NL2020286B1 - Method for manufacturing a curved window system - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a curved Window system, the system being provided With glazing panels, and With elements (1, 2) which extend along edges of the panels, the method including: -providing a flat sheet of metal base material; -manufacturing a metal frame (1), having at least one panel opening (R), out of the flat base material; -curving the metal frame (1) out of a respective flat plane (Z) to a desired curvature, such that at least one edge of the panel opening is curved; -providing a plurality of second flat elongated elements (2), to be joined With the frame (1) along the edges of the panel opening (R), at least one of the second elements (2) having a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel With respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element (2), the curvature of the second element (2) being such that it can be joined With a first side surface of the frame (1) along a respective curved edge of the panel opening (R); and -positioning a panel (P) onto the metal frame, lateral sides of the panel (P) being at least partly arranged between side surfaces of the second elements.

Description

Patent center

Θ 2020286

(2?) Application number: 2020286 (22) Application submitted: January 18, 2018

Int. Cl .:

E04C 2/38 (2018.01) E04C 2/32 (2019.01) E04C 2/54 (2019.01) E06B 3/58 (2019.01) B60J 1/00 (2019.01) B60J 1/08 (2019.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): July 25, 2019 Remko Mark B.V. in Herveld. (43) Application published: - 0 Inventor (s): Martin Gerret Venhuizen in Herveld. (47) Patent granted: July 25, 2019 0 Authorized representative: (45) Patent issued: ir. C.M. Jansen et al. In The Hague. July 25, 2019

Θ

Method for manufacturing a curved window system

Method for manufacturing a curved window system, the system being provided with glazing panels, and with elements (1,2) which extend along edges of the panels, the method including:

-providing a flat sheet or metal base material;

- manufacturing a metal frame (1), having at least one panel opening (R), out of the flat base material;

- curving the metal frame (1) out of a respective flat plane (Z) to a desired curvature, such that at least one edge of the panel opening is curved;

-providing a multiple or second flat elongated elements (2), joined with the frame (1) along the edges of the panel opening (R), at least one of the second elements (2) having a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element (2), the curvature of the second element (2) being such that it can be joined with a first side surface of the frame (1) along a respective curved edge of the panel opening (R); and

-positioning a panel (P) onto the metal frame, lateral sides of the panel (P) being at least partly arranged between side surfaces of the second elements.

NL B1 2020286

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P116880NL00

Title: Method for manufacturing a curved window system

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a curved window system.

Such a method is known from applicant's international patent application PCT / NL2017 / 050142.

Following from that application, a manufacturing method and a support structure can include:

-providing at least a first flat elongated element having a curvature in a corresponding first plane that is substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element;

-providing at least a second flat elongated element, joined with a said first element, the second element having a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element;

-further curving both the first elongated element and a respective second element by bending the respective element out of the respective first and second plane such that they can be joined with a first side surface of the first element receiving a first lateral edge of the respective second element; and

-joining at least the first element and respective second element.

PCT / NL2017 / 050142 teaches that the first side surface of the first element and the first lateral edge of the second element can be provided with an alignment structure for mutual alignment during joining.

In this way, good alignment of the elements can be achieved during joining, so that a firm and accurate joint can be obtained. For example, the alignment structures of the elements can cooperate with one another when the elements are brought together to be integrally attached (the resulting connection is particularly such that disconnection is not possible unless the elements are mechanically damaged) to hold the elements in their desired final position.

An embodiment, discloses in figures 7 and 8 or PCT'142, has a curved frame including an assembly or joined first elements and second elements, the frame defining or surrounding at least one opening, particularly an opening to be closed by at least one panel . The panel or panels, used in the system, can include for example at least one curved panel or optically transparent material, for example a curved glass sheet. The system can be a wall or window, or part thereof. During assembly, a pre-bended panel can be installed, which matches the shape of the curved supporting frame. Alternatively, according to PCT'142, the panel may be initially flat, pressed or deformed during assembly with the curved frame.

A disadvantage of the known method is the relatively large number of assembly steps required, leading to relatively long manufacturing times and relatively high costs. The present invention contemplates to provide a further improved system and respective manufacturing method.

According to an aspect of the invention, the method is defined by the features of claim 1.

