KR102567521B1 - Spacers with reinforcing elements - Google Patents

Abstract

As a spacer (I) for insulating glazing units, at least
- Polymer hollow profile (1), the 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, 2.2 to each other;
- an outer wall 4 arranged substantially parallel to the inner glazing wall 3 and connecting the side walls 2.1, 2.2 to one another;
- a hollow space 5 surrounded by the side walls 2.1, 2.2, the glazing inner wall 3 and the 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 corner between the first side wall (2.1) and the outer wall (4);
- a second metallic 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 corner 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 ) to the same height as
- 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. (12) is applied, where there is no barrier film (12) in the areas of the two side walls (2.1, 2.2) adjacent to the glazing inner wall (3).

Description

Spacers with reinforcing elements

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

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

Besides the properties and structure of the glass, other components of the insulating glazing are also very important. Seals and especially spacers have a great influence on the quality of insulating glazing. In particular, the interfaces between the spacer and the glass plate are very sensitive to temperature and weather fluctuations. The connection between the pane and the spacer is created via an adhesive bond of an organic polymer, for example polyisobutylene. Besides the direct influence of temperature fluctuations on the physical properties of the adhesive bond, the glass itself in particular affects the adhesive bond. Glass and spacers have different coefficients of linear thermal expansion. That is, the expansion appears differently due to temperature changes. Temperature changes caused by sunlight, for example, cause glass to expand or contract again when cooled. Spacers do not do this movement to the same degree. As a result, these mechanical movements either expand or compress the adhesive bonds, which can only compensate for these movements to a limited extent through their own elasticity. The described mechanical stresses during the service life of the insulating glazing may involve partial or total regional separation of the adhesive bond. This separation of the adhesive bonds can then allow moisture penetration inside the insulating glazing. These climatic loads can lead to condensation in the glazing area and reduced thermal insulation effectiveness. Therefore, it is desirable to make the coefficients of linear expansion of the glass and the spacers the same as possible.

The thermal insulation properties of insulating glazings are significantly influenced by the thermal conductivity in the area of the edge seal, in particular in the area of the spacer. 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, on the one hand, heat loss in the edge regions of the insulating glazing and, on the other hand, high humidity and low external pressure to form condensation on the inner panes in the spacer region. To address these issues, thermally optimized so-called "warm-edge" systems are increasingly being used in which the spacers are made of materials with low thermal conductivity, particularly plastics.

In terms of thermal conductivity, polymer spacers are preferred over metal spacers. However, polymeric spacers have several disadvantages. First of all, the robustness of polymeric spacers to moisture and gas loss is insufficient. Here, various solutions apply, in particular a barrier film to the outer side of the spacer (see eg WO2013/104507 A1).

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

Polymer glass fiber reinforced spacers are very brittle and cannot be bent cold, unlike metal spacers. To produce a spacer frame for an insulated glazing unit, several individual spacers must be connected via plug connectors and glued or welded. Each connection point must be carefully sealed. Consequently, production of the spacer frame by bending is advantageous. For particularly simple machinability, bending without additional heating is preferred. One approach to increase bendability is to incorporate metal strips into the polymer body (eg as described in WO2015/043848 A1 and DE19807454 A1). However, integrating the metal strip into the polymer body during production is very complex.

Polymeric spacers without additional fillers such as glass fibers are flexible but not rigid enough. However, longitudinal stiffness (called longitudinal deflection) is important for machinability. Longitudinal stiffness can be improved by incorporating metal strips (see previous point) or by external application of metal elements to the body (eg see EP1055046B2 and EP3241972 A1). However, the application of metal strips has a negative effect on the thermal conductivity of the spacer because the metal elements increase the thermal conductivity. A particular challenge in the exterior application of individual metal elements is the complete sealing of the edge seal against moisture ingress.

The problems listed above and the individual solutions are interrelated and influence each other, so you must find an overall solution that combines all of these problems into an acceptable solution.

Consequently, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved spacer that does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide an improved insulated glazing unit and a simplified method for its manufacture.

