WINDOW AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FRAMELESS SASH COVERING A FIXED FRAME

Abstract

 The present invention concerns a window comprising:
• a frameless sash comprising an inner glazing and an outer glazing separated by at least one gap defined within a peripheral spacer, an inner frame profile lodged within a volume defined between the inner and outer glazings and between the peripheral spacer and the inner and outer perimeters, the inner (10n) and outer (101) glazing comprising an inner (14n) and outer (141) peripheral region extending inwardly from an edge, along the inner and outer glazing perimeters, and having a visible light transmission, at least 50% lower than the inner (10n) and outer (1 01) glazing, and
• a fixed frame,
wherein, when the frameless sash is in the closed position, at least part of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is in the field of windows in the broad sense of the term, including openable windows such as casement windows, tilting windows, as well as non-openable windows. The windows comprise a sash coupled to a fixed frame mounted in an opening or tunnel of a wall or similar. The present invention concerns more particularly high-performance windows comprising a frameless sash defined by an inner surface bounded by an inner glazing perimeter and by an outer surface bounded by an outer glazing perimeter, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are made of an inner glazing and an outer glazing, the inner and outer glazings comprising no outer frame profile. The present invention proposes a novel concept of windows improving thermal insulation and offering new design opportunities with new aesthetic aspects available to the designers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Windows are typically composed by a sash coupled to a fixed frame mounted in an opening or tunnel of a wall or similar. The sash comprises one, two, or more glazings coupled to frame profiles extending over a part or a whole of a glazing perimeter. The frame profiles are typically made of metal, wood, polymer, or composite material. A glazing can consist of a single glass pane or of multiple glass panes. The frame profiles can be inner frame profiles or outer frame profiles. The term "inner frame profile" is herein understood to mean the frame profiles which are encased between at least two glazings so as not to extend beyond the glazings perimeters. The term "outer frame profile" by contrast, is understood to mean the frame profiles which are fixed to the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the glazing facing an inner and/or an outer environment of the window, respectively. The outer frame profiles are always visible at least from one of the inner or outer environment of the window. Typically, sashes comprising one or more glazings with no outer frame profile are designated as "frameless sashes". Frameless sashes have been available on the market for several years and are generally characterized by larger transparent see-through areas than corresponding sashes of same dimensions provided with an outer frame. Frameless sashes comprise an inner glazing defining the whole of the inner surface of the sash, and an outer glazing defining the whole of the outer surface of the sash, the inner and outer surfaces being bounded by inner and outer glazing perimeters. The inner and outer glazings are maintained separated and parallel to one another by at least one gap defined within a peripheral spacer and comprise no outer frame profile. Frameless sashes actually comprise an inner frame profile, which is encased between the inner and outer glazings and within the peripheral spacer(s) and the inner and outer glazing perimeters. It is formed by profiles which ends are coupled to one another to form the inner frame profile. The inner frame profile is designed to accommodate the hardware required for locking the frameless sash in a closed or a semi-open position (e.g., tilting). For casement windows, the hinges allowing opening and closing of a sash can also be enclosed within the inner frame profile so as not to be visible from either side of the window.

[0003] EP3228795 describes a frameless sash window, comprising an inner frame profile made of metal, wood encased between an outer and inner glazing. EP2436865 describes a frameless sash window comprising an inner frame profile made of polymer or aluminium encased between an outer and inner glazing.

[0004] The frameless sash is coupled to a fixed frame, itself being sealingly coupled to a perimeter of a tunnel defined by an opening in a wall, with an inner face of the fixed frame facing an inner environment and an outer face of the fixed frame facing an outer environment, such that the inner environment is separated from the outer environment by the wall and the window when the frameless sash is in the closed position.

[0005] The fixed frame can typically be formed by fixed frame profiles made of metal, wood, polymer, or a composite material. Metals may be chosen in particular among aluminium and steel. Aluminium has the advantage of being extremely weathering resistant, unlike wood and polymers in general, which are sensitive to UV. Because of the high thermal conductivity of aluminium, aluminium fixed frames are provided with one or more thermal barriers generally consisting of a polymer bloc, typically a thermoplastic bloc such as a polyamide bloc. Such polymer blocs, sandwiched between two aluminium elements, reduce the thermal conductivity across a thickness of the fixed frame, but increase the complexity and cost of production aluminium fixed frames.

[0006] The inner surface of the fixed frame is typically at least partly visible when the frameless sash is in the closed position. The inner surface of the fixed frame may for example be flush with the inner surfaces of the inner glazing, such as in EP3847335A1. Two contrasting surfaces are visible on the inside, that of the fixed frame and that of the inner glazing, and, these surfaces being furthermore next to the wall, leads to complicated aesthetic situations. In addition, the visibility of the inner surface of the fixed frame, discourages the use of material that is perceived as less aesthetic, such as polymers and composite materials and in particular recycled polymers such as recycled PVC (polyvinylchloride), but also recycled or composite wood materials, which have a nonuniform aspect.

[0007] The inner surface of the fixed frame may be hidden by the wall, in particular plaster boards, such as in EP3296498A1. Installation of such fixed frames is complicated and requires extensive finishing work after fixing the frame. When used for the replacement of existing windows, surrounding walling has to be partly removed and reinstalled after mounting the fixed frame in the wall opening.