Advantageously, there is provided a method for manufacturing a curved window system, the system being provided with glazing panels, and with elements which extend along edges of the panels, the method including:

-providing a flat sheet or metal base material;

- manufacturing a metal frame, having at least one panel opening, out of the flat base material;

- curving the metal frame out of a respective flat plane to a desired curvature, such that at least one edge of the panel opening is curved;

-providing a multiple or second flat elongated elements, joined with the frame along the edges of the panel opening, at least one of the second elements having a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element, the curvature of the second element being such that it can be joined with a first side surface of the first frame along a respective curved edge of the panel opening; and

-positioning a panel onto the metal frame, lateral sides of the panel being at least partly arranged between side surfaces of the second elements.

In this way, a curved window system can be manufactured with relatively high precision, good or improved strength and utilizing relatively limited manufacturing steps. In particular, the invention avoids having to manufacture a various or first curved elements first, to be joined to form a curved base frame. To the contrary, a basic idea of the invention is to provide the base frame preferably in one-piece first, and to bend the frame to form a curved frame.

The base frame can be made in a one-piece from a flat sheet of metal base material (e.g. the metal being being aluminum, steel, or a different metal), bended / curved after being e.g. cut-out from the sheet.

Alternatively, the base frame can be made from a number of separate flat first elements first, in which the elements are eg interconnected (eg using a welding process or an adhesive) via abutting end sections to form a flat frame, in which the resulting flat frame can be curved into a desired curved shape.

Further, an aspect of the invention provides a curved window system, for example a system manufactured by a method according to the invention, according to the system includes:

- a frame that extends along a first edge or at least one panel, the frame is curved, is manufactured from metal, and is or solid design;

- a variety of second flat elongated elements, joined with the frame along the edges of the panel opening, at least one of the second elements having a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces whether that element, the curvature or the second element matching a curvature or a first side surface of the frame along a respective curved edge of the panel opening;

where the panel is a curved panel, matching the curvature of the first element, at least the frame is made in one piece, and extends along two adjacent first edges or the respective panel.

In this way the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

Also, the invention can be applied to great advantage in a building, to provide the building with one or more curved shapes. One or more systems according to the invention can e.g. be included as part of an outer wall or facade of the building.

The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings that show non-limiting examples.

Figure 1A depicts a schematic view of a first embodiment or a curved window system;

Figure 1B is similar to Figure 1A, and shows an alternatively curved window system;

Figures 2A, 2B show exploded views of the window systems or Figs.

1A, IB respectively;

Figure 3 shows a top view of the view of Fig. 2A;

Figure 4 shows schematically a first step or a curved window system manufacturing method, in front view;

Figures 5A-5E schematically show subsequent steps of the curved window system manufacturing method, in a partly opened top view;

Figure 6A is similar to Figure 4, schematically showing a first step of an alternative curved window system manufacturing method, in front view;

Figure 6B shows a second step of the alternative method or Fig. 6A; and

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of a curved window system, obtained through the alternative curved window system manufacturing method depicted in Figures 6A, 6B;

Figure 8 shows the third embodiment -or Fig. 7- in assembled condition;

Figure 9A is similar to Figure 6A, schematically showing a first step or another alternative curved window system manufacturing method, in front view;

Figure 9B shows a second step of the alternative method or Fig. 9A.

In this application, corresponding or similar features are denoted by corresponding or similar reference signs.

Figures 1-2 show two examples of curved window systems.

Each of the systems includes at least one frame 1 which extends along a first edge or at least one (one, in this example) panel P. The frame 1 is curved, is manufactured from metal, and is solid design.

In these examples, the frame 1 has a square or rectangular shape, consisting of four respective, elongated flat, frame sections (or strips) la, lb, lc, Id. The frame 1 can also consist of fewer such sections, for example three sections, or more than four sections.

Also, as follows from the drawings, the panel P is a curved panel, matching the curvature of the frame 1.

The frame 1 can be curved in various ways. Figures 1A, 2A, 3 show a first example, inside the frame 1 has a relatively simple, single curve (e.g. following a virtual circle-cylinder surface). In this case, two parallel (opposite) frame sections la, lc have a respective first curvature (with respective curved center axes); the other -intermediate- two frame sections lb, Id follow the same curvature in respective transversal directions and have straight central axes (see also respective cross-sections in Fig. 5C).

