. Also, as shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(g) and 17(a) to 17(h), the connector 5B attached to the outer frame member 2B by rotation, and the inner frame members 3B (multiple segments) attached to the connector 5B by rotation, can be removed by rotating them in the direction opposite to the rotation direction used for attachment. Therefore, a rotation prevention mechanism is required to prevent accidental removal. In this embodiment, the bite of the protrusions 37 into the packing 15 as described above can also serve as a rotation prevention mechanism against the rotation direction during removal.

[0094] The skylight 10 configured as described above can also be configured so that the outer frame member 2 and the shielding body 6 supported thereby can be opened and closed. That is, it is possible to configure the skylight 10 so that the entire shielding body 6 supported by the outer frame member 2 can be moved vertically or diagonally upward relative to an opening in a building (not shown), or the shielding body 6 can be rotated around one side as a rotation axis to expose the opening in the building and ventilate the room.

[0095] 3, a heat insulating member 41 may be disposed on the lower surface 21a side of the outer frame member 2. Such a heat insulating member 41 may be made of, for example, urethane foam or glass wool. Furthermore, for example, an interior panel 42 can be disposed on the underside 3a of the inner frame member 3. Such an interior panel 42 may be made of, for example, gypsum board. As shown in the illustrated example, disposing the interior panel 42 can prevent the outer frame members 2 (2A, 2B) from being exposed to the interior of the room. Furthermore, it is more preferable to arrange the heat insulating member 41 and the indoor panel 42 as described above with a predetermined gap therebetween, as in the illustrated example, from the viewpoint of further improving the heat insulating properties.

[0096] According to the window frame 1 (1A, 1B) of the present embodiment described above, the connectors 5 (5A, 5B) are attached to the outer frame member 2 so as to separate the outer frame member 2 (2A, 2B) and the multiple segments 30A-30D (and segments 30E, 30F) that make up the inner frame member 3 (3A, 3B) by a predetermined gap, thereby ensuring thermal insulation between the inner frame member 3 and the outer frame member 2 without increasing the size of the inner frame member 3. This effectively prevents condensation from forming on the inner frame member 3 and also improves the thermal insulation of the window frame 1.

[0097] That is, with the window frame 1 of this embodiment, due to the above-mentioned configuration, a hollow space is formed between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3, except for the portion where the connector 5 is provided. Furthermore, most of the portion between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3 is configured so that no thermal bridge exists. By adopting such a configuration, there is no need to employ a large inner frame structure to keep the thermal bridge away from the indoor side, making it possible to configure a window frame 1 with a composite frame structure that is compact and has excellent thermal insulation properties.

[0098] Furthermore, in the inner frame member 3, the ends 30a, 30b of the multiple segments 30 are connected together with connectors, and each of the multiple segments 30A to 30D (and segments 30E, 30F) is connected to the connectors 5 so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction, thereby effectively mitigating and absorbing the difference in linear expansion that occurs between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3. This makes it possible to prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member 3 due to thermal expansion.

[0099] In addition, the connector 5 has a first splitter 51 (51B) and multiple second splitters 52 (52B) that can concentrate the drainage path of water flowing in from the groove portion 36 formed in the inner frame member 3 in one direction and drain the water toward the outside of the inner frame member 3, so that water that has adhered to the window frame due to condensation, leaks, etc. can be effectively drained toward the outside.

[0100] Furthermore, since the connector 5 is fitted to the outer frame member 2 by utilizing the flexibility characteristics of the synthetic resin material, the connector 5 is held in place by the outer frame member 2 without the need for fasteners such as screws, resulting in excellent assembly ease and also enabling cost reductions.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the window frame 1, connecting devices 5 (5A) are arranged at at least four corners of the inner frame member 3, and multiple segments 30A to 30D (as well as segments 30E, 30F) are connected by the connecting devices 5, which more effectively mitigates and absorbs the linear expansion difference that occurs between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3, and effectively provides thermal insulation between the inner frame member 3 and the outer frame member 2.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the window frame 1 (1B) of this embodiment, by configuring the multiple segments 30A-30B to be connected by connectors 5B arranged on two opposing sides of the inner frame member 3B, when the skylight 10 is configured to be long, it is possible to significantly reduce and absorb the difference in linear expansion that occurs between the outer frame member 2B and the inner frame member 3B while effectively thermally insulating the inner frame member 3 from the outer frame member 2. Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the number of connectors 5B installed according to the size of the inner frame member 3B, it is possible to absorb the elongation due to thermal expansion of the inner frame member 3B even in large skylights.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a skylight with excellent thermal insulation can be achieved by constructing a window frame 1 with a double frame configuration consisting of an outer frame member 2 and an inner frame member 3. That is, by placing the inner frame member 3 inside the outer frame member 2, the inner frame member 3 suppresses heat leakage that cannot be prevented by a configuration with only the outer frame member 2, thereby preventing heat transfer between the outside air and the room through the skylight 10. Furthermore, by constructing the inner frame member 3 on the room side from a synthetic resin material with low thermal conductivity, heat propagation through the inner frame member 3 is suppressed, resulting in even better thermal insulation.

