Window covering member

Abstract

To provide a window covering member that improves performance of a window and allows ventilation.SOLUTION: A window covering member comprises a retro-fittable functional panel that is attached to cover a window, and the functional panel is positioned at an interior side of a room at a distance from the window and has an opening. An area of the opening may be less than 10% of a total area of the opening and the functional panel in front view of the window. The functional panels may be arranged in a plurality of locations. The opening may be a gap formed between neighboring functional panels when surfaces of the functional panels are inclined in a direction approximately parallel to an in-plane direction of the window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a window covering member, and more particularly to a window covering member having a functional panel. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, there have been cases where it was desirable to improve the insulation and sound absorption performance of windows installed in buildings in order to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. However, improving window performance can require scaffolding on the exterior of the building for construction work on high-rise floors, which is costly and time-consuming, or the window installation location may not match the window thickness (installation width), or the wall may not be able to withstand the window's weight. For these reasons, there is a demand for functional materials such as insulation and sound absorption that can be retrofitted to windows.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sound-absorbing material that allows light to pass through. Patent Document 2 discloses a blind that can improve heat insulation while ensuring light transmission. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a heat-insulating sheet containing a heat-generating material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-155870 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-55540 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-302568 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the functional material disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be installed on windows that must be opened and closed due to fire safety regulations, such as smoke exhaust windows, so if it is installed away from smoke exhaust windows, noise can be heard from the non-installed areas, and there is a risk that the sound absorption effect will not be achieved. Furthermore, the blinds disclosed in Patent Document 2 do not allow air to pass easily when the slats are closed, making it difficult to provide ventilation or ventilation with the slats closed. And, because the heat insulating sheet disclosed in Patent Document 3 is attached to window glass, heat builds up, and there is a risk that the window glass will thermally crack.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a window covering member that improves the performance of the window and allows ventilation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A window covering member according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a retrofittable functional panel that is attached to cover a window, the functional panel being positioned on the interior side of the room, spaced apart from the window, and having an opening.

[0008] In one embodiment of the window covering member according to the present invention, the area of ​​the opening may be less than 10% of the total area of ​​the opening and the functional panel when viewed from the front of the window.

[0009] A window cover member according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of functional panels are arranged, and the opening is a gap formed between adjacent functional panels when the surfaces of the functional panels are inclined in a direction approximately parallel to the in-plane direction of the window.

[0010] A window covering member according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a support member that supports a plurality of the functional panels, and the support member may adjust the angle of the functional panels relative to the window.

[0011] In the window covering member according to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member may have an exterior case capable of housing the functional panel therein.

[0012] In the window covering member according to one embodiment of the present invention, the functional panel may include at least one of a heat insulating material, a sound insulating material, a sound absorbing material, and a solar cell.

[0013] In the window covering member according to one embodiment of the present invention, the functional panel may include a sound-insulating material having a honeycomb structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the window covering member of one embodiment of the present invention, the functional panel covers the window and can be retrofitted, thereby improving the performance of existing windows. In addition, the opening allows ventilation. Therefore, the window covering member of one embodiment of the present invention improves the performance of the window and allows ventilation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an outline of a window on which a window covering member according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the window taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the window covering member taken along line II-II in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a sound-insulating structure layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material provided in the window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a sound-insulating structure layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material provided in the window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 shows an example of the shape of a tubular member that constitutes a sound-insulating structure layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material that is provided in a window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 shows an example of the planar shape of a sound-insulating structural layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material provided in a window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a sound-insulating structure layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material provided in the window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a sound-insulating structure layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material provided in the window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a sound-insulating structure layer of a functional panel made of a sound-insulating material provided in the window covering member of the present invention. [Figure 13A] This is a schematic diagram showing how sound waves incident at a random angle on a functional panel made of sound-insulating material provided in a window covering member of the present invention propagate through a tubular member and are incident perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly on another functional panel. [Figure 13B] This is a schematic diagram showing how sound waves incident at a random angle on a functional panel made of sound-insulating material provided in a window covering member of the present invention propagate through a tubular member and are incident perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly on another functional panel. [Figure 14A] This is a schematic diagram showing how sound waves incident at random angles on a functional panel made of sound-insulating material provided in a window covering member of the present invention propagate through the sound-insulating structure and are incident perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly on another functional panel. [Figure 14B] This is a schematic diagram showing how sound waves incident at random angles on a functional panel made of sound-insulating material provided in a window covering member of the present invention propagate through the sound-insulating structure and are incident perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly on another functional panel. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a side view of the window covering member taken along line III-III in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 19 is a side view of the window covering member taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outline of an outer case provided in a window covering member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outline of an outer case provided in a window covering member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outline of an outer case provided in a window covering member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outline of an outer case provided in a window covering member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a functional panel 11 of a sound-insulating material having a two-layer honeycomb structure according to the present invention housed in an exterior case 122. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member according to a modified example of the second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 29] 29 is a side view of the window covering member taken along line VV in FIG. 28. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. To clarify the description, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part more schematically than the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] As a premise, an example of a window on which the window covering member of the present invention is to be installed will first be described. Fig. 1 is a front view showing a schematic of a window W on which the window covering member 1 of the present invention is to be installed. Fig. 2 is a side view of the window W taken along line II in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the window W is composed of four window panes G1 and G2, a window frame F, and a frame S for fitting the window panes G1 and G2 into the window frame F. The window W is an existing window that has already been installed. In other words, it is a window whose thermal insulation, soundproofing, sound absorption, and other performances are to be improved by the window covering member of the present invention.

