KR20200133241A - Spacer with reinforcing element - Google Patents

Abstract

As a spacer (I) for insulating glazing units, at least
-Polymer hollow profile (1), polymer hollow profile
-A first side wall 2. 1 and a second side wall 2. 2 arranged parallel thereto;
-Glazing inner wall 3 connecting the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 to each other;
-An outer wall 4 arranged substantially parallel to the glazing inner wall 3 and connecting the side walls 2.1, 2.2 to each other;
-A hollow space 5 surrounded by side walls 2.1, 2.2, an inner glazing wall 3 and an outer wall 4, wherein
-A first metal reinforcing element 6. 1 is attached to the outside of the polymeric hollow profile 1 at a first step 7.1 provided to surround the edge between the first side wall 2. 1 and the outer wall 4,
-A second metal reinforcing element 6.2 is attached to the outside of the polymeric hollow profile 1 at a second step 7.2 provided to surround the edge between the second side wall 2.2 and the outer wall 4,
-The first and second metal reinforcing elements 6.1 and 6.2 are attached to the first and second steps 7.1 and 7.2 so that in each case the first and second side walls 2.1 and 2.2 and the outer wall 4 ) And the same height,
-An airtight and moisture-proof barrier film on the first side wall (2.1), the first metal reinforcing element (6.1), the outer wall (4), the second metal reinforcing element (6.2) and the second side wall (2.2) of the polymer hollow body (1) A spacer (12) is applied, wherein there is no barrier film (12) in the regions of the two side walls (2.1, 2.2) adjacent to the glazing inner wall (3).

Description

Spacer with reinforcing element

The present invention relates to a spacer for insulating glazing units, an insulating glazing unit, a method for producing insulating glazing and its use.

Insulating glazings typically comprise at least two panes of glass or polymeric material. The panes are separated from each other by a gas or vacuum space defined as a spacer. The insulating capacity of the insulating glass is much greater than that of a single glazing glass, and can be increased and improved even further in triple glazing units or with special coatings. Thus, for example, coatings containing silver can reduce the transmittance of infrared radiation, thereby reducing cooling of buildings in winter.

In addition to the properties and structure of the glass, other components of insulating glazing are also of great importance. Seals and in particular spacers have a great influence on the quality of the insulating glazing. In particular, the contacts between the spacer and the glass plate are very sensitive to temperature and climate fluctuations. The connection between the pane and the spacer is created through the adhesive bonding of an organic polymer, for example polyisobutylene. In addition to the direct effect of temperature fluctuations on the physical properties of the adhesive bond, the glass itself particularly affects the adhesive bond. Glass and spacers have different coefficients of linear thermal expansion. That is, the expansion appears differently due to temperature changes. For example, due to temperature changes caused by sunlight, the glass expands or contracts again when cooled. The spacer does not do this to the same extent. As a result, these mechanical movements can only compensate to a limited extent through self-elasticity by expanding or compressing the adhesive bond. The mechanical stresses described during the service life of the insulating glazing can be accompanied by partial or full area separation of the adhesive bond. This separation of the adhesive bond can then allow moisture to penetrate inside the insulating glazing. These climatic loads can cause condensation in the pane and reduce the thermal insulation effect. Therefore, it is desirable to make the coefficients of linear expansion of the glass and spacers the same as possible.

The insulating properties of insulating glazing are significantly influenced by the thermal conductivity in the edge sealing region, especially the spacer region. In the case of metal spacers, a thermal bridge is formed at the edge of the glass due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal. This thermal bridge causes heat loss in the edge region of the insulating glazing on the one hand, and condensation on the inner pane of the spacer region with high humidity and low external pressure on the other hand. To solve these problems, thermally optimized so-called "warm-edge" systems in which the spacers are made of low thermal conductivity materials, especially plastics, are increasingly being used.

Polymer spacers are preferred over metal spacers in terms of thermal conductivity. However, polymer spacers have several drawbacks. First of all, the robustness of the polymer spacers against moisture and gas loss is not sufficient. Here, various solutions are applied, in particular a barrier film on the outer side of the spacer (see for example WO2013/104507 A1).

Second, the coefficients of linear expansion of plastics are much larger than those of glasses. Glass fibers can be mixed in order to have the same coefficient of linear expansion (see eg EP0852280 A1). However, the increased glass fiber content deteriorates the thermal conduction properties of the spacer, so precise optimization must be performed here. Glass fibers and similar fillers also improve the longitudinal strength of the spacer.

