Gas-filled frame system

Abstract

Frame system (10), in particular a window frame system, comprising at least one frame (12, 14) which encloses at least one self-contained frame opening, wherein the frame (12, 14) comprises a window frame (15) and / or a sash frame (13), wherein the frame (12, 14) is formed from hollow profile elements (11, 20) which are connected to one another by at least one profile connection, wherein the hollow profile elements (11, 20) connected by the profile connection form at least one hollow chamber (24) which extends over at least two hollow profile elements (11, 20), characterized in that the profile connection seals the hollow chamber (24) in a gas-tight manner with respect to an environment (28), wherein the hollow chamber (24) is filled with a gas which has a lower thermal conductivity than ambient air.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a frame system, in particular a window frame system, comprising at least one frame which encloses at least one self-contained frame opening, wherein the frame comprises a window frame and / or a sash frame, wherein the frame is formed from hollow profile elements which are connected to one another by at least one profile connection, wherein the hollow profile elements connected by the profile connection form at least one hollow chamber which extends over at least two hollow profile elements.

[0002] Frame systems, particularly window frame systems, are regularly subject to stringent requirements regarding low thermal conductivity. For double-glazed or multi-glazed windows, it is known that filling two panes of glass in a window pane with a noble gas, e.g., argon, results in a lower thermal conductivity of the window pane. For frame systems, it is known, on the one hand, that frames are constructed from hollow profile elements, since the air enclosed in hollow chambers has a lower thermal conductivity than the material from which the hollow profile elements are made. Such a frame system is disclosed, for example, in DE 201 04 213 U1. Furthermore, it is also known that under atmospheric pressure, noble gases, e.g., argon or krypton, have a lower thermal conductivity than air.This property can be used to lower the overall thermal conductivity of the frame by filling a hollow chamber located in a frame profile. One such design is described, for example, in DE 195 37 459 C1.

[0003] For cost-effective frame production, it is industrial standard to use hollow profiles sold by the meter as semi-finished products. The hollow profiles are shortened to lengths suitable for the intended purpose and usually mitered, before being assembled to form frames. Without further precautions, the hollow chambers in this type of production are usually filled with air and surround the frame. If the surrounding medium of a frame system is air, as is the medium filling the hollow chambers, it is not necessary to create a gas-tight profile connection during production. Hollow chambers that are formed into the hollow profile elements before they are assembled, or that are sealed after assembly, represent a considerable amount of labor in production and therefore higher costs.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of proposing a frame system whose frame has a reduced thermal conductivity.

[0005] This object is achieved by a frame system having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The frame system according to the invention, in particular a window frame system, comprises at least one frame which encloses at least one self-contained frame opening, the frame comprising a window frame and / or a sash frame, the frame being formed from hollow profile elements which are connected to one another by at least one profile connection, the hollow profile elements connected by the profile connection forming at least one hollow chamber which extends over at least two hollow profile elements, the profile connection sealing the hollow chamber in a gas-tight manner with respect to the environment, the hollow chamber being filled with a gas which has a lower thermal conductivity than ambient air.

[0007] The frame system can be designed as a window frame system. In this case, a frame can be inserted into a building or other frame opening, for example. The frame system can also be designed as a facade or wall system, floor, or roof system. In this case, the frame system can also assume a structural function and serve, for example, as a structural element of a conservatory, a greenhouse, a stairwell extension, a transparent floor, or a skylight.

[0008] A window frame is a frame that encloses a self-contained frame opening and can be installed into a window opening in a building or other structure. In one variant, a window frame can form a holder for a window pane, and in another variant, a holder for a casement. A window pane is understood to be a pane of glass or another infill element. A casement is understood to be a frame that encloses a self-contained frame opening, has a holder for installing a window pane, and is shaped such that it can be inserted into a window frame in such a way that a circumferential outer side of the casement and a circumferential inner side of a window frame face each other. A casement can then also be attached to a window frame in an openable manner using a hinge, clamping mechanism, or similar.The frame is formed from hollow profile elements, wherein a hollow profile element is understood to be a three-dimensional shape formed by axially stretching a two-dimensional, planar shape comprising at least one hole along an axis that is perpendicular to the basic shape.

[0009] The gas in the hollow chamber is hermetically separated from the outside air by the sealed profile connection. Consequently, the frame system exhibits a lower overall thermal conductivity than an identical frame system in which a hollow chamber is filled with air. The sealed profile connection ensures cost-effective assembly of the frame system during production, as no additional sealing measures are required. Apart from the standard hollow profiles and the sealed profile connection, no other components are required to create the gas-tight hollow chamber.