[0018] The two upper window panes G1 can be opened by pushing their upper parts together with the frame S out of the window frame F. The upper window W is a so-called front-folding window. The two lower window panes G2 can be opened to the left and right together with the frame S. The lower window W is a so-called sliding window. The window W is set in a frame P formed on the wall of a room. Note that the window W in Figures 1 and 2 is just one example, and the window covering member according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied not only to windows whose window panes G1 and G2 can be opened and closed, but also to fixed windows, etc.

[0019] First Embodiment A window covering member according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 3 is a front view showing an outline of the window covering member 1 installed in a picture frame P. Fig. 4 is a side view of the window covering member 1 taken along line II-II in Fig. 3. Note that the upper window glass G1 of the window W is closed, unlike in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the window covering member 1 includes a functional panel 11 that can be attached to cover the window W and can be retrofitted. The functional panel 11 is attached to cover the window W. In other words, the window W and the functional panel 11 are arranged so as to overlap when viewed from the front of the window W. As shown in Figure 3, the functional panel 11 is fitted into a frame P and installed. The window covering member 1 is formed so as to have an opening 13 above it between the frame P. As shown in Figure 4, the functional panel 11 is positioned on the indoor side, spaced apart from the window W. The frame P is a member for fixing the functional panel 11 to the wall, and the frame P may be omitted. The functional panel 11 or an exterior case, which will be described later, may also be attached directly to the wall.

[0021] The area of ​​the opening 13 can be less than 10% of the total area of ​​the opening 13 and the functional panel 11. By making the area of ​​the opening 13 less than 10% of the total area of ​​the opening 13 and the functional panel 11, it is possible to achieve both functionality and breathability of the functional panel 11. In other words, by providing the opening 13 while covering the window W and making the area of ​​the opening 13 less than 10% of the total area of ​​the opening 13 and the functional panel 11, it is possible to suppress thermal cracking of the window W while exhibiting the effects of the functional panel 11, such as heat insulation, sound insulation, sound absorption, and power generation, as described below. Furthermore, in an emergency such as a fire, the functional panel 11 can ventilate (exhaust smoke) without impeding the smoke exhaust function of the window W.

[0022] The opening 13 may be formed downward between the frame P as shown in Fig. 5. The position of the opening 13 is not limited. Also, the openings 14 may be plural in the horizontal direction of the functional panel as shown in Fig. 6, or plural in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 7. The shape and number of the openings 13 are not limited.

[0023] (functional panel) The functional panel 11 has a plate-like shape as shown in Fig. 4. The shape of the functional panel 11 is not limited to this. When the functional panel 11 has a plate-like shape, the dimensions of the functional panel 11 are set taking into consideration, for example, the areas of the window panes G1 and G2 and the distances to the window panes G1 and G2. Examples of the functional panel 11 include a heat insulating material, a sound insulating material, a sound absorbing material, and a solar cell.

[0024] The functional panel 11 made of a heat insulating material is a known material, and is formed from a material that blocks heat transfer. Examples of heat insulating materials include glass wool, expanded polystyrene, rock wool, hard urethane foam, and phenolic foam. Alternatively, a translucent (light-transmitting) heat insulating material may be used. Examples of such materials include translucent atmospheric pressure dried aerogel. By using a translucent (light-transmitting) heat insulating material for the functional panel 11, the heat insulating performance of the window can be improved without blocking light from entering through the window.