[0008] The present invention proposes a highly energy-performant window comprising a frameless sash coupled to a fixed frame, which provides a uniform aesthetic aspect on the inside, combined with increased thermal insulation. These and other advantages are described in more details in the following sections. The present invention is particularly suited for fixed frame profiles made of recycled wood, wood composite, recycled polymer, or a recycled fibre reinforced polymer composite, or a combination thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is defined in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In particular, the present invention concerns a window comprising,

(a) A frameless sash comprising

• an inner glazing defining an inner surface bounded by an inner glazing perimeter, parallel to an outer surface of an outer glazing, bounded by an outer glazing perimeter, the inner and outer glazings being separated from one another by at least one gap defined within a peripheral spacer and comprising no outer frame profile,
• an inner frame profile lodged within a volume defined between the inner and outer glazings and between the peripheral spacer and the inner and outer perimeters,

wherein the inner glazing (10n) and the outer glazing (101) comprise an inner peripheral region (14n) and an outer peripheral region (141) extending inwardly from an edge of the inner and outer glazings, along the whole of the inner and outer glazing perimeters, respectively, to preferably at least the peripheral spacer (121, 12i) contacting the corresponding glazing, wherein the inner and outer peripheral regions have a visible light transmission, TL, at least 50% lower than the inner glazing (10n) and the outer glazing (1 01), outside of the respective inner and outer peripheral regions, and is preferably opaque,

(b) A fixed frame defining a frame opening having an outer face bounded by an outer frame perimeter mating the outer glazing perimeter and an inner face bounded by an inner frame perimeter, said fixed frame comprising,

• a fixed frame profile having an inner side and an outer side,
• receiving elements for coupling the frameless sash to the fixed frame in the closed position, closing the frame opening, wherein the inner and outer glazing perimeters of the frameless sash are coupled to the inner and outer frame perimeters of the fixed frame, respectively,

(c) Sealing elements mounted on the fixed frame and/or on the frameless sash to form a seal between the fixed frame and the frameless sash when the latter is in the closed position, for sealingly closing the frame opening when the frameless sash is in the closed position,

wherein, when the frameless sash is in the closed position, at least part of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

[0010] Covering a part of the fixed frame by the frameless sashes inner glazing reduces the amount of heat exchange, in particular by radiation and/or convection, between the fixed frame and the inner environment. Furthermore, it may help to achieve more desirable aesthetic properties and in particular help to hide from view fixed frame materials that may be perceived as visually less pleasing, even though they may be more economic.

[0011] The receiving elements are suitable for coupling the frameless sash to the fixed frame in one of the following manners,

• the frameless sash is fixedly coupled to the fixed frame in the closed position, or
• the frameless sash is movingly coupled to the fixed frame such that the frameless sash can reversibly move with respect to the fixed frame from the closed position to an open position wherein the frameless sash leaves open at least a portion of the frame opening, either

  ∘ by rotation of the frameless sash about hinges fixed to the fixed frame and defining a rotating axis parallel to the outer surface when the frameless sash is in the closed position, or

  ∘ by rotation of the frameless sash about hinges fixed to the fixed frame and defining a rotating axis parallel to the outer surface when the frameless sash is in the closed position, combined with displacing the rotation axis of the frameless with respect to the fixed frame, so that the position of said rotation axis will vary as a function of the degree of opening of the frameless sash.

[0012] The fixed frame profile can be made of metal, wood, polymer, a fibre reinforced polymer composite, in particular recycled wood, wood composite, recycled polymer, a recycled fibre reinforced polymer composite, or a combination thereof. It preferably has a frame heat transfer coefficient, Uf, of not more than 2.7 W / m² K, preferably of not more than 2.4 W / m² K, more preferably of not more than 1.7 W / m² K, more preferably of not more than 1.4 W / m² K. The fixed frame extends from a perimeter inwards and has a height H21 extending inwards of not more than 130 mm, preferably not more than 110 mm and more preferably not more than 70 mm, even more preferably not more than 50 mm, most preferably not more than 40mm. The fixed frame may extend inwards for a height H21 of at least 20mm. The fixed frame profile height H21 is measured parallel to the outer surface of the outer glazing when the frameless sash is in the closed position.

[0013] In one embodiment, the frameless sash comprises one intermediate glazing forming a three glazing unit formed by an outer-, intermediate-, and inner-glazings separated from one another by two gaps, each gap being defined within a peripheral spacer. In an alternative embodiment, the frameless sash comprises two intermediate glazings forming a four glazing unit formed by an outer-, first intermediate-, second intermediate-, and inner-glazings separated from one another by three gaps, each one defined within a peripheral spacer.

[0014] The frameless sash is preferably movingly coupled to the fixed frame. In many embodiments, the inner glazing perimeter is larger than the outer glazing perimeter, wherein in a projection onto the outer surface, the outer glazing perimeter is comprised within the inner glazing perimeter.

[0015] The inner glazing and the outer glazing comprise an inner peripheral region and an outer peripheral region extending inwardly from an edge of the inner and outer glazings, along the whole of the inner and outer glazing perimeters, respectively, to preferably at least the peripheral spacer contacting the corresponding glazing. In order to hide the inner surface of the fixed frame, it is preferred that the inner and outer peripheral regions have a visible light transmission, TL, at least 50% lower than the inner glazing and the outer glazing, outside of the respective inner and outer peripheral regions. The inner and outer peripheral regions are preferably translucent or opaque. TL is measured according to standard EN410:201 1 with illuminant D65.

[0016] At least one glazing can be provided with at least a heat ray reflection film or a low-emissivity film. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the glazing can be an interactive glazing, preferably selected among an electrochromic, thermochromic, or photochromic device, interstitial blinds, a photovoltaic device, a multimedia connection, an antenna, communication means, a TV set, a light source including a LED, a loudspeaker, a sensor including an irradiance-, temperature-, or acoustic- sensor, or a combination thereof. The window can comprise a mechanically, pneumatically or electrically actuating device for reversibly moving the frameless sash with respect to the fixed frame from the closed position to the open position. A remote-control system, including a receiver integrated in the frameless sash and/or the fixed frame can be provided for actuating the moving of the frameless sash or a functional element.

[0017] The glazings of the frameless sash preferably have a thermal transmittance coefficient, Ug, of not more than 1.0 W / m² K, more preferably of not more than 0.7 W / m² K and even not more than 0.5 W / m²K.

[0018] The window of the present invention, when the frameless sash is in the closed position, with at least 50% , at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame being covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n), may provide a heat transfer coefficient Ufg of the fixed frame covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing of not more than 0.9 x Uf, in particular not more than 0.8 x Uf. The larger the amount of surface of the inner face of the fixed frame that is covered, the larger the reduction of the heat transfer coefficient in the covered area. It is to be understood that if the fixed frame profile is exposed to the inside environment, then the inner face of the fixed frame profile is the inner face of the fixed frame.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, a cover plate (22) is coupled to and covering at least 10% of a surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame profile over substantially a whole of the outer frame perimeter. The cover plate may be made of metal, a UV-resistant polymer or a UV-resistant fibre-reinforced polymer composite. The cover plate thus forms a barrier against water and UV for the sealing elements and at least for part of the fixed frame profile.

