Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention concerns a multi-pane glazing unit.
Description of related art
[0002] Current double or multi-pane glazing (windows) show a radio frequency (RF) dependent
signal attenuation of the radio signal. While lower frequencies experience a low attenuation,
higher frequencies (already above approximately 1 GHz) can show significant signal
attenuations. This signal attenuation can cause a disturbance for the use of cellular
phones or other radio devices working in the attenuated frequency ranges, for example
inside of buildings, vehicles etc. This signal attenuation depends for example on
the air gap between the at least two glass panes. For higher frequencies, the wavelength
gets smaller and the air gap between the two or more glass panes becomes relevant
to cause a phase-shift that can destructively add and cause the high signal attenuations.
This can be avoided by the use of single pane glazing losing then all the advantages
of multi-pane glazing such as improved thermal insulation.
Brief summary of the invention
[0003] The object of the invention is to solve or reduce the problem of the radio frequency
dependent signal attenuation of multi-pane glazing units.
[0004] The object is solved by the glazing unit according to the claims.
[0005] The use of a glazing unit with a gap width between a first glass pane and a second
glass pane which varies between a minimum gap width and a maximum gap width allows
to create a glazing unit with a plurality of gap widths. The varying gap width allows
to reduce the signal attenuation for certain frequency bands significantly. This could
be further used to design the glazing unit such as to have a certain desired radio
frequency transmission function. For example, in some applications, it could be desirable
to rather attenuate a first frequency band with respect to a radio signal in a second
frequency band.
[0006] The dependent claims refer to further advantageous embodiments.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description of an embodiment
given by way of example and illustrated by the figures, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic first example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic second example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic third example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic fourth example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic fifth example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 6 shows a schematic sixth example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 7 shows a schematic seventh example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 8 shows a schematic eighth example of an embodiment of the glazing unit according
to the invention.
Fig. 9 shows the exemplary signal transmission in dependence of the radio frequency
between 1 and 6 GHz for double-pane glazing units with different single fixed gap
widths between the glass panes and a double-pane glazing unit combining those gap
widths, for a signal incidence angle normal to the window surface.
Fig. 10 shows the exemplary signal transmission for the double-pane glazing units
shown in Fig. 2 in dependence of the radio frequency between 1 and 40 GHz, for a signal
incidence angle normal to the window surface.
Fig. 11 shows the exemplary signal transmission in dependence of the radio frequency
between 1 and 40 GHz for triple-pane glazing units with different single fixed gap
widths between the glass panes and a triple-pane glazing unit combining those gap
widths, for a signal incidence angle normal to the window surface.
Detailed Description of possible embodiments of the Invention
[0008] The invention refers to a multi-pane glazing unit. Multi-pane glazing units are also
called insulating glass or insulating glass unit.
[0009] The multi-glazing unit can comprise a direction for mounting the multi-glazing unit
in the sense that the multi-glazing unit has an external side and/or an internal side.
The multi-glazing unit could comprise an external side which is configured to be arranged
to point to the external side of a space and an internal side which is configured
to be arranged to point to the inside of a space. The space is for example, a building
space, like a room, a hall, etc.. The space can however also be a vehicle, like a
car, truck, airplane, train, etc.. The space can be any other space. The space is
preferably closed or closable to the outside. The space can however also be semi-closed
or even open. The external side could be defined e.g., by a functional coating which
acts different compared to the internal side, e.g., a sun protection or a silvering.
If there is no difference between a first side and a second side of the glazing unit,
the external side shall be the first side and the internal side the second side without
any limitation of the invention.
[0010] The glazing unit 10 comprises preferably a glazing plane (or glazing unit plane).
The glazing plane comprises preferably a first glazing direction and a second glazing
direction, both perpendicular to each other and/or both parallel to the glazing pane.
[0011] Fig. 1 to 8 show eight exemplary embodiments for a multi-pane glazing unit 10. The
multi-pane glazing unit 10 comprises at least two glass panes. The at least two glass
panes comprise (at least) a first glass pane 1 and a second glass pane 2. The glazing
unit 10 can comprise (just) two glass panes forming a double-pane glazing unit, often
also called double-pane or double-glazing (see embodiments in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,
7 and 8). The glazing unit 10 can comprise three glass panes forming a triple-pane
glazing unit, also called triple-pane or triple-glazing (see embodiment in Fig. 4).
