Smart window

Abstract

Smart window comprising at least one frame and at least one sash of a window, French door or the like, and a support device wherein the support device is a hollow profile which is attached to the inside of the frame by means of fasteners such that it interacts with an edge of the sash, and the support device extends at least along a part of the inside of the frame and at least one functional module is provided within the hollow profile and / or on a surface of the support device or the frame, or within their walls.

Description

[0001] Windows and French doors and the like, which have at least a frame and at least one sash frame which is usually rotatable or tiltable, are well known.

[0002] The present invention aims to provide visually appealing window systems which also offer additional functions, particularly in conjunction with smart home systems.

[0003] These and other tasks are solved by a smart window according to independent claim 1. Embodiments and further developments of the smart window according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0004] Accordingly, a smart window according to the invention has a support device in the form of a hollow profile, comprising a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, a back, and a front opposite the back, each generally arranged in a trapezoidal shape relative to the others. The top has a support surface facing the back and a ramp extending towards the front, which transitions essentially continuously into the support surface. Furthermore, the support device can be attached to the inner side of the frame receiving the sash frame by means of fasteners such that it interacts with an edge of the sash frame, and the support device extends at least along a portion of the inner side of the frame.

[0005] According to the invention, a functional module is provided within the hollow profile and / or on a surface of the support device or the frame, or within its walls.

[0006] The smart window according to the invention can be used with a variety of windows and / or French doors, such as single or double-leaf windows, tilt or non-tilt windows, sliding doors, skylights, and similar types of windows or French doors. However, the support device is not limited to such types of windows or French doors.

[0007] In general, windows and French doors are essentially rectangular and consist primarily of a frame and a sash. The frame typically has several components, such as a lower and an upper frame, which are often arranged horizontally and parallel to each other with respect to the floor. These components are usually connected by a first, essentially vertical frame, which includes hardware, and a second, also typically vertical, frame. Often, the first and second vertical frame elements are perpendicular to the lower and upper frame elements, respectively. Furthermore, most commercially available windows and French doors feature a tilt-and-turn mechanism.

[0008] Windows and French doors almost always open towards the interior of a room. Therefore, the following description of the present invention assumes an inward-opening window. However, the invention is not limited to this type of window. On the contrary, a smart window according to the invention can also be used with outward-opening windows.

[0009] The support device of the smart window according to the invention is preferably designed as a hollow plastic profile, resulting in lower material consumption during its manufacture. Preferably, the hollow profile has only one cavity, although hollow profiles with multiple cavities can also be used.

[0010] The production of hollow plastic profiles is established in window construction and can be easily controlled even on a large industrial scale.

[0011] Advantageously, the design of the support device of the smart window according to the invention also offers installation space for accommodating functional devices, such as sensors, actuators, acoustic and optical transducers, control elements and / or further functional modules within the cavity, so that the devices can be installed protected from environmental influences.

[0012] The top of the support device is defined as the side that, when the support device is attached, interacts with an edge of the sash frame, and in particular is at least partially in contact with it. The underside of the support device is generally located opposite the top.

[0013] The rear of the support device is defined as the side of the support device that, when the support device is attached, rests against the inside of the frame, preferably covering a substantial portion of the surface. The front is accordingly generally positioned opposite the rear.

[0014] The wall thicknesses of the outer walls of the hollow profile can vary depending on the requirements for each side of the profile. Preferably, however, the wall thicknesses of the hollow profile are essentially the same on each side. The choice of wall thicknesses depends on the weight of the sash frame being supported, as the walls of the hollow profile must bear at least part of this weight without deforming, corresponding to the dimensions of the hollow profile in general, and any installation space required inside the hollow profile.

[0015] The four sides of the support device, i.e., its bottom, top, back, and front, are generally arranged in a trapezoidal shape relative to each other. It is advantageous if the trapezoidal shape corresponds to a substantially right-angled trapezoid.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the smart window according to the invention, the support device is designed on its rear side in such a way that, in the state attached to the frame, it lies essentially flat against the inside of the frame and is preferably positively connected to it.

[0017] The upper side of the support device has a support surface in its area facing the rear of the hollow profile and a ramp surface in its area facing the front of the hollow profile, the support surface extending from the rear towards the front of the support device and preferably transitioning continuously into the ramp surface, which is located in the area of ​​the front of the support device.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the support surface is defined as the surface of the top of the hollow profile, which is at least partially in contact with and supports at least a section of an outer surface of the sash frame in the closed state. Preferably, substantially the entire support surface is in contact with an outer surface of a sash frame in the closed state.

[0019] The lateral forces acting on the support device due to the supported sash frame are preferably distributed essentially equally over the entire or at least a large part of the support surface of the support device. This leads to greater stability of the support device and reduced wear of the support surface and the sash frame. This is especially true for heavy sash frames.

[0020] The hollow profile preferably extends substantially linearly in a first direction, with the length of the hollow profile being measured with respect to this direction. The cross-section of the support device is arranged substantially perpendicular to this. Furthermore, in the following, length specifications for the bottom, top, rear, and front of the support device are always given with respect to its cross-section.

[0021] In this description, the depth of the support device is defined as the outer length of the underside of the support device along its cross-section; the depth of the sash frame, on the other hand, is defined here as the length of the sash frame projecting inwards above the frame when the window is closed, in a direction essentially normal to the plane of the sash frame.

[0022] The ramp surface transitions continuously from the support surface towards the front of the support device. The term "continuous" means, in particular, that the ramp surface and the support surface share an edge section, and preferably that they are integrally formed, with the transition from ramp surface to support surface being either continuously differentiable or non-continuously differentiable. Preferably, the support surface and the ramp surface are made of the same material.

[0023] By supporting the sash frame with the support device, lateral forces can be at least partially absorbed by the support device and transferred over a large area to the respective frame element to which the support device is attached.

[0024] The arrangement of the support device on the lower side of the frame is particularly advantageous, since the strongest lateral force is the vertical component of the weight force. When the window or French door is closed, the essentially full-surface contact or support of the sash frame with the support device allows at least some of the vertical lateral force to be absorbed, thereby relieving stress on the locking mechanism and the fittings.

[0025] When the window is tilted, the bearing surface of the lower frame elements of the sash shifts, so that it rests at least partially on the bearing surface and is thus supported. This support device therefore also helps to absorb vertically acting lateral forces.

[0026] The support device is provided on the inside of the frame and, when the window is closed, extends along at least part of the outer perimeter of the sash, such as the entire lower edge of the sash. Advantageously, and particularly to create a substantially flat inside surface for the entire window assembly, the support device can also extend along the entire outer perimeter of the sash on the frame.

[0027] In particular, the length of the hollow profile of the support device can correspond to the length of the respective side of the frame. If two sash frames are attached to a single frame, the length of the hollow profile of the support device can also correspond to the entire length of one of the frame elements and thus extend over several sash frames.

[0028] Advantageously, the support device can also take on the function of design elements and have an additional insulating function, since it can be attached to the entire exposed inside of the frame and thus effectively serve to cover these exposed frame surfaces.

[0029] The support device can preferably be arranged in a substantially horizontal or vertical I-shape on the frame, but can also extend, for example, in an L-shape, C-shape, or O-shape along the frame around the sash. In the case of the L-shaped arrangement, the support device can extend along two adjacent sides of the outer perimeter of the sash (e.g., along the bottom and left side of the sash). If, on the other hand, the mounting is C-shaped, the support device can extend along three adjacent sides of the outer perimeter of the sash (e.g., along the bottom and both vertical sides of the sash).

