ZA200505379B - Sealing system for an energy efficient window - Google Patents
Sealing system for an energy efficient window Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- ZA200505379B ZA200505379B ZA200505379A ZA200505379A ZA200505379B ZA 200505379 B ZA200505379 B ZA 200505379B ZA 200505379 A ZA200505379 A ZA 200505379A ZA 200505379 A ZA200505379 A ZA 200505379A ZA 200505379 B ZA200505379 B ZA 200505379B
- Authority
- ZA
- South Africa
- Prior art keywords
- window
- panes
- spacing member
- outer surfaces
- spacer
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims description 19
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 125000000484 butyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 24
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000012943 hotmelt Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acrylate Chemical compound [O-]C(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Description
SEALING SYSTEM FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW
FIELD OF THE INVENTION s
The present invention relates to an energy efficient window and, in particular, to a sealing system for energy efficient windows.
Windows or glass areas are a significant weakness in heat insulation schemes for buildings in hot or cold climates. A basic insulating window that is well-known is constructed from two panes of glass within a rigid frame. The air space between the panes provides heat insulation. It is also known to evacuate the air space or to fill the air space with a gas of lower thermal conductivity than air such as argon. One further method of enhancing the insulating value of such a window is to increase the air space and provide transparent partitions between the outer glass panes to reduce convective heat transfer within the unit.
Other technologies include providing selectively reflecting or low-emissivity coatings to reduce radiant heat transfer through the window. As well, there have been significant improvements in the window frame, both in the union of the glass panes and the design and material of the frame. The layers of glazing in an insulating unit must be held apart at the appropriate distance by spacers. Because of its excellent structural properties, window manufacturers have used aluminum spacers. Unfortunately, aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and the aluminum spacer used in most standard edge systems represented a significant thermal "short circuit" at the edge of the insulating glass unit, which reduces the benefits of improved glazings. In addition to the increased heat loss, the colder edge is more prone to condensation. ] A window comprising a compound glass element with an edge binding member is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,112 (corresponding to Canadian Patent No. 2,029,148).
C1 35 The edge binding member holds two glass planes apart in a parallel condition and seals the space between the glass panes from the exterior. A suitable edge binding member must provide a stable mechanical bond between the glass panes to ensure the physical integrity of the window unit. The edge binding member must also be vapour tight to prevent the ) penetration of vapour between the glass panes and consequent condensation that will occur within the window unit. Lastly, the edge binding member must not provide a thermal bridge s between the glass panes, or should at least minimize heat transfer from one pane to the other.
With the edge binding member of this patent, a metal foil band wraps around a spacer and substantially bridges the glass panes. The spacer is glued to the glass panes with an acrylate adhesive. At the outer edges of the metal band, close to the glass panes, the spacer is bevelled, creating a triangular void space. The void space is filled with a highly vapour resistant hot-melt butyl adhesive.
While this system does provide a solution to the vapour block problem, a significant additional problem arises. The spacer is typically made from a thermoplastic material with a significantly higher thermal coefficient of expansion that the steel band. The butyl adhesive tends to creep into the space between the plastic spacer and the metal band, thereby adhering the two together. When subject to thermal expansion or contraction, the different rates of expansion between the plastic and the metal may cause the spacer to fail, or it may disrupt the integrity of the butyl seal.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an energy efficient window unit which includes a spacer and seal system which mitigates the difficulties posed by the prior art.
The present invention is directed at energy efficient windows having an edge spacer and sealing system. Therefore, in one aspect, the invention comprises a heat insulation window comprising: (a) a pair of outer panes defining an air space therebetween; (b) a spacing member disposed between the outer panes which maintain the panes * 35 in a spaced-apart relationship, the spacing member having a first and second outer surfaces which are opposed and parallel, and a third outer surface extending between the first and second outer surfaces; (©) wherein the spacing member defines a first sealing groove at the junction . between the first and third outer surfaces and a second sealing groove at the junction between the second and third outer surfaces; (6) a gas-tight scal element contained within the first and second sealing grooves; and (e) a metal band parallel to and overlaying the third outer surface, wherein the band comprises edge flanges which fit into the first and second sealing grooves, thereby isolating the third outer surface from the seal element.
In a preferred embodiment, the window further comprises an interface layer between the third outer surface and the metal band. Further, the seal element comprises hot-melt butyl adhesive and the metal band comprises a stainless steel foil. Also, the spacing member comprises a central spacer and opposing lateral members, wherein the central spacer separates the opposing lateral members and at least one lateral member comprises means for retaining an interior film.
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of edge spacer and sealing system of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design. s When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art- recognized meanings.
Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an edge spacer and sealing system of a window unit (10). Those skilled in the art will realize that the members shown in cross- section in Figure 1 are provided continuously around the edge of the window unit (10) to completely seal the interior volume (12) from the exterior.
As shown in Figure 1, dual glass panes (14, 16) are spaced apart by a spacer assembly which comprises a central spacer (18) and a first lateral member (20) and a second lateral member (22). The first lateral member (20) has a first outer surface (21) which abuts up against the glass pane (14). Similarly, the second lateral member (22) has a second outer surface (23) which abuts up against the other glass pane (16). The first and second lateral members are attached to the glass panes by means of an adhesive (24) such as an acrylate adhesive or some other suitable adhesive as is well-known in the art. The lateral members (20, 22) may be preferably extruded from aluminum which is preferred for its light weight, rigidity and strength.