[0104] Furthermore, the skylight 10 of this embodiment is equipped with the window frame 1 of this embodiment having the above-described configuration, and therefore, as described above, thermal insulation can be reliably achieved between the inner frame member 3 and the outer frame member 2, thereby effectively suppressing condensation on the inner frame member 3 while avoiding an increase in size of the inner frame member 3, and improving the thermal insulation of the skylight 10. In addition, the difference in linear expansion between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3 can be effectively alleviated and absorbed, making it possible to prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member 3 due to thermal expansion.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the skylight 10 of this embodiment, if a configuration is adopted in which outer shielding bodies 7, 8 made of resin are provided that are supported by the outer frame member 2 and cover the opening of the outer frame member 2, it becomes possible to provide the skylight 10 with additional functions, such as adjusting the amount of light transmitted through the skylight 10 or imparting a specific hue to the transmitted light. Furthermore, by providing the skylight 10 with the outer shielding bodies 7, 8, it becomes possible to impart a specific design to the skylight 10.

[0106] Furthermore, the load of the shielding body 6 is applied directly to the opening in the roof of the building from the outer frame member 2 via the fastening members (fixing members) 9, and the load of the shielding body 6 is not applied to the inner frame member 3, so there is no concern that the inner frame member 3 will deform or break, even if the inner frame member 3 is made of a resin material with excellent heat insulation properties. Furthermore, because the outer frame member 2 is fixed to the edge of the opening in the building via the fastening members 9, the load of the heavy shielding body 6 is applied directly to the building via the outer frame member 2, and the inner frame member 3 will not deform or break.

[0107] In this embodiment, even if the shielding body is configured to be supported by the inner frame member, if the shielding body is not extremely heavy and is made of a glass plate or the like of a normal weight, it is possible to ensure sufficient strength to support the shielding body by optimizing the structural design of the inner frame member, connectors, and outer frame member. In this embodiment, even with this configuration, condensation on the inner frame member can be suppressed, insulation properties can be improved, and damage or deformation of the inner frame member due to thermal expansion can be prevented.

[0108] Furthermore, by constructing the outer frame member 2, which is directly exposed to the outside air, from a highly weather-resistant metal material, and by constructing the inner frame member 3, which is made of a resin material, so that it is not directly exposed to the outside air, a skylight 10 with superior weather resistance can be realized.

[0109] <How to fix the skylight> A method for fixing the skylight 10 of this embodiment to an opening in a building (not shown) will be described below. In the following, we will explain an example in which a skylight 10 is constructed using a window frame 1B (see also Figures 3 and 14(a), (b), etc.) equipped with the inner frame member 3B shown in Figure 2 and fixed to an opening in a building.

[0110] First, in advance at a skylight manufacturing factory or the like, connectors 5A are attached to the four inner corners of outer frame member 2 using the method described above, and connectors 5B are placed approximately in the center of two points on the long sides.

[0111] Next, the segments 30A-30F that make up the inner frame member 3B are inserted inside the outer frame member 2, and the multiple segments 30A-30F that make up the inner frame member 3B are attached to the connectors 5A, 5B using the method described above. At this time, the multiple segments 30A-30F are attached so that they are spaced apart from the outer frame member 2B by a predetermined gap.

[0112] Next, a shielding body 6 made of a double-glazed glass plate is placed so as to cover the opening of the inner frame member 3. This shielding body 6 can be fixed to the outer frame member 2 via glass receiving metal fittings 14.

[0113] Next, an outer shielding body 8 is placed above the shielding body 6 via a packing 17 so as to close the opening of the inner frame member 3. This outer shielding body 8 can be fixed to the outer frame member 2 with a clamp 11.

[0114] Furthermore, if necessary, the outer shielding body 7 is arranged so as to cover the outer shielding body 8 from above. At this time, the outer shielding body 7 is fixed to the outer frame member 2, for example, by screwing together the bolts 23b and the nuts 23c with the packings 23a, 23d, and the washers 25e interposed therebetween.

[0115] The skylight 10 completed as described above is then transported to the opening of the building to be installed, and the skylight 10 is installed so as to cover the opening of the building. After that, the outer frame member 2 is fixed to the edge of the opening in the building via the fastening device 9 and anchor bolts (not shown).

[0116] After this, if necessary, it is preferable to form a mortar section (not shown) between the lower part of the outer frame member 2 and the edge of the opening in the building, filling the fasteners 9 with mortar so as to more firmly fix the skylight 10 to the building. Forming the mortar section as described above also makes it possible to prevent the fasteners 9 from corroding.

