EP1344891A1

EP1344891A1 - Sliding window with improved water- and air-tightness

Info

Publication number: EP1344891A1
Application number: EP03447052A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Filip Verstaen
Original assignee: Vertirama bvba
Current assignee: Vertirama bvba
Priority date: 2002-03-13
Filing date: 2003-03-13
Publication date: 2003-09-17
Also published as: BE1014703A3

Abstract

The object of the invention is a sliding window or lift sliding window provided with means providing an better water-and-airtightness, more particularly, a bridge structure (20), insuring that incoming water will be collected in a closed space from which it can be expelled via a draining channel. Additionally, two sashes of the window moving relative to one another, are provided with a sash structure (23, 24) which, in a closed condition of the window, is held against the bridge structure (20), with a seal therebetween.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention is related to a horizontally or vertically moving sliding window or lifted sliding window comprising two or more so-called window sashes, which are mutually parallel panels, wherein at least one panel is able to slide relative to an adjacent stationary or equally sliding panel. In particular, the invention relates to a sliding window provided with a special device resulting in an improved water- and airtightness of the closed window.

State of the art

Sliding windows are widely used in many types of building. These are often windows having quite a large surface, wherein the sashes are made from rectangular supporting profiles, made for example from plastic materials, and wherein mostly a double glass plate is held. The sashes are arranged in a rectangular supporting frame, between a lower and an upper ridge. The best known embodiment comprises a stationary sash and a sliding one. However, more than two sashes may be also arranged in a single frame, for example two stationary and two sliding sashes. Two sliding sashes may also be arranged in a single frame, one sliding relative to another. In a closed condition, the window should theoretically be water- and, although the absolute seal may obviously never be provided, resulting in the need for a combined sealing and draining system.
When the sliding window is closed, some water from outside may still enter through the seals between the glass panels and the surrounding supporting profiles. Such water then remains in these supporting profiles in which the glass is held. Inside the supporting profile, therefore, a channel is arranged running along the profile contour and allowing to collect all the water under the sash and to discharge it through a draining hole. It is important that the pressure inside such a channel be at least equal to the pressure outside the window. That is the reason why air holes are arranged at the outside of the supporting profiles, allowing for the pressure in the channel to be equal to the external pressure. Mainly in stormy weather, such an external pressure can be substantial, so that water discharge, despite the air holes, becomes difficult.
A second way for the water to come inside is through the seals between the sashes. A system is often provided with mutually engaged closing laths, provided with joints on the whole length or width of the sliding window. Until now, there is no appropriate solution for reliably discharging water that inevitably penetrates through such seals. The existing devices are generally not adapted, at high external pressure, i.e. higher than 300 Pa, to discharge such water in a convenient way. Examples of such solutions are a single brush assembly at the lower and upper side, which however after some time is saturated with water and can usually no longer work in a water repellent way. Further, the use of valves is also known, which however after some time become clogged with water and sand. Finally, the use of an injection moulded element is envisaged, with brush seals, arranged at the upper and/or lower side, but with a much too low water column, resulting therein that not enough water may be discharged and not rapidly enough.
The above-described disadvantages apply both to existing sliding windows and lifted sliding windows. The latter is a horizontally moveable sliding window, wherein, when opening, the moveable sash is first lifted and, subsequently, usually on a roller system - laterally slid. For lift sliding windows, consequently, no sliding seal must be arranged between the sliding sash and the lower guiding rim thereof. In a closed condition, the lifted sliding window is, however, subjected to the same problems of sealing and water draining as the common sliding window. Accordingly, the present invention particularly applies to common sliding windows and to lifted sliding windows.
In document JP-A-2000034869, a sliding window is described provided with a stagnant water trench on the indoor side of a watertight and airtight face. During strong wind and rain, the incursion of rainwater is suppressed by water pressure of stored rainwater.
In document DE-A-19600130, a sealing plate is arranged between two relatively moving sashes, underneath these sashes.
In document WO-A-0026494, a horizontal sliding window is provided with a fixed seal element, cooperating with a moving seal element. All three of the cited documents illustrate the prior art, and are all examples of sliding windows which do not offer water-and-air tightness up to extreme pressures.