[0025] The functional panel 11 made of sound-absorbing material is a known one, and is made of a material that blocks sound waves transmitted through the air and bounces them back so that the sound does not pass through. Examples of sound-absorbing materials include glass wool, urethane, and rock wool. Furthermore, the functional panel 11 made of sound-absorbing material that has sound-absorbing properties due to its shape may be a plate-shaped member with multiple holes formed therein to provide an air layer. For example, a perforated board or punched metal made of wood board, metal plate, or the like, with multiple holes formed on one side, and with an air layer formed therein, may be mentioned.

[0026] The functional panel 11 made of solar cells is a known one made of a material that converts light energy into electricity. Examples of solar cell materials include silicon-based materials such as crystalline silicon, compound-based materials such as CIS, and organic-based materials such as perovskite.

[0027] The sound-insulating functional panel 11 is made of a material that attenuates sound by converting the vibration of sound waves transmitted through the air into thermal energy. Examples of sound-insulating materials include gypsum board, acoustic metamaterial, rubber, and polycarbonate.

[0028] 8A and 8B, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material includes a member that forms a cavity 113 in a direction perpendicular to a plane 112. As shown in Fig. 8A, the member that forms the cavity 113 has a cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the member that forms the cavity 113 will be referred to as a cylindrical member 111.

[0029] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material has a structure in which a plurality of tubular members 111 are densely arranged. The plurality of tubular members 111 may be arranged closely adjacent to each other, or may be arranged with gaps between them. Figures 8A and 8B show a case in which the cross-sectional shape of the tubular members 111 is hexagonal, and show an example in which tubular members 111 of such a cross-sectional shape are arranged closely packed. In other words, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material shown in Figures 8A and 8B has a honeycomb structure.

[0030] Cylindrical member 111 has one end that contacts one plane 112 and the other end opposite it that is open, and has a shape that allows one end to be seen through from the other end. Cylindrical member 111 has an opening diameter (inner diameter) D of 1 mm to 50 mm. Cylindrical member 111 also has a length L of 10 mm to 300 mm in the direction perpendicular to one plane 112.

[0031] Various shapes can be applied to the cross-sectional shape of the member forming cavity 113, but if the cross-sectional shape is polygonal, the diameter refers to the length of the longest straight line connecting one corner to the other. Also, if the cross-sectional shape of the member forming cavity 113 is circular, the diameter refers to the length of the diameter; if it is elliptical, the diameter refers to the length of the major axis; and if it is triangular, the diameter refers to the length of the longest straight line connecting two adjacent corners.

[0032] The cylindrical member 111 is made of various materials. The cylindrical member 111 is made of, for example, metal, resin, wood, paper, etc. The functional panel 11 made of such a material may be formed by accumulating and interconnecting (bonding) cylindrical members 111 to form a plate-like or sheet-like member, or may be formed by integrally molding a plurality of cylindrical members 111 to form a plate-like or sheet-like member.

[0033] 9(a) to 9(d) show examples of the shape of the tubular member 111. Fig. 9(a) shows a case where the tubular member 111 is cylindrical, and Fig. 9(b) shows a case where the tubular member 111 is square (hexagonal). Fig. 9(c) shows a shape where the tubular member 111 is formed by hollowing out the center of a solid prismatic (or cylindrical) member, and Fig. 9(d) shows a shape where the tubular member 111 is formed by combining multiple plate materials. A cavity 113 is formed by the tubular member 111 in any of the shapes shown in Figs. 9(a) to 9(d).

[0034] 8B shows a case where the shape of the cylindrical member 111 in a plan view is hexagonal, but the functional panel 11 is not limited to this shape. The shape of the cylindrical member 111 constituting the functional panel 11 in a plan view may be rectangular as shown in FIG. 10(a) or circular as shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10( a), if the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 111 is rectangular, adjacent tubular members can be arranged closely to each other. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10( b), if the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 111 is circular, gaps 114 are formed even when adjacent tubular members are arranged closely to each other. Since these gaps 114 also form cavities, sound insulation effects can be similarly achieved. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10( c), when a tubular member 111 having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape is used, the gaps 114 may be filled with a filler material 115. The filler material 115 may be made of the same material as the tubular member 111, or a sound-absorbing material may be used. When a sound-absorbing material is used as the filler material 111, the reflected wave component of the incident sound waves can be reduced, thereby reducing noise and thereby improving the sound insulation effect.

[0036] 10(a), (b), and (c), a sound-absorbing material may be filled in the portion of the cylindrical member 111 that forms the cavity 113. A porous sound-absorbing material is preferable as the sound-absorbing material, and for example, glass wool, rock wool, or the like can be used. By filling the cavity 113 with a sound-absorbing material, it is possible to obtain a sound-absorbing effect and a sound-blocking effect by controlling the sound wave angle.