Polymeric glass fiber reinforced spacers are very fragile and, unlike metallic spacers, cannot be bent by cold. To produce a spacer frame for an insulated glazing unit, several individual spacers must be connected and glued or welded via plug connectors. Each connection point must be carefully sealed. As a result, the production of spacer frames by bending is advantageous. In particular, it is preferable to bend without additional heating for simple machinability. One approach to increase bendability is to incorporate metal strips into the polymer body (as described in, for example, WO2015/043848 A1 and DE19807454 A1). However, incorporating the metal strip into the polymer body during production is very complex.

Polymer spacers without additional fillers such as glass fibers are flexible but not rigid enough. However, longitudinal stiffness (called longitudinal deflection) is important for machinability. The longitudinal stiffness can be improved through the integration of metal strips (see previous point) or external application of metal elements to the body (see eg EP1055046B2 and EP3241972 A1). However, the application of a metal strip negatively affects the thermal conductivity properties of the spacer because the metal elements increase the thermal conductivity. A particularly difficult point in the external application of individual metallic elements is the perfect sealing of the edge seal against moisture penetration.

The problems and individual solutions listed above are related and affect each other, so you must find a complete solution that combines all these problems into an acceptable solution.

As a result, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved spacer that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide an improved thermally insulating glazing unit and a simplified method for its manufacture.

The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by a spacer for an insulating glazing unit according to the independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

The insulating glazing unit according to the invention, the method of producing the insulating glazing unit according to the invention and their use according to the invention emerge from further independent claims.

The spacer for insulating glazing units according to the invention comprises at least a first side wall, a second side wall arranged parallel thereto, an inner glazing wall, an outer wall and a polymeric hollow profile having a hollow space. The hollow space is surrounded by side walls, glazing inner and outer walls. The glazing inner wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to the side walls and couples the first side wall to the second side wall. The side walls are the walls of the hollow profile to which the outer panes of the insulating glazing unit are attached. The glazing inner wall is a wall of hollow profile facing the space between the inner panes after being installed on the finished insulating glazing unit. The outer wall is arranged substantially parallel to the glazing inner wall and couples the first side wall to the second side wall.

After being integrated into the finished insulating glazing unit, the outer wall faces the space between the outer panes.

The spacer further comprises two metal reinforcing elements attached to the outside of the polymer hollow profile. The metal reinforcing elements improve the longitudinal stiffness of the spacer and make the longitudinal expansion coefficient of the spacer in the heat insulating glazing unit close to that of the glass. The first reinforcing element surrounds the corner between the first side wall and the outer wall and is attached to an indentation provided for this to the wall of the polymeric hollow profile. The second reinforcing element surrounds the corner between the second side wall and the outer wall and is attached to the wall of the polymer hollow profile at a step provided therefor. The reinforcing elements are attached to the steps so that in each case they are flush with the side walls and the outer wall. Since the metal reinforcing elements end flush with the side walls, a flat surface is created for placing the panes in the insulating glazing unit. This improves the airtightness compared to spacers with reinforcing elements that are applied outside the flat profile to create an edge where the edge must be compensated by the primary sealant of the insulating glazing unit. Thanks to the arrangement at the same height in the steps, a flat bonding surface is obtained on the outside of the spacer, and a gas and moisture barrier film can be applied to the surface. Since the reinforcement is implemented in the form of two metal reinforcing elements, the thermal insulation properties of the spacer are improved compared to those with a continuous metal foil/strip. The fact that the metal reinforcing elements are not connected to each other prevents the occurrence of a continuous heat conducting metal connection from the first side wall to the second side wall, ie the so-called thermal bridge.

The airtight and moisture barrier barrier film is applied to the first side wall, the first metal reinforcing element, the outer wall, the second metal reinforcing element and the second side wall of the polymer hollow body. The gas and moisture barrier barrier film seals the inner space between the panes from moisture penetration and prevents loss of gas contained in the interior spaces between the panes. The barrier film is applied so that there is no barrier film in the area of the two sidewalls adjacent to the glazing inner wall. Particularly good spacer sealing is achieved by applying to the reinforcing element up to the entire outer wall and side walls. The advantage of the barrier film-free area, first, is to improve the visual appearance in the installed state. In the case of a barrier or reinforcing element adjacent to or even part of the glazing inner wall, it stands out in the finished insulating glazing unit. This should be avoided for aesthetic reasons. Another advantage of the areas left without the barrier film on the sidewalls is that during installation to the finished insulating glazing unit, the primary sealant can be deposited to reach the barrier film and some of the polymer sidewalls. In this way a uniform sealing level and a particularly good sealing are achieved.

Thus, the spacer according to the invention provides an improved solution over the prior art.

