WO2008072802A1

WO2008072802A1 - Air-screen assembly for windows

Info

Publication number: WO2008072802A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005450
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyung Rim Song
Original assignee: Intra Glory Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2006-12-14
Filing date: 2006-12-14
Publication date: 2008-06-19

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an air-screen assembly for windows. The air-screen assembly includes a frame body, an air screen, and a wedge holder. The frame body includes on the inner circumference thereof a support channel, at least one locking protrusion provided on the inner surface of the support channel, and a push protrusion provided on the bottom of the support channel. The air screen comprises a thin transparent film having a large number of pores, and filters harmful substances from outside air. The wedge holder holds the air screen in the frame body, and includes a plurality of pressing fences fitted into the support channel of the frame body, and a locking groove provided on an outer surface of each of the pressing fences so that the locking protrusion of the support channel is fitted into the locking groove.

Description

AIR-SCREEN ASSEMBLY FOR WINDOWS

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an air-screen assembly for windows, which has an air screen allowing a person to see therethrough, and is installed in a window of a building, thus allowing a person to observe the outside and preventing various kinds of harmful insects from entering a room when the window is opened, and efficiently filtering harmful substances present in outside air, such as fine dust, in addition to tautly and firmly fastening the air screen to a window frame. Background Art

[2] The term used herein, "air screen", is defined as a kind of filter which comprises a thin and transparent film having a great number of pores, thus allowing a person to see therethrough, and filtering various kinds of impurities present in the air.

[3] Generally, a window is provided in a wall or roof of a building to admit light, ventilate a room, and provide a view. Such a window functions to isolate the room from the outside, and allows a person to observe the outside by admitting light and ensuring a field of view. Further, the window must be opened to ventilate the room.

[4] However, when the window is opened to ventilate the room, the room of the building directly communicates with the outside through the opening of the window. Thus, various kinds of harmful insects, such as mosquitoes or flies, may enter the room through the open window. Especially in the hot summer season, the window is opened for a long time due to the high temperature of the room, and the ingress of insects, such as mosquitoes, which directly harm people, is high, so that special care is required.

[5] Thus, the window is generally provided with a screen to prevent harmful insects from entering a room, in addition to permitting the ventilation of the room when the window is opened.

[6] Meanwhile, the screen is installed in a window in various manners according to the structure of the window. In the case of a sliding window which has been most universally used in a building, including a house, the screen is installed to close only the open portion of the window when it is opened, thus allowing the window to be kept open.

[7] That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sliding window 1 is constructed so that at least one pair of panes 4, having on the outer circumference thereof a rail groove 5, is movably fitted into a plurality of guide rails 3 which are provided parallel to each other on the inner circumferences of the upper and lower portions of a window frame 2. An additional guide rail 3 is provided on the outermost portion of the window frame for installation of a screen. The screen comprises an insect-proof window 6 in the form of a window, and is mounted to the guide rail 3 in such a way as to slide, like the window panes 4.

[8] To this end, the insect-proof window 6 includes a frame 8 having on the inner circumference thereof a dovetail-shaped support channel 8a which is open towards a room or towards the outside. A mesh net 7 is placed on the frame 8 to cover the support channel 8a, and thereafter, a gasket 9 made of rubber or the like is disposed along the edge portion of the mesh net 7. In such a state, the mesh net 7 is inserted into the support channel 8a. Thereby, the mesh net 7 is held in the frame 8 by the elasticity of the gasket 9. Such a construction may be found in Korean U.M. Publication No. 1994-1965, Korean U.M. Registration No. 0332661, etc.

[9] However, since the mesh net 7 of the insect-proof window 6 simply comprises a mesh screen woven using a metal wire, the insect-proof window can prevent harmful insects from entering, but cannot prevent the inflow of harmful particulate substances, such as fine dust, fumes or the exhaust gas of a vehicle. Thus, because of the flow of the harmful substances into the room, the room may be seriously contaminated, and in addition, the harmful substances may affect a resident's health.