[0037] 11A and 11B, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material includes a plurality of through holes 117 that form cavities on both sides of a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped member 116. The plurality of through holes 117 are provided over substantially the entire surface of the plate-shaped or sheet-shaped member 116. The plate-shaped or sheet-shaped member 116 has a thickness of 10 mm to 300 mm. The plate-shaped or sheet-shaped member 116 is made of metal, resin, wood, or paper. The plate-shaped or sheet-shaped member 116 may be rigid and not bend, or may be flexible.

[0038] The shape of through-hole 117 in a plan view can be various shapes, similar to that of tubular member 111, and its aperture (inner diameter) is in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm. Furthermore, through-hole 117 may be filled with a sound-absorbing material. By filling through-hole 117 with a sound-absorbing material, it is possible to obtain a sound-absorbing effect and a sound-blocking effect by controlling the angle of sound waves.

[0039] The functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material has through holes 117, which allow sound waves incident at random angles to be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to a surface such as a wall, thereby enhancing the sound-insulating effect. Furthermore, even when the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material is placed on the opposite side of an object such as a wall, window, or panel from a sound source (noise source), the sound-insulating effect can be similarly enhanced. The plate- or sheet-like members forming the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material can be freely designed in size, and lightweight can be achieved regardless of the material. This allows for low-cost construction and provides a functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material with high sound-insulating effect. Furthermore, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material can be easily attached to a wall or other member without requiring extensive renovation work, thereby enhancing the sound-insulating effect.

[0040] Furthermore, multiple functional panels 11 made of a honeycomb-structured sound-insulating material may be laminated. As shown in FIG. 12, the functional panel may include a functional panel 11-1 made of a first sound-insulating material, a first sheet-like member 14-1, a functional panel 11-2 made of a second sound-insulating material, and a second sheet-like member 14-2. The first sheet-like member 14-1 is provided on the functional panel 11-1 made of the first sound-insulating material. The functional panel 11-2 made of the second sound-insulating material is provided on the first sheet-like member 14-1. The second sheet-like member 14-2 is provided on the functional panel 11-2 made of the second sound-insulating material.

[0041] In other words, one surface (top surface) of the functional panel 11-1 made of the first sound-insulating material is covered with the first sheet-like member 14-1, while the functional panel 11-1 made of the first sound-insulating material is exposed. Furthermore, one surface (top surface) of the functional panel 11-2 made of the second sound-insulating material is covered with the second sheet-like member 14-2, and the other surface (bottom surface) of the functional panel 11-2 made of the second sound-insulating material is covered with the first sheet-like member 14-1. That is, the first sheet-like member 14-1 is located between the functional panel 11-1 made of the first sound-insulating material and the functional panel 11-2 made of the second sound-insulating material, and the second sheet-like member 14-2 forms the surface of the functional panel 11 made of the sound-insulating material.

[0042] The first sheet-like member 14-1 is bonded by an adhesive to a functional panel 11-1 made of a first sound-insulating material and a functional panel 11-2 made of a second sound-insulating material. Similarly, the second sheet-like member 14-2 is bonded by an adhesive to a functional panel 11-2 made of a second sound-insulating material.

[0043] The first sheet-like member 14-1 and the second sheet-like member 14-2 may be made of a material such as kraft paper or shoji paper, or a resin such as vinyl chloride or acrylic. The first sheet-like member 14-1 and the second sheet-like member 14-2 may be made of the same material or different materials. The thickness of each of the first sheet-like member 14-1 and the second sheet-like member 14-2 is, for example, 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0044] FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material having a two-layer structure (here, "two layers" refers to the number of layers of the functional panel) in which a functional panel 11-1 made of a first sound-insulating material and a functional panel 11-2 made of a second sound-insulating material are stacked with a first sheet-like member 14-1 sandwiched between them. However, the configuration of the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material is not limited to this. For example, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material may be configured without the second sheet-like member 14-2. Alternatively, the functional panel 11 may have an n-layer structure in which a sheet-like member 14 is sandwiched between each of n functional panels 11.

[0045] The functional panel 11 may be formed by laminating a heat insulating material, a sound insulating material, a sound absorbing material, a solar cell, or the like.