The hollow space of the spacer according to the invention results in a weight reduction compared to a rigidly formed spacer and can accommodate additional components, for example desiccants.

The first sidewall and the second sidewall are side surfaces of the spacer on which the outer panes of the insulating glazing unit are mounted during the spacer installation. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are parallel to each other.

The outer wall of the hollow profile is a wall facing the inner glazing wall and facing away from the interior of the insulating glazing unit (the inner space between the panes) in the direction of the outer space between the panes. The outer wall preferably runs substantially perpendicular to the side walls. The planar outer wall, which is kept perpendicular to the side walls (parallel to the glazing inner wall) over the entire extent, has the advantage that the sealing surface between the spacer and the side walls is maximized and a simpler shape facilitates the production process.

In a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the sections of the outer wall closest to the side walls are inclined at an angle (∝ (alpha)) of 30° to 60° with respect to the outer wall in the direction of the side walls. This design improves the stability of the polymer hollow profile. In addition, the stability of the spacer increases as the metal reinforcing elements are particularly stable thanks to the double angle design. Thus, it is possible to reduce the wall thickness d of the polymer hollow profile compared to a shape without angled sections. Reducing the wall thickness improves the bendability and lowers the material cost. Preferably, the sections closest to the sidewall are inclined at an angle α (alpha) of 45°. In this case, the stability of the spacer is further improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the two metal reinforcing elements are bonded onto the polymeric hollow profile. This embodiment is particularly easy to manufacture. It is possible to produce hollow profiles and reinforcing elements separately. The connection between the reinforcing element and the polymer hollow profile is stressed when there are temperature differences due to the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion of the metal reinforcing elements and the polymer hollow profile (metal and polymer), stress through the elasticity of the adhesive layer by applying the adhesive layer. Can absorb some of it. Thus, this embodiment has advantages over alternative options such as simple insertion or extrusion. Contemplated adhesives include not only thermoplastic adhesives but also reactive adhesives such as multicomponent adhesives. Thermoplastic adhesives are preferably used, particularly preferably thermoplastic polyurethanes. This has proven particularly suitable in several tests.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow profile does not contain glass fibers. The presence of glass fibers adversely affects the thermal insulation properties of the spacer. Also, spacers with glass fibers in the hollow profile are more brittle and therefore more difficult to bend cold. Surprisingly, glass fibers are not required to match the linear coefficient of expansion of the spacer to that of the glass, thanks to the combination of the polymeric hollow body and metal reinforcing elements. Thus, for a spacer with a metal reinforcing element according to the invention without glass fibers in the polymer hollow body, a coefficient of linear expansion of 27 x 10 ^-6 1/K is measured. This means that with a temperature rise of 1K, the 1km long spacer piece expands by 27 mm. This is a similar range as measured for a conventional aluminum spacer (24 x 10 ^-6 1/K) or a glass fiber reinforced polymer spacer made of styrene acrylonitrile (20 x 10 ^-6 1/K). In comparison, the coefficients of linear expansion of polymers without glass fibers are> 00 x 10 ^-6 1/K. This effect of metal reinforcing elements was surprising and unexpected.

In one preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the polymeric hollow profile has a substantially uniform wall thickness d. As a result, the bendability is improved compared to a hollow profile with areas of different wall thickness. It has been found that less cracking of spacers with a uniform wall thickness than other wall thicknesses occurs during cold bending.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness d is between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. In this range the spacer is stable and flexible enough to be cold bent at the same time. Particularly preferably the wall thickness is from 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm. Best results were obtained with this wall thickness. Production-related deviations of ± 0.1 mm are possible.

In one preferred embodiment, the metal reinforcing element comprises or is made of aluminum, stainless steel or steel. These materials are easily handled and give particularly good results in matching linear expansion coefficients. Particularly preferably, the reinforcing elements are made of coated steel, preferably coated with an adhesion promoter. Compared to aluminum, steel has low thermal conductivity and good linear expansion. In addition, steel is more stable and economical than stainless steel.

In one preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the metal reinforcing element is attached in the form of a metal film or metal sheet. They have the advantage of providing a flat surface for adhesion of the barrier film. On the other hand, nets or grids are more difficult to adhere to the barrier film, but have the advantage of requiring less material to produce.