A more complex frame curve is shown in the alternative frame edition 1 or Figures IA, 2B. In this example, all of the frame sections of the base frame are curved (having respective curved central axes), several bending lines have been applied to the curving of the frame.

Further, the system includes a multiple or second, flat elongated (i.e. strip-shaped), elements 2, 2 ", joined with the respective frame 1, 1" along the edges or the panel opening R, R ". Various of the second elements 2 have a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element 2, the curvature of the second element 2 matching a curvature of a first side surface of the frame 1 along a respective curved edge or the panel opening R, R '. In the present examples, four second elements 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d (2a ', 2b', 2c ', 2d') are provided, connected to the corresponding four sections la-ld (la'-ld ') or the curved frame 1. In the drawings regarding the first embodiment, an upper second element 2a and lower second element 2c are curved (having curved center axes) to follow the curvature of respective first elements la, lc. In this case, the two intermediate second elements 2b, 2d can be straight, following straight center lines or respective first elements lb, Id.

In the second embodiment, the two intermediate second elements 2b ", 2d" follow curved center lines or respective first elements lb ", ld".

More or less corresponding second elements can be provided, in case the frame 1 consistent or less or more frame sections.

Further, the present system includes optional third, flat elongated (ie strip-shaped), elements 3, 3 'joined with the second elements 2, 2' spaced-apart from said first frame 1. The present third elements 3, 3 'match the shapes of the corresponding second elements 2, 2 '.

The second elements 2, 2 or third elements 3, 3 can be configured to provide local heat insulation, i.e. to prevent or reduce heat flow through the window system. In a particular advantageous embodiment, that is at least one of the elements, especially any second element 2.2 'can be made of thermally insulating material, particularly a material having a thermal heat conductivity or at most 1 W / (m K) , preferably at most 0.2 W / (m K). In that case, for example, the third elements 3, 3 "can be configured to provide further strength and rigidity to the system. For example each of the third elements can be a metal element 3, 3 ".

As follows from the drawings, the second elements 2, 2 and optional third elements 3, 3 extend along lateral sides of the panel P after mounting (enclosing / surrounding the panel P).

Moreover, the example includes an inner panel retaining part, including one or more inner elements 4, 4 "(e.g., glazing beads) for retaining the panel. P an inner edge that is facing away from the base frame 1, 1". For example, these one or more inner elements 4, 4 "can be connected to inner edges of the third elements 3, 3" (or of the second elements 2, 2 in case no third elements are present), in the examples. The inner panel retaining part can e.g. be fitted within the frame or second and / or third elements as follows from Figure 1.

In this example, at least the base frame 1 is made in one piece, and extends along two adjacent first edges or the respective panel P.

A respective inner part 4, 4 'of the system, for retaining the panel P along an inner side, can optionally also be made in one piece. For example (referring to Figure 2A), the inner part 4, 4 'can be a curved inner frame 4, 4' having a square or rectangular shape, consisting of four respective frame sections 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d (resp. 4a ", 4b", 4c ", 4d"). The inner frame 4, 4 "can also include more or less than four frame sections.

The inner frame 4, 4 "can also consist of fewer sections, for example three sections, or more than four sections.

Besides, in this example, the inner frame 4 (4 ') can be provided by a variety of elongated inner elements 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d (5a', 5b ', 5c, 5d') that are joined with the inner frame 4, 4 'along a side that is facing away from the panel P after assembly. These inner elements 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d (5a ', 5b', 5c ', 5d') can match a curvature (if any) or the inner frame elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d (4a ', 4b', 4c ', 4d') along respective curved sides (see Figures 2-3).

According to a preferred aspect, a system as shown in Figures 13 is manufactured by the following method (see figures 4-5 which schematically show various respective method steps).

First, there can be provided a flat sheet K or metal base material (partly shown in Fig. 4, by dashed lines, see also Figure 5A). The sheet K defines a corresponding flat plane Z

A metal frame 1 can then be manufactured from the flat base material K, the frame 1 having the panel opening R. For example, the frame (and respective opening) can be cut out in one piece from the base plate / sheet K, eg using laser cutting or a different cutting process. The result is schematically depicted in FIG. 5B, showing two opposite frame elements lb, Id.