[0046] This section describes a case where a functional panel 11 made of a single-layer honeycomb sound-insulating material is laminated with another functional panel 11'. Specific examples include laminates in which the insulating material is placed on the window side and the sound-insulating material is placed on the interior side, or laminates in which the sound-absorbing material is placed on the window side and the sound-insulating material is placed on the interior side. Noise generated on roads, construction sites, inside buildings, etc. propagates through the air as sound waves. Sound waves that strike objects such as walls, windows, and panels are reflected, absorbed, and partially transmitted. The transmission of sound waves through an object occurs when the incident sound waves cause minute forced vibrations in the object, which excite the air on the opposite side of the object and generate sound on that side. The sound wave blocking ability of an object, i.e., the sound-insulating performance of an object, varies significantly depending on the angle of incidence of the sound waves. It is known that sound waves incident perpendicularly to an object provide approximately 10 dB better sound-insulating performance than waves incident randomly. When sound propagates to the opposite side of an object, a phenomenon called diffraction occurs, but this will be omitted here for simplicity.

[0047] 13A and 13B, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material is arranged so that the cavity 113 extends in a direction perpendicular to the other functional panels 11'. In other words, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material is arranged so that the tubular member 111 faces in a direction perpendicular to the other functional panels 11'.

[0048] 13A shows an example in which a functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material is placed in front of another functional panel 11', i.e., on the sound source side, in a situation in which sound (sound waves) from a sound source (noise source) 300 is incident on another functional panel 11' at random angles (random incidence). The sound waves incident on the cylindrical member 111 are reflected by the inner wall of the cavity 113 and enter the other functional panel 11' at a perpendicular or approximately perpendicular angle (an angle close to perpendicular, the same applies hereinafter) and are transmitted through the other functional panel 11'. In other words, the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material has the function of reflecting the sound waves incident at random angles from the cavity 113 and causing the sound waves to enter the other functional panel 11' at an incident angle that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the other functional panel 11'.

[0049] Sound waves incident on an object such as another functional panel 11' are more likely to resonate with the object when they are obliquely incident than when they are perpendicularly incident, resulting in a decrease in sound insulation performance. In other words, when sound waves are incident obliquely, they may resonate with the other functional panels 11', resulting in a significant decrease in sound insulation performance in a specific frequency range. In response to this phenomenon, the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material can allow sound waves to be incident perpendicularly or nearly perpendicularly to the other functional panels 11', thereby improving sound insulation performance.

[0050] The functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material can exhibit the same sound-insulating effect whether the other functional panel 11' is a single layer or a multi-layer. The functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material is preferably provided as close as possible to the incident surface (the surface of the other functional panel 11', etc.) in order to make the traveling direction of the sound waves perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the other functional panel 11', and ideally it is preferably provided in close contact.

[0051] 13B shows an example in which a functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material is placed on the back side (opposite side of the sound source (noise source) 300) of another functional panel 11'. Sound waves that are incident on the other functional panel 11' from the sound source (noise source) 300 at a random angle and transmit through the other functional panel 11' are reflected inside the cavity 113 as they pass through the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material, and are then emitted at an angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the other functional panel 11'. In this way, by controlling the emission angle of the sound waves emitted from the other functional panel 11' to be perpendicular to the wall surface, it is possible to suppress resonance in the other functional panel 11' and improve sound insulation performance.

[0052] 13A and 13B, functional panels 11 made of sound-insulating material can be placed between other functional panels 11' made of sound-absorbing material, heat-insulating material, etc., to similarly improve sound insulation performance. Specifically, for example, a laminated structure can be used in which heat-insulating material, sound-insulating material, and sound-absorbing material are placed in this order from the window side to the room side.

[0053] Next, a case will be described in which a functional panel 11 having a honeycomb structure made of multiple layers of sound-insulating material is laminated with another functional panel 11'. Specifically, for example, a laminated structure can be used in which the heat-insulating material is placed on the window side and the sound-insulating material is placed on the interior side. As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the functional panel 11' is placed so that the cavity 113 extends in a perpendicular direction relative to the other functional panel 11'. In other words, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material is placed so that the tubular member 111 faces in a perpendicular direction to the wall surface.

[0054] 14A shows an example in which a functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material is placed in front of another functional panel 11', i.e., on the sound source side, in a situation in which sound (sound waves) from a sound source (noise source) 1100 is incident on another functional panel 11' at random angles (random incidence). The sound waves incident on the tubular member 111 of the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material are reflected by the inner wall of the other functional panel 11' and enter the other functional panel 11' at a perpendicular or approximately perpendicular angle (an angle close to perpendicular, the same applies hereinafter) and are transmitted through the other functional panel 11'. In other words, the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material has the function of reflecting the sound waves incident at random angles on the cavity 113 of the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material, and causing the sound waves to enter the wall at an incident angle that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the other functional panel 11'.

