Embodiment of versatility up to a sash weight of 400 kg
As a sliding system for small windows and extra-large sliding doors, Roto Patio Inowa opens up a whole universe full of possible applications for many building types around the world – from tiny houses and detached homes, through to multistorey residential, commercial and industrial buildings, and even high-rise buildings that reach up into the clouds.
Roto Patio Inowa is positioned as a separate product segment between Lift&Slide and Parallel Sliding systems. Its most striking operating feature is that the sliding sash is not lifted during opening, no matter the weight class. Turn the lever handle, open the sash – and you’re done! Inowa therefore creates an effortless sliding transition between the interior and exterior. To let as much light into rooms as possible, the concealed hardware technology also enables particularly slimline frame profiles to be produced.
From little to large
With its two versions – Patio Inowa | 200 and Patio Inowa | 400 – the “smart one” in the Patio range makes a variety of formats and sash weights possible: from a sliding window behind a kitchen unit and a sliding door in a hotel room, through to huge sliding elements in premium residential buildings and high-rise residential buildings. Up to 3 metres wide and 3.6 metres tall. 3:1 formats can also be produced.
No matter the format, users of an Inowa sliding system always enjoy the same comfort and design features. Concealed technology, elegant components and subtle cover caps meet the aesthetic requirements of any architectural style.
Extra performance – not only at height
The sliding system can be installed such that it runs inward or outward. This means that Inowa can be used on higher floors without any issues. If the sliding sash runs outward, it will also be pressed against the circumferential gasket due to the wind load, naturally enhancing the already remarkable sealing closure of the element.
Gentle giants
Three different Soft functions are available, which offer maximum convenience when operating any Inowa sliding element. They also protect the sliding elements and minimize potential injury risks. The SoftClose and SoftOpen functions, which can be combined, brake the sash just before its final position and then gently pull it into the locking position or its open final position. The SoftStop function is perfect for very large and heavy elements with a sash weight of more than 200 kg. This function helps ensure damped sliding of the sash and also brakes it, but does not automatically pull it shut or close it. SoftStop also assists users by reducing the force required to close the sash. This allows users to guide and close even a heavy sash with control.
Easy to handle
The innovative closing movement perpendicular to the frame profile does away with the need to lift the sliding sash. The elements are extremely easy to slide because their entire structure is mounted on rollers – while the combination of premium materials prevents annoying scraping noises. The smooth-running rollers also enable practically effortless and frictionless opening, sliding and closing, no matter the sash weight. Ease of handling is improved thanks to the simple handle operation. All equipment variants work reliably and with no issues in a temperature range of between +80 °C and -20 °C. The flexibility when choosing the frame material allows plenty of freedom for external facades and for interior design.
Ultimate efficiency
Roto Patio Inowa is very easy to integrate into the production process. This is because the number of screws required in all Inowa assemblies has been minimised. This means that the control unit, centre closer and roller unit are very fast to install. What’s more, sophisticated aids such as drilling jigs are available and the centre fixing is released simply by screwing the components into the element. This saves a lot of time.
The height adjustment integrated into the roller unit of Roto Patio Inowa | 400 is an especially practical feature, as it makes the adjustment that is required for large formats easy to perform. The storage and logistics expenditure is noticeably reduced thanks to the use of compatible“Roto NX” and “Roto AL” Tilt&Turn hardware. A tilt protection device increases the aspect ratio to 3:1.
Roto Patio Inowa: One system. Two versions.
The product segment is split into the versions Patio Inowa | 200 and Patio Inowa | 400. They both share the same functional principle, whereby the sliding sash is retracted perpendicular to the frame profile when closing. Both versions feature Soft functions. Thanks to the construction of both versions on roller bearings, there is no need to lift the sash.
The difference …
is in the various element sizes and sash weights. Patio Inowa | 200 is used for sash formats up to dimensions of 2000 x 2500 mm and a sash weight of up to 200 kg, Patio Inowa | 400 up to dimensions of 3000 x 3600 mm and a sash weight of up to 400 kg. This results in the differing concept of the roller units – which is, however, always a construction on roller bearings – as well as modified control units and centre closers.
The key operational characteristics shared by …
both versions of the sliding system and thus all format sizes are the special closing movement of the sash perpendicular to the frame profile, the circumferential gasket and the active locking points in the mullion controlled via lever handle.
Always tightly sealed
The circumferential lockings ensure an even, high gasket compression. The sealing ensured by the sliding elements can be flexibly reinforced even further via individually extendable locking points, especially in high-rise buildings. The hardware technology meets the requirements of air permeability class 4 (DIN EN 1026 / 12207) and driving rain impermeability class 9A (DIN EN 1027 / 12208).
The proven sealing closure also provides optimum insulation, which in turn reduces heating or cooling costs, depending on the time of year. A further advantage is the noise and sound insulation, which is particularly important for buildings located close to roads or airports.
Reliable burglar inhibition
Even in the basic security configuration, the circumferential hardware with active locking points including the mullion is standard. What’s more, each element can be equipped to offer reliable burglar inhibition in accordance with resistance class RC 2.
The scope of delivery for RC 2 includes: V locking cams, anti-pushback function in the mullion and lockable handle with drilling protection. The opening and locking status can also be monitored by wired MVS contact elements.
Three application diagrams
The system boasts maximum flexibility – no matter the format − including when it comes to the possible arrangement of the sash elements. Inowa can be designed to run inward or outward with one or two sliding sashes. The sashes can be placed either in the centre or at the side.
Sheer aesthetics in both weight classes
Thanks to its fully concealed technology, Patio Inowa has attracted the attention of numerous planning engineers and window manufacturers as an extremely aesthetic system. Tightly sealed sliding windows and doors can be produced in the same design as Tilt&Turn windows or balcony doors. The hardware components neither protrude into the opening nor are they visible on the sash. Elegant yet robust components and the proven Roto handle design give sliding elements a harmonious appearance, even when they are open – with a limitless variety of formats in every weight class. Whether on a window or an outsize sliding door – for a uniform appearance, any construction project can be equipped with identical handles up to a length of 200 mm.
This article was published in Roto Inside 51.