[0020] The present invention also concerns an assembly comprising:

• a wall separating an inner environment from an outer environment and provided with a through opening in the form of a tunnel defined by a tunnel perimeter, and
• at least a window as defined supra, wherein the fixed frame is sealingly coupled to the tunnel perimeter, with the inner face of the fixed frame facing the inner environment and the outer face facing the outer environment, such that the inner environment is separated from the outer environment by the window when the frameless sash is in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1: shows a transverse section of a window according to the present invention comprising a frameless sash made of three glazings separated by two peripheral spacers (a) in a closed position, and (b) in an open position.

Figure 2: shows various types of windows according to the present invention, (a) casement window with two frameless sashes opening by rotation about vertical axes (= stulp windows) (b) casement window with one frameless sash opening by rotation about a vertical axis, and (c) tilting window opening by rotation about a horizontal axis.

Figure 3: shows a transverse section of a window according to the present invention comprising a frameless sash made of three glazings separated by two peripheral spacers, in a closed position, (a) where the entirety of the inner face of the fixed frame and a portion of the inner wall surface (31) adjacent the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n), and (b) where the fixed frame is provided with a thermal breakage element (23).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] As illustrated in Figure 1(a), the present invention concerns a window comprising a frameless sash (10) coupled to a fixed frame (20).

Frameless Sash

[0023] The frameless sash comprises an inner glazing (10n) defining an inner surface (10b) bounded by an inner glazing perimeter, parallel to an outer surface (10a) of an outer glazing (101), bounded by an outer glazing perimeter. The inner and outer glazings are separated from one another by at least one gap (131) defined within a peripheral spacer (121) and comprise no outer frame profile. The gap (131) can also be referred to as an interspace or a cavity. Typically, the peripheral spacer comprises a desiccant and has typically a thickness equal to or greater than 6 mm. In general, the gap is filled with a gas which can be selected from the group consisting of air, dry air, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), carbon dioxide or a combination thereof. Said predetermined gas are effective for preventing heat transfer and/or may be used to reduce sound transmission.

[0024] The frameless sash actually comprises an inner frame profile, (1 1) extending over a whole perimeter of the frameless sash. The inner frame profile is lodged within a volume defined between the inner and outer glazings and between the peripheral spacer and the inner and outer perimeters. Because the inner frame profile does not extend beyond the inner and outer glazing perimeters, such sashes are called frameless sashes although they do comprise a frame, albeit an inner frame profile. The frameless sash is devoid of an outer frame profile, i.e. devoid of even partial frame elements which are fixed to the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the inner and/or outer glazing, respectively. The frameless sash is preferably devoid of any outer element hiding any part of the inner and/or outer surface of the inner and/or outer glazing, respectively. Such outer elements may be for instance edge protection elements or edge protection profiles. The frameless sash more preferably comprises inner and/or outer glazings which inner and/or outer surfaces are visible in its entirety, respectively. Most preferably, the inner and outer surfaces of the inner and outer glazings are visible in their entirety.

[0025] The inner frame profile can be made of wood, polymer, fibre reinforced composite, or metal such as steel or aluminium. It is, however, preferred that the profile is not made of metal for reasons of optimized thermal insulation. The inner frame profile encloses hardware required for locking / unlocking the frameless sash in an open or closed position.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the frameless sash can comprise one intermediate glazing (10i) forming a three glazing unit formed by an outer- (101), intermediate- (10i = 102), and inner-glazing (10n = 103) separated from one another by two gaps (131, 13i = 132), each gap being defined within a peripheral spacer (121, 12i = 122). In an alternative embodiment, the glazing can comprise two intermediate glazing (10i) forming a four glazing unit formed by an outer- (101), first intermediate- (10i = 102), second intermediate- (10(i+1) = 103), and inner-glazing (10n = 104) separated from one another by three gaps (131, 13i = 132, 13(i+1) = 133), each one defined within a peripheral spacer (121,12i).

[0027] In order to hide the inner frame profile and most of the hardware enclosed therein from sight from both inner and outer environments separated by the window, the inner glazing (10n) and the outer glazing (101) comprise a inner peripheral region (14n) and an outer peripheral region (141) extending inwardly over a height defined from an edge of the inner and outer glazings, along the whole of the inner and outer glazing perimeters, respectively, to preferably at least the peripheral spacer (121, 12i) contacting the corresponding glazing. The inner and outer peripheral regions have a visible light transmission, TL, at least 50% lower than the inner glazing (10n) and the outer glazing (101), respectively, outside of the respective inner and outer peripheral regions, and is preferably opaque. For example, the peripheral region can be enamelled, or etched or sand-blasted to create a texture yielding a translucent peripheral region. The peripheral region can also be made (partially) opaque or translucent by applying a film. The peripheral region can also be colored or comprise decorative patterns. To increase the transparent see-through area of the frameless sash (i.e., the see-through area of the window when the frameless sash is in the closed position), the height of the peripheral region, measured from an edge toward the centre of a glazing is preferably comprised between 10 and 120 mm., In particular, to cover at the same time at least part of the inner face of the fixed frame with the inner peripheral region (14n), the height of the inner peripheral region (14n), measured from an edge toward the centre of a glazing is preferably comprised between 60 and 120 mm. In particular, the height of the outer peripheral region (141) may be smaller than the height of the inner peripheral region (14n). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height of the outer peripheral region (141), measured from an edge toward the centre of a glazing is comprised between 10 and 100mm. more preferably between 15 and 80 mm, most preferably, between 20 and 60 mm.

Glazing

[0028] The glazing of the present invention can consist of a single glass pane or multiple glass panes. The single or multiple glass panes can be chosen among float clear, extra-clear or coloured glass. In particular and for aesthetic purposes, the glazing can be a decorative glazing such as a painted or etched or sand-blasted glazing or a combination thereof. The term "glass" is herein understood to mean any type of glass or equivalent transparent material, such as a mineral glass or an organic glass. The mineral glasses used may be irrespectively one or more known types of glass such as soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate, crystalline and polycrystalline glasses. The glass pane can be obtained by a floating process, a drawing process, a rolling process or any other process known for manufacturing a glass pane starting from a molten glass composition. The glass pane can optionally be edge-ground. Edge grinding renders sharp edges into smooth edges which are much safer for people who could come into contact with a glass pane, in particular with the edge of frameless sash. Preferably, the glass pane according to the invention is made of soda-lime-silica glass, aluminosilicate glass or borosilicate glass. More preferably and for reasons of lower production costs, the glass pane is made of a soda-lime-silica glass.

[0029] To maintain the high mechanical performance and/or to further improve the safety of the frameless sash, at least one glazing preferably consists of a single pre-stressed glass pane. For example, the inner glazing (10n) and/or the outer glazing (101) can be pre-stressed glass panes. A pre-stressed glass is a heat strengthened glass, a thermally toughened safety glass, or a chemically strengthened glass. Aluminosilicate-type glass compositions, such as for example those from the products range DragonTrail^® from Asahi Glass Co. or those from the products range Gorilla^® from Corning Inc., are also known to be suitable for chemical tempering.

[0030] Preferably, the composition for at least one of the glass panes of the frameless sash of the present invention comprises the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of glass. Comp. A is an example of a first embodiment of glass composition, and Comp. B is an example of a soda-lime-silicate-type glass with a base glass matrix.

	Comp. A	Comp. B
SiO2	40 - 78%	60 - 78 wt%
Al2O3	0 - 18%	0 - 8 wt%, pref 0 - 6 wt%
B2O3	0 - 18%	0 - 4 wt%, pref 0 - 1 wt%
Na2O	0 - 20%	5-20 wt%, pref 10 - 20 wt%
CaO	0 - 15%	0 - 1 5 wt%, pref 5 - 1 5 wt%
MgO	0 - 10%	0-10 wt%, pref 0 - 8 wt%
K2O	0 - 10%	0-10 wt%
BaO	0 - 5%	0-5 wt%, pref 0 - 1 wt%.

[0031] Other preferred glass compositions for at least one of the glass panes of the frameless sash of the present invention comprise the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of glass:

Comp. C	Comp. D	Comp. E
65 ≤ SiO2 ≤ 78 wt%	60 ≤ SiO2 ≤ 78 %	65 ≤ SiO2 ≤ 78 wt%
5 ≤ Na2O ≤ 20 wt%	5 ≤ Na2O ≤ 20 %	5 ≤ Na2O ≤ 20 wt%
0 ≤ K2O < 5 wt%	0.9 < K2O ≤ 12 %	1 ≤ K2O < 8 wt%
1 ≤ Al2O3 < 6 wt%, pref 3 < Al2O3 ≤ 5 %	4.9 ≤ Al2O3 ≤ 8 %	1 ≤ Al2O3 < 6 wt%
0 ≤ CaO < 4.5 wt%	0.4 < CaO < 2 %	2 ≤ CaO < 10 wt%
4 ≤ MgO ≤ 12 wt%	4 < MgO ≤ 12 %	0 ≤ MgO ≤ 8 wt%
MgO / (MgO + CaO) ≥ 0.5, pref. ≤ 0.88		K2O/(K2O+Na2O) : 0.1 - 0.7.
MgO / (MgO + CaO) < 1.

[0032] Other examples of base glass matrices for glass pane compositions suitable for the present invention are described in WO2015/150207, WO2015/150403 WO2016/091672, WO2016/169823, and WO2018/001965.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a glass pane can comprise one or more layers such as low emissivity layers, heat ray reflection layers (solar control layers), anti-reflective layers, anti-fog layers. The one or more layers can be coated or applied as one or more films. At least one glazing (101, 10i, 10n) preferably comprises a glass pane provided with a heat ray reflection layer or a low emissivity layer for improving the thermal insulating properties of the frameless sash.

[0034] Within the present invention and for improving the thermal insulating performance, as well as safety or acoustic performance, at least one of the glazing (101, 10i, 10n) of the frameless sash can be a multiple glazing. In particular, the multiple glazing can be selected among a vacuum insulating glazing (VIG) to yield particularly high insulating properties, or a laminated glazing to enhance safety and acoustic performances.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment at least one of the glazings (101, 10i, 10n) of the frameless sash can be an interactive glazing. The term "interactive glazing" is herein understood to mean a glazing integrating functional elements capable of responding to an external stimulation from the environment and/or from a user. For example, the interactive glazing can integrate functional elements including one or more of an electrochromic, thermochromic, or photochromic device, interstitial blinds, a photovoltaic device, a multimedia connection, an antenna, communication means, a TV set, a light source including a LED, a loudspeaker, a sensor including an irradiance-, temperature-, acoustic- sensor, and the like, or a combination thereof. The electrochromic device and the interstitial blinds can be controlled manually, with a switch or a remote control, or they can be coupled to a sensor measuring the light irradiation and by a controller automatically controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic device as a function of the level of irradiation or setting the blind position.

[0036] The windows of the present invention are preferably highly energy-efficient. For this reason, it is preferred that the glazings of the frameless sash (i.e., the transparent see-through area of the frameless sash) have a thermal transmittance coefficient, Ug, of not more than 1.0 W / m² K, preferably of not more than 0.7 W / m² K, or even not more than 0.5 W / m² K.

Fixed Frame

[0037] The frameless sash (10) is coupled to a fixed frame (20) defining a frame opening. The frame opening has an outer face bounded by an outer frame perimeter of the fixed frame, mating the outer glazing perimeter of the frameless sash, and has an inner face bounded by an inner frame perimeter of the fixed frame. The frame opening accommodates the frameless sash or sashes when the window is closed and brings in fluid communication the inner and outer environments when the window is open. The fixed frame is formed by one or more fixed frame profiles (21) . The fixed frame profile may be made of metal, wood, polymer, a fibre reinforced polymer composite or a combination thereof. In particular, the fixed frame profile may be made of a weathering-sensitive material such as wood or some polymers or fibre reinforced polymer composite materials (which are sensitive to UV-radiation or to hydrolysis). The fixed frame profile has an inner face facing the inner environment and comprising the inner frame perimeter of the fixed frame, and an outer face facing the outer environment and comprising the outer frame perimeter of the fixed frame. When the frameless sash is in the closed position, at least part of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n). Depending on shape and aesthetic and technical preferences, different areas of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame may be covered to different degrees by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably 100% of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n). Increased coverage limits the contact surface of the fixed frame with the inner atmosphere where heat exchanges can occur, and insulation of the window is thus improved. At the same time, the visual appearance may be improved.

