FI130091B

FI130091B - Apparatus, arrangement and method of equalizing gas pressure

Info

Publication number: FI130091B
Application number: FI20205136A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Arttu Papinkivi
Original assignee: Lammin Ikkuna Oy
Priority date: 2020-02-11
Filing date: 2020-02-11
Publication date: 2023-01-31
Also published as: FI20205136A1; WO2021160936A1

Abstract

An apparatus, arrangement and method of balancing gas pressure of insulated glass units (IGU). The apparatus (11) is connected removable manner to a factory mounted pneumatic channel (6) of the IGU. The apparatus comprises a detecting device, such as a pressure switch, for detecting pressure difference between an inner space (5) of the insulated glass unit and an ambient atmosphere (AA). The detecting device is configured to control a solenoid valve (25) for opening pneumatic connection to a discharge port (12).

Description

Apparatus, arrangement and method of equalizing gas pressure

Background of the invention

The invention relates generally to building tech- nology, and especially to window elements, doors and other building components comprising insulated glass units. More specifically, an apparatus intended to be in pneumatic com- munication with an inner space of the insulated glass unit is disclosed.

The invention further relates to an arrangement and method for stabilizing gas pressure inside windows and doors.

The field of the invention is defined more specif- ically in the preambles of the independent claims.

Insulating glass units (IGU) have long been used in different building applications. Insulating glass units generally comprise at least two glass panes held in a gen- erally parallel, spaced orientation by a peripheral spacer, the latter being joined to the sheets by a sealant. The space defined between the glass panes 1s hermetically sealed. High performance insulating glass unit is filled with gas, such as argon, having a low coefficient of thermal conductivity in order to improve energy efficiency. However, when the IGUs are transported to geographic locations of higher elevation and hence reduced atmospheric pressure,

N the panes of these IG units may bulge outwardly under the

N pressure differential across the panes. This causes distor- - tion of the panes and may even lead to glass breakage. When 2 failure occurs, the window units necessarily have to be = 30 replaced or serviced, and this can be extremely expensive. c Therefore, different arrangements have been suggested to 2 allow communication between the interior of insulating glass

S units and the ambient atmosphere. Document CA-2118348-Al

N discloses a gas filling station for factory use. However, the know solutions have shown some drawbacks.

Brief description of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide an appa- ratus, arrangement and method for balancing gas pressure of insulated glass units.

The apparatus according to the invention is charac- terized by the characterizing features of a first independ- ent apparatus claim.

The arrangement according to the invention is char- acterized by the characterizing features of a second inde- pendent apparatus claim.

The method according to the invention is character- ized by the charactering features and steps of an independ- ent method claim.

An idea of the disclosed solution is that an appa- ratus is designed for pressure equalization of at least one insulating glass unit (IGU) intended especially for windows, doors and glass walls of buildings. The apparatus is a separate device connectable in a removable manner to the insulating glass unit. Thus, the apparatus is not an inte- grated part of the IGU. The apparatus comprises at least one valve for equalizing the pressure between an inner space of the insulating glass unit and an ambient atmosphere. The apparatus further comprises at least one detecting device for detecting pressure difference between the inner space of the insulting glass unit and the ambient atmosphere. The

N mentioned valve is electrically controlled and is config-

O ured to be controlled in response to the detection data of - the detecting device. In other words, the pressure differ- = ence data is detected and utilized for controlling electri-

T 30 cal valve for executing the pressure equalization, or bal-

E ancing pressures when the IGU is faced with different pres-

O sure circumstances caused by changed altitudes. The solu- o tion is especially intended to be used during transports

N and installations of windows, doors, and wall elements of

N 35 the buildings.

An advantage of the disclosed solution is that it provides a simple and inexpensive solution to prevent dis- tortion of the panes and possible damages caused to IGUs when they are transported to geographic locations of higher elevation and hence reduced atmospheric pressure. Further, the disclosed apparatus is easy to mount to the IGU and it is compact in size. Thanks to the disclosed solution, the insulated glass unit can be provided with the pressure sta- bilization or compensation feature for at least the duration of the transport phase. The temporary mounting principle is advantageous because no modifications need to be made to the basic structure of the window, door, or wall structure.

