Aluminum frame for curtain walls, curtain wall unit for cold vent construction method, and curtain wall

Abstract

To provide an aluminum frame for curtain walls, a curtain wall unit for cold vent construction, and a curtain wall, which are constructed using a simple aluminum frame, which prevents load concentration at some of the joints of the frame body, and which can follow the movement of glass. [Solution] An aluminum frame 10 for a curtain wall that supports glass 30, which is composed of a single member without a hollow section, and is twisted or bent together with the glass 30 by a cold venting method. The aluminum frame for the curtain wall has cover members 15 and 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aluminum frame for a curtain wall, a curtain wall unit for a cold bent method, and a curtain wall.

Background Art

[0002] A cold bent glass unit in which the periphery of plate-shaped glass is supported by a frame is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the cold bent glass unit described in Patent Document 1, the glass is supported by a rubber frame. In the cold bent method, when the glass is twisted or bent together with the rubber frame, the rubber frame is configured to follow the glass. In the cold bent glass unit described in Patent Document 2, in the cold bent method, when the glass is twisted or bent together with the rubber frame, the metal frame having an outer peripheral shape of a circle rotates with respect to the frame holder, and the metal frame is configured to follow the glass.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The cold bent glass units described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above are manufactured by knockdown in which the units are assembled at the construction site. And in Patent Document 1, a rubber frame was used. Further, in Patent Document 2, although it is composed of a metal frame, it has a complicated configuration including a metal frame and a frame holder.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an aluminum frame for curtain walls, a curtain wall unit for cold vent construction, and a curtain wall, which are constructed of a simple aluminum frame, which suppresses the concentration of load on a part of the joint of the frame body, and which can follow the movement of glass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure relates to an aluminum frame for a curtain wall that supports glass, which is composed of a single member without a hollow section, and is twisted or bent together with the glass by a cold venting method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper frame of a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the lower frame of a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper frame of a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the lower frame of a curtain wall constructed using the cold vent method in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, "face direction" means the direction of the surface of the glass 30 in the glass unit 1 fitted into the wall of a building, and "depth direction" means the thickness direction of the glass 30 in the glass unit 1. The "depth direction" is also the interior-exterior direction. "Face" means the respective faces of the glass unit 1 facing the exterior and interior sides, and "depth" means the face of the glass unit 1 extending in the interior-exterior direction. In the drawings, the exterior side of the glass unit 1 is referred to as the exterior side X1, and the interior side of the glass unit 1 is referred to as the interior side X2.

[0009] Glass unit 1 is twisted or bent as a whole by the cold venting method, forming a curtain wall that constitutes the exterior wall of a building. Specifically, multiple glass units 1 are arranged in a single row vertically and in multiple rows in a building, with the entire glass unit 1 twisted or bent as a whole by the force acting on it, forming the exterior wall of the building which is composed of curved surfaces.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the glass unit 1 has a frame 10 and glass 30. The frame 10 is made of aluminum and has an upper frame 11 and a lower frame 12, and a pair of vertical frames 13 and 14, which are made of solid frames without a hollow structure, and these are made of aluminum extruded profiles. The upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 form the short side of the frame 10, and the pair of vertical frames 13 and 14 form the long side. Screws 101, supported and guided by tapping holes H11, H12, H13, H14, H21, H22, H23, H24, H31, H32, H33, H34, H35, H36 (see Figures 3 and 4) formed in the upper frame 11 and lower frame 12, are screwed into screw holes on the sides of the vertical frames 13 and 14, thereby fixing the upper frame 11 and lower frame 12 to the vertical frames 13 and 14 and making them a single unit, so that the frame body 10 is framed in a rectangular shape. The upper frame 11, lower frame 12, and the pair of vertical frames 13 and 14 are each formed in a rectangular plate shape.

[0011] In detail, as shown in Figure 3, the upper frame 11 has a flat upper wall portion 111, outer lower extension walls 112, a pair of intermediate lower extension walls 113, and an inner lower extension wall 114, which extend downward from the upper wall portion 111, respectively, and intermediate upper extension walls 115 and 116, which extend upward from the upper wall portion 111, respectively.

[0012] As a result, the upper frame 11 is made of a solid frame that does not have a hollow structure. This structure eliminates the need to construct the upper frame 11 from multiple members, and allows the glass unit 1, with the glass 30 already supported on the frame 10, to be transported to the construction site for installation. This results in a simpler structure and improved workability. Furthermore, compared to cases where the frame has a hollow structure, when the entire glass unit 1, including the glass 30 and frame 10, is twisted or bent by the cold venting method, the upper frame 11 is more able to follow the displacement of the glass, and it is possible to suppress the concentration of load on a predetermined part at the joint between the upper frame 11 and the vertical frames 13 and 14. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to a predetermined part.

