Glass unit

Abstract

To provide a glass unit that can effectively release a horizontal force even when it acts, prevent deformation of an outer frame itself, and improve earthquake resistance as a result by making chemically strengthened glass function as a transparent brace.SOLUTION: A glass unit 1 comprises: a substantially rectangular glass portion 2 formed to contain chemically strengthened glass; an outer frame 3 covering a peripheral edge of the glass portion 2; an upper frame 3a and a lower frame 3b that are arranged as one pair of opposite sides of the outer frame 3 and protrude outside a side of the glass portion 2 that they cover; a right frame 3c and a left frame 3d that are arranged as the other pair of opposite sides of the outer frame 3 at positions adjacent to the upper frame 3a and the lower frame 3b and are fitted inside sides of the glass portion 2 that they cover; and a gap 4 provided to maintain a space between the right frame 3c and the left frame 3d and the upper frame 3a and the lower frame 3b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a glass unit in which the periphery of a glass plate is covered with an outer frame. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand for improved earthquake resistance in areas of buildings where window glass is installed. In particular, in the case of buildings with a post and beam structure made of wood, such as traditional Japanese wooden houses, it is necessary to improve the horizontal earthquake resistance performance of such wooden frame structures during earthquakes. Traditionally, to counteract the horizontal forces during earthquakes, braces that also incorporate metal fittings have been used. However, the use of braces makes it difficult to create openings that allow for visibility and natural lighting in those areas. In other words, the presence of braces in the window glass area impairs the visibility and natural lighting properties of the window glass.

[0003] Plate glass (float glass) is used for such windows, but it is prone to breaking and the sharp fragments of glass it produces pose safety concerns. Meanwhile, architectural glass technology has advanced, and tempered glass, which addresses the shortcomings of conventional plate glass, has become widespread, often referred to as safety glass or disaster prevention glass. Because tempered glass offers significant strength improvements compared to standard plate glass, it has potential as a bearing wall. In some cases, tempered glass of a certain thickness or greater is used to ensure strength through the surface strength of the glass itself. However, tempered glass is known to break even without external force (spontaneous breakage) due to foreign matter present in the glass, making it unsuitable for bearing walls that can withstand unpredictable earthquakes.

[0004] Meanwhile, chemically strengthened glass, which has seen increasing use in industrial and architectural applications in recent years, differs from conventional tempered glass (physical tempered glass, air-cooled tempered glass) in its manufacturing process. This glass has a high surface compressive stress layer, a shallow stress layer, and low internal stress, making it less susceptible to spontaneous breakage and exhibiting minimal optical distortion. A surface compressive stress layer depth of 20 μm or more, when using a standard float glass composition, is effective in reducing the impact of strength reduction due to scratches. Furthermore, by using chemically strengthened glass in laminated glass, safety can be ensured even in the unlikely event of glass breakage, further enhancing safety. There is a demand for the use of such chemically strengthened glass to improve horizontal seismic performance as described above.

[0005] On the other hand, window glass is attached to the building frame by a glass unit consisting of glass and an outer frame arranged around its periphery. The outer frame is attached so as to surround the periphery of the glass (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-031959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if the glass periphery is completely surrounded by an outer frame as in Patent Document 1, the strength of chemically strengthened glass is so great that when a force is applied in the horizontal direction, the glass presses against the outer frame, causing the outer frame itself to deform due to the pressure of the glass.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to provide a glass unit that can effectively dissipate horizontal forces, preventing deformation of the outer frame itself, and thereby improving earthquake resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a glass unit comprising: a substantially rectangular glass portion formed containing chemically strengthened glass; an outer frame covering the periphery of the glass portion; upper and lower frames arranged as one opposite side of the outer frame and protruding outside the side of the glass portion that it covers; right and left frames arranged as the other opposite side of the outer frame at positions adjacent to the upper and lower frames and contained inside the side of the glass portion that it covers; and gaps for providing spacing between the right and left frames and the upper and lower frames.

[0010] Preferably, a rubber member made of rubber is interposed in the gap.