The apparatus may be considered to be a temporary transport and installation aid.

According to an embodiment, a detecting device of the apparatus comprises at least one first feed port con- nectable in pneumatic communication to the inner space of the insulating glass unit and a second feed port which is in communication with the ambient atmosphere.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one electric power storage, such as batteries or a rechargeable battery. The stored electric energy may be used for operating the valve and possible control means of the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the detecting device is

N an electrically operable differential pressure switch which

N is provided with a triggering pressure difference value and = is configured to generate a control signal for the electri-

N cally controlled valve to open the valve and release pres- - 30 sure from the inner space to the atmosphere when the trig-

E gering value is exceeded. The basic structure of the pres- o sure-difference switch may be relatively simple and compact. = The pressure switch is also a reliable and inexpensive com-

N ponent. Further, no other control means is necessarily

N 35 needed for controlling basic operation of the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the detecting device comprises at least one first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the insulated glass unit and a second pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the ambient atmosphere. The gathered pressure data is transmitted to a control unit which may process the pressure data and may generate control signals to valve for opening it.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is pro- vided with data on the pressure of the ambient atmosphere.

The pressure data may be sent to the apparatus via wireless network, for example. The pressure data of the ambient at- mosphere may be detected by means of a sensing device which is located external to the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the valve of the appa- ratus is a solenoid valve. Solenoid valves are inexpensive, reliable, compact, and simple flow control elements.

According to an embodiment, a spindle of the valve may be moved towards the closed and open position under influence of an electric actuator. Alternatively, the spin- dle may be spring loaded and may move in one direction by means of spring force. This type of valves has low energy consumption.

According to an embodiment, the detecting device is connected to a pneumatic channel of the insulting glass unit for detecting the pressure of the inner space of the insu-

N lating glass unit.

N let it be mentioned that in some cases the pneumatic = channels or tubes may also be called as capillary tubes and

N breathing tubes. - 30 According to an embodiment, the detecting device

E is connected to the factory mounted pneumatic channel, which o is part of a typical IGU. Then there is no need to make any = modifications to the basic structure of the IGU. When the

N apparatus is removed, the pneumatic channel is closed in a

N 35 pressure tight manner. When the pneumatic channel capillary tube is made of metallic material, it can be pinched off to seal it hermetically.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may com- prise at least one connecting tube or hose mountable to the 5 pneumatic channel. Length of the connecting hose may be selected so that the apparatus may be positioned to a suit- able place close to the IGU. In other words, the connecting channel provides flexibility for the installation of the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the connecting hose may be provided with a tube connector allowing easy and tight coupling between the pneumatic channel and the connecting hose. The tube connector may be provided with quick coupling means.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a housing inside which at least the detection device and the valve are mounted. There is one or more connecting hoses protruding from the housing and intended to be connected in gaseous connection with the inner space of the insulated glass unit. The housing provides protection for the components of the apparatus and may also facilitate mounting of the apparatus. The housing may comprise inte- grated fastening means such as clips, bands, or adhesive elements for facilitating the mounting.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus further

N comprises an electric power storage inside the housing. The

N power storage may be of rechargeable type and the housing = may be provided with an electrical connection for allowing

N the charging. Alternatively, the electric power storage may - 30 be easily removable and changeable.

E According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises o a housing provided with quick coupling means allowing easy = temporary mounting of the apparatus. The quick coupling

N means may include suction cups, adhesive tapes, straps or

N 35 clamping means, for example.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is one single uniform piece. Thereby, the apparatus is easy to handle and mount. The housing provides protection for the included instruments inside.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is con- figured to be connected to at least two separate inner spaces of the insulated glass unit. In other words, only one apparatus is enough to take care all inner spaces of double, triple and other multiple-glazed units.

