EP3635210B1 - Lower cross-member with improved water-tightness for a sliding window, sliding window comprising such a lower cross-member - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention belongs to the field of glazed openings made in the facade of a building, and more particularly relates to a lower cross member with improved water tightness of a window or sliding patio door, as well as a window or patio door. sliding comprising such a lower cross member. The present invention finds an advantageous application, although in no way limiting, in the case of a sliding window or patio door comprising at least two frames of sliding doors.

STATE OF THE ART

Currently, there are different types of devices intended to ensure the watertightness of a sliding window comprising one or more openings. If the remainder of the description refers only to sliding windows, no structural or indeed functional constraint comes up against the application of the teaching of said description in the case of sliding patio doors.

Conventionally, such a sliding window comprises at least two frames including at least one sliding leaf frame and a fixed frame. The fixed frame comprises a lower cross member which comprises a section having a rebate forming a rail with which the sliding leaf frame cooperates horizontally, that is to say with respect to a plane parallel to the ground.

When the sliding window is closed, at least part of the rail is exposed to the external environment, this part being capable of collecting water, for example in the event of rain, because it has the general shape of a bowl . It is therefore important to ensure the sealing of the sliding window in order to avoid infiltration into an interior environment (such as a room in a house) that the window is intended to protect.

In general, the known devices for watertightness are designed according to specifications aimed at achieving a waterproof performance measured according to a specific standard, typically a standard related to the territory in which the window is built. Thus, we know for example the European standard (EN). This standard defines a scale of classes representative of the maximum water pressure that the window can withstand for a predetermined time, for example five minutes, without any water penetration, it being understood that the higher the class. , the better the waterproofness of the window. For example, class E3B corresponds to a pressure of 100 Pa. There are also other substantially similar standards, for example the American standard (ASTM) or the Australian standard (AS). The remainder of the description is specifically aimed at the EN standard, but those skilled in the art know how to make the correspondence between the various existing standards.

It should be noted that a window can be fitted, on the interior side, with a water collection intended to temporarily contain a surplus of water accumulated in the rail formed by the rebate of the lower cross member. However, this is only a temporary solution given the small volume that this collection may contain, as well as risky due to possible water splashes resulting from air bubbles circulating from the outside. By way of example, such a solution is disclosed in the document US2015330139 A1 .

One existing solution is to have devices for waterproofing formed by brushes. These brushes are conventionally mounted fixed on the fixed frame or sliding door at the rail. However, these brushes make it possible at most to achieve a tightness of around 300 Pa on a sliding window, when, for certain environments, it would be necessary to aim for 600 Pa, in order to ensure optimal sealing, or even 900 Pa for places where severe climatic phenomena occur. Said brushes can be replaced by sliding seals, as well as supplemented by sealing plugs and heels, in particular at the junction nodes between the uprights of the opening frames and the lower cross member. However, the sealing performance remains unsatisfactory, and the maneuvering forces during the opening / closing of the sliding window are increased.

Another solution is also known consisting in the implementation of an inflatable frame seal with an air pump system, said seal being intended to fill gaps between frames in which water would be likely to find a path. This solution, if it makes it possible to achieve very good sealing performance, is nonetheless very expensive. In addition, its implementation and installation remain relatively complex, requiring the adaptation of traditional joinery.

A solution is also known which aims to equip the lower cross member with a sliding window with an electric pumping system. This solution consists in installing a pump in a cavity of the profile of the lower cross member, as well as detection and evacuation means in another cavity of said lower cross member. If this solution increases the general sealing of the window, it nevertheless still has disadvantages. Indeed, the installation according to two different cavities makes the installation of this complex system. In addition, this system aims only to evacuate the water accumulated in the cavity where the detection and evacuation means are positioned, after it has infiltrated the level of the glazing. It therefore does not under any circumstances allow water accumulated in the rail formed by the rebate of the lower cross member to be evacuated.

Furthermore, sliding windows are traditionally equipped with deflectors provided with flaps which have the function of regulating the air circulation between the exterior and the interior. Such a valve constitutes in particular, in the open position, a discharge outlet for the water accumulated in the rail. It is also configured to plug said discharge outlet when the air pressure is too high. Thus, in a situation of heavy rain coupled with high air pressure, it is important for the valve to be able to open quickly despite said air pressure. For this, it is possible to consider increasing the height of the rail in order to increase the water column in the rail, and therefore ultimately the water pressure on the valve. However, tests have shown that this increase in rail height must be very large in order to produce a substantial effect on the sealing performance, which is disadvantageous in terms of accessibility between the outside and the inside of the window. , especially for people with reduced mobility.

Finally, since current construction standards require level mounting of the rail, a small amount of water in the rail does not can flow under the effect of gravity, for example to a discharge outlet of the lower cross member.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to have a lower cross member for the construction of a fixed frame of window or sliding patio door, making it possible to achieve optimum watertightness (or any other liquid), and of simple design so as to be adaptable to traditional joinery architectures. In addition, this solution makes it possible to limit any risk of projection on the inside of the window, does not increase the maneuvering forces when opening / closing the window or patio door, does not reduce accessibility between the exterior and interior, and allows water to be evacuated, even if it has accumulated in small quantities.

Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a sliding window or patio door comprising such a lower cross member.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a lower cross member for the construction of a fixed frame of a sliding window or patio door, said lower cross member comprising a profile having a drainage rebate capable of accumulating a liquid and intended to cooperate with at least one sliding leaf frame of said sliding window or French window. In addition, said lower cross member comprises an electric pumping system configured to evacuate a liquid accumulated on said drainage rebate from the fixed frame.

In particular embodiments, the lower cross member may further include one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination.

• une pompe à liquide, électrique et submersible, en appui sur ladite embase, et comprenant un canal d'expiration de liquide communiquant avec des moyens d'évacuation de liquide de ladite traverse inférieure,
• un module de détection configuré pour détecter une hauteur de liquide entre lesdites deux ailes latérales, de sorte que la pompe à liquide est activée/désactivée lorsque ladite hauteur de liquide est supérieure/inférieure à une valeur prédéterminée.

In a particular embodiment, said drainage rebate comprises a base connecting two lateral wings, said pumping system comprising:

• a liquid pump, electric and submersible, resting on said base, and comprising a liquid expiration channel communicating with liquid discharge means from said lower cross member,
• a detection module configured to detect a height of liquid between said two side wings, so that the liquid pump is activated / deactivated when said height of liquid is greater / less than a predetermined value.

In a particular embodiment, the liquid pump and the detection module are powered by an electric generator intended to be integrated into the window or sliding patio door, or else to be installed at a distance from the window or sliding patio door. .

In a particular embodiment, said liquid evacuation means comprise an evacuation cavity formed by a junction zone between said base and one of said two lateral wings, said evacuation cavity having an interior surface comprising a through opening, and the liquid pump discharging the accumulated fluid through the expiration channel towards said through opening.

• ledit clapet ferme ladite ouverture débouchante sous une pression d'air externe supérieure à une valeur prédéterminée,
• lorsque l'ouverture débouchante est fermée par ledit clapet, ledit clapet libère ladite ouverture débouchante sous une pression de liquide supérieure à la pression d'air externe.

In a particular embodiment, said liquid discharge means comprise a deflector extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end as well as comprising a valve, said deflector being positioned in abutment against at least part of the internal surface. of said discharge cavity so that:

• said valve closes said through opening under an external air pressure greater than a predetermined value,
• when the through opening is closed by said valve, said valve releases said through opening under a liquid pressure greater than the external air pressure.

• de forme rétrécie en direction dudit volume interne et positionné en regard du déflecteur,
• comprenant un orifice d'évacuation au travers duquel débouche ledit canal d'expiration de liquide vers le déflecteur,

le système de pompage comportant en outre deux bouchons d'étanchéité épousant la surface intérieure de la cavité d'évacuation et agencés respectivement en appui des première et deuxième extrémités du déflecteur, ainsi qu'un joint d'étanchéité encastré dans la face latérale du boitier de protection, autour de l'entonnoir d'évacuation et en contact avec lesdits bouchons d'étanchéité.In a particular embodiment, the electric pumping system comprises a protection box extending transversely between said two lateral wings and delimits an internal volume in which said liquid pump as well as said detection module, said protection box are arranged. comprising at least one liquid access opening, as well as a lateral face comprising an evacuation funnel:

• of narrowed shape in the direction of said internal volume and positioned facing the deflector,
• comprising an evacuation orifice through which the said liquid expiration channel opens towards the deflector,

the pumping system further comprising two sealing plugs conforming to the interior surface of the discharge cavity and arranged respectively to support the first and second ends of the deflector, as well as a seal embedded in the lateral face of the casing protection, around the discharge funnel and in contact with said sealing plugs.

In a particular embodiment, the pumping system is reversible.

In a particular embodiment, the lower cross member comprises means of extension, in a direction substantially normal to the base and at a predetermined distance, of said lateral wings, said means of extension being intended to raise the sliding leaf frame by relative to said lower cross member.

• une extrémité d'insertion configurée pour s'encastrer dans l'extrémité de fixation d'une aile latérale,
• une extrémité de coulissement présentant, en section, une forme sensiblement en U destinée à coopérer avec des moyens de coulissement du châssis d'ouvrant coulissant, comme par exemple des galets de roulement.

In a particular embodiment, each lateral wing comprises a fixing end having, in section, a substantially U-shaped, said extension means comprising two identical extension profiles, each extension profile extending between:

• an insertion end configured to fit into the attachment end of a side wing,
• a sliding end having, in section, a substantially U-shaped shape intended to cooperate with sliding means of the sliding leaf frame, such as for example running rollers.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a sliding window or patio door comprising at least one sliding leaf frame and a fixed frame, said fixed frame comprising a lower cross member according to the invention.

