Sealing element for sealing joints in the area of windows

Abstract

A sealing element for sealing joints and the intermediate space between an inner wall, an outer wall shell and a window frame includes (1) a first block-shaped sealing element section of a first flexible foam having a first indentation hardness and (2) a second web-shaped sealing element section which projects from an edge area of the first sealing element section, the second sealing element section including at least one sealing strip which is a second flexible foam having a second indentation hardness, the first indentation hardness being at least 1.5 times greater than the second indentation hardness.

Claims

1. A building construction section of a building comprising: an inner wall of the building; an outer wall shell of the building, the outer wall shell being spaced from the inner wall and forming an intermediate space therebetween, the outer wall shell extending beyond the intermediate space and projecting further into a wall opening provided for installation of building components than the inner wall to form a projection of the outer wall shell into said wall opening; a window frame supported at least partially on the inner wall; and at least one sealing element comprising: a first block-shaped sealing element section which is made of a first flexible foam having a first indentation hardness; and a second web-shaped sealing element section, the entire second sealing element section being formed by a sealing strip which is made of a second flexible foam having a second indentation hardness, the first and second sealing element sections thus being made of different foam materials, wherein the first indentation hardness is at least 1.5 times greater than the second indentation hardness, wherein the sealing element is inserted into the intermediate space in a position between the inner wall and the outer wall shell with the first sealing element section resting against the inner wall and the second sealing element section resting against the outer wall shell and extending at least along the projection of the outer wall shell and with the window frame resting against the second sealing element section in an area opposite to the outer wall shell, the second sealing element section being sandwiched between the outer wall shell and the first sealing element section within the intermediate space, and a portion of the second sealing element section projecting from the first sealing element section thus being sandwiched between the outer wall shell and the window frame, wherein the first and second sealing element sections are joined to each other two-dimensionally in an area of a joining surface, and the second sealing element section projects rectangularly from an edge area of the first sealing element section and beyond the first sealing element section in a direction parallel to the joining surface.

2. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the first flexible foam is a closed-cell foam.

3. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the first indentation hardness is within the range of 15-100 N as determined by DIN 53579:2009-01.

4. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the first indentation hardness is within the range of 17-75 N as determined by DIN 53579:2009-01.

5. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the first indentation hardness is within the range of 20-50 N as determined by DIN 53579:2009-01.

6. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the second indentation hardness is within the range of 0.1-10 N as determined by DIN 53579:2009-1.

7. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the second indentation hardness is within the range of 0.5-7 N as determined by DIN 53579:2009-1.

8. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the second indentation hardness is within the range of 1-5 N as determined by DIN 53579:2009-1.

9. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the first sealing element section includes a tapered surface on a side facing away from the second sealing element section.

10. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the second sealing element section includes an adhesive layer at least on a side facing the first sealing element section.

11. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the first sealing element section is formed of a material based on polyethylene or polypropylene.

12. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the sealing strip is formed of a material based on polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene.

13. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the thickness of the first sealing element section to the thickness of the second sealing element section is within the range of 2:1-30:1.

14. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the thickness of the first sealing element section to the thickness of the second sealing element section is within the range of 2.5:1-15:1.

15. The building construction section of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the thickness of the first sealing element section to the thickness of the second sealing element section is within the range of 3:1-10:1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Additional features and advantages of the present invention can be derived from the following description, which refers to the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation situation of a sealing element according to the invention (without the window frame).

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of a building in the installation situation according to FIG. 1 with a window frame.

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the sealing element according to the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing element according to the invention.

(6) FIGS. 5a-d are schematic cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of the sealing element according to the invention with sealing strips of different shapes.

(7) FIGS. 6a-6b are schematic cross-sectional views of the sealing element according to FIG. 3 with additional insulating foam and an additional plastic sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

(8) FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation situation of a sealing element according to the invention. The outer wall shell 2 and the inner wall 4 are arranged a certain distance apart, so that an intermediate space 6 is present between them. The outer wall shell 2 projects further into the wall opening provided for the installation of a window frame than the inner wall 4 does. For the mounting of a window frame in the area of the plane of the intermediate space 6, the outer wall shell 2 thus forms a projection A between an end surface 3 of the outer wall shell 2 and an end surface 5 of the inner wall 4. The intermediate space 6 usually has a thickness of 15-150 mm, and preferably of 40-60 mm. The length of the projection A between the end surfaces 3 and 5 can vary in size from one window opening to another and from one building to another.