According to an embodiment, the detecting device of the apparatus comprises two or more first feed ports which are in pneumatic connection with the inner spaces of the

IGU.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may com- prise two or more valves, whereby each inner space of the

IGU is provided with a dedicated valve.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may com- prise a valve capable of controlling two or more pressure channels independently. Thus, the valve may be a three-way or four-way control valve, for example.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is pro- vided with at least one control unit configured to receive detecting data from the detecting device. The control unit may be arranged to control operation of the apparatus and its valve. Alternatively, or in addition to, the control

N unit may be configured to generate monitoring data.

N According to an embodiment, the apparatus is pro- = vided with a memory device configured to store the detecting

N data. The gathered and stored data may be analyzed and - 30 utilized later.

E According to an embodiment, the control unit is o provided with a control strategy and is configured to gen- = erate control signals to the valve in response to the de-

N tecting data and the input control strategy. The input con-

N 35 trol strategy may be amended or may be substituted with a new one.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is pro- vided with at least one data communicating device for providing data communication path with at least one external electric terminal device, such as a computer or smart phone.

The data communication device may utilize wireless data communication.

According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to record data on number of opening moment of the valve and duration of the openings in order to estimate amount of the inert gas released from the inner space. It may further be possible to provide the apparatus with a sensing device for measuring the escaped gas.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is pro- vided with at least one gas storage device provided with pressurized inert gas and configured to feed the gas through the valve to the inner space of the insulted glass unit. In other words, the gas storage is an integrated part of the apparatus. The gas storage may be a mobile unit and may comprise a gas cylinder which may be filled with argon or corresponding inert gas. The valve of the disclosed appa- ratus controls the gas discharge out of the container when there is a need to provide the insulated glass unit with supplement gas fill.

According to an embodiment, the solution relates to an arrangement comprising one or more insulated glass units

N each comprising at least one inner space filled with inert

N gas. The insulated glass unit is provided with a pneumatic = channel or tube or hose which is in gaseous connection with

N the inner space of the insulated glass unit. The arrangement - 30 further comprises an apparatus for equalizing the pressure

E between an inner space of the insulating glass unit and an o ambient atmosphere. The mentioned apparatus is connected to = the pneumatic channel and is in accordance with the features

N and embodiments disclosed in this document.

N 35 According to an embodiment, the apparatus is con- nected to the pneumatic channel only temporarily for the duration of the transport and is removed before final mount- ing measures of the IGU. The apparatuses are returned to the manufacturer of the IGU and are remounted to new IGUs.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is placed between two openable IGUs of a window or door structure. A housing of the apparatus may be supported as such between inside a space between the two successive IGUs and there is no necessarily need for any fastening means. Then no phys- ical markings are left to the structure of the window of door when the apparatus is removed. A further advantage is that the apparatus is well protected between the IGUs during the transports, storage, and installation.

According to an embodiment, the solution relates to an arrangement comprising two or more insulated glass units and at least one egualization apparatus is connected to each inner space of the at least two insulated glass units and is configured to execute their pressure egualization.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is mounted to a transfer rack carrying the several IGUs or finalized windows or doors provided with the IGUs. On the transfer rack there is plenty of free space for mounting the appa- ratus and the basic structure of the transfer rack may also provide protection for the apparatus. Since the apparatus is mounted on the transfer rack it automatically returns back to the factory.

N According to an embodiment, the apparatus may com-

N prise two or more valves, whereby each inner space of the = several IGUs is provided with a dedicated valve.

N According to an embodiment, the apparatus may com- - 30 prise a valve capable of controlling two or more pressure

E channels independently. © According to an embodiment, the arrangement may com- = prise two or more equalizing apparatuses each of them ar-

N ranged to balance pressures of IGUs of one window or door.

N 35 Thus, the windows, which may comprise one or several IGUs, is provided with dedicated equalizing apparatuses.