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

• Figure 1 : une représentation schématique d'un exemple de réalisation d'une traverse inférieure d'un châssis dormant, et comportant une pompe à liquide électrique.
• Figure 2 : une représentation schématique d'un mode particulier de réalisation de la traverse inférieure de la figure 1, dans lequel ladite traverse inférieure comporte un déflecteur.
• Figures 3a et 3b : des représentations schématiques d'un mode préféré de réalisation de la traverse inférieure de la figure 2, dans lequel la pompe à liquide est agencée dans un boitier de protection et la traverse inférieure comprend des bouchons d'étanchéité de par et d'autre du déflecteur.
• Figure 4 : une représentation schématique d'un mode particulier de réalisation de la traverse inférieure des figures 3a et 3b, dans lequel la traverse inférieure comporte des ailes latérales prolongées par des profilés de prolongement.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, and given with reference to figures 1 to 4 that represent :

• Figure 1 : a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a lower cross member of a fixed frame, and comprising an electric liquid pump.
• Figure 2 : a schematic representation of a particular embodiment of the lower cross member of the figure 1 , wherein said lower cross member has a deflector.
• Figures 3a and 3b : schematic representations of a preferred embodiment of the lower cross member of the figure 2 , in which the liquid pump is arranged in a protective case and the lower cross member comprises sealing plugs on either side of the deflector.
• Figure 4 : a schematic representation of a particular embodiment of the lower cross member of the figures 3a and 3b , in which the lower cross member has side wings extended by extension sections.

In these figures, identical references from one figure to another designate identical or similar elements. For reasons of clarity, the elements shown are not to scale, unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention finds its place in the field of the design of devices for sealing against liquids of sliding windows or patio doors, frames equipped with such devices as well as sliding windows or patio doors comprising such frames.

The figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a lower cross member 100 of a fixed frame suitable for the construction of a sliding window (not shown in the figures), and corresponds to a three-quarter sectional view of said lower cross member 100 according to a cross section.

It should be noted that the remainder of the description is intended more particularly a sliding window. However, the embodiments described below apply equally well in the case of a sliding patio door without the need for structural adjustments. Even if any structural changes are necessary, those skilled in the art will know how to implement them.

In the present embodiment, the sliding window comprises two opening frames, one sliding and one fixed (not shown in the figures), as well as a fixed frame (only the lower cross member 100 is shown in the figures). The opening frames are each intended to support a glazing in a mean plane also called "glazing plane". The sliding movement of the sliding leaf frame takes place in the plane of the glazing which is vertical in the present embodiment, that is to say perpendicular to the surface of the ground on which the fixed frame is intended to rest. . The purpose of glazing is in particular to fill an opening made in the facade of a building, and thus form a separation between an interior environment 10, for example a living space in the building, and an exterior environment 20. Nothing excludes however, following other examples not detailed here, to have a window located differently, for example even inside a living space, so as to create partitioned spaces that nevertheless allow light to pass through.

For the remainder of the description, an axis X relating to the lower cross member 100 (and therefore, ultimately, also relating to the entire sliding window) is defined. Said axis X has for direction a normal to the plane of the glazing, and is also oriented from the interior environment 10 to the exterior environment 20. A Z axis contained in the plane of the glazing and oriented from the ground to the cross member is also defined. lower 100. Finally, a Y axis is defined so that the XYZ coordinate system is direct orthogonal, said Y axis therefore being contained in the plane of the glazing. The lower cross member 100 extends longitudinally in the Y direction, over a predetermined length. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the dimension of this length is in no way limiting, it being understood that the lower cross member 100 is conventionally manufactured by extrusion of profiles in the Y direction, so that it can be cut. to the desired length. In addition, the fixed frame is intended in a known manner to forming a window frame by assembling a plurality of portions along side uprights, said lower cross member 100 and an upper cross member.

The XYZ coordinate system formed by the X, Y and Z axes is for example represented on the figure 1 . The concepts of left, right, up, down, upper, lower, etc. are defined with respect to the XYZ coordinate system. The cross member of the present invention is thus called “lower” because it is the cross member of the fixed frame positioned closest to the ground. On the figure 1 , the environment positioned to the left of the lower cross member 100 corresponds to the interior environment 10, while the environment positioned to the right of the lower cross member 100 corresponds to the exterior environment 20. In addition, by “cross section”, this refers to a cut made in a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

Conventionally, the lower cross member 100 comprises a section having a drainage rebate 110 capable of accumulating a liquid and cooperating with the sliding sash frame of the window. Thus, said drainage rebate 110 is in the form of an opening made in the lower cross member 100, so as to constitute a rail with which the opening frame cooperates in order to slide. It is therefore understood that said drainage rebate 110 comprises, both in the open or closed position of the window, still a part exposed to the external environment 20, namely the part not covered by the opening frame. Thus, when it rains, this part collects water, the present invention aiming in particular to evacuate this water out of the lower cross member 100.

