BUILDING WINDOW STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to doors or windows and, in particular, it relates to a window structure for external walls or interiors of buildings.

In particular, with the term window, in addition to a window as such, also a glazed door, a glass-wall or a glazed door or another similar glass structure are intended.

Background of the invention

Windows of known type (hinged, sliding, tiltable) are known comprising an aperture in a wall of a building, a support and a transparent surface mounted to the fixed frame, which separates two adjacent spaces, and which can attenuate the intensity or can change the colour of light radiation passing therethrough. As well known, a window can have an open configuration to allow change of air, and a closed configuration to protect the interiors from bad weather. Intermediate configurations are also possible.

In particular, the window support comprises a fixed part, or fixed frame, integral to the wall, and a movable frame, connected to the fixed frame, which holds the transparent surface and allows opening and closing the window. For example, in hinged windows, movable frames are pivotally connected to the fixed frame as wings by means of hinges, whereas in sliding windows, like FR1075336, movable frames slide on guides integral to the fixed frame to open and close the window.

In particular, mounting the fixed frame to the wall creates connections between heterogeneous materials, for example wood or plastic on masonry, metal on masonry, etc., which are subject to wear, settling and deformation. This causes deterioration of the tightness of the window, as well as of the thermal and acoustic insulation, which can be remedied with appropriate sealing materials, stone windowsills and similar means. The problems of tightness and wear are found, furthermore, in the closure devices of the movable frame with respect to the fixed frame. Another disadvantageous aspect of existing windows is that the frame occupies a relevant part of the aperture of the window, reducing the extension of the transparent surface, limiting the light passage through the window as well as complicating the aesthetic integration of the window in case of particular building structures.

Sashless sliding windows exist, as described in US2027753, comprising a couple of glass panels, an inner and an outer windowsill, a guide rail consisting of a vertical edge and an oblique edge that extends from the base portion of the window. Two vertical pins are arranged on each side of the window so that its inner faces are spaced from each other so that the glass panels can slide with respect to each other. Furthermore, a metal shoe is provided integral to the base of the window arranged on each glass panel that comprises edges spaced from each other. The external wall is, furthermore, equipped with a flexible lip that is adapted to slide on the rail of the vertical wall. A support is mounted between said distanced walls, in order to slide on the upper edge of the rail. The window provides, furthermore, a conjunction strip arranged at the conjunction point of the two glass panels in the closed position.

A further example is given in DE837597, which describes a window structure made of two glass surfaces that translate horizontally in a housing made of a construction material, in particular plastics. Both glass surfaces comprise a lower sliding path that moves with respect to a fixed frame. In the closed position they are coupled with a central element having handles and closure means.

A further window structure is disclosed in FR 2 266 789 that provides a sliding glass associated with a sliding means provided along all the sliding path of the glass. The glass is guided by sealed joints with a lip profile that are applied on internal and external faces of the glass. The bottom of the joints abuts against the edges of the glass in the sliding direction. Furthermore, the grooves that accommodate the joints are made by elements of the structure of the device for blocking the window, so that deformations are transmitted to the joints without changing their tightness against the glass. In US 2003/024167 a window is described comprising a lower base housing in which a fixed frame is mounted that defines an opening within which a glass or panel is inserted. The glass is contained in the base and can slide above to close the opening defined by the fixed frame.

Such solutions are however not thermally insulated, and therefore not adapted to be used as windows of fagades, for example in a building having a glass facade. In addition, the above described types of windows do not provide auto-cleaning systems or rain water collection system. This causes a quick deterioration of the sealing gaskets, which can cause leakage of water.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore a feature of the invention to provide a window structure that improves the stability of tightness, thermal and acoustic insulation and protects from bad weather, with respect of the windows of the prior art.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a window structure that is simple and cheap to manufacture, reducing the number of heterogeneous materials.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a window structure that minimizes the maintenance costs and simplifies the usage with respect to the windows of prior art.

It is another feature of the invention to provide a window structure that is easy to customize and satisfies construction and safety regulations .