According to an embodiment, the solution relates to a method of balancing or equalizing gas pressure inside an inner space of an insulated glass unit. The method comprises providing the insulated glass unit with a pressure channel, tube or hose which is in gaseous connection with the inner space of the insulated glass unit. The method further com- prises compensating for pressure differences between the inner space and an ambient atmosphere by allowing gas flow through the pressure channel. The method also comprises connecting the pressure channel to an apparatus comprising a valve for selectively opening and closing connection be- tween the inner space of the insulated glass unit and the ambient atmosphere, whereby the method is for equalizing the gas pressure inside the inner space by means of the valve at least during transport from a manufacturing site to an installation site of the insulated glass unit.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is mounted to the IGU without any modifications to the basic structure of the IGU. An advantage is that the apparatus is relatively easy and quick to mount and requires no special tools and skills. Furthermore, the basic structure of the IGU is not damaged or weakened in any way. The apparatus can be mounted without any additional means to any IGU provided with the pre-mounted pressure channel or capillary tube.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is allowed

N to execute several gas pressure relief cycles during the

N transportation and installation process. Thus, the appa- = ratus may open and close the pressure channel in a con-

Tr trolled manner. - 30 According to an embodiment, the method comprises

E removing the apparatus from the insulated glass unit at the o installation site. Next, the pressure channel is closed = hermetically. The method further comprises steps of return-

N ing the apparatus to the manufacturing site and mounting

N 35 the returned apparatus to another insulated glass unit. This is advantageous when considering cost as well as environ- mental issues. Typically, the IGUs are delivered on transport racks which are returned back to the manufacturer.

Thereby it does not cause any extra work or costs to return the pressure balancing apparatuses together with the transport racks back to the factory.

According to an embodiment, the same apparatus may circulate several times between the mounting site and the installation site.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises using metallic pressure channels in the IGU and forming a hermetical seal by pinching off the pressure channel per- manently. This way escape of inertial gas filled inside the inner space of the insulated glass unit is prevented in a guick and simple way. Further, if the pressure channel were left open, then airflow could carry in and finally result to moisture-related failure of the unit. In the disclosed solution entry of moisture and surrounding air can be pre- vented in a simple way.

According to an embodiment, the disclosed method comprises manufacturing the insulated glass unit at a low first altitude. The product is then transported via a transport route including a higher second altitude to an installing location. Thereafter the IGU is installed at the installing location, which at a third altitude. The method

N comprises allowing gas of the inner space to escape from

N the inner space via the valve at least at one of the men- = tioned second and third altitude which are both greater

N altitudes compared to the first altitude where the IGU is - 30 manufactured. In other words, the IGU is manufactured at

E the lower altitude and is thereafter utilized at higher o altitudes, whereby the disclosed pressure equalization ap- = paratus and system is activated to balance the pressure

N difference between the IGU and the atmosphere after the IGU

N 35 has left the factory.

According to an embodiment, the disclosed method comprises manufacturing the insulated glass unit at a first altitude and transporting the insulated glass unit via a transport route including a second altitude. The insulated glass unit is installed at a third altitude. Filled gas of the inner space is allowed to escape from the inner space via the valve at second altitude which is greater altitude compared to the first and third altitudes. Thus, the transport via high altitude causes the gas escape. In order to compensate this gas escape the method may further com- prise feeding inert gas from a gas container to the inner space via the valve at the third altitude. In other words, the pressure inside the inner space is at first equalized by discharging gas and the pressure is later increased by feeding pressurized gas back to inner space. The gas con- tainer may be an integrated part of the equalizing apparatus and is thereby ready to operate all the time. The gas con- tainer may comprise a relatively small sized gas cylinder.

When several insulated glass units are transported by means of transport rack, the gas container may be common for all of them and may be arranged onboard the rack. In this em- bodiment the IGU is allowed to exhale the inert gas out of the inner space when the valve of the apparatus is opened in order to achieve pressure equalization and inhale the inert gas from the gas storage when the internal pressure

N is less than ambient pressure.