Preferably, the thickness of the first and second metal reinforcing elements is between 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm. In this range, good reinforcement of the polymer hollow profile is achieved by means of the reinforcing element and at the same time the thermal conductivity of the edge region of the subsequent insulating glazing unit only slightly increases. The 0.2 mm thickness has proven to be particularly advantageous. The tolerance for the production of the thickness is ± 0.1 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the height (a) of the area without the barrier film is 1 mm to 3 mm. In this embodiment, the barrier film is not visible in the finished insulating glazing unit, so the visual impression is advantageous. In addition, a primary sealant is applied to the finished insulating glazing so that the primary sealant is applied on the plastic and barrier films of the side walls. Therefore, interfacial diffusion is greatly reduced during the transition from the barrier film to plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second reinforcing elements have equally long legs in each case. This symmetrical structure is advantageous for the stability of the spacer. The bridges are areas protruding from the side and outer walls. In one embodiment with sloped sections of the outer wall, the legs are areas that are not arranged in the sloped section of the outer wall of the hollow profile.

In a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the present invention, the hollow profile is polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PETG), polyoxy Methylene (POM), polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PET/PC, PBT/PC and/or copolymers thereof. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow profile consists substantially of one of the listed polymers. These materials give particularly good results in terms of the flexibility required for the bendability of the spacer without further heating.

In one preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises exactly two metal reinforcing elements. This reduces the material cost for the additional reinforcing elements and improves the thermal insulation properties. In one alternative preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises additional metal reinforcing elements. Additional reinforcing elements can further improve the stiffness. For example, the spacer further includes a third reinforcing element arranged in the outer wall region and included in the step to end at the same height as the outer wall.

In one preferred embodiment, the glazing inner wall has at least one perforation. Preferably, a number of perforations are made in the inner wall of the glazing. The total number of perforations depends on the size of the insulating glazing unit. The perforations in the inner glazing wall connect the hollow space to the space between the inner panes and allow gas exchange between them. This prevents fogging of the pane by allowing moisture to be absorbed by the desiccant located in the hollow space. The perforations are preferably implemented with slits, particularly preferably with a width of 0.2 mm and a length of 2 mm. The slits ensure optimum air exchange without the desiccant penetrating from the hollow space into the space between the inner panes. Perforations can be made by punching or drilling holes in the inner wall of the glazing after producing the hollow profile. Preferably, the perforations are hot punched into the glazing inner wall.

In one alternative preferred embodiment, the material of the glazing inner wall is made of plastic that is porous or open to diffusion so that no perforation is required.

The airtight and moisture barrier barrier film prevents moisture from penetrating into the hollow space of the spacer. The barrier film may be a metal foil or a polymer film or a multilayer film having polymer and metal layers or polymer and ceramic layers or a polymer, metal and ceramic layer. Preferably, the barrier film comprises at least one polymer layer and one metal layer or one ceramic layer. Preferably, the layer thickness of the polymer layer is between 5 μm and 80 μm, whereas a metal layer and/or a ceramic layer with a thickness between 10 nm and 200 nm is used. Within the mentioned layer thickness, a particularly good hermeticity of the barrier film is achieved.

Particularly preferably, the barrier film contains at least two metal layers and/or ceramic layers arranged alternately with at least one polymer layer. Preferably, the externally disposed layers are formed by a polymeric layer. Alternating layers of the barrier film may be bonded or applied to each other by a variety of known prior art methods. Methods of depositing a metal or ceramic layer are well known to those skilled in the art. The use of barrier films with alternating layer sequences is particularly advantageous in terms of the robustness of the system. Defects in one of the layers do not result in loss of functionality of the barrier film. In contrast, in the case of a single layer, even small defects can lead to complete defects. Also, applying several thin layers is advantageous over one thick layer because the risk of internal adhesion problems increases as the layer thickness increases. In addition, the thicker the layer, the higher the conductivity, making it less suitable thermodynamically.

The polymer layer of the barrier film is preferably polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, acrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and/or aerial And mixtures or mixtures thereof. The metal layer preferably comprises iron, aluminum, silver, copper, gold, chromium and/or alloys or oxides thereof. The ceramic layer of the film preferably comprises silicon oxide and/or silicon nitride.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier film includes an adhesion promoting layer used to improve the adhesion of the secondary sealant in the finished insulating glazing. The adhesion promoting layer is arranged as the outermost layer of the barrier film to contact the secondary sealant in the finished insulating glazing. Possible adhesion promoting layers include chemical pretreatments or metal-containing thin films. The metal-containing thin film preferably has a thickness of 5 nm to 30 nm.

The hollow profile preferably has a width of 5 mm to 55 mm, preferably 10 mm to 20 mm along the inner wall of the glazing. In the context of the present invention, the width is the dimension extending between the side walls. The width is the distance between the surfaces of two sidewalls that are spaced apart and facing each other. Choosing the width of the glazing inner wall determines the distance between the panes of the insulating glazing unit. The exact dimensions of the glazing inner wall are determined by the dimensions of the insulating glazing unit and the desired size of the space between the panes.

