U.S. patent application number 11/086652 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for structural facade having punctually suspended panes and window or wall frame system for said structural facade.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stramandinoli S.r.I.. Invention is credited to Giovanni Stramandinoli.
Application Number | 20060213139 11/086652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37033790 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060213139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stramandinoli; Giovanni |
September 28, 2006 |
Structural facade having punctually suspended panes and window or
wall frame system for said structural facade
Abstract
A window or door frame for a structural facade, of the type
having punctually suspended panes, comprises at least a first pane
capable of moving, whereto a gasket is operatively associated, able
to pass from a respective operative condition to a respective
inoperative condition, and vice versa, as well as an actuating
unit, able to be selectively operated to cause passage of said
gasket between the respective operative and inoperative
conditions.
Inventors: |
Stramandinoli; Giovanni;
(Rivalta di Torino, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Assignee: |
Stramandinoli S.r.I.
Rivalta di Torino
IT
|
Family ID: |
37033790 |
Appl. No.: |
11/086652 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 3/5427 20130101;
E06B 3/38 20130101; E04B 2/885 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/384 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/08 20060101
E04F013/08 |
Claims
1. A structural facade (1) comprising a plurality of panes or the
like (2, 2'), in particular made of transparent material, locally
suspended in side by side positions substantially according to a
same plane of lay, a fixed structure (3) whereto support means (4,
5, 5', 5'') for the panes (2, 2') are associated, the support means
(4, 5, 5', 5'') of each pane (2, 2') comprising a plurality of
connecting devices (5), where each connecting device (5, 5', 5'')
is sustained, at one side, by means of the fixed structure (3) and
is fastened, at another side, in a localised area of the respective
pane (2, 2'), and where each pane (2, 2') has at least one edge
that is contiguous to an edge of another pane (2, 2'), between the
contiguous edges sealing means (6, 7) being provided, characterised
in that at least a first of said panes (2') is capable of moving
(2') relative to said plane of lay, said sealing means (6,7)
comprise first sealing means (7) co-operating with said first pane
(2') and able to be operated to pass from a respective operative
condition to a respective inoperative condition, and vice versa,
first actuating means (14) are provided, able to be selectively
operated to cause passage of the first sealing means (7) between
the respective operative and inoperative conditions.
2. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that, in said
operative condition, said first sealing means (7) are at least in
part operative to hold said first pane (2') in said plane of
lay.
3. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that second
actuating means (15) are provided, able to be selectively operated
to cause displacement of said first pane (2') relative to said
plane of lay, said second actuator means (15) being preferably
operative to hold said first pane (2') in said plane of lay when
said first sealing means (7) are in said operative condition.
4. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that one or
more connecting devices (5, 5', 5'') are fastened each in a through
hole present in the respective pane (2, 2'), said connecting
devices (5, 5', 5'') being preferably in the form of flathead
bolts.
5. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that the
connecting devices (5, 5'') fastened to said first pane comprise at
least one of a first connecting device (5') connected in an
articulated fashion to said fixed structure (3), a second
connecting device (5'') associated to a movable element (15A)
actuated by actuating means (15).
6. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that said
fixed structure (3) supports bearing means (20) whereon said first
pane (2') is held directly or indirectly in contact when the pane
itself is in said plane of lay.
7. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that said
first sealing means comprise a gasket (7).
8. The facade according to claim 7, characterised in that said
gasket (7) is made of elastic material and comprises an inner
cavity (7A), said cavity being capable of containing a pressurised
fluid when the gasket is in said operative condition.
9. The facade according to claim 7, characterised in that said
gasket (7), or a support means thereof, is at least in part made
with a shape memory active material, such as a shape memory
polymer, and said first actuating means comprise means operative to
cause the heating of said active material.
10. The facade according to claim 8, characterised in that said
first actuating means comprise a compressed air generator (14), in
particular connected to said cavity (7A) by means of a conduit
(19).
11. The facade according to claim 3, characterised in that said
first actuating means (14) and second actuating means (15) are
controlled by a control system (16), wherein said first actuating
means (14), said second actuating means (15) and said control
system (16) are preferably housed in a same unit (10).
12. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that
electrical battery means (13) are provided, capable of supplying
power to at least said first actuating means (14), wherein said
batteries are of the rechargeable type and one or more
photo-voltaic cells (18) are operatively connected to a circuit for
recharging said batteries (13).