[10] Further, since the edge portion of the mesh net 7 is elastically pressed against the support channel 8a of the frame 8 using the rubber gasket 9, it is impossible to tautly support the mesh net 7, and the supporting force is weak. Thus, even when a small external force is applied to the mesh net 7, the mesh net 7 may be loosened or may be removed from the support channel 8a of the frame 8.

[11] Moreover, after a long time has passed, the rubber gasket 9 may break down due to oxidation, so that the supporting force for the mesh net 7 is further reduced. Further, impurities, such as dust, may adhere to the gasket 9, thus marring the appearance of the window.

[12] Meanwhile, in order to solve the problems, Korean Patent Publication No. 0357614,

U.M. Registration No. 0305712, and U.M. Registration No. 0319626 disclose an insect-proof window equipped with an air filter having an air purifying function. However, the prior art is problematic in that a screen and the air filter are separately manufactured, so that they must be separately mounted to a frame, thus inconveniencing a manufacturer. Further, the screen is unstably supported. In particular, since the air filter is made of an opaque material, such as non- woven fabric, it is impossible to observe the outside, which is undesirable. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air-screen assembly for windows, which prevents various kinds of insects, such as flies or mosquitoes, from entering a room, and efficiently prevents the inflow of various kinds of harmful substances, such as fine dust or harmful gas, without using an additional air filter, in addition to allowing a person to observe the outside through a window.

[14] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air-screen assembly for windows, which tautly and firmly fastens an air screen for filtering air to a frame body, thus efficiently preventing the air screen from sagging or being removed from the frame body by external force, and which makes it very convenient to fasten the air screen to the frame body.

[15] A further object of the present invention is to provide an air-screen assembly for windows, which reliably maintains the support state of an air screen even after a long time has passed, thus preventing the air screen from being loosened and always providing a good appearance, in addition to making it easy to replace the air screen with another one.

[16]

Technical Solution

[17] In order to accomplish the objects, the present invention provides an air-screen assembly for windows, which is slidably mounted to a frame of a sliding window and filters outside air, the air-screen assembly including a frame body having a shape of a picture frame having on an outer circumference thereof a rail groove, and slidably mounted to a guide rail of the window frame, the frame body having a support channel provided on an inner circumference of the frame body to be openable towards an outside or an inside, at least one locking protrusion provided on an inner surface of the support channel along a circumference thereof, and a push protrusion provided on a bottom of the support channel along the circumference thereof; an air screen comprising a thin transparent film having a large number of pores, closing an opening of the frame body to allow a person to see therethrough, and filtering harmful substances from outside air entering a room; and a wedge holder having a shape of a picture frame, and holding the air screen in the frame body, the wedge holder including a plurality of pressing fences provided on a surface of the wedge holder to be spaced apart from each other and fitted into the support channel of the frame body with an edge portion of the air screen being interposed between the wedge holder and the frame body, and a locking groove provided on an outer surface of each of the pressing fences along a circumference thereof so that the locking protrusion of the support channel is fitted into the locking groove. [18] According to an aspect of this invention, a support groove is provided in an end of the push protrusion of the support channel along a circumference thereof, and a pressing web is further provided on the wedge holder and is fitted into the support groove of the push protrusion with the air screen interposed between the wedge holder and the support channel, thus more reliably preventing the slippage of the air screen by external force.

[19] According to another aspect of this invention, the air screen is manufactured by attaching a transparent membrane to glass fiber mesh. The membrane is Gore-tex.

[20] Thus, the present invention prevents various kinds of insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, from entering a room, and efficiently prevents the inflow of harmful substances, such as fine dust and harmful gas, without using an additional air filter, while allowing a person to observe the outside unhindered, and tautly and firmly fastens the air screen to the frame body, thus efficiently preventing the air screen from being loosened or removed by external force, in addition to allowing the air screen to be very conveniently fastened to the frame body.

[21] Hence, even after a long time has passed, the support state of the air screen is reliably maintained, so that the air screen is not loosened. Since the wedge holder completely covers the support channel of the frame body, a good appearance can always be maintained, and the air screen can be conveniently replaced with another one if the air screen is broken or damaged.