[0039] The fixed frame has a thickness, W20, measured normal to the outer surface (10a) when the frameless sash is in the closed position, which is equal to the sum of the thicknesses, W21 and W22, of the fixed frame profile and of the optional cover plate if present (i.e., W20 = W21 + W22). The fixed frame profile is made of a material selected for its high insulating properties, whilst generally, for guaranteeing a high thermal insulation, the thickness W21 may be increased, the present invention allows for a reduction of the width of the fixed frame profile, as the inner glazing compensates for any loss of thermal insulation.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% of the surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame, projected onto the inner glazing (10n), is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n). The outer face and inner face of the fixed frame may have different dimensions, the larger of those dimensions defining the size of the wall opening in a building covered by the window. This wall opening defines the area where the building's insulation is lower. Covering by the inner glazing a greater portion of this opening improves insulation of the window.

[0041] The fixed frame is provided with receiving elements for coupling the frameless sash to the fixed frame in the closed position, closing the frame opening, wherein the inner and outer glazing perimeters of the frameless sash are coupled to the inner and outer frame perimeters of the fixed frame, respectively. In particular, the receiving elements are designated to accommodate the hardware of the inner frame profile of the frameless sash.

[0042] The frameless sash can be fixedly coupled to the fixed frame in the closed position and can be designed to not open at any moment. The fixed coupling can be reversible, in that the frameless sash can be dismounted from the fixed frame but cannot open and close like a typical window, while remaining coupled to the fixed frame.

[0043] In another embodiment, the frameless sash can be coupled to the fixed frame such that it can be reversibly moved with respect to the fixed frame (20) from a closed position, sealing the frame opening, to an open position, exposing part or the whole of the frame opening either

• by rotation of the frameless sash about hinges fixed to the fixed frame and defining a rotating axis parallel to the outer surface (10a) when the sash is in the closed position, or
• by rotation of the frameless sash about hinges fixed to the fixed frame and defining a rotating axis parallel to the outer surface (10a) when the frameless sash is in the closed position combined with displacing the rotation axis of the frameless with respect to the fixed frame, so that the position of said rotation axis will vary as a function of the degree of opening of the frameless sash.

[0044] The fixed frame profile (21), is preferably highly thermally performant. In particular, the heat transfer coefficient, Uf, of the fixed frame profile is not more than 1.4 W / m² K, preferably not more than 0.7 W / m² K and more preferably not more than 0.5 W / m² K. The fixed frame profile of a window according to the present invention can be made of metal, wood, polymer, a fibre reinforced polymer composite or a combination thereof. Because of the additional insulation provided by the inner glazing (10n) covering the inner fixed frame face, even aluminium fixed frames can be used, despite having worse heat transfer coefficients, Uf. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixed frame extends from a perimeter inwards and has a height H21 extending inwards of preferably not more than 70 mm, more preferably not more than 50 mm and most preferably not more than 40mm. Limiting the height of the fixed frame profile allows the available frame opening area of to be increased for a given fixed frame perimeter or wall opening of a building.

[0045] In particular when the fixed frame profile is made of a highly thermally insulating material which is generally weathering-sensitive, a cover plate (22) may be coupled to and cover at least 10% of a surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame profile over substantially a whole of the outer perimeter of the fixed frame profile. The cover plate has the function of protecting the fixed frame profile from weathering by exposure to UV and humidity. A portion of the fixed frame profile can be embedded in the wall and therefore not exposed to the outer environment. The cover plate can therefore preferably cover up to 100% of the exposed surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame profile when it is mounted in a tunnel of a wall (i.e., 100% of the surface area which is not embedded in the wall). The cover plate can cover from 20 to 100% of the surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame profile, preferably from 30 to 90%, more preferably from 40 to 80%.

[0046] The cover plate is used to protect the weathering-sensitive material of the fixed frame profile from aggressions by the external environment, especially UV-light, and also for protecting the fixed frame profile as well as the inner frame profile of the frameless sash from external moisture and water. To fulfil these requirements, the cover plate is made of a weathering-resistant material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminium or steel), UV-resistant polymers or composite materials, or ceramics.

[0047] When the frameless sash is in the closed position, the outer face of the fixed frame may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer glazing (101). With the inner glazing (10n) covering at least part of the inner face of the fixed frame, a window with a mostly continuous smooth surface without any protrusion nor any significant recesses extending over the whole area of both sides of the window is provided. Besides obvious aesthetical advantages, this configuration is particularly advantageous in terms of cleaning as, on the first hand, there are no corners, edges, etc. wherein dirt can accumulate and become difficult to remove and, on the second hand, the whole of both inner and outer surfaces of the window can be cleaned with a continuous movement of a squeegee, thus substantially facilitating cleaning of the window. Furthermore, since all sealing elements are internal (i.e., located between the inner and outer glazings of the frameless sash when it is in the closed position), rainwater or cleaning water flows over the surface of the glazing without substantially contacting any sealing element.

[0048] In an alternate embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, when the frameless sash is in the closed position, a portion of the outer peripheral region (141) of the outer glazing may be at least partly covered the fixed frame (20), in particular by the cover plate if present. With the inner glazing (10n) covering at least part of the inner face of the fixed frame, a window with a mostly continuous smooth surface without any protrusion nor any significant recesses extending over the whole area of inner face of the window is provided, while providing a more traditional look on the outside.