As shown on figure 1 , in no way limiting, said section extends longitudinally in the Y direction, and forms the main structure of the lower cross member 100 with which various additional elements cooperate in a fixed or else reversible manner. For example, said profile cooperates with a liquid collection 90 mounted reversibly on the inside of the window. This collection of liquid 90 is intended in particular to contain a liquid present in abundance and which cannot be evacuated quickly enough from the outside of the window. In this exemplary embodiment, the profile of the lower cross member 100 is produced by assembling two lateral auxiliary profiles, a right auxiliary profile 101 and a left auxiliary profile 102 in aluminum, with bars 103 in polyamide adapted to limit energy exchanges by thermal bridging. However, nothing excludes the use of other materials (PVC, etc.), known to those skilled in the art, for said lateral auxiliary profiles 101, 102.

Furthermore, the lower cross member 100 comprises an electric pumping system configured to evacuate a liquid accumulated on said drainage rebate 110 from the fixed frame. By “configured to evacuate a liquid accumulated on the drainage rabbet”, we refer here to the fact that the electric pumping system directly discharges the water accumulated on the drainage rabbet 110. In other words, the evacuation takes place without that the water does not pass through other conduits of the lower cross member 100, for example to accumulate water in a closed cavity internal to said lower cross member 100, that is to say a cavity positioned below the rebate of drainage 110), before its evacuation.

In a particular embodiment, the drainage rabbet 110 comprises a base 111 connecting two lateral wings, a right lateral wing 112 and a left lateral wing 113. For example, as illustrated in the figure. figure 1 , said base 111 is substantially contained in a plane parallel to the XY plane, and is formed by a bar 103 extending, in the X direction, two respective right 104 and left 105 cells of said right 101 and left 102 lateral auxiliary sections, so that said base 111 has a substantially planar surface. The left lateral wing 113 (respectively right 112) forms a lateral face of the left auxiliary section 102 (respectively right 101), and extends substantially normally to the base 110 in the Z direction. Said two lateral wings 112, 113 are positioned opposite one another and are shaped so that the drainage rebate 110 has a surface taking, in section, substantially the shape of an inverted T. Thus, the drainage rebate 110 is capable of storing a liquid according to its height which is here defined as the respective dimensions, along the Z axis, of said lateral wings 112, 113 (these dimensions are identical in this exemplary embodiment).

Said drainage rebate 110 conventionally forms a rail in wherein the sliding sash frame of the window is moved when opening / closing said window. As shown on figure 1 in no way limiting, each side wing 112, 113 of the drainage rebate 110 has a fixing end 114, 115 in the upper part, this fixing end having, in section, a substantially U-shaped intended to cooperate with means of sliding of the sliding leaf frame, such as for example running rollers. This point is not detailed here further, since it goes beyond the general scope of the invention and is also known.

The pumping system, for its part, comprises a liquid pump 200, electric and submersible, resting on said base 111.

It will be understood that the installation of such a liquid pump 200 resides in the latter's capacity to discharge from the sleeping frame the liquid accumulated in the drainage rebate 110 on the interior side of the sliding window. Therefore, said liquid pump 200 is arranged so as to be in contact with said liquid accumulated on the interior side of the sliding window. Thus, in the example of figure 1 , the sliding leaf frame cooperates in translation with the fixing end 114 of the right side wing 112.

In a particular embodiment, illustrated by figure 1 in no way limiting, said liquid pump 200 is arranged to bear on the base 111 of the drainage rebate 110, for example between said two lateral wings 112, 113 and at one end of the lower cross member 100. For example, the pump 200 is arranged near an upright of the window frame frame, more particularly an upright towards which the sliding sash frame moves when the window is open. Such a configuration makes it possible to limit the risks of damaging the pump 200 when the window is closed.

However, nothing excludes having a different arrangement of the liquid pump. For example, the liquid pump is arranged in the drainage rebate 110 at a junction node of the sliding window. The term “junction node” refers here to the area of the lower cross member 100 positioned to the right of the uprights of the opening frames which do not cooperate. not with the upright frames when the sliding window is closed.

In known manner, the lower cross member 100 typically includes thermal protection shields, for example made of PVC. In the example of figure 1 , the lower cross member 100 comprises a lower shield 70 bearing above the base 111 of the drainage rebate 110, and configured to be in contact with the side wings 112, 113. The cross member 100 also comprises an upper shield 80 bearing above the lower shield 70. Typically, these shields 70, 80 extend over the entire length of the lower cross member 100. It is nevertheless understood that in the case of the present invention, the presence of the electric pumping system requires to shorten said abacuses 70, 80 in length in order to free up sufficient space, in particular for mounting the liquid pump 200.

It is noted that the liquid pump 200 implemented in the present invention is known per se. More particularly, such a liquid pump 200 is adapted to operate in the open air, without undergoing damage, and is also adapted to be automatically rebooted. Those skilled in the art will know how to choose, in particular from the catalog of products offered by specialized manufacturers, a liquid pump 200 suited to the needs of the invention.

The liquid pump 200 comprises an expiration channel 210 of liquid communicating with means for discharging liquid from said lower cross member 100.

