Window element with a window pane glued in a frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a window element (1), an assembly tool (22), and a method for assembling the window element (1). A window pane (2) of the window element (1) has two opposing pane surfaces (5) accessible from the outside and a circumferential edge with several perimeter sides (6). The window pane (2) rests against a frame stop (8) of the frame (2) in an edge region (7) of the pane surface (5) facing the frame (2). Several clamping elements (4) can be inserted along the perimeter sides (6) of the window pane (2) between circumferential surfaces (9) of the perimeter sides (6) of the window pane (2) and an inner perimeter surface (10) of the frame (2) in an assembly direction (11) oriented perpendicular to the pane surfaces (5). The window pane (2) rests against the clamping elements (4) inside the frame (2).The clamping elements (4) create a defined gap (12) between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2), into which adhesive (13) is applied. The window pane (2) is positively and materially bonded to the frame (2) along its circumferential sides (6). The clamping element (4) has a bay-shaped recess (14) opening in the opposite direction to the mounting direction (11), which can be filled with adhesive (13) so that a material-bonded connection can be established between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a window element according to claim 1, comprising a frame, a window pane and several clamping elements, wherein the window pane has two opposing pane surfaces accessible from the outside and a circumferential edge with several circumferential sides, wherein the window pane is in contact with a frame stop of the frame in an edge region of the pane surface facing the frame, wherein several clamping elements can be inserted spaced apart from each other along the circumferential sides of the window pane between circumferential surfaces of the circumferential sides of the window pane and an inner circumferential surface of the frame in a mounting direction oriented perpendicular to the pane surfaces, and the window pane rests against the clamping elements within the frame, wherein the clamping elements create a defined gap between the circumferential surfaces and the inner circumferential surface of the frame.wherein adhesive is introduced into the gap created by the clamping elements between the circumferential surfaces and the inner circumferential surface of the frame, and the window pane is bonded to the frame along the circumferential sides in a force-fit and material-fit manner.

[0002] In window construction, the term "window frame" refers to both a fixed frame attached to a wall and a sash frame that is movable within the fixed frame. The sash frame can be rotated, folded, turned, slid, and / or swung. In the following explanations, the terms "window frame" and "frame" are used both for the window frames described above, such as the fixed frame and the sash frame, and for window elements installed in French doors.

[0003] In traditional window construction, a window unit consisting of a pane of glass and a frame is installed by inserting the pane into the frame and fixing it in place using a process called glazing blocks. The edge of the pane is aligned with the glazing rebate, which is located on the inner surface of the frame. A seal on the pane's surface, along the side facing the glass, rests against the frame. During the glazing process, flat clamping elements, also called blocks, are inserted between the outer surface of the pane and the inner surface of the frame. These rectangular clamping elements are typically a few millimeters thick and, depending on the thickness of the pane, several centimeters long and wide.Depending on their arrangement within the window frame, clamping elements are categorized as either load-bearing blocks or spacer blocks. Load-bearing blocks, inserted between the downward-facing perimeter of the window pane and the inner perimeter of the window frame, transfer the pane's weight to the frame. Spacer blocks, placed between the sides of the pane and the inner perimeter of the frame, secure the pane within the frame. The resulting support of the pane on the clamping elements stabilizes the window frame. These clamping elements are typically made of plastic, such as polypropylene (PP).

[0004] To insert the clamping elements between the perimeter of the window pane and the inner perimeter of the window frame, a gap is created between the pane and the frame using a lever tool, also known as a clamping block. The clamping elements are then manually inserted into the gap, and the lever tool is subsequently withdrawn. This causes the window frame to press against the perimeter of the window pane. The gap created with the lever tool should be a few millimeters wider than the thickness of the clamping element. Once inserted, the clamping element is inaccessible by hand without tools. Therefore, subsequent repositioning and alignment of the inserted clamping element is no longer possible.

[0005] The window panes may also be insulated glazing. Insulated glazing consists of at least two panes of glass joined together to form a single unit for windows and other glazing applications. Between the panes is a cavity that is sealed to be gas-tight and moisture-proof. This cavity also provides sound and heat insulation.

[0006] Instead of using glazing blocks to secure the window pane within the frame, it is also known to bond the pane to the frame's edge, both across its surface and along its perimeter, and to the inner perimeter of the window frame. This adhesive bond results in greater overall stability for the window frame, as it creates a strong connection between the pane and the frame, allowing the pane itself to absorb forces and thus contribute to the stabilization of the window frame and the window unit as a whole.