Sealing Elements

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the window of the present invention comprises sealing elements (3) for sealingly closing the frame opening when the frameless sash is in the closed position, i.e., when the frameless sash closes the frame opening, with the inner and outer glazing perimeters of the frameless sash being coupled to the inner and outer frame perimeters of the fixed frame, respectively. Sealing elements participate in prevent leakage of air and/or water between an outer environment and an inner environment, through gaps between fixed frame and frameless sash.

[0050] The sealing elements can be mounted on the fixed frame, e.g., at an inner edge of the fixed frame profile which is transverse to the inner and outer faces of the fixed frame profile, and/or at the cover plate. Alternatively, or concomitantly, the sealing elements can be mounted on the frameless sash at an outer edge transverse to the inner and outer surfaces. When the frameless sash is in the closed position, the sealing elements are deformed as the outer edge of the frameless sash fits into the mating inner edge of the fixed frame, thus forming a seal between the fixed frame and the frameless sash when the latter is in the closed position. Sealing elements are typically made of rubber or plastic. They may be provided along the periphery of the window element, fixe frame and/or frameless sash, on which they are mounted. Multiple parallel sealing elements may be provided on each window element.

Insulating Element

[0051] Insulating elements (4) may be mounted on the fixed frame (20) and/or on the frameless sash (10), to form an insulating seal between the fixed frame and the frameless sash when the latter is in the closed position. Insulating elements (4) may in particular be mounted on the fixed frame and/or on the inner glazing (10n), in particular in between the inner peripheral region (14n) and the inner face of the fixed frame, so that the insulating elements can be hidden from view.

[0052] Alternatively, or concomitantly, insulating elements (4) may be mounted on the fixed frame in between the wall and the fixed frame.

[0053] Insulating elements, in addition to preventing leakage of air and/or water between an outer environment and an inner environment, may prevent or reduce thermal bridging between abutting parts. They may in particular prevent thermal bridging between the inner face of a fixed frame and the inner glazing of a frameless sash (10) and/or between a fixed frame and a wall.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the window of the present invention may comprise insulating elements (4) for breaking the thermal bridge between the inner glazing (10n) and the fixed frame when the frameless sash is in the closed position, i.e., when the frameless sash closes the frame opening, with the inner and outer glazing perimeters of the frameless sash being coupled to the inner and outer frame perimeters of the fixed frame, respectively. The insulating elements can be mounted on the fixed frame, e.g., at an inner surface of the fixed frame profile. Alternatively, or concomitantly, the insulating elements can be mounted on the inner glazing's surface abutting to the fixed frames inner surface. When the frameless sash is in the closed position, such insulating elements are compressed between the inner surface of the fixed frame and the inner glazing of the frameless sash.

[0055] Insulating elements (4) may typically be made of compressible insulating materials. When the frameless sash (10) is in a closed position, insulating elements (4) may for example be compressed in between the inner glazing and the inner face of the fixed frame. Also, when a fixed frame is mounted in a wall opening, insulating elements may be compressed between the wall and the fixed frame.

[0056] Compressible insulating materials may typically be polymer foams, in particular closed cell polymer foams or open cell polymer foams. Compressible insulating materials may for example be chosen among foams of polyethylene, polyurethane, neoprene, silicone, or ethylene propylene diene monomer. Compressible insulating material may for example have a thermal conductivity of between 0.025 to 0.060 W/m.K, preferably between 0.030 to 0.050 W/m.K and in particular between 0.032 and 0.040 W/m.K.

[0057] In addition to improving thermal insulation, the insulating elements of the present invention may also improve acoustic insulation of the glazing according to the present invention.

Coupling of the Frameless Sash to the Fixed Frame

[0058] The fixed frame comprises receiving elements for coupling the frameless sash to the fixed frame in the closed position, closing the frame opening. As mentioned supra, the frameless sash can be fixedly coupled to the fixed frame, in that the frameless sash cannot be open and closed easily (it can possibly be removed from the fixed frame but cannot open the frame opening while still coupled to the fixed frame).

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the frameless sash is movingly coupled to the fixed frame such that the frameless sash can reversibly move with respect to the fixed frame (20) from the closed position to an open position wherein the frameless sash leaves open at least a portion of the frame opening, with the frameless sash remaining coupled to the fixed frame.

[0060] Figure 2 illustrates different possible configurations of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2(a) shows a casement window (it could be a glass-door if the frameless sashes extend to the floor), comprising two moving frameless sashes mounted on hinges (40) aligned such as to define vertical axes of rotation. This window design can also be referred to as "stulp." The triangles in dashed lines indicate the direction of opening, with the summit indicating the edge opposite to the hinges and moving away from the fixed frame and the (vertical) base indicating the axis of rotation defined by the positions of the hinges. Figure 2(b) shows a similar casement window as in Figure 2(a) but comprising a single frameless sash instead of two frameless sashes.

[0062] Figure 2(c) shows a tilting frameless sash coupled to the fixed frame by hinges located at the lower horizontal edge of the fixed frame. The top edge of the frameless sash can thus be moved away from the top edge of the fixed frame by rotation about a horizontal rotating axis. Most tilting sashes can also be opened by rotation about a vertical axis of rotation as discussed with respect to Figure 2(b), thus combining both modes of opening. Such windows are called "tilt and turn" windows.

[0063] In a particular embodiment and as clearly illustrated in Figure 1, it is preferred that the frameless sash is movingly coupled to the fixed frame and the inner glazing perimeter of the frameless sash is larger than the outer glazing perimeter, with a projection of the outer glazing perimeter onto the outer surface being comprised within a projection of the inner glazing perimeter. Of course, the fixed frame has a matching geometry with a larger inner perimeter of the frame opening than the outer perimeter of the frame opening. This gives the great advantage of enhancing sealing of the interface between the frameless sash and the fixed frame. Indeed, as illustrated in Figure 1, several surfaces of both sash and fixed frame, which are substantially parallel to the outer surface, when the frameless sash is in the closed position, can thus face each other and abut when the frameless sash in the closed position. By providing sealing elements between two such facing and abutting surfaces, a tight sealed contact can be formed between the frameless sash and the fixed frame. By providing insulating elements between facing and abutting surfaces of the inner glazing and the fixed frame, additional insulation between the fixed frame and the inner environment is provided.