(9) Before the window frame is installed, a sealing element 14 according to the invention is inserted into the intermediate space 6 to seal off this intermediate space 6. The sealing element 14 consists essentially of a first sealing element section 8 and a second sealing element section 10. A more detailed description of the configuration of the sealing element 14 and its components is provided further below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

(10) As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first sealing element section 8 is accommodated almost completely in the intermediate space 6, and the sealing element 14 is clamped by the internal pressure of the material in the intermediate space 6 and thus held in place. The second sealing element section 10 preferably lies two-dimensionally on the outer wall shell 2 and covers preferably the entire projection A of the outer wall shell 2. The second sealing element section 10 thus also serves to compensate for variations in width between the end surfaces 3 and 5 of the outer wall shell 2 and the inner wall 4. At the same time, the second sealing element section 10 provides a seal against driving rain. The first sealing element section 8 can be flush with the end surface 5 of the inner wall 4 and serves to create an air-tight seal for the intermediate space 6.

(11) FIG. 2 shows a building section 7, which, in addition to the components of FIG. 1, also comprises a window frame 16. An additional piece of insulating foam 18 positioned between the window frame 16 and the inner wall 4 is also shown. After the sealing element 14 according to the invention has been installed in the intermediate space 6, the additional insulating foam 18 can be attached to the inner surface formed by the end surface 5 and the first sealing element section 8. The window frame 16 is then positioned in the area of the projection A and aligned, wherein the second sealing element section 10 forms an insulating layer between the outer wall shell 2 and the window frame 16. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the sealing element 14 according to the invention can also comprise an adhesive layer 22, which is covered by a peel-off film 24. After the peel-off film 24 has been removed, the window frame 16 can be pushed against the second sealing element section 10. Then the window frame 16 is mechanically fastened to the load-bearing inner wall 4 by means of screws, for example. The insulating foam 18 can also be omitted or replaced by some other suitable insulating element.

(12) The installation situation is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 on the basis of the left side of a window opening by way of example. It is apparent that the sealing element 14 according to the invention will usually be placed on all four sides around the entire window frame 16 and must be rotated appropriately to fit the other three sides of the window opening. The sealing element 14 is formed as a strip and extends typically over a length in the range of 50 cm to 2 m, but longer or shorter sealing elements 14 can also be produced. A single sealing element 14 can be arranged on each side of the window, or several sealing elements 14 can be arranged in a row, preferably butting against each other. The ends of the various sealing elements 14 can be joined to each other, preferably bonded with an adhesive.

(13) In addition to the previously described parts, other insulating foams (flexible foams) or sealing tapes such as the additional insulating foam 18 shown in FIG. 2, for example, can be used in any of the variants known to the person skilled in the art to insulate the window frame 16. The arrangement of these various sealing means can be adapted to the conditions found in the individual case and to the configurations of the outer wall shell 2 and the inner wall 4.

(14) FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the sealing element 14 according to the invention. The sealing element 14 comprises a first block-shaped sealing element section 8 and a second web-shaped sealing element section 10. The first or block-shaped sealing element section 8 is formed out of a first flexible foam with a first indentation hardness, whereas the second or web-shaped sealing element section 10 comprises a sealing strip 12 made of a second flexible foam with a second indentation hardness. In the present case of FIG. 3, the sealing strip 12 forms the entire second sealing element section 10.

(15) The first indentation hardness is at least 1.5 times greater than the second indentation hardness. The first indentation hardness is preferably two times greater, more preferably three times greater, more preferably five times greater, more preferably seven times greater, and more preferably ten times greater than the second indentation hardness. This guarantees that the sealing element 14 is clamped securely in the intermediate space 6 after insertion, whereas the sealing strip 12, because of its compressibility and restoring force, can conform to the surfaces of the outer wall shell 2 and of the window frame 16. The indentation hardness is determined on the basis of DIN 53579:2009-01, as will be explained in detail at the end of this description.

(16) The first indentation hardness is in the range of 15-100 N, preferably in the range of 17-75 N, and more preferably in the range of 20-50 N. The second indentation hardness is in the range of 0.1-10 N, preferably in the range of 0.5-7 N, and more preferably in the range of 2-5 N.

(17) To achieve the desired indentation hardness and the desired insulating properties, the following materials can be considered in particular: for the first hard flexible foam, materials based on polyethylene or polypropylene; for the second soft flexible foam, materials based on polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene.

(18) The first flexible foam is preferably of the closed-cell or mixed-cell type, and the second flexible foam will usually be a mixed-cell or open-cell flexible foam, which is impregnated. Other materials which satisfy the requirements can also be used.

