Field of invention

The present invention relates to an electrical window opener for opening and closing a window that is hinged to a window frame. More particularly the invention relates to an electrical window opener having a chain actuator.

Prior art

Electrical window openers are used for various solutions including domestic applications, in which windows that are hinged to a window frame are required to be automatically opened and closed. The typical electrical window opener for opening and closing windows that are hinged to a window frame comprises a large housing configured to be rotatably attached to a window frame by means of two frame brackets attached in each end of the housing. The pivot axis of each frame bracket normally extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. These prior art window openers typically comprise a moveably arranged chain extending between an attachment point inside the housing and a window bracket attached to the window. An electric motor mounted inside the housing is configured to open and close the window by rolling or pushing in and out the chain whereby the distance between the housing and the window bracket is changed. The cabinet/housing of a prior art window opener is, however, often very large. Therefore, the housing is typically too large or difficult to build into a window frame.

DE 202011050463U Ul discloses an opening device for opening and closing a window sash relative to a fixed frame. The opening device comprises an electrically operable drive unit that is integrated in the frame and - one on a profile of the window sash arranged bearing block. The drive unit being connected to the bearing block via a coupling member movable by the drive unit. The bearing block is connected to at least one locking means is locked on the window sash. The locking means is accessible in a closed position of the window sash through an unlocking opening provided in the profile of the window sash. The opening device includes a bracket mounted inside the motor. This bracket is for fixed mounting. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an opening device allowing the motor to be rotated relative to the frame.

Thus, there is a need for an electrical window opener which reduces or even eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object of the invention to provide an electrical window opener that is smaller than the prior art window openers. It is also an object to provide an electrical window opener that is suitable for being built into a window frame or another structure such as a window sash.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by an electrical window opener defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The electrical window opener according to the invention is an electrical window opener for opening and closing a window that is moveably arranged to a window frame, wherein the window opener comprises:

- a housing having a length and a longitudinal axis;

- an electrical motor arranged in the housing;

- a chain having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a window bracket and the second end is attached to an attachment structure arranged in the housing,

wherein a first connection portion configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a second corresponding connection portion is provided in the end of the housing and that the window opener comprises an additional module provided with the second corresponding connection portion, wherein a third connection portion configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a corresponding connection portion is provided in the opposite end of the housing, wherein the first connection portion comprises a female electrical connection member or a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding female or male electrical connection member, wherein the second connection portion comprises a male or female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding male or female electrical connection member, wherein the male connection portions are configured to be connected to the female connection portions.

Hereby, it is possible to connect the housing to an additional module (e.g. a battery module, a power module or a communication module) in a fast, reliable and user-friendly manner. Moreover, it is possible to minimise the dimensions (e.g. the length) of the housing since additional components (e.g. a power unit, a battery assembly and a communication unit) can be provided elsewhere so that these additional components do not take up place in the housing. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an electrical window opener that is smaller than the prior art window openers. Thus, the electrical window opener is suitable for being built into a window frame.

It is an advantage that a third connection portion configured is to be mechanically and electrically connected to a corresponding connection portion is provided in the opposite end of the housing. Hereby, it is possible to connect the housing to two modules (e.g. a power module and a communication module). Moreover, since the space for the components of the modules are not needed in the housing, it is possible to provide a small housing.

It is beneficial that the first connection portion comprises a female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding male electrical connection member. Hereby, it is possible to provide a secure and reliable electrical connection.

It is advantageous that the second connection portion comprises a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically con- nected to the corresponding female electrical connection member. This will enable a secure and reliable electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the first connection portion comprises a female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding male electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, the second connection portion comprises a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding female electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, the first connection portion comprises a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding female electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, the second connection portion comprises a female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding male electrical connection member

Since the male connection portions are configured to be connected to the female connection portions, the housing and the additional modules can be arranged in any suitable configuration.

In one embodiment, the electrical window opener comprises a housing and a plurality of additional modules that are mechanically and electrically connected to the housing by means of connection portions.

It may be beneficial that the male electrical connection member comprises three parallel pins configured to be received by corresponding apertures of the female electrical connection member. Accordingly, a secure and reliable electrical connection can be provided in a simple manner. In one embodiment, the male electrical connection member comprises two parallel pins configured to be received by corresponding apertures of the female electrical connection member. In one embodiment, the male electrical connection member comprises four or more parallel pins configured to be received by corresponding apertures of the female electrical connection member.