Then, the initially flat metal frame 1 can be curved out of the respective flat plane Z into a desired curvature, such that at least one edge of the panel opening is curved (see Fig. 5C). In the present embodiment, the two opposite elements lb, Id follow the same curvature (as in Figures 1A, 2A).

As part of the manufacturing process, a various or second flat elongated elements 2 is also provided, the elements 2 to be joined with the frame 1 along the edges of the panel opening R. Depending on the curvature of the frame 1, one or more of the second elements 2 are provided with a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element 2. The curvature of a curved second element 2 can be made such that it can be joined with a first side surface of the frame 1 along a respective curved edge or the panel opening R (ie matching that curvature). The second elements can provide shape-stability and rigidness, strength, to the system.

As is mentioned before, optional further (eg third) elements 3 can be applied on the second elements 2, in particular along edges faced away from the first elements 1. In a further embodiment, such third elements 3 can be metal elements 3 (eg steel or aluminum elements).

In a subsequent step (eg after having joined the second and optional third elements to the first elements 1), the panel P can be positioned on the curved metal frame 1, lateral sides of the panel the second elements. This is shown in FIG. 5D.

In one embodiment, the panel P can be pre-shaped (curved) before being fitted onto the frame.

It is preferred, however, that initially a flat panel P is applied, the substantially flat panel P is deformed during the positioning on the curved frame 1, for example via a cold deforming bending process. Glass panels P can be sufficiently flexible to be curved into a curved shape.

In the above-described embodiment, the metal frame 1 has been made in one piece, from a flat base material. Also, the frame 1 has been made with all frame sections being directly connected to each other after the frame 1 has been removed from the base material.

Referring to Figure 5E, the method can also include providing a second frame 4 for holding the panel P along inner panel edges that are facing away from the metal frame 1. The second frame can be provided in several ways, for example, it can include a number of glazing beads. Also, a resilient sealing structure (e.g. sealing kit or the-like) can be applied between the second frame 4 and the panel P.

The second frame 4 is preferably manufactured in the same way as the first frame, e.g. via the following steps:

-providing a flat sheet or metal base material;

- manufacturing the second metal frame, having at least one opening S, out of the flat base material;

-curving the metal frame out of a respective flat plane to a desired curvature, such that at least one edge of the frame opening S is curved.

Also, the second frame 4 can be provided with further frame elements 5, e.g., for strengthening that frame 4 and for maintaining frame curvature and rigidity.

The embodiments shown in Figures 1-5 have relatively simple bended shapes.

A more complex 3D (double curved) curve can be achieved as well, as shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7, 8 regarding a third embodiment.

The third embodiment differs from the above-described examples in that the base frame 101 consists of a various or neighboring frame sections, two or the frame sections 101a, 101b have been fixed to each other via a fixation process.

In particular, in order to achieve the more complex 3D curvature, the metal frame 101 can be manufactured in one piece with a gap G between two neighboring frame sections 101a, 101b first (see Fig. 6A), more particularly in case the frame 101 is still in an initially flat state when it is removed from a flat sheet of metal K (Fig. 6A). As is depicted in FIG. 6A, various of the integral frame sections may already extend along respective curved center axes before the bending of the frame (to close the gap G).

The curving of the metal frame 101 can then include: curving with respect to two different (non-parallel) curving axes, to close the gap G. In this example, curving axes used are orthonormal. The skilled person will appreciate that the mutually different curving axes can also extend in different directions, depending on the desired final shape that is achieved (and the corresponding gap G that is closed). As follows from FIG. 6B, proximal ends 151a, 151b or the two neighboring frame sections 101a, 101b are fixed to each other directly after the curving of the metal frame 101 and closing the gap G. In this further embodiment, eg, the two neighboring frame sections 101a, 101b can be fixed to each other directly, for example by a welding process or an adhesive (eg suitable glue). Alternatively, after bending part of the gap can still be present, remaining the remaining gap part can be closed by a bridging element, that is fixed to / between the two neighboring frame sections (thus, the elements are indirectly fixed to each other via the bridging element).

According to a further embodiment, referring to Figures 7, 8 (and corresponding to the earlier described above above) the metal frame 101 can be curved such that at least one edge of the respective panel opening R ”is curved over two different axes of curvature , at least one of the second elements 102 has a curvature in a second corresponding plane (that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element 102, where that element 102 is further curved by bending the element 102 out of the respective second plane such that they can be joined to the frame 101 along the edge having the curvature about two different axes of curvature.