(19) In the embodiment of the sealing element 14 shown in FIG. 3, the two sealing element sections 8 and 10 are joined to each other two-dimensionally in the area of the joining surface 11. The web-shaped second sealing element section 10 projects beyond the edge area 8b of the first sealing element section 8. The length of the part of the second sealing element section 10 projecting beyond the first sealing element section 8 can be adapted appropriately to the distance to the end surface 3 of the outer wall shell 2. The second sealing element section 10 is usually configured in such a way that its height (smaller side surface) is considerably smaller than its length (larger side surface). For example, the ratio between the length and the height of the second sealing element section 10 can be in the range of 30:1-2:1. The first sealing element section 8 is substantially in the form of a block. To simplify insertion, the first sealing element section 8 preferably has a tapered portion 8a, wherein the taper is formed on the side of the first sealing element section 8 which is inserted first when the sealing element 14 is pushed into the intermediate space 6. In association with the choice of an appropriate insertion angle, the tapering simplifies the insertion and positioning of the sealing element 14. In addition to the tapered configuration shown, other embodiments which simplify the insertion of the sealing element 14 into the intermediate space 6 are also conceivable.

(20) The thickness D1 of the first sealing element section 8 is defined as the distance between its inside surface, which, in the installed state, is intended to rest against the inner wall 4, and the side surface of the second sealing element section 10 facing the first sealing element section 8 in the edge area 8b. The thickness D2 of the sealing element strip 12 is defined as the distance between the side surface of the sealing strip 12 facing the first sealing element section 8 and the surface of the opposing side, i.e., the side which faces away from the first sealing element section 8 and which is intended to rest against the outer wall shell 2 when in the installed state. The thicknesses D1 and D2 are each measured in the completely relaxed state of the flexible foam. The thicknesses D1 and D2 are in a ratio in the range of 2:1-30:1, preferably of 2.5:1-15:1, and more preferably of 3:1-10:1, to each other.

(21) The two-dimensional joining of the two sealing element sections 8 and 10 is obtained by adhesive bonding or lamination, for example. The use of other joining techniques known to the person skilled in the art and suitable for foam materials is possible. It is apparent that all of the sizes and ratios stated here can be varied in correspondence with the configuration of the intermediate space 6 and of the projection A of the outer wall shell 2 beyond the inner wall 4.

(22) FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the sealing element 14 according to the invention, wherein the second sealing element section 10 now comprises at least two parts. A first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10 is formed integrally with the first sealing element section 8. The sealing strip or strips 12 form one or more second parts 10b of the second sealing element section 10. In the embodiment shown here, two sealing strips 12 are present, wherein a first sealing strip 12 is attached to the side surface of the first part 10a facing away from the first sealing element section 8, and a second sealing strip 12 is attached to the side surface of the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10 facing the first sealing element section 8. The various embodiments of the sealing strip 12 can be joined by adhesion or lamination to the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10. In this embodiment, it is also possible for only one of the two sealing strips 12 to be present.

(23) In the case of the sealing element 14 according to the invention, the second sealing element section 10 can comprise an adhesive layer 22 at least on the side facing the first sealing element section 8. This adhesive layer 22 is covered by a peel-off film 24, and, as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, serves to hold the second sealing element section 10 on the window frame 16. The adhesive layer 22 can, for example, be in the form of double-sided adhesive tape. This also applies to all of the embodiments of the sealing element 14 described below.

(24) FIGS. 5a-d shows various embodiments of the sealing strip 12 for the case of the two-part configuration of the second sealing element section 10. The sealing strip 12 is preferably formed as a jacket 26 around the forward area of the web-shaped first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10. For this purpose, the jacket 26 is preferably closed on three sides, whereas it comprises an opening on a fourth side to accept the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10.

(25) It is apparent that the jacket 26 can enclose the forward area of the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5a-d, but it is also possible for the sealing strip 12 to be arranged only on the top and bottom of the web. In addition, the jacket 26 forming the sealing strip 12 can be configured as either a one-part or a multi-part element.

(26) FIG. 5a shows a jacket 26 comprising an opening on one side, in which the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10 is accommodated, wherein the entire inside surface of the jacket 26 rests on the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10. The jacket 26 is rounded off at the outer section of the cap-like jacket 26 opposite the opening. Other embodiments in which the sealing strip 12 is angled or tapered at this end are also conceivable. In addition to attachment by means of an adhesive or by lamination, the jacket 26 can also be simply pushed onto the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10 and held in position by the expansion pressure of the material. This also applies to the embodiments of FIGS. 5b-5d.