In this case, the at least two glass panes comprise a first glass pane 1, a second
glass pane 2 and a third glass pane 3. The multi-pane glazing unit could comprise
also more than three glass panes. In this case, the at least two glass panes comprise
a first glass pane 1, a second glass pane 2, a third glass pane 3 and at least a fourth
glass pane.
[0012] The first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 are preferably neighbouring glass
panes in the at least two glass panes. However, the first and the second glass pane
1, 2 can also be arranged such that the multi-pane glazing unit 10 comprises a third
glass pane 3 or more glass panes between the first and the second glass pane 1, 2.
The first glass pane 1 is preferably the most external glass pane 1, i.e. arranged
at the external side of the glazing unit 10. However, the first glass pane 1 can also
be arranged at the most internal glass pane, i.e. arranged at the internal side of
the glazing unit 10, or can be arranged in between the most external glass pane and
the most internal glass pane. The second glass pane 2 is the glass pane neighbouring
the first glass pane 1 in direction towards the internal side. In the case of a double
pane glazing unit, the second glass pane 2 is thus the most internal glass pane. In
the case of a triple pane glazing unit, the second glass pane 2 is thus a central
or intermediate glass pane, i.e. arranged between the most external and the most internal
glass pane. However, the second glass pane 2 can also be the most external glass pane
or any other glass pane.
[0013] Preferably, the first glass pane 1 has a constant thickness (over the pane plane).
However, it is also possible that the thickness of the first glass pane 1 varies over
the pane plane. Preferably, the second glass pane 2 has a constant thickness (over
the pane plane). However, it is also possible that the thickness of the second glass
pane 2 varies over the pane plane. Preferably, each of the at least two glass panes
1, 2 has preferably a constant thickness (over the pane plane). In all shown embodiments
in Fig. 1 to 8 the glass panes 1, 2, 3 have a constant thickness over the pane plane.
Preferably, the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 (or all of the at least
two glass panes) have the same (constant) thickness. However, it is also possible
that the first glass pane 1 has a first (constant) thickness and the second glass
pane 2 has a second (constant) thickness which is different from/smaller than/larger
than the first thickness. However, it is also possible that the thickness of each
of the at least two glass panes 1, 2 varies over the pane plane. Preferably, the first
glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 (two or more of the at least two glass panes)
have a constant thickness. However, it is also possible that the first glass pane
1 and the second glass pane 2 (two or more of the at least two glass panes) have a
variable thickness, or that one of the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane
2 (or of the at least two glass panes) has a variable thickness and another one of
the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 (or of the at least two glass panes)
has a constant thickness. The thickness is preferably the size in the direction from
the external or first side of the glazing unit to the internal or second side of the
glazing unit or of the respective glass pane or in the direction perpendicular to
the glazing plane or the respective pane plane or surface.
[0014] The first glass pane 1 has preferably a first surface and a second surface opposed
to the first surface. The first glass pane 1 comprises preferably at least one lateral
side. The at least one lateral side is substantially perpendicular, preferably perpendicular
to the first and second surface of the first glass pane 1. The first glass pane 1
has preferably a rectangular form with four lateral sides. The four lateral sides
comprise preferably two first lateral sides parallel to the first glazing direction
and two second lateral sides parallel to the second glazing direction. However, other
forms of the first glass pane 1 are possible. The first surface is preferably parallel
to the pane plane of the first glass pane 1 and/or to the second surface. In Fig.
1 to 8, the first surface is parallel to the second surface. The first surface is
preferably flat, i.e. the first surface defines a plane surface (without any curvature).
The second surface is preferably parallel to the pane plane of the first glass pane
1. The second surface is preferably flat, i.e. the second surface defines a plane
surface (without any curvature). In the embodiments shown in Fig. 1, 3, 4 and 8, the
first and second surface of the first glass pane 1 have plane surfaces. However, it
is also possible that the first surface and/or the second surface comprises a non-plane
surface such as a surface with a curvature, e.g. a convex or concave surface, or a
step. In Fig. 5, the first surface has a convex shape and the second surface has a
concave shape. In Fig. 6, the first surface has a concave shape, and the second surface
has a convex shape. In Fig. 7, the first surface has a curved shape, similar to a
sinus or waveform. In Fig. 2, the first surface comprises steps. All first surfaces
and second surfaces and at least one lateral side mentioned in this paragraph refer
to the first surface of the first glass pane 1 and the second surface of the first
glass pane 1 and the at least one lateral side of the first glass pane 1, respectively.
