WO2012169888A1

WO2012169888A1 - Window construction for a building

Info

Publication number: WO2012169888A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Csilla CSOKE
Original assignee: Dgmr Bouw B.V.
Priority date: 2011-06-09
Filing date: 2012-06-07
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Also published as: NL2006915C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a window construction for a building, comprising a framework in which a window element can be placed, wherein said window construction has a closed condition, at least in a condition thereof in which it is connected with the building, in which closed condition the window construction forms a substantially sealing separation between two sides located on either side of the window construction. The framework is pivotable about a pivot axis between a normal position and a pivoted position in the closed condition of the window construction. Said pivoting is possible without it being necessary to change the closed condition of the window construction. The sealing separation of the window construction remains ensured, so that mass and heat transport by airflows between the internal space (the inner side of the building) and the external space (the outer side of the building) is even (substantially) prevented. Pivoting of the framework results in an increase or decrease of the effective area of the window, so that solar radiation can to a smaller or larger extent contribute to the total energy balance of the interior space.

Description

Title: Window construction for a building

Description

The invention relates to a window construction for a building, comprising a framework in which a window element can be placed, wherein said window construction has a closed condition, at least in a condition thereof in which it is connected with the building, in which closed condition the window construction forms a substantially sealing separation between two sides located on either side of the window construction, and wherein the framework is pivotable about a pivot axis between a normal position and a pivoted position in the closed condition of the window construction for thus controlling the amount of solar radiation received on a first side of the window.

Such a window construction is known, for example from US 2,900,680. The known window construction comprises a frame which is installed in an opening in an outside wall. Mounted in the frame is a window element, for example made of glass. The window construction forms a sealing separation between an inner side of the building (internal) and the outer side (external). The window construction is pivotable between a normal, vertical position and a pivoted, inclined position. In the normal position (winter position), relatively much sunlight can enter the building. In the pivoted position (summer position), the window construction is pivoted inward, so that there will be relatively more reflection of the sunlight and the area on which sunlight can be incident will be smaller. In this way the sun can contribute to the heating of the space adjacent the window construction during the relatively cold winter months, and too much heating up by sunlight can be prevented during the relatively hot summer months.

It is a drawback of the known window construction that it is constructionally relatively complex. Another drawback of the known window construction is the fact that the possibilities for controlling the interior climate are relatively limited.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved window construction, which preferably exhibits improved possibilities for controlling the interior climate.

In order to achieve that object, the invention provides a window construction of the above kind, which is characterised according to the characterising part of claim 1. The framework of the window construction is pivotable about a pivot axis between a normal position and a pivoted position. Said pivoting is possible without it being necessary to change the closed condition of the window construction. In other words, the sealing separation of the window construction remains ensured, so that mass and heat transport by airflows between the internal space (the inner side of the building) and the external space (the outer side of the building) with the associated drawbacks of, for example, draught and contamination (smog, or pollen), are prevented. The window construction is further provided with a sealing element fixedly connected with the framework, which at least partially forms the sealing separation and which at least partially forms a thermal conduction surface for thermal conduction between the two sides. The window construction is designed so that a surface area of the thermal conduction surface can be varied by pivoting the framework.

Said pivoting of the framework thus serves two purposes. In the first place, the effective (projected) area of the window can be increased or decreased by said pivoting, such that the sun's radiation can to a larger or smaller degree participate in the total energy balance of the interior space. In the case of a larger effective area, the sun's radiation will heat up the interior space up relatively more, and in the case of a smaller area, the sun's radiation will heat up the interior space relatively less. Additionally, the sealing element, which functions as a conduction surface, makes heat conduction between the inner side of the building and the outer side of said building via the conduction surface possible. Since the sealing element is connected to the framework, it will pivot along with the framework upon pivoting thereof. As a result, the conduction area is increased or decreased, such that heat transport through conduction can take place to a larger or smaller degree. According to the invention, it is therefore possible to influence not only the amount of sunlight but also the degree of conduction so as to thus control the temperature in the interior. The object of the invention is thus accomplished.