[22] Therefore, the present invention increases the reliability, safety, and appearance of a window, in addition to keeping a room clean.

[23]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[24] FlG. 1 is a front view showing the construction of a general window;

[25] FlG. 2 is a sectional view showing the construction of a general window;

[26] FlG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an air-screen assembly for windows, according to the present invention;

[27] FlG. 4 is a sectional view showing the assembled state of the air-screen assembly of

FlG. 3;

[28] FlG. 5 is an extracted sectional view showing the process of assembling the air- screen assembly for windows, according to the present invention;

[29] FlG. 6 is an extracted sectional view showing an air-screen assembly for windows, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[30] FlG. 7 is an extracted sectional view showing an air-screen assembly for windows, according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[31] Mode for the Invention

[32] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[33] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, an air-screen assembly W for windows according to the present invention includes a frame body 10 having the shape of a picture frame, an air screen 20, and a wedge holder 30. The frame body 10 is slidably mounted to the guide rail 3 (see, FlG. 2) of the window frame 2 (see, FlG. 2). The air screen 20 closes an opening 10a of the frame body 10 in such a way that a person can see through the air screen, and removes harmful substances from outside air flowing into a room. The wedge holder 30 functions to secure the air screen 20 to the frame body 10.

[34] A rail groove 11 is formed along the outer circumference of the frame body 10 to engage with the guide rail 3 of the window frame 2. A support channel 12 is formed along the inner circumference of the frame body 10 to support the air screen 20. The support channel 12 is thinner than the frame body 10, and opens towards the outside.

[35] Preferably, such a support channel 12 is positioned in the outer portion (outdoor side) of the frame body 10 in a widthwise direction thereof. Thus, the guide channel 13 is provided in the inner portion (indoor side) of the frame body 10 in the widthwise direction thereof, and serves as a handle when the air-screen assembly W is opened or closed.

[36] In this case, the open outer end of the support channel 12 is positioned slightly inside the outer surface of the frame body 10, thus forming a step with the outer surface of the frame body 10. Such a construction prevents the wedge holder 30 from protruding out of the frame body 10 when the wedge holder 30 is coupled to the frame body 10 with the air screen 20 interposed between the wedge holder 30 and the frame body 10.

[37] Meanwhile, locking protrusions 14 are provided on the inner surfaces of both side walls of the support channel 12 along the circumference thereof, thus preventing the wedge holder 30 from being removed from the support channel 12. Further, a push protrusion 15, having a predetermined width and height, is provided in the bottom of the support channel 12 along the circumference thereof. The push protrusion 15 pushes the air screen 20 towards the wedge holder 30 so that the edge portion of the air screen 20 is continuously bent in a zigzag fashion in the support channel 12 and is secured to the support channel 12.

[38] Referring to the drawings, only one locking protrusion 14 is provided on each sidewall of the support channel 12. However, two or more locking protrusions may be provided in order to more firmly lock the air screen 20. [39] The air screen 20 may have various shapes. Preferably, in order to maintain sufficient strength, the air screen is formed by attaching a very thin transparent membrane 22 to one side (outdoor side) of a glass fiber mesh 21 woven from high- tension glass fiber. Such an air screen allows a person to see therethrough, and allows air to pass therethrough, in addition to preventing the inflow of harmful substances, such as fine dust, as well as water drops.

[40] In this case, various materials may be used for the membrane 22. Preferably, the membrane 22 is made of Gore-tex.

[41] The wedge holder 30 has the shape of a picture frame so as to correspond to the support channel 12 of the frame body 10. Two pressing fences 31 are provided on one surface of the wedge holder 30 to be spaced apart from each other, and are coupled to be in close contact with both sidewalls of the support channel 12, with the air screen 20 interposed between the frame body 10 and the wedge holder 30. A locking groove 32 having a predetermined depth is provided on the outer surface of each pressing fence 31 along the circumference thereof, and engages with the locking protrusion 14 of the support channel 12.

