SPACER FRAME FOR SEALED GLASS UNITS

Abstract: It is disclosed a spacer frame comprising a polygonal, preferably mainly square frame where the frame surrounds the glass panes of a window by forming an upper and a lower horizontal part, at least two side parts, all of which comprise at least one linear listing or frame (2), where the frame additionally comprises corresponding asymmetric corner keys (3) and symmetric corner keys (1), the upper horizontal part of the spacer-frame preferably having a design which facilitates an installation of a mechanism for a blind which may be fixed underneath the spacer-frame thereby be hanging in-between the glasses of the sealed glass unit, where the asymmetric corner-keys (3) are connected with one leg to the spacer elements (2) and where the other leg of the asymmetric corner-keys (3) are connected to the upper horizontal spacer listing elements (5, 6) comprising two profile elements. In connection with the spacer element there are located permanent magnets in two identical sets positioned on each side of the inner glass pane (53) of the sealed unit where one set of magnets is positioned in-between the glasses in a holding unit (51), and one set of corresponding magnets with converse polarity is placed on the outside of a holding unit (52). Associated with such magnets there is provided a gear assembly for moving and controlling blinds or pleated sheets in a sealed manner between the glass panes of the window.

Description: SPACER FRAME FOR SEALED GLASS UNITS The present invention concerns a special assembly for a spacer frame for sealed glass units such as windows, isolation glass windows, ther oglass windows etc. The spacer frame according to the invention comprises a number of constituent parts making a polygonal, preferably mainly square frame where the frame surrounds the glass panes of the window by forming an upper and a lower hori- zontal part, at least two side parts, all of which comprise at least one linear listing or frame, as well as a corresponding corner keys . The upper horizontal part of the spacer- frame has a design which facilitates an installation of a mechanism for a blind. The blind is fixed underneath the spacer-frame, and will thereby be hanging in-between the glasses of the sealed glass unit. The invention will be more closely disclosed infra with reference to the figures wherein: Fig. 1 shows an assembly of a spacer frame. The components of the spacer frame have the following reference numbers : Reference number 1 relates to corner- keys of the frame forming an angle with two legs wherein both the legs are symmetric. Reference number 2 relates to listing-formed spacer elements connected at least one end thereof to the corner-keys 1. Reference number 3 relates to asymmetric corner-keys connected with one leg to the spacer elements 2. The other leg of the asymmetric corner-keys 3 are connected to upper horizontal spacer listing elements comprising two profiles with the reference numbers 5 and 6. The spacer elements 2 are used in the two vertical and the lower horizontal side of a rectangular spacer-frame. One of the upper horizontal profiles 5 has a U-shaped profile, and this spacer element is used as a base for a mechanism for a blind. The assembly according to the present invention requires the use of two different types of corner keys to make a rectangular spacer-frame, i.e. the symmetric corner-keys 1 and the asymmetric corner-keys 3. The asymmetric cor- ner-key 3 is one of the main elements of the present invention, and such asymmetric elements makes it possible to assemble a corner where the U-shaped spacer element 5 and the closed spacer element 2 are joined without having the inner part of the spacer element 5 being filled of the corner key. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the sealed glass unit according to the invention. In the figure the reference number have the following meanings: The reference number 2 relates to a closed spacer unit. The reference number 8 relates to a sealing material, e.g. a non-vulcanizing rubber "butyl" which is located between glass pane 7 and the closed spacer element 2. The sealing material 8 is to provide a substantially tight sealing for air and moisture between the glass 7 and the closed spacer element 2. The sealing material 8 is accordingly of a non-vulcanizing type which remains sticky over an indefinite period of time. The closed spacer element 2 is especially designed with two inwardly extending corners 9. The inwardly pointing corners 9 will form a space for a reservoir for excess sealing material 8 which might be squeezed out from be- tween the spacer element 2 and the glass 7 when the glass panes 7 are pressed against the spacer element 2. The excess sealing material 8 will be kept in the location provided by the corners 9 and the glass 7. The sealing material 8 will thus not penetrate into the rectangle formed by the two glass panes 7 and the inner side of the spacer 2. It is important that the area between the two glass panes 7 and the spacer element 2 is kept free for sealing material since the slats of a free-hanging blind inside the sealed unit according to the invention will stick to any sealing material which is present and overflowing outside of the above described area 9 when the window with the glass unit is operated and the blind is put in motion. This is a typical problem for some prior types of sealed units with a built-in blind. Providing the spacer frame for a sealed glass unit with corner elements as disclosed supra is previously not known. The objective of the corner element is to prevent sealing material from appearing inside the light -opening of the sealed unit and thereby causing contact between the slats of the blind lying between the window panes of the sealed unit . Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the open spacer part 6 from fig. 1. The spacer element 6 comprises two legs 13 with a snapping action and comprising protruding and/or recessed elements, e.g. one or more grooves 11 on its inside. Such grooves cooperates and corresponds to similar recessed and/or protruding elements 14 located on the outside of the U-shaped profile 5 shown in fig. 1 and in cross-section in fig. 4. The two profile elements 6 and 5 may be assembled by snapping the grooves 11,14 together and thereby forming a closed profile. The profile assembly is shown in cross section in figure 10. A novel trait according to the present invention is providing an opportunity to make a closed spacer assembly formed by two open profiles 5 and 6, for a sealed glass unit . Furthermore, it is a goal for the present to obtain a profile for a sealed glass unit comprising two parts 5,6 which have been snapped together and which form a closed spacer unit which is suitable and which has sufficient room for installing a mechanism for a blind. The U-profile 5 is shown in fig. 4 and comprises a spacer bed 15 and two spacer legs 16. At the upper end of the spacer legs 16 there is provided an inward oriented groove 17. This groove 17 secures components fixed inside the spacer 15 and secures them in the correct position in the spacer preventing them from falling out of the spacer. On the outer side of the legs 16 is the snapping groove 14 for snapping the two profiles 5 and 6 together as disclosed supra. When a U-shaped spacer element 5 is cut into the correct length to fit inside a sealed unit, there is, as shown in fig. 6, punched out a rectangular slot 20 in each end of the element. This rectangular slot is required for assembling the U-formed spacer element 5 and the corner key 3. The asymmetric corner key 3 is shown in fig. 5. One leg 17 of the key is to be located inside the closed spacer element 2. The shape of the corner key 3 is especially designed, as is shown in fig. 12, to fit into the closed spacer element 2. The other leg 18 of the corner key 3 is provided with a number of lengthwise running grooves 19. When the leg 18 is installed into the U-shaped spacer element 5, the leg 18 is pressed into the leg 15 of the U-shaped profile 5 in such a way that the grooves 19 on the leg 18 is embracing a section of the spacer-bed 15 which is to be found on each side of the punched-out area 20. This part of the spacer-bed is given the reference number 22. Two fins 23 on the edge of the groove 19 will provide a resistance between the leg 18 and the spacer bed 15 which prevents the corner key 3 from dropping out from the spacer element 5. The corner key 3 is assembled with the upper horizontal spacer comprising the two profiles 5,6 pressing the corner key 3 onto the end of the profile 5 in such a way that the edges 22 on the profile 5 fits into the groove 19 in the corner key 3. One of the inventive features of the present invention is such an assembly of a corner key and a spacer unit, where the inner part of the spacer unit is not fitted by the leg of the corner key. As shown in fig. 6, a hole 21 is preferably drilled at each end of the spacer element 5. This hole 21 is to be used to fix an end plug 4 into position, as shown in fig. 1. This also represents a novel aspect of the present invention, i.e. assembling a spacer and a corner key, where the corner key is fixed to one side of the spacer and is not filling the open space inside the spacer element . The plugs 4 are shown in figs. 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15. The plug 4 comprises four wings 24. The two lower wings 24 have a designed part 25 made to fit between the sides 16 of the U-profile 5 and the bed 15 in the U-shaped spacer element 5. The two upper wings 24 have a shape to fit in underneath the upper part of the U-formed profile element 5, and they are kept in position by the grooves 17 on the U-shaped spacer element 5. On one side of the plug 3 there is a circular plug 27 which fits into the hole 21 on the U-shaped spacer element 5. The plug 27 prevents the plug 4 from moving when fitted inside the U-shaped profile element 5. On the outer end of the plug 4 is a groove 30. This groove 30 is provided with the male part of an electric connector. This system facilitates an easy connection of electric power to a motor built inside the sealed unit. This constellation between an electric connector and a plug in the spacer is novel and represents a part of the present invention. The construction of the sealed glass unit disclosed supra makes the production of such units easier since there are no loose electric cables hanging around when the sealed glass unit is to be manufactured. The plug 4 is preferably to be manufactured in a syn- thetic material. Synthetic materials have a good adhesion to sealant materials normally used in sealed glass units. Direct connection between the synthetic material, the plug and the sealant should therefore be avoided. Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of a corner of a sealed unit assembly depicting a corner of the sealed unit where the reference number 36 is used for the glass pane, the reference number 35 is used for the sealant which glues the glass to the spacer element, the reference numbers 5 and 6 show the U-profile elements when they are in a snapped-together configuration, the reference number 2 shows the closed spacer element, and 4 is the reference number for the plug. The reference number 32 depicts a short aluminum tube with external threads, and which is screwed into the synthetic material in the groove 28. The reference number 33 shows a sealing material between the plug 4 and the aluminum pipe 32. As the tube 32 reaches outside the end of the plug 4, the sealant will work between the glass and the tube 32, and not between the glass and the synthetic plug 4. The adhesion exists accordingly between the aluminum tube 32 and the glass being materials which both have excellent adhesion properties to the sealant. Referring to the figures 17 - 21, a preferred and optional operation of the blind may also be done by using permanent magnets in two identical sets positioned on each side of the inner glass pane 53 of the sealed unit. One set of magnets is positioned in-between the glasses in a holding unit 51, and one set of corresponding magnets with converse polarity is placed on the outside of a holding unit 52, as shown in fig 17. Two sets of magnets 51,52 are positioned exactly opposite each other on each side of the glass, and it will be disclosed infra how the operation force can be transferred through the glass. The "set" of magnets is designed as a disk 54 as shown in fig. 19. Circular magnets 55 are located along the edge of the disk 54. The number of magnets 55 is preferably an even number, i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.. The north poles and the south poles on the magnets are preferably alternatively facing upwards and downwards as shown in fig. 19 and 20. Fig. 20 shows the inner glass pane of the sealed unit 53, the inner holding disc 56 with magnets 55, and the outer holding disc 57 with corresponding magnets 55. For better understanding the two discs 56,57 have been "pulled away" from the glass. When the two discs 56,57 are in position on the glass, the north pole of a magnet on the external side of the glass 57 will face the south pole on a magnet on the internal side of the glass 56. If the external disc 57 is put into rotation, the magnetic force between the magnets 55 on the two discs 56,57 will force the internal disc 56 to rotate. The positioning of the magnets 55 will at the same time give a "pulling" force from the opposite magnet on the other disc, and a "pushing" force on the neighbouring/adjacent magnet on the other disc. In order to maximise the transferred operating force for the blind, the discs 56,57 shall preferably rotate with the highest possible speed. The assembly comprises accordingly two gearboxes, i.e. an internal and an external gearbox. The external gearbox 61 (see fig. 21) connects the magnetic disc 52 and a cord wheel 64 on which the operating cord (for the blind) 62 runs via a set of toothed wheels or sprockets 63 in such a way that the transfer ratio of the gearbox is approximately 4:1. The internal gearbox is fitted inside the special spacer element which contains the lifting/lowering mechanism for the blind. The internal gearbox 65 (see fig. 18 and 21) connects the magnetic disc 51 to an operating shaft 67 of the lifting mechanism of the blind via a set of toothed wheels/sprockets 66 in such a way that the speed ratio of the internal gearbox will be approximately 1:8 of the speed of the rotating disc. The sprocket 66 is directly connected to the operating shaft 67 for the lifting mechanism of the blind. The external gearbox is glued to the surface of the glass. The difference is ratios on the two gearboxes gives a total exchange ratio for the system which improves the lifting force of the magnetic system, and ensures an easy operation of the blind. There exist several advantages in using a magnetic system when operating an integrated Venetian or pleated blind- There will be no penetration of the sealant on the edge of the sealed unit. This ensures a long lifetime of the sealed unit, since any and every penetration of the sealant is a risk for a puncture. The operating mechanism is fitted on the surface of the glass . Accordingly it is not necessary to make any adjustment or mechanical alterations on the window frame/sash when fitting a unit with an integrated blind. The construction of the spacer frame according to the invention is disclosed supra with reference to a special embodiment depicted in the figures accompanying the application. However, the scope of the invention is not to be construed as being founded in the above mentioned embodiment, but rather through the following claims.