[0013] The outer lower extension wall 112 is provided at a position that extends a predetermined distance inward from the outdoor end of the upper wall portion 111. At the outdoor end of the upper wall portion 111, the hook-shaped portion 1172 of the upper part 1171 of the L-shaped trim 117, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 2, engages with a hook-shaped portion 1112 provided on the upper surface of the upper wall portion 111, thereby fixing the trim 117 to the upper wall portion 111. As shown in Figure 2, the outer lower extension wall 112, the outdoor end of the upper wall portion 111, and the side portion 1173 of the trim 117 form a C-shaped space 1101 that opens downward.

[0014] The upper end of the glass 30 is inserted into the space 1101. A sealant consisting of a silicone sealant 311, a backup material 312, and an internal glazing gasket material 313 is placed between the upper end of the glass 30 and the outer lower extension wall 112. An external glazing gasket material 315 is placed between the upper end of the glass 30 and the side portion 1173 of the trim 117. As a result, the upper end of the glass 30 is supported by being sandwiched between the outer lower extension wall 112 and the trim 117 via the silicone sealant 311, the backup material 312, the internal glazing gasket material, and the external glazing gasket material 315. As shown in Figure 2, the glass 30 is laminated glass, constructed by bonding two rectangular glass plates 31 of the same shape with an interlayer 32 in between.

[0015] The lower part of the outer lower extension wall 112 has a projection 1125 (see Figure 3) that protrudes toward the interior side X2. The projection 1125 extends from the lower part of the outer lower extension wall 112 toward the interior side X2 and has a shape that bends downward. The tip of the projection 1125 constitutes a tapping screw support part in which a C-shaped tapping hole H21 that opens toward the upward is formed.

[0016] The portion of the upper wall 111 between the outer lower extension wall 112 and the intermediate lower extension wall 113 has a projection 1115 (see Figure 3) that protrudes downward. The projection 1115 extends downward from the lower surface of the upper wall 111. The lower end of the projection 1115 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H22 that opens downward is formed.

[0017] The pair of intermediate lower extension walls 113 extend downward from the central part in the depth direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the upper wall portion 111. The lower ends of the pair of intermediate lower extension walls 113, and the portions above the lower ends, constitute tapping screw support portions, each having C-shaped tapping holes H11, H12, H13, and H14 that open in directions facing each other in the depth direction.

[0018] The intermediate upper side extending walls 115 and 116 each extend upward on the upper surface of a portion where the pair of intermediate lower side extending walls 113 are provided, at the central portion in the prospective direction which is the longitudinal direction of the upper wall portion 111. The upper end portions of the intermediate upper side extending walls 115 and 116 are formed in a C-shaped configuration that opens in a direction facing each other in the prospective direction, and respectively abut against the side surfaces of a central lower side protruding portion of the lower frame 12 described later via spacers.

[0019] The inner lower side extending wall 114 is provided at a position that extends a predetermined distance outward from the indoor side end of the upper wall portion 111. The upper end portion of the inner lower side extending wall 114 has a protruding portion 1145 (see FIG. 3) that protrudes toward the outdoor side X1. The protruding portion 1145 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H23 that opens from the upper end portion of the inner lower side extending wall 114 toward the outdoor side X1 is formed.

[0020] The lower end portion of the inner lower side extending wall 114 has a protruding portion 1146 (see FIG. 3) that protrudes toward the outdoor side X1. The protruding portion 1146 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H24 that opens upward from the lower end portion of the inner lower side extending wall 114 is formed.

[0021] A cover member 15 is attached to the upper frame 11. The cover member 15 has a plate-like portion 131, an outer fixed end portion 132 that protrudes upward from the outdoor side end of the plate-like portion 131, and an inner fixed end portion 133 that protrudes upward from the indoor side end of the plate-like portion 131. The outer fixed end portion 132 is formed in a crank shape and is fixed to the lower end portion of the outer lower side extending wall 112 with screws. The inner fixed end portion 133 is formed in a crank shape and is fixed to the upper end portion of the inner lower side extending wall 114 with screws.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the lower frame 12 has a plate-shaped lower wall portion 121 that bends in the vertical direction, an outer upper extension wall 122, a central extension portion 125, and an inner upper extension wall 126 that extend upward from the lower wall portion 121, and an inner lower extension wall 124 that extends downward from the lower wall portion 121.