[42] Further, a flange 33 is provided on the outer end of the wedge holder 30, covers the open end of the support channel 12, and bends the edge of the air screen 20 in the form of the step 16 of the frame body 10, thus pressing the edge of the air screen 20. The flange 33 serves to guide the wedge holder 30 when the wedge holder 30 is removed from the support channel 12 of the frame body 10 for replacement of the air screen 20 with another one.

[43] Preferably, each of the frame body 10 and the wedge holder 30 is manufactured by extruding aluminum in a predetermined shape, cutting the extruded product to a predetermined length, and forming a rectangular shape by fastening a screw (not shown).

[44] Reference numerals 17 and 34 denote reinforcing beads for increasing the strength of the support channel 12 of the frame body 10 and the wedge holder 30.

[45] The air-screen assembly W for windows according to the present invention, having the above-mentioned characteristics, is assembled as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the air screen 20, which is formed to be larger than the opening 10a of the frame body 10 having the support channel 12, is placed on the opening side (outdoor side) of the support channel 12 of the frame body 10. Subsequently, the wedge holder 30 is placed on the outside portion of the air screen 20 and is fitted into the support channel 12.

[46] In this case, the central portion of the air screen 20 corresponding to the opening of the frame body 10 is not moved, and the edge portion of the air screen 20 is inserted into the support channel 12 by fitting the wedge holder 30 into the frame body 10, so that the air screen 20 is fitted between the wedge holder 30 and the support channel 12. In this way, the air screen 20 is held in the frame body 10. [47] Since the wedge holder 30 has the shape of a picture frame, the central portion of the air screen 20 corresponding to the opening 10a of the frame body 10 is surrounded with the inside pressing fence 31 of the wedge holder 30. Thus, when the wedge holder 30 enters the support channel 12, the central portion of the air screen 20 surrounded with the pressing fence 31 is strongly pulled.

[48] Simultaneously, the push protrusion 15 protruding from the bottom of the support channel 12 enters the space between the two pressing fences 31 of the wedge holder 30, and presses the air screen 20 in the direction opposite the pressing fences 31. Thus, while the edge portion of the air screen 20 is continuously bent in the zigzag fashion in the support channel 12 of the frame body 10, the edge portion is pressed by the wedge holder 30.

[49] Thereby, the central portion of the air screen 20 corresponding to the opening 10a of the frame body 10 is tautly pulled and firmly held. Even though external force is applied to the air screen 20, the edge portion of the air screen 20 held in the support channel 12 of the wedge holder 30 is not pulled, thus reliably preventing the air screen 20 from being loosened.

[50] That is, when external force is applied to the air screen 20, tensile force acts on the central portion thereof. However, since the edge portion of the air screen 20 is continuously bent in the zigzag fashion in the support channel 12 by the wedge holder 30, a very weak tensile force acts on the edge of the air screen 20. Thereby, the air screen 20, fitted between the support channel 12 and the wedge holder 30 to be strongly pressed, is not pulled to the central portion of the air screen 20, so that the air screen is not loosened by the external force.

[51] Moreover, the locking protrusions 14 and the locking grooves 32, engaging with each other, are provided on the inner surfaces of both sidewalls of the support channel 12 and the outer surfaces of the two pressing fences 31 of the wedge holder 30, so that the wedge holder 30 is elastically fitted into the support channel 12. Thus, a strong coupling force is generated, thus preventing the movement or removal of the wedge holder 30, in addition to more reliably securing the air screen 20 at a predetermined position.

[52] Meanwhile, the surplus portion of the air screen 20 which is not fitted into the support channel 12 of the frame body 10 is cut away after the wedge holder 30 has been fitted.

[53] FIG. 6 schematically shows important parts of an air-screen assembly W for windows, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[54] According to this embodiment, a support groove 18 is provided in the upper end of the push protrusion 15 which protrudes from the bottom of the support channel 12, and a pressing web 35 protrudes from the wedge holder 30 to be fitted into the support groove 18 of the push protrusion 15, with the air screen 20 interposed between the frame body 10 and the wedge holder 30. Preferably, a rough part 19 is provided on the inner surface of the support groove 18 of the push protrusion 15, and prevents the air screen 20 from being pulled by external force.