Aim of the invention

The aim of the invention is to provide a (lifted) sliding window equipped with the necessary means for providing water- and airtightness at an external pressure ranging from 300 Pa to 1500 Pa.

Summary of the invention

The invention is related to a sliding window comprising at least one inner sash and at least one outer sash, wherein at least one of both may slide or roll relative to the other, each sash comprising a supporting profile and a single or a double glass plate, the sashes being arranged in a frame, which is provided with a draining hole, which, preferably, gives access to a draining channel, the window being provided with at least one seal between said inner and outer sash, for separating, in a closed condition of the window, the inner side of the window from the outside,
characterised in that :

said window comprises a bridge structure which comprises two bridge parts located adjacent one another, which are rigidly mounted on the frame, one on each side of the draining hole of the frame, and which are located such that in a closed condition of the sliding window, essentially all the water entering inside through the seal between said inner and outer sash, flows into the space between said bridge parts,
the inner sash comprises a first sash structure which, in the closed condition of the window, is laterally present against one side of the bridge structure, a seal being present between said first sash structure and the bridge structure,
the outer sash comprises a second sash structure which, in the closed condition of the window, is laterally present against the other side of the bridge structure, a seal being present between said second sash structure and the bridge structure.

Both sashes preferably comprise a running groove in two opposing sides, which running grooves respectively match to guiding rims, both for the inner sash and for the outer sash. According to the preferred embodiment, the bridge structure is located between the guiding rims of the inner and outer sashes.
The bridge structure may be a separate element comprising a bottom, a solid part under which at least one draining hole is located in the bottom and wherein a platelet is located, essentially parallel to the bridge parts and essentially centrally in between the bridge parts.
According to another embodiment, between the bridge parts at least one platelet is located spanning part of the space between the bridge parts. In particular, a first platelet may be arranged between the bridge parts, said first platelet obliquely deviating from the outer side of the sliding window towards the inner side and a second platelet may be arranged, said second platelet obliquely deviating from the inner side of the sliding window towards the outer side.
According to the preferred embodiment, in at least one of the side walls of the bridge parts, on the lateral side of the bridge structure, a groove is located, wherein a seal is arranged, which is pressed, in a closed condition of the window, between the bridge structure and the sash structure which is laterally present against said bridge structure.
Further according to the preferred embodiment, the inner and the outer sashes are provided with closing laths, engaging in each other in a closed condition of the window and the seal is located, in a closed condition, between the inner sash and the closing lath of the outer sash and the bridge structure is located such that the space between the bridge parts is in connection with the space bounded by the inner sash on the one hand and the closing lath of the outer sash on the other hand and the sash structure of the inner sash is mounted on the end of the closing lath of this sash, and this sash structure comprises a part having the same profile as said closing lath, so that, in a mounted situation, the closing lath is prolonged by said sash structure as far as the upper edge of the bridge structure, and the sash structure of the outer sash is mounted on the end of the closing lath of this sash and this sash structure comprises a part having the same profile as this closing lath, so that, in a mounted situation, the closing lath is prolonged by said sash structure as far as the upper edge of the bridge structure.
Further according to the preferred embodiment, the sash structure which is arranged on a moving sash further comprises a preferably rectangular part onto which a seal is arranged, so that, in a mounted situation, said seal is lying against the guiding rim on which the moving sash moves and so that this seal, in a closed condition of the window, lies above and against one of both bridge parts.
In a sliding window according to the invention, having a stationary sash and a sash moving relative to it, an additional seal may be arranged against this stationary sash, just above and against the bridge structure and so that the closing lath of the moving sash lies against said additional seal, in a closed condition of the window.
In a horizontally sliding window according to the invention, an upper seal may be located against the upper side of the frame, so that, in a closed condition of the window, said upper seal is under pressure between a moving sash and the upper side of the frame.
In a sliding window according to the invention, upon the closing lath of the outer sash, a seal may be arranged which, in a closed condition of the window, essentially seals the space between this closing lath and the inner sash.
According to the preferred embodiment, at least one of the sashes is provided with one or more air holes in the supporting profile, as well as a circumferentially running groove in that supporting profile which is connected to these air holes, as well as one or more draining holes in the lower side of this supporting profile, said draining holes being also connected to the circumferentially running groove.