[0030] If the support device is arranged on the frame on the side of the fittings, then, according to a further embodiment, the support device can have recesses in the areas where the fittings are located. Thus, when the support device is fastened, the fittings can be at least partially received in the recesses and, if necessary, also superficially covered by the support device.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the support device consists of materials already well-known in window construction, with the choice of material being influenced by both the strength requirements and the material of the frame element to which the support device is attached. Usable materials include, for example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane), with PU possessing good properties regarding material strength combined with elasticity, abrasion resistance, and temperature resistance. Further advantages include its lower weight and resistance to chemicals. PU is also considered free of allergens. Materials that allow the support device to be manufactured by extrusion are particularly preferred.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the support device is connected to the frame by means of fastening means selected from a group that includes clip, plug, snap, clamp, screw, adhesive connections and combinations thereof.

[0033] A combination of different fastening methods, such as plug-in and snap-in connections, possibly also using an adhesive bond, can be used simultaneously. For example, nuts can be integrated into the inside of the frame so that the support device can be mounted to the frame using screws protruding through the back of the support device.

[0034] The frame may also include fasteners that interact with the fasteners of the support device and provide further support for attaching the support device to the frame. It is particularly advantageous if, when using the fasteners, they are selected so that the lateral forces acting on the support device by the supported sash frame can be at least partially absorbed by the fasteners, ensuring that the support device remains stable and securely attached to the frame even under load.

[0035] The fastening means can also include non-removable fasteners, such as adhesives, rivets or the like, so that unintentional detachment of the support device from the frame is ensured even over a long period of use.

[0036] The number of fasteners used to secure the support device can vary. In particular, the number can depend on the length of the hollow profile and also on the lateral forces that the support device must withstand.

[0037] Advantageously, the fasteners, of whatever type, can interact with stabilizing elements on or in the frame, such as metal reinforcements, glass or carbon fiber reinforcements of the frame elements, or the like, to improve the strength and stability of the attachment of the support device to the frame and to improve the transmission of lateral forces acting on the support device into the respective frame elements to which it is attached.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the support device can be detachably attached.

[0039] The detachable mounting of the support device to the frame facilitates replacement of the support device, should this become necessary. Furthermore, existing windows or similar structures can easily be retrofitted with a support device.

[0040] Preferably, the fastening means are arranged on the back of the support device, so that the fastening achieves an effective interaction between the back, i.e. the rear wall of the support device, and the corresponding wall of the frame.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the support device can be arranged along the entire outer perimeter of the sash frame. This arrangement is particularly preferred when the depth of the support element corresponds to that of the sash frame, so that the front of the support device is essentially flush with the inner surfaces of the sash frame.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the support device, the surface of the upper side of the support device is made of or coated with a surface material that reduces the coefficient of friction.

[0043] When the sash is closed, the support surface is in contact with the sash frame. Regular opening or tilting of the window creates friction between the surface of the support's upper surface and the outer perimeter of the sash frame that is at least partially in contact with the upper surface of the support. By using a surface material that reduces the coefficient of friction on the upper surface of the support and / or, if necessary, on the corresponding surface of the sash frame, the continuous wear of the support's upper surface can be reduced, thus further minimizing the need to replace the support.

[0044] One example of a surface material that reduces the coefficient of friction is Teflon, but all other materials that have a low coefficient of friction can also be used.

[0045] Similarly, the support surface and / or the running surface of the support device can have a surface finish, thereby achieving a similarly advantageous effect. Preferably, plastics, resins, or even new types of materials, such as nanomaterial coatings, are used for the surface finish, which, for example, reduce the coefficient of friction of the surface.

[0046] As already explained, in one embodiment of the support device, the depth of the support device corresponds to the depth of the sash frame projecting inwards beyond the frame, so that the front of the support device and the inside of the sash frame lie on the same plane.

[0047] The inner side of the sash frame is, in particular, the surface of the sash frame that projects inwards beyond the frame. Preferably, in one embodiment, the depth of the support device corresponds to the depth of the sash frame projecting inwards beyond the frame, so that the front of the support device and the inner surface of the sash frame lie essentially in the same plane. This is visually appealing and facilitates the cleaning of such a window system.