[0011] Preferably, the outer frame and the glass portion have a resistance of 0.4 N / mm 2 (4kgf / cm 2 ) or higher high modulus structural seal.

[0012] Preferably, the upper frame, lower frame, right frame and left frame that form the outer frame are all formed with the same cross section, and the outer frame is formed so that the thickness of the inner frame portion that covers the inner surface side, which is the other surface of the glass portion, is thicker than the thickness of the outer frame portion that covers the outer surface side, which is one surface of the glass portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, gaps are formed between the right and left frames and the upper and lower frames to maintain a distance, and the upper and lower frames protrude outside the glass section, so that even if a horizontal force is applied during an earthquake, the upper and lower frames slide left and right. Therefore, even if the glass section deforms into a parallelogram shape due to shaking, the upper and lower frames slide in response to this deformation to release the force, so that undue force is not applied to the glass section or outer frame, and deformation of the outer frame itself is prevented. This means that the glass can perform as a transparent brace without relying on the strength of the frame, resulting in improved earthquake resistance.

[0014] In addition, by inserting a rubber member into the gap, the shape of the outer frame can be maintained to a certain extent.Furthermore, since there is no exposed part of the glass part, the design is improved, the edge of the glass part can be protected, and the risk of breakage can be minimized.

[0015] Furthermore, by bonding the outer frame and glass section with a structural seal, the outer frame and glass section are firmly fixed and almost integrated. Therefore, in the event of a horizontal force during an earthquake, the structural seal transmits the shear force, allowing the upper and lower frames to move as a unit, integrating with the deformation of the glass section. Furthermore, since the glass section and outer frame are prevented from shifting due to shaking during transportation, distortion of the entire glass unit during transportation can be reduced.

[0016] Furthermore, since the thickness of the inner frame portion of the outer frame is thicker than the thickness of the outer frame portion, even if excessive stress is applied to the glass portion and the glass portion is pressed in the direction of hitting the outer frame, the glass portion will further warp and deform the outer frame portion, thereby allowing the stress to be released, thereby preventing the glass portion from breaking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a glass unit according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a glass unit according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic view showing a corner portion of another glass unit according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic view of a glass unit according to the present invention when stress is applied to the glass unit so as to press the outer frame. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic front view of a glass wall using a glass unit according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the joint between the pillar and the glass unit in the glass wall. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the joint between the pillar and the glass unit in the glass wall. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the joint between a pillar and a glass unit in another glass wall. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a joint between a pillar and a glass unit in yet another glass wall. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a joint between a pillar and a glass unit in yet another glass wall. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another glass unit according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another glass unit according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a glass unit 1 according to the present invention is formed by a substantially rectangular glass portion 2 formed from chemically strengthened glass and an outer frame 3 that covers the periphery of the glass portion 2. The outer frame is formed with four sides to cover the periphery of the substantially rectangular glass portion 2, and includes an upper frame 3a, a lower frame 3b, a right frame 3c, and a left frame 3d. The upper frame 3a and the lower frame 3b are disposed as one opposite side of the outer frame 3 and protrude outside the glass portion 2. The right frame 3c and the left frame 3d are positioned adjacent to the upper frame 3a and the lower frame 3b and are disposed as the other opposite side of the outer frame 3. The right frame 3c and the left frame 3d do not protrude outside the glass portion 2 but are contained within the sides of the glass portion 2. Gaps 4 are provided between the right frame 3c and the left frame 3d and the upper frame 3a and the lower frame 3b, respectively. That is, the right frame 3c and the left frame 3d are spaced apart from the upper frame 3a and the lower frame 3b by a gap 4, and the upper frame 3a, the lower frame 3b, the right frame 3c and the left frame 3d are not mechanically joined to each other.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the outer frame 3 is an extruded aluminum member. The glass portion 2 is a laminated glass made of chemically strengthened glass. Chemically strengthened glass is produced by immersing float glass in molten potassium salt (potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, etc.) to replace the small ionic radius sodium ions on the glass surface with larger ionic radius potassium ions, forming a compressive stress layer on the surface and edge of the glass portion 2. The use of such chemically strengthened glass allows for a lighter, thinner product, and is free from spontaneous breakage and optical distortion, resulting in a beautiful appearance. Chemically strengthened glass also has excellent deformation followability.