[0055] Sound waves incident on an object such as another functional panel 11' are more likely to resonate with the object when they are obliquely incident than when they are perpendicularly incident, resulting in a decrease in sound insulation performance. In other words, when sound waves are incident obliquely, they may resonate with the other functional panels 11', resulting in a significant decrease in sound insulation performance in a specific frequency range. In response to this phenomenon, the functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material can allow sound waves to be incident perpendicularly or nearly perpendicularly to the other functional panels 11', thereby improving sound insulation performance.

[0056] Furthermore, in the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material, sound waves transmitted through the second sheet-like member 14-2 are radiated vertically, improving the sound-insulating performance of the second sheet-like member 14-2 itself. Also, sound waves incident on the first sheet-like member 14-1 and sound waves transmitted through the first sheet-like member 14-1 are both controlled in the vertical direction, improving the sound-insulating performance of the first sheet-like member 14-1 itself. For these reasons, even if the first sheet-like member 14-1 and the second sheet-like member 14-2 are thin and lightweight, a multi-layer structure effective for sound insulation can be formed, and the direction of incidence on other functional panels 11' can also be controlled, improving sound-insulating performance.

[0057] The functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material can exhibit the same sound-insulating effect whether the other functional panel 11' is a single layer or a multi-layer. The functional panel 11 made of a sound-insulating material is preferably provided as close as possible to the incident surface (the surface of the other functional panel 11', etc.) in order to make the propagation direction of the sound waves perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the wall surface, and ideally it is preferably provided in close contact.

[0058] 14B shows an example in which a functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material is placed on the back side (opposite side of a sound source (noise source) 1100) of another functional panel 11'. Sound waves that are incident on the other functional panel 11' from the sound source (noise source) 1100 at a random angle and transmit through the other functional panel 11' are reflected inside the cavity 113 as they pass through the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material, and are then emitted at an angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the other functional panel 11'. In this way, by controlling the emission angle of the sound waves emitted from the other functional panel 11' to be perpendicular to the wall surface, resonance in the other functional panel 11' can be suppressed, and sound insulation performance can be improved.

[0059] Also, although not shown in Figures 14A and 14B, functional panels 11 made of sound-insulating material can be placed between other functional panels 11' made of sound-absorbing material, heat-insulating material, etc., which can similarly improve sound-insulating performance.

[0060] Second Embodiment A window covering member according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 15 is a front view showing an outline of a window covering member 1 installed in a picture frame P. Fig. 16 is a side view of the window covering member 1 taken along line III-III in Fig. 15.

[0061] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the window covering member 1 comprises a plurality of functional panels 11 that are arranged on the indoor side at a distance from the window W, and a support member 12 that supports the plurality of functional panels 11. The plurality of functional panels 11 may all be made up of functional panels 11 of the same type, or may be made up of functional panels 11 with different functions.

[0062] (support member) As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the support member 12 has a plurality of support materials 121. One end of the rightmost support material 121 is connected to the right frame P, and the other end of the leftmost support material 121 is connected to the left frame P, with the support materials 121 connecting adjacent functional panels 11 between them. This allows the support member 12 to support a plurality of functional panels 11. The support material 121 may be constructed from a single piece, in which case the support material 121 and the plurality of functional panels 11 are connected through through holes formed in the functional panel 11. Examples of the support material 121 include strings, rod-shaped resin, and metal.

[0063] 15 and 16, a plurality of functional panels 11 are arranged to cover the window panes G1 and G2. Therefore, the performance of the window W can be improved depending on the function of the functional panels 11.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 15, adjacent functional panels 11 do not overlap each other in a front view of the window W, and a gap O (opening 13) is formed between the adjacent functional panels 11. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the multiple functional panels 11 are arranged so that the surfaces of the functional panels 11 are approximately parallel to the surfaces of the window panes G1 and G2. "Approximately parallel" here means that the inclination of the surfaces of the functional panels 11 is within a range of ±5° with respect to the surfaces of the window panes G1 and G2. When the surfaces of the functional panels 11 are inclined in a direction approximately parallel to the in-plane direction of the window, a gap O (opening 13) is formed between adjacent functional panels 11 on the top, bottom, or left and right. In other words, adjacent functional panels 11 on the top, bottom, or left and right do not overlap each other in a front view of the window W. "Ventilation" refers to the passage of air and includes the passage of smoke (smoke exhaust). Air passes through the gap O formed between adjacent functional panels 11, improving ventilation. Furthermore, smoke can be exhausted in emergencies such as fires. The gap O can be set to, for example, less than 10% of the total area of ​​the window W, which is the sum of the areas A2 of the window panes G1 and G2, when viewed from the front.