The hollow profile preferably has a height of 5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm to 10 mm along the side walls. In this height range, the spacer has an advantageous stability, but on the other hand it is advantageously inconspicuous in an insulating glazing unit. In addition, the hollow space of the spacer has an advantageous size to accommodate an appropriate amount of desiccant. The height of the spacer is the distance between the surfaces of the glazing inner wall that are spaced apart from the surfaces of the outer wall and face each other.

The hollow space preferably contains a desiccant, preferably silica gel, molecular sieve, CaCl ₂ , Na ₂ SO ₄ , activated carbon, silicates, bentonite, zeolites and/or mixtures thereof.

The present invention comprises an insulating glazing unit having at least a first pane, a second pane, a spacer according to the invention arranged in a circumferential direction between the first pane and the second pane, a space between the inner pane and the space between the outer pane. The spacers according to the invention are arranged to form a circumferential spacer frame. The first pane is attached to the first sidewall of the spacer through a primary sealant, and the second pane is attached to the second sidewall through the primary sealant. This means that the primary sealant is arranged between the first side wall and the first pane as well as between the second side wall and the second pane. The primary sealant is in contact with the sidewalls and the barrier film attached to the first and second metal reinforcing elements. The first pane and the second pane are arranged in parallel and preferably congruently. Thus, the edges of the two panes are placed at the same height in the edge area. The space between the inner panes is divided into the first and second panes and the glazing inner wall. The space between the outer panes is defined as a space separated by a first pane, a second pane, and a barrier film on the outer wall of the spacer. The space between the outer panes is at least partially filled with a secondary sealant. The secondary sealant contributes to the mechanical stability of the insulating glazing unit and absorbs some of the climatic loads acting on the edge seals.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glazing unit according to the invention, the primary sealant extends to the area of the first and second sidewalls adjacent to the glazing inner wall without a barrier film. Thus, the primary sealant covers the transition between the polymeric hollow profile and the barrier film, so that a particularly good sealing of the insulating glazing unit is achieved. In this way, moisture diffusion into the hollow space of the spacer at the point where the barrier film is adjacent to the plastic is reduced (less boundary surface diffusion).

In another preferred embodiment of the insulating glazing unit according to the present invention, the secondary sealant is applied along the first pane and the second pane so that there is no secondary sealant in the central region of the outer wall. "Central region" refers to a region arranged centrally with respect to the two outer panes, as opposed to the two outer regions of the outer wall adjacent to the first pane and the second pane. In this way, good stabilization of the insulating glazing unit is obtained, while at the same time saving the material cost of the secondary sealant. At the same time, this arrangement is easily created by applying in each case two strands of secondary sealant to the outer wall of the outer region adjacent to the outer panes.

In another preferred embodiment, the secondary sealant is applied so that the space between the entire outer pane is completely filled with the secondary sealant. This results in maximum stabilization of the insulating glazing unit.

Preferably, the secondary sealant is a polymer or a silane modified polymer, particularly preferably an organic polysulfide, silicone, room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxide vulcanized silicone rubber and/or addition vulcanized silicone rubber, polyurethane. And/or butyl rubber. These sealants have a particularly good stabilizing effect.

The primary sealant preferably contains polyisobutylene. Polyisobutylene can be crosslinked or non-crosslinked polyisobutylene.

The first pane and the second pane of the insulating glazing unit preferably contain glass, ceramics and/or polymers, particularly preferably quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate.

The first pane and the second pane have a thickness of 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 3 mm to 16 mm, and the two panes may have different thicknesses.

In a preferred embodiment of the thermally insulating glazing unit according to the invention, the spacer frame is composed of one or a plurality of spacers according to the invention. For example, one spacer according to the invention can be bent to form a complete frame. Further, multiple spacers according to the present invention may be connected to each other by one or a plurality of plug connectors. Plug connectors may be implemented as longitudinal connectors or corner connectors. For example, these corner connectors can be implemented as plastic molded parts with a seal where two miter spacers abut.

In principle, various shapes of insulating glazing units are possible, such as rectangular, trapezoidal and round shapes. In order to create circular shapes, the spacer according to the invention can be bent, for example in a heated state.

In another embodiment, the insulating glazing comprises two or more panes. In this case, the spacer may include a groove in which at least one additional pane is arranged. Several panes may be laminated panes.