In particular, as follows from Figures 7, 8, the third edition can be provided with a panel P ”that is formed on a curved base frame

101. Also, the system can be provided with afore-mentioned second elements

102, and optional intermediate third elements 103, and for example fourth elements 104 and / or fifth elements 105 to provided panel positioning / fixing. As an example, such fourth elements 104 can be part of a second frame 104 for holding the bended panel P ”along inner panel edges that are facing away from the metal frame 101. Such a second frame 104 or the third edition can be provided in several ways, for example, it can include a number of glazing beads. The second frame 104 or the third embodiment is preferably manufactured in the same way as the first frame 101 or that embodiment, e.g. via a closing gap in a frame that is cut out of a flat sheet of material.

As part of the present invention, in an equivalent method to create a complex 3D curve of the window system (as schematically shown in Figures 9A, 9B), a flat base frame 101 '(for defining a frame opening R' ”) as shown in Figure 4 can be used, the frame is cut / divided at a certain predetermined frame location F, and bended to create a gap G therein (at the predetermined frame position), leading to a complex 3D frame curvature. The resulting gap G can then be closed by a suitable bridging element BE (fixed to close the gap G) that is fixed to / between the two neighboring frame sections. It follows that the gap in the initially flat frame can be provided before or after the bending of the frame.

It should be clear to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the above described above. Many alternatives are possible within the scope or protection as formulated in the claims hereafter.

In this application, the term "a" should be broadly constructed since it is not limited to "only one" but can also mean "at least one" or "one or more".

In this application, the term "metal" can refer e.g. to a metal (e.g. aluminum) or an alloy (e.g. steel) and should therefore be broadly interpreted.

Also, a base frame 1, 1 ", 101" that is manufactured from a flat sheet Can have various shapes (e.g. including straight and / or curved frame sections) before being bended into a curved frame shape.

Further, as follows from the above, the window system can be curved in various ways. As an example, the window system can be made from one or more "developed planes" (using one or more "developable planar sheets"), as in the examples of Figures 1-6. The curving can also be more complex, as follows from the third embodiment, optionally based eg on the use of at least one developable plane but further deforming or curving that plane (eg by manufacturing one or more cuts or gaps in the respective material) in other directions. The curving of a base sheet or base plate can involve bending with respect to one ore more bending lines which may extend in parallel or not; alternatively or additionally, the curving of a base sheet or base plate can involve twisting or otherwise deforming the respective material. In any case it is preferred that the deformation is used in a curving step or curving the material is a substantially non-plastic deformation (i.e., a reversible type of deformation).

Furthermore, the bending of the material (e.g., one or more of the metal frames 1, 4) preferably involves cold bending, i.e., a bending method of the material to be bended is substantially not heated to assist the deformation of the material. For example, the bending of the material can be carried out manually. Alternatively, or additionally, bending tools or bending machines can be applied to shape / curve the material. Also, e.g. in case of bending relatively thick sheets of metal, the metal can be actively heated (by a heating apparatus) to a temperature above room temperature, to assist the curving of the material. Also, in yet a further embodiment, a pressure application apparatus, e.g., a press and / or pressure roller device, can be applied to curve the material.

Also, the presently depicted examples show systems having a single opening for receiving a curved panel. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a further embodiment there can be provided a metal frame having a variety of opening R, out of the flat base material, the frame is being curved following the proposed steps, each of the several or panel opening R is provided with (ie closed by) a respective panel P. In this case, one or more of the various panel opening may have or define one or more curvatures, the respective panels P that are to be fitted into those opening are bended (eg before or during placement on the frame 1) to fit into the opening. More particularly, the system can include an ID array or 2D grid or the panel opening. A frame 1 for forming such an array or grid can e.g. be manufactured in one piece from one base plate / sheet K, or from several base plates / sheets K.