[0064] The slope formed by a straight line extending between the inner glazing perimeter and the recessed outer glazing perimeter is preferably comprised between 30° and 60° and is preferably equal to 45°± 5° for optimizing the sealing contact between the frameless sash and fixed frame. The same applies for stulp windows, wherein central vertical edges of two frameless sashes contact as illustrated in Figure 2(a). It can be seen in Figure 2(a), that contrary to the frameless sash on the left-hand side characterized by a trapezoidal cross-section according to the discussion supra, the frameless sash on the right-hand side has a parallelogram cross-section, with the inner glazing perimeter being recessed with respect to the outer glazing perimeter at the level of the central vertical edge contacting the left-hand side sash in the closed position. This way, the central vertical edges of the two sashes sealingly meet and mate in the closed position.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the frameless sash is in the closed position, the entirety of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n). Thereby only the inner glazing is visible from the interior and the fixed frame is invisible. Thereby different aesthetic choices are possible, for example materials perceived as less noble may be used, such a polymer, for example PVC (polyvinylchloride), or fibre reinforced polymer composite, and in particular recycled polymer materials that may have a less homogeneous aspect.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, such as illustrated in Figure 3(a), when the frameless sash is in the closed position, and at least a portion of the inner wall surface (31) adjacent the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n). Walls and window frames are subjected to movements, for example due to thermal expansion or humidity, that may lead to the appearance of cracks where both are in contact. Such cracks may be covered by the frameless sash extending beyond the fixed frame's inner face. As at the same time at least part of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n). Advantageously, the entirety of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, such as illustrated in Figure 3(b), the fixed frame (20) is provided with a thermal breakage element (23). Such thermal breakage elements are used to limit thermal conduction through the fixed frame, in particular when fixed frame materials with high thermal conductivity are used, in particular metallic fixed frames of steel and aluminum. Thermal breakage elements limit thermal conduction through the fixed frame and, in combination with the additional thermal insulation provided by the inner glazing covering a portion of the inner face of the fixed frame, further increases the overall insulation of the window. Materials of such thermal breakage elements are typically chosen from, polyurethane resin, polyamide, polyamide reinforced with 25% glass fiber, PVC, expanded polystyrene (EPS), wood fibre insulating board or, high-density polyethylene foam with a self-adhesive backing.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the window comprises a mechanically, pneumatically or electrically actuating device for reversibly moving the frameless sash (10) with respect to the fixed frame (20) from the closed position to the open position and reverse. The actuating device can be activated with a switch located on the window or on the wall (30) supporting the window. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuating device can be activated by means of a remote-control system, including a receiver integrated in the frameless sash and/or the fixed frame for actuating the moving of the frameless sash. The remote-control system can preferably also control any functionality of the glazing as discussed supra in the section entitled "glazing", such as an electrochromic device, a multimedia connection, an antenna, communication means, a TV set, a light source including a LED, a loudspeaker, a sensor, and the like.

[0069] While the present invention concerns true windows comprising a true frameless sash, that is with no outer framing profile. It is obvious, though aesthetically less desirable, that alternatives with an outer framing profile, on the inner or outer glazing, are feasible. Reasons for having such an outer framing profile may be the desire to provide added edge protection for example or the desire to obtain a more traditional look, for a better fit in a certain architectural setting for example.

Window Assembly

[0070] The window of the present invention is used for allowing light to pass through an opening in a wall. In many cases, a window can be opened to bring in fluid communication inner and outer environments separated from one another by said wall. To this purpose, the wall (30), which separates the inner environment from the outer environment, is provided with a through opening in the form of a tunnel (30t) defined by a tunnel perimeter. The fixed frame (20) is sealingly coupled to the tunnel perimeter, with the inner face of the fixed frame facing the inner environment and the outer face of the fixed frame facing the outer environment. When the frameless sash is in the closed position, the inner environment is separated from the outer environment by the window.

[0071] The opening ratio, A0 = Af / At, defined above, wherein Af, and At are the areas of the frame opening and of the tunnel, respectively, depends on the dimensions of the fixed frame. The thermal insulation of the fixed frame increases generally with the fixed frame profile width W21. Generally, the fixed frame thermal insulation may also be increased by adding chambers in the fixed frame profile, which may increase the frame profile width W21 and/or the fixed frame profile height H21. Such usual strategies for increasing the fixed frame thermal insulation tend to decrease the opening ratio A0, whereas with the present invention, the thermal conduction through the fixed frame may be decreased without decreasing the opening ratio A0.

REF	FEATURE
3	Sealing element
4	Insulating element
10	Frameless sash
10a	Outer surface of outer glazing
10b	Inner surface of inner glazing
10i	Intermediate glazing
10m	Moving frameless sash
10n	Inner glazing
101	Outer glazing
11	inner frame profile
12i	Intermediate spacer
121	Peripheral spacer
131	Gap adjacent to outer glazing 101
13i	Gap adjacent to glazing 10i
141	Peripheral region of the outer glazing
14n	Peripheral region of the inner glazing
20	Fixed frame
21	Fixed frame profile
22	Cover plate
23	Thermal breakage element
30	Wall
30t	Wall tunnel
31	Inner wall surface
40	Hinges
A0	Opening ratio
Af	Area of the frame opening
At	Area of the tunnel
H21	Fixed frame profile height
W20	Thickness of fixed frame
W21	Thickness of fixed frame profile
W22	Thickness of cover plate
W30	Wall thickness

Claims

1. A window comprising,

(a) A frameless sash (10) comprising

• an inner glazing (10n) defining an inner surface (10b) bounded by an inner glazing perimeter, parallel to an outer surface (10a) of an outer glazing (101), bounded by an outer glazing perimeter, the inner and outer glazings being separated from one another by at least one gap (131, 13i) defined within a peripheral spacer (121, 12i) and comprising no outer frame profile,