The window construction according to the present invention is very suitable for preventing the entry of sunlight or, on the contrary, allowing the entry of sunlight, depending on the internal temperature of the space. The window construction is in particular a means that can contribute to the internal temperature of the space without other parameters of the interior climate being influenced. As a result, the window construction can contribute towards controlling the interior climate in a simple and effective manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the window construction is pivotable between a summer position and a winter position. In the summer position, the amount of solar radiation received is minimised and the amount of heat that exits through conduction is maximised. In the winter position, the amount of solar radiation received is maximised and the amount of heat that exits through conduction is minimised.

Thus it is possible, for example, to reduce the effective (projected) area, such that less sunlight can enter the space. It is conceivable in that regard for the conduction area to be relatively large, such that heat losses to the environment will be greater and, as a result, the space will remain relatively cool. The space will thus heat up less, so that less cooling will be necessary. In some cases the effective (projected) area may be reduced to such an extent that a large part, even up to 100%, of the direct sunlight is stopped during a number of hours per day.

In the winter, on the other hand, the effective (projected) area of the same window construction can be increased by tilting the framework so as to thus have the sun's radiation contribute more to the heating of the space. Furthermore, the conduction surface formed by the closing element may be small (or equal zero) so as to prevent heat losses to the environment. The contribution to said heating up may even amount to 25% or more in some cases, leading to major savings in heating costs.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that conduction can also take place across the framework itself. In that sense the window itself is also a conduction surface, although its dimension cannot be adjusted. The sealing element can thus rather be regarded as a further conduction surface, by means of which the overall conduction area can be adjusted, and which can be varied between a normal position and a pivoted position so as to thus influence the contribution of heat flows resulting from conduction.

It is very advantageous if the window construction has at least one further pivoted position between the normal position and the pivoted position. In this way the solar radiation received and the amount of conduction are easier to control. In a very advantageous embodiment, the framework of the window construction is pivotally adjustable in a continuously variable manner. In this way a continuously variable control can be realised.

The framework is preferably of simple design in that the framework is substantially rectangular, comprising four substantially elongated framework elements. A square framework may be used.

In order to obtain a relatively simple window construction, it is preferable if the pivot axis substantially coincides with one of the four framework elements.

The pivot axis preferably extends substantially horizontally. In this way the effective solar radiation area can be adjusted in a relatively simple manner. It is also conceivable, however, for the pivot axis two extend substantially vertically.

It is preferable if the framework extends substantially parallel to the outside wall of the building in one of its positions (the normal position or the pivoted position). In this position the conduction area of the window construction is preferably relatively small, so that heat losses from the space through conduction are prevented. Preferably, the framework pivots outwards, in such a manner that the sealing area forms part of the outer side of the building. In the pivoted position, a relatively large conduction area is thus obtained, so that heat losses from the space through conduction are allowed to take place to a greater extent. The difference in conduction area between the two positions may be 10%, for example, but in certain embodiments it may amount to as much as 30% to 40%. Especially advantageous is the fact that the effect of the changed conduction area depends on the orientation of the wall of the building in which the window construction is installed, so that the window construction can be used in any wall, even if it does not receive any direct sunlight (as is for example the case with walls facing north.

According to the invention, it is quite preferable if the effect of the conduction surface is very advantageously combined with the effect of the effective (projected) area, and that in such a manner that in the position parallel to the outside wall the effective (projected) area is relatively large and the conduction area relatively small. In this position, heat loss through conduction is prevented and the entry of sunlight is stimulated. This is a very good position in a (cold) winter period, since this position facilitates the heating up of the interior of space. In the (outwardly) tilted position, on the other hand, the effective (projected) area is relatively small, and the conduction area is relatively large. This prevents the entry of sunlight and facilitates heat loss through conduction, in particular during the relatively cold nights. Accordingly, this is an excellent position in the summer.

It is noted that the two aforesaid effects of said tilting, viz. adjusting the (projected) area for solar radiation and adjusting the conduction area, can take place independently of each other. The effects can be selectively used either separately or jointly by a skilled person for the purpose of contributing to the control of the interior climate, in particular the temperature.