[0010] The frame system can comprise one, two, three, or four hollow chambers. The number of hollow chambers formed in the frame system depends solely on the shape of the hollow profiles, the shape of the profile connection, and the relative position of the hollow profile elements and profile connections. By varying the arrangement of the aforementioned components, a different configuration of multiple hollow chambers can be created even from the same semi-finished products.

[0011] In one variant, at least two hollow chambers are sealed gas-tight from each other by the profile connection. This seals not only the hollow chambers from outside air, but also the hollow chambers from each other. It is also conceivable to fill a first hollow chamber with a first gas and a second hollow chamber with a second gas, or to fill a first hollow chamber and a second hollow chamber with the same gas, whereby a different pressure can be created in the first hollow chamber than in the second hollow chamber.

[0012] According to a preferred variant, the hollow chamber can be formed circumferentially around the frame. Thus, by connecting the hollow profile elements with profile joints, a gas-tight hollow chamber can be formed that completely encloses a frame opening. A circumferential hollow chamber ensures even distribution of the gas across the entire frame.

[0013] The frame system can be designed such that at least one hollow chamber has a refilling device with at least two openable and closable openings through which a gas can be introduced into the hollow chamber and a gas can be removed from the hollow chamber. During a filling process, a new gas can be introduced into the hollow chamber through a first opening, which displaces the gas previously present in the hollow chamber through the second opening. Refilling the hollow chamber with gas can be advantageous if, after an extended period of time, parts of the gas in the hollow chamber have escaped due to naturally occurring leaks. Refilling can be carried out, for example, five or ten years after the frame system has been installed and can then restore the original thermal conductivity.

[0014] In one variant, the refilling device can include valves. If the openings are closed by valves, the hollow chamber can be filled quickly and easily, for example, by simply screwing or attaching a filling device (not described in detail here) onto a valve. The valves can be designed so that the valves can be opened by actuating a mechanism, allowing the gas in the hollow chamber to escape into the environment.

[0015] The openings of the refilling device can be accessible if the frame system is permanently installed in a window opening. This implies that the openings are not obscured by a reveal, a parapet, overlapping plaster, or any other structural component. Accessibility allows the hollow chambers to be filled and refilled with gas even while installed. This makes it possible to fill the hollow chamber not during frame production, but only after the frame has been installed.

[0016] Furthermore, the openings can be concealed by a sash frame if the sash frame is installed flush with the frame. To access the openings, the sash frame only needs to be removed or swung out of the frame. This typically corresponds to simply opening a window. Concealing the openings by the sash frame when closed improves the aesthetics of the frame system and can also protect the openings from dirt or damage.

[0017] The gas can be a noble gas, preferably argon or krypton. It can also be a mixture of noble gas and air, or any other gas mixture, or any other pure gas with a lower thermal conductivity than air. Preferred gases are argon and krypton, as they are relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive, yet have significantly lower thermal conductivity than air.

[0018] The profile connection can be formed by a weld, an elastic sealing element, an adhesive bond, or a vacuum in the hollow chamber. A weld is advantageous, for example, for a profile connection of hollow profile elements made of plastic, since plastic windows are usually welded during production. An elastic sealing element is advantageous, for example, for a frame system made of wood or metal, since an elastic material can compensate for unevenness in the connecting surface between the hollow profile elements.

[0019] Furthermore, the profile connection can comprise a clamping device, a positioning device or a screw connection. If fixing of the profile connection is advantageous or necessary during production of the profile connection or in a finally assembled state, this can be ensured by a clamping device, a screw connection or another type of fixing. For example, a clamping device can hold two hollow profile elements, which are to be joined by a profile connection in the form of an adhesive connection, in a fixed, defined position relative to one another until an adhesive has hardened. The clamping device can be permanently attached to the frame or can be removed. In another variant, a screw connection can press two hollow profile elements and an elastic sealing element located between them together in such a way that a gas seal is created.In another variant, a negative pressure in the hollow chamber could provide supportive fixation of the profile connection.

[0020] The hollow profile elements can be made of plastic, aluminum, or suitably treated wood. The hollow profile elements made of this material, together with the profile connections, must be able to form a gas-tight hollow chamber. Plastic or aluminum are preferred materials, as these materials can be easily formed into hollow profiles using extrusion and are available inexpensively as semi-finished products.

[0021] The profile connection can be designed to be non-destructively removable. The profile connection is then reversibly removable, and if it is removed, none of the components involved are damaged. Preferably, a profile connection can also be repeatedly formed. A profile connection that can be manufactured and removed multiple times is recyclable and therefore advantageous for temporarily installed and modular window systems.

[0022] Furthermore, the profile connection can be shaped in such a way that the hollow chamber remains gas-tight when a window pane is installed or removed from the frame. When replacing a damaged or defective window pane, there is no need to refill the hollow chamber with gas.

