The technologies that are offered to consumers today have taught people to be picky and a little lazy. Take, for example, a TV: its existence is no longer conceivable without a remote control. What about windows? Modern PVC structures are very convenient, but perhaps they can also be set in motion with one press of a button, without leaving the sofa?
It really is possible. Today, automatic window opening is not so rarely used. This additional function has not become widespread only because it appeared relatively recently. Currently, ordering the installation of such a mechanism on your windows is not at all difficult.
Peculiarities
Automatic devices consist of an electric window drive itself, powered by electricity, and a system that controls them.
Depending on the installation method, modifications are fixed to slopes and frames. Mounting on walls, roofs and windowsills is possible.
The technology is as follows. When voltage is applied to the motor, the drive pushes the valve with a rod using a transmission mechanism. The reverse actions occur in the same order, after switching - the transom is retracted back, drawn by the movable rod.
The actions of the electrical structure are different in retracting and pushing out the moving element. It is based on converting engine torque into direct movement of the bar. The differences lie in the power and dimensions of the equipment.
There are 4 types of automatic window opening devices.
The parameters needed are determined by the size and weight of the sash: the heavier the moving part, the more powerful the equipment.
Chain
Model of an electric chain drive for a window, in which the rotational force of the motor is converted into pulling or pushing energy. The actions take place using a drum with a chain wound on it. When opening, the main part of the mechanism straightens and gains rigidity, performing the work of the rod.
Spindle
The technology for swinging the sash is based on the principle of screw jacks. The rod, with a large thread cut on it, is screwed in and released in reverse mode when the engine rotates.
Rack and pinion
For heavy and large structures, rack and pinion drives for windows are used. The role of the rod in the model is performed by a gear rack, to which a small gear transmits the pushing force and reverse actions.
Lever, or scissors
The second name is transom. Used for frames with vertical opening sashes.
Rack and pinion drives
Such drives are used primarily in windows installed in large industrial facilities - massive and located quite high. Rack and pinion drives have a fairly low opening speed (approx. 8 mm/sec), but high force power (up to 650 N) and protection class (IP55), which allows them to be used in a wide variety of climatic conditions. There is a possibility of parallel connection with the output of the working mechanism in the range from 170 to 750 mm, operation from direct (24V) or alternating (230V) current.
Design features determine the use of rack and pinion drives to control top-hung, strip, domed, multi-layer and overhead lighting windows, as well as top sashes. Their main characteristics are reliability, stability and variety of configurations. The optimal solution for smoke and heat removal.
A special line of drives is also produced, which are designed for smoke removal systems, with an anti-reverse system (ASR), which rigidly locks the mechanism in the open position.
General pros and cons
The main advantage of using these elements is convenience. To activate one or another electric window, one button press of the remote control is required. New generation devices distribute the impact of loads on the fittings and allow extended service life.
Automatic devices are complemented by sensors that respond to changing weather conditions. In cases when a sudden gust of rain begins, a strong gusty wind rises, the mechanism closes the doors without the knowledge of the owner. An excellent option for installing roof windows, with electric drive
Electric drives can be connected to a common security system. When smoke appears, window units with transoms can open automatically.
pros
- The mechanisms work efficiently - with smoothness and precision, which increases the duration of use of fittings and locking devices.
- If there is a power outage, it is possible to switch the product to manual mode. Opening and closing transoms are done manually.
- Equipment operating on 24 V voltage prevents the possibility of electric shock to a person. Possibility of use in places with high humidity (swimming pools, greenhouses). Fixed on an aluminum profile.
- Large frames are equipped with window drives that can be grouped together for automatic use. In this case, they are located at the edges of the valves.
Window blocks placed in the roof are tilted and difficult to open without the use of technology.
Minuses
- Elements of the device stand out and do not correspond to the overall design of the room.
- In case of an emergency or power failure, opening the doors for ventilation is done manually.
- In such situations, the drive is disconnected from the opening frame.
- The cost of the equipment is high and the use of batteries to turn on emergency power.
The equipment is capable of regulating lighting and microclimatic conditions of the room. Pairs with the fire alarm system.
Installing automated window opening is worth the cost and expectations. There are many things you can do to spend your energy while enjoying the use of electric drives.
Source
Automation for windows: components and operating principle
Modern windows, in addition to their main functional load, today are also an architectural element that allows you to transform typical rooms. However, the original design and large dimensions of panoramic and portal systems, as well as elements of facade and attic glazing, often complicate operation. In addition, the modern rhythm of life implies an increasing spread of home automation to increase the level of comfort and save time. To maintain an optimal microclimate and ease of control of window sashes in hard-to-reach areas, window automation is used, both as an autonomous system and as an element of a “smart home”. Together with a TBM company specialist, we will consider the main elements of window automation systems and the specifics of their application.
Content
Price
The price of the equipment depends on the functionality of the model. The same type of drive installed in devices of varying power and complexity can cost differently. Having studied the proposals of modern manufacturers, the approximate cost of rod drives varies from 9 to 27 thousand rubles, rack and pinion drives - 6-18 thousand rubles, lever drives - up to 60 thousand rubles, chain drives - 6-14 thousand rubles. Among other things, it is worth considering the cost of installation work, as well as additional components required in some cases.
