GB2528634A

GB2528634A - Glazing systems

Info

Publication number: GB2528634A
Application number: GB1408269.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Goss; Richard Thomas Henry Pierce
Original assignee: Pierce Developments (holdings) Ltd; Pierce Developments Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Pierce Developments (holdings) Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-09
Filing date: 2014-05-09
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: GB201408269D0

Abstract

A glazing system comprising: a first glazing pane 3, a second glazing pane 5 spaced from the first glazing pane 3 to define a gap 13 therebetween, and a plurality of micro louvres 19 held in a frame 21 positioned in the gap 13 between the first glazing pane 3 and the second glazing pane 5. The configuration of the micro-louvres 19 is such that transmission of direct sunlight is blocked when the sun is at or above a predetermined angle above the horizon but the micro-louvres 19 do not significantly block visibility of a person looking through the glazing panes 3, 5 at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane ofthe glazing panes 3, 5.

Description

CLAZING SYSTEMS

This invention relates to glazing systems and in particular, but not exclusively, to glazing systems incorporating niicro-louvres With improvements in building construction leading to reduced heat loss from within buildings. solar heat gain from direct sunlight through windows is becoming a problem and increasingly requires the use of air conditioning systems to control temperature and quality of air within such buildings. This is a particular problem in buildings having working areas with high occupancy and a large area of external glazing to maximise light transmission to reducc the need for artificial lighting within the building, for example offices and schools. It has been found that as much as 11% of the cooling load of the air conditioning systems used in such buildings is required to counter the effects of solar heat gain thereby reducing any cost savings resulting from reduced heat loss.

One way of reducing the amount of solar heat gain is to fix louvres to the outside of the window to block direct sunlight. However, externally mounted louvres are susceptible to damage and need to be removed to facilitate cleaning of the window and the louvres. This is not practical above the ground floor and is time consuming and awkward on any floor.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the foregoing. More especially, the present invention seeks to provide a glazing system that overcomes or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a glazing system comprising: a first glazing pane, a second glazing pane spaced from the first glazing pane to define a gap therebetween, and a plurality of micro-louvres held in a frame positioned in the gap between the first glazing pane and the second glazing pane.

The glazing system addresses the problems of externally mounted louvres by locating a plurality of micro-louvres between two glazing panes such that the niicro-louvres are protected from damage and the glazing panels can be cleaned without having to remove the micro-louvres, A further benefit of having the micro-louvres in the gap between the glazing panes may be improved security against forced entry by the micro-louvres providing a barrier within the glazing that is not easy to remove or break.

S It may be that the microiouvres are arranged to block transmission of direct sunlight through the glazing panes when the sun is at or above a predetermined angle above the horizon, for example 30 degrees or higher.

It may be that the configuration of the micro-louvres is such that while transmission of direct sunlight is blocked when the sun is at or above a predetermined angle above the horizon, the miero-louvres tend to disappear such that the presence of the micro-louvres between the glazing panes is not readily apparent when viewed at an angle of degrees to the plane of the glazing panes. In this way, the micro-louvres do not significantly block visibility of a person looking through the glazing panes.

It may be that the g'azing panes are separated by a spacer frame affixed, for exampk bonded to the glazing panes around the periphery of the gap between the glazing panes to seal the gap between the glazing panes.

It may be that in some arrangements the frame holding the micro-louvres in the gap also serves as the spacer frame, It may be that in other arrangements, the frame holding the micro-louvres is separate from the spacer frame.

It may be that the glazing panes are substantially rectangular and the microiouvres are provided in the form of a mesh or screen that extends between and is held by the frame on at least two opposed sides of the gap between the glazing panes.

It may be that the frame is configured to hold the mesh or screen such that the micro-louvres are positioned in the required orientation within the gap between the glazing panes.