These and other objects are achieved through a window structure for a building, said window structure comprising:

a building wall arranged between a first and a second environment, said building wall having an aperture;

at least one stiff and transparent panel, movable between an open position, where said first environment and said second environment are in communication with each other through said aperture, and a closed or partially closed position where said first environment and said second environment are separated by said panel that closes completely or partially said aperture;

a housing obtained in said wall and communicating with said aperture through a passage slit, said housing arranged to contain at least one portion of said panel,

an abutment channel made in said building wall on an edge of said aperture opposite to said passage slit;

said panel comprising:

- a holding edge;

a free edge that is adapted to engage and abut, in said closed position, against said abutment channel;

an actuation means, which is provided in said housing and connected to said holding edge, and which is arranged to move said panel between said open position and said closed or partially closed position,

wherein said window structure comprises a sealing means in said abutment channel and in said passage slit, to provide a sealing contact between said free edge and said panel, in order to insulate thermally and acoustically said first and second environments when said panel is in said closed position,

and wherein

said window structure comprises at least two lateral support uprights arranged at opposite sides with respect to said aperture,

wherein said lateral support uprights consist of profiles that are adapted to provide a thermal break between said first and second environments.

Advantageously, said sealing means in said passage slit comprises lip sealing elements that are adapted to slidingly engage with said panel.

Preferably, said sealing means in said abutment channel comprises a V- shaped sealing element in which said free edge engages penetrating in it when said panel is in said closed position.

In particular, said sealing elements are made of a material selected from the group consisting of:

- rubber;

- felt;

- a plastic material;

- a metal;

- silicone rubber;

- a combination of such materials. This way, when the panel turns from the open position to the closed position a tight closure is ensured against wind also ensuring a free sliding along the guide with minimum friction.

Advantageously, a slide channel is provided made in said building wall at one side of said aperture adjacent to said passage slit, said panel comprising at least one sliding edge that is adapted to slide in said slide channel.

Advantageously, in said slide channel a sealing means is provided comprising further lip sealing elements.

In particular, two slide channels are provided opposite to each other adjacent to said passage slit with respective lip sealing elements, said panel can comprise two respective sliding edges opposite to each other that are adapted to slide respectively in said two slide channels.

Preferably, said panel has said holding edge opposite to said free edge and two lateral sliding edges, opposite to each other, sliding within respective slide channels.

Preferably, said panel slides according to a substantially vertical direction from said open position to said closed or partially closed position and, in particular, said holding edge is a lower edge, said free edge is an upper edge opposite to said lower edge, and said sliding edges are lateral edges.

Alternatively, said panel slides according to a substantially horizontal direction.

In a further alternative, said panel slides according to a substantially inclined direction. Such solution is adapted to provide an aperture with a desired inclination, i.e. set between 10° and 80°.

Preferably, a slide path is provided arranged in each or both said slide channels that extends from said housing through said passage slit, such that said sliding edge of said panel can slide in said slide path.

In particular, each slide path is a U-shaped guide. This way, the guide can be manufactured as an extruded profile that can be cut and fitted in turn, in a mounting step, according to the size of the aperture.

Preferably, said slide path is associated with a plurality of rollers, which roll on said side edges of said panel. In particular, said rollers are arranged at opposite sides with respect to the panel and suitably distant with respect to each other. This way, the panel keeps a steady position that assists a precise sliding within the slide path during the translational movement from the open position to the closed position and vice-versa.

Advantageously, said housing is obtained between two parallel walls arranged below said aperture, in particular near a floor or a garage and embedded in the floor thickness. This way, it is possible to access easily to the housing for cleaning and maintenance operations. Furthermore, the walls can usefully work as windowsill walls and also as space for housing the panel.

Advantageously, said window structure comprises:

- lateral support uprights arranged at opposite sides with respect to said aperture, said lateral support uprights acting as slide channels and as fixed frame of connection between said slide path and said wall;

- a horizontal support beam integral to said lateral support uprights that works as said abutment channel for said panel when said panel is in said closed position.

Advantageously, said abutment channel is made on said horizontal support beam and comprises preferably an abutment guide with a predetermined depth that is adapted to ensure an abutment engagement of said panel. This way, the thermal losses are reduced to the minimum in the mounting portion between the free edge of the panel and the abutment channel.

Preferably, said actuation means is selected from the group consisting of: a mechanical actuator with or without cables or a hydraulic actuator, in particular the latter is used for handling large glass panels.

In particular, said holding edge comprises a holding guide bridging said holding edge that extends for a predetermined length, said holding guide having at least one connection portion with said pulling device, which can be of a pulley, launch or piston type. This way, the panel can be raised uniformly and linearly as well as silently and efficiently.

Advantageously, said actuation means comprises a motor associated with a pulling device of the pulley, launch or piston type connected to said holding edge. Preferably, a water collection device is provided, for example rainwater, present on said panel, said collection device comprising a spongy element arranged in contact with said panel and a water collection basin arranged near said spongy element, such that said spongy element in a relative movement with respect to said panel collects the water present on said panel and conveys it towards said collection basin.