The invention further comprises a method of manufacturing an insulating glazing unit according to the invention comprising the following steps:

-Providing a spacer according to the present invention,

-Form a spacer frame that closes at one point by bending the spacer,

-Providing first and second pane glass,

-Fixing the spacer between the first pane and the second pane through a primary sealant,

-Pressed the pane assembly consisting of two panes and a spacer, and

-At least partially fill the space between the outer panes with a secondary sealant.

The insulating glazing unit is produced by machine on a double glazing system known to a person skilled in the art. First, a spacer frame including a spacer according to the present invention is provided. Preferably, the spacer frame is produced by bending the spacer according to the invention to form a frame that is closed at one point using welding, gluing and/or plug connectors. A first pane and a second pane are provided and the spacer frame is fixed between the first pane and the second pane through a primary sealant. The spacer frame is disposed with the spacer first sidewalls on the first pane and secured through a primary sealant. Then, the second pane is placed in line with the first pane on the second sidewall of the spacer and is likewise fixed through the primary sealant and the pane assembly is pressed. The space between the outer panes is at least partially filled with a secondary sealant. Thus, the method according to the invention enables a simple and economical production of insulating glazing units. Thanks to the design of the spacer according to the invention no special new machines are required. Existing bending machines already available for cold bendable metal spacers can be used.

The invention further comprises the use of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention as an interior glazing of a building, an exterior glazing of a building and/or as a facade glazing.

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are purely schematic representations, not to scale, and in no way limit the invention.
1 is a cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of a polymeric hollow profile,
2 is a cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of a spacer according to the invention,
3 is a cross-sectional view of another possible embodiment of a spacer according to the invention,
4 is a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of an insulating glazing unit according to the present invention,
5 is a cross-sectional view of another possible embodiment of an insulating glazing unit according to the present invention.

1 shows a cross section of a polymer hollow profile suitable for a spacer according to the invention. The hollow profile 1 comprises a first side wall 2. 1, a side wall 2.2 extending parallel thereto, an inner glazing wall 3 and an outer wall 4. The glazing inner wall 3 extends perpendicular to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 and engages the two sides. The outer wall 4 faces the glazing inner wall 3 and joins the two side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The outer wall 4 extends essentially perpendicular to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. However, the sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the outer wall 4 closest to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 have an angle of about 45° relative to the outer wall 4 in the direction of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 (∝ (alpha) ). The angular shape improves the stability of the hollow profile 1 and allows for better bonding of the first and second reinforcing elements and the barrier film 12. The wall thickness (d) of the hollow profile is 0.5 mm. The wall thickness (d) is almost the same everywhere. This improves the stability of the hollow profile and simplifies the production. The hollow profile 1 is for example 6.5 mm in height h and 15.5 mm in width. The outer wall 4, the glazing inner wall 3 and the two side walls 2.1 and 2.2 surround the hollow space 5. The first step 7. 1 is arranged in the corner area between the first side wall 2. 1 and the outer wall 4. The second step 7.2 is arranged in a corner region between the second side wall 2.2 and the outer wall 4. These steps enable the arrangement of the first metal reinforcement element and the second metal reinforcement element. The steps are due to the fact that the wall of the polymer hollow profile is set back by a distance e in the direction of the hollow space 5 in the corner region. The walls are set back inward in the first and second stepped regions by a distance e of 0.3 mm, respectively.