N According to an embodiment, the disclosed the appa- = ratus is a separate handheld apparatus, which may be con-

N nected to the insulated glass unit. The IGU may be provided - 30 with a pre-designed connecting port or connection for fa-

E cilitating the connection. o According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution = is intended to be used in connection with an insulating

N glazing unit (IGU) comprising two or more glass panes bound

N 35 together into a single unit with a seal between the edges of the panes. In order to improve insulation performance of the IGU, air is replaced in the space with a lower thermal conductivity gas. Gas convective heat transfer is a function of viscosity and specific heat. Monatomic gases such as argon, krypton and xenon can be used since (at normal tem- peratures) they do not carry heat in rotational modes, re- sulting in a lower heat capacity than poly-atomic gases.

Argon has a thermal conductivity 67% that of air and krypton has about half the conductivity of argon. Argon is almost 1% of the atmosphere and can be isolated at a moderate cost.

Krypton and xenon are only trace components of the atmos- phere and very expensive. All of these specific gases are non-toxic, clear, odorless, chemically inert, and commer- cially available because of their widespread application in industry. In general, the more effective a fill gas is, the thinner may a gap between the panes be. For example, the thickness for krypton is lower than for argon, and lower for argon than for air. Because it is difficult to determine whether the gas in an IGU has become mixed with air at time of manufacture, or becomes mixed with air once installed, thicker gaps are used than would be optimum for the fill gas if it were pure. Argon is commonly used in insulated glazing as it is the most affordable. Krypton, which is considerably more expensive, is not generally used except to produce very thin double glazing units or extremely high performance triple-glazed units. Xenon has found very lit-

N tle application in IGUs because of cost.

N According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution = may be implemented in connection with IGU's with different

N number of panes. Additional layers of glazing provide the - 30 opportunity for improved insulation. While double glazing

E is most widely used, triple glazing is not uncommon, and o quadruple glazing is produced for very cold environments. = Even quintuple and six-pane glazing is possible.

N The above disclosed embodiments and features may be

N 35 combined in order to form suitable solutions that are needed.

Brief description of the figures

Some embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows schematically route of an insulated glass unit from a manufacturing site to an installation site,

Figure 2 shows schematically a basic structure of an insulated glass unit,

Figure 3 1s a schematic end view of an insulated glass unit when inner pressure affects to its glass panes,

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a pressure compen- sating system,

Figure 5 is a schematic view of another pressure compensating system,

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an arrangement wherein a pressure equalizing apparatus is mounted between two openable window elements,

Figure 7 is a schematic and highly simplified view of an apparatus connectable to an insulated glass unit,

Figure 8 is a schematic and highly simplified view of another apparatus connectable to an insulated glass unit comprising several inner spaces,

Figure 9 is a schematic view of a distal end part of a pressure channel after it has been pinched off at two sections which are perpendicularly orientated relative to

N each other, and

O Figure 10 is a schematic view of a transport rack - provided with a pneumatic compensation arrangement for sev- = eral insulated glass units.

T 30 For the sake of clarity, the figures show some em-

E bodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner.

O In the figures, like reference numerals identify like ele- [n ments.

S

N

Detailed description of some embodiments

Figure 1 discloses that insulated glass units IGU are manufactured at a manufacturing site M and are trans- ported T to an installation site IS wherein they are in- stalled to a building 1. The manufacturing site M may be located at low geographical first altitude Al, whereas the transport T may be executed via a transport route 2 includ- ing second altitudes A2. The transport T may be executed by means of road transport on mountain roads, for example.

Further, the installation site IS has third altitude A3.

When the manufacturing site M is located at the lower first altitude Al the second and third altitudes A2, A3 are 10- cated at higher geographical altitudes, then pressures P2 and P3 of ambient atmosphere AA is lower at these higher altitudes than at the first altitude Al closer to the sea level. Inside the IGU is an inner space which is filled with inert gas so that pressure PIS prevails inside the inner space.