In particular, said panel is a glass wall, selected from the group consisting of:

- a double glazing glass;

- a laminated glass;

- a bullet-proof glass;

- a thermal glass, etc.

This way, the transparent surface of the glass allows passage of light radiation between the two environments; with transparent surface also satinated, coloured, mirror or photochromatic glasses are intended.

Alternatively, said panel is made of a material selected from the group consisting of:

- polycarbonate;

- methacrylate;

- or other, transparent, semitransparent or opaque plastic material.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be now shown with the following description of its exemplary embodiments, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- figure 1 shows a perspective view of a window structure, according to the invention, integrated in a building wall comprising a movable separation panel integrated in a housing obtained in a building wall;

- figures 1A shows a cross sectional view of the separation panel covering an aperture obtained in the building wall, with relative sealing elements;

- figure 1 B shows a cross sectional view that depicts a passage slit obtained in the housing within which the separation panel slides with the relative sealing elements;

- figure 2 shows a perspective view of the window structure that depicts a housing within which the separation panel slides obtained on a portion of a lower wall and an abutment channel obtained on a portion of an upper wall, in addition to lateral slide channels made on the building wall;

- figure 2A shows a cross sectional view of the abutment channel with the relative sealing elements;

- figure 3 shows a perspective view of the window structure without the upper wall that shows the abutment channel obtained on an upper support bar; - figure 4 shows a perspective view of the separation panel mounted in slide paths that are made in respective slide channel;

- figure 4A shows a cross sectional view of the slide path of Fig. 4 within which the separation panel slides;

- figure 4B shows a cross sectional view of the abutment guide arranged within the abutment channel of the upper support bar;

- figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the lateral sliding zone of the panel where sliding rollers are arranged that assist the sliding movement of the panel;

- figure 6 shows the window structure complete configuration where the panel is translated to the open position;

- figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment where the wall is thermally insulated through a insulation sheet arranged between two layers of bricks;

- figure 8 shows a cross sectional view where a glass washing device is shown on the separation panel;

- figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of a collection device for rainwater located on the separation panel;

- figures 10 and 11 show a perspective view of two exemplary embodiments of the window structure.

Description of preferred exemplary embodiments

With reference to Fig. 1 , a window structure 100 for a building comprises an aperture 10 obtained in a building wall 11 , which is arranged between a first 30 and a second environment 40. To close the aperture 10 a sheet or separation panel 20 is provided, stiff and transparent, movable between an open position A (Fig. 1 and 6), where first environment 30 and second environment 40 are in communication through aperture 10, and a closed or partially closed position B (Fig. 3), where first environment 30 and second 40 environment are separated by separation panel 20 that closes aperture 10. In particular, wall 11 comprises a lower portion of masonry 12 located under aperture 10, and an upper portion of masonry 14 above the upper side of aperture 10 that define, along with building wall 11 , aperture 10, in this case of rectangular shape. Further shapes of aperture 10 are shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

More precisely, as also shown in Fig. 1 B, in lower portion 12 a housing 50 is made communicating with aperture 10 through a passage slit 52. In particular, housing 50 is obtained between two parallel walls 12 and 12' that define a housing space 52a that is adapted to contain at least one part of, or all, separation panel 20 when it translates from open position A to closed position B.

In particular, as shown in Fig. 1A, to make it possible a sliding movement of separation panel 20, at least one slide channel 60 is made in building wall 11 at one side of aperture 10 next to passage slit 52. In particular, slide channel 60 extends into housing 50, in order to let separation panel 20 to slide inside. In turn, separation panel 20 comprises a sliding edge 22, which is adapted to slide in a respective slide channel 60, an holding edge 21 , for connection with an actuation means 150, described below, and a free edge 23, opposite to holding edge 21 , which is adapted to abut in an abutment channel 25, when the panel is in said closed position B.

The number of slide channels 60 and their extension along building wall 11 is function of the shape of separation panel 20, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

In the case of Fig. 1A, with a separation panel 20 of rectangular shape, two slide channels 60 are made opposite to each other that extend in housing 50 and cross passage slit 52, up to abutment channel 25. In this case, separation panel 20 comprises two respective sliding edges 21 opposite to each other that are adapted to slide respectively in the two slide channels 60 in a substantially vertical direction.