It may be that the mesh or screen is held within the gap such that the orientation of the micro-louvres is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

It may be that the mesh or screen is held under tension, It may be that the microiouvres are made of a material that reflects heat, Suitable materials may include a metal or alloy, for example bronze as well as a plastic provided with a coating of metal or alloy, for exampk a metallized film, It may be that the glazing panes arc made of glass or plastic or other light transmitting material. Light transmitting materials may be transparent or translucent.

It may be that the micro4ouvres are provided with an image or graphics or text that may be visible when viewed from at least one side of the glazing system, for example an exterior side, The image or graphics or text may be applied to the micro-louvres by any suitable method, for example screen printing.

It may be that the glazing system is mounted in a frame, for example a window or door frame.

It may be that the g'azing system is mounted in a curtain wall.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a glazing assembly comprising a glazing system according to the first aspect of the invention received in a frame, It may be that the glazing system comprises a glazing unit.

It may be that the frame extends around the periphery of the glazing pancs of the glazing system.

It may be that the frame is made of metal or plastic or wood or composite of any of these materials, It may be that the frame is a window frame or a door frame, According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a curtain wall assemHy comprising a glazing system according to the first aspect of the invention.

It may be that the glazing system comprises a glazing unit.

It may be that the curtain wall comprises a plurality of panels wherein at least one pand is provided by the glazing system.

The invention will now bc described in more detail by way of cxamplc only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a sectiona' view of a glazing assernHy according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a glazing assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a glazing assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a sectional view of a glazing assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; In the following description of exemplary embodiments. hke reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts. Accordingly, the description of parts of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 that are the same or similar to parts of later embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4 is only repeated insofar as necessary for an understanding of differences between the embodiments and those skilled in the art will readily understand the construction and operation of the later embodiments from the description of the first embodiment. Moreover references to any features, materials, operation or application of the first embodiment will be understood to apply to the later embodiments un'ess the contrary is indicated in the description thereof Referring now to Figure 1, a glazing assembly 1 is shown that comprise a glazing unit 9 and a frame 15. A marginal edge portion of the glazing unit 9 is received in a rebated region of the frame IS and sealed by seals 17 of elastomeric material. The frame IS may be a window frame or a door frame. The frame IS may be rectangular although other shapes arc possible. The frame 15 may be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, wood or composites of any of these. The frame 15 and seals 17 shown iii the Figures are schematic representations only and any suitable type of frame and seals can be used. In other embodiments (not shown). the glazing unit 9 may be employed in a curtain waD assembly.

The glazing unit 9 has a first glazing pane 3 and a second glazing pane 5 spaced apart by a spacer frame 7 to define a gap 13 therebetween. The panes 3, 5 and spacer frame 7 may be rectangular although other shapes are possible. The panes 3, 5 may comprise sheets of g'ass or any other suitable g'azing material, for example plastics.

The spacer frame 7 is affixed, for example bonded to the glazing panes 3, 5 around the periphery of the gap 13 between the glazing panes to seal the gap 13 between the glazing panes 3. 5. An additional seal 11 of elastomeric material may be provided around the outer periphera' edge of the glazing unit 9, The gap 13 may be evacuated or filled with a low thermal conductivity gas such as argon to reduce heat transfer from one side of the glazing unit to the other side. The spacer frame 7 may be made of a low thermal conductivity material, for example plastic, to reduce heat transfer from one side of the g'azing unit to the other side. The spacer frame 7 may contain a desiccant (not shown) to remove moisture from within the sealed gap 13.