[0007] Essential for a uniform load transfer of the weight of the window pane to the window frame is a uniform adhesive bond between the pane and the frame. To achieve this, a consistent gap must be created between the outer surface of the pane and the inner surface of the frame before applying the adhesive. This alignment is typically achieved using the clamping elements described above.

[0008] No adhesive can be applied in the areas between the window pane and the window frame where the clamping elements are installed, as the window pane rests on the clamping element with its circumferential surface. Therefore, there is no adhesive bond in these areas between the window pane and the window frame, meaning that no tensile force can be transmitted between the window pane and the frame. These forces must therefore be transmitted via the remaining areas of the adhesive bond, which can potentially lead to the adhesive detaching during window operation.

[0009] EP 3 272 990 A1 describes a window element comprising a frame, a window pane and several clamping elements, wherein the clamping elements are inserted before the window pane is mounted on the frame.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a window element with a clamping element, a mounting tool and a method for mounting the window element, with which a uniform adhesive bond between a window pane and the frame can be produced.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by a window element according to claim 1, namely by a window element wherein the clamping element has a bay-shaped recess opening in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, which can be filled with adhesive, so that a material-bonded connection between the circumferential surfaces of the window pane and the inner circumferential surfaces of the frame can be established in the area of ​​the bay-shaped recess by means of the adhesive introduced. Thus, a particularly large proportion of the circumferential surfaces can be bonded to the inner circumferential surfaces, so that a particularly good force transmission between the window pane and the frame can be achieved. In the remaining areas where no clamping elements are introduced, the adhesive can be introduced into the gap created by the clamping elements between the circumferential surface of the window pane and the inner circumferential surface of the frame in order to create a continuous adhesive bond there.

[0012] Furthermore, the uniform and continuous adhesive bond between the window pane and the frame ensures a particularly stable fixing of the window pane within the frame. This results in a very high level of burglary protection, as the window pane is fixed in the frame and cannot be pried out of the frame from the side.

[0013] In an advantageous implementation of the invention, the clamping element has two tongues that define the recess, which is shaped like a bay. The tongues point in the opposite direction to the assembly direction and have rounded ends. This rounded shape allows the adhesive to flow particularly well around the rounded ends during application. This ensures that the recess of the clamping element is thoroughly filled with adhesive. Furthermore, the areas around the clamping element are filled with adhesive particularly well and evenly. This results in a particularly uniform adhesive bond between the window pane and the frame, leading to high stability of the window element.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the window element according to the invention, the tongues have a continuous recess oriented perpendicular to the mounting direction. This allows an adhesive bond to be created between the circumferential surfaces and the inner circumferential surfaces of the frame by means of the adhesive flowing through the clamping element. This results in a particularly uniform and almost continuous adhesive bond.

[0015] To enable the clamping element to be inserted and aligned particularly well in the gap between the outer and inner surfaces of the frame, an advantageous embodiment of the window element according to the invention provides that the clamping element has at least one spring element, wherein the spring element has a free spring element end projecting perpendicular to the mounting direction, the free spring element end being oriented in a direction opposite to the mounting direction. When the clamping element is inserted between the window pane and the frame, the spring force generated by the projecting spring element creates a frictional connection between the spring element, the window pane, and the frame. The clamping element is thus supported against the window pane and the frame by the spring elements and remains in its original position.The spring elements also compensate for changes in the distance between the outer and inner surfaces without the inserted spring element slipping or changing its orientation. Because the free end of the spring element is oriented in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, inserting the clamping element into the gap is particularly easy. This also defines the correct installation direction for the clamping element, preventing incorrect assembly. Advantageously, the mounting direction can also be indicated on the surface of the clamping element, for example, by an arrow pointing in the direction of installation.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the window element according to the invention, the clamping element is designed to be hollow and has cavities, the cavities being accessible via cavity openings oriented opposite to the mounting direction. Thus, the cavities can also be filled with adhesive, enabling an almost gapless adhesive bond to be created between the window pane and the clamping element, and between the clamping element and the frame. This allows for a particularly large-area adhesive bond.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the window element according to the invention, the spring elements are formed within the recesses of the tongues, with the width of the spring elements being smaller than the width of the recess. Thus, the adhesive flowing through the recess of the clamping element creates an adhesive bond between the circumferential surfaces and the inner circumferential surfaces of the frame.

