EP1531229A1 - Plug connector for hollow frame members - Google Patents

Abstract

The plug-in connector in the form of a stamped or bent metal plate (1) has a U or box shaped cross-section. One edge of its side-arms has a unilaterally-acting fixed stop-piece; the contrary fixed stop-pieces are positioned at the join with the hollow profiles. A sloping lead-in part (17,18) belonging to each of the fixed stop-pieces (15,16) is positioned at the other edge (13) of the side arms (11) and on the opposite side of the join (6). The sloping lead is positioned at a slanting transition (14) between the side and middle (10) arm.

Description

The invention relates to a connector for Hollow profiles, in particular of spacers of Insulating glass panes, having the features in the preamble of Main claim.

Such a connector is known from DE-U-94 11 067 known. He has a substantially U-shaped Cross section with a center bar and two side bars. At the free edge of the side bars, he has a fixed one-sided stop, the stops act in the opposite direction and in the area of Joint of the hollow sections offset axially are arranged to each other. These attacks can with exhibited spring lugs in the middle area of the Mittensteges interact. These spring lugs are from the Liaison point far back and serve as Retaining elements, the unintentional withdrawal of the Connector should also prevent the hollow sections. Also, this font shows in another Embodiment a connector with two am Middle bar and with lateral distance from the side bars arranged rigid attacks in the form of two-sided acting pimples.

The previously known connector is particularly suitable for relatively thick-walled hollow sections, the high Have dimensional stability. In the course of profile development there There are now very thin-walled profiles also stainless steel. These profiles do not have such a high dimensional stability and can be cut to length by cutting or sawing deform. With such profiles, it is difficult when Insert the connector to hit the center and the to bring this provided stop to the plant. Because of the low profile wall thickness, the stop should only have a relatively low height.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a Connectors that also for thin-walled and formlabile hollow profiles is suitable.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the main claim.
Due to the ramps and the tension between the hollow profile and connectors, the attacks come reliably in contact with the end wall of the deferred hollow profile. Even with heavily deformed hollow profiles can thereby reliably find the center when inserting the connector. The profiles can come close to each other at the connection point.

The connector according to the invention is preferably fixed stops at the transition between Middle bar and side bars of the connector arranged are. As a result, the run-on slopes act in the Corner regions of the hollow profile, where they pass through the Bending deformation of the hollow profile sufficient Find shape resistance and sufficient support. The Corner regions of the hollow sections are usually the least deformed.

The stops are preferably with the ramps equipped, on which in the cross section at the Plug connector adapted hollow profile can slide on. The Run-up slopes pull the deferred hollow profile against the opposite footpath. Here, on the one hand support the hollow profile and is guided reliably. Of the Stegrand can do this at least in the area of Joint a smooth continuous edge exhