A double glazing having a separator in the form of a thin film

Abstract

The invention relates to a double glazing providing thermal insulation for a building, comprising a first glass plate (10) and a second glass plate (20) provided at a distance from the first glass plate (10). The double glazing further comprises a separator (30) in the form of a thin film provided between the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) and directly dividing the first and second glass plates (10, 20).

Description

[0001] A DOUBLE GLAZING HAVING A SEPARATOR IN THE FORM OF A THIN FILM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to glass units used particularly in the architectural field, and more specifically to double glazing units.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] In glass units, for example in a double-glazing unit, two glass substrates are kept at a certain distance from each other by spacers so as to define a cavity filled with an insulating gas such as air, argon or krypton. Thus, a double-glazing unit consists of two glass sheets separated by a gas-filled cavity. The sequence 4 / 12 / 4 refers to a double-glazing unit formed of two glass sheets, each 4 mm thick, and a gas-filled cavity 12 mm thick. Insulated glazing units providing enhanced thermal insulation (often referred to as DGUs for double glazing units) include a multilayer film said to have low-E (low emissivity) properties. This low-E multilayer film may include at least one functional metallic film, in particular based on silver or a metal alloy containing silver and may reflect infrared and / or solar radiation. This multilayer film is conventionally applied to an internal surface of the double-glazing unit.

[0006] EP2688853B2 relates to a glass unit and discloses multiple glazing with thermal insulation properties obtained by the combination of at least two glass substrates separated by gas layers, comprising: a first layer stack having low-emissivity properties, consisting of a structure including at least one metallic functional layer. In addition, a second layer stack having low- emissivity properties includes at least one functional layer made of transparent conductive oxide and, placed over this functional layer, a layer consisting essentially of silicon oxide.

[0007] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to reduce the weight of a double-glazing unit.

[0009] In order to achieve the above objective, the invention relates to a double glazing providing thermal insulation and comprising a first glass plate and a second glass plate provided at a distance from the first glass plate. The double glazing comprises a separator in the form of a thin film, provided between the first glass plate and the second glass plate and directly dividing the first and second glass plates. Thus, since the separator in the form of a thin film between the first and second glass plates directly divides the two glass plates, it prevents air passage, thereby reducing thermal conductivity and providing effective thermal insulation for a building. In addition, the use of a separator in film form enables the double glazing to be lightened.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator is made of a polymer material. Thus, a separator made of a polymer material forms a flexible and durable barrier between the glass plates. As polymer materials are generally lightweight and durable, they provide long-lasting use

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator is made by selecting at least one from the group comprising polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone (PSU), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyimide (PI). In this way, the possibility of selecting a material suited to different applications and environmental conditions increases the performance and usability of the double-glazing system.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator has a tightness / permeability value in the range of 0.001 to 1 g / m2-day. Thus, a low argon leakage (permeation) rate allows the argon gas to remain between the glasses for a long time, maintaining the long-term thermal performance of the double glazing and reducing maintenance needs.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator has an elastic modulus in the range of 20 to 30 MPa. In this way, the separator provides mechanical strength and flexibility, absorbing stresses between the glass plates and maintaining structural integrity.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator has a thickness in the range of 100 to 350 micrometers (pm). Thus, a thickness in the range of 150 to 350 pm keeps the separator thin and lightweight while providing thermal and acoustic insulation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator is at least partially coated with at least one functional coating layer that has functional properties. In this way, the functional coating layer increases the performance and durability of the separator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one functional coating layer of the separator is selected from the group comprising PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), SPD (suspended particle device), or PSLC (polymer stabilized liquid crystal). In this way, optical properties can be controlled.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one functional coating layer on the separator includes a metallic layer. Thus, the glass unit is provided with low-emissivity properties.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator comprises an infrared-reflective layer deposited over the at least one functional coating layer. Thus, the glass unit is provided with reflectance capability.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator comprises a dielectric layer deposited over the at least one functional coating layer. In this way, heat emission is improved.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator comprises a barrier layer deposited over the at least one functional coating layer. In this way, the layers on the separator are protected from external factors.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator comprises a protective layer adjacent to the at least one functional coating layer. Thus, by preventing surface wear and chemical degradation, the service life of the components is extended and maintenance costs are reduced

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 schematically shows the double-glazing unit according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 2 schematically shows the functional layers present within the double-glazing unit accordingto the invention.