[0018] The problem initially posed is also solved by an assembly tool according to claim 7, which has a receiving area open in the assembly direction and has two clamping fingers arranged laterally to the receiving area. The receiving area is designed such that a clamping element can be received and force-fitted within the receiving area between the clamping fingers. The assembly tool may also have a handle. Thus, the clamping element can be inserted into the gap between the window pane and the frame particularly easily using the assembly tool.

[0019] As described above, a gap is typically created between the outer and inner surfaces of the window pane using a lever tool, a so-called block tool, in order to insert the clamping elements into this gap. To ensure that the mounting tool can be easily withdrawn from the gap after the clamping element has been inserted, and that the clamping element remains in the gap, an advantageous embodiment of the mounting tool according to the invention provides that the thickness of the clamping fingers of the mounting tool is smaller than the thickness of the clamping element. The mounting tool, which is not in contact with the window pane and the frame, can also be withdrawn from the gap after the block tool has been removed, leaving the clamping element, which is positively wedged between the window pane and the frame, in the gap.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the mounting tool, the clamping fingers of the mounting tool are designed to taper in the mounting direction, with the thickness of the clamping fingers decreasing in this direction. With a mounting tool designed in this way, a gap can be created between the circumferential surfaces of the window pane and the inner circumferential surface of the frame using the mounting tool itself. The use of an additional lever tool, such as a trowel, is unnecessary. This allows for particularly simple and quick installation of the clamping element.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the assembly tool according to the invention, the thickness of the clamping fingers is at least partially greater than the thickness of the tongues of the clamping element, so that, when the assembly tool is inserted within the gap, the clamping fingers of the assembly tool and only the projecting spring elements bear against the circumferential surface of the window pane. Advantageously, the spring elements are dimensioned such that the generated spring force is large enough to create a positive connection between the clamping element and the window pane or the frame that is stronger than the positive connection between the clamping element and the assembly tool. The clamping element is thus supported against the window pane and the frame by the spring elements and remains in its original position even when the assembly tool is withdrawn.

[0022] To enable the clamping element to be inserted to a defined depth into the gap between the window pane and the frame, the invention provides that the mounting tool has a stop surface in the receiving area, which is designed as a shoulder oriented perpendicular to the mounting direction. After the clamping element and the mounting tool have been inserted into the gap between the window pane and the frame, the stop surface can be brought into contact with the pane surface. In addition to a defined depth, the contact of the shoulder, oriented perpendicular to the mounting direction, with the pane surface of the window pane ensures a defined orientation of the clamping element relative to the pane surface. Thus, the clamping elements can be inserted into the gap with a particularly advantageous reproducible depth and orientation.

[0023] The problem initially posed is also solved by a method in which the window pane is inserted into the frame in a mounting direction facing the frame, wherein the window pane has two opposing pane surfaces accessible from the outside and a circumferential edge with several perimeter sides, wherein the window pane is brought into contact with a frame stop of the frame in a perimeter region of the pane surface facing the frame in the mounting direction, wherein in a subsequent clamping step, several clamping elements are inserted at intervals from each other along the perimeter sides of the window pane between the perimeter surfaces of the perimeter sides of the window pane and an inner perimeter surface of the frame using the mounting tool, so that the window pane rests against the clamping elements inside the frame and a defined gap is created between the perimeter surfaces and the inner perimeter surface of the frame.In a subsequent bonding step, an adhesive is applied in a direction oriented towards the frame into the gap created by the clamping elements between the circumferential surfaces and the inner circumferential surface of the frame, thus bonding the window pane to the frame along its perimeter in a force-fit and material-bonded manner. This clamping step is repeated several times to successively insert multiple clamping elements between the window pane and the frame.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that in the clamping step the mounting tool is inserted into the gap until the stop surface contacts the pane surface of the window pane, so that the clamping element introduced into the gap by means of the mounting tool assumes a defined position between the circumferential surfaces and the inner circumferential surfaces. Thus, the clamping elements can be inserted into the gap particularly advantageously at a reproducible depth and orientation, and a uniform adhesive bond between the window pane and the frame across the clamping elements is ensured.

[0025] In order to create a particularly strong adhesive bond between the window pane and the frame, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that, during the bonding step, the adhesive is applied in the adhesive application direction along the edge area of ​​the window pane, so that the adhesive introduced into the gap is formed at least partially beyond the gap as an adhesive bead and a material-bonded connection can be created between the pane surface of the window pane in the edge area of ​​the window pane and the frame stop of the frame.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments of the window element are explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a window element according to the invention in a sectional view, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a clamping element according to the invention in a perspective view from above, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the clamping element according to the invention in a perspective view from below and Fig. 4 A schematic representation of the assembly tool according to the invention with inserted clamping element in a perspective view.