It may be an advantage that the pins extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing and/or module. Hereby, the electrical and mechanical connection of adjacent modules and/or the housing can be provided by pressing the adjacent modules and/or the housing together.

It may be advantageous that the first connection portion comprises a first mechanical plug structure and that the second connection portion comprises a second corresponding mechanical plug structure. Hereby, a firm a reliable mechanical connection can be provided.

It may be beneficial that corresponding holes are provided in corresponding connection portions, wherein said holes are suitable for being used to mechanically locking the housing to an adjacent module or two adjacent modules together by means of an insert structures such as a screw, pin or a spring pin. Hereby, it is possible to lock the modules or housing together in a simple, secure and safe manner.

In one embodiment, the additional module is a power module. The power module may be arranged in any suitable position and be configured to be connected to the mains by means of a plug and cable.

In one embodiment, the additional module is a battery module. Hereby, it is possible to operate the electrical window opener in case of power failure. Moreover, the use of a battery module makes it possible to reduce the capacity and size of the power supply compared with the ones found in the prior art. Since the batteries are charged when the motor is not active, the battery module constitutes a power source that can be used to add power to the power provided by the power supply when the motor is active and thus power consuming. Since the power supply is required to deliver a smaller power, it is possible to user electrical cables that are thinner than in the prior art window openers.

In one embodiment, the additional module is a communication module.

In one embodiment, the electrical window opener comprises one or more electrical cables comprising a male plug and a female plug, wherein said cable is configured to electrically connect the housing and/or modules to each other via electrical coupling structures in the connection portions. Hereby, it is possible to arrange the modules in a distance from the housing. This enables a variety of design configurations and makes it possible to provide a user-friendly solution.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises an upper portion and a lower portion attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion is detachably attached to the lower portion e.g. by means of any suitable mechanical attachment means such as corresponding male and female connection elements (including screws).

In one embodiment, the housing has a box-shaped geometry. It preferred that the housing is elongated and has a rectangular cross- section.

In a preferred embodiment the electrical motor is a direct current (DC) motor. In one embodiment, the motor comprises or is connected to a shaft being at least partly made in a flexible material such as rubber or plastic. This makes it possible to reduce vibrations from the motor to spread into the surroundings. Hereby, the noise level of the motor can be reduced. It is, however, to use another type of electric motor. In one embodiment, the electrical motor is an alternating current (AC) motor.

The first end of the chain is attached to a window bracket and the second end of the chain is attached to an attachment structure arranged in the housing, wherein the chain is configured to be rolled up and rolled out by means of the motor.

In one embodiment the frame bracket is a one-piece body having a length that basically corresponds to the distance between the two attachment points.

It may be an advantage that the frame bracket is attached to the housing by means of a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure, wherein the mounting structures are rotatably attached to corresponding structure arranged in the housing. Hereby, it is possible to provide a fast and user-friendly attachment of the frame bracket to the housing.

It may be beneficial that the housing comprises a side portion provided with two recesses, wherein a portion of the mounting structures extend through the recesses and protrude from the housing. Hereby the mounting structures can be mechanically attached to the frame bracket (e.g. by means of screws).

It may be advantageous that each mounting structure comprises a receiving portion being rotatably attached to a corresponding shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Hereby, it is possible to provide a reliable and simple rotatably attachment of the mounting structures to the housing.

It may be an advantage that the receiving portion is cylindrical and comprises a cylindrical through bore configured to receive the shaft.

It may be beneficial that the window opener comprises a frame bracket provided with two protruding members, wherein the frame bracket is configured to be attached to the window frame.

In one embodiment, each mounting structure comprises a plateshaped portion configured to be attached to a corresponding protruding member of the frame bracket. The attachment of the plate-shaped portion to the corresponding protruding member of the frame bracket can be accomplished by means of a screw inserted into a hole provided in the plate-shaped portion of the mounting structure and screwing the screw into a corresponding structure (e.g. threaded structure) in the protruding member.

It may be an advantage that the housing comprises a gear assembly comprising a series of engaging gear structures, wherein the first mounting structures is provided between the attachment of the chain and the gear assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, gear assembly having a series of engaging toothed wheel is arranged in the housing. In a preferred embodiment, a worm wheel configured to be driven by a worm screw provided in the distal end of a motor shaft is provided in the housing.

By having a gear assembly, it is possible to ensure that the rotation of the driving motor can roll up and roll out the chain and deliver the required torque to open and close the window.