[0024] Figure 3 schematically shows a production line of the double-glazing unit according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In this detailed description, the development according to the invention is described without any limitation and only with reference to examples for better explanation of the subject.

[0026] In Figure 1 , the double glazing unit according to the invention is schematically shown. The double glazing unit comprises a first glass plate (10) and a second glass plate (20) provided at a distance from the first glass plate (10). The first glass plate (10) comprises an outer face (12) facing the external environment and an inner face (14) opposite to the direction in which the outer face (12) faces. The second glass plate (20) comprises an outer face (22) facing the external environment and an inner face (24) opposite to the direction in which the outer face (22) faces. The distance between the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) is selected to be at most 16 mm. At 16 mm and above, convection currents form within the unit and the level of insulation begins to decrease. A separator (30) in the form of a thin film, preferably extending along the central axis, is located between the first and second glass plates (10, 20). The separator (30) is aligned between the inner face (14) of the first glass plate (10) and the inner face (24) of the second glass plate (20). A first face (31) of the separator (30) is positioned facing the inner face (14) of the first glass plate (10), and a second face (39) of the separator is positioned facing the inner face (24) of the second glass plate (20). The tightness (in particular argon tightness) of the separator (30) varies in the range of 0.001 to 100 g / m2-day. The separator (30) is manufactured from a polymer material, in particular by selecting at least one from the group comprising polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone (PSU), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyimide (PI). PDMS provides high flexibility, chemical resistance and low surface energy. The use of PSU provides high temperature resistance and chemical resistance. PMMA provides optical clarity and UV resistance. PC provides high impact resistance and optical transparency. PVC provides chemical and wear resistance. PET provides high tensile strength and moisture-barrier properties. PP provides lightness and chemical resistance. PI provides high temperature resistance and improved mechanical properties. By using different materials, an appropriate separator (30) can be used according to varying environmental conditions. The separator (30) has an elastic modulus in the range of 20 to 30 MPa. The separator (30) has a thickness in the range of 100 to 350 micrometers. In this way, a double glazing unit with high thermal insulation and low weight is obtained. In Figure 2, the functional layers present within the double glazing unit according to the invention are schematically shown. Film layers can be placed sequentially on the first glass plate (10). A functional layer (40), in particular a metallic layer — preferably a layer containing silver — is applied onto the first glass plate (10). By placing an infrared-reflective layer (50) over the functional layer (40), the separator (30) is endowed with a reflectance property. A dielectric layer (60) can be placed over, or instead of, the infrared-reflective layer (50). A barrier layer (70) providing protective properties can be placed over, or instead of, the dielectric layer (60). A protective layer (80) can be placed instead of, or over, the barrier layer (70). Table 1 below shows example configurations of double glazing units.

[0027] In the example configuration given in Table 1 as Example 1 , a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 4 mm is fixed onto a mold (1). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the frame (1), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1) so that there is a clearance of 6 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 4 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 6 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 100 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double glazing unit is determined as 0.001 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 20 MPa. In Example 1 the separator (30) is green in color.

[0028] In the example configuration given in Example 2 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 4 mm is fixed onto a mold (1). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the frame (1), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1) so that there is a clearance of 6 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 4 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 6 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 150 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double glazing unit is determined as 0.05 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 22 MPa. In Example 2 the separator (30) is green in color.

[0029] In the example configuration given in Example 3 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 6 mm is fixed onto a mold (1). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the mold (1 ), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1) so that there is a clearance of 8 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 6 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 8 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polysulfone (PSU) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 200 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double-glazing unit is determined as 0.08 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 23 MPa. In Example 3 the separator (30) is smoke gray in color. In the example configuration given in Example 4 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 6 mm is fixed onto a mold (1). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the mold (1 ), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1) so that there is a clearance of 8 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 6 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 8 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polycarbonate (PC) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 200 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double-glazing unit is determined as 0.1 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 24 MPa. In Example 4 the separator (30) is smoke gray in color.