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

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

A spacer for insulating glazing units according to the invention comprises a polymer hollow profile having at least a first side wall, a second side wall arranged parallel thereto, a glazing inner wall, an outer wall and a hollow space. The hollow space is surrounded by side walls, an inner glazing wall and an outer wall. The glazing inner wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to the side walls and joins 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 inner glazing wall is a wall of hollow profiles facing the inner interpane space after installation in the finished insulated glazing unit. The outer wall is arranged substantially parallel to the inner wall of the glazing and joins the first side wall to the second side wall.

After being integrated into the finished insulated glazing unit, the outer walls face the outer interpane space.

The spacer further comprises two metal reinforcing elements attached to the exterior of the polymer hollow profile. Metal reinforcing elements improve the longitudinal stiffness of the spacer and bring the longitudinal expansion coefficient of the spacer close to that of the glass in the insulating glazing unit. 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 in the wall of the polymer hollow profile. A second reinforcing element surrounds the corner between the second side wall and the outer wall and is attached to the step provided for this in the wall of the polymeric hollow profile. Reinforcing elements are attached to the steps, in each case 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 insulated glazing unit. This improves the tightness compared to spacers with reinforcing elements which are applied outside the flat profile and make the edges which have to be compensated by the primary sealant of the insulating glazing unit. The flush alignment of the steps results in a flat mating surface on the outside of the spacer, to which a gas and moisture barrier film can be applied. Since the reinforcement is implemented in the form of two metal reinforcing elements, the insulating properties of the spacer are improved compared to having 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 a so-called thermal bridge.

An 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 film seals the inner space between the panes from penetration of moisture and prevents loss of gas contained in the inner space between the panes. The barrier film is applied so that the area of the two side walls adjacent to the glazing inner wall is free of the barrier film. By applying the reinforcing element to the entire outer wall and up to the side walls, a particularly good spacer sealing is achieved. The advantage of the barrier film-free area is, firstly, to improve the visual appearance in the installed state. Barrier or reinforcing elements adjacent to or even part of the glazing inner wall stand out in the finished insulated glazing unit. This should be avoided for aesthetic reasons. Another advantage of areas left without barrier film on the sidewall is that during installation in the finished insulated glazing unit, the primary sealant can be applied and reach the barrier film and part of the polymeric sidewall. In this way a uniform sealing level and a particularly good sealing are achieved.

The spacer according to the invention thus provides an improved solution compared to the prior art.

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

The first side wall and the second side wall are the sides of the spacer to which the outer panes of the insulated glazing unit are mounted during installation of the spacer. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are parallel to each other.

The outer wall of the hollow profile is the wall that opposes the inner glazing wall and faces away from the interior of the insulating glazing unit in the direction of the interpane outer space (interpane interpane space). The outer wall preferably runs substantially perpendicular to the side walls. The flat outer wall, which remains perpendicular to the side walls (parallel to the glazing inner wall) throughout its entire extent, has the advantage that the sealing surface between the spacer and the side walls is maximized and the 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 of 30° to 60° (∝(alpha)) 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 is increased because the metal reinforcing elements are particularly stable thanks to the double-angled design. It is thus possible to reduce the wall thickness d of the polymer hollow profile compared to a shape without angled sections. Reducing wall thickness improves bendability and lowers material cost. Preferably, the sections closest to the side wall are inclined at an angle of 45° (α(alpha)). In this case, the stability of the spacer is further improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, two metal reinforcing elements are glued onto a polymeric hollow profile. This embodiment is particularly easy to manufacture. It is possible to produce hollow profiles and reinforcing elements separately. Due to the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion of the metal reinforcing elements and the polymer hollow profile (metal and polymer), the connection between the reinforcing element and the polymer hollow profile is stressed in the presence of temperature differences, through the elasticity of the adhesive layer by applying the adhesive layer. can absorb some of the Thus, this embodiment has advantages over alternative options such as simple insertion or extrusion. Adhesives contemplated include thermoplastic adhesives as well as reactive adhesives such as multicomponent adhesives. A thermoplastic adhesive is preferably used, particularly preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane. 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 insulating properties of the spacer. Also spacers with glass fibers in the hollow profile are more brittle and therefore more difficult to bend cold. Surprisingly, no glass fibers are required to match the linear expansion coefficient of the spacer to that of the glass, thanks to the combination of the polymer hollow body and the 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 a 1 km long spacer piece expands by 27 mm with a temperature rise of 1 K. This is a similar range measured for conventional aluminum spacers (24 x 10 ^-6 1/K) or glass fiber reinforced polymer spacers 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 hollow profiles with regions of different wall thicknesses. It has been found that spacers with a uniform wall thickness are less likely to crack during cold bending than other wall thicknesses.

