TWIN LOUVER WINDOW ASSEMBLY FOR EFFICIENT THERMAL CONTROL

Abstract

A twin louver bank window assembly for efficient thermal control, the assembly including an assembly surround frame including a head member, a sill member and at least a pair of opposed side channel members and a pair of louver banks mounted relative to the assembly surround frame, each louver bank including a number of louvers, one louver bank located towards an outer side of the assembly surround frame and one louver bank located toward an inner side of the assembly surround frame.

Claims

1. A powered twin louver bank window system including a twin louver window assembly, the system comprising: an assembly surround frame including a head member, a sill member, and at least a pair of opposed side channel members; a pair of louver banks mounted relative to the assembly surround frame, each louver bank including a number of louver blades, an outer louver bank located towards an outer side of the assembly surround frame and an inner louver bank located toward an inner side of the assembly surround frame; at least one drive mechanism associated with one or more of the louver banks to drive some of the louver blades in the one or more louver banks between a closed configuration and a number of open configurations; and a powered window control system including a control unit associated with the louver window assembly to automatically control the at least one drive mechanism.

2. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 further including one or more discrete or unobtrusive openings in relation to an upper portion of the outer louver bank to allow pressure equalization across the outer louver bank.

3. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner and outer louver banks are mounted to the same assembly surround frame.

4. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the louver blades in the outer louver bank are at least partially opaque louver blades and the louver blades in the inner louver bank are transparent louver blades.

5. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the assembly surround frame includes a number of louver bays with one or more intermediate mullion members extending substantially parallel to the side channel members separating the respective louver bays from one another.

6. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a smaller number of louver blades is provided in one of the respective outer louver bank and the inner louver bank and a higher number of lesser height louver blades is provided in the other of the respective outer louver bank and the inner louver blank.

7. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the louver blades in the inner bank and the louver blades in the outer bank are manufactured from different materials with the materials chosen to provide chosen characteristics to each of the respective inner louver bank and the outer louver bank.

8. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner louver banks and outer louver bank are actuable to open and close independently of one another.

9. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 further including a drive mechanism associated with each louver bank to drive at least some of the louver blades in each of the inner and outer louver banks between a closed configuration and a number of open configurations.

10. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one drive mechanism in a plurality of preset open and close configurations.

11. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 10 further including a drive mechanism associated with each louver bank to drive the louver blades in each of the inner and outer louver banks between a closed configuration and a number of open configurations, wherein at least one of the preset open and close configurations includes the louver blades in one of the inner and outer louver banks at a different angle than the louver bladed in the other of the inner and outer louver banks.

12. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 10 further including a drive mechanism associated with each louver bank to drive the louver blades in each of the inner and outer louver banks between a closed configuration and a number of open configurations, wherein at least one of the preset open and close configurations includes the louver blades in one of the inner and outer louver banks at the same angle as the louver bladed in the other of the inner and outer louver banks.

13. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one drive mechanism has one or more sensors or control systems associated therewith to open and/or close one or more of the louver banks to manage heat in a building whilst preventing inclement weather from entering the building.

14. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 13 wherein one or more of a temperature sensor, rain sensor and/or a wind sensor are provided to control opening and/or closing of the one or more louver banks.

15. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one drive mechanism has one or more sensors or control systems associated therewith to open and close one or more of the louver banks to manage ventilation in a building whilst preventing inclement weather from entering the building.

16. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one of a temperature sensor, rain sensor, a sun position sensor, or a wind sensor are provided to control opening and/or closing of the one or more louver banks.

17. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the louver blades in one of the respective inner louver bank and outer louver bank are staggered or offset from the louver blades in the other of the respective inner louver bank and outer louver bank.

18. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the louvers in at least one of the outer louver bank and the inner louver bank are configured to rotate more than 90° in opening and/or closing.

19. A powered twin louver bank window system assembly as claimed in claim 1 further including at least one wireless communication device to allow communication with a compatible device operating a software application, and a software application operating on the compatible device, the software application allowing input of instructions to control the powered window assembly and communication to the control unit via the at least one wireless communication device of the control unit

20. A powered twin louver bank window system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to cause the at least one drive mechanism to drive some of the louver blades in response to a timer event.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the embodiments may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the disclosure. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0064] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a twin louver bank window assembly according to an embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view of assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in the open condition and taken along line A-A.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in the closed condition and taken along line A-A.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a more detailed view of the portion identified by reference letter “B” in FIG. 2.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a twin louver bank window assembly according to a second preferred embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 in the open condition and taken along line D-D.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 in the closed condition and taken along line D-D.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a more detailed view of the portion identified by reference letter “D” in FIG. 6.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of an upper portion of the louver bank window assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0073] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a twin louver bank window assembly is provided.