[0023] As a result, the lower frame 12 is made of a solid frame that does not have a hollow structure. This structure eliminates the need to construct the lower frame 12 from multiple members, and allows the glass unit 1, with the glass 30 already supported on the frame 10, to be transported to the construction site for installation. This results in a simpler structure and improved workability. Furthermore, compared to cases where the frame has a hollow structure, when the entire glass unit 1, including the glass 30 and frame 10, is twisted or bent by the cold venting method, the lower frame 12 is more able to follow the displacement of the glass, and it is possible to suppress the concentration of load on a predetermined part at the joint between the lower frame 12 and the vertical frames 13 and 14. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to a predetermined part.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the lower wall portion 121 has an outer end portion 1211, an outer middle portion 1212, an upper projection portion 1213, a central lower convex portion 1214, and an inner end portion 1215, in this order from the outside to the inside. The outer end portion 1211 is located furthest to the outside. The indoor end of the outer end portion 1211 is connected to the outdoor end of the outer middle portion 1212 by integral molding. The outer middle portion 1212 is located above the outer end portion 1211.

[0025] The outer end portion 1211 extends inward and bends upward midway. The upper end of the indoor end portion of the outer end portion 1211 is connected to the outdoor end portion of the upper projection portion 1213 by integral molding. The upper projection portion 1213 extends inward, and the indoor end portion of the upper projection portion 1213 is connected to the upper end of the outdoor end portion of the central lower convex portion 1214 by integral molding.

[0026] The central lower protrusion 1214 extends downward, bends inward, bends upward, and extends to the same position as the upper projection 1213, where it is connected to the outer end of the inner end 1215 by integral molding. The inner end 1215 extends inward, and the inner end of the inner end 1215 constitutes the inner end of the lower wall 121.

[0027] The outer upper extension wall 122 is provided at a position that extends a predetermined distance inward from the outdoor end of the lower wall portion 121. At the outdoor end of the lower wall portion 121, the hook-shaped portion 1272 of the lower part 1271 of the L-shaped trim 127, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 2, engages with a hook-shaped portion 1216 provided on the lower surface of the lower wall portion 121, thereby fixing the trim 127 to the lower wall portion 121. As shown in Figure 2, the outer upper extension wall 122, the outdoor end of the lower wall portion 121, and the side portion 1273 of the trim 127 form a C-shaped space 1201 that opens upward.

[0028] The lower end of the glass 30 is inserted into the space 1201. A sealant consisting of a silicone sealant 311, a backup material 312, and an internal glazing gasket material 313 is placed between the lower end of the glass 30 and the outer upper extension wall 122. An external glazing gasket material 315 is placed between the lower end of the glass 30 and the side portion 1273 of the trim 127. As a result, the lower end of the glass 30 is supported by being sandwiched between the outer upper extension wall 122 and the trim 127 via the silicone sealant 311, the backup material 312, the internal glazing gasket material 313, and the external glazing gasket material 315. A glass setting block material 1202 is provided between the lower end of the glass 30 and the outdoor end of the lower wall portion 121.

[0029] The upper part of the outer upper extension wall 122 has a projection 1225 (see Figure 4) that protrudes toward the interior side X2. The projection 1225 extends from the upper part of the outer upper extension wall 122 toward the interior side X2 and has a shape that bends upward. The tip of the projection 1225 constitutes a tapping screw support part in which a C-shaped tapping hole H32 that opens toward the downward is formed.

[0030] The outer central portion 1212 has a projection 1215 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the outer central portion 1212. The projection 1215 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H31 that opens upward is formed.

[0031] The interior-facing end of the upper projection 1213 has a central extension 125 that extends upward. The extension end of the central extension 125 has a projection 1255 that protrudes inward. The projection 1255 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H36 that opens downward is formed.

[0032] The central lower protrusion 1214 has a projection 1216 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the central lower protrusion 1214. The projection 1216 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H35 that opens upward is formed.

[0033] The inner lower extension wall 124 extends downward from the interior end of the inner end 1215. The lower end of the inner lower extension wall 124 has a projection 1245 that protrudes outward. The projection 1245 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H34 opening upward is formed.