2 shows a cross section of a spacer I according to the invention. The spacer comprises a polymeric hollow profile constructed as described in connection with FIG. 1. Hollow profile 1 is a polymeric hollow profile made substantially of polypropylene. The first metal reinforcing element 6. 1 is attached to the first step 7. 1, and the second metal reinforcing element 6. 2 is attached to the second step 7. The first and second reinforcing elements are in each case a 0.25 mm thick stainless steel film attached to the polymeric hollow profile 1 by means of an adhesive layer of polyurethane adhesive (not shown in Fig. 2). The combination of an adhesive layer and a metal reinforcing element completely fills the step in each case. Thus, the first metal reinforcing element 6. 1 is at the same height as the first side wall 2. 1 and the outer wall 4. The second reinforcing element 6. 2 is flush with the second side wall 2.2 and the outer wall 4. In this case, the adhesive layer is about 0.5 mm thick. Thanks to the adhesive layer, the spacer is particularly stable since the adhesive layer can absorb the stresses that arise in the finished insulating glazing unit due to climatic loads. Therefore, the stability of the spacer is further improved because it is made of several components. The reinforcing elements contribute, among other things, to the longitudinal rigidity and bendability of the spacer. The first and second metal reinforcing elements 6.1 and 6.2 have in each case a leg of the same length. The first metal reinforcing element 6. 1 covers the section 4. 1 closest to the first side wall 2. 1 and protrudes along the first side wall 2. 1 as far as it goes along the outer wall 4. Correspondingly, the second metal reinforcing element 6. 2 is configured symmetrically. This symmetrical structure is particularly advantageous for the stability of the spacer during bending. In addition, such metal reinforcing elements can be produced particularly easily. The stainless steel foil to be used can be bent in advance according to the shape of the first and second stepped portions 7.1 and 7.2 and then adhered. An airtight and moisture-proof barrier film 12 is arranged on the outer wall 4 and a part of the first side wall 2. 1 and on a part of the second side wall 2.2, and the first metal reinforcing element 6.1 and the second metal reinforcing element 6. 2. ) Completely covered. Regions of the first side wall 2.1 and the second side wall 2.2 adjacent to the glazing inner wall 3 are kept without the barrier film 12. Measured from the glazing inner wall 3, these areas that remain free without film in this example are a = 1.9 mm. The barrier film 12 can be attached to the hollow profile 1 with a polyurethane hotmelt adhesive, for example. The barrier film 12 includes three polymer layers made of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of 12 μm and two metal layers made of aluminum having a thickness of 50 nm. Metal layers and polymer layers are attached alternately in each case, and the two outer layers are formed by polymer layers. The hollow space 5 can accommodate the desiccant 11. Perforations 24 making a connection to the space between the inner panes of the insulating glazing unit are made in the glazing inner wall 3. The desiccant 11 may absorb moisture from the space 15 between the inner panes through the perforations 24 of the glazing inner wall 3 (see FIG. 4 ).

3 shows a cross section of another spacer I according to the invention. The spacer differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in a different shape of the hollow profile 1 essentially. The outer wall 4 runs substantially parallel to the glazing inner surface 3. As a result, the first reinforcing element 6. 1 and the second reinforcing element 6. 2 are angled only once, since the hollow profile is substantially rectangular. This somewhat degrades the stability of the reinforcing elements 6.1 and 6.2. However, it is easier to produce the shown spacer because the reinforcing elements are angled only once and the substantially rectangular shape is easier to produce. In addition, the surface to which the glass plates are attached in the finished insulating glazing is larger than that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of an edge region of an insulating glazing unit II according to the present invention with a spacer I shown in FIG. 2. The first pane 13 is bonded to the first side wall 2.1 of the spacer I through the primary sealant 17, and the second pane 14 is connected to the second side wall 2.2 through the primary sealant 17. ) Is attached. The primary sealant 17 contains crosslinked polyisobutylene. The inner pane 15 is located between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 and is defined by the glazing inner wall 3 of the spacer I according to the invention. The hollow space 5 is filled with a desiccant 11, for example a molecular sieve. The hollow space 5 is connected to the space 15 between the inner panes through perforations 24 in the glazing inner wall 3. The gas exchange between the hollow space 5 and the space 15 between the inner panes takes place through the perforations 24 of the inner glazing wall 3, and the desiccant 11 absorbs moisture from the space 15 between the inner panes. The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 protrude beyond the side walls 2.1 and 2.2, so that a space 16 between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 is formed. It is created and is partitioned by an outer wall 4 with a barrier film 12 of spacers. The edge 21 of the first pane 13 and the edge 22 of the second pane 14 are arranged at the same height. The space between the outer panes 16 is filled with a secondary sealant 18. The secondary sealant 18 is, for example, silicone. The silicone contributes to the high stability of the insulating glazing unit II as it absorbs the forces acting on the edge seal particularly well. The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 are made of soda lime glass having a thickness of 3 mm.

5 shows another possible embodiment of an insulating glazing unit II according to the invention. The illustrated thermally insulating glazing unit is essentially the same as that illustrated in FIG. 4. This is distinguished by the secondary sealant 18. As a secondary sealant 18, organic polysulfide is applied to the space 16 between the outer panes. The central area of the outer wall 4 is free of secondary sealant 18. A secondary sealant 18 is applied to the two outer regions of the outer wall 4 and abuts the first and second panes, respectively. Thus, good stabilization of the insulating glazing is achieved while at the same time saving the secondary sealant 18. In addition, since heat conduction through the secondary sealant is blocked by separating the secondary sealant 18, the thermal insulation properties of the edge seal of the thermal insulation glazing unit are improved.