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 at the same time flexible enough to be cold bent. Particularly preferably, the wall thickness is between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm. The best results were obtained with these wall thicknesses. Production-related deviations of ± 0.1 mm are possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the metal reinforcing element comprises or is made of aluminum, stainless steel or steel. These materials are easily processed and give particularly good results in terms of linear expansion coefficient agreement. With particular preference, the reinforcing elements are made of coated steel, which is preferably coated with an adhesion promoter. Compared to aluminum, steel has a low thermal conductivity and good linear expansion. Steel is also much 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 the attachment of the barrier film. On the other hand, nets or grids are more difficult to adhere to barrier films, but have the advantage of requiring fewer materials 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, a good strengthening of the polymer hollow profile is achieved by the reinforcing element and at the same time only a slight increase in the thermal conductivity of the edge region of the subsequent insulating glazing unit. A thickness of 0.2 mm has proven particularly advantageous. Production-related tolerances for thickness are ± 0.1 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the height (a) of the area without the barrier film is between 1 mm and 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, the primary sealant is applied to the finished insulating glazing so that the primary sealant is applied on the plastic of the side walls and on the barrier film. Therefore, interfacial diffusion is greatly reduced upon conversion from 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 to the stability of the spacer. The legs are areas protruding into the lateral and outer walls. In one embodiment with inclined sections of the outer wall, the legs are areas not arranged in the inclined 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 It contains methylene (POM), polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PET/PC, PBT/PC and/or copolymers thereof. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow profile consists essentially of one of the listed polymers. These materials give particularly good results in terms of the flexibility required for bendability of the spacer without additional heating.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the glazing inner wall has at least one perforation. Preferably, multiple perforations are made in the glazing inner wall. The total number of perforations depends on the size of the insulating glazing unit. The perforations in the glazing inner wall connect the hollow space to the inner interpane space and allow gas exchange between them. This makes it possible to absorb moisture by means of a desiccant located in the hollow space, preventing fogging of the pane. The perforations are preferably realized with slits, particularly preferably with a width of 0.2 mm and a length of 2 mm. The slits ensure optimum air exchange without penetration of the desiccant from the hollow space into the inner interpane space. Perforations can be made by punching or drilling holes in the glazing inner wall after the hollow profile has been produced. Preferably, perforations are hot punched into the glazing inner wall.

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

The air-tight and moisture-proof barrier film prevents moisture from penetrating into the hollow space of the spacer. The barrier film can 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 includes 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 metal layers and/or ceramic layers with a thickness between 10 nm and 200 nm are used. Within the layer thicknesses mentioned, a particularly good tightness of the barrier film is achieved.

Particularly preferably, the barrier film contains at least two metal layers and/or ceramic layers alternating with at least one polymer layer. Preferably, the externally disposed layers are formed by polymeric layers. The alternating layers of the barrier film may be bonded to each other or applied by a variety of known prior art methods. Methods of depositing metal or ceramic layers are well known to those skilled in the art. The use of a barrier film with an alternating layer sequence is particularly advantageous in terms of the robustness of the system. A defect in one of the layers does not result in loss of function of the barrier film. In contrast, in the case of a single layer, even a small defect can lead to complete failure. Also, applying several thin layers is advantageous compared to one thick layer because the risk of internal adhesion problems increases with increasing layer thickness. Also, the thicker the layer, the more conductive it is, making it less thermodynamically suitable.

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 airborne Combinations or mixtures thereof. The metal layer preferably contains 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 one preferred embodiment, the barrier film includes an adhesion promotion layer used to improve the adhesion of the secondary sealant in the finished insulating glazing. The adhesion promotion layer is arranged as the outermost layer of the barrier film to contact the secondary sealant in the finished insulating glazing. Possible adhesion promotion 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, width is the dimension extending between the side walls. The width is the distance between the surfaces of the two side walls spaced apart and facing each other. The choice of the width of the glazing inner wall determines the distance between the panes of the insulated glazing unit. The exact dimensions of the glazing inner wall are determined by the dimensions of the insulated glazing unit and the desired interpane space size.