[0034] The inner upper extension wall 126 extends upward from the interior end of the inner end 1215. The upper end of the inner upper extension wall 126 has a projection 1265 that protrudes outward. The projection 1265 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H33 opening downward is formed.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the tapping holes of the upper frame 11 and lower frame 12 are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the centroid in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the surface of the glass 30. Specifically, in the upper frame 11, the four tapping holes H11, H12, H13, and H14 are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the virtual lines L11 and L12 that contain their centroids P1.

[0036] More specifically, with respect to the virtual line L11, tapping holes H11 and H12 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H13 and H14 are symmetrical. Also, with respect to the virtual line L12, tapping holes H11 and H13 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H12 and H14 are symmetrical.

[0037] Furthermore, in the upper frame 11, the four tapping holes H21, H22, H23, and H24 are arranged in a positional relationship that is symmetrical with respect to the virtual lines L21 and L22, which include their centroid P2.

[0038] More specifically, with respect to the virtual line L21, tapping holes H21 and H22 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H23 and H24 are symmetrical. Also, with respect to the virtual line L22, tapping holes H21 and H24 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H22 and H23 are symmetrical.

[0039] Furthermore, in the lower frame 12, the six tapping holes H31, H32, H33, H34, H35, and H36 are arranged in a positional relationship that is symmetrical with respect to the virtual lines L31 and L32, which include the centroid P3.

[0040] More specifically, with respect to the virtual line L31, tapping holes H31 and H32 are symmetrical, tapping holes H33 and H34 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H35 and H36 are symmetrical. Furthermore, with respect to the virtual line L32, tapping holes H31 and H34 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H32 and H33 are symmetrical.

[0041] Because the tapping holes are arranged in the above-described positional relationship, when the entire glass unit 1, including the glass 30 and frame 10, is twisted or bent by the cold venting method, it is possible to suppress the concentration of load on the predetermined tapping holes at the joints between the upper frame 11 and the vertical frames 13 and 14, and between the lower frame 12 and the vertical frames 13 and 14, thereby making the load on each tapping hole more even. Similarly, when the glass unit 1 is subjected to wind load, it is possible to make the load on each tapping hole more even. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to the predetermined tapping holes.

[0042] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the lower frame 12A differs from the configuration of the lower frame 12 in the first embodiment. Also, the configuration of the lower frame 12 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the cover members 15 and 16 are not provided. As for the other configurations, they are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are used, or the reference numerals in the first embodiment are followed by "A", and their description is omitted.

[0043] In detail, as shown in Figure 7, the lower frame 12A has a flat upper wall portion 121A and outer lower extension walls 122A, a central lower extension wall 123A, and an inner lower extension wall 124A that extend downward from the upper wall portion 121A, respectively. Thus, the lower frame 12A is composed of a solid frame that does not have a hollow structure.

[0044] The outer lower extension wall 122A is provided at the outdoor end of the upper wall portion 121A. The outer lower extension wall 122A extends downward, then bends and extends outwards. The lower part of the outer lower extension wall 122A that extends downward has a projection 1225A that protrudes inwards. The projection 1225A constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H31 that opens downward is formed.

[0045] The portion of the upper wall 121A between the outer lower extension wall 122A and the central lower extension wall 123A has a projection 1215A that protrudes downward. The projection 1215A protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper wall 121A. The lower end of the projection 1215 constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H32 that opens downward is formed.

[0046] The central lower extension wall 123A has a downward extension portion 1231A that extends downward from the central part of the upper wall portion 121A in the depth direction and protrudes in a crank shape toward the outdoor side and extends further downward, a depth direction extension portion 1232A that extends toward the indoor side from above the lower end of the downward extension portion 1231A, and an end vertical extension portion 1233A that extends vertically at the indoor side end of the depth direction extension portion 1232A.

[0047] A projection 1236A is provided on the interior side of the connection between the upper wall portion 121A and the central lower extension wall 123A. The projection 1236A constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H36 opening downwards is formed. A projection 1235A is provided on the lower surface of the depth extension portion 1232A. The projection 1235A constitutes a tapping screw support portion in which a C-shaped tapping hole H35 opening downwards is formed.

[0048] The inner lower extension wall 124A is located on the exterior side of the interior end of the upper wall portion 121A. The inner lower extension wall 124A extends downward. A projection 1216A is provided on the interior side of the connection between the upper wall portion 121A and the inner lower extension wall 124A. The projection 1216A constitutes a tapping screw support portion with a C-shaped tapping hole H33 that opens downward. The lower part of the inner lower extension wall 124A that extends downward has a projection 1245A that protrudes inward. The projection 1245A constitutes a tapping screw support portion with a C-shaped tapping hole H34 that opens downward.