Claims: C l a i s 1. Spacer frame comprising a polygonal, preferably mainly square frame where the frame surrounds the glass panes of the window by forming an upper and a lower horizontal part, at least two side parts, all of which comprise at least one linear listing or frame (2) , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the frame additionally comprises corresponding assymmetric corner keys (3) and symmetric corner keys (1) , the upper horizontal part of the spacer-frame preferably having a design which facilitates an installation of a mechanism for a blind which may be fixed underneath the spacer- frame thereby be hanging in-between the glasses of the sealed glass unit, where the asymmetric corner-keys (3) are connected with one leg to the spacer elements (2) and where the other leg of the asymmetric corner-keys (3) are connected to the upper horizontal spacer listing elements (5,6) comprising two profile elements. 2. Spacer frame according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that one of the upper horizontal profiles (5) has a U-shaped profile. 3. Spacer element according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the corner keys (3) and the upper horizonal profiles (5) of the spacer element spacer element are used as a base for a mechanism for a blind. 4. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the spacer frame is associated with a sealing material (8) located between the glass panes of a window and the spacer element. 5. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the closed spacer element (2) comprises two inwardly extending corners (9) . 6. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the spacer element (6) comprises two legs (13) with a snapping action and comprising protruding and/or recessed elements, e.g. one or more grooves (11) on its inside which cooperate and correspond to similar recessed and/or protruding elements (14) located on the outside of the U-shaped profile (5) 7. Spacer element according to any of the preceedgin claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that there is provided, at the upper end of the spacer legs 16, an inward oriented groove (17) which secures components fixed inside the spacer (15) and secures them in the correct position in the spacer preventing them from falling out of the spacer. 8. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the shape of the corner key (3) is especially designed to fit into the closed spacer element (2) and the other leg (18) of the corner key (3) is provided with a number of lengthwise running grooves (19) . 9. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the corner key (3) is assembled with the upper horizontal spacer comprising the two profiles (5,6) pressing the corner key (3) onto the end of the profile (5) in such a way that the edges (22) on the profile (5) fits into the groove (19) in the corner key (3) . 10. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the assembly includes a spacer element (5,6) and a corner key (3), where the corner key (3) is fixed to one side of the spacer (5,6) and is not filling the open space inside the spacer element (5,6). 11. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the plug (4) com- prises four wings (24) including two lower wings (24) with a designed part (25) made to fit between the sides (16) of the U-profile (5) and the bed (15) in the U- shaped spacer element (5) , the two upper wings 24 having a shape to fit in underneath the upper part of the U- formed profile element (5) , and being kept in position by grooves (17) on the U-shaped spacer element (5) . 12. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that on the outer end of the plug (4) there is a groove (30) , this groove (30) being provided with the male part of an electric connector facilitating an easy connection of electric power to a motor built inside the sealed unit. 13. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that there are located permanent magnets in two identical sets positioned on each side of the inner glass pane (53) of the sealed unit where one set of magnets is positioned in-between the glasses in a holding unit (51) , and one set of correspon- ding magnets with converse polarity is placed on the outside of a holding unit (52) . 14. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that there are provided circular magnets (55) along the edge of the disk (54) , the number of magnets (55) preferably being an even number, i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8 etc., the north poles and the south poles on the magnets preferably alternatively facing upwards and downwards from each other. 15. Spacer element according to any of the preceeding claims , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the assembly comprises two gearboxes, i.e. an internal and an external gearbox, the external gearbox (61) connecting the magnetic disc (52) and a cord wheel (64) on which the operating cord (for the blind) (62) runs via a set of toothed wheels or sprockets (63) in such a way that the transfer ratio of the gearbox is approximately 4:1. 16. Spacer element according to claim 15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the internal gear- box is fitted inside the special spacer element which contains the lifting/lowering mechanism for the blind. 17. Spacer element according to claim 15 or 16, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the internal gear- box (65) connects the magnetic disc (51) to an operating shaft (67) of the lifting mechanism of the blind via a set of toothed wheels/sprockets (66) in such a way that the speed ratio of the internal gearbox will be approximately 1:8 of the speed of the rotating disc. 18. Spacer element according to any of the claims 15 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the sprocket (66) is directly connected to the operating shaft (67) for the lifting mechanism of the blind. 19. Spacer element according to any of the claims 15 - 18, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the external gearbox is glued to the surface of the glass, the difference is ratios on the two gearboxes giving a total exchange ratio for the system which improves the lifting force of the magnetic system, and ensures an easy operation of the blind.

Inventors: HAGEN HELGE, HAGEN, HELGE
Applicants: HAGEN HELGE, HAGEN, HELGE
Application year: 1997
Main classification: E06B3
IPC codes: E06B9