[0048] In a further embodiment, at least one functional module is provided within the hollow profile and / or on a surface of the support device or the frame, or within their walls, preferably the walls facing the interior. In particular, the at least one functional module is selected from a group comprising signal processors, sensors such as humidity or motion sensors, power supply units such as battery or solar modules, optical and / or acoustic signal converters, switching elements, data transmission modules, data storage modules, connection elements for power supplies and data transmission links, transmit and receive modules, camera modules, display and projection elements, air conveying devices, heat transfer elements, and combinations thereof.

[0049] In particular, at least one functional module can be arranged essentially completely within the cavity of the hollow profile and thus be firmly integrated into it.

[0050] A functional module can, for example, include a CPU, a GPU, RAM, input devices (e.g., touch-sensitive elements such as a touchscreen or touchpad) and / or output devices (screen, speakers, and the like). Furthermore, the functional module can include transmitting and / or receiving means for sending and / or receiving data via radio and / or cable transmission. The functional module can also include and / or be connected to sensors and, in particular, can receive data from them, process it, and / or forward it.

[0051] Any type of sensor can be arranged within the hollow profile of the support structure and / or on its outer surface, for example, to detect environmental parameters of the interior, such as movement, humidity, temperature, radiation, and the like. In particular, a functional module in the form of a display element, such as OLED or QLED strips, can also be arranged on the interior-facing surface of the support element, allowing messages to be projected into the interior. These elements can be designed either for information display or simply as lighting elements.

[0052] For example, the OLED strips can emit light of different colors depending on the state of the window or French door, allowing a person in a room to determine the state of the window or French door simply by observing the color of the surface of the support structure. The brightness of such display elements can also be varied based on measurements from other sensors, similar to the type of lighting, for example, if the ambient light outside the window falls below a certain level.

[0053] Sensors that record the status of the window or patio door, such as whether a window or patio door is open, closed or tilted, and whether, for example, there is an attempt to force opening it, can also be arranged on or in the support device.

[0054] Furthermore, lighting elements located within the support structure could be controlled or remotely switched using an external control unit. Another alternative is the use of lighting elements as emergency lighting, which could, for example, indicate an emergency exit (e.g., a French door through which a room can be exited in an emergency, indicated by a corresponding lighting element on the French door) or flash at a certain frequency when smoke is detected by a sensor.

[0055] Power supply units can also be located within the cavity of the hollow profile. These can be connected, for example, via an electrical connection in the masonry. Furthermore, the power supply units can also be battery modules, which may be rechargeable, possibly via an induction converter through the closed wall of the support structure. In this way, a hermetically sealed yet rechargeable battery-powered system can be created, which can operate independently of other power supplies.

[0056] By inserting functional modules into the cavity of the hollow profile, the window can be defined as "smart." In particular, this makes it possible to establish a relationship between the support structure with its functional modules and other components of a smart home. However, the support structure does not have to work in conjunction with other "smart" objects and can also be used independently.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a passageway is provided between the interior of the hollow profile of the support device and its exterior. This passageway can be achieved through suitable openings, for example, openings for providing air exchange or for routing cable connections. Preferably, such openings can be arranged on a side of the support device facing the interior, i.e., for example, the front, and / or on a side facing the frame, i.e., the rear of the support device.

[0058] This allows, for example, air exchange between a ventilation device provided in the window frame and the interior despite the support device attached to the frame, and / or signal connections between signal or switching elements attached to the frame and the functional modules of the support device.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the support device extends over the entire visible length of one side of the frame and into the masonry, or at least to the immediate vicinity of the masonry. This makes it possible to route cable connections from the masonry into the cavity of the support device, thus enabling, for example, a power connection for the functional modules.

[0060] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the drawing and the claims. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a first embodiment of a support device; Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a support device in a fixed state according to Figure 1 with a wing frame in a closed state; Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a support device in a fixed state according to Figure 1 with a wing frame in a tilted position; Figure 4 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the support device with different functional modules; Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a window arrangement according to the invention.

[0061] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support device 10 for windows, French doors, or the like. The support device 10 is a hollow profile with a cavity 11 and has a bottom 12, a top 14, a back 16, and a front 18. As can be seen from the Figure 1As can be seen, in this embodiment the four sides of the support device 10 are arranged in a substantially trapezoidal shape relative to each other, with the wall thickness d of the support device 10 being, for example, 2 mm.