It may be advantageous that the second mounting structure is provided next to the gear assembly in the opposite end than the first mounting structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing houses a gear assembly having a series of engaging toothed wheel as well as a worm wheel configured to be driven by a worm screw provided in the distal end of a motor shaft.

It may be beneficial that an opening is provided in the housing between the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure, wherein the chain is arranged to extend from the inside of the housing through said opening and protrude from the housing. Hereby, a small force arm and thus the bending moment (the internal reaction of the housing to the bending load caused by the chain force) can be achieved. It may be advantageous that the mounting structures are provided within the two central quarters of the length of the housing. Hereby, a very small force arm and thus the bending moment can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the mounting structures is provided within the central third of the length of the housing. Hereby, it is possible to minimise the force arm and thus the bending moment.

It may be beneficial that a first connection portion configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a corresponding connection portion is provided in the end of the housing. Hereby, it is possible to connect the housing to an additional module (e.g. a battery module, a power module or a communication module) in a fast, reliable and user- friendly manner. Moreover, it is possible to minimise the dimensions (e.g. the length) of the housing since additional components (e.g. a power unit, a battery assembly and a communication unit) can be provided elsewhere so that these additional components do not take up place in the housing.

It may be advantageous that a second connection portion configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a corresponding connection portion is provided in the opposite end of the housing. Hereby, it is possible to mechanically and electrically connect the housing to several additional modules (e.g. a battery module, a power module or a communication module) in a fast, reliable and user-friendly manner. Since the force arm is much shorter than in prior art window openers, the bending moment (the internal reaction of the housing to the bending load caused by the chain force) is much smaller. The strength and stiffness of the housing can be reduced due to the smaller bending moment. Thus, the housing may be produced in a less stiff material such as plastic. Moreover, it is possible to make a window opener that is smaller than the prior art window openers.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises an upper portion and a lower portion attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion is detachably attached to the lower portion e.g. by means of any suitable mechanical attachment means such as corresponding male and female connection elements (including screws).

In one embodiment, each of the additional modules comprises a first connection portion comprising a female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding male electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, each of the additional modules comprises a second connection portion comprising a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding female electrical connection member.

It may be an advantage that all male connection portions correspond to all female connection portions.

In one embodiment, one or more of the additional modules comprises either a first connection portion comprising a female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding male electrical connection member or a second connection portion comprising a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding female electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, one or more of the additional modules is formed as an end module that comprises only a second connection portion comprising a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding female electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, one or more of the additional modules is formed as an end module that comprises only a second connection portion comprising a female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding male electrical connection member.

In one embodiment, one or more of the additional modules is formed as an end module that comprises only a second connection portion comprising a male electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding female electrical connection member.

It may be an advantage to have a window frame having built-in electrical window opener according to the invention. The window opener may comprise several motor modules in case a large force is needed to open and lock the window. Due to the small size of the housing of the window opener, the invention enables an easier integration of the window opener into a window frame. It may be an advantage to have another structure (e.g. a window sash) comprising a built-in electrical window opener according to the invention.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a prior art electrical window opener mounted on a window frame;

Fig. IB shows an electrical window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows a close-up view of perspective view of a rotatably mounted mounting structure of a window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows the components inside a housing of a window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 4A shows the motor components of a first window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 4B shows the motor components of a second window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a motor housing of a window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a window opener according to the invention arranged in a first configuration;

Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of a window opener according to the invention arranged in a second configuration;

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of two modules of a window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 7B shows another perspective view of the two modules shown in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8A shows the two modules shown in Fig. 7A and a cable for connecting them electrically to each other;

Fig. 8B shows another cable for connecting the two modules shown in Fig. 7A electrically to each other;

Fig. 9A shows a window opener according to the invention;

Fig. 9B shows another window opener according to the invention; Fig. 9C shows a further window opener according to the invention and

Fig. 9D shows an even further window opener according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, an electrical window opener 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. IB.

Fig. 1A, however, shows a prior art electrical window opener 102 mounted on a window frame 14. The window opener 102 comprises a large housing 104 that is rotatably attached to the window frame 14 by means of two frame brackets 106. The frame brackets 106 are attached in each end of the housing 104 so that the pivot axis of each frame bracket 106 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the housing 104. The prior art window opener 102 comprises a moveably arranged chain 8 extending between its attachment point inside the housing 104 and a window bracket 10 attached to an awning window 12 hinged on top. Accordingly, the motor (not shown) inside the housing 104 can open and close the window 12 by rolling up and rolling out the chain 8 herby changing the distance between the housing a04 and the window bracket 10.