Besides, the curved window system have a relatively simple configuration, e.g. for locally forming a single window or a building. On the other hand, the curved window system can have a more complex and / or relatively large / wide construction, for example to form a part of a facade (wall) or to form a facade (wall) or a building or similar construction. In the present application, the term "building" is interpreted broadly since it can be any construction such as a construction on land, an off-shore construction, et cetera. The invention can also be applied to form a curved part or e.g. a vessel, a boat, an airplane, a vehicle or other transportation apparatus, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Claims (16)

Conclusions A method for manufacturing a curved window system, the system being provided with glass panels and with elements (1, 2) extending along edges of the panels, the method comprising: -fitted with a flat sheet of metal base material; - manufacturing a metal frame (1) with at least one panel opening (R) from the flat base material; bending the metal frame (1) from a respective flat surface (Z) to a desired curvature such that at least one edge of the panel opening is bent; - provided with several second flat elongated elements (2), to be joined with the frame (1) along the edges of the panel opening (R), at least one of the second elements (2) having a curvature in a second corresponding plane has that extends substantially parallel to opposite longitudinal side surfaces of said element (2), the curvature of the second element (2) being such that it can be joined to a first side surface of the metal frame (1) along a respective curved edge of the panel opening (R); and positioning a panel (P) on the metal frame, wherein lateral sides of the panel (P) are at least partially arranged between side surfaces of the second elements. Method according to claim 1, wherein the panel (P) is deformed during positioning on the first element, for example via a cold deformation bending process. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal frame (101) is provided with an opening (G) between two adjacent frame sections (101a, 101b), wherein the bending of the metal frame (101) comprises bending relative to two different bending axes, wherein proximal ends of the two adjacent frame sections are fixed together after bending the metal frame (101) so as to close the opening (G). Method according to claim 3, wherein the two adjacent frame sections are fixed directly to each other, for example by means of a welding process or an adhesive. The method of claim 3, wherein the opening (G) is closed by a bridging element, which is fixed to the two adjacent frame sections. A method according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the metal frame (101) is bent such that at least one edge of the panel opening is curved over two different bending axes, at least one of the second elements (102) having a curvature in a corresponding second plane extending substantially parallel to longitudinal side surfaces of said element (102) facing away from each other, said element (102) being further bent by bending the element from the respective second plane so that it is aligned with the frame (10) can be joined along the edge with the curvature over two different bending axes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - provided with third flat elongated elements (3), to be joined with the second elements (2), at a distance from said first frame (1). The method of claim 7, wherein the third elements (3) are metal elements (2). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the elements (2), in particular each second element (2), is made of thermally insulating material, in particular a material with a thermal thermal conductivity of at most 1 W / (m K), preferably at most 0.2 W / (m K). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: provided with a second frame (4) for holding the panel (P) along inner panel edges remote from the metal frame (1), the second frame preferably being manufactured via the next steps: -fitted with a flat sheet of metal base material; - manufacturing the second metal frame with at least one opening (S) from the flat base material; bending the metal frame from a respective flat surface (Z) to a desired curvature such that at least one edge of the panel opening (S) is bent. A curved window system, for example a system manufactured by a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises: - a frame (1) extending along a first edge of at least one panel (P), the frame (1) being curved, made of metal, and of a fixed design; several second flat elongated elements (2) which are joined to the frame (1) along the edges of the panel opening (R), at least one of the second elements (2) having a curvature in a second corresponding plane which extends substantially parallel to opposite longitudinal side surfaces of said element (2), the curvature of the second element (2) fitting to a curvature of a first side surface of the frame (1) along a respective curved edge of the panel opening (R); wherein the panel (P) is a curved panel, matching the curvature of the first element, at least the frame (1) being made in one piece, and extending along two adjacent first edges of the respective panel (P). A system according to claim 11, comprising third flat elongated elements (3) joined to the second elements (2), spaced from said first frame (1), wherein the third elements (3) are preferably metal elements. A system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the frame consists of several adjacent frame sections, two of the frame sections being fixed to each other by a fixation process. A system according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the frame consists of a number of sections, two of the frame sections being fixed directly to each other by closing an opening (G) therebetween. A system according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the frame consists of a number of sections, two of the frame sections being indirectly fixed to each other via a bridging element (BE) which closes an opening (G) between the elements. A building comprising one or more systems as claimed in any of the claims 11-15, in particular as part of an outer wall or facade of the building. 1/10 I I 1 " FIG. 1B. 1A 2/10 FIG. 2A 3d b 3/10 a "3a" FIG. 2B 4b " 4c "5c" 5 a 5/10 I ---------------- j I I I I