13. The facade according to claim 11, characterised in that said
control system (16) comprises end-of-stroke means, operative to
detect or cause the reaching of a determined position by said first
pane (2'), said end-of-stroke means comprising in particular at
least one of: first end-of-stroke means, operative to detect or
determine the reaching of a maximum degree of displacement of said
first pane (2') with respect to said plane of lay, second
end-of-stroke means, operative to detect or determine the reaching,
by said first pane (2'), of a predefined closure position.
14. The facade according to claim 7, characterised in that said
gasket (7) is at least partly mounted on at least one of said first
pane (2') and a second pane (2) contiguous thereto.
15. The facade according to claim 3, characterised in that said
first actuator means and/or said second actuator means comprise
actuators selected in the group consisting of electrical actuators,
pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, manual actuators.
16. The facade according to claim 1, characterised in that said
first pane (2') is mounted movable to effect angular motions around
at least one of a substantially horizontal axis or a substantially
vertical axis.
17. A window or door system for a structural facade (1) which
comprises a plurality of panes or the like (2, 2'), in particular
made of transparent material, locally suspended in side by side
positions substantially according to a same plane of lay, a fixed
structure (3) whereto support means (4, 5, 5', 5'') for the panes
(2, 2') are associated, the support means (4, 5, 5', 5'') of each
pane (2, 2') comprising a plurality of connecting devices (5),
where each connecting device (5, 5', 5'') is sustained, at one
side, by means of the fixed structure (3) and is fastened, at the
other side, in a localised area of the respective pane (2, 2'), and
where each pane (2, 2') has at least one edge that is contiguous to
an edge of another pane (2, 2'), between the contiguous edges
sealing means (6, 7) being provided, characterised in that the
system comprises at least a first one of said panes (2'), which is
capable of moving (2') relative to said plane of lay and with which
first sealing means (7) co-operate, able to be driven to pass from
a respective operative condition to a respective inoperative
condition, and vice versa, first actuating means (14), able to be
selectively operated to determine passage of said first sealing
means (7) between the respective operative and inoperative
conditions.
18. A window or door system for a structural facade (1) which
comprises a plurality of panes or the like (2, 2'), in particular
made of a transparent material, locally suspended in side by side
positions substantially according to a same plane of lay, a fixed
structure (3) whereto support means (4, 5, 5', 5'') for the panes
(2, 2') are associated, the support means (4, 5, 5', 5'') of each
pane (2, 2') comprising a plurality of connecting devices (5),
where each connecting device (5, 5', 5'') is sustained, at one
side, by means of the fixed structure (3) and is fastened, at the
other side, in a localised area of the respective pane (2, 2'), and
where each pane (2, 2') has at least one edge that is contiguous to
an edge of another pane (2, 2'), between the contiguous edges
sealing means (6, 7) being provided, the system being characterised
in that the connecting devices (5', 5'') fastened to a first (2')
of said panes (2, 2') comprise at least one connecting device (5')
fastened in a through hole present in the first pane (2') and
connected in an articulated fashion to said fixed structure (3),
and a second connecting device (5''), associated to a movable
element (15A) able to be selectively operated to cause displacement
of said first pane (2') relative to said plane of lay.
19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that said
sealing means (6, 7) comprise first sealing means (7) co-operating
with said first pane (2') and able to be operated to pass from a
respective operative condition to a respective inoperative
condition, and vice versa, and in that actuating means (14) are
provided, able to be selectively operated to cause passage of the
first sealing means (7) between the respective operative and
inoperative conditions.
20. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that
actuating means (15) are provided, able to be selectively operated
to cause displacement of said first pane (2') relative to said
plane of lay.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of continuous
structural facades, also known by the English term of "curtain
walls", and in particular of the type with punctually suspended
panes. Facades of the type indicated above are formed by a
plurality of mutually adjacent panes, arranged to form a
substantially continuous surface of a building. In most cases, the
panes are entirely made of glass, to form total see-through
suspended facades.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Facades or glass walls of the type indicated above usually
comprise a metal frame, positioned towards the interior of the
building, whereto brackets are associated for supporting the panes;
the latter, having for example a quadrangular shape, are provided
with through holes, usually formed in correspondence with the
respective corner or peripheral areas. Said holes are used to
fasten particular connecting elements, substantially in the form of
flathead bolts, connected in fixed fashion to the aforesaid
brackets, which unload stresses on the aforesaid frame. The various
panes supported by the frames are appropriately mutually sealed
along the contiguous edges, for example by means of appropriate
adhesive materials, such as special silicones.