Since an outside wall usually extends substantially vertically, it is preferable if the framework extends substantially in a vertical direction in the normal position or in the pivoted position thereof.

The framework is preferably pivotable through an angle that ranges between 10 and 60 degrees between the normal position and the pivoted position. The normal position and the pivoted position are preferably extreme positions, so that the total angle through which the framework can pivot ranges between 10 and 60 degrees. The pivot angle is preferably adapted to the location of the building for which the window construction is intended. Depending on the location on earth, the position of the sun can vary during the day, so that different angles appear to be more effective for increasing and/or decreasing the effective (projected) area.

In order to make a simple installation in the building possible, the window construction may be provided with a mounting unit for mounting the window construction in the building.

The mounting unit may comprise a substantially elongated mounting element. Said elongated mounting element makes it possible to realise a reliable installation, and that in a relatively short time. Furthermore, the mounting element provides an adequate sealing effect.

The window construction according to the invention is provided with a sealing element that forms the seal between the framework and the opening in which the window construction is installed. Said sealing element at least partially forms the sealing separation. In a special embodiment, the sealing element extends between at least part of the framework and at least part of the mounting unit. The sealing element is connected to the framework and configured so that it can move between the normal position and the pivoted position. The sealing element forms the conduction surface via which conduction between the interior of the building and outside atmosphere can take place.

The window construction is further provided with a holder for receiving the sealing element in the normal position or in the pivoted position of the framework.

In one embodiment, the sealing element is flexible. The sealing element may comprise a bellows, for example.

In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element is substantially rigid.

The framework may be pivotally connected to a wall element, said wall element being pivotally connected to the framework in such a manner that the wall element will pivot in an opposite direction upon pivoting of the framework from the first position to the second position. The window construction is designed for being installed in the opening in the building, so that both the framework for the window and the wall element are installed in the opening, therefore. In this embodiment, the pivot angle may be about 20 degrees.

In addition to the fact that said pivoting of the window construction can be used for controlling the interior climate of the building, it is additionally also possible, of course, for the window construction to be configured so that the window can be opened, so that also convective heat transport can make a contribution. In an efficient embodiment, the window construction therefore comprises a further framework such as a casing mounted within said framework, wherein a window element, for example of glass, can be placed in said further framework, and wherein said further framework is movable between a closed position, in which the sealing separation is maintained, and an open position, in which the sealing separation is at least partially removed.

One aspect of the invention relates to the use of the window construction as described in the foregoing. Said use may comprise installing the window construction, for example, or controlling the interior climate of a building.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a building having one or more window constructions as described above.

It is conceivable in that regard if two or more window constructions are installed beside each other in the building. The window constructions may also be adjacent to each other, for example in vertical direction and/or in horizontal direction. The area of the outside wall that can contribute to the energy management is thus further increased. Said one or more window constructions may take up substantially the entire width of the building. It is also conceivable, of course, for the window construction to take up the entire height of a building level.

According to another aspect there is provided a method for controlling the interior climate of a building. The building comprises a space with at least one circumferential wall in which a window construction according to the invention is installed. In a normal position of the window, the window construction has a closed condition, in which the window construction forms a substantially sealing separation between two sides located or on either side of the window construction. Said sides are, for example, the inner side of the building (space or room) and the outer side of the building (outside air). The method according to the invention is characterised by the step of pivoting the window element between the normal position and the pivoted position in the closed condition of the window construction. Said pivoting in the closed condition results in a change in the effective (projected) area for solar radiation and also in the conduction area, so that less sunlight can enter the space and more conduction or less conduction can take place. By keeping the window construction in the closed condition, there will be no loss resulting from convective heat transport in the form of air flows through the window construction. Further advantages of the method have already been described in the foregoing with reference to the window construction.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures showing a few preferred embodiments thereof. In the drawings:

Figures 1a-e show an embodiment of the window construction;

Figures 2a-2d show another embodiment of a window construction according to the present invention;

Figures 3a-f show another embodiment of a window construction according to the present invention;