In a particular embodiment, said liquid discharge means comprise an discharge cavity 116 formed by a junction zone between said base 111 and one of said two lateral wings 112, 113. For example, and as illustrated by the figure 1 in no way limiting, said junction zone is arranged on the right side of the lower cross member 100, that is to say at the level of the connection between the base 111 and the right side wing 112. Thus said cavity of outlet 116 corresponds to one end of the head of the inverted T formed by the drainage rebate 110, and has an interior surface comprising a through opening 117. By “through” is meant here that said opening 117 passes entirely through the thickness of the profile right auxiliary 101 at the junction area. It is for example one or more through holes. In this way, the liquid pump 200 sucks the fluid accumulated on the drainage rabbet 110, and discharges it through the expiration channel 116 towards said through opening 117.

Such a configuration thus makes it possible to reject the liquid accumulated outside the fixed frame, and greatly contributes to improving the tightness of the lower cross member 100, and therefore ultimately that of the sliding window in general. A sealing performance that is substantially equal to, or even greater than, 900 Pa is thus advantageously obtained.

It should be noted that in the event that the pump 200 does not operate, for example due to a breakdown, the discharge means make it possible to discharge a liquid accumulated in the drainage rebate 110 as has been known until now. now. However, it clearly appears that in this hypothesis, the sealing performance is lower than that obtained in the case of a functional pump 200, the latter constituting an additional aid in the evacuation of the liquid.

The pumping system also includes a detection module configured to detect a height of liquid between said two side wings 112, 113, so that the liquid pump 200 is activated / deactivated when said height of liquid is greater / less than a value. predetermined.

For example, said detection module (not shown in the figures) comprises an electronic detection card on which a circuit is printed as well as electronic components arranged. The detection module also comprises sensitive elements, such as for example sensors, configured to measure the height of liquid in the drainage rabbet 112, 113. These aspects are known to those skilled in the art, so that they are not not more detailed above.

Note also that nothing excludes having a pumping system without a detection module, so that the electric pump can be activated / deactivated manually by an operator.

In a more particular embodiment, the liquid pump 200 and the detection module are supplied by an electric generator integrated into sliding window, or installed at a distance from the sliding window. For example, said electric generator is one or more photovoltaic panels, or even one or more Peltier modules. Optionally, the pumping system also comprises means for storing electrical energy, such as for example batteries, suitable for storing the electrical energy produced by the electrical generator. However, according to other examples not detailed here, nothing excludes having other types of electric generators. There is also nothing to exclude that the liquid pump and the detection module are supplied by connection to the electrical network (in which case it is advisable to run electrical cables in the frame of the fixed frame, for example in an upright).

The figure 2 schematically shows a particular embodiment of the lower cross member 100 of the figure 1 , wherein the discharge means comprise a deflector 120, and corresponds to a three-quarter sectional view of said lower cross member 100 in cross section.

• ledit clapet ferme ladite ouverture débouchante 117 sous une pression d'air externe supérieure à une valeur prédéterminée,
• lorsque l'ouverture débouchante 117 est fermée par ledit clapet, ledit clapet libère ladite ouverture débouchante 117 sous une pression de liquide supérieure à la pression d'air externe.

As illustrated in the figure 2 , the deflector 120 extends longitudinally, along the Y axis, between a first end 121 and a second end 122, and comprises a valve (not shown in FIG. figure 2 ). Said deflector 120 is positioned in abutment against at least a part of the interior surface of said discharge cavity 116 so that:

• said valve closes said through opening 117 under an external air pressure greater than a predetermined value,
• when the through opening 117 is closed by said valve, said valve releases said through opening 117 under a liquid pressure greater than the external air pressure.

The deflector 120 is a substantially hollow profile, and comprises at least one through hole 123 positioned substantially opposite the expiration channel 210 of the liquid pump 200 so that the liquid discharged by the pump 200 can circulate from the expiration channel 210 towards the through opening 117 passing through said through hole 123 of the deflector 120. The length, along the Y axis, of the deflector 120 is at least equal to that of the through opening 117 of the discharge cavity 116 of so that the valve is able to completely obstruct said through opening 117 in the event of excessive outside air pressure.

The deflector 120 has the particular function of regulating the circulation of air between the external environment 20 and the internal environment 10, at the level of the lower cross member 100. Thus, when the external air pressure is too high, for example in strong winds, the valve closes. It is nevertheless important that once in the closed position, said valve can nevertheless reopen when liquid accumulates in the drainage rebate 110, and therefore consecutively at the level of the deflector 120, so that this liquid can be drained out of the fixed frame. . It will then be understood that in the event of high external air pressure, opening of the valve is only possible if the latter is subjected to a sufficient liquid pressure to counter the force exerted by the air on the valve on the external side. .

To this end, the figures 3a and 3b schematically show a preferred embodiment of the lower cross member 100 of the figure 2 , wherein the pumping system is configured to increase the liquid pressure on the valve. The figures 3a and 3b correspond to a three quarter sectional view of said lower cross member 100 in cross section. In the figure 3b , the right side wing 112 positioned on the side of the discharge cavity 116 is masked so as to clearly show the pumping system according to this view.