[0062] The upper surface 14 has a support surface 30 facing the rear side 16 and a ramp surface 32 extending towards the front side 18 and merging into the support surface 30. In this embodiment, the transition from the support surface 30 to the ramp surface 32 is characterized by a kink 31 and thus has a non-continuously differentiable profile; however, the transition can preferably also have a continuously differentiable profile, i.e., a continuously curved profile.

[0063] The support surface 30 forms an essentially right angle with the rear side 16 of the support device 10. r1and also the underside 12 and the back side 16 or the underside 12 and the front side 18 form an essentially right angle with each other. r2. It is not necessary for these angles to be right angles; rather, the choice of angles is essentially application-specific.

[0064] The angle of inclination w1 of the ramp surface 32 in relation to the support surface 30 is approximately 179° in this embodiment; however, this angle cannot be graphically determined from the figure.

[0065] In this embodiment, two fastening means 28a, 28b are arranged on the rear side 16 of the support device 10. The frame also has corresponding receptacles (not shown) for these fastening means 28a, 28b. In this exemplary embodiment, the fastening means 28a, 28b are shown as clip or snap-in elements, but other types of fastening means are also possible.

[0066] Figure 2shows a schematic cross-section of a support device 10 in a state attached to the frame 20 according to Figure 1 with regard to a sash frame in a closed state 60.

[0067] The support device 10 is attached to the inner side of the frame 20, which receives the sash frame, by means of fasteners 28a, 28b. The fasteners 28a, 28b are located on the rear side 16 of the support device 10. The frame 20 also has receptacles (not shown) which interact with the fasteners 28a, 28b of the support device 10 to ensure secure attachment.

[0068] As from the Figure 2As can be seen, the rear side 16 of the support device 10 rests against the inner side 52 of the frame 20 when attached, preferably with the contact being substantially full-surface. Furthermore, the support surface 30 of the support device 10 is arranged substantially parallel to the underside 62 of the sash frame 60, so that the vertically acting component of the weight force of the sash frame 60 is at least partially absorbed by the support surface 30.

[0069] In this embodiment, the depth X1 of the support device 10 corresponds to the depth Y1 of the sash frame 60 projecting inwards beyond the frame 20, so that the front 18 of the support device 10 and the inside of the sash frame 68 lie essentially in one plane E1. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the support device 10, and in particular at least a part of the rear 16 and the underside 12, is in contact with the masonry 70 surrounding the frame 20.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a support device 10 in a fixed state according to Figure 1 with regard to a sash frame in a tilted state 60.

[0071] As from the Figure 3As can be seen, the inner area of ​​the lower edge 62 of the sash frame 60 is essentially supported on the ramp surface 32 in the tilted state, the ramp surface preferably having an inclination that essentially corresponds to the tilt angle of the window sash.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of the support device 10 with various functional modules arranged therein.

[0073] In this embodiment, at least one functional module is arranged within the hollow profile and / or on a surface of the support device 10. In particular, this embodiment provides a power supply 50, which can be, for example, a battery, a voltage converter, or the like. The power supply provides current to the functional modules 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 55, and 56.

[0074] Function modules 43 and 44 are opening sensors that detect whether the window sash is correctly closed and / or in a tilted position. For example, sensors 43 and 44 are connected to a CPU-controlled control unit 55, which receives and processes the data from sensors 43 and 44. The data from sensors 43 and 44 can be transmitted to other function modules via a transmission unit 56; the transmission unit 56 can also receive data and forward it to the control unit 55.

[0075] As from the Figure 4The support device 10, which is removable, has a lighting element 46 located on the front 18 of the support device. This lighting element emits different colors depending on the values ​​detected by the sensors 43 and 44. For example, if the sensors 43 and 44 detect that the window has been opened without any hardware being operated, it can be assumed that the window has been forcibly opened, and the lighting element 46 will flash red to indicate an emergency. Similarly, if a tilted window is detected, the lighting element 46 can glow orange to clearly indicate the window's status.