[0005] Examples of embodiments of structural glass walls, with the
related frames, brackets and connecting elements are described, for
example, in EP-A-1 083 289 and EP-A-0 847 475.
[0006] In the facades or glass walls of the type indicated above
the various panes, supported in the manner described above, are
fastened in such a way as to maintain a stable position of lay. The
only movements of the panes are those due to any minimal
deformations of the support structure, caused for example by heat
stresses, or by external stresses (wind, earthquakes, etcetera).
For this reason, the sealing material is usually elastic, in order
to allow, in addition to the necessary characteristics of air and
water tightness, also a minimal possibility of relative movement
between the panes, to offset the aforesaid deformations.
[0007] Drawbacks of the Prior Art
[0008] According to the current state of the art, the provision of
openings, such as windows, presupposes the use of particular frames
or dedicated section bars, which must be fastened within the
curtain wall; in practice, therefore, in the point where a window
is to be placed, one of the aforesaid frames is mounted instead of
a pane, whereto the window is articulated or hinged.
[0009] In addition to complicating construction, this solution
compromises the aesthetic homogeneity of the facade, because the
aforesaid frames for the windows remain at least partially in view.
Said drawback is further enhanced in the case of totally
see-through suspended facades.
[0010] Purpose of the Invention
[0011] In light of the above, an object of the present invention is
to provide a structural facade (or curtain wall), of the type set
out above, provided with a window or door frame system of a new
design and advantageous application, especially from the viewpoint
of simplicity and mounting economy.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to indicate such a
curtain wall in which the presence of windows is very "discreet",
in order to safeguard the stylistic homogeneity of the curtain wall
itself.
[0013] These and other aims are attained, according to the present
invention, by a curtain wall and by a window or door frame for
curtain walls having the characteristics specified in the appended
claims, which are to be considered as an integral part of the
present description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention shall now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, provided purely by way of non limiting
example, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of a
structural glass wall according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged and partially sectioned detail of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic section view according to the line
IV-IV of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial schematic section view according to line
V-V of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial schematic section view according to line
VI-VI of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial schematic section view according to line
VII-VII of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a first schematic lateral view of the structural
glass wall of FIG. 1, in a first condition of use;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a second schematic lateral view of the structural
glass wall of FIG. 1, in a second condition of use;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0026] In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference number 1 globally designates a
portion of a continuous curtain wall according to the invention. In
the exemplified case, the curtain wall 1 comprises a plurality of
punctually suspended clear glass panes 2, so that in the remainder
of the description the curtain wall shall also be indicated with
the term "glass wall".
[0027] As in the prior art, the glass wall 1 comprises a support
frame, positioned towards the interior of the building, constituted
by a series of cross members and uprights, some of which are
designated as 3. As shown for example in FIG. 4, brackets or
supports 4, also known in itself, are fastened in a known manner to
said uprights 3; in the exemplified case, and as visible in FIGS.
4, 5 and 7, the brackets 4 comprise a central portion 4A, for
anchoring to a respective upright 2, wherefrom four inclined arms
4B radially depart, at whose free end a sort of eyelet 4C is
defined.
[0028] The panes 2, which are here rectangular-shaped, have, at
each angle area, a respective through hole, for fastening
respective connecting elements 5; in the exemplified case, and as
visible for example in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the connecting elements 5
are substantially in the form of flathead bolts, constructed
substantially according to the prior art (see the previously
mentioned prior documents); on one hand, the connecting elements 5
are fastened in correspondence with the aforesaid through holes of
the panes 2 and, on the other side, they are fastened each in a
related eyelet 4C of a respective bracket 4, in known manners.
[0029] The contiguous edges of the various panes 2 are sealed to
each other by suitable means, such a silicone material designated
as 6 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, which guarantees the necessary tightness
against air and water/humidity and which has a certain degree of
elasticity.
[0030] Also in FIG. 1, the reference 2' designates a glass pane
that is substantially similar to the ones already designated as 2,
but provided with only three through holes, and in particular two
upper holes, each formed in correspondence with a respective angle
area of the pane 2', and a lower hole, formed in the intermediate
area of the lower part of the pane 2'. As shall become readily
apparent below, the upper holes are provided for fastening
respective connective element 5', which are connected in
articulated fashion to the respective bracket 4, whilst the lower
hole is provide for fastening a respective connecting element 5''
associated to an actuation element.