The electric pumping system comprises a protective case 300 extending transversely between said two lateral wings 112, 113 and delimiting an internal volume in which said liquid pump 200 as well as said detection module are arranged. According to the example of figures 3a and 3b , said protective case 300 is of substantially parallelepipedal shape and of width along the X axis substantially equal to the distance separating the fixing ends 114, 115 from the side wings 112, 113. In this way, the protective case 300 is embedded and kept stable in the drainage rebate 110 by resting on the base 111. However, according to other examples not detailed here, nothing excludes having a protective box 300 of other than parallelepiped shape, such as for example cubic, cylindrical, etc.

Said protection box 300 comprises at least one liquid access opening 301. Such a liquid access opening 301 is arranged on one of the faces of the protection box 300 so as to allow the liquid accumulated in the drainage rabbet 110. to flow into the internal volume of the protection box 300, that is to say to the liquid pump 200. For example, the protection box 300 has a first liquid access opening (not shown on the figures) facing the thermal protection shields 70, 80 as well as a second liquid access opening 301 opposite said first liquid access opening.

When the liquid pump 200 and the detection module are supplied by connection to the electrical network, the protection box 300 then comprises a connection opening (not shown in the figures), for example facing the left side wing 113, through which are intended to be routed electrical cables allowing said connection to the electrical network.

As shown figure 3b , the protective box 300 further comprises a lateral face 302 comprising an evacuation funnel 310. Said lateral face 302 is contained in a plane substantially parallel to the YZ plane, and is arranged opposite the right lateral wing 112. Said said lateral face discharge funnel 310 is of narrowed shape in the direction of said internal volume and positioned opposite the deflector 120, and comprises a discharge orifice 311, for example centered with respect to the length of the deflector 120, through which the said channel emerges. 'expiration of liquid 210 towards the deflector 120. For example, said funnel 310 is an insert integrated level with said side face 302, or else configured to form a single unit with said side face 302. In other words, said funnel d the discharge 310 comprises a flared portion flush with the side face 302 of the protective box 300. Such a configuration of the discharge funnel 310 allows in particular the liquid evacuated by the expiration channel 210 of the pump 200 to be better distributed by dispersion in the direction of the deflector 120. It should be noted that the evacuation funnel 310 is implemented here to operate in the opposite manner to that of a traditional funnel in which, conventionally, a liquid flows from the most flared part towards the most constricted part. In the present case, the liquid accumulated in the drainage rabbet 110 therefore circulates from the narrowed part towards the flared part.

According to the example of figures 3a and 3b , the pumping system also comprises two sealing plugs 321, 322 matching the interior surface of the discharge cavity 116 and respectively arranged in abutment with the first and second ends 121, 122 of the deflector 120. Thus, said sealing plugs 321, 322 are arranged on either side of the deflector 120 in the direction of its length, that is to say along the Y axis, and are both of width along the X axis substantially identical to the width of the deflector 120. They also each have a height, along the Z axis, substantially equal to the height of the funnel 310 as well as substantially equal to half the height of the protection box 300. Furthermore, the height d 'a plug 321, 322 is substantially greater than the height of the deflector 120. Such a configuration of said sealing plugs 321, 322 advantageously allows no liquid to escape from the ends 121, 122 of the deflector 120 during an evacuation. of fluid outside the frame sleeping. Said sealing plugs 321, 322 are for example made of rubber, preferably of elastomer of EPDM type or of thermoplastic elastomer of TPE type, or even also of cellular rubber.

In addition, the electric pumping system comprises a seal 330, for example of O-ring shape, of material known per se, embedded, for example by clipping, in the side face 302 of the protective box 300, around the discharge funnel 310 and in contact with said sealing plugs 321, 322. As illustrated figure 3b (in fine figure 3a ), in no way limiting, said seal 330 is contained in a plane substantially parallel to the YZ plane, and takes the form of an inverted U comprising two tabs connected by a connecting part. The two tabs of said inverted U are respectively in contact with said sealing plugs 321, 322. Said connecting portion, in turn, is in contact with the fixing end 114 of the right side wing 112. Nothing is n '. however excludes, according to other examples not detailed here, having a seal of a shape other than an O-ring, for example parallelepiped.

The assembly formed by the discharge funnel 310, the sealing plugs 321, 322, the O-ring 330 and the right side wing 112 is particularly advantageous, due to its configuration and its arrangement, since where it makes it possible to create a sealed confinement space at the level of the deflector 120, in the example of figures 3a and 3b above the deflector 120. Thus, the expiration channel 210 of the pump 200 evacuates the liquid present in the drainage rabbet 110 towards the deflector 120, this liquid accumulating in said confinement space when the valve of the deflector 120 is closed. The fact that the liquid accumulates in said confinement space makes it possible to increase the pressure of said liquid on the valve, and therefore consequently to force it to open more quickly than in a standard configuration. Thus, even when the pressure of the outside air on the valve is very high, the pressure of the liquid very quickly reaches a value sufficient to counter the effect of the air pressure. As a result, the risks of liquid accumulating in the collection 90 located on the inside of the window are very greatly reduced.