The housing 104 of the prior art window opener 102 is very large and this not fit for being build into a window frame. Moreover, due to the long force arm (the distance between the attachment point of the chain 8 inside the housing 104 and the attachment point of the frame brackets 106) the bending moment (the internal reaction of the housing 104 to the bending load caused by the chain force) is rather large. Accordingly, housing 104 is required to be strong and stiff.

Fig. IB, on the other hand, illustrates an electrical window opener 2 according to the invention.

Since the force arm (the distance between the attachment point of the chain 8 inside the housing 4 and the mounting structure 6, 60 is much shorter than in the prior art window opener 102 shown in Fig. 1A, the bending moment (the internal reaction of the housing 4 to the bending load caused by the chain force) is much smaller. Accordingly, the housing 4 may be produced in a less stiff material such as plastic. Moreover, the dimensions of the housing 4 can be significantly decreased compared with the prior art window opener 102 shown in Fig. 1A. Therefore, the electrical window opener 2 according to the invention is suitable for being built into a window frame 14. In one embodiment according to the invention, the electrical window opener 2 is built into a window frame 14. In one embodiment according to the invention, the electrical window opener 2 build into another structure of a window. In one embodiment according to the invention, the electrical window opener 2 build into a window sash.

Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a window opener according to the invention. The window opener comprises an elongated housing 4. The housing 4 is basically box-shaped and has a longitudinal axis X. The housing 4 comprises an upper portion 28 and a lower portion 28' attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion 28 is detachably attached to the lower portion 28'. The attachment may be provided by means of any suitable mechanical attachment means such as corresponding male and female connection elements (including screws).

The window opener comprises two mounting structures 6, 6'. Each mounting structure 6, 6' comprises a receiving portion 18 being rotatably attached to a corresponding shaft 20 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The receiving portion 18 is cylindrical and comprises a cylindrical through bore configured to receive the shaft 20. The window opener comprises a frame bracket 16 provided with two protruding members 24, 24'. The frame bracket 16 is configured to be attached to a window frame.

Each mounting structure 6, 6' comprises a plate-shaped portion configured to be attached to a corresponding protruding member 24, 24' of the frame bracket 16. This can be accomplished by means of a screw inserted into a hole 22 provided in the plate-shaped portion of the mounting structure 6, 6' and screwing the screw into a corresponding structure (e.g. threaded structure) in the protruding member 24, 24'. A chain 8 protrudes from an opening in the upper portion 28 of the housing 4. This chain 8 is movably attached to a drive unit comprising an electrical motor (see Fig. A and Fig. 4B). When the chain 8 is rolled up or rolled out by means of the motor, the distance between the point of attachment of the chain in the housing 4 and on the window (not shown), the housing 4 is rotated with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The rotation R is indicated with an arrow.

Fig. 2B illustrates a close-up view of perspective view of a rotatably mounted mounting structure 6' of a window opener corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 2A. It can be seen that the plate-shaped portion of the mounting structure 6' extends in a direction other than the direction of the chain 8, whereas in Fig. 2A, the mounting structure 6' and the chain 8 extend parallel to each other. Rotation of the mounting structure 6' can be done by rotating the receiving portion 18 with respect to the shaft (see Fig. 2A) that has been received by the receiving portion 18.

Fig. 3 illustrates the components inside a housing 4 of a window opener 2 according to the invention. The window opener 2 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 2A. The inside structures of the housing 4 are visible because the upper portion of the housing has been removed. The housing 4 houses a chain 8 arranged in chain portion 82 of the housing 4. In each end, the housing 4 is provided with a connection portion 30, 32. The first connection portion 30 is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected with a corresponding connection portion 32 as the one provided in the opposite end of the housing 4.

The housing 4 houses a gear assembly 40 having a series of engaging toothed wheel 44, 46, 48, 50 as well as a worm wheel 42 configured to be driven by a worm screw provided in the distal end of a motor shaft (see Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B). The gear assembly 40 is configured to ensure that the rotation of the driving motor (see Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B) can roll up and roll out the chain 8. Two mounting structures 6, 6' provided with a hole 22 are rotatably attached to corresponding structures inside the housing 4.