In accordance with the invention, the glazing unit 9 is provided with a plurality of micro-louvres 19 held in a micro-louvre frame 21 positioned in the gap 13 between the glazing panes 3, 5. The frame 21 may be sized to fit between thc panes 3, 5 within the gap 13 and to abut the spacer frame 7 so as to locate the frame 21 in the gap 13. In other embodiments, the frame 2 I may be narrower than the gap between the glazing panes 3, 5 and held by or affixed to the spacer frame 7 to locate the frame 21 in the gap 13. The micro-louvres may be provided in the form of a mesh or screen 31 held between horizontal sections of the frame 21 at the top and bottom of the gap 13 between the panes 3, 5. Alternatively or additionally, the mesh or screen 31 may be held between vertical sections of the frame 21 at each side of the gap 13 between the panes 3. 5, The frame 2 I may be made of met& or aHoy, A thermal break may be provided to reduce heat transfer from one side of the glazing unit to the other side, In other embodiments, the frame 21 may be made of a low thermal conductivity material, for example p'astic such as UPVC. to reduce heat transfer from one side of the glazing unit to the other side, The micro-louvre mesh 31 comprises a plurality of horizontal micro-louvres 19 in the form of Hades spaced apart in a vertical direction, The blades 19 may be held in place by one or more vertical linking wires 23, Any other method of holding the blades 19 in place may be employed. The blades 19 may be uniformly spaced apart.

S The micro-louvre mesh 31 is held in the frame 21 The microiouvre mesh 3 I may be held under tension, This may assist in maintaining a desired orientation of tile blades 19. The position of the blades 19 within the gap 13 is fixed and preferably cannot be adjusted once the glazing unit 9 is assembled. The blades 19 may be made of a material that is heat reflecting. The Hades 19 may be made of metal or alloy, for example bronze, Alternatively, the blades 19 may be made of plastic with a coating of metal or alloy such as a metallized film. The coating may be provided on at least that side of the blade 19 that in use is directed to an exterior side of the glazing unit 9. The blades 19 may extend a'ong the width of the glazing unit 9 from one side of the gap 13 to the other side (perpendicular to the drawing). The pane 3 is arranged, in use, on an exterior side of the glazing assembly and the pane S is arranged on an interior side of the g'azing assembly I. The blades 19 are tflted at an angk to the horizonta' such that the blades 19 slope upwards towards the interior side of the glazing assembly I. The blades 19 are spaced apart and may cover the height of the gap 13. The blades 19 may be between 1mm and 2mm wide, The blades 19 may extend at an angle between 25° and 30° to the horizontal. The blades 19 may be narrower than the gap 13 so as to be spaced from internal surfaces of the panes 3. 5.

In use, sunlight falls on the blades 19 which reflect the majority of the heat back in the direction the sunhght came from (i.e. to the exterior of the window). A small proportion of heat may be transmitted in the opposite direction (i.e. to the interior of the window). This is different to standard windows, in which the majority of heat is transmitted, with a small proportion heat reflected.

Depending on the material used for the blades 19, some heat may be absorbed by the blades and re-radiated. The majority of the absorbed heat may be re-radiated back to the exterior of the window. An internal surface of the pane 3 on the exterior side of the glazing assembly 1 may be provided with a coating (not shown) to improve transmission of heat that is reflected and/or re-radiated by the blades 19 to the exterior of the window.

The blades 19 also block direct sunlight. However, the width and angle of the blades 19 means that non-direct light can still pass through so that ambient light levels are not significantly reduced by the presence of the blades 19 in the gap 13 and a person can look through the glazing unit 9 with a view that is substantially S unobstructed by the presence of the blades 19 which tend to disappear when viewed at right angles to thc plane of thc glazing unit 9. The extcnt to which direct sunlight is blocked by the blades 19 depends on the angle of the sun and the angle and width of thc blades 19. Thc angle and width of thc blades 19 can bc choscn to block dircct sunhght once the sun has risen, as this is when the sun is hottest, and stifl provide good transmission of non-direct light to maintain ambient light levels throughout the day. Generally, the bladcs 19 are arranged to be most effective for direct sunlight falling on the glazing unit 9 at an angle of at least 20 degrees to the horizontal and more preferably at east 30 degrees to the horizontal, As such, when the sun is ow (e.g. at sunrise or sunset) direct sunlight may not be blocked to any appreciable extent by thc bladcs but when thc sun has riscn past a ccrtain point, dircct sunlight is blocked thereby reducing so'ar heat gain on the interior side of the glazing assembly I. Referring now to Figure 2, the spacer frame 7 includes a groove 25 extending around the inner perimeter and the frame 21 is narrower than the gap between the panes 3. 5 so that the edge of the frame 21 is received in the groove 25. This reduces the extent to which the frame 21 extends into the g'azing area so that the frame 2 I may have tess impact on visibility through the glazing assembly compared to the embodiment of Figure 1.