[0020] Furthermore, by using laminated glass for the glass section 2, it is possible to use interlayer films with various designs and functions in addition to the basic performance of safety. For example, using a milky white film as the interlayer film will create a soft light and block the view. Using a colored interlayer film such as gray or bronze will enable color coordination to be achieved to match a traditional Japanese space. Furthermore, using a heat-shielding interlayer film will have the effect of preventing the penetration of solar heat, and using a sound-shielding interlayer film will improve sound insulation. Because it is laminated glass, it can also completely block ultraviolet rays.

[0021] A setting block 5 is disposed between the edge (small edge) of the glass portion 2 and the outer frame 3. The setting block 5 is made of hard rubber or hard plastic. A structural seal 6, which serves as a sealing material, is disposed on the periphery of both sides (outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b) of the glass portion 2 and on the inside of the outer frame 3, thereby bonding the glass portion 2 and the outer frame 3 together.

[0022] As described above, gaps 4 are formed between the right and left frames 3c and 3d and the upper and lower frames 3a and 3b, respectively, to provide spacing. Because the upper and lower frames 3a and 3b protrude outward from the glass section 2, even if horizontal (left-right) forces act during lateral shaking due to an earthquake or other events, the upper and lower frames 3a and 3b independently slide left and right. Therefore, when the glass section 2 deforms into a parallelogram shape due to shaking, the upper and lower frames 3a and 3b slide in response to this deformation, absorbing the accompanying force. This prevents deformation of the outer frame 3 itself without relying on its strength. Shear forces associated with the deformation are transmitted to the glass as transparent braces via the structural seal and setting blocks, resulting in improved earthquake resistance. In other words, because the upper, lower, right, and left frames 3a and 3d that make up the outer frame 3 are not joined together, excessive stress at the joints will not damage or deform the outer frame 3 itself.

[0023] 3, a rubber member 7 made of rubber may be interposed in the gap 4. By interposing the rubber member 7 in the gap 4 in this way, the shape of the outer frame 3 can be maintained to a certain extent. Furthermore, since there is no exposed portion of the glass portion 2, the design is improved and the edge of the glass portion 2 can be protected, minimizing the risk of breakage.

[0024] The structural seal 6 is a high modulus type silicone sealant. The high modulus type is classified as having a tensile stress (modulus) of 50% (Japan Sealant Industry Association). Low modulus: 0.2N / mm 2 (2kgf / cm 2 )less than Medium modulus: 0.2N / mm 2 (2kgf / cm 2 ) or more 0.4N / mm 2 (4kgf / cm 2 )less than High modulus: 0.4N / mm 2 (4kgf / cm 2 ) End

[0025] Because the high-modulus structural seal 6 is strong, the glass section 2 can be supported on the outer frame 3 by the structural seal 6 alone. This firmly bonds the outer frame 3 and the glass section 2, making them nearly one unit. Therefore, in the event of a horizontal force during an earthquake, the upper frame 3a and lower frame 3b can move in unison with the deformation of the glass section 2, preventing excessive force from being applied to them. Furthermore, because the glass section 2 and the outer frame 3 can be prevented from shifting due to shaking during transportation, distortion of the glass unit 1 as a whole can be reduced during transportation, etc.

[0026] Alternatively, the upper frame 3a, lower frame 3b, right frame 3c, and left frame 3d that form the outer frame 3 may all be formed with the same cross section. Having the same cross section is advantageous from an economical standpoint. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 3 is formed such that the thickness of the inner frame 3f, which covers the inner surface 2b of the glass portion 2, is thicker than the thickness of the outer frame 3e, which covers the outer surface 2a of the glass portion 2 (the outer frame 3e has a plate-shaped cross section, while the inner frame 3f has a hollow rectangular cross section). As shown in FIG. 4, even if excessive stress is applied to the glass portion 2 and the glass portion 2 is pressed in a direction that causes it to abut against the outer frame 3, the glass portion 2 further warps, deforming the outer frame 3e and thereby dissipating the stress, thereby preventing the glass portion 2 from being damaged.