The length L of the housing 4 is indicated. It can be seen that the mounting structures 6, 6' are provided within the two central quarters ¼ L of the housing 4. Moreover, one of the mounting structures 6' is provided with the central third⅓ L of the length L of the housing 4. This mounting structure 6' is provided between the attachment of the chain 8 and the gear assembly 40. The other mounting structure 6 is provided next to the gear assembly 40.

Fig. 4A illustrates the motor components of a first window opener ac- cording to the invention. The window opener comprises a housing 4 corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 3. The housing 4 has a longitudinal axis X and a gear assembly 40. The housing 4 houses an electric motor 34 that is arranged near that end portion of the housing 4 _Z in which the connection portion 32 is provided. The motor 34 has a motor shaft 36 that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing

4.

In one embodiment, the motor 34 is a DC motor. In another embodiment, the motor 34 is an AC motor. In a preferred embodiment, the motor shaft 36 is at least partly made in a flexible material such as rubber or plastic in order to reduce vibrations from the motor 34 to spread into the surroundings. Hereby, the noise level of the motor can be reduced.

A worm screw 38 is provided at the end of the motor shaft 38. The worm screw 38 is brought into engagement with the worm wheel 42. It can be seen that the mounting structures 6, 6' are attached inside the housing 4 and are provided at each side of the gear assembly 40.

Fig. 4B illustrates the motor components of a second window opener according to the invention. The window opener comprises a housing 4 that basically corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 4A, however, the mounting structures 6, 6' are attached on the outside of the housing 4 by means of attachment elements.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a motor housing 4 of a window opener 2 according to the invention. The housing 4 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 3 and comprises an upper portion 28 and a lower portion 28' attached thereto. An opening 54 is provided in the housing 4. This opening 54 is established in order to permit the chain inside the housing 4 to protrude therefrom and be rolled up and be rolled out in order to open and close the window (not shown) to which the window opener 2 is mounted. The housing 4 is provided with recesses 52 through which the plateshaped part of the rotatably mounted mounting structures 6 _Z 6' (provided with holes 22 for mechanical attachment to a frame bracket) extend. The recesses 52 allow the mounting structures 6, 6' to be rotated and hereby rotate the housing with respect to its longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, these recesses 52 are configured as to allow the mounting structures 6, 6' to be rotated more than 90 degrees and hereby rotate the housing with respect to its longitudinal axis.

The housing 4 comprises a first connection portion 30 and a second connection portion 32 configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to a corresponding structure (another module as shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B). A hole 62, 64 is provided in both the connection portion 30 to the left and in the connection portion 32 to the right. These holes 62, 64 are suitable for being used to mechanically locking two adjacent modules together by means of a screw.

It can be seen that the second connection portion 32 comprises a female electrical connection member 70 (see Fig. 7A for a better view).

Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a window opener 2 according to the invention arranged in a first configuration and Fig. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the window opener 2 shown in Fig. 6A in a second configuration. The window opener 2 comprises a housing 4 corresponding to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 2A, Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. The housing 4 comprises an upper portion 28 attached to a lower portion 28'.

In Fig. 6B both mounting structures 6, 6' protrude from the housing 4, however, in Fig. 6A only one mounting structure 6' protrudes from the housing 4, whereas the other mounting structure 6' is arranged inside the recess 52. In Fig. 6B, the chain 8 protrudes from the opening 54, whereas in Fig. 6A, the chain 8 is rolled up inside the housing 4.

The window opener 2 comprises a battery module 58 provided with a first connection portion 30 and a second connection portion 32.

The housing 4 comprises a first connection portion 30 and a second connection portion 32 arranged in the opposite end. The second connection portion 32 is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection portion 30 of the battery module 58.

The window opener 2 comprises a power module 56 provided with a power cable 66 and a plug 68 configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding electrical socket. The power module 56 is provided with a connection portion 32 configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to the first connection portion 30 of the housing 4.

The window opener 2 comprises a communicating module 60 provided with a connection portion 30 configured to be electrically and mechanically to the second connection portion 32 of the battery module 58.

Since all male connection portions 30 correspond to all female connection portions 32, it is possible to arrange the modules in a different order than the one shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B.

It can be seen that holes 62, 64 for mechanically locking corresponding connection portions together are provided. Hereby, it is possible to mechanically lock adjacent modules to each other by means of a screw.