The frame 21 may be partially or wholly received in the groove 25, The groove 25 may be configured so that the frame 21 is held away from the panes 3, 5 as shown.

Alternatively, the groove 25 may be formed as a notch on the edge of the spacer frame 7 such that the frame 21 is held against one of the first pane of glass 3 or second pane of glass 5.

Referring now to Figure 3, the spacer frame 7 and separate micro-louvre frame 21 of Figures 1 and 2 are replaced by an integrated spacer frame 27 which serves both to separate the panes 3. 5 and to hold the micro-louvre mesh 31 within the gap 13 between the panes 3. 5. Combining the frames 7. 21 into a single frame 27 further reduces the impact of the frame 27 on visibility through the glazing assembly 1 and may simplify manufacture and assembly of the glazing unit 9, Referring now to Figure 4, a glazing unit 9 is shown having three panes of S glass 3, 5, 29, The panes 3, 29 are separated by an integrated spacer frame 27 to define a gap 13a in which a louvre mesh screen 31 is held by the spacer frame 27 in similar manner to the arrangement of Figure 3. The panes 29, 5 are separated by a spacer frame 7 to define a gap 1 3b in similar manner to the arrangement shown in Figure I. It will be appreciated that the integrated spacer frame 27 of Figure 4 may be replaced by a spacer frame 7 separating the panes 3, 29 panes and a separate micro-louvre frame 21 to ho'd the niicroiouvre mesh 31 in the gap 13a similar to the arrangements of Figures 1 or Figure 2, It will a'so be appreciated that the panes 3. 5, 29 may be arranged to give equal sized gaps I 3a, I 3b as shown in Figure 4 or the panes may be arranged so that the gap I 3a is smaller or larger than the gap 13b.

It will also be appreciated that the micro-louvre mesh 31 may be provided in gap 13a on the exterior side of the glazing unit 9 as shown in Figure 4 or the micro-louvre mesh 31 may be provided in the gap 13b on the interior side of the glazing unit 9.

Ahhough in the above-described embodiments, a spacer frame 7 or integrated spacer frame 27 is employed to separate glazing panes in a sealed unit, there are other ways of separating the panes. For example, grooves may be provided in the frame 15 to receive the edges of the panes or the panes may be fixed to the sides of the frame 15.

Afthough the blades 19 have been described as extending the width of the gap and covering the height of the gap, they may not necessarily cover the vhoe width and height. They may only cover an extent of the glazing area visible through the frame 15 and also may only cover sufficient of the glazing area to achieve the necessary heat insulation and non-direct light transmission.

Similarly, the width angle and spacing of the blades 19 may be selected to be to any suitable values to achieve the necessary heat insulation and non-direct light transmission for a particular installation. For example while windows and doors are typically installed in an upright, i.e. substantially vertical, orientation, there may be S occasion where this is not the case and the orientation of the blades is adapted to suit.

The blades may be evenly spaced or may be more or less closely spaced in different areas according to requirements.

Any suitable material may be used to make the blades 19. For example bronze may be used. The micro-louvre frame 21 may be made of any suitable material. In one example, aluminium may be used as this is light weight. In other examples plastic such as UPVC may be used.

The above description and associated Figures are in the context of double and triple glazing systems. However, thc above is eqiLally applicable to glazing systems having more than three panes. In general, as seen above n-glazing panes form n-I gaps. For example, two glazing panes provides a single gap 13, three glazing panes provide two gaps l3am 13b. Miero-louvres may be provided in any one or combination of the gaps as desired.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the glazing system shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited, For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, It should be noted that the elements of the glazing system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations, Additionally, in the subject description, the word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles or concepts of the invention described herein.