According to the preferred embodiment, a play is present between the bridge part located at the outer side and the inner sash, through which play the pressure equalisation occurs between the space between said bridge parts and the external air.
According to one embodiment, all the draining holes in the lower side of at least one sash give access to the space located between the bridge parts.
In a sliding window according to the invention, a stopping peg may be arranged in one wall of the frame, against which peg a moving sash can seat in a closed condition of the window and wherein this peg is arranged in the side wall of the frame with an adjusting screw, allowing for the position of the peg to be adjusted relative to a moving sash.
In a sliding window according to the invention, at least between a moving sash and at least one of the corresponding guiding rims a seal is preferably arranged, the profile of which seal comprises a round part and additionally a trapezoid part provided with an anti-extension wire. Said seal between the sash and the guiding rim, is preferably a silicone seal with a 60 ± 5° Shore A hardness.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 illustrates a view of a conventional sliding window.
Fig. 2 illustrates a real application, with the supporting profiles and closing laths made visible.
Fig. 3 illustrates the location where, in the sliding window of Fig. 1, the specific bridge structure and sash structures are arranged.
Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate the preferred embodiment of the bridge structure according to the invention.
Figs. 5a-5c illustrate the preferred embodiment of the sash structure according to the invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates the incorporation of the preferred sash structure on a sliding window sash.
Fig. 7 illustrates the incorporation of the preferred bridge structure.
Fig. 8 illustrates the seals at the upper side of the sliding window of the invention.
Fig. 9 illustrates a possible arrangement of the draining hole 65 of one of both sashes in a sliding window according to the invention.
Figs. 10a and 10b illustrate a three-dimensional alternative embodiment of the bridge structure according to the invention.
Fig. 11 illustrates the profile of the seal which is preferably used between a sliding sash and the corresponding guiding rim.
Fig. 12 illustrates the position of the seals of Fig. 10.
Fig. 13 illustrates a real application of a sash provided with the seal of Fig. 11.
Fig. 14 illustrates the arrangement of a stopping peg in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a horizontal sliding window in three views for the purpose of explaining the invention in some detail. A (lifted) sliding window is shown with an outer sash 1 and an inner sash 2, on which the following description is based, while it is noted here that the invention also applies to the already mentioned alternatives with more than two sashes. The expressions "outer sash" and "inner sash" will be used in the text and in the claims in order to make a distinction between the sash 1 being closest to the outside air and the sash 2 being located more inwardly. In principle, one of the sashes is moveable or both. In the following description, the specific case will be however discussed wherein the outer sash 1 is stationary and the inner sash 2 horizontally sliding. The invention, however, also applies to vertically moving sliding windows.
The sliding window in Fig. 1 is in a closed condition. Each sash is basically made from a rectangular supporting profile and most often a double glass plate, with a seal 3 between both. The sashes are arranged inside a frame 4. This may be a rectangle incorporated into the wall opening, but an upper and a lower lath may also simply be arranged and the window can be connected laterally against the wall opening itself. The lower side of the frame can also be made from another material (e.g. aluminium) with respect to the remainder of the frame (e.g. wood) or the parts 5, 6 (see hereunder) can be made from a different material. In the present text and claims, the notion "frame" should also be understood in a broad meaning, i.e. as the opening wherein the sashes of the sliding window are arranged. The invention is further not limited by the selection of materials from which the structure and the parts thereof are made. The sashes are preferably provided, at the lower and upper side, with grooves engaging with guiding rims, respectively an innermost guiding rim 5 and an outermost guiding rim 6. The innermost rim 5 guides the moving inner sash 2 in its sliding movement. The necessary seals, not shown in the figure, although always present, are arranged between the guiding rims and the supporting profiles of the sashes. Such seals are mainly critical for the moving sashes.
Both sashes are provided with vertical closing laths 7 and 8 coupled with each other, with a vertical longitudinal seal 9 between the inner sash 2 and the closing lath 7 of the outer sash 1. On the detailed drawing in Fig. 1, it is schematically shown how these closing laths lie against one another in a closed condition of the window. In a real situation, additional seals can be arranged between the laths. Fig. 2 illustrates in cross-section a real sliding window. It shows the supporting profiles of the sashes 1 and 2, the profiles of the closing laths 7 and 8 and the vertical seal 9. The seals 100 and 101 are present between the closing laths. The seal 100 may optionally be omitted.