Figures 4a-b show another embodiment of a window construction according to the present invention. Figure 1 a is a perspective view of a building 2 comprising a window construction 1. The building comprises a space made up of a floor 21 , side walls 22, 23, a rear wall 24 and a roof 25. The front wall of the building 2 is formed by the window construction 1 , which in this case forms) substantially) the entire facade of the building 2. Disposed above the facade is a roof edge 12. The window construction 1 comprises a framework 3, which is made up of framework elements 5 in the form of jambs. The framework 3 may be made of a suitable material, such as wood, aluminium or plastic. Panes are provided in the framework as window elements. Disposed at a bottom side of a vertically extending framework element 5 of the framework 3 is a wall element 4. The framework 3 is pivotally connected to the wall element 4. The framework 3 and the wall element 4 are in a normal position in figure 1 a. They extend substantially vertically in that position.

As figure 1b shows, the framework 3 can be pivoted to a pivoted position. In said pivoted position, the framework 3 and the framework elements 5 have been pivoted about the pivot axis A, and the wall element 4 has been pivoted about the pivot axis C. Both the framework 3 and the wall element 4 have been pivoted inward, in the direction of the centre of the space. The framework 3 and the wall element 4 pivot relative to each other about the pivot axis B. The pivoting direction of the framework 3 and that of the wall element 4 are opposed to each other, thus forming a facade having a V-shaped cross-section. Parts of the side walls 22 and 23 are now external parts of the building.

Figures 1c-1 d show the construction of the window construction 3 in more detail. Like parts are indicated by the same numerals.

Figure 1c is a perspective view of the window construction 1 in uninstalled condition. Provided at an upper side thereof is a mounting unit comprising an elongated mounting element 91. A hinge 7 can be distinguished between the framework 3 and the wall element 4.

Figures 1d and 1e are side views of the window construction in a normal position (figure 1d) and a pivoted position (figure 1 e). The framework 3 comprises an upper side 32 and a bottom side 31 , between which the framework element 5 provided with a (glass) window element (not shown) extends. The wall element 4 also has an upper side 42 and a bottom side 41. Provided at the bottom side of the wall element is a flexible sealing element 6', which forms a seal between the inner space and the outside. Such a flexible seal 6 is also provided at the upper side of the framework 3. In the pivoted position, the framework 3 has been pivoted through an angle of about 20 degrees. It is also possible, however, to realise a larger or a smaller extent of pivoting. Preferably, the extent of pivoting is in any case such that the effective solar radiation area can be increased or decreased.

In the normal position shown in figure 1 d, the effective solar radiation area is relatively large. As a result, relatively much solar heat in the form of radiation can contribute to the energy balance of the space. In this case said normal position is a so-called winter position, which makes a maximum utilisation of the solar heat possible. Furthermore, in said winter position, heat losses through conduction are reduced by minimising the surface area of the outside wall. All this is done in order to keep the space as warm as possible, such that the energy consumption for heating can remain within bounds.

In the pivoted position shown in figure 1 e, the effective solar radiation area is relatively small. As a result, relatively little solar heat in the form of radiation can contribute to the energy balance of the space. Said pivoted position is a so-called summer position, which ensures that as little energy in the form of solar heat as possible is absorbed. Furthermore, the total heat-conducting area of the outside wall is increased in comparison with the normal position in that parts of the sealing elements 6, 6' are now exposed to the outside air, and conduction to the outside air will thus take place. Heat losses through conduction are thus increased. All this is done for the purpose of keeping the space as cool as possible, such that the energy consumption for cooling (airco) can remain within bounds.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window construction 101 according to the present invention. The window construction, which is relatively compact, can be used for replacing existing window frames. The window construction 101 comprises a rectangular framework 103 provided with a number of framework elements. A glass window element is or at least can be provided in the framework 103. In figure 2a, the framework 103 has been pivoted about the pivot axis A to a pivoted position (summer position). The pivot axis A extends horizontally and coincides with the lower framework element. The pivoting angle may be 45 degrees, for example. A sealing element 106 extends at the sides and the upper side. The sealing element 106 extends between the framework 3 and the mounting unit 109. The mounting unit 109 is also configured as a framework. Said framework of the mounting unit 109 is installed in an opening in the outside wall of a building, for example in a similar manner as prior art frames.