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 advantageous stability, while on the other hand it is advantageously inconspicuous in the insulating glazing unit. Additionally, the hollow space of the spacer is advantageously sized to accommodate an appropriate amount of desiccant. The height of the spacer is the distance between the surfaces of the outer wall and the surfaces of the inner wall of the glazing spaced apart and facing each other.

The hollow space preferably contains a desiccant, preferably silica gel, molecular sieves, CaCl ₂ , Na ₂ SO ₄ , activated carbon, silicates, bentonites, 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 circumferentially between the first and second panes, an inner interpane space and an outer interpane space. Spacers according to the present invention are arranged to form a circumferential spacer frame. The first pane is attached to the first sidewall of the spacer via the primary sealant, and the second pane is attached to the second sidewall via 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 parallel and preferably congruently. The edges of the two panes are thus placed at the same level 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 delimited by the barrier film on the outer wall of the first pane, the second pane and 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 part of the climatic loads acting on the edge seal.

In one preferred embodiment of the insulated glazing unit according to the invention, the primary sealant extends to the region of the first and second side walls adjacent to the inner glazing wall free of the barrier film. Thus, a particularly good sealing of the insulating glazing unit is achieved since the primary sealant covers the transition between the polymeric hollow profile and the barrier film. 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 insulated glazing unit according to the invention, the secondary sealant is applied along the first pane and the second pane so that the central region of the outer wall is free of the secondary sealant. “Central region” refers to the region arranged centrally to the two outer panes, in contrast 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 insulated glazing unit is obtained while 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 such that the entire outer interpane space is completely filled with the secondary sealant. This results in maximum stabilization of the insulated glazing unit.

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

The primary sealant preferably contains polyisobutylene. Polyisobutylene may be cross-linked or uncross-linked polyisobutylene.

The first and second panes 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 between 2 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 16 mm, and the two panes may have different thicknesses.

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

In principle, various shapes of the insulating glazing unit are possible, such as rectangular, trapezoidal and round shapes. 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 includes two or more panes. In this case, the spacer may comprise a groove in which at least one additional glass pane is arranged. Several panes may be laminated panes.

The present invention further includes a method for manufacturing an insulated glazing unit according to the present invention comprising the following steps:

- providing a spacer according to the present invention;

- bending the spacer to form a spacer frame that closes at one point;

- providing first and second panes;

- fixing the spacer between the first pane and the second pane via a primary sealant,

- pressed a pane assembly consisting of two panes and a spacer, and

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

Insulated glazing units are machine-produced on double glazing systems known to those 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 welded, glued and/or plug connectors. A first pane and a second pane are provided and a spacer frame is fixed between the first pane and the second pane via a primary sealant. The spacer frame is placed with the spacer first sidewall on the first pane and secured via a primary sealant. The second pane is then placed coincidentally with the first pane on the second side wall of the spacer and likewise secured via the primary sealant and the pane assembly is pressed. The space between the outer panes is at least partially filled with a secondary sealant. The method according to the invention thus enables a simple and economical production of an insulated glazing unit. Thanks to the design of the spacer according to the invention no special new machines are required. Conventional bending machines already available for cold bendable metal spacers can be used.

The invention further includes the use of the insulated glazing unit according to the invention as interior glazing, exterior glazing, and/or facade glazing.

The invention is explained 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 polymer hollow profile;
2 is a cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of a spacer according to the present invention;
3 is a cross-sectional view of another possible embodiment of a spacer according to the present invention;
4 is a cross-sectional view of one possible embodiment of an insulated glazing unit according to the present invention;
5 is a sectional view of another possible embodiment of an insulated glazing unit according to the invention.