[0023] In one variant, the profile connection can be completely concealed from the surroundings of the frame by at least one component of the frame. If the profile connection is implemented using an elastic sealing element, this can be inserted, for example, in a rebate or groove on a cut edge of the hollow profile element in such a way that the sealing element is not visible from the surroundings. A concealed profile connection is aesthetically pleasing, and it can also protect the profile connection from damage, dirt, or UV rays, for example.

[0024] In another variant, the profile connection can be accessible from a location near the frame. This access can be used for maintenance, cleaning, or replacing the profile connection. Furthermore, with a reversibly detachable profile connection, access to the profile connection can be used to remove it and thus disassemble the frame system into its individual components.

[0025] Furthermore, the profile connection can be transparent in at least one place. At least partial transparency can enable visual inspection of the profile connection. During production or assembly, for example, it could be checked whether a profile connection was manufactured in accordance with standards.

[0026] The gas in the hollow chamber can be colored. It can be colored by a dye or be naturally colored. A colored gas, for example, allows for precise location of a leak. Furthermore, a profile connection that is at least partially transparent could be used to check whether there is still gas present in the hollow chamber, or whether there is still enough gas. The color intensity of the gas could thus also be used to determine a proportion of the gas in the hollow chamber that is advantageous in terms of thermal conductivity.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0028] The figure shows a sectional view of a frame system 10 comprising two frames 12 and 14, wherein a first frame 12 is designed as a sash frame 13 and a second frame 14 as a fixed frame 15. An outer side 16 of the sash frame 13 and an inner side 17 of the fixed frame 15 are arranged opposite one another. The sash frame 13 has a receptacle 18 for a window pane 19. Sealing lips 29 form an airtight connection between the fixed frame 15 and the sash frame 13 as well as between the window pane 19 and the sash frame 13. The frames 12 and 14 are each formed by hollow profile elements 11 and 20, each of which comprises walls 21 delimiting an environment 28 and webs 22 extending therefrom. The walls 21 and webs 22 enclose cavities 23, which form hollow chambers 24 through profile connections not shown in the figure. At least one hollow chamber 24 is filled with a gas.A metal stiffening profile 30 is inserted into a hollow chamber 24 of the frame 15 and the sash 13, respectively. Furthermore, an opening 25 of a refilling device 26, designed as a valve 27, is formed in a wall 21 of a hollow chamber 24. Several hollow chambers 24 of a frame 12 and / or 14 can be connected to one another by holes (not shown) in webs 22. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 201 04 213 U1

[0002] DE 195 37 459 C1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Frame system (10), in particular window frame system, comprising at least one frame (12, 14) which encloses at least one self-contained frame opening, wherein the frame (12, 14) comprises a frame (15) and / or a sash frame (13), wherein the frame (12, 14) is formed from hollow profile elements (11, 20) which are connected to one another by at least one profile connection, wherein the hollow profile elements (11, 20) connected by the profile connection form at least one hollow chamber (24) which extends over at least two hollow profile elements (11, 20), characterized by that the profile connection seals the hollow chamber (24) gas-tight to an environment (28), wherein the hollow chamber (24) is filled with a gas which has a lower thermal conductivity than ambient air. [2] Frame system according to claim 1, characterized by that one, two, three or four hollow chambers (24) are formed. [3] Frame system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least two hollow chambers (24) are sealed gas-tight against each other by the profile connection. [4] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hollow chamber (24) is formed circumferentially around the frame (12, 14). [5] Window frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one hollow chamber (24) has a refilling device (26) with at least two openable and closable openings (25) through which a gas can be introduced into the hollow chamber (24) and a gas can be removed from the hollow chamber (24). [6] Window frame system according to claim 5, characterized by that the refilling device (26) comprises valves (27). [7] Frame system according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the openings (25) are accessible when the frame system (10) is permanently installed in a window opening. [8] Frame system according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the openings are covered by a sash frame (13) when the sash frame (13) is fitted flush in a frame (15). [9] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gas is a noble gas, preferably argon or krypton. [10] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the profile connection is formed by a weld seam, an elastic sealing element, an adhesive connection or a negative pressure in the hollow chamber (24). [11] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the profile connection comprises a clamping device, a positioning device or a screw connection. [12] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hollow profile elements (11, 20) are made of plastic, aluminum or suitably treated wood. [13] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the profile connection is designed to be removable without causing any damage. [14] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the profile connection is designed in such a way that when a window pane (19) is installed or removed from the frame (12, 14), the gas-tightness of the hollow chamber (24) is maintained. [15] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the profile connection to an environment (28) of the frame (12, 14) is completely concealed by at least one component of the frame (12, 14). [16] Frame system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the profile connection is accessible from an environment (28) of the frame (12, 14). [17] Frame system according to claim 16, characterized by that the profile connection is transparent in at least one place. [18] Frame system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gas is colored.

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