[55] According to this embodiment, since the air screen 20 is further bent and pressed between the two pressing fences 31 of the wedge holder 30, the air screen 20 can be more firmly and tautly held in the frame body 10.

[56] FlG. 7 schematically shows important parts of an air-screen assembly W for windows, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is equal to the first embodiment except that the wedge holder 30 is fastened to the push protrusion 15 of the support channel 12 via a screw 40.

[57] According to this embodiment, the wedge holder 30 can be more firmly and strongly held in the frame body 10. Thus, the flange 33 of the wedge holder 30 more strongly presses the open end of the support channel 12, thus more reliably preventing the air screen 20 from being loosened by external force.

[58]

Industrial Applicability

[59] As described above, the present invention provides an air-screen assembly for windows, in which an air screen is manufactured by attaching glass fiber mesh to a very thin transparent membrane, thus preventing various kinds of insects, such as flies or mosquitoes, from entering a room, and efficiently preventing the inflow of various kinds of harmful substances, such as fine dust or exhaust gas, without using an additional air filter, in addition to allowing a person to observe the outside through a window.

[60] Further, the present invention provides an air-screen assembly for windows, which tautly and firmly fastens an air screen to a frame body, thus efficiently preventing the air screen from sagging or being removed from the frame body by external force, and which makes it very convenient to fasten the air screen to the frame body.

[61] Furthermore, the present invention provides an air-screen assembly for windows, which reliably maintains the support state of an air screen even after a long time has passed, thus preventing the air screen from being loosened, and in which a wedge holder completely covers a support channel of a frame body, thus always providing a good appearance, in addition to making it easy to replace the air screen with another one.

[62] Therefore, the present invention remarkably contributes to the improvement in the reliability, safety, and appearance of a window, in addition to keeping a room clean.

Claims

[1] An air-screen assembly for windows, which is slidably mounted to a frame of a sliding window and filters outside air, the air-screen assembly comprising: a frame body having a shape of a picture frame having on an outer circumference thereof a rail groove, and slidably mounted to a guide rail of the window frame, the frame body comprising: a support channel provided on an inner circumference of the frame body to be openable towards an outside or an inside; at least one locking protrusion provided on an inner surface of the support channel along a circumference thereof; and a push protrusion provided on a bottom of the support channel along the circumference thereof; an air screen comprising a thin transparent film having a large number of pores, closing an opening of the frame body to allow a person to see therethrough, and filtering harmful substances from outside air entering a room; and a wedge holder having a shape of a picture frame, and holding the air screen in the frame body, the wedge holder comprising: a plurality of pressing fences provided on a surface of the wedge holder to be spaced apart from each other, and fitted into the support channel of the frame body with an edge portion of the air screen being interposed between the wedge holder and the frame body; and a locking groove provided on an outer surface of each of the pressing fences along a circumference thereof so that the locking protrusion of the support channel is fitted into the locking groove.

[2] The air-screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein a support groove is provided in an end of the push protrusion of the support channel along a circumference thereof, and a pressing web is further provided on the wedge holder and is fitted into the support groove of the push protrusion with the air screen interposed between the wedge holder and the support channel.

[3] The air-screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein a rough part is provided on an inner surface of the support groove of the push protrusion.

[4] The air-screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wedge holder is fastened to the push protrusion of the support channel via a plurality of screws.

[5] The air-screen assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wedge holder is provided with a flange to cover an end of the support channel.

[6] The air-screen assembly according to claim 5, wherein the support channel of the frame body is open towards an outdoor side, and a guide channel is further provided on an inside portion of the support channel.

[7] The air-screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the air screen is manufactured by attaching a transparent membrane to glass fiber mesh.

[8] The air-screen assembly according to claim 7, wherein the membrane is Gore- tex.