Water penetrating through the seal 9 ends up in the space 10 located between the inner sash 2 and the closing lath 7 of the outer sash 1 and possibly also in the space between the respective laths, depending on whether these are engaged against each other perfectly or not. Most of the water will penetrate into the space 10 and, consequently, it is very important for this water to be evacuated as soon as possible. Consequently, the pressure in space 10 should be equal to the outer pressure. The space 10 should therefore be in connection with the outside air and simultaneously be separated from the air at the inner side of the sliding window. If this is the case, the entering water is collected underneath the space 10 where it can be discharged, as long as a draining groove is provided.
The present invention offers the necessary structures allowing to discharge water penetrating the space 10, without it appearing at the inner side of the sliding window. According to the invention, on the one hand, a so-called bridge structure 20 is provided, the location of which is indicated in Fig. 3. In principle, the bridge structure comprises two vertical bridge parts 21, 22 which are arranged between the guiding rims 5 and 6, and partially under the opposite sashes 1 and 2. The left bridge part 21 in the front view of Fig. 3 is also called innermost bridge part in the claims, because this bridge part is not immediately adjacent to the external air. This part needs to be well sealed off from the inner side of the window. The right bridge part 22 is the outermost bridge part. In the description, for simplicity reasons, it will always be referred to the left 21 and the right 22 bridge part, as seen in the front and top view of Fig. 3.
Additionally, on each sash, a sash structure is arranged, respectively 23 and 24, which - in a closed condition of the window - are pushed against the sides of the bridge structure 20, respectively at the left side (sash structure 23) and at the right side (sash structure 24) of the bridge structure 20. The sash structure 24 of the stationary outer sash 1 is arranged stationary against the right side of the bridge structure. The sash structure 23 of the moving inner sash is pushed, in the closed condition, against the left side of the bridge structure 20 with an adequate seal between both. Obviously, this can be adapted to the moving or stationary condition of the inner or outer sash or both. Between the bridge parts 21, 22 one or more draining holes are arranged, in the frame 4, for discharging rapidly and efficiently the collected water.
The illustration in Fig. 3 is only intended to indicate the place of the bridge and sash structures and does not illustrate the accurate details of the structures themselves. These details will be now described for a preferred embodiment.
Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a preferred form of the bridge structure 20 in three-dimensional views. The codes "In" and "Out" indicate the side of the structure which is located at the inner or the outer side of the sliding window. Any further reference to the inner or outer side of a part refers to the inner or outer side of the sliding window shown here. The illustrated bridge structure 20 forms a separate part, preferably made from a synthetic material. In the case where the frame 4 is made from PVC, it will be preferred to use ASA-LURAN S776 S material, which can be easily glued to PVC. Thus, the bridge structure of Fig. 4 is not an assembly of part-elements, although this last case is also possible within the scope of the present invention.
One can see in figure 4, the vertical bridge parts 21, 22 on the bottom 30 of the bridge structure 20. The bridge parts have an upper edge which is rounded towards the inside in order to better guide the water. At the outer side, these bridge parts are connected with a solid part 31, on which the outer sash 1 rests and the upper side of which is well connected with the lower side of this outer sash. In this part 31, two holes 32 are also arranged through which the bridge structure 20 is attached to the lower side of the frame 4. The element is preferably also glued to the frame. More or less under the solid part 31 are located one or more draining holes in the bottom 30, which - once the element is mounted - will give access to a draining hole in the frame 4 and the subsequent draining channel, preferably running in the lower side of the frame 4, and towards the outside. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, there is also between the bridge parts 21 an additional vertical platelet 33 provided with the same profile as the bridge parts 21 and 22 and that will further improve water discharge, as described hereafter.
The pressure which is built up in the space between the bridge parts 21,22 should be equal to the external pressure. To this effect, some play is left between the upper edge 34 of the right bridge part and the lower side of the inner sash 2. Water penetrating through such a play is discharged together with the water entering along the seal 9, so that the play should be as small as possible. It should be large enough to achieve the required pressure equalisation. As seen in Fig. 3, all the water penetrating through the seal 9 will be collected between the bridge parts 21 and 22 of the bridge structure 20. If the pressure at that location is at least equal to the external pressure, water will be quickly discharged along the draining channel. Should this not be the case, the water is accumulated in this space and will, through the left-hand side of the bridge structure, penetrate inside, for example over the edge 35. As the pressure equalisation is never totally perfect, some amount of water, mainly in extreme weather conditions, will nevertheless accumulate in the space between the bridge parts 21 and 22. It is therefore required to arrange a side seal, which is achieved by the sash structures 23 and 24. The central vertical platelet 33 ensures that part of the water penetrating in space 10 and nearly all the water that flows over the right bridge part (edge 34) is directly led towards the draining hole (edge 35) and, consequently, no or little can reach the left (edge 35) of the bridge part. To this effect, the play between this platelet 33 and the lower part of the inner sash 2 is preferably as small as possible, without obviously hindering the sliding of this sash. The side walls of the bridge parts 21 and 22 are provided with a notch (36, 37) in which a seal can be arranged. The seal in the notch 36 is obviously of importance, since it provides the tightness of the bridge part towards the inside. In a closed condition, the sash structure 23 is pressed against this seal with enough pressure so as to ensure the tightness. Additional seals will be required in order to ensure the water-tightness at high external pressure, as will explained later.