[0049] In the lower frame 12A, the six tapping holes H31, H32, H33, H34, H35, and H36 are arranged in a positional relationship that is symmetrical with respect to the virtual lines L31 and L32, which contain the centroid P3.

[0050] More specifically, with respect to the virtual line L31, tapping holes H31 and H32 are symmetrical, tapping holes H33 and H34 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H35 and H36 are symmetrical. Furthermore, with respect to the virtual line L32, tapping holes H31 and H34 are symmetrical, and tapping holes H32 and H33 are symmetrical.

[0051] With the above configuration, the upper wall portion 121A can cover the outer lower extension wall 122A, the central lower extension wall 123A, and the inner lower extension wall 124A, which are the parts of the lower frame 12A that are below the upper wall portion 121A, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

[0052] Furthermore, because the tapping holes are arranged in the above-described positional relationship, when the entire glass unit 1, including the glass 30 and frame 10, is twisted or bent by the cold venting method, it is possible to suppress the concentration of load on the predetermined tapping holes at the joints between the upper frame 11A and the vertical frames 13 and 14, and between the lower frame 12A and the vertical frames 13 and 14, thereby making it possible to make the load on each tapping hole more even. Similarly, when the glass unit 1 is subjected to wind load, it is possible to make the load on each tapping hole more even. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to the predetermined tapping holes.

[0053] While a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be modified as appropriate.

[0054] For example, the aluminum frame is not limited to the configuration of the frame body 10. For example, the upper frame 11 and lower frame 12 are made of solid frames without a hollow structure, but are not limited to this, and the vertical frame may also be made of solid frames without a hollow structure. Also, in this embodiment, the tapping holes were arranged in positions symmetric with respect to the centroid, but are not limited to this. For example, they may be arranged in positions symmetric with respect to a point. Specifically, for example, tapping holes H11 and H13 shown in Figure 3 are arranged in positions symmetric with respect to the centroid P1. Similarly, tapping holes H12 and H14 are arranged in positions symmetric with respect to the centroid P1. Also, tapping holes H21 and H23 are arranged in positions symmetric with respect to the centroid P2. Similarly, tapping holes H22 and H24 are arranged in positions symmetric with respect to the centroid P2. Also, tapping holes H31 and H33 shown in Figure 4 are arranged in positions symmetric with respect to the centroid P3. Similarly, tapping holes H32 and H34 are positioned point-symmetrically with respect to the centroid P3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Glass unit, 10 Frame (aluminum frame), 11 Upper frame, 12 Lower frame, 15, 16 Cover members, 30 Glass, 111, 111A, 121A Upper wall section, 112, 112A, 122A Outer lower extension wall (lower extension wall), 113, 113A Outer lower extension wall (lower extension wall), 114, 124A Inner lower extension wall (lower extension wall), 123A Central lower extension wall (lower extension wall), H11, H12, H13, H14, H21, H22, H23, H24, H31, H32, H33, H34, H35, H36 Tapping holes, L11, L12, L21, L22, L31, L32 Virtual line, P1, P2, P3 centroid

Claims

1. An aluminum frame for a curtain wall that supports glass, consisting of a single component without a hollow section, and which is twisted or bent together with the glass by a cold venting method.

2. An aluminum frame for a curtain wall according to claim 1, having a cover member.

3. The aluminum frame for a curtain wall according to claim 2, wherein tapping holes are provided in locations other than the cover member.

4. It is constructed by framing it into a rectangle with an upper frame, a lower frame, and a pair of vertical frames. The aluminum frame for a curtain wall according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame has a flat upper wall portion and a lower extension wall extending downward from the upper wall portion.

5. It is constructed by framing it into a rectangle with an upper frame, a lower frame, and a pair of vertical frames. The lower frame comprises a flat lower wall portion and an upper extension wall extending upward from the lower wall portion, as described in claim 1, for an aluminum frame for a curtain wall.

6. It is constructed by framing it into a rectangle with an upper frame, a lower frame, and a pair of vertical frames. The lower frame comprises a flat lower wall portion and a lower extension wall extending downward from the lower wall portion, as described in claim 1, for an aluminum frame for a curtain wall.

7. An aluminum frame for a curtain wall according to claim 1, which is constructed by framing an upper frame, a lower frame, and a pair of vertical frames in a rectangular shape, The aforementioned glass and, A curtain wall unit for cold vent construction, equipped with [specific features / features].

8. A curtain wall formed by connecting a plurality of curtain wall units for cold vent construction methods as described in claim 7.

Images