[0074] The twin louver bank window assembly 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes an assembly surround frame including a head member 11, a sill member 12 and a pair of opposed side frame members 21 to which one of a pair of side channel members 13 are mounted and a pair of louver banks, one inner louver bank 14 and one outer louver bank 15 mounted relative to the assembly surround frame, each louver bank including a number of louver blades 16. An upper sealing assembly is provided 22 and a lower sealing assembly 23 is also provided.

[0075] One possible aspect is the creation of a pressure differential between the two windows to improve water resistance performance. A discrete opening is preferably provided somewhere in relation to the outer louver bank that would relieve the pressure between the two louver banks. The outer louver bank could then effectively “shield” the inner louver bank and prevent any pressure build up that may operate to force water through the inner louver bank. In some embodiments, the discrete opening is provided in relation to the outer louver bank and a second discrete opening is provided in relation to the inner louver bank to allow air to pass between the outside and inside to equalize the pressure.

[0076] The pair of louver banks are preferably mounted to the same assembly surround frame as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0077] So as to avoid confusion, in the context of the present disclosure, the term “outer” is directed towards the side of the surround frame oriented towards the outside or weather side of the structure, and the term “inner” is directed towards that side of the surround frame oriented toward the interior of the building.

[0078] The twin louver bank window assembly 10 includes an inner louver bank 14 and an outer louver bank 15. The respective inner louver bank 14 and outer louver bank 15 can have louver blades which are the same as one another or different to one another. Typically, the inner louver bank 14 and the outer louver bank 15 will each be made up of a number of louver blades 16 which are the same as the other louver blades in the same louver bank, but the louver blades in the inner louver bank 14 differ in type from those in the outer louver bank 15. In one preferred configuration, the louver blades in the outer louver bank 15 are opaque louver blades and the louver blades in the inner louver bank 14 are glass louver blades.

[0079] The combination of different louver blade types in the different louver banks allows a dramatic increase in the variety of opening configurations available to the client and those different opening configurations in turn lead to a number of advantages in terms of efficient thermal management of the building.

[0080] The twin bank louver assembly 10 is capable of operation in a number of different modes, typically pre-determined or pre-programmed, in order for more efficient thermal control of the building including (but not limited to):

[0081] 1. Natural ventilation mode—open both louver banks;

[0082] 2. Natural ventilation mode with Shading Mode—optimise shading from an opaque external blade and still provide natural ventilation by having both louver banks open;

[0083] 3. Passive warming mode—Use the sun's rays to passively warm a building—open louvers in external louver bank over 90 degrees to direct and or reflect the sun's rays into the building;

[0084] 4. Vent mode—night purge building by opening louvers to vent upwardly;

[0085] 5. Noise Control mode—manage noise at peak times—close external blades or angle blades to reflect noise away or close all blades;

[0086] 6. Passive daylight mode—optimises natural daylight and other thermal needs; and

[0087] 7. Privacy mode—close external solid blades.

[0088] Generally, the window assembly 10 will be a powered louver window assembly and a drive or motor 17 will be associated with each louver bank in order to drive the louver blades 16 in each of the louver banks, between the closed condition and a number of open conditions and vice versa.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly surround frame 25 is normally generally rectangular, formed from a number of members connected to one another or relative to one another to define a central opening 18 within which the louver banks are located and the operation of the louver banks can close the opening. As mentioned, the surround frame 25 includes a head member 11, a sill member 12 and a pair of opposed side channel members 13.

[0090] One or more of each of the head member 11, sill member 12, and side channel member can be provided. In other words, the head of the surround frame 25 may be formed from a number of head members connected to one another or relative to one another, as may the other members in the surround frame 25.

[0091] It is preferred that the drive or motor 17 provided to open and close the louver banks be provided at least partially within the head member 11 and an appropriate drive transfer mechanism provided to connect the drive or motor 17 to the mechanism for opening and closing the louver blades. Typically, at least one drive or motor will be provided for each louver bank as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. More than one motor per louver bank may be provided and this will occur when the louver bank has a larger number of blades. In other words, each motor may only power a certain number of blades and if more blades are provided in any one bank, more than one motor will generally be provided. In FIG. 4, the louvers are opened to an angle where the louver clip is approximately 70° relative to the frame.

[0092] The louver banks themselves are each typically provided with an opening and closing mechanism and any opening and closing mechanism can be used. According to a preferred embodiment, one or more louver operating bars are typically provided located within or partially within the respective side channel members. Normally, at least one louver operating bar is provided on each lateral side of each bank of louvers and preferably, a pair of louver operating bars is provided on each lateral side.

[0093] Each louver blade is typically mounted relative to the respective side channel 13 members via a louver end clip 19 which attaches to the louver blade 16 and a bearing is associated with each louver end clip mounted relative to the side channel. Typically, each bearing is located on inside of the side channel members and the bearing engages with the louver operating bars within the channel 13. In use, reciprocation of the louver operating bars will normally cause rotation of the bearings associated with each of the louver blades 16 in the louver bank which in turn causes rotation of the end clips 19 and the louver blades 16 mounted thereto.