The preferred sash structure which is used in co-operation with the bridge structure in Fig. 4 is illustrated in details in Figs. 5a-5c. The sash structure which is shown in figure 5 is the structure 23 which is to be arranged on the inner sash 2. The sash structure 24 of the outer sash 1 is similar, but adapted for the arrangement and the orientation of the outer sash. The illustrated structure 23 is slid by means of studs 40 on the lower side of the closing lath 8. One can clearly see the part 41 which has the same profile as the closing lath, thereby prolonging the closing lath up to the upper edge 38 of the bridge structure 20 (see Fig. 4a). The notch 42 is the complement of a similar-shaped notch in the closing lath itself, wherein lies the seal 9.
In an assembled condition, the cavity 43 is connected against the lower part of the sash 2. The structure 23 is attached with a screw through the opening 44 so that the rectangular part 45 is parallel with the guiding rim 5. Thereby, a preferably rectangular cavity 50 is provided in the supporting profile of the sash 2, corresponding with the rectangular part 45. This assembly is best illustrated in Fig. 6, showing the lower side of the inner sash 2, provided with a sash structure 23. One can see the notch 51 through which the guiding rim 5 is to pass.
Part 46 of the sash structure 23 should, in a closed condition of the window, be held against the lateral side of the bridge structure 20 and the seal in the notch 36, as can be seen in the mounting scheme in Fig. 3.
On the rectangular part 45, a seal 47 is arranged in a way that such a seal can slide along the guiding rim 5. In a closed condition, such a seal lies on and against the left bridge part 21, where it additionally insures that no water can flow over the left edge 35 of the bridge structure 20.
Preferably, against the inner side of the outer sash 1, on and against the left bridge part 21, a seal 49 is arranged, which has the same function as the seal 47. Such a seal 49 is illustrated in Fig. 7 where the bridge structure 20 is to be seen with the parts described hereinabove and having analogous numerals and incorporated against the outer sash 1, whereas the inner sash 2 is omitted. The visible parts are the stationary closing lath 7, the vertical seal 9, the bridge parts 21, 22 with the central platelet 33, the seal 39 in the notch 36, the guiding rim 5 of the inner sash. Thus, in the closed condition, the lower side of the closing lath 8 lies against the seal 49, so that the transition between the bridge structure 20 and the inner side of the sliding window is now completely tight: at the left side by the seal 39 in the notch 36, at the inner side by the rectangular seal 47 and at the outer side by the seal 49 against the outer sash. The material of the seal 47 and 49 is preferably synthetic foam, the properties of which are given in table 1. The foam being used in the preferred embodiment is additionally provided with a Teflon coating which is useful for the water-repellent property of the foam and which also decreases the sliding resistance of the seal.
The sash structure 24 is similarly slid onto the closing lath 7 of the outer sash and held against the right side wall of the bridge structure 20. As the outer sash is stationary, the sash structure 24 is preferably arranged against the bridge structure with a watertight glue and preferably also with a seal in the notch 37.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a seal 60 is also arranged at the upper side of the frame 4, as can be seen from Fig. 8. Once again, the inner sash is omitted in this drawing and one can see the outer sash 1 with its closing lath 7. Such a seal 60 preferably comprises a flat part 61 which is arranged against the upper side of the frame 4 and surrounds the circumference of the closing lath 7. In a closed condition of the sliding window, the upper side of the inner sash 2 will be pressed against such a seal, so that the space 10, the cross-section 62 of which can be seen on Fig. 8, is completely isolated from the air in the inner side of the sliding window, with the aim of further optimising the desired pressure equalisation. A vertical part 63 of the seal is preferably present near the seal 9, in order to further provide the pressure equalisation. Finally, a last seal 64 can be arranged on the upper surface of the closing lath 7 in order to isolate the space 10 efficiently towards the top. The material of the seal 60 and 64 is preferably the same as for the seals 47 and 49 (see table 1 and the discussion of the description in paragraph 35).
In the preferred embodiment described hereabove, the discharge of water coming through the seals 3 in the frame profiles is provided for in the way known in the state of the art: through air holes at the upper side of the profiles and draining holes at the lower side, and through a circumferentially running channel, leading to the pressure equalisation between the pressure at the outer side and the pressure in the channel. The draining holes are arranged under the supporting profile, and the water flowing out of it ends up on the frame 4, from which it flows outside.