1 shows a cross-section of a hollow polymer 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, a glazing inner wall 3 and an outer wall 4. The glazing inner wall 3 extends perpendicular to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 and joins both 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 (∝(alpha)) of about 45° with respect to the outer wall 4 in the direction of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. ) inclined to The angular shape improves the stability of the hollow profile 1 and allows better bonding with 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 everywhere the same. This improves the stability of the hollow profile and simplifies production. The hollow profile 1 has, for example, a height h of 6.5 mm and a width of 15.5 mm. 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 region between the first side wall 2.1 and the outer wall 4. The second step 7.2 is arranged in the corner region between the second side wall 2.2 and the outer wall 4. These steps enable the arrangement of the first metal reinforcing element and the second metal reinforcing element. The steps are due to the fact that the wall of the polymer hollow profile is set back by a distance e inward in the corner region in the direction of the hollow space 5 . The wall is set inwardly back in the first and second stepped areas 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 with respect to FIG. 1 . The 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 7.2. 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 the adhesive layer and the metallic reinforcing element completely fills the step in each case. Thus, the first metal reinforcing element 6.1 is flush with 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 spacers are particularly stable because the adhesive layer can absorb the stresses arising in the finished insulated glazing unit due to climatic loads. Thus, the stability of the spacer is further enhanced because it is made of several components. The reinforcing elements contribute, among other things, to the longitudinal stiffness and bendability of the spacer. The first and second metal reinforcing elements 6.1 and 6.2 have legs of the same length in each case. 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 metallic reinforcing element 6.2 is configured symmetrically. This symmetrical structure is particularly advantageous for the stability of the spacer during bending. In addition, these metal reinforcing elements can be produced particularly easily. The stainless steel foil used may be pre-bent according to the shape of the first and second stepped portions 7.1 and 7.2 and then bonded. 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 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. Areas of the first side wall 2.1 and the second side wall 2.2 adjacent to the glazing inner wall 3 remain free of the barrier film 12. Measured from the glazing inner wall 3, these areas which in this example remain free without film are a = 1.9 mm. The barrier film 12 can be attached to the hollow profile 1 with, for example, a polyurethane hotmelt adhesive. The barrier film 12 includes three polymer layers made of polyethylene terephthalate with a thickness of 12 μm and two metal layers made of aluminum with a thickness of 50 nm. Metal layers and polymer layers are in each case applied alternately, and the two outer layers are formed by the polymer layers. The hollow space 5 can accommodate the desiccant 11 . Perforations 24 are made in the glazing inner wall 3 making connections to the inner interpane spaces of the insulating glazing unit. The desiccant 11 can absorb moisture from the inner interpane space 15 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 by essentially a different shape of the hollow profile 1 . The outer wall 4 runs substantially parallel to the glazing inner surface 3 . Consequently, the first reinforcing element 6.1 and the second reinforcing element 6.2 only angle once, since the hollow profile is substantially rectangular. This somewhat reduces the stability of the stiffening elements 6.1 and 6.2. However, the spacer shown is easier to produce because the stiffening elements are angled only once and a substantially rectangular shape is easier to produce. Also, the surface to which the glass sheets are attached in the finished insulating glazing is larger than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the edge region of an insulated glazing unit II according to the invention with spacers I shown in FIG. 2 . The first pane 13 is coupled to the first sidewall 2.1 of the spacer I through the primary sealant 17, and the second pane 14 is coupled to the second sidewall 2.2 through the primary sealant 17. ) is attached to The primary sealant 17 contains cross-linked polyisobutylene. The inner interpane space 15 is located between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 and is defined by the inner glazing 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 inner interpane space 15 via perforations 24 in the glazing inner wall 3 . Gas exchange between the hollow space 5 and the inner interpane space 15 takes place through the perforations 24 in the glazing inner wall 3, and the desiccant 11 absorbs moisture from the inner interpane space 15. The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 protrude beyond the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 so that an outer interpane space 16 located between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 is formed. created and partitioned by an outer wall 4 with a barrier film 12 of a spacer. 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 16 between the outer panes is filled with a secondary sealant 18 . The secondary sealant 18 is silicone, for example. Silicone absorbs the forces acting on the edge seals particularly well and thus contributes to the high stability of the insulated glazing unit (II). The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 are made of soda lime glass with a thickness of 3 mm.

5 shows another possible embodiment of an insulated glazing unit II according to the invention. The illustrated insulated glazing unit is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 4 . This is distinguished by the secondary sealant (18). Organic polysulphide as a secondary sealant 18 is applied to the outer interpane space 16 . The central region of the outer wall 4 is free of the secondary sealant 18 . A secondary sealant 18 is applied to the two outer regions of the outer wall 4 and adjacent to the first and second panes, respectively. Thus, good stabilization of the insulating glazing is achieved while at the same time the secondary sealant 18 is saved. In addition, the insulating properties of the edge seal of the insulating glazing unit are improved because heat conduction through the secondary sealant is blocked by separating the secondary sealant 18 .