[0015] The second glass pane 2 has preferably a first surface and a second surface opposed
to the first surface. The second glass pane 2 comprises preferably at least one lateral
side. The at least one lateral side is substantially perpendicular, preferably perpendicular
to the first and second surface of the second glass pane 2. The second glass pane
2 has preferably a rectangular form with four lateral sides. The four lateral sides
comprise preferably two first lateral sides parallel to the first glazing direction
and two second lateral sides parallel to the second glazing direction. However, other
forms of the second glass pane 2 are possible. The first surface is preferably parallel
to the pane plane of the second glass pane 2 and/or the second surface. In Fig. 1
to 8, the first surface is parallel to the second surface. The second surface is preferably
parallel to the pane plane of the second glass pane 2. The first surface is preferably
flat, i.e. the first surface defines a plane surface (without any curvature). The
second surface is preferably flat, i.e. the second surface defines a plane surface
(without any curvature). In the embodiments shown in Fig. 1 to 8, the first and second
surfaces have plane surfaces. However, it is also possible that the first surface
and/or the second surface comprises a non-plane surface such as a surface with a curvature,
e.g. a convex or concave surface. All first surfaces and second surfaces mentioned
in this paragraph refer to the first surface of the second glass pane 2 and the second
surface of the second glass pane 2 and the at least one lateral side of the second
glass pane 2, respectively, if not mentioned otherwise. The first glass pane 1 and
the second glass pane 2 are preferably arranged such that the first surface of the
first glass pane 1 faces the first surface of the second glass pane 2. In one embodiment,
the second surface of the first glass pane 1 is an external side of the glazing unit
10. In one embodiment, the second surface of the second glass pane 2 is an internal
side of the glazing unit 10.
[0016] According to the invention, the glazing unit 10 is configured/designed such that
the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 (or at least two of the at least
two glass panes 1, 2) have a gap width between each other which varies (in the glazing
plane) between a minimum gap width 4 and a maximum gap width 5.
[0017] The difference between the maximum gap width 5 and the minimum gap width 4 is preferably
larger 1 millimetre (mm), preferably larger than 2 mm, preferably larger than 3 mm,
preferably larger than 4 mm, preferably larger than 5 mm, preferably larger than 6
mm, preferably larger than 7 mm, preferably larger than 8 mm, preferably larger than
9 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm, preferably larger 11 mm, preferably larger than
12 mm, preferably larger than 13 mm, preferably larger than 14 mm, preferably larger
than 15 mm, preferably larger than 16 mm, preferably larger than 17 mm, preferably
larger than 18 mm, preferably larger than 19 mm, preferably larger than 20 mm. The
difference between the maximum gap width 5 and the minimum gap width 4 is preferably
smaller 50 mm, preferably smaller than 40 mm, preferably smaller than 35 mm, preferably
smaller than 30 mm, preferably smaller 25 mm, preferably smaller than 20 mm, preferably
smaller than 15 mm, preferably smaller than 10 mm. The minimum gap width 4 is preferably
larger than 0mm (in this case the first and second glass pane 1, 2 touch each other),
preferably larger than 1 mm, preferably larger than 2 mm, preferably larger than 3
mm, preferably larger than 4 mm, preferably larger than 5 mm, preferably larger than
6 mm, preferably larger than 7 mm, preferably larger than 8 mm, preferably larger
than 9 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm. The minimum gap width 4 is preferably smaller
than 10 mm, preferably than 8 mm, preferably than 6 mm, preferably than 5 mm, preferably
than 4 mm, preferably than 3 mm, preferably than 2 mm, preferably than 1.
[0018] The gap width between the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 (with the
transition from the minimum gap width 4 and the maximum gap width 5) varies preferably
continuously, i.e. mathematically speaking the gap width (as a function over e.g.
the glazing plane) is monotonic and/or continuous and/or the spectrum of all gap widths
between the minimum gap width 4 and the maximum gap width 5 are realized between the
first and second glass pane 1, 2. Preferably, the gap width between the first glass
pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 (with the transition from the minimum gap width
4 and the maximum gap width 5) varies without an edge, i.e. mathematically speaking
the gap width (as a function over e.g. the glazing plane) is continuously differentiable.