[0031] Along the edge of the pane 2' operates, instead of the
sealing material 6, a peripheral gasket 7 which, in a preferred but
non exclusive embodiment, is capable of assuming two different
operative conditions. Again in FIGS. 1-6, the number 10 globally
designates an actuation and control unit for producing an angular
actuation of the pane 2', so the latter can serve as a window or
the like, able to be opened and closed as needed.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the unit 10 comprises a case 11,
provided with flanges 12 for its anchoring between two brackets 4,
which occurs in manners and with means that are known in
themselves. Inside the case 2 two batteries are mounted, designated
as 13, a compressed air generator or compressor designated as 14,
an actuator 15 and a control system 16, including a receiver 17 of
radio-frequency or infrared signals, which is a part of a remote
control system.
[0033] In the exemplified case, the batteries 13 are of a known
rechargeable type, for example 12V, and provided to supply power to
the compressor 14, the actuator 15 and the unit 16. The compressor
14, small sized and with an optional air tank, is also of a known
design, for example of the type with reversible pump, similar to
those which can be powered by means of a cigarette lighter power
outlet on motor vehicles, for inflating and deflating rubber boats
and the like. The actuator 15, in the exemplified case, is a linear
electrical actuator of the chain type, i.e. the type in which an
electric motor is able to determine the movement of a chain in two
different directions, towards the exterior and the interior of the
body of the actuator itself. The control system 16 is obtained in
manners that are known to those skilled in the art, to perform the
functions described below.
[0034] Outside the case 11, in its upper part, one or more
photo-voltaic cells are mounted, designated as 18; said cells 18
are connected to the control unit 16, which complements a provision
for recharging the battery 13, also known in itself. Preferably,
the upper part of the body 11 is inclined (see for example FIG. 6),
in such a way that the cells 18 are oriented towards the pane 2',
to be able to receive sunlight; the cells 18 can also be mounted
directly on a pane 2' or 2'.
[0035] In the exemplified embodiment, the gasket 7 co-operating
with the glass pane 2' is internally hollow and it is made of
elastomeric material, or otherwise of elastic or flexible material,
preferably transparent; the inner cavity of the gasket 7,
designated as 7A in FIGS. 5-7, is connected, by means of at least
one tube designated as 19 in FIG. 4, to the compressor 14; in this
way, in a first operating mode, the compressor 14 is able to
generate a flow of air which is injected into the cavity 7A, until
achieving the "inflation" of the gasket 7, to maintain then said
condition at the end of its activation; in a second operating mode,
the compressor 14 allows instead the aspiration or otherwise the
exit of the air contained inside the cavity 7A of the gasket 7.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the edges of the pane 2' can be
shaped to define a sort of throat, for example V-shaped, for
housing a respective portion for fastening the gasket 7, in such a
way that the diametrically opposite portion of the gasket is
suitable to operate in sealed fashion on the edge of the contiguous
pane 2, when the gasket 7 is in the respective inflated condition.
Between the surfaces of the aforesaid throat and fastening portion
of the gasket 7, a glue may be provided.
[0037] The edges of the panes 2 could also be provided with a
similar throat or seat, able to receive a respective sealing
portion of the gasket 7, when the latter is in the respective
inflated condition.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a schematic section of the unit 10, within
which the actuator 15 is housed (note that, for the sake of greater
clarity, in this figure the representation of a bracket 4 has been
omitted); as can be noted, from the body of the actuator 15 an
actuating element 15A partially projects, through a respective
passage, which here is assumed to be a metal chain.
[0039] The free end of the chain 15A is operatively coupled,
preferably by means of an articulation S1, to a connecting element
5'', substantially similar to the elements 5, which is fastened in
correspondence with the aforesaid through hole present in the
central area of the lower part of the pane 2'. In a possible
embodiment, the element 5'' could be glued to the surface of the
pane 2' oriented towards the interior of the building, and hence
without the need for the aforesaid lower through hole.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows one of the brackets 4 which are at the angle
areas of the lower part of the pane 2'. As stated, the pane 2' does
not have through holes in the lower corner areas; in this case,
instead of a connecting element 5, a simple support element 20 is
fastened to the bracket, preferably having a head made of synthetic
and elastic material 20A, whereon the surface of the pane 2' which
is oriented towards the interior of the facade 1 or of the building
can be set down.