[0027] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a window element 1 according to the invention. The window element 1 comprises a frame 2, a window pane 3 designed as insulating glass, and several clamping elements 4. The window pane 1 has two opposing pane surfaces 5 accessible from the outside. The window pane 3 also has a circumferential edge with several perimeter sides 6. The window pane 1 is brought into contact with a frame stop 8 of the frame 2 in an edge region 7 of the pane surface 5 facing the frame 2. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows one of several clamping elements 4, which are spaced apart from each other along the perimeter sides 6 of the window pane 3 between the perimeter surfaces 9 of the perimeter sides 6 of the window pane 3 and an inner perimeter surface 10 of the frame 2. The clamping elements 4 are inserted between the window pane 3 and the frame 2 in a mounting direction 11 oriented perpendicular to the pane surfaces 5. The window pane 3 rests against the clamping elements 4 within the frame 2. Thus, the clamping elements 4 create a defined gap 12 between the perimeter surfaces 9 and the inner perimeter surface 10 of the frame 2. Adhesive 13 is applied to the gap 12 created by the clamping elements 4 between the perimeter surfaces 9 and the inner perimeter surface 10 of the frame 2, so that the window pane 3 is bonded to the frame 2 along its perimeter sides 6 in a force-fit and material-fit manner.

[0028] In Fig. 2 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a clamping element 4 according to the invention, shown in a perspective view from above. The clamping element 4 has a recessed area 14 and two tongues 15 that define the recessed area 14 and are oriented opposite to the mounting direction 11. The end regions 16 of the tongues 15 are rounded and have a continuous recess 17 oriented perpendicular to the mounting direction 11. The clamping element 4 has two spring elements 18 that are formed within the recesses 17 of the tongues 15. The spring elements 18 have a free spring element end 19 projecting perpendicular to the mounting direction 11 and oriented in a direction opposite to the mounting direction 11. The spring elements 18 are designed such that the width of the spring element 18 is smaller than the width of the recess 17. Thus, the material can pass through this recess 17 by means of the Fig. 2 An adhesive bond is created between the window element 18 and the frame 2 using adhesive 13 (not shown).

[0029] In Fig. 3 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the clamping element 4 according to the invention in a perspective view from below. The clamping element 4 is hollow and has cavities 20. The cavities 20 are accessible via cavity openings 21 oriented opposite to the mounting direction 11 and arranged in the end regions 16 of the tongues 15. Thus, a [missing word] can be passed through the cavity openings 21 in Fig. 3 The adhesive 13 (not shown) is introduced into the cavity 20. This creates an adhesive bond between the frame 2 and the clamping element 4, ensuring a secure and almost continuous adhesive connection between the frame 2 and the window pane 3.

[0030] In Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an assembly tool 22 according to the invention with an inserted clamping element 4. The assembly tool 22 has a receiving area 23 open in the assembly direction 11 and two clamping fingers 24 arranged laterally to the receiving area 23. The receiving area 23 is designed such that a clamping element 4 can be received in it between the clamping fingers 24 and can be positively locked to it. The assembly tool 22 has a stop surface 25 in the receiving area 23. The stop surface 25 is designed as a shoulder oriented perpendicular to and pointing in the assembly direction 11. After inserting the clamping element 4 and the assembly tool 22 into the gap 12 between the window pane 3 and the frame 2, the stop surface 25 is in contact with the pane surface 5 of the window pane 3.This allows for both a defined depth and a defined orientation of the clamping element 4 relative to the window pane 3. The clamping elements 4 can therefore be advantageously inserted into the gap 12 between the window pane 3 and the frame 2 at a reproducible depth and orientation.