The IGU may be installed to a high building 1, such as a skyscraper. Then the actual installation location may be at fourth altitude A4 where even lower air pressure prevails. Distance of vertical transport or installation transport TI may be hundreds of meters.

Thus, there occurs pressure difference between the inner space of the IGU and ambient atmosphere depending on

N the altitudes where the IGU is transported T after the inner

O space is filled with the inert gas at the manufacturing site - M. The pressure difference will cause changes in the shape = of the IGU, as it is demonstrated in Figure 3.

T 30 Figure 2 discloses that a basic structure of an IGU

E may comprise two glass panes 3a, 3b and a spacer 4 mounted

O between them so that an inner space 5 is formed inside the [n IGU. The inner space 5 is filled with inert gas, such as

N argon. Typically, a pneumatic channel 6 or pneumatic hose

N 35 or tube is factory mounted to the IGU for providing a pneu- matic connection between the inner space 5 and the ambient atmosphere AA. The pneumatic connection is intended for venting the inner space 5 to the ambient atmosphere AA but it may be provided with the pressure compensating apparatus and system which is disclosed in this document.

Figure 3 discloses an IGU provided with three panes 3a —- 3c, two spacers 4a, 4b and two inner spaces ba, bb.

Edges of the IGU are provided with sealing elements 7.

Pressure PAA of the ambient atmosphere AA is minor than pressure PIS inside the inner spaces 5a, 5b, whereby the pressure PIS may bulge 8 the outermost panes 3a and 3b outwardly. This causes stresses to the structure of the IGU and also distorts optical properties.

Figure 4 discloses an edge portion of an insulated glass unit IGU comprising two panes 3a, 3b, a spacer 5 and a sealing element 7. The panes 3 may be fastened to the spacer 4 by means of an adhesive 9. A pneumatic channel 6 may be conducted through the adhesive layer 9 and may be connected to a feed port 10 of a pressure compensation apparatus 11. The apparatus 11 is configured to allow pre- filled gas inside the inner space 5 to be vented in a controlled manner out of the inner space 5 through a dis- charge port 12. Thereby, mechanical stresses caused by the pressure difference of the ambient atmosphere pressure PAA, and the inner space pressure PIS may be avoided by compen- sating the detected pressure difference. The apparatus 11

N may be a compact device and can be mounted to the IGU

O temporarily. The apparatus 11 may be glue mounted or mounted ~ with an adhesive element 13 to an outer surface of the glass i pane 3 so that it can be easily removed without any perma- - 30 nent markings to the IGU.

E Figure 5 discloses a solution wherein a pneumatic o channel 6 is arranged to pass through a space 4 and is = connected to a feed port of an apparatus 11. The apparatus

N comprises in addition to a discharge port 12 an additional

N 35 port 14 of pneumatic connection for connecting a gas storage device 15. Then the apparatus 11 can not only discharge gas out of an inner space 5 but also feed inert gas from the storage 15 into the inner space 5. The gas feed may be implemented in case the IGU is at first transported through a transport route comprising high altitudes and is returned back to low altitude for final installation.

Figure 6 discloses that an apparatus 11 for equal- izing pressures may be mounted between two window elements

WE both provided with insulated glass units IGU and frames 16 (shown in a simplified manner with broken lines). The window elements may be openable structures whereby it is easy to place the apparatus 11 to a space 17 which is limited by the window elements WE. One single apparatus 11 may monitor pressure difference of both IGUs. The apparatus 11 may be connected to pneumatic channels 6 by means of a connecting hose 18 or tube. The connecting hose 18 may be provided with a connector 19 in order to facilitate making a gas tight connection.

Figure 7 discloses an apparatus 11 comprising a housing 20 which surrounds its components providing thereby protection for them and is also serving as a mounting sur- face for the components and for the entire apparatus 11.