[0041] FIG. 7 instead shows one of the brackets 4 which are located
at the corner areas of the upper part of the pane 2'. As it is
readily apparent, in this case connecting elements 5' are provided,
fastened in the upper through holes of the pane 2', which are
substantially similar to the element 5 but are coupled in
articulated fashion to the respective bracket 4, for example
through an articulated joint or hinge, shown only schematically and
designated as S2.
[0042] In FIGS. 8, 10 and 9, 11 the pane 2' is shown in two
possible operative conditions, respectively closed and open.
[0043] In the closed condition, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the
pane 2' is substantially flush with the other panes 2 which compose
the wall 1. In this condition the gasket 7 is full of air, i.e.
inflated, in order to exert its sealing action between the edges of
the pane 2' and the edges of the panes 2 contiguous thereto. In
this situation, the action of the gasket 7 also contributes to
maintain the pane 2' in the respective closed position, i.e.,
aligned relative to the panes 2. This position is also maintained
by virtue of the presence of the chain 15A, which is connected by
means of the respective connecting element 5'' to the pane 2'; note
on this point that, in the condition with the actuator 15 not
powered, the chain 15A is locked in position, holding the surface
of the pane 2' in contact with the heads 20A of the supports 20, as
shown in FIG. 8, thereby preventing the pane from moving.
[0044] When the opening of the pane 2' is desired to be controlled,
i.e. the pane 2' is to be brought to the position shown in FIGS.
9-10, the user operates a remote control, not shown, pressing an
opening push-button. The signal emitted by the remote control is
received by the respective receiver 17 integrated in the control
system 16, which consequently determines at first the deflation of
the gasket. Depending on the chosen implementation, the deflation
can be active, in the sense that the compressor 14 will operate in
suction, removing the air present in the chamber 7A inside the
gasket 7. Alternatively, the compressor 14 can simply operate to
place the chamber 7A in communication with the outside environment,
in order to allow the easy deformation of the gasket 7 during the
opening movement of the pane 2'.
[0045] After a predefined time, deemed sufficient to eliminate air
pressure inside the gasket 7, the system 16 powers the actuator 15,
in a first direction of operation. The electric motor inside the
actuator 15 thus causes the chain 15A to project outside the case
of the actuator itself, and hence determines a thrust on the
connecting element 5''.
[0046] In this way, since it is not constrained inferiorly to the
brackets 4, but only set down on the heads 20A of the elements 20,
the pane 2' is moved angularly towards the exterior of the curtain
wall 1, by virtue of the presence of the articulated support to the
upper brackets 4, constituted by the connecting elements 5' and by
the respective joints S2.
[0047] Upon reaching the desired degree of opening for the pane 2',
the pressure of a stop push-button present on the remote control
determines the interruption of the supply of power to the actuator
15, with the consequent arrest of the motion of the pane, in the
operative condition shown in FIGS. 9, 11. The actuator 15 will
preferably comprise within it an end-of-stroke device, known in
itself, such as a micro-switch, able to detect the reaching of the
maximum possible degree of projection of the chain 15A outside the
body of the actuator 15, in such a way as automatically to command
it to stop.
[0048] When the pane 2' is to be brought back to the position as
per FIGS. 8, 10, the user need do no more than operating a closure
push-button on the remote control. This causes the actuator 15 to
operate in the opposite direction with respect to the previous one,
i.e. rewinding the chain 15A inside the body of the actuator
itself, which causes an angular motion of the pane 2' that is
opposite to the previous one. The pane 2' then returns to bear down
on the head 20A of the elements 20 which, as stated, are preferably
made of elastic or resilient material.
[0049] In this case, too, the reaching of the closed position can
advantageously be detected or determined by end-of-stroke means,
known in themselves, for example in the form of micro-switches,
positioned inside the actuator 15 or provided for directly
detecting the reaching, by the internal face of the pane 2', of a
predefined closed position.
[0050] Once said closed position has been reached, the control
system 16 controls the compressor 14, such that the latter admits
compressed air to the cavity 7A of gasket 7; in this way, the
gasket is thus inflated, in order to newly operate for sealing and
locking the edges of the pane 2' with respect to the edges of the
panes 2 contiguous thereto.
[0051] In the embodiment of the invention exemplified in the
figures, the photo-voltaic cells 18 are oriented, as stated,
towards the wall 1, in order to receive the light that passes
through it and thereby generate electrical energy to recharge the
batteries 13 that power the unit 10. Naturally, nothing prohibits
the unit 10 from being powered directly by an electrical wire
connected to the electrical system of the building, in which case
the batteries 13 could still be provided as an auxiliary energy
source in case of accidental interruptions in mains voltage.