However, in another embodiment of the invention, water being present in the circumferentially running channel of the inner sash 2 is also collected in the space between the bridge parts 21 and 22. To this effect, the draining hole 65 at the bottom of the inner sash 2 is arranged at the lower left side, so that, in a closed condition of the window, the hole 65 is actually located between the bridge parts, see Fig. 9. This makes it possible to achieve the pressure equalisation via said draining hole 65.
Figs. 10a and b present an alternative embodiment of the bridge structure 20, which is particularly useful with the above-mentioned arrangement of the draining hole 65 in the inner sash 2. Here as well, the vertical bridge parts 21 and 22 can be seen, but now without any vertical platelet. Instead, a platelet 70 is present between the bridge parts 21 and 22, obliquely deviating from the outside to the inside. At the inner side of the window, there is a second platelet 71 between the bridge parts 21 and 22, obliquely deviating from the inside to the outside. In a closed condition, the draining hole 65 of the inner sash is arranged in such a way that the water between both platelets 70 and 71 flows inside, where it is further discharged in the draining hole in the lower side of the frame 4. The function of the platelets 70 and 71 is to keep the water from splashing back in the space between the bridge parts, resulting from possible pressure variations at the outer side. Due to the fact that all the incoming water is forced in a restricted space, surrounded by the two bridge parts 21 and by the water retaining function, achieved by both platelets 70 and 71, the water discharge is highly improved. According to alternatives for such design - still remaining within the scope of the invention - it is sufficient to provide only one platelet between the bridge parts or a horizontal platelet can be arranged instead of an obliquely deviating one.
The sash structures 23 and 24 which are to be used in combination with the alternative bridge structure in Fig. 10, are by nature similar to those which have already been described and which are illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. Little design differences are indeed possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Generally speaking, it is possible to deviate in other ways from the precise designs illustrated in the figures and described in the preceding paragraphs. For example, the invention is applicable as well for a sliding window wherein no closing lath is present, but wherein the sashes lie against one another in a closed condition, with a seal between them. The sash structures will, in such a case, be fixed to the sashes in another way. What is however still critical for the invention is the presence underneath the (lifted) sliding window of the two bridge parts 21 and 22, so that the water penetrating through the seal 9 flows between these bridge parts and the presence of both sash structures 23 and 24 which, in a closed condition of the window, are pressed laterally against the bridge structure 20.
An important aspect of the invention is indeed the seal which is preferably employed between a moving sash and the guiding rim onto which this sash can slide. When it comes to making the sliding window watertight up to the already mentioned 1500 Pa and higher pressure, it is important to this effect to make use of a well determined seal 80, a sectioned view of which seal can be seen in Fig. 11. It comprises a round part 81 and a trapezoid part 82, provided with an anti-extension wire 83. It continuously runs in a groove along the lower and lateral side of the sashes 1 and 2. The presence of such a seal is of particular importance on a sliding sash. In the detail scheme of Fig. 12, the position of such a seal 80 is indicated under both sashes 1 and 2. It is a silicone seal with a 60 ± 5° Shore A hardness. The specific shape of the trapezoid part, in co-operation with the groove profile, and the material properties of the seal, provide for an optimal tightness up to the mentioned high external pressures. The specific shape of the groove 85 is visible on Fig. 13, where the seal 80 can be seen, as arranged in the supporting profile 86 of a sliding window sash.
According to a last aspect of the invention, an adjustable stopping peg 90 is arranged against which the moving sash is drawn when locking the sliding window, at the edge of the frame 4 (see Fig. 14). Such a peg is arranged in the lateral side of the frame with an adjusting screw 91 that is screwed in the armouring of the frame profile. By tightening or loosening the adjusting screw, the distance between the sashes in a closed condition can be modified to a small extent. Thereby, the pressure can be modified on the seal 39 in the notch 36 of the bridge structure 20. An increase of such a pressure leads, in some cases, to a slight increase of the water tightness, for example, in order to still be able to provide the overall tightness in extreme weather conditions.
With the parts as shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and the seal in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, the sliding window of the invention is essentially water- and airtight up to an outer pressure of minimum 1500 Pa, calculated by using tests according to the European standard EN 1027, method 1A. Using the alternative from Figs. 9 and 10 or with another seal than that in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, the sliding window of the invention is in any case water- and airtight at pressures higher than 300 Pa. In every embodiment according to the present invention, a water- and airtightness of the (lifted) sliding window is then provided at higher outer pressures than is the case until now in the known state of the art.