[0027] When the glass unit 1 according to the present invention is applied to a house, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, four glass units 1 can be connected vertically to form a glass wall 8. Traditional Japanese wooden houses, constructed with wooden columns and beams, often lack sufficient wall volume and therefore insufficient earthquake resistance. In such cases, earthquake resistance can be improved by installing a glass wall 8 in an opening formed by, for example, a foundation 9, columns 10, and beams 11. The dimensions of the glass unit 1 can be changed depending on the project, but a width of approximately 800 mm and a height of approximately 500 mm is considered suitable in terms of weight and ease of construction. While it is not possible to cover all openings with load-bearing walls due to the building's floor plan, the glass wall 8, which provides transparency and natural light, is expected to increase the number of locations where it can be used.

[0028] The glass wall 8, in which such glass units 1 are connected, will now be described. By joining the glass units 1 to the columns 10, the glass wall 8 can further enhance earthquake resistance by adding additional functions to the outer frames 3 arranged around the glass sections 2. One of these functions is to maintain the distance between the columns 10 even under horizontal seismic forces, ensuring the rigidity of the surface. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer frames 3 (upper frames 3a and lower frames 3b) arranged horizontally above and below the glass sections 2 are fastened to both ends of the upper and lower frames 3a and 3b with drill screws 13 on-site to approximately L-shaped metal fasteners 12 previously placed and fixed on both sides of the interior dimensions of the columns 10, thereby functioning as tension members like tie bars. The fasteners 12 are fixed to the columns 10 on-site with wood screws 14 according to the height of the glass units 1. Because pull-out loads occur during an earthquake, the wood screws 14 must be of sufficient length and number. Next, the glass units 1 are installed in order from the bottom up. The glass unit 1 is positioned between fasteners 12 arranged on both sides of the pillar 10, and the upper frame 3a and lower frame 3b are fixed with drill screws 13. Although it depends on the strength of the screws, several drill screws 13 are usually required.

[0029] As shown in Figure 8, thin spacers 15 may be provided between the outer frame 3 (right frame 3c and left frame 3d) and the column 10. This prevents the glass unit 1 from sliding laterally due to interlaminar deformation. The right and left frames 3c and 3d, located on the vertical left and right sides of the glass unit 1, function as spacers 15, and these spacers 15 are inserted between the column 10 and the right and left frames 3c and 3d. The spacers 15 also function to adjust dimensional errors. Even if the glass unit 1 attempts to slide during an earthquake, the right and left frames 3c and 3d, as well as the spacers 15, prevent lateral movement. The surrounding setting blocks 5 and the right and left frames 3c and 3d are highly effective in preventing damage to the glass section 2 during sliding. Furthermore, the glass unit 1 according to the present invention does not allow for rocking because the upper and lower frames 3a and 3b are also positioned vertically on the top and bottom edges of the glass section 2. Therefore, compressive force acts on the glass section 2 itself, functioning as a transparent brace. The compressive force applied to the glass portion 2 is transmitted through the setting block 5, the right frame 3c or the left frame 3d, and the spacer 15 to the wooden pillar 10. As shown in the figure, the right frame 3c or the left frame 3d and the pillar 10 may be bonded together with a sealant 17 placed on the side of the spacer 15.