Inside the housing 20 is a detecting device 21, which is in pneumatic connection to the ambient atmosphere AA via a first sensing channel 22 and is also in connection to a pneumatic line 23 via a second sensing channel 24. The

N detecting device 21 may be a pressure switch which may

N control a solenoid valve 25 through a control line 26. The = detecting device 21 may sense pressure difference between

N pressure of inner space PIS and pressure of ambient atmos- - 30 phere PAA, and when it detects that the PIS is greater than

E the PAA, it generates a control signal for the solenoid o valve 25 for opening the valve and releasing pressure = through a discharge channel 12. The detecting device 21 and

N the solenoid valve 25 are electrically operable devices

N 35 wherefore the apparatus 11 further comprises an electric power storage 27.

Figure 8 discloses another apparatus 11 which dif- fers from the one shown in Figure 7 in that there is also a control unit 28 which may generate control signals for the solenoid valve 25. The control unit 28 may also comprise a data communication connection for transmitting and re- ceiving data whereby it may communicate with external con- trol units CU, servers 5, cloud services CS and electronic external devices ETD. Figure 8 also discloses that the IGU may comprise several pneumatic channels 6 and they can be connected to the apparatus 11 by means of connecting com- ponents 23, 19, 18.

Figure 9 discloses that a distal end part of a pressure channel 6 of the IGU may be closed gas tightly after the pressure compensating apparatus is removed. The end part of the pressure channel may comprise two pinched sections 29 and 30 which may perpendicularly or transversely orientated relative to each other. The pinched sections 29, 30 can be made by directing pinching forces F to the metal- lic pressure channel 6 by means of pliers, for example.

Figure 10 discloses a transport rack 31 which is capable of receiving several insulated glass units IGU for a duration of transport and storage. The transport rack 31 may be provided with a platform 32 and several vertical support elements 33 on the platform 32. The rack 31 may also be provided with a pressure stabilizing apparatus 11 con-

N nectable to pressure channels 6 of the IGUs. The apparatus

N may comprise a connecting tube 34 of hose for facilitating = the pneumatic connection.

N The transport rack may also be implemented for - 30 transporting assembled window, door and wall elements com-

E prising one or more IGUs.

O The drawings and the related description are only 5 intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. In its

N details, the invention may vary within the scope of the

N 35 claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (11) for pressure equalization of at least one insulating glass unit (IGU) during transport of the insulating glass unit (IGU), characterized in that the apparatus (11) is a separate device connectable in a removable manner to the insulating glass unit (IGU) for the pressure equalization during the transport (T) from a manufacturing site (M) to an installation site (IS) of the insulated glass unit (IGU); the apparatus (11) comprises at least one valve (25) for equalizing the pressure between an inner space (5) of the insulating glass unit (IGU) and an ambient atmosphere (AA) ; the apparatus (11) comprises at least one detecting device (21) for detecting pressure difference between the inner space (5) of the insulting glass unit (IGU) and the ambient atmosphere (AA); and the valve (25) is electrically controlled and is configured to be controlled in response to the detection data of the detecting device (21).

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, charac- terized in that N the detecting device (21) is an electrically oper- N able differential pressure switch which is provided with a = triggering pressure difference value and is configured to N generate a control signal for the electrically controlled - 30 valve (25) to open the valve (25) and release pressure from E the inner space (5) to the atmosphere (AA) when the trig- O gering value is exceeded. S

N 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, char- N 35 acterized in that the valve is a solenoid valve (25).

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the pre- ceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the detecting device (21) is connected to a pneu- matic channel (6) of the insulting glass unit (IGU) for detecting the pressure of the inner space (PIS) of the insulating glass unit (IGU).

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the pre- ceding claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the appa- ratus (11) further comprises: a housing (20) inside which at least the detection device (21) and the valve (25) are mounted; and at least one connecting hose (18, 23) protruding from the housing (20) and intended to be connected in gas- eous connection with the inner space (5) of the insulated glass unit (IGU).

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the pre- ceding claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the apparatus (11) is configured to be connected to at least two separate inner spaces (5) of the insulated glass unit (IGU).