The invention is applicable as well to a vertical sliding window, wherein a moving sash is slid upwards or downwards relative to a preferably stationary sash. The bridge structure 20 will preferably be arranged at one lateral side of the structure, similarly to the

corresponding sash structures

23 and 24, wherein everything is 90° oriented relative to the embodiments described hereinabove. The space 10 is then horizontal, and water will also penetrate through the seal 9 (horizontal) between the windows and will be discharged through the pressure equalisation of the space 10 with the outer air. Optionally, on both sides of the frame, a bridge structure and sash structures can be provided so that both bridge structures can discharge the water.

Preferred material properties of the seal material
Property	Norm	Unit	Value
Tightness	DIN53420	g/cm³	0.35
Drawing resistance	DIN53571	N/mm²	4.0
Elongation at break	DIN53571	%	380
Shearing strength	DIN53515	N/mm²	8
Shock elasticity	DIN53512	%		60
Rem. pressure distortion at room temperature	DIN53572	%	2.5
Rem. pressure distortion at 70°C	DIN53572	%		5

Claims

A sliding window comprising at least one inner sash (2) and at least one outer sash (1), wherein at least one of both may slide or roll relative to the other, each sash comprising a supporting profile and a single or a double glass plate, the sashes being arranged in a frame (4), which is provided with a draining hole, which, preferably, gives access to a draining channel, the window being provided with at least one seal (9) between said inner and outer sash, for separating, in a closed condition of the window, the inner side of the window from the outside,
characterised in that :

said window comprises a bridge structure (20) which comprises two bridge parts (21, 22) located adjacent one another, which are rigidly mounted on the frame (4), one on each side of the draining hole of the frame, and which are located such that in a closed condition of the sliding window, essentially all the water entering inside through the seal (9) between said inner and outer sash, flows into the space between said bridge parts (21,22),

the inner sash comprises a first sash structure (23) which, in the closed condition of the window, is laterally present against one side of the bridge structure (20), a seal being present between said first sash structure (23) and the bridge structure (20),