[0094] The assembly surround frame 25 and the members forming the assembly surround frame 25, may be manufactured from any material but a metal material, preferably a light metal material such as aluminium is preferred.

[0095] The assembly surround frame 25 and in particular, the side channel members 13 of the assembly surround frame 25 have a pair of spaced apart hearing mount portions 20 through which the bearings for each of the louvers blades 16 in a respective louver bank are mounted. The spaced apart bearing mount portions of the preferred embodiment are spaced across the depth of the surround frame 25 and in particular, it is preferred that one inner bearing mount portion is provided and one outer bearing mount portion is provided. The bearing mount portions are typically spaced from one another to take into account the height of the louver blades in the window assembly. It is particularly preferred that the bearing mount portions are spaced to allow rotation of the louver blades past horizontal or at least rotation of louver blades such that the louver blades of one of the louver banks do not strike the louver blades of the other louver bank during the opening and closing process, even if the louver blades are opened through more than 90°.

[0096] Alternatively and as illustrated, the louver banks may have a restricted opening size in order to restrict the “gap” between adjacent louver blades in the same bank of louvers, in the open position.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, each louver bank is typically designated as a group of louver blades 16 with the bearing mounting the louver blades 16 located in the same substantially vertical plane. In other words, all of the bearings in a particular louver bank are aligned, substantially vertically.

[0098] The respective inner louver bank 14 and outer louver bank 15 will normally have the same number of louver blades 16 as illustrated but the number and configuration of louver blades in each louver bank may differ.

[0099] The louver blades 16 can be manufactured from different materials. The materials can typically be a transparent material such as glass or plastic (which may be tinted or coloured or not), or an opaque material such as wood or metal. Under some circumstances, one or more louver blades may be provided with a (relatively) high reflectivity surface or made from a (relatively) high reflectivity material in order to utilise the louver blades to reflect light into a building. The louver blades can be solid or hollow.

[0100] The louver banks 14, 15 will typically open and close independently of one another and be actuable in this way by a user. The louver banks may be independently actuable or actuable in combination. In this way, the user can choose to open and/or close one or the other of the louver banks or can open and/ or close both louver banks together.

[0101] As mentioned above, at least one, and typically both of the louver banks operate according to a powered opening and/or closing mechanism. The opening and/or closing mechanism may have one or more sensors or control systems associated therewith in order to actuate the drive or motor 17 to open and/or close one or more of the louver banks in order to manage heat and/or ventilation in a building whilst preventing inclement weather from entering the building and also being sensitive to other weather phenomena such as high wind days. In particular, a temperature sensor can be provided, rain sensor can be provided and/or a wind sensor can be provided in order to control opening and/or closing of the louver banks according to the prevailing weather conditions and to more efficiently manage thermal operation of the building.

[0102] In the preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation for each of the louver blades on each of the inner louver bank and the outer louver bank are aligned not only vertically, but substantially horizontally as well.

[0103] The louver window assembly of the present disclosure may include or be associated with a powered window control system including a control unit associated with the louver window assembly and including at least one wireless communication device to allow communication with a compatible device operating a software application, and a software application operating on a compatible device, the software application allowing input of instructions to control the powered window assembly and communication to the control unit via the at least one wireless communication device of the control unit.

[0104] An alternative configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8. The alternative configuration is similar to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 with one main difference in that the outer louver bank is a powered louver bank having a drive 17 mounted relative to the head of the surround frame 25 and the inner louver bank is manually actuated with one or more handles 30 mounted relative to the side frame member to allow a user to manually open and close the inner louver bank. In another alternative configuration, the inner louver bank is a powered louver bank having a drive 17 mounted relative to the head of the surround frame 25 and the outer louver bank is manually actuated with one or more handles 30 mounted relative to the side frame member to allow a user to manually open and close the outer louver bank.

[0105] FIG. 9 shows another aspect of how the system of the present disclosure mitigates formation of a pressure differential between the two windows to improve water resistance performance. One or more discrete or unobtrusive openings are provided in relation to the outer louver bank that relieves the pressure between the two louver banks. The outer louver bank can then effectively “shield” the inner louver bank and prevent any pressure build up that may operate to force water through the inner louver bank by allowing the pressure on the outside of the louver system to equalize with the pressure between the louver banks. For example in FIG. 9, a pair of openings 41 are located in a weatherseal mount 40, relative to which a normally resilient weatherseal strip 42 is provided and against which the topmost louver in the moveable louver bank seals when moved into the closed condition. The one or more discrete or unobtrusive openings, however, may be provided in other locations within the twin louver window assembly to mitigate formation of the pressure differential.

[0106] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0107] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0108] Embodiments have been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the disclosure into effect. The disclosure is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.