In figure 2b the normal position (winter position) is shown. As the figure shows, the framework 103 is located near the mounting unit 109, extending substantially parallel thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 106 is a flexible element in the form of a bellows. As is shown in detail in figure 2d, the sealing element 106 is accommodated in a holder 180 in the normal position, which holder is provided in the mounting unit 109. Figure 2d also partially shows the fixation of the mounting unit 109 to a wall 122 of the building. As is shown, the conduction surface formed by the sealing element 106 is small in the non-extended condition (figures 2b and 2d), such that heat losses through conduction across the sealing element 06 amount to (at least substantially) zero.

The sealing element 106 extends to an outside area of the building in the pivoted condition (summer position, see figure 2a). In that position, the conduction area is relatively large, so that heat can flow outside from the interior of the building through conduction. It is possible, of course, to determine the degree of conduction by the sealing element in advance by suitably selecting the material.

Some materials are more suitable for transferring heat via conduction than other materials, and the skilled person will be able to arrive at a suitable selection of the material. In order to prevent solar radiation heating the space via the sealing element

106, the sealing element 106 is preferably made of a material which hardly transmits solar radiation, if at all.

As figure 2c further shows, there is provided a tilt limiter 190, which extends between the framework 103 and the mounting unit. The tilt limiter limits the pivoting angle of the framework 103. The tilt limiter may be a cable or a chain, for example.

In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in a perspective view of a building in figure 3a, the window construction 203 is configured so that it takes up substantially an entire width of a space and an entire height of the space. Figure 3a shows a building 201 in which four window constructions 203a-d are provided in spaces located adjacent to each other.

Figure 3a shows the winter position or, in other words, the normal position. Figure 3b shows the building 201 of figure 3a, in which the window constructions 203a-d have all been moved to the pivoted position (summer position). Each window construction is provided with a sealing element 206, which has a small (zero) conduction area in a normal position and, on the contrary, a large conduction area in a pivoted position.

Figure 3c is a perspective view of the building 201 in an uninstalled condition of the window construction. The figure shows a space made up of a floor 221 , a side wall 222 and a rear wall 224. At an upper side of each space, the building 201 is provided with a receiving space 229 for the window construction, whilst receiving spaces 229' are provided also at the side walls of each space. Furthermore, a pivoting slot 227 is provided.

Figure 3d is a sectional view of the building of figure 3a in an installed condition of the window construction 203d. The window construction 203d is in a normal position, in which the sealing element 206 is accommodated in the receiving space 229 in the form of a rigid plate 206d. The receiving space 229 is located between the ceiling 225d of the space and the floor 221 a of the space that is located thereabove. The plate is provided with a stop element 292 at a rear end thereof, which stop element cooperates in a pivoted position with a stop 291 provided near the outside wall.

Figures 3e and 3f are cross-sectional top plan views (for example taken near the centre of the side wall) showing two window constructions in a normal position (winter position) and a pivoted position (summer position), respectively. The window constructions comprise a framework element 205c, 205d, in which the glass window element 251c, 251 d is accommodated. The cross-sectional view also shows a sealing element 206c=, 206d= for sealing the side of the window construction in the pivoted position. In the normal position, the framework element 205c, 205d abuts against a first side of a lateral stop 291'; in the pivoted position, a lateral stop element 292' abuts against the opposite side.

Figures 4a and 4b show an alternative embodiment of the building of figure 3a. In said embodiment, two window constructions 303a, 303b according to one embodiment of the present invention are provided for the upper level. Since the lower level 321 shown in figure 3a extends over a relatively large width (without a partition wall), one window construction 303c comprising a number of window modules 303 is provided, as is shown in figure 5b. The window module 303 comprises a framework comprising a number of framework elements 305, and at the upper side a sealing element 306 in the form of a plate is provided. The construction may correspond to the construction described with reference to figure 3. The individual modules 303 may pivot individually, although it is preferable for the modules 303 to pivot simultaneously.

The plate 306 again functions as a conduction surface. In the pivoted position, the conduction area is larger than the conduction area in the normal position (not shown).