[0065] 17, the total area A1 of the functional panel 11 and the window panes G1 and G2 overlapping each other in a front view of the window W can be set to 90% or more of the total area A2 of the window panes G1 and G2, thereby achieving both the effect of the functional panel 11 and breathability.

[0066] Third Embodiment Next, a window covering member according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 18 is a front view showing an outline of the window covering member 1 installed in a picture frame P. Fig. 19 is a side view of the window covering member 1 taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 18.

[0067] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the window covering member 1 includes a support member 12 that supports a plurality of functional panels 11. The support member 12 has a support material 121 and an exterior case 122 that can house the functional panels 11 therein. The support material 121 and the exterior case 122 are connected in the same manner as the functional panel 11 in the second embodiment. The functional panel 11 is housed in the exterior case 122 and is disposed on the indoor side, spaced apart from the window W. Also, as shown in Figure 18, in a front view of the window W, the exterior cases 122 do not overlap each other, and a gap O is formed between adjacent exterior cases 11. The main difference from the first embodiment is the exterior case 122, so the exterior case 122 will be described below.

[0068] <Outer case> FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an outline of the exterior case 122. As shown in FIG. 20, the exterior case 122 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The exterior case 122 has an opening 1221 formed in at least a portion thereof, making the interior hollow so that the functional panel 11 can be stored therein. The functional panel 11 is inserted through the opening 1221. The shape of the exterior case 122 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. When the exterior case 122 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the dimensions (internal dimensions) of the exterior case 122 may be, for example, 30 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 6 cm in depth when viewed from the front when placed on the window W, but are not limited thereto. Examples of materials for the exterior case 122 include resin and metal. The exterior case 122 may also contain a non-combustible material. For example, the exterior case 122 may have openings 1221 on two surfaces, the front and back, as shown in FIG. 20, and the four surfaces, the top surface (top surface), bottom surface, right side surface, and left side surface, may be formed of plate-like members.

[0069] 21, the exterior case 122 may have a plurality of circular openings 1222 formed on the top surface. The plate-like material of the exterior case 122 may itself be provided with an air layer to function as a sound-absorbing material. If the functional panel 11 housed inside the exterior case 122 is a sound-absorbing material in which a plurality of holes are formed in a plate-like material to form an air layer, the plurality of holes in the sound-absorbing material are arranged to overlap with the surface of the exterior case 122 in which the circular openings 1222 are formed. This allows sound to enter the holes, diffuse, and be converted into thermal energy, achieving a sound-absorbing effect.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 22, the outer case 122 may have openings 1221 on all six sides, in other words, the outer case 122 may be formed from a rectangular frame having only corners.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 23, two functional panels 11 are housed inside the exterior case 122 with their surfaces facing each other. The number of functional panels 11 housed inside the exterior case 122 may be one or more. The multiple functional panels 11 may be joined together with an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the multiple functional panels 11 may be joined together by forming a convex portion on the surface of one functional panel 11 and a concave portion on the surface of the other functional panel 11, and then fitting the convex portion and the concave portion together.

[0072] The functional panels 11 housed inside the exterior cases 122 are selected from among, for example, heat insulating materials, sound insulating materials, and sound absorbing materials depending on the desired function. They may be of the same type or different types. Furthermore, the contents may differ for each exterior case 122. A functional panel 11 such as a solar cell can be attached to the outside of the exterior case 122. The window covering member 1 of the third embodiment can be provided with multiple functional panels 11, allowing the building user to select functions according to their needs and further improving the performance of the window W.

[0073] When the functional panel 11 housed inside the exterior case 122 is a sound-absorbing material in which a plurality of holes are formed in a plate-like member to form an air layer, it is desirable that the exterior case 122 have a plurality of circular openings 1222 formed on the top surface as shown in FIG. 21 or an opening 1221 on the surface facing the window or the surface opposite as shown in FIG. 22. When multiple functional panels 11 are housed inside the exterior case 122, it is desirable that the sound-absorbing material be provided on the surface facing the window or the surface opposite. This allows sound to enter the holes in the sound-absorbing material, diffuse, and be converted into thermal energy, thereby achieving a sound-absorbing effect. When the functional panel 11 housed inside the exterior case 122 as a sound-absorbing material is made of glass wool, urethane, or rock wool, it may be placed anywhere.

[0074] When the functional panel 11 stored inside the outer case 122 is only a sound-insulating material having a honeycomb structure, it is desirable that the surface of the outer case 122 that comes into contact with the functional panel 11 includes a plate-like member that does not have any openings formed therein.