The inventors have also measured that to achieve comparable sealing performance (greater than or equal to 900 Pa), without implementing the pumping system according to the invention, requires considerably increasing the height, along the Z axis. , side wings 112, 113 of the drainage rebate 110, which greatly reduces the accessibility between the exterior 20 and interior 10 environments, in particular for people with reduced mobility. For example, such an increase in the height of the side wings, in the case where the pumping system is not implemented, is included in the range [5cm, 10cm], typically 6cm. Thus, the present invention advantageously makes it possible to have both excellent sealing performance and accessibility.

It is also known that the airtightness of a sliding door is never perfect. This implies that an air flow is always able to circulate between the external environment 20 and the internal environment 10, in particular in the lower part of the sliding door frame, so that if the liquid collection is too full, said air flow circulates under said liquid and thus forms bubbles. When these bubbles explode, they then project liquid to the indoor environment 10, which is not acceptable. Therefore, it is understood that by very strongly limiting the risks of liquid accumulation in the collection 90, the present invention advantageously also makes it possible to very strongly reduce the risks of the appearance of bubbles, and therefore ultimately of liquid projections towards indoor environment 10.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pumping system is reversible. In this way, the various elements which compose it, in particular the liquid pump 200, the detection module and the sealing plugs 321, 322, are easily replaced when their wear and / or their operation so requires. When the pumping system comprises a protection box 300, the liquid pump 200 and the detection module are preferably secured to said protection box 300. Thus, in the case where the protection box 300 is mounted reversibly, it is possible to put it on and take it off easily, without requiring complicated and time-consuming handling. It is also understood that the fact that the pumping system is reversibly mounted allows it to be very easily adaptable to any type of cross member, which it is therefore not necessary to modify. Ultimately, the pumping system is easily configurable to be adapted to any traditional carpentry architecture.

Thus, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the pumping system according to the present invention is adaptable to lower cross members forming the fixed frames of other types of windows, such as for example knockout windows, lifting sliding windows. , translational sliding windows, etc. Or even pocket windows, in which case the accumulated liquid is evacuated to the outside environment, beyond a wall into which said windows are inserted. It is thus understood that the pumping system is advantageously versatile.

It should also be noted the installation of the protection box 300 comprising the pump 200 and the detection module is independent of the relative positions of the sliding and fixed opening frames. For example, from an observation point positioned in the exterior environment 20 (or interior 10), the sliding leaf frame is positioned to the right (or else left) of the fixed sash frame. However, such configurations have no impact on the ease of arrangement of the protection box 300 in the lower cross member 100.

Another advantage of the pumping system according to the invention is that it does not increase the maneuvering forces during the opening / closing of the sliding window. Indeed, the latter is installed in the drainage rebate 110 so that it does not generate any friction force between the sliding leaf frame and the fixed frame during the sliding movement of the window.

The figure 4 schematically shows a particular embodiment of the lower cross member 100 of the figures 3a and 3b , in which the lower cross member 100 comprises means of extension, in a direction substantially normal to the base 111 and over a predetermined distance, of said side wings 112, 113. The figure 4 corresponds to a side view, along the Y axis, of a cross section of the lower cross member 100.

Said extension means are configured to raise the opening frame relative to said lower cross member 100. Such a configuration is advantageous when it is desired to arrange a liquid pump 200 which has dimensions, along the Z axis, such as protective case 300 has an upper face 303 positioned substantially above the level of the fixing ends 114, 115 of the side wings 112, 113. It is noted that the dimensions of the liquid pump 200 are for example dependent on its electrical power.

• une extrémité d'insertion 411, 421 configurée pour s'encastrer dans une extrémité de fixation 114, 115 d'une aile latérale 112, 113,
• une extrémité de coulissement 412, 422 présentant, en section, une forme sensiblement en U coopérant avec des moyens de coulissement du châssis d'ouvrant coulissant, comme par exemple des galets de roulement (non représentés sur les figures).

In an exemplary embodiment, illustrated by figure 4 in no way limiting, said extension means comprise two extension profiles, a right extension profile 410 and a left extension profile 420. Each right extension profile 410, 420 extends, along the Z axis, between:

• an insertion end 411, 421 configured to fit into an attachment end 114, 115 of a side wing 112, 113,
• a sliding end 412, 422 having, in section, a substantially U-shape cooperating with sliding of the sliding door frame, such as for example running rollers (not shown in the figures).

For example, the two extension profiles 410, 420 are of identical shapes and are respectively inserted in a reversible manner into the ends of the fasteners 114, 115 of the side wings. The insertion ends 411, 421 of said two extension profiles 410, 420 are furthermore shaped identically to the fixing ends 114, 115 of said side wings 112, 113. It is understood that the implementation of two extension profiles 410 , 420 according to the present embodiment corresponds to a configuration in which the window comprises two frames of sliding doors. However, according to other examples not detailed here, nothing excludes having extension profiles 410, 420 having different shapes, for example in the case where the window has a single sliding leaf frame.

There is also nothing to exclude that each extension section forms a single unit with the side wing with which it is associated.