(27) FIG. 5b shows a two-part jacket 26, which consists of a first part 26a and a second part 26b. The two parts 26a,b of the jacket 26 are joined to each other in the forward area opposite the opening, preferably by means of an adhesive. Here, too, other joining techniques suitable for use with foam are possible.

(28) FIG. 5c shows a one-part jacket 26, only two inner surfaces of which rest against the first part 10a of the second sealing element section 10, a cavity thus being formed in the forward area of the web.

(29) FIG. 5d shows again a two-part jacket 26 consisting of the parts 26a and 26b, which are bonded to each other by an adhesive, for example, in the forward area.

(30) It is apparent that the embodiments of the sealing strip 12 are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 5a-d. On the contrary, additional embodiments which fulfill the sealing requirement and which can also be either of a one-part or of a multi-part type are also conceivable. In addition, the shape of the jacket 26, especially at the outer end opposite the opening, can be varied in any suitable way desired.

(31) In addition to the previously described first and second sealing element sections 8 and 10, other embodiments of the sealing element 14 (FIGS. 6a, 6b) can also comprise a third sealing element section 30, which is configured as a web projecting from the first sealing element section 8 as an extension of one of its side surfaces, i.e., the surface which faces the second sealing element section 10 and is substantially perpendicular to it. The third sealing element section 30 is in turn preferably formed out of a flexible foam which returns to its original shape after compression, and which is made preferably of the same material as that of the sealing strip 12 or of a similar material.

(32) A plastic sheet 28 is also provided in FIGS. 6a and 6b. In place of the embodiment of the sealing element 14 of FIG. 3, it would also be possible here to use any of the other embodiments of the sealing element 14 according to the invention.

(33) The additional plastic sheet 28 attached to the sealing element comprises additional insulation properties and ensures in particular especially good impermeability of the entire sealing arrangement to air and water vapor. Standard materials for this are, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, and copolymers. In an embodiment according to FIG. 6a, the plastic sheet 28 is attached along the web-shaped second sealing element section 10, i.e., between this second sealing element section 10 and the additional third sealing element section 30 of insulating foam. The plastic sheet 28 can be bonded by an adhesive, for example, to the second sealing element section 10. Other joining techniques are also conceivable.

(34) In the embodiment according to FIG. 6b, the plastic sheet 28 is attached between the first sealing element section 8 and the additional third sealing element section 30 of insulating foam. Here, too, the plastic sheet 28 can be joined to the first sealing element section 8 in various ways. The plastic sheet 28, when in the installed state, is joined to the window frame 16 and thus forms a continuous air-tight and vapor-inhibiting layer between the masonry and the window profile.

(35) The indentation hardness of foams is defined according to DIN 53579:2009-01 as the indentation force (in N) which an indentation plunger is required to exert to compress the foam by a defined distance. DIN 53579:2009-01 describes the test pieces to be used for the test, the equipment, and the procedure for conducting the test for determining the indentation hardness of foam materials.

(36) The values for the indentation hardness given above are obtained by measurements according to the test procedure prescribed in DIN 53579:2009-01, wherein the test parameters described below are to be used. The exact test procedure and other previously specified parameters can be found in the standard.

(37) A piece of foam measuring 454510 mm (lengthwidthheight) is to be used as the test piece. The number of test pieces is three per type of material. A frame of metal is used to surround the test piece. The frame has the corresponding inside dimensions of 454510 mm (lengthwidthheight) and the test piece is held in it with a press fit.

(38) Other parameters of the test procedure adapted to the foam materials to be measured are defined in Section 6.2 of the DIN 53579:2009-01:

(39) (a) indentation plunger according to Table 1, column V;

(40) (b) defined initial force F.sub.0=1 N (deviating from the DIN standard);

(41) (c) feed rate during preload cycles: v.sub.C=100 mm/min (deviating from Table 2 of the DIN standard);

(42) (d) maximum indentation distance during the preload cycles: ID.sub.C=7 mm (70% of the thickness of the material);

(43) (e) reversal point of the indentation plunger: L.sub.R=3 mm;

(44) (f) feed rate during the measurement cycle: v.sub.M=50 mm/min (deviating from Table 2 of the DIN standard);

(45) (g) maximum indentation distance during the measuring cycle: ID.sub.M=7 mm (70% of the thickness of the material);

(46) (h) indentation distance at which the results are to be determined during the measurement cycle: 4 mm (40% of the thickness of the material); and

(47) (i) no waiting time (0 seconds).