In the embodiments of Fig. 1 and 3 to 8, the gap width between the first glass pane
1 and the second glass pane 2 varies preferably continuously and/or without an edge.
Preferably, the gap width between the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane
2 (with the transition from the minimum gap width 4 and the maximum gap width 5) over
the glazing plane, the pane plane of the first or second glass pane 1, 2 (in the following
shortly gap width function) is a linear function (see Fig. 1, 3, 4, 8). However, it
is also possible the gap width function is a non-linear function (see Fig. 2, 5, 6,
7). The gap width function is preferably continuous, even more preferably continuously
differentiable (see Fig. 1, 3 to 8). The gap width function could provide a convex
(Fig. 6) or concave (Fig. 5) gap between the first glass pane 1 and the second glass
pane 2. However, the gap width function can also be a step-function (Fig. 2). The
step function could comprise for example one step with the minimum gap width 4 in
a first region and the maximum gap width 5 in a second region. The step-function could
have two or more steps with one or more intermediate regions with one or more intermediate
gap widths (being smaller than the maximum gap width 5 and larger than the minimum
gap width 4) as shown in Fig. 2.
[0019] Preferably, the glazing unit 10 comprises further a frame 6. Preferably, the frame
6 is a spacer normally used in the production of insulated glazing units. The frame
6 or spacer holds the at least two glass panes 1, 2 in a fixed position to each other
(the position will be described in more detail below) and/or seals hermetically a
space between the at least two glass panes 1, 2, preferably between the first surface
of the first glass pane 1 and the first surface of the second glass pane 2. The hermetically
sealed space between the at least two glass panes 1, 2 and the frame 6 is preferably
a vacuum or filled with a certain gas, preferably a monoatomic gas, preferably argon,
krypton, xenon, etc.. The glazing unit 10 with the at least two glass panes 1, 2 and
the frame 6 can then mounted in a window frame or any other frame which should hold
the glazing unit 10. It is however also possible that the frame 6 of the glazing unit
10 is directly realized by the final frame where the glazing unit 10 is mounted, e.g.
the window frame. The frame 6, in particular the space has preferably a rectangular
shape with four lateral sides. The four lateral sides comprise preferably two first
lateral sides and two second lateral sides. The two first lateral sides are preferably
parallel to the first glazing direction. The two second lateral sides are preferably
parallel to the second glazing direction. The first lateral sides are arranged preferably
at an 90° angle with respect to the second lateral sides. Two opposing lateral sides
(two first lateral sides or two second lateral sides) are preferably arranged parallel
to each other. Each of the four lateral sides holds one of the lateral sides of the
at least two glass panes, i.e. holds at least one of the four lateral sides of the
first glass pane 1 and one of the four lateral sides of the second glass pane 2. The
first lateral sides of the frame 6 comprise preferably an outer first lateral surface.
The second lateral sides of the frame 6 comprise preferably an outer second lateral
surface. The first outer lateral surface is preferably perpendicular to the second
outer lateral surface. The glazing plane is preferably defined as being perpendicular
to the first outer lateral surface of the frame 6 and to the second outer lateral
surface of the frame 6.
[0020] There are many realisations for obtaining the described gap width function between
the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second glass pane 1, 2 are arranged
such that the first surface and/or the pane plane of the first glass pane 1 is arranged
at an angle 8 relative to the first surface and/or the pane plane of the second glass
pane 2 as shown in Fig. 1, 3, 4 and 8. Thus, the first surface and/or the pane plane
of the first glass pane 1 is not parallel to the first surface and/or the pane plane
of the second glass pane 2. Preferably, the first and second glass pane 1, 2 have
each a constant thickness and/or have flat first and second surfaces such that classic
glass panes can be used without the necessity to change the production and/or form
of the glass panes 1, 2. However, the invention works equally for curved multi-glazing
panes with curved or non-flat first and second glass panes 1, 2, e.g. for train windows.