[0052] From the above description, the characteristics and the
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent. Among its
advantages, in particular, it is noted that the system described
herein is easy to mount, by virtue of the use of a limited number
of simple and economical components. The proposed solution allows
to construct structural continuous facades and lass walls with no
need to provide special section bars for mounting windows and other
frames, which disrupt the overall appearance of the glass wall or
facade.
[0053] Clearly, numerous variants to the system described as an
example herein are possible for the person skilled in the art,
without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive idea.
[0054] Instead of electrical components, the unit 10 could comprise
different types of actuators. For example, the actuator 15 can be
pneumatically operated, in which case a same compressed air
generator can advantageously be used to achieve both the inflation
of the gasket 7 and the physical actuation of the pane 2'. Equally,
the actuator 15 could be hydraulic or oleodynamic, and the gasket 7
could also be operated hydraulically, i.e., assume the respective
expanded condition when filled with a liquid, for instance an oil,
with the passage to the open position achievable by evacuating said
fluid from the interior of the cavity 7A.
[0055] Alternatively, or in combination with one of the above
solutions, the unit 10 could comprise a manual actuation system,
operative to generate the force for actuating the pane 2' and/or
the positive/negative pressure needed by the gasket 7 (when a
gasket is used which require said pressure).
[0056] In the case exemplified above, the pane 2' can perform
angular movements around a horizontal axis, which extends
substantially near the upper terminal area of the pane itself.
However, it is clear that the axis of rotation could be near the
lower end, or in an intermediate area of the pane. Obviously, the
axis of rotation could also be positioned vertically, in which case
the case 11 of the unit 10 shall also be positioned vertically, and
also fastened between two brackets 4.
[0057] The shape of the case 11 may differs from the one shown
herein, for example with a cross section that is square,
rectangular, circular, etcetera.
[0058] The gasket 7 could be associated to the edges of the panes 2
that surround the pane 2', instead of being mounted thereon. The
system could also comprise a "passive" gasket, i.e., a traditional
gasket, or two cooperating gaskets, for example in male-female
form, one borne by the pane 2' and the other one borne by the panes
2.
[0059] Section bars for fastening the gasket or gaskets could be
associated to the edges of the panes 2 or 2', preferably made of
transparent material.
[0060] The gasket 7 could have a different section from the one
shown by way of non limiting example, and--as mentioned--also have
a different type of operation.
[0061] In this view, for example, the gasket and/or a support or
fastening means thereof could be at least in part made of an active
shape memory material, such as an SMP (Shape Memory Polymer). As is
well known, said polymers are able to modify their rigidity and
shape according to the temperature whereto they are exposed and
rapidly pass, if heated, from a rigid state to a highly deformable
rubbery state, then returning equally rapidly, when heating ceases,
to their original shape and hardness. Thanks to their "memory",
SMPs can return to their original shape an infinite number of
times, if taken beyond their critical temperature again.
[0062] In the proposed variant, therefore, the gasket or a support
thereof could at least in part be made of a shape memory polymer,
suitably connected to electrical power supply means, to be heated
by Joule effect above its transition temperature, the aforesaid
power supply means being driven by the control system 16 of the
unit 10. In the condition with the pane 2' closed, as shown in
FIGS. 8, 10, the SMP gasket is not heated, in order to remain in
the respective rigid state and it serves its sealing and locking
function; if opening of the pane 2' is desired, to the position
shown in FIGS. 9, 11, the SMP gasket is heated by Joule effect, in
order to pass to the respective rubber and deformable state,
thereby allowing the movement of the pane, obtained in the manners
described above; once the opening is accomplished, the power supply
to the SMP gasket can then be interrupted. Preferably, the SMP
gasket will also be powered while the pane 2' is being closed, so
that it can assume its respective rubbery and deformable state, and
thus be able again to insinuate itself in contact with the edges of
the panes 2 contiguous to the pane 2'; once the position visible in
FIGS. 8, 10 is reached, electrical power supply will be
interrupted, to allow the gasket to return to the respective rigid
state and perform its sealing and locking function.
[0063] In the case of implementation with gasket 7 able to contain
a fluid (air, gas, liquid, etcetera), the system for feeding the
gasket could be provided with an operative sensor to monitor the
pressure of the fluid inside the chamber 7A, in order to detect any
pressure drops in the chamber and consequently activate the
compressor 14 automatically, to assure a correct seal at all
times.
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