How to organize control of sashes in hard-to-reach places
Not all apartments and houses have forced ventilation systems with air recovery; in most cases, air exchange is carried out through ventilation valves in window units and ventilation. But in a situation with windows located in hard-to-reach places: in the attic roof, on the ceiling in a greenhouse or winter garden, under the ceiling in a swimming pool, it is difficult to approach and open the sash. One solution is to manually control the window using a special accessory that can be purchased from the window manufacturer. The telescopic rod comes complete with an adapter that is fixed directly to the sash. But even a telescopic handle is not always a “panacea”, and the weather can turn bad unexpectedly when there is simply no one to close the sash. And the cost of accessories will add significantly to the window budget, but will not eliminate the need for personal control.
Roto E-tec drive – smart window from the market leader
One of the options for smart windows is presented in the Roto Frank line. The Roto E-Tec Drive automatic ventilation system is equipped with rain and wind sensors - the window will automatically close if it starts to rain or the wind speed exceeds the permissible limit. In the built-in timer, you can set the intervals at which the shutter will open and close, maintaining fresh air in the house without the risk of freezing it during the cold season.
Photo: smart window with automatic opening Roto E-Tec Drive*Roto E-Tec Drive in combination with the E-Tec MTS system will turn off the heating during ventilation, thereby saving energy for heating. The E-Tec MTS automatic locking feature will protect your windows from burglary attempts. The system is completely integrated into the profile and is completely invisible from the outside of the window.
| Buy smart windows with Roto E-tec drive* |
Smart windows will become an incentive to replace windows again. The benefits they provide to people are many times greater than those of conventional window designs. No need to worry about home safety and health anymore. Windows do the thinking for you.
*The article contains contextual and visual advertising
Electric drives for automatic window opening
The basic element, the “heart” of window automation is an electric drive - a device mounted on a window block, slope or supporting frame, which ensures the opening and closing of the sash. The operating principle of the electric drive is to push the sash out with a moving element when opening and pull it back when closing. Drives vary in power, size and design and are divided into several types:
Chain electric window drives are compact and economical devices with a working stroke from 90 to 500 mm. When the mechanism opens, the chain wound on the drum straightens, becomes rigid and acts as a rod that pushes the sash out. The sash is closed by winding a chain onto a drum. Electric chain drives are compatible with most window designs and are characterized by high operating speed. A limitation may be the large dimensions and weight of the sash.
Rod window electric drives - the operating principle of the rod is similar to a screw jack; a rod with a large thread as the motor rotates is unscrewed (opening the sash) and screwed in (closing the sash). The spindle device differs from the chain device in its large opening range - from 180 to 600 mm, and a large pushing force, which allows you to control large, massive sashes. The disadvantages of the design include large dimensions, especially for models with a long rod.
Spindle drives
The spindle drive is ideal for confined spaces, allowing the window to be opened at high speed (40 mm/sec) and force sufficient for medium weights (up to 450 N). For this purpose, such drives are equipped with side guide rails to move the motor mounting point in relation to the window frame. Designed for alternating current voltage of 230V and have protection class IP55.
The technical characteristics will allow the spindle drive to ideally control vertical sashes, strip, top-hung and multi-layer windows, withstanding high loads. In addition, windows with such a drive are compact and have an attractive design, which is especially important in conditions of limited living space.
Ease of installation and fixation in the closed position is also ensured by guide rails in the motor housing. The optimal combination of high speed, clamping force and quietness – to meet the highest demands.
Smooth operation and control
Like any other volatile equipment, electric drives require backup power in case of interruptions, but even without it the system will not “stand up”.
To control automation during a power outage, backup power should be provided that can support all equipment or only window automation in particular. If backup power is not provided, then a simple chain/bracket mounting system on the drive will allow you to open or close the window manually. And to integrate window automation into a smart home system, you should contact specialists who will connect the drives, and you can enjoy a comfortable environment.
The electric drive can be controlled in three ways:
- through the smart home system interface or remotely through the appropriate application on a smartphone (computer, tablet);
- from a remote control (in tandem with the control unit);
- from the switch.
The most accessible, but not the most convenient option is control from a switch, by switching the button to the desired position. The presence of a unit and a remote control, as well as integration into the overall home control system, allows you to fully automate the operation of windows to maintain an optimal microclimate in any type of room. And a sharp deterioration in weather conditions, as usual, unexpected even for weather forecasters, will not be a reason to rush to close the shutter.
Electric scissor-type transom drives
These systems combine all the advantages of scissor-type transom devices and a mechanical drive. They have the highest force power (up to 1400N), are used for direct and alternating current and are exceptionally easy to use. An important advantage of the electromechanical scissor drive is the possibility of additional equipment with a special transformer for locking the fittings from the inside along the entire perimeter of the profile.
Options with one and two scissors are available.