The angle 8 between the (flat) first side of the first glass plane 1 and the (flat)
first side of the second glass pane 2 creates a gap width between the first side of
the first glass pane 1 and the first side of the second glass pane 2 which linearly
increases from the minimum gap width 4 (at a first lateral side) to the maximum gap
width 5 (at a second lateral side opposed to the first lateral side). The angle 8
is preferably larger than 1°, preferably than 2°, preferably than 3°, preferably 4°,
preferably than 5°, preferably 6°, preferably than 7°, preferably than 8°, preferably
than 9°, preferably than 10°. This could be achieved by arranging one of the first
and second glass pane 1, 2 parallel to the glazing unit plane and the other one of
the first and second glass pane 1, 2 at an angle 8 to the glazing unit plane as shown
in Fig. 1, 4 and 8 where the second glass pane 2 (and in Fig. 4 the third glass pane
3) is arranged parallel to the glazing plane and/or perpendicular to the first outer
lateral surface of the frame 6 and/or perpendicular to the second outer lateral surface
of the frame 6. This could also be achieved by arranging the first and the second
glass pane 1, 2 at half the angle 8 with respect to the glazing unit plane such that
the first surface of the first glass pane 1 and the first surface of the second glass
pane 2 yield the angle 8 as shown in Fig. 3. This could be achieved by arranging the
first glass pane 1 at first portion of the angle 8 with respect to the glazing unit
plane and the second glass pane 2 at second portion of the angle 8 with respect to
the glazing unit plane such that the first surface of the first glass pane 1 and the
first surface of the second glass pane 2 yield the angle 8. The frame 6 is preferably
configured to hold the first and the second glass pane 1, 2 in such a position to
obtain the described angle 8. The angle 8 can be such that the gap width between (the
first surface of) the first glass pane 1 and (the first surface of) the second glass
pane 2 varies in the first glazing direction and remains constant in the second glazing
direction. Thus, the glazing unit shows at one (second) lateral side the minimum gap
width 4 (constant over the whole second lateral side) and at the opposed (second)
lateral side the maximum gap width 5 (constant over the whole second lateral side).
This has the advantage that the at least one glass pane of the at least two glass
panes arranged at an angle to the glazing pane can be mounted more easily in the frame
6. In another embodiment, the angle 8 can be such that the gap width between (the
first surface of) the first glass pane 1 and (the first surface of) the second glass
pane 2 varies in the first glazing direction and the second glazing direction as shown
in Fig. 8. Thus, the glazing unit shows at one corner the minimum gap width 4 and
at the opposed corner the maximum gap width 5. Consequently, the angle is composed
of the first sub-angle 8.1 in the first glazing direction and the second sub-angle
8.2 in the second glazing direction.
[0022] Fig. 9 shows the transmission function of a radio signal in dependence of the radio
frequency between 1 GHz and 6 GHz for different embodiments of state-of-the-art-double-pane
glazing units each with a different fixed gap width between 6 mm and 24 mm (thin lines).
For each of the embodiments, each of the first and the second glass pane 1, 2 has
a constant thickness of 4 mm. The transmission coefficient drops to -8 at around 4.5
GHz (for 24mm constant gap width) or to -11 dB at 7 GHz (for 12 mm constant gap width).
As can be seen in Fig. 10 which shows the same transmission functions for the same
embodiments as shown in Fig. 10 in dependence of the radio frequency between 1 GHz
and 40 GHz. Further drops appear at higher frequencies. By an embodiment of a glazing
unit with at least two glass panes 1, 2 which include at least two gap widths between
a minimum gap width 4 and a maximum gap width 5 allow to significantly reduce said
transmission drops. The thick black transmission line drawn in Fig. 10 and 9 would
be the theoretical minimum transmission line for an embodiment as shown in Fig. 1
with the gap width varying between the minimum gap width 4 of 6 mm and the maximum
gap width 5 of 24 mm. It can be clearly seen that the transmission drop at around
5 GHz can be reduced to -5 dB and the transmission drops at higher frequencies can
be removed completely.
[0023] In the embodiment described in Fig. 1, the second surface of the first and/or second
glass pane 1, 2 shows also an angle 8 with respect to the glazing unit plane, if the
first and/or second glass pane 1, 2 has a constant thickness. To avoid this, the first
and/or second glass pane 1, 2 could have a variable thickness such that the second
surface of the first and/or second glass pane 1, 2 is parallel to the glazing unit
plane.