[0030] In the example configuration given in Example 5 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 8 mm is fixed onto a mold (1). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the frame (1), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1) so that there is a clearance of 4 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 8 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 4 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 250 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double glazing unit is determined as 0.5 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 26 MPa. In Example 5 the separator (30) is bronze in color.

[0031] In the example configuration given in Example 6 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 8 mm is fixed onto a mold (1). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the mold (1 ), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1) so that there is a clearance of 6 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 8 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 6 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polypropylene (PP) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 250 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double glazing unit is determined as 0.7 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 25 MPa. In Example 6 the separator (30) is bronze in color.

[0032] In the example configuration given in Example 7 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 10 mm is fixed onto a mold (1 ). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the mold (1), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1 ) so that there is a clearance of 8 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 10 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 8 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polyimide is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 300 nm. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double glazing unit is determined as 0.8 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 28 MPa. In Example 7 the separator (30) is colorless.

[0033] In the example configuration given in Example 8 of the table, a first glass plate (10) having a thickness of 12 mm is fixed onto a mold (1 ). Functional coating layers are placed on the first glass plate (10) by a roll-to-roll (R2R) coating method. After placing the first glass plate (10) on the mold (1), the separator (30) is fixed on the mold (1 ) so that there is a clearance of 6 mm between them. After placing the separator (30), a second glass plate (20) having a thickness of 12 mm is placed on the mold (1 ) so as to have a distance of 6 mm from the separator (30). The first glass plate (10), the second glass plate (20) and the separator (30) are pressed so as to be suitable for mounting into a window frame (2). The window frame (2) is made of an epoxy filler material, for example of a butyl material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is preferred as the separator (30). The separator (30) has a thickness of 350 micrometers. The tightness / permeation (argon leakage) of the separator (30) within the double glazing unit is determined as 1 g / m2-day. The elastic modulus of the separator (30) is determined as 30 MPa. In Example 8 the separator (30) is colorless. REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0034] 1 Mold

[0035] 2 Window Frame 10 First Glass Plate

[0036] 12 Outer Face

[0037] 14 Inner Face

[0038] 20 Second Glass Plate

[0039] 22 Outer Face 24 Inner Face

[0040] 30 Separator

[0041] 31 First Face

[0042] 39 Second Face

[0043] 40 Functional Layer 50 Infrared-Reflective Layer

[0044] 60 Dielectric Layer

[0045] 70 Barrier Layer

[0046] 80 Protective Layer

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A double glazing unit providing thermal insulation comprising a first glass plate (10) and a second glass plate (20) provided at a distance from the first glass plate (10), characterized in that a separator (30) in the form of a thin film is provided between the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) and completely dividing the distance between the first and second glass plates (10, 20).

2. The double-glazing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the separator (30) is made of a polymer material.

3. The double-glazing unit according to claim 2, wherein the separator (30) is made by at least one material selected from the group comprising polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone (PSU), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyimide (PI).

4. The double-glazing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator (30) has a tightness / permeability value in the range of 0.001 to 1 g / m2-day.

5. The double-glazing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator (30) has an elastic modulus in the range of 20 to 30 MPa.

6. The double-glazing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator (30) has a thickness in the range of 100 to 350 micrometers.

7. The double-glazing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator (30) is at least partially coated with at least one functional coating layer (40) having functional properties.

8. The double-glazing unit according to claim 7, wherein the at least one functional coating layer (40) of the separator (30) is selected from the group comprising PDLC, SPD, or PSLC.

9. The double-glazing unit according to claim 7, wherein the at least one functional coating layer (40) on the separator (30) is having a metallic layer.

10. The double-glazing unit according to claim 7, wherein the separator (30) comprises an infrared-reflective layer (50) deposited over the at least one functional coating layer (40).

11. The double-glazing unit according to claim 7, wherein the separator (30) comprises a dielectric layer (60) deposited over the at least one functional coating layer (40).

12. The double-glazing unit according to claim 7, wherein the separator (30) comprises a barrier layer (70) deposited over the at least one functional coating layer (40).

13. The double-glazing unit according to claim 7, wherein the separator (30) comprises a protective layer (80) adjacent to the at least one functional coating layer (40).

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