Claims

1. A window element (1) comprising a frame (2), a window pane (2) and a plurality of clamping elements (4), wherein the window pane (2), wherein the window pane (2) has two mutually opposite pane surfaces (5) and accessible from the outside and a circumferential edge having a plurality of circumferential sides (6), wherein the window pane (2) is in contact with a frame stop (8) of the frame (2) in an edge region (7) of the pane surface (5) facing the frame (2), wherein a plurality of clamping elements (4) can be introduced spaced apart from one another along the circumferential sides (6) of the window pane (2) between circumferential surfaces (9) of the circumferential sides (6) of the window pane (2) and an inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2) in a mounting direction (11) oriented perpendicularly to the pane surfaces (5), and the window pane (2) is in contact with the clamping elements (4) within the frame (2), wherein a defined gap (12) is produced between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2) by the clamping elements (4), wherein adhesive (13) is introduced into the gap (12) produced by the clamping elements (4) between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2), and the window pane (2) is connected to the frame (2) in a force-fitting and integrally bonded manner along the entire circumferential sides (6), wherein the clamping element (4) has a bay-shaped recess (14) which is open in the opposite direction to the mounting direction (11) and can be filled with adhesive (13), so that an integrally bonded connection between the circumferential surfaces (9) of the window pane (2) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2) can be produced in the region of the bay-shaped recess (14) by means of the adhesive (13) introduced.

2. The window element (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the clamping element (4) has two tongues (15) delimiting the bay-shaped recess (14), wherein the tongues (15) point against the mounting direction (11) and the end regions (16) of the tongues (15) are rounded.

3. The window element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the tongues (15) have a continuous cutout (17) oriented perpendicularly to the mounting direction (11).

4. The window element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping element (4) has at least one spring element (18), wherein the spring element (18) has a free spring element end (19) projecting perpendicularly to the mounting direction (11), wherein the free spring element end (19) is oriented in a direction opposite to the mounting direction (11).

5. The window element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping element (4) is hollow and has cavities (20), wherein the cavities (20) are accessible via cavity openings (21) oriented oppositely to the mounting direction (11).

6. The window element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring elements (18) are formed within the cutouts (17) of the tongues (15), wherein a width of the spring elements (18) is smaller than a width of the cutout (17).

7. A mounting tool (22) for mounting a clamping element (4) in a window element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mounting tool (22) has a receiving region (23) open in the mounting direction (11), wherein the mounting tool (22) has two clamping fingers (24) arranged laterally with respect to the receiving region (23), wherein the receiving region (23) is configured such that a clamping element (4) can be received in the receiving region (23) between the clamping fingers (24) and can be fastened thereto in a frictionally engaged manner, characterised in that the mounting tool (22) has a stop surface (25) in the receiving region (23), which stop surface is configured as a shoulder oriented perpendicularly to the mounting direction (11), wherein the stop surface (25) can be brought into contact with the pane surface (5) of the window pane (2) after the clamping element (4) and the mounting tool (22) have been introduced into the gap (12) between the window pane (2) and the frame (2).

8. The mounting tool (22) according to claim 7, characterised in that a thickness of the clamping fingers (24) of the mounting tool (22) is smaller than a thickness of the clamping element (4).

9. A method for mounting a window element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 by means of a mounting tool (22) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the window pane (2) is introduced into the frame (2) in a mounting direction (11) facing towards the frame (2), wherein the window pane (2) has two mutually opposed pane surfaces (5), which are accessible from the outside, and a circumferential edge with a plurality of circumferential sides (6), wherein the window pane (2) is brought into contact with a frame stop (8) of the frame (2) in an edge region (7) of the pane surface (5) facing towards the frame (2) in the mounting direction (11), wherein in a subsequent clamping step, a plurality of clamping elements (4) are introduced, spaced apart from one another, along the circumferential sides (6) of the window pane (2) between circumferential surfaces (9) of the circumferential sides (6) of the window pane (2) and an inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2), such that the window pane (2) bears against the clamping elements (4) within the frame (2) and a defined gap (12) is produced between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2), wherein, in a subsequent adhesion step, an adhesive (13) is introduced in an adhesive application direction oriented towards the frame (2) into the gap (12) generated by the clamping elements (4) between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2), and the window pane (2) is connected to the frame (2) in a frictionally engaged and integrally bonded manner along the circumferential sides (6).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterised in that in the clamping step the mounting tool (22) is introduced into the gap (12) until the stop surface (25) contacts the pane surface (5), so that the clamping element (4) introduced into the gap (12) by means of the mounting tool (22) occupies a defined position between the circumferential surfaces (9) and the inner circumferential surfaces.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that in the adhesion step the adhesive (13) is applied along the edge region (7) of the window pane (2) in the adhesive application direction, so that the adhesive (13) introduced in the gap (12) is formed at least partially beyond the gap (12) as an adhesive trace and an integrally bonded connection can be produced between the pane surface (5) of the window pane (2) in the edge region (7) of the window pane (2) and the inner circumferential surface (10) of the frame (2).

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