The central spacer (18) has a third outer surface (19) which is perpendicular to the plane of the glass panes (14, 16). In a preferred embodiment, the central spacer defines at least one and preferably two dessicant chambers (26, 28) which are filled with a dessicating material. Vents (30) permit the passage of air to and from the dessicant chambers into the interior air volume. The central spacer (18) interlocks with the two lateral members (20, 22) in order to maintain the two glass panes in a spaced and parallel relationship. ) The central spacer (18) is preferably formed from a plastic material with a relatively low heat conductivity to minimize any thermal bridging effect between one glass pane to the other. In a preferred embodiment, the central spacer if extruded from a thermoplastic material such as polyvinylchloride or polyamide.
Each lateral member (20, 22) defines a sealing groove filled with a sealing material , (32) immediately adjacent its junction with the central spacer. The sealing groove therefore runs along the glass pane, outside of the central spacer, as shown in the Figures. The sealing groove is filled with a vapour-proof gas tight seal (32) element. Preferably, the seal element comprises hot-melt butyl adhesive, which is well known for its vapour proof qualities. Other sealing materials which are suitably vapour-proof are well known in the art. The sealing groove (and therefore the seal 32) is shown as substantially square in cross-section, however, that is not an essential element of the invention.
A capping band (34) is provided to cover the third outer surface (19). However, rather than extending to the glass panes, the band (34) is bent at either edge (34A, 34B) to follow the contour of the sealing groove. The butyl seal (32) contacts the outer surface of the band (34). Therefore, the band (34) prevents the hot-melt butyl from creeping in between the third outer surface (19) of the central spacer (18) and the interior surface of the band. The band is preferably made from a strong, vapour-proof, oxidation-resistant and low heat- conductive material, such as a thin stainless steel foil.
In both Figures 1 and 2, the window units shown include interior volume dividing films (40). Such films (40) enhance the insulating value of the window unit (10) however are not essential elements of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a single film (40) is shown, whereas in Figure 2, a dual film (40) embodiment is shown. In each case, the film is suspended from a lateral member (20, 22) by means of a tensioning member (42) which is preferably a helical spring. A plurality of springs (42) are provided around the periphery of the window unit (10), thereby suspending the film (40) within the interior volume (21), substantially parallel to each glass pane. Each spring (42) is mounted in a channel formed in the lateral member. Each lateral member which includes means for g suspending the film includes a lip (44) which projects outward and contacts the film (40), in order to seal the partitioned interior volume created by the film.
As shown in Figure 1, the lateral members may be identical for ease of fabrication, even in an embodiment with a single interior film, where the lateral member (20) does not include means for suspending a film. In such an embodiment, however, the central portion (18) must have a slightly different profile to accommodate the asymmetric nature of the single film embodiment, as is shown in Figure 1.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the described invention may be combined in a manner different from the combinations described or claimed herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. (LY
Claims (4)
- WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:’ 1. A heat insulation window comprising: (a) a pair of outer panes defining an air space therebetween; (b) a spacing member disposed between the outer panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship, the spacing member having a first and second outer surfaces which are opposed and parallel, and a third outer surface extending between the first and second outer surfaces; (c) wherein the spacing member defines a first sealing groove at the junction between the first and third outer surfaces and a second sealing groove at the junction between the second and third outer surfaces; (d) a gas-tight seal element contained within the first and second sealing grooves; and (e) a metal band parallel to and overlaying the third outer surface, wherein the band comprises edge flanges which fit into the first and second sealing grooves, thereby isolating the third outer surface from the seal element.
- 2. The window of claim 1 wherein the seal element comprises a butyl adhesive and the metal band comprises a stainless steel foil.
- 3. The window of claim 1 wherein the spacing member comprises a central spacer and opposing lateral members, wherein the central spacer separates the opposing lateral members and at least one lateral member comprises means for retaining an interior film.
- 4. A heat insulation window substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2. 7 AMENDED SHEET
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ZA200505379A ZA200505379B (en) | 2005-07-04 | 2005-07-04 | Sealing system for an energy efficient window |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ZA200505379A ZA200505379B (en) | 2005-07-04 | 2005-07-04 | Sealing system for an energy efficient window |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
ZA200505379B true ZA200505379B (en) | 2006-04-26 |
Family
ID=38137531
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
ZA200505379A ZA200505379B (en) | 2005-07-04 | 2005-07-04 | Sealing system for an energy efficient window |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
ZA (1) | ZA200505379B (en) |
-
2005
- 2005-07-04 ZA ZA200505379A patent/ZA200505379B/en unknown
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1573162B1 (en) | Sealing system for an energy efficient window | |
US10167665B2 (en) | Spacer for insulating glazing units, comprising extruded profiled seal | |
US8595994B1 (en) | Insulating glass unit with asymmetrical between-pane spaces | |
US5653073A (en) | Fenestration and insulating construction | |
US5007217A (en) | Multiple pane sealed glazing unit | |
US4831799A (en) | Multiple layer insulated glazing units | |
US9739085B2 (en) | Spacer for triple-insulated glazing units | |
CA2275448C (en) | Spacer for multiple-glazed insulating glazing | |
CA2507108C (en) | Energy efficient window | |
US10190359B2 (en) | Double glazing having improved sealing | |
US7851034B2 (en) | Embedded vacuum insulating glass unit, and/or method of making the same | |
US20170328119A1 (en) | Insulating glazing unit | |
WO2020147905A1 (en) | A frame assembly comprising a vacuum insulated glass unit fixed to a frame by means of a structural adhesive | |
US20180252022A1 (en) | Door for a refrigerated cabinet | |
KR20200133241A (en) | Spacer with reinforcing element | |
US20230124735A1 (en) | Spacer having improved adhesion | |
ZA200505379B (en) | Sealing system for an energy efficient window | |
OA13037A (en) | Sealing system for an energy efficient window. |