the outer sash (1) comprises a second sash structure (24) which, in the closed condition of the window, is laterally present against the other side of the bridge structure (20), a seal being present between said second sash structure (24) and the bridge structure (20).
A sliding window according to claim 1, wherein both sashes comprise a running groove in two opposing sides, which running grooves respectively match to guiding rims (5,6), both for the inner sash (2) and for the outer sash (1).
A sliding window according to claim 2, wherein the bridge structure (20) is located between the guiding rims (5, 6) of the inner and outer sashes.
A sliding window according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the bridge structure (20) is a separate element comprising a bottom (30), a solid part (31) under which at least one draining hole is located in the bottom (30) and wherein a platelet (33) is located, essentially parallel to the bridge parts (21,22) and essentially centrally in between the bridge parts (21, 22).
A sliding window according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein between the bridge parts (21, 22) at least one platelet (70, 71) is located spanning part of the space between the bridge parts.
A sliding window according to claim 5, wherein a first platelet (70) is arranged between the bridge parts (21, 22), said first platelet obliquely deviating from the outer side of the sliding window towards the inner side and a second platelet (71) is arranged, said second platelet obliquely deviating from the inner side of the sliding window towards the outer side.
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one of the side walls of the bridge parts (21, 22), on the lateral side of the bridge structure (20), a groove (36, 37) is located, wherein a seal (39) is arranged, which is pressed, in a closed condition of the window, between the bridge structure (20) and the sash structure (23, 24) which is laterally present against said bridge structure (20).
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner and the outer sashes (2, 1) are provided with closing laths (8, 7), engaging in each other in a closed condition of the window and the seal (9) is located, in a closed condition, between the inner sash (2) and the closing lath (7) of the outer sash (1) and the bridge structure (20) is located such that the space between the bridge parts (21,22) is in connection with the space (10) bounded by the inner sash (2) on the one hand and the closing lath (7) of the outer sash on the other hand and the sash structure (23) of the inner sash (2) is mounted on the end of the closing lath (8) of this sash, and this sash structure (23) comprises a part (41) having the same profile as said closing lath (8), so that, in a mounted situation, the closing lath (8) is prolonged by said sash structure (23) as far as the upper edge (38) of the bridge structure (20), and the sash structure (24) of the outer sash (1) is mounted on the end of the closing lath (7) of this sash and this sash structure (24) comprises a part having the same profile as this closing lath (7), so that, in a mounted situation, the closing lath (7) is prolonged by said sash structure (24) as far as the upper edge (38) of the bridge structure (20).
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sash structure (23) which is arranged on a moving sash (2) further comprises a preferably rectangular part (45) onto which a seal (47) is arranged, so that, in a mounted situation, said seal (47) is lying against the guiding rim on which the moving sash (2) moves and so that this seal (47), in a closed condition of the window, lies above and against one of both bridge parts (21, 22).
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, having a stationary sash (1) and a sash (2) moving relative to it and wherein against this stationary sash (1) an additional seal (49) is arranged, just above and against the bridge structure (20) and so that the closing lath (8) of the moving sash (2) lies against said additional seal (49), in a closed condition of the window.
A horizontally sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper seal (60) is located against the upper side of the frame (4), so that, in a closed condition of the window, said upper seal (60) is under pressure between a moving sash (2) and the upper side of the frame (4).
A sliding window according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein upon the closing lath (7) of the outer sash (1), a seal (64) is arranged which, in a closed condition of the window, essentially seals the space (10) between this closing lath (7) and the inner sash (2).
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the sashes is provided with one or more air holes in the supporting profile, as well as a circumferentially running groove in that supporting profile which is connected to these air holes, as well as one or more draining holes in the lower side of this supporting profile, said draining holes being also connected to the circumferentially running groove.
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a play is present between the bridge part (22) located at the outer side and the inner sash (2), through which play the pressure equalisation occurs between the space between said bridge parts (21,22) and the external air.
A sliding window according to claim 13, wherein all the draining holes (65) in the lower side of at least one sash (2) give access to the space located between the bridge parts (21, 22).
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a stopping peg (90) is arranged in one wall of the frame (4), against which peg a moving sash can seat in a closed condition of the window and wherein this peg is arranged in the side wall of the frame with an adjusting screw (91), allowing for the position of the peg (90) to be adjusted relative to a moving sash (2).
A sliding window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least between a moving sash (2) and at least one of the corresponding guiding rims a seal (80) is arranged, the profile of which seal comprises a round part (81) and additionally a trapezoid part (82) provided with an anti-extension wire (83).
A sliding window according to claim 17, wherein the seal (80) is preferably a silicone seal with a 60 ± 5° Shore A hardness.