• an inner frame profile (1 1) lodged within a volume defined between the inner and outer glazings and between the peripheral spacer and the inner and outer perimeters,

wherein the inner glazing (10n) and the outer glazing (101) comprise an inner peripheral region (14n) and an outer peripheral region (141) extending inwardly from an edge of the inner and outer glazings, along the whole of the inner and outer glazing perimeters, respectively, to preferably at least the peripheral spacer (121, 12i) contacting the corresponding glazing, wherein the inner and outer peripheral regions have a visible light transmission, TL, at least 50% lower than the inner glazing (10n) and the outer glazing (101), outside of the respective inner and outer peripheral regions, and is preferably opaque,

(b) A fixed frame (20) defining a frame opening having an outer face bounded by an outer frame perimeter mating the outer glazing perimeter and an inner face bounded by an inner frame perimeter, said fixed frame comprising,

• a fixed frame profile (21) having an inner face and an outer face

• receiving elements for coupling the frameless sash to the fixed frame in the closed position, closing the frame opening, wherein the inner and outer glazing perimeters of the sash are coupled to the inner and outer frame perimeters of the fixed frame, respectively,

(c) Sealing elements (3) mounted on the fixed frame and/or on the frameless sash to form a seal between the fixed frame and the sash when the latter is in the closed position, for sealingly closing the frame opening when the sash is in the closed position,

characterized in that,
when the frameless sash is in the closed position, at least 60% of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

2. Window according to claim 1, wherein when the frameless sash is in the closed position,

• at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%, most preferably 100% of the surface area of the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

3. Window according to any one preceding claim, wherein the fixed frame has a height, H21, of not more than 1 30 mm, preferably not more than 1 1 0 mm and more preferably not more than 70 mm, even more preferably not more than 50 mm, most preferably not more than 40mm.

4. Window according to any one preceding claim, wherein when the frameless sash is in the closed position,

• at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% of the surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame, projected onto the inner glazing (10n), is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

5. Window according to any one preceding claim, wherein the receiving elements are suitable for coupling the frameless sash to the fixed frame in one of the following manners,

• the frameless sash is fixedly coupled to the fixed frame in the closed position, or

• the frameless sash is movingly coupled to the fixed frame such that the frameless sash can reversibly move with respect to the fixed frame (20) from the closed position to an open position wherein the frameless sash leaves open at least a portion of the frame opening, either

∘ by rotation of the frameless sash about hinges (40) fixed to the fixed frame and defining a rotating axis parallel to the outer surface (10a) when the frameless sash is in the closed position, or

• by rotation of the frameless sash about hinges fixed to the fixed frame and defining a rotating axis parallel to the outer surface when the frameless sash is in the closed position, combined with displacing the rotation axis of the frameless with respect to the fixed frame, so that the position of said rotation axis will vary as a function of the degree of opening of the frameless sash.

6. Window according to any one preceding claim, comprising insulating elements (4) mounted on the fixed frame (20) and/or on the frameless sash (10), preferably in between the inner peripheral region (14n) and the inner face of the fixed frame.

7. Window according to any one preceding claim , wherein the fixed frame profile (21),

• is made of metal, wood, polymer, a fibre reinforced polymer composite, or a combination thereof, and/or

• is made of recycled wood, wood composite, recycled polymer, a recycled fibre reinforced polymer composite, and/or

• has a frame heat transfer coefficient, Uf, of not more than 2.7 W / m² K, preferably of not more than 2.4 W / m² K, more preferably of not more than 1.7 W / m² K, more preferably of not more than 1.4 W / m² K, and/or

• has a thickness, W21, of not more than 70 mm, preferably not more than 65 mm and more preferably not more than 60mm.

8. Window according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover plate (22) coupled to and covering at least 10% of a surface area of the outer face of the fixed frame profile over substantially a whole of the outer frame perimeter.

9. Window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frameless sash comprises either,

• one intermediate glazing (10i) forming a three glazing unit formed by an outer- (1 01), intermediate- (10i = 102), and inner-glazing (10n = 103) separated from one another by two gaps (131, 13i = 132), each gap being defined within a peripheral spacer (121, 12i = 122), or

• two intermediate glazing (10i) forming a four glazing unit formed by an outer- (101), first intermediate- (10i = 102), second intermediate- (10(i+1) = 103), and inner-glazing (10n = 104) separated from one another by three gaps (131, 13i = 132, 13(i+1) = 133), each one defined within a peripheral spacer (121, 12i).

10. Window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frameless sash is movingly coupled to the fixed frame and wherein the inner glazing perimeter is larger than the outer glazing perimeter, and wherein in a projection onto the outer surface, the outer glazing perimeter is comprised within the inner glazing perimeter.

11. Window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one glazing (101, 10i, 10n) is provided with at least a heat ray reflection film or a low-emissivity film.

12. Window according to any one of claims 5 to 10, comprising a mechanically, pneumatically or electrically actuating device for reversibly moving the frameless sash (10) with respect to the fixed frame (20) from the closed position to the open position.

13. Window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the glazing (101, 10i, 10n) is an interactive glazing, preferably selected among an electrochromic, thermochromic, or photochromic device, interstitial blinds, a photovoltaic device, a multimedia connection, an antenna, communication means, a TV set, a light source including a LED, a loudspeaker, a sensor including an irradiance-, temperature-, or acoustic- sensor, or a combination thereof.

14. Window according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a remote-control system, including a receiver integrated in the frameless sash and/or the fixed frame for actuating the moving of the frameless sash or a functional element.

15. Window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glazings of the frameless sash have a thermal transmittance coefficient, Ug, of not more than 1.0 W / m² K, preferably of not more than 0.7 W / m² K, more preferably of not more than 0.5 W / m² K.

16. Assembly comprising:

• a wall (30) separating an inner environment from an outer environment and provided with a through opening in the form of a tunnel (30t) defined by a tunnel perimeter, and an inner wall surface (31) facing the inner environment, and

• at least a window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed frame (20) is sealingly coupled to the tunnel perimeter, with the inner face of the fixed frame facing the inner environment and the outer face of the fixed frame facing the outer environment, such that the inner environment is separated from the outer environment by the window when the frameless sash is in the closed position,

characterized in that
a portion of the inner wall surface (31) adjacent the inner face of the fixed frame is covered by the inner peripheral region (14n) of the inner glazing (10n).

Drawing