In a particular embodiment, an extension profile 410, 420 extends, between its insertion end 411, 421 and its sliding end 412, 422, over a height included in the interval [10mm, 20mm], preferably 14mm. Such a configuration, coupled with the implementation of the pumping system, makes it possible to achieve a sealing performance of at least 900 Pa. It should be noted that the problem of accessibility between the exterior 20 and interior 10 environments separated by the sliding window, and as mentioned above, does not preclude the implementation of said extension profiles 410, 420. Indeed, on the one hand, the latter are very small, and d On the other hand, the person skilled in the art knows how to at least partially embed the lower cross member 100 of the fixed frame in the ground.

In general, the various elements of the pumping system, as well as the extension profiles where applicable, are capable of forming a sealing kit, which can be delivered in spare parts. Said sealing kit is for example supplied to order to be integrated into a traditional joinery already installed.

The above description clearly illustrates that by virtue of its various characteristics and their advantages, the present invention achieves the objectives which it had set for itself. In particular, a window equipped with a fixed frame comprising a lower cross member 100 according to the invention has excellent sealing performance, while remaining of a simple design and easily adaptable to the geometry of the joinery to be fitted.

However, nothing excludes having a sliding window with a plurality of sliding openings and / or with a lower cross member 100 comprising a plurality of drainage rabbets. In addition, nothing excludes having a lower cross member 100 comprising a plurality of pumping systems.

Furthermore, the invention has been described by considering a frame for glazing a window. Nothing excludes having a frame, according to substantially similar characteristics, implemented for any type of aluminum construction in the building sector, such as for example a curtain wall.

Claims (10)

1. Lower cross-member (100) for the construction of a stationary frame of a sliding window or patio door, said lower cross-member (100) including a profile having a drainage rebate (110) which may accumulate a liquid and intended to cooperate with at least one sliding opening sash of said sliding window or patio door,
   said lower cross-member (100) being characterised in that it includes an electric pumping system configured to remove a liquid accumulated on said drainage rebate (110) from the stationary frame.
2. Lower cross-member (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said drainage rebate (110) includes a base (111) connecting two side wings (112, 113), said pumping system including:

   - a liquid pump (200), electric and submersible, supported by said base (111), and comprising a liquid drawing channel (210) communicating with liquid removal means of said lower cross-member (100),

   - a detection module configured to detect a liquid height between said two side wings (112, 113), such that the liquid pump (200) is activated/deactivated when said liquid height is greater/less than a predetermined value.
3. Lower cross-member (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that the liquid pump (200) and the detection module are powered by an electric generator intended to be integrated to the sliding window and/or patio door, or to be installed at a distance from the sliding window or patio door.
4. Lower cross-member (100) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterised in that said liquid removal means include a removal cavity (116) formed by a junction zone between said base (111) and one of said two side wings (112, 113), said removal cavity (116) having an inner surface having a through-opening (117), and the liquid pump (200) removing the fluid accumulated by way of the drawing channel (210) in the direction of said through-opening (117).
5. Lower cross-member (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that said liquid removal means include a deflector (120) extending longitudinally between a first end (121) and a second end (122), and comprising a valve, said deflector (120) being positioned supported against at least one portion of the inner surface of said removal cavity (116) such that:

   - said valve closes said through-opening (117) under an outer air pressure greater than a predetermined value,

   - when the through-opening (117) is closed by said valve, said valve releases said through-opening (117) under a liquid pressure greater than the outer air pressure.
6. Lower cross-member (100) according to claim 5, characterised in that the electric pumping system includes a protective casing (300) extending transversally between said two side wings (112, 113) and delimiting an inner volume wherein are arranged said liquid pump (200) and said detection module, said protective casing (300) comprising at least one liquid access opening (301), and a side face (302) including a removal funnel (310):

   - of narrowed shape in the direction of said inner volume and positioned facing the deflector (120),

   - comprising a removal orifice (311) through which said liquid drawing channel (210) opens out towards the deflector (120),

   the pumping system further including two sealing stoppers (321, 322) conforming to the inner surface of the removal cavity (116) and arranged respectively supporting first and second ends (121, 122) of the deflector (120), and a seal (330) housed in the side face (302) of the protective casing (300), around the removal funnel (310) and in contact with said sealing stoppers (321, 322).
7. Lower cross-member (100) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that it includes extension means, along a direction substantially normal to the base (111) and according to a predetermined distance, to said side wings (112, 113), said extension means being intended to elevate the sliding opening sash with respect to said lower cross-member (100).
8. Lower cross-member (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that each side wing (112, 113) includes a fixing end (114, 115) having, in the cross-section, a shape which is substantially U-shaped, said extension means including two extension profiles (410, 420), each extension profile (410, 420) extending between:

   - an insertion end (411, 421) configured to be housed in the fixing end (114, 115) of a side wing (112, 113),

   - a sliding end (412, 422) having, in the cross-section, a shape which is substantially U-shaped intended to cooperate with the sliding means of the sliding opening sash, like for example, rollers.
9. Lower cross-member (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the pumping system is reversibly mounted.
10. Sliding window or patio door including at least one sliding opening sash and a stationary frame, said sliding window or patio door being characterised in that said stationary frame includes a lower cross-member (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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