Fig. 7A illustrates a perspective view of two modules (a battery module 58 and a communication module 60) of a window opener according to the invention and Fig. 7B illustrates another perspective view of the two modules shown in Fig. 7A. The battery module 58 comprises a male connection portion 32 having a male mechanical plug structure 83 provided with a protruding wall 74. The male mechanical plug structure 83 is shaped and configured to be engagedly received by the female mechanical plug structure 84 of the female connection portion 30 of the communication module 60. The communication module 60 is provided with a female electrical connection member 70 that is shaped and configured to be electrically connected with the corresponding male electrical connection member 72 of the battery module 58. Accordingly, the battery module 58 and the communication module 60 can be mechanically and electrically connected to each other in a fast and reliable manner.

Fig. 8 illustrates the battery module 58 and the communication module 60 shown in Fig. 7A and a cable 86 electrically for connecting these modules 58, 60 to each other. The cable 86 comprises a male plug 88 and a female plug 94. The cable 86 may in principle be used to connect any modules electrically to each other. The cable 86 may by way of example be used to electrically connect the battery module 58 and the communication module 60 to each other.

The male plug 88 has three parallel pins 90 configured to be received by corresponding apertures 96 of the female plug 94. In order to mechanically secure the plug 88, 94 to a module 58, 60 the plugs 88, 94 comprise engagement structures for attaching the plugs 88, 94 to corresponding engagement structures of the module 58, 60. The male plug 88 is provided with receiving engagement structures 92, whereas the female plug 94 is provided with protruding engagement structures 100.

Fig. 8B illustrates another cable 86 for connecting the two modules shown in Fig. 7A electrically to each other. The cable 86 comprises a male plug 88 and a female plug 94. The male plug 88 has three parallel pins 90 configured to be received by corresponding apertures of the female plug 94 or in a female electrical connection member 70 (e.g. of a communication module 60 like the one shown in Fig. 8A). In another embodiment, the male plug 88 may comprise another number (e.g. 2, 4 og 5) of parallel pins 90 configured to be received by corresponding apertures 96 of the female plug 94.

Accordingly, the module 58, 60 can either be mechanically and electri- cally connected to each other by inserting their connection portions to each other (see Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) or be electrically connected to each other by means of a cable 86 like shown in Fig. 8A og Fig. 8B.

Fig. 9A illustrates a window opener comprising a housing 4 and three additional modules A, B, C that are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to adjacent modules and/or the housing 4.

Fig. 9B illustrates a window opener according to the invention. The window opener comprises a housing 4 and three additional modules A, C, D each being configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to adjacent modules and/or the housing 4.

Fig. 9C illustrates a window opener comprising a housing 4 and three additional modules A, C, D that are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to an adjacent module and/or the housing 4.

Fig. 9D illustrates a window opener comprising a housing 4 and four additional modules A, B, C, D that are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to adjacent modules and/or the housing 4.

The modules A, B, C, D are provided with either one connection portion or two connection portions (in opposing ends of the module). The connection portions are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a connection portion of an adjacent module or the housing 4. This means that the order of the modules A, B, C, D and the housing can be selected as desired. Accordingly, the invention makes it possible to arrange the modules A, B, C, D and the housing 4 can be arranged in any suitable configuration. I Fig. 9A-C the modules are connected to both ends of the housing 4. In Fig. 9D, however, the modules are connected to a single end of the housing 4.

Some of the modules A, B, C, D may be so-called "end modules", which may comprise only a single connection portion provided in one end of the. The housing 4 comprises a first connection portion configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a second corresponding connection portion of an additional module A, B, C, D. The first connection portion is provided in the end of the housing 4. The additional modules A, B, C, D are provided with the second corresponding connection portion allowing them to be electrically and mechanically connected to the first connection portion of the housing 4. This means that all additional modules A _f B, C, D can be electrically and mechanically connected to the first connection portion of the housing in any desired order.

The housing 4 comprises a third connection portion is provided in the opposite end of the housing 4. This third connection portion is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a corresponding connection portion of the additional modules A, B, C, D.

The first connection portion may either comprise a female electrical connection member or a male electrical connection member. Accordingly, the first connection portion is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding female or male electrical connection member of either the housing 4 or one of the other additional modules A, B, C, D.

The second connection portion comprises a male or female electrical connection member configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding male or female electrical connection member.

Since all male connection portions are configured to be connected to the female connection portions the additional modules A, B, C, D and the housing 4 may be arranged in any desired order.