I spacer
II Insulation glazing unit
1 hollow profile
2.1 First side wall
2.2 Second side wall
3 Glazing inner wall
4 exterior wall
5 hollow space
6.1 first metal reinforcing element
6.2 Second metal reinforcing element
7.1 first identation
7.2 second identation
11 desiccant
12 Airtight and moisture-proof barrier film/barrier coating
13 first pane
14 second pane
15 Inner interpane space
16 outer interpane space
17 primary sealant
18 secondary sealant
21 first pane edge
22 Second pane edge
24 Perforation of glazing inner wall
26 The outer area of the outer wall
27 Central area of outer wall

Claims (15)

As a spacer (I) for insulating glazing units, at least
-Polymer hollow profile (1), polymer hollow profile
-A first side wall 2. 1 and a second side wall 2. 2 arranged parallel thereto;
-Glazing inner wall 3 connecting the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 to each other;
-An outer wall 4 arranged substantially parallel to the glazing inner wall 3 and connecting the side walls 2.1, 2.2 to each other;
-A hollow space 5 surrounded by side walls 2.1, 2.2, an inner glazing wall 3 and an outer wall 4, wherein
-A first metal reinforcing element 6. 1 is attached to the outside of the polymeric hollow profile 1 at a first step 7.1 provided to surround the edge between the first side wall 2. 1 and the outer wall 4,
-A second metal reinforcing element 6.2 is attached to the outside of the polymeric hollow profile 1 at a second step 7.2 provided to surround the edge between the second side wall 2.2 and the outer wall 4,
-The first and second metal reinforcing elements 6.1 and 6.2 are attached to the first and second steps 7.1 and 7.2 so that in each case the first and second side walls 2.1 and 2.2 and the outer wall 4 ) And the same height,
-An airtight and moisture-proof barrier film on the first side wall (2.1), the first metal reinforcing element (6.1), the outer wall (4), the second metal reinforcing element (6.2) and the second side wall (2.2) of the polymer hollow body (1) A spacer (I) on which 12 is applied, where there is no barrier film 12 in the regions of the two side walls 2.1, 2.2 adjacent to the glazing inner wall 3.
The method of claim 1,
Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the outer wall closest to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 are inclined at an angle (∝ (alpha)) of 30° to 60° with respect to the outer wall in the direction of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The spacer I, in which one metal reinforcing element 6. 1 and the second metal reinforcing element 6. 2 are angled twice, preferably at an angle of 45° (∝ (alpha)).
The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The first metallic reinforcing element 6. 1 and the second metallic reinforcing element 6. 2 are bonded to the polymeric hollow profile 1, preferably by means of a thermoplastic polyurethane, the spacer (I).
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Spacer (I), wherein the polymeric hollow profile does not contain glass fibers.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The polymeric hollow profile (1) has a substantially uniform wall thickness (d), the spacer (I).
The method of claim 5,
The wall thickness (d) is from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm, the spacer (I).
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The first and second metal reinforcing elements 6. 1, 6.2 contain or are made of aluminum, stainless steel or steel, particularly preferably made of coated steel.
According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The spacer I, wherein the first and second metal reinforcing elements 6. 1, 6.2 are a metal foil or sheet of metal.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The first and second metal reinforcing elements 6.1, 6.2 have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, the spacer I.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Polymer hollow profile (1) is polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PETG), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide, Spacer (I), containing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PET/PC, PBT/PC and/or copolymers thereof.
A first pane (13), a second pane (14) and a circumferential spacer (I) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 arranged between the first pane (13) and the second pane (14). As an insulating glazing unit (II) comprising a, wherein
-The first pane 13 is attached to the first side wall 2.1 through the primary sealant 17,
-The second pane 14 is attached to the second side wall 2.2 through the primary sealant 17,
-The space 15 between the inner panes is divided by the inner glazing wall 3, the first pane 13 and the second pane 14,
-The space between the outer panes 16 is divided by the barrier film 12 attached to the outer wall 4 and the first pane 13 and the second pane 14,
Insulated glazing unit II, in which a secondary sealant 18 is arranged in the space 16 between the outer panes.
The method of claim 11,
The primary sealant 17 extends to the area of the sidewalls 2.1, 2.2 without the barrier film 12, the insulating glazing unit II.
The method of claim 11 or 12,
Insulating glazing unit (II) in which a secondary sealant 18 is applied along the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 so that the central region 27 of the outer wall 4 does not have a secondary sealant 18 .
A method of producing an insulating glazing unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising at least
-A spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is provided,
-The spacer (I) is bent to form a spacer frame that closes at one point,
-A first plate glass 13 and a second plate glass 14 are provided,
-The spacer (I) is fixed between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 through the primary sealant 17,
-A pane assembly consisting of panes 13 and 14 and a spacer I is pressed, and
The method, wherein the space 15 between the outer panes is at least partially filled with a secondary sealant 18.
14. Use of the insulating glazing unit (II) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 as interior glazing, exterior glazing and/or facade glazing of buildings.

Images