[0024] In another embodiment, the thickness of the first and/or the second glass pane 1,
2 and/or the form of the first and/or second glass pane 1, 2 is such that the different
gap widths between the minimum gap width 4 and the maximum gap width 5 is achieved
over the glazing unit plane. For example, the second surfaces of the first and second
glass pane 1, 2 can be parallel to each other, while the first surfaces of the first
and second glass pane 1, 2 are formed such to form the desired gap width function
of the glazing unit plane. The thickness can be formed prismatic such that a linear
gap width function is achieved or the thickness of the first and/or second glass pane
1, 2 can be formed convex (or concave) such that a concave (or convex) space between
the first and second glass pane 1, 2 is achieved.
[0025] In the previously described embodiment, the varying gap width was achieved by the
arrangement (inclination) of at least one of the glass panes 1, 2. In another embodiment,
the thickness of the first and/or the second glass pane 1, 2 and/or the form of the
first and/or second glass pane 1, 2 is such that the different gap widths between
the minimum gap width 4 and the maximum gap width 5 is achieved over the glazing unit
plane. For example, the second surfaces of the first and second glass pane 1, 2 can
be parallel to each other, while the first surfaces of the first and second glass
pane 1, 2 are formed such to form the desired gap width function of the glazing unit
plane. The thickness can be formed prismatic such that a linear gap width function
is achieved or the thickness of the first and/or second glass pane 1, 2 can be formed
convex (or concave) such that a concave (or convex) space between the first and second
glass pane 1, 2 is achieved. Fig. 2, 5, 6 and 7 show embodiments in which at least
one of the at least two glass panes has non-plane form to obtain the varying gap width.
The form of the glass pane (with respect to the gap) can be a step function (fig.
2), a convex form (Fig. 5), a concave form (Fig. 6), a wave form (Fig. 7) or any other
form. In one embodiment, the first glass pane 1 has the non-plane form, while the
second glass pane 2 has a plane form (parallel to the glazing plane). The first glass
pane 1 (and the second glass pane 2) has preferably a constant thickness. However,
it would also be possible to combine the varying thickness and the non-plane shapes
of the at least one glass pane to obtain the varying gap widths. The embodiments with
glass panes with varying thicknesses and with non-plane forms have however the disadvantage
that they require the production of special glass panes. In addition, the change in
the thickness of the glass pane increases the weight (for larger thicknesses) or reduces
the insulation effects (for smaller thicknesses).
[0026] In the case of a glazing unit with three or more glass panes, the second glass pane
2 could be arranged between the first glass pane 1 and the third glass pane and (only)
(the first side, the second side and/or the pane plane of) the second glass pane 2
could be arranged at said angle 8 (while the third glass pane 3 is parallel to the
second glass pane 2). In one embodiment, the gap width 7 between the second glass
pane 2 and the third glass pane 3 is constant. Such an embodiment is shown in Fig.
4. In another embodiment, the first and third glass pane 1, 3 are parallel to the
glazing plane, while the second glass pane 2 is arranged at an angle 8 to the glazing
pane, the first glass pane 1 or the third glass pane 3. Consequently, the second side
of the first glass pane 1 and a second side of the third glass pane would be parallel
to the glazing unit plane. This might be easier as the further processing of the glazing
unit (e.g. in a window) can be handled as in state-of-the-art-glazing units. Obviously,
other arrangements are also possible. In one embodiment, the gap width function between
the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2 is the same as the gap width function
between the second glass pane 2 and the third glass pane. This can be achieved by
a glazing unit 10 with a second glass pane 2 parallel to the glazing unit 10 and first
and third glass pane 1 inclined with respect to the glazing unit plane.
[0027] Fig. 11 shows the transmission function of a radio signal in dependence of the radio
frequency between 1 GHz and 40 GHz for different embodiments of state-of-the-art triple-pane
glazing units each with a different fixed gap width between 6 mm and 24 mm (thin lines).
The fixed gap width in each embodiment shown is the same for the gap width between
the first and second glass pane 1, 2 and for the gap width between the second and
third glass pane 2, 3. For each of the embodiments, each of the first glass pane 1
(which is arranged at the most external side of the glazing unit) has a constant thickness
of 6 mm, while the second glass pane 2 and the third glass pane has a constant thickness
of 4 mm. The transmission coefficient drops to -15 dB at around 4 GHz (for 24 mm constant
gap width) or to -18 dB at 6 GHz (for 6 mm constant gap width). Further drops appear
at higher frequencies. An embodiment of a triple-pane glazing unit with a gap width
varying over glazing unit plane between a minimum gap width 4 and a maximum gap width
5 allows to significantly reduce said transmission drops. The thick black transmission
line drawn in Fig. 11 would be the theoretical minimum transmission line for an embodiment
as shown in Fig. 1 with the gap width varying between the minimum gap width 4 of 6
mm and the maximum gap width 5 of 24 mm. It can be clearly seen that the transmission
drop at around 5 GHz can be reduced to less than -4dB and the transmission drops at
higher frequencies can be removed.