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the pre- N ceding claims 1 - 6, characterized in that O the apparatus (11) is provided with at least one 2 control unit (28) configured to receive detecting data from i the detecting device (21). - 30

E

8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the pre- o ceding claims 1 - 7, characterized in that = the apparatus (11) is provided with at least one N mobile gas storage device (15) provided with pressurized N 35 inert gas and configured to feed the gas through the valve

(25) to the inner space (5) of the insulted glass unit (IGU) .

9. An arrangement comprising: at least one insulated glass unit (IGU) comprising at least one inner space (5) filled with inert gas; and wherein the insulated glass unit (IGU) is pro- vided with a pneumatic channel (6) which is in gaseous connection with the inner space (5) of the insulated glass unit (IGU); characterized in that the arrangement further comprises an apparatus (11) for equalizing the pressure between an inner space (5) of the insulating glass unit (IGU) and an ambient atmosphere (AA) ; and wherein the apparatus (11) is connected to the pneumatic channel (6) for the duration of transport of the insulating glass unit (IGU) from a manufacturing site (M) to an installation site (IS) of the insulated glass unit (IGU) and is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims 1 - 8.

10. The arrangement as claimed in claim 9, char- acterized in that the arrangement (11) comprises at least two insu- N lated glass units (IGU); and O the apparatus (11) is connected to each inner space 2 (5) of the at least two insulated glass units (IGU) and is N configured to execute their pressure equalization. - 30 E

11. A method of equalizing gas pressure inside (PIS) © an inner space (5) of an insulated glass unit (IGU); = wherein the method comprises: N providing the insulated glass unit (IGU) with a N 35 pneumatic channel (6) which is in gaseous connection with the inner space (5) of the insulated glass unit (IGU); and compensating for pressure differences between the inner space (5) and an ambient atmosphere (AA) by allowing gas flow through the pneumatic channel (6); characterized by connecting the pneumatic channel (6) to an apparatus (11) comprising a valve (25) for selectively opening and closing connection between the inner space (5) of the in- sulated glass unit (IGU) and the ambient atmosphere (AA); and egualizing the gas pressure inside the inner space (5) by means of the valve (25) at least during transport (T) from a manufacturing site (M) to an installation site (IS) of the insulated glass unit (IGU).

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, charac- terized by removing the apparatus (11) from the insulated glass unit (IGU) at the installation site (IS); closing the pneumatic channel (6) hermetically; returning the apparatus (11) to the manufacturing site (M); and mounting the returned apparatus (11) to another in- sulated glass unit (IGU).

13. The method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, char- N acterized by N using pneumatic channels (6) made of metallic mate- = rial; and N forming the hermetical seal by pinching off (29, - 30 30) the pneumatic channel (6) permanently and thereby pre- E venting escape of inertial gas filled inside the inner space O (5) of the insulated glass unit (IGU). S N

14. The method as claimed in any one of the preced- N 35 ing claims 11 - 13, characterized by manufacturing the insulated glass unit (IGU) at a first altitude (Al); transporting (T) the insulated glass unit (IGU) via a transport route (2) including a second altitude (A2); installing the insulated glass unit (IGU) at a third altitude (A3); and allowing gas of the inner space (5) to escape from the inner space (5) via the valve (25) at least at one of the mentioned second and third altitude (A2, A3) which are both greater altitudes compared to the first altitude (Al).

15. The method as claimed in any one of the preced- ing claims 11 - 13, characterized by manufacturing the insulated glass unit (IGU) at a first altitude (Al); transporting (T) the insulated glass unit (IGU) via a transport route (2) including a second altitude (A2); installing the insulated glass unit (IGU) at a third altitude (A3); allowing gas of the inner space (5) to escape from the inner space (5) via the valve (25) at second altitude (A2) which is greater altitude compared to the first and third altitudes (Al, A3); and feeding inert gas from a gas container (15) to the inner space (5) via the valve (25) at the third altitude (A3). N N O N LO I jami a © O LO O N O N