I spacer
II Insulation Glazing Unit
1 hollow profile
2.1 First side wall
2.2 Second side wall
3 glazing inner wall
4 curtain wall
5 hollow space
6.1 First metal reinforcing element
6.2 Second metal reinforcing element
7.1 first identification
7.2 second identification
11 Desiccant
12 Airtight and moisture-proof barrier film/barrier coating
13 1st plate glass
14 Second plate glass
15 inner interpane space
16 outer interpane space
17 1st sealant
18 2nd sealant
21 First pane edge
22 Second pane edge
24 Perforation of the glazing inner wall
26 The outer area of the outer wall
27 The central area of the outer wall

Claims (15)

As a spacer (I) for insulating glazing units, at least
- Polymer hollow profile (1), the 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, 2.2 to each other;
- an outer wall 4 arranged parallel to the glazing inner wall 3 and connecting the side walls 2.1, 2.2 to one another;
- a hollow space 5 surrounded by the side walls 2.1, 2.2, the glazing inner wall 3 and the 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 corner between the first side wall (2.1) and the outer wall (4);
- a second metallic 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 corner 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 ) to the same height as
- 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. (12) is applied, where there is no barrier film (12) in the areas of the two side walls (2.1, 2.2) adjacent to the glazing inner wall (3).
According to claim 1,
The 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 to control the outer wall. 1 Metal reinforcing element (6.1) and the second metal reinforcing element (6.2) are double angled with an angle of 45° (∝(alpha)), spacer (I).
According to claim 1 or 2,
Spacer (I), wherein the first metal reinforcement element (6.1) and the second metal reinforcement element (6.2) are bonded by means of thermoplastic polyurethane to the polymer hollow profile (1).
According to claim 1 or 2,
Spacer (I), wherein the polymer hollow profile does not contain glass fibers.
According to claim 1 or 2,
Spacer (I), wherein the polymer hollow profile (1) has a uniform wall thickness (d).
According to claim 5,
The spacer (I), wherein the wall thickness (d) is between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm or between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm.
According to claim 1 or 2,
Spacer (I), wherein the first and second metal reinforcing elements (6.1, 6.2) contain or are made of aluminum, stainless steel or steel or are made of coated steel.
According to claim 1 or 2,
Spacer (I), wherein the first and second metal reinforcing elements (6.1, 6.2) are metal foils or metal sheets.
According to claim 1 or 2,
The spacer (I), wherein the first and second metal reinforcing elements (6.1, 6.2) have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm or 0.2 mm.
According to claim 1 or 2,
The 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.
Thermal insulation comprising at least a first pane (13), a second pane (14) and a circumferential spacer (I) according to claim 1 or 2 arranged between the first pane (13) and the second pane (14). As glazing unit (II), where
- the first pane (13) is attached to the first side wall (2.1) via a primary sealant (17);
- the second pane (14) is attached to the second side wall (2.2) via a primary sealant (17);
- the space between the inner panes (15) is delimited by the glazing inner wall (3), the first pane (13) and the second pane (14);
- the space between the outer panes 16 is delimited by the barrier film 12 attached to the outer wall 4 and the first pane 13 and the second pane 14;
- Insulation glazing unit (II), in which a secondary sealant (18) is arranged in the outer interpane space (16).
According to claim 11,
Insulation glazing unit (II), in which the primary sealant (17) extends to the area of the side walls (2.1, 2.2) free of the barrier film (12).
According to claim 11,
Insulated 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) is free of the secondary sealant (18). .
A method for producing an insulated glazing unit according to claim 11 , comprising at least
- a spacer (I) according to claim 1 or 2 is provided,
- the spacer (I) is bent to form a spacer frame that closes at one point;
- a first pane 13 and a second pane 14 are provided,
- the spacer (I) is fixed between the first pane (13) and the second pane (14) via a primary sealant (17);
- the glass pane assembly consisting of the panes 13, 14 and the spacer I is pressed, and
- the space between the outer panes (15) is at least partially filled with a secondary sealant (18).
An insulated glazing unit (II) according to claim 11 used as interior glazing, exterior glazing and/or facade glazing.