[0028] One or more or all of the at least two glass panes may have a special coating e.g.,
for an increased thermal insulation. Preferably, such a coating is not covering the
whole pane surface but divided into (small) areas in order to allow radio signals
to go through.
[0029] In the embodiment described before, the gap width between first glass pane 1 and
the second glass pane 2 varies. In a less preferred embodiment, it is further possible
to achieve a high transmission coefficient over a large radio frequency spectrum (with
a constant gap width between the first glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2),
but with a thickness of the first glass pane varying between a minimum first glass
thickness and a maximum first glass thickness and/or with a thickness of the second
glass pane varying between a minimum second glass thickness and a maximum second glass
thickness. Examples for such glass panes 1, 2 with varying thickness where described
before and could analogously be combined with a constant gap width between the first
glass pane 1 and the second glass pane 2.
1. Glazing unit comprising at least two glass panes (1, 2), wherein the at least two
glass panes (1, 2) comprise a first glass pane (1) and a second glass pane (2),
characterized in that
the first glass pane (1) and the second glass pane (2) are configured such that the
gap width between the first glass pane (1) and the second glass pane (2) varies between
a minimum gap width (4) and a maximum gap width (5); and/or
a thickness of the first glass pane varies between a minimum first glass thickness
and a maximum first glass thickness; and/or
a thickness of the second glass pane varies between a minimum second glass thickness
and a maximum second glass thickness.
2. Glazing unit according to the previous claim, wherein the first glass pane (1) and
the second glass pane (2) is configured such that the gap width between the first
glass pane (1) and the second glass pane (2) varies between a minimum gap width (4)
and a maximum gap width (5)
3. Glazing unit according to the previous claim, wherein the transition from the minimum
gap width (4) and the maximum gap width (5) is continuous.
4. Glazing unit according to the previous claim, wherein the transition from the minimum
gap width (4) and the maximum gap width (5) is without an edge.
5. Glazing unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first glass pane
(1) has a constant thickness and/or the second glass pane (2) has a constant thickness.
6. Glazing unit according to the previous claims, wherein the first glass pane (1) has
a different thickness than the second glass pane (2).
7. Glazing unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first glass pane (1) has
the same thickness as the second glass pane (2).
8. Glazing unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first glass pane
(1) has a first surface facing towards the second glass pane (2), wherein the first
surface of the first glass pane (1) is flat, wherein the second glass pane (2) has
a first surface facing towards the first glass pane (1), wherein the first surface
of the second glass pane (2) is flat, wherein the first surface of first glass pane
(1) is arranged at an angle (8) with respect to the first surface of the second glass
pane (2)
9. Glazing unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first glass pane (1) has
a first surface facing towards the second glass pane (2), wherein the second glass
pane (2) has a first surface facing towards the first glass pane (1), wherein the
first surface of the first glass pane (1) and/or the first surface of the second glass
pane (2) is convex or concave.
10. Glazing unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the at least two glass
panes (1, 2) comprise a third glass pane (3).
11. Glazing unit according to the previous claim, wherein the second glass pane (2) is
arranged between the first glass pane (1) and the third glass pane (3), wherein the
first glass pane (1) and the third glass pane (3) are arranged parallel to each other.
12. Glazing unit according to one of the previous claims comprising a frame (6) for holding
the at least two glass panes (1, 2).
13. Glazing unit according to the previous claim, wherein the frame (6) has a rectangular
shape with two first lateral sides extending in a first glazing direction and two
second lateral sides extending in a second glazing direction, wherein the two first
lateral sides are opposed to each other, wherein the two second lateral sides are
opposed to each other.
14. Glazing unit according to claim 8 and 13, wherein the first glass pane (1) and the
second glass pane (2) are arranged such at the angle (8) that the gap width between
the first surface of the first glass pane (1) and the first surface of the second
glass pane (2) vary in the first glazing direction and the second glazing direction.
15. Window comprising a glazing unit (10) according to one of the previous claims.