When separation panel 20 is in closed position B, it engages abutment channel 25 that is made in the building upper wall 14 on a side of aperture 10 opposite to passage slit 52 (Fig.2). This way, aperture 10 is defined by a perimeter comprising, on one side, passage slit 52, on the other sides slide channels 60, and on the upper side, abutment channel 25.

Window structure 100 comprises sealing elements 80 arranged in abutment channel 25, in passage slit 52 and in slide channels 60, to provide a sealing contact with free edge 23 and the side edges of separation panel 20, in order to insulate thermally and acoustically first environment 30 and second environment 40 from each other when the panel is in closed position B. In particular, as shown in Fig. 1A, in each slide channel 60 lip sealing elements 81 are provided, which ensure tightness against wind and let panel 20 slide without opposing resistance, maintaining a centred position with respect to slide channels 60, when the panel translates from open position A to closed position B.

In the same way, as shown in Fig. 1B, in passage slit 52 lip sealing elements 83 are arranged adapted to slidingly engage with separation panel 20. In particular, also in completely open position A, separation panel 20 remains always engaged between two lip elements 83 that are located in passage slit 52. This way, in addition to the above described advantages concerning heat insulation, lip sealing elements 83 prevent dirt from entering housing space 52A of housing 50.

The sealing elements that are arranged in abutment channel 25, as shown in Fig. 2A, comprise instead a V-shaped sealing element 82 with which free edge 23 of panel 20 is adapted to engage penetrating in it when panel 20 is in the closed position (Fig.3).

In detail, two V-shaped sealing elements 82 form between them a beveled portion 82' that is adapted to assist introduction of free edge 23 of panel 20. This way, when free edge 23 engages beveled portion 82' the two V- shaped sealing elements 82 open, without opposing resistance allowing an approach of abutment channel 25. This way, thermal losses are reduced to minimum in the mounting portion between free edge 23 of panel 20 and the groove of abutment channel 25.

The above cited sealing elements 81/82/83 are for example seals made of a material selected from the group consisting of: rubber, felt, a plastic material, a metal, a silicone rubber or a combination of such materials.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 4A, slide paths 65 are provided arranged in respective slide channels 60 that extend within housing 50 through passage slit 52, such that sliding edge 22 of separation panel 20 can slide in it. In particular, each slide path 65 is a U-shaped guide. This way, the guide can be manufactured as an extruded profile that can be cut and fitted in turn, in a mounting step, to the size of the aperture.

Preferably, the slide path is associated with a plurality of rollers 61, which roll on the side edges 22 of panel. In particular, as shown in Fig. 5, rollers 61 are arranged at opposite sides with respect to separation panel 20 and suitably at a distance from each other in such a way that the glass maintains a steady position that assists a precise matching with slide path 65 during the translational movement from open position A to closed position B and vice- versa. This way, separation panel keeps a steady position that assists a precise sliding within the slide path during the translational movement from open position A to closed position B and vice-versa.

The window structure integrated in building wall 11 , as shown always in

Fig. 4 and successive, has support beams 90, 91 in particular two lateral support uprights 90 and an upper beam 91 arranged integral to lateral support uprights 90. In particular, lateral support uprights 90 and upper beam 91 consist of profiles (90a) that are adapted to provide a thermal break between said first (30) and second (40) environment.

More in particular lateral support uprights 90 comprise a first groove 60 that faces towards aperture 10 that represents lateral slide channels and a second groove 95 that faces towards building wall . Grooves 60 and 95 are obtained combining to each other T-shaped profiles 90a that perform a thermal break between the two environments. So, second groove 95 is arranged bridging wall 11 and is connected to it, for example, by screw or by iron or steel or masonry connectors, whereas first groove 60 works as slide channel and as sliding seat for a respective slide path 65, to which it is fastened, also in this case by means, for example, of screws or welding or extrusion or pultrusion. In a same way, abutment channel 25 is made on upper beam 91 and comprises preferably a U-shaped abutment guide 93 (Fig.4B). In particular, guide 93 has a predetermined depth h that provides an abutment surface for upper edge 23 of separation panel 20. In detail, upper portion 14 is arranged to cover horizontal support beam 91 of window structure (visible in Fig. 3).

In particular, in the above described solution, the fixed frame and the sash of a classic window are replaced by a boundary profile defined by lateral support uprights 90 and by upper beam 91.

The latter are for example made with stiff thermal insulating foam of wide cross section, containing inside support members consisting of a reticular girder or a beam/pillar, that fits aperture 10.