[0030] Depending on the strength of the pillars 10, pillars 10 made of cedar or other materials often experience localized sinking, causing the right frame 3c or left frame 3d to rotate and preventing sufficient load transmission (see Figure 4). While the present invention addresses this problem as described above, to prevent it before it occurs, the right frame 3c and left frame 3d may be connected to the pillars 10 with angles 16, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Specifically, the right frame 3c and left frame 3d are fastened to the angles 16 with drill screws 13, and the angles 16 are fastened to the pillars 10 with wood screws 14 (the wood screws 14 are omitted in Figure 10). During an earthquake, horizontal movement (sliding) and vertical rotation (rocking) occur. In this invention, the frame 3 has the same details (same cross section) on all four sides, making it difficult for the pillars to move in each direction, thereby satisfying the requirements for a braced shear wall.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 2, an example of laminated glass made of chemically strengthened glass is shown as the glass part 2, but the following variations are also possible. As shown in Figure 11, it is also possible to use a structure in which Low-E glass 18 is placed on the exterior side, with a secondary seal 20 placed between spacers 19 to ensure an air gap, to create double-glazed glass with a stepped structure. Placing Low-E coated glass, which has excellent heat-shielding properties, on the exterior side reduces the penetration of solar heat and improves the insulating effect.

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, the outer glass of the laminated glass may be wired glass. Depending on the application area, wired glass may be required in areas where there is a risk of fire spreading. Wired glass cannot be made into chemically strengthened glass because the glass itself has a metal mesh built into it, but this can be addressed by using chemically strengthened glass on the other side to form a laminated glass. If necessary, a total of three laminated glass sheets may be used: one wired glass sheet and two chemically strengthened glasses.

[0033] The above-described structure is primarily intended to ensure the earthquake resistance of existing and newly constructed wooden buildings, while improving lighting, visibility, and design. Its size allows for easy transport, even in the case of renovations to existing homes. Its lightweight construction also makes it easy to install on-site. Furthermore, because it is a lightweight, divided unit, it can be installed by a small number of people, and because the outer frame 3 is assembled as a unit in a factory, it is possible to utilize craftsmen who are unfamiliar with handling glass, and it can provide stable earthquake resistance.

[0034] Furthermore, when used in newly constructed wooden structures, the glass unit 1 of the present invention and glass walls 8 using this glass unit can be installed only near the ceiling, such as in a high sidelight, or can be installed only near the floor, such as in a ground-level window, or in a vertical slit window, thereby increasing the variety of designs without reducing earthquake resistance. The present invention is primarily intended to improve the earthquake resistance of wooden structures, but by considering the fixing method, it can also be applied to structures such as lightweight steel frames. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1: Glass unit, 2: Glass part, 2a: Outer surface, 2b: Inner surface, 3: Outer frame, 3a: Upper frame, 3b: Lower frame, 3c: Right frame, 3d: Left frame, 3e: Outer frame part, 3f: Inner frame part, 4: Gap, 5: Setting block, 6: Structural seal, 7: Rubber material, 8: Glass wall, 9: Base, 10: Pillar, 11: Beam, 12: Fastener, 13: Drill screw, 14: Wood screw, 15: Spacer, 16: Angle, 17: Sealant, 18: Low-E glass, 19: Spacer, 20: Secondary seal

Claims

1. A substantially rectangular glass portion formed by including chemically strengthened glass; an outer frame that covers the periphery of the glass portion; An upper frame and a lower frame are disposed as opposite sides of the outer frame and protrude outward from the side of the glass portion that they cover; A right frame and a left frame are arranged adjacent to the upper frame and the lower frame as the other opposite side of the outer frame and are fitted inside the side of the glass portion that covers it; The glass unit is characterized by having gaps between the right and left frames and the upper and lower frames to provide a gap therebetween.

2. 2. The glass unit according to claim 1, wherein a rubber member made of rubber is interposed in the gap.

3. The outer frame and the glass portion have a resistance of 0.4 N / mm ２ (4 kgf / cm ２ 3. The glass unit according to claim 1, wherein the glass unit is bonded with a high modulus structural seal of at least 100%.

4. The upper frame, lower frame, right frame, and left frame that form the outer frame are all formed with the same cross section, The glass unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the thickness of the outer frame portion covering the outer surface, which is one of the surfaces of the glass portion, is greater than the thickness of the inner frame portion covering the inner surface, which is the other surface of the glass portion.

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