The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-fhnction clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures, Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles or concepts of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A glazing system comprising: a first glazing pane, a second glazing pane spaced from the first glazing pane to define a gap therebetween, and a plurality of micro-louvres held in a frame positioned in the gap between the first glazing pane and the second glazing pane.
2. The glazing system of claim I wherein the micro-louvres are arranged to block transmission of direct sunlight through the g'azing panes when the sun is at or above a predetermined angle above the horizon.
3, The glazing system of claim 2 wherein the configuration of the micro-louvres is such that while transmission of direct sunlight is blocked when the sun is at or above the predetermined angle above the horizon, the micro-louvres tend to disappear such that U) 15 the presence of the micro-louvres between the glazing panes is not readily apparent when viewed at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the glazing panes. LtD

O
4. The glazing system of any preceding claim wherein the glazing panes are CO separated by a spacer frame affixed to the glazing panes around the periphery of the gap between the glazing panes to seal the gap between the glazing panes.
5. The glazing system of claim 4 wherein the frame holding the micro-louvres in the gap also serves as the spacer frame.
6. The glazing system of claim 4 wherein the frame holding the micro-louvres is separate from the spacer frame.
7. The glazing system of any preceding claim wherein the glazing panes are substantially rectangular and the micro-louvres are provided in the form of a mesh or screen that extends between and is held by the frame on at least two opposed sides of the gap between the glazing panes.
8. The glazing system of claim 7 wherein the frame is configured to hold the mesh or screen such that the micro-louvres are positioned in the required orientation within the gap between the glazing panes.
9. The glazing system of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the mesh or screen is held within the gap such that the orientation of the micro-louvres is fixed and cannot be adjusted.
10. The glazing system of any of chuims 7 to 9 wherein the mesh or screen is held under tension.
11. The glazing system of any preceding claim wherein the micro-louvres are made of a material that reflects heat.IC) 15
12. The glazing system of claim 11 wherein the micro-louvres are made of metal or alloy or plastic provided with a coating of metal or alloy, IC)
13. The glazing system of claim 12 wherein the micro-louvres are made of bronze. Co14. The glazing system of claim 12 wherein the micro-louvres are made of a metallized film.15. The glazing system of any preceding claim wherein the glazing panes are made of glass or plastic or other light transmitting material.16, The glazing system of claim 5 wherein the light transmitting materials are transparent or translucent.17. The glazing system of any preceding claim wherein the micro-louvres are provided with an image or graphics or text that may be visible when viewed from at least one side of the glazing system.18. The glazing system of claim 17 wherein the image or graphics or text are applied to the micro-louvres by screen printing.19. The glazing system of any preceding claim wherein the system is mounted in a frame.20, The glazing system of claim 19 wherein the system is mounted in a window or door frame.21. The glazing system of any of claims ito 18 wherein the system is mounted in a curtain wall.22. A glazing assembly comprising a glazing system according to any preceding claim received in a frame.23. The glazing assembly of claim 22 wherein the glazing system comprises a glazing unit.24. The glazing assembly of claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the frame extends around the periphery of the glazing panes of the glazing system.25. The glazing assembly of any of claims 22 to 24 wherein the frame is made of metal or plastic or wood or composite of any of these materials.26. The glazing assembly of any of claims 22 to 25 wherein the frame is a window frame or a door frame.27. A curtain wall assembly comprising a glazing system according to any of claims ito 21.28. The curtain wall assembly of claim 27 wherein the glazing system comprises a glazing unit.29. The curtain wall assembly of claim 27 wherein the curtain wall comprises a plurality of panels wherein at least one panel is provided by the glazing system.30, A glazing system substantiaHy as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. IC) IC) aD