In particular, as shown in Fig. 6, upper portion 14 and lower portion 12 can be made of plasterboard, in order to mask lateral support uprights 90 and upper beam 91 to obtain a window outline 100, where separation panel 20 is inserted within housing 50. Such a solution allows for example to obtain upper and lower portions 12, 14 that are removable to allow maintenance operations.

Furthermore, in window structure 100 actuation means 150 of known type are comprised, diagrammatically shown in Fig. 2, to actuate panel 20 between open position A and closed position B. In particular, the actuation means 150 is associated with a holding guide 70 (Fig. 7) of separation panel 20, in particular a U-shaped guide that is fitted at holding edge 21. In a possible exemplary embodiment, actuation means 150 comprises a motor associated with a pulling device of the pulley or hydraulic type, connected to holding guide 70. In particular, guide 70 extends for a predetermined length and has at least one connection portion with the pulley device or hydraulic actuator. This way, the glass panel can be lifted uniformly and linearly as well as silently and efficiently.

Normally, the actuation of the panel can be made by means of mechanical or hydraulic actuators. In particular, for actuating large panels 20, a hydraulic actuator can be used with an holding edge at the upper or lateral side. Such solution is particularly suitable for glazed doors.

The mechanical actuator instead can be associated with actuation devices powered by solar energy, for energy saving purposes.

Figure 7 shows, furthermore, an insulation sheet 13 arranged within wall 1 1 between two layers of bricks and within the lateral upright 90. Such arrangement increases tightness and insulation in the window-masonry system.

Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of an auto-cleaning device or window cleaner 98 arranged on panel 20. In particular, the device can comprise an element consisting of a roller 97 coated with foamy sponge, embedded in a container 99 connected to a miniaturized hydraulic water feeding system and wiping rubber double blade 96 for drying the glass during its movement. This way, glass panel 20 is always clean at each forward and back stroke with respect to housing 52.

A further device that can be associated with window structure 100 is a water collection device 170, for example for rainwater, that can be mounted to separation panel 20, as shown in Fig. 9. In particular, water collection device 170 comprises at least one spongy element 175 arranged in contact with separation panel 20 and a collection basin 172 of water arranged near sponge 175, such that sponge 175, in a relative movement with respect to separation panel 20, collects water droplets present on panel 20 and conveys them towards collection basin 172. More in particular sponge 175 is pivotally connected with respect to its own axis and extends longitudinally along the whole surface of panel 20. The relative movement in this case is the movement of the panel when it translates from open position A to closed position B and vice-versa. The contact of spongy element 175 along the surface of panel 20 allows absorbing the water present on it and to convey it into basin 172. In detail, spongy element 175 is arranged between two sealing lips 81 , in order to ensure a maximum insulation and avoid leakage within housing 52A into which separation panel 20 enters.

Figures 10 and 1 1 show possible exemplary embodiments of window structure 100 with different shapes of separation panel 20. The latter slides also in this case according to a substantially vertical direction from open position A (Fig. 6) to closed position B (Fig. 1 ), so that holding edge 21 is the lower edge of separation panel 20, free edge 23 is the upper edge opposite to the lower edge, and side edges 22, if present, are those engaging in slide channels 60. The position of the respective edges may change responsively to the shape and direction of movement of the glass.

In particular, in exemplary embodiment of Fig. 10, a single slide channel 60 is present and an abutment channel 25 is provided with curvilinear shape, in which a panel 20' with antithetic shape engages.

Instead, in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 11 , abutment channel 25 has a substantially triangular shape, in order to engage with free edges 23" of separation panel 20". In this case, slide channels 60 are comprised in housing 50 in which panel 20" moves in open position A.

Alternatively, in a way not shown, panel 20 can slide according to a substantially horizontal direction, for example in a glazed door, or according to a direction substantially at an angle, for example in a rooflight. The latter solution is adapted to provide a rooflight with a desired inclination, for example set between 10° and 80°. This way, limits of minimum inclination of prior art rooflights are overcome.

In particular, separation panel 20 can be a glass selected from the group consisting of: a double glazing glass, a glass laminated glass, a bullet-proof glass, a thermal glass, etc., that allow passage of light between two adjacent environments 30 and 40. As glass transparent surface it is also intended a special glass, like satinated, coloured or partial mirror glass, which can attenuate the intensity of chromatic components of the light radiation. Alternatively, separation panel 20 can be made of a plastic material, for example polycarbonate, methacrylate etc., and as separation panel the glass panel 20 is intended.

Such a window structure, according to the invention, is then easy and quick to mount as well as, advantageously, cheap. In addition, it does not need continuous maintenance operations and can be easily implemented in any building architecture.

The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.