[0117] It is also possible to fix the skylight 10 by first fixing the outer frame member 2 to the building, and then placing the inner frame member 3 and the outer shielding bodies 7 and 8 inside the outer frame member 2. By constructing the skylight 10 using this procedure, the inner frame member 3 and the outer shielding bodies 7 and 8 do not interfere with the installation work when fixing the outer frame member 2 to the building.

[0118] By performing the steps described above, the skylight 10 can be easily attached to an opening in a building (not shown).

[0119] <Action and effect> As explained above, according to the skylight window frame 1 (1A, 1B) of this embodiment, the connectors 5 (5A, 5B) are attached to the outer frame member 2 so as to separate the outer frame member 2 (2A, 2B) and the multiple segments 30A-30D (and segments 30E, 30F) that make up the inner frame member 3 (3A, 3B) by a predetermined gap, thereby ensuring thermal insulation between the inner frame member 3 and the outer frame member 2 without increasing the size of the inner frame member 3. This effectively prevents condensation from forming on the inner frame member 3, making it possible to prevent condensation from dripping into the room. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which each of the multiple segments 30A to 30D (as well as segments 30E and 30F) that make up the inner frame member 3 is connected to the connector 5 so as to be freely slidable in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to effectively mitigate and absorb the difference in linear expansion that occurs between the outer frame member 2 and the inner frame member 3. This makes it possible to prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member 3 due to thermal expansion. Therefore, a window frame 1 can be realized that can suppress condensation on the inner frame member 3 without making the structure more complex or larger, has improved insulation properties, and can prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member 3 due to thermal expansion.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the skylight 10 of this embodiment, since it is equipped with the window frame 1 of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, as described above, it is possible to suppress condensation on the inner frame member 3, improve insulation properties, and prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame member 3 due to thermal expansion.

[0121] <Other> The configurations and combinations thereof in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0122] As described above, the skylight window frame of the present invention can suppress condensation on the inner frame members, improve thermal insulation, and prevent damage or deformation of the inner frame members due to thermal expansion without increasing the complexity or size of the structure. Therefore, the skylight window frame of the present invention is extremely useful as a window frame for various skylights that are installed in openings formed in the roof of a building and used for lighting, ventilation, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1, 1A, 1B...Window frame (skylight window frame) 11... Clamp 14...Glass holder 15,17...Gasket 18A...Volts 18B...Nut 19A...Screw 19B...plate nut 2, 2A, 2B...Outer frame members 20...Frame wall 21...Receiving part 21a…Bottom surface 23a...Gasket 23b...Bolt 23c...nut 23d...Packing 23e...washer 24, 25...Groove 26...Engagement part 27…Protrusion 28...Drain hole 29...Cover 3,3A,3B…Inner frame member 3a…Bottom surface 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F...Divided bodies (multiple divided bodies; inner frame members) 30a, 30b...ends 35...recess 36...Groove 37…Protrusion 5,5A,5B…Connector 5a...end 50,50B...Base 51, 51B...First splitter (guide part) 51a...Side wall 52, 52B...Second splitter (guide part) 53...Horizontal rib 54...Engagement claw 55,55B…Holding part 56...Vertical rib 6…shielding body 7...Outer shield (dome-shaped outer shield) 8...Outer shield (flat outer shield) 9...Fixing device (fixing member) 10...Skylight G...Gap (watermark) 41...Insulating material 42…Interior panel

Claims

1. A skylight window frame to be attached to an opening provided in the roof of a building, an outer frame member made of metal; an inner frame member configured by connecting a plurality of divided bodies made of resin and disposed inside the outer frame member; The inner frame member is configured such that end portions of the plurality of divided bodies are connected to each other by connectors, and each of the plurality of divided bodies is connected to the connectors so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction, A window frame for a skylight, characterized in that the connecting device is attached to the outer frame member so as to separate the outer frame member and the multiple divided bodies that make up the inner frame member by a predetermined gap.

2. 2. The skylight window frame according to claim 1, wherein the inner frame member is formed with a groove that allows water to be drained toward the connector.

3. The window frame for a skylight as described in claim 2, characterized in that the connecting device has a guide portion that can consolidate the flow direction of water flowing in from the groove portion formed in the inner frame member in the drainage path and drain it toward the outside of the inner frame member.

4. 3. The skylight window frame according to claim 1, wherein the inner frame member further comprises a protrusion on a side facing the outer frame member.

5. A skylight comprising the skylight window frame according to claim 1 or 2, A skylight characterized by having a shielding body that is supported directly or indirectly on the outer frame member and that closes the opening of the outer frame member.

6. 6. The skylight according to claim 5, further comprising an outer shielding body made of resin, supported by the outer frame member and closing the opening of the outer frame member.

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