[0075] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material with a two-layer honeycomb structure housed in an exterior case 122. As shown in Fig. 24, sound waves incident on the tubular member 111 of the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material are reflected by the inner wall of the cavity 113, and enter the surface of the exterior case 122 at an angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular (an angle close to perpendicular, the same applies hereinafter) before passing through. In other words, the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material has the function of reflecting sound waves incident at random angles on the cavity 113 of the functional panel 11 made of sound-insulating material, and allowing the sound waves to enter the exterior case 122 at an incident angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the exterior case 122.

[0076] Sound waves incident on objects such as walls, windows, and panels are more likely to resonate with the object when they are obliquely incident than when they are perpendicularly incident, resulting in a decrease in sound insulation performance. In other words, when sound waves are incident obliquely, they may resonate with the surface of the exterior case 122, significantly reducing sound insulation performance in certain frequency ranges. In response to this phenomenon, the functional panel 11 allows sound waves to be incident perpendicularly or nearly perpendicularly to the surface of the exterior case 122, thereby improving the sound insulation performance of the exterior case 122.

[0077] Furthermore, in the functional panel 11, sound waves transmitted through the second sheet-like member 14-2 are radiated vertically, improving the sound insulation performance of the second sheet-like member 14-2 itself. Also, sound waves incident on the first sheet-like member 14-1 and sound waves transmitted through the first sheet-like member 14-1 are both controlled in the vertical direction, improving the sound insulation performance of the first sheet-like member 14-1 itself. For these reasons, even if the first sheet-like member 14-1 and the second sheet-like member 14-2 are thin and lightweight, a multi-layer structure effective for sound insulation can be formed, and the direction of incidence on the exterior case 122 can also be controlled, improving the sound insulation performance of the exterior case 122.

[0078] <Modification> In the second and third embodiments, the functional panel 11 (external case 122) is arranged so that the long sides of the functional panel 11 (external case 122) are in the left-right direction, but the functional panel 11 (external case 122) may be arranged so that the long sides are in the up-down direction as shown in Fig. 25. Also, in the second and third embodiments, the support member 12 is connected to the left and right frames P, but the support member 12 may be connected to the top and bottom frames P as shown in Fig. 26.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 27, the support member 12 can be configured to adjust the angle of the functional panel 11 (exterior case 122) relative to the window panes G1 and G2. In this case, when viewed from the front of the window W, if the upper half of the functional panel 11 (exterior case 122) tilts toward the interior of the room around the support member 121 as an axis, the lower half of the functional panel 11 (exterior case 122) tilts toward the window W, and conversely, if the upper half tilts toward the window W, the lower half tilts toward the interior of the room. In the modified example shown in FIG. 26, the right and left halves of the functional panel 11 (exterior case 122) tilt toward the interior of the room and toward the window W, respectively, around the support member 121 as an axis. In addition, the functional panel 11 (exterior case 122) can be configured to rotate around the support member 121 as an axis.

[0080] 28 and 29, the support member 12 may further include a fixing member 123 that surrounds the multiple functional panels 11, is connected to the support member 121, and is fitted into the frame P. This makes it easy to install the window covering member 1 in the frame P.

[0081] The present embodiment has been described above, but other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in the present embodiment that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately conceived by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] A1 Area where the functional panel and window glass overlap A2 Window glass area F window frame G1 Upper window glass G2 Lower window glass O Gap P Frame S stile W window 1 Window cover material 11 Functional Panel 12 Support member 121 Support material 122 outer case 123 Fixing material 13 Opening

Claims

1. It features a functional panel that can be retrofitted to cover the window, the functional panel is disposed on the indoor side, spaced apart from the window; A window covering member having an opening.

2. 2. The window covering member according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the opening is less than 10% of the total area of ​​the opening and the functional panel in a front view of the window.

3. The functional panel is arranged in plurality, 2. The window covering member according to claim 1, wherein the opening is a gap formed between adjacent functional panels when the surfaces of the functional panels are inclined in a direction approximately parallel to the in-plane direction of the window.

4. a support member that supports a plurality of the functional panels; The window covering member according to claim 3 , wherein the support member allows adjustment of the angle of the functional panel relative to the window.

5. 5. The window covering member according to claim 4, wherein the support member has an exterior case capable of housing the functional panel therein.

6. 6. The window covering member according to claim 1, wherein the functional panel includes at least one of a heat insulating material, a sound insulating material, a sound absorbing material, and a solar cell.

7. 7. The window covering member according to claim 6, wherein the functional panel includes a sound-insulating material having a honeycomb structure.

Images