Pivoting the window construction can be done manually or automatically (controlled) by means of a motor. To that end a control circuit may be provided, for example comprising a temperature sensor or a radiation sensor. The control circuit may be connected to an interior climate control unit, such as an air conditioning unit or a central heating unit.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the foregoing the present invention has been explained with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof. The invention is not limited to said embodiments, however. Several equivalent embodiments are conceivable within the framework of the invention, which embodiments fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A window construction (1 ) for a building (2), comprising a framework (3) in which a window element, for example of glass, can be placed, wherein said window construction (1 ) has a closed condition, at least in a condition thereof in which it is connected with the building (2), in which closed condition the window construction (1 ) forms a substantially sealing separation between two sides located on either side of the window construction, and wherein the framework (3) is pivotable about a pivot axis (A) between a normal position and a pivoted position in the closed condition of the window construction, characterised in that the window construction is further provided with a sealing element that is fixedly connected with the framework, which sealing element at least partially forms a thermal conduction surface for thermal conduction between the two sides, wherein the window construction is designed so that a surface area of the thermal conduction surface can be varied by pivoting the framework.

2. A window construction according to claim 1 , wherein the window construction is pivotable between a summer position and a winter position, wherein in the summer position the amount of solar radiation received is minimised and the amount of heat that exits through conduction is maximised, and wherein in the winter position the amount of solar radiation received is maximised and the amount of heat that exits through conduction is minimised.

3. A window construction according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the window construction has at least one further pivoted position between the normal position and the pivoted position.

4. A window construction according to claim 3, wherein the window construction is pivotally adjustable in a continuously variable manner.

5. A window construction according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, wherein the framework (3) is substantially rectangular, comprising four substantially elongated framework elements (5), and wherein preferably the pivot axis (A) substantially coincides with one of the four framework elements (5), for example in that the pivot axis (A) extends substantially horizontally.

6. A window construction according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 5, wherein the framework (3) extends substantially in a vertical direction in the normal position.

7. A window construction according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 6, wherein the framework (3) is pivotable through an angle that ranges between

10 and 60 degrees.

8. A window construction according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 7, wherein the window construction (1) is provided with a mounting unit (9) for mounting the window construction (1) in the building (2).

9. A window construction according to claim 8, wherein the mounting unit (9) comprises a substantially elongated mounting element (91).

10. A window construction according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the sealing element extends between at least part of the framework (3) and at least part of the mounting unit (9).

11. A window construction according to claim 10, wherein the window construction is provided with a holder (180) for receiving the sealing element (106) in one position of the framework (103).

12. A window construction according to any one or more of claims 8 -

10, wherein the sealing element (106) is a flexible element.

13. A window construction according to claim 12, wherein the sealing element (106) comprises a bellows (106).

14. A window construction according to one or more of claims 9 - 11 , wherein the sealing element (206) is a substantially rigid element.

15. A window construction according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 13, wherein the framework (3) is pivotally connected to a wall element (4), wherein said wall element (4) is pivotally connected to the framework (3) in such a manner that the wall element will pivot in an opposite direction upon pivoting of the framework from the first position to the second position.

16. A window construction according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 - 15, wherein the window construction therefore comprises a further framework, such as a casing, mounted within said framework, wherein a window element, for example of glass, can be placed in said further framework, wherein said further framework is movable between a closed position, in which the sealing separation is maintained, and an open position, in which the sealing separation is at least partially removed.

17. Use of a window construction (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 - 16.

18. A building (201) comprising one or more window constructions (203) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1- 16.

19. A building (201) according to claim 18, wherein two or more window constructions (203a, 203b) are disposed beside each other.

20. A building (301) according to claim 19, wherein the window constructions (303c, 303d) are adjacent to each other.

21. A method for controlling the interior climate of a space in a building (2), said building comprising a space with at least one circumferential wall in which a window construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 16 is installed, wherein the method is characterised by the step of pivoting the glass window element between the normal position and the pivoted position in the closed condition of the window construction (1) for thus controlling the amount of sunlight that enters the space and the amount of heat that exits the space through conduction via the conduction surface.