[0076] An input element 45 is provided on the ramp 32 of the support device 10, which enables operation of the support device's functional modules. By placing the input element 45 on the ramp 32, it is ensured that operation is only possible when the window is open, as the ramp is inaccessible when the window is closed.

[0077] Functional element 42 is a data storage and transfer module that interacts with a USB port 47. Data can be exchanged with connected devices, such as laptops or other maintenance equipment, via the USB port 47.

[0078] It should be noted that the functional modules shown in this embodiment represent a free selection of functional modules to which the invention is not limited. Rather, a multitude of further or different functional modules can be accommodated in the support device, depending on the application.

[0079] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of the window arrangement 80 using a support device.

[0080] A frame arrangement 80 with a wing frame 60, a frame 20 and a first and a second exemplary support devices 10a, 10b according to the invention can be seen.

[0081] As from the Figure 5The support devices 10a are visibly arranged on the lower horizontal frame element 20a, such that the downward-acting component of the weight force of the sash frame 60 (in the direction of arrow P1) is absorbed by the sash fittings 82a, 82b, and by the support device 10a, and in particular by the support surface of the support device 10a. Specifically, the hollow profile of the support device has a length X4, which is approximately 2 / 3 the length of the underside of the sash frame and slightly more than half the length of the lower frame element 20a.

[0082] The second support device 10b, on the other hand, is arranged vertically on the vertical frame element 20b opposite the sash fitting 82a, 82b, so that a vertically acting force component (in the direction of arrow P2) can be absorbed and supported. The hollow profile of the second support device 10b has the same length as the first support device 10a.

[0083] The first and second support devices 10a and 10b can be equipped with different functional modules to ensure different functions depending on the location, such as burglary protection by the first support device 10a and interior monitoring by the second support device 10b.

Claims

1. Smart window comprising at least one frame (20) and at least one sash (22) of a window, French door or the like, and a support device (10), wherein the support device is a hollow profile, with a bottom (12), a top (14) opposite the bottom, a back (16) and a front (18) opposite the back, each of which is generally arranged trapezoidally to one another, wherein the top (14) has a support surface (30) facing the back (16) and a ramp surface (32) extending towards the front (18) and merging into the support surface (30), and wherein the support device (10) is attached by means of fastening means (28a, 28b) to the inside of the frame (20) which receives the opening direction of the window or French door frame in such a way that it interacts with an edge of the sash.and the support device (10) extends at least along part of the inside of the frame (20), , characterized by, at least one functional module within the hollow profile and / or on a surface of the support device (10) or the frame (20), or within their walls.

2. Smart window according to claim 1, wherein the functional module is provided on the interior-facing walls of the frame (20) or the support device (10).

3. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fasteners (28a, 28b) are selected from a group which includes clip, plug, snap, clamp, screw, adhesive connections and combinations thereof.

4. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support device (10) is attached to the frame (20) with its rear side (16), optionally, releasably.

5. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the surface of the upper side (14) of the support device (10) is provided with a surface material that reduces the coefficient of friction and / or the run-up surface (32) of the support device (10) has a surface finish.

6. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the surface of the front (18) of the support device (10) is essentially flat with the inner surface of the wing frame.

7. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe functional module is selected from a group containing CPUs, GPUs, main memory, input and / or output devices, signal processors, sensors, power supply devices, optical and / or acoustic signal converters, switching elements, data transmission modules, data storage modules, connection elements for power supplies and data transmission links, transmit and receive modules, camera modules, display and projection elements, air conveying devices, heat transfer elements and combinations thereof.

8. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The functional module includes at least one sensor designed to detect environmental parameters of the interior and / or the condition of the window or French door.

9. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe functional module includes at least one display element configured to display information and / or at least one lighting element configured to emit light for illumination purposes.

10. Smart window according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that The power supply equipment is designed to be connected to at least one electrical connection in the masonry.

11. Smart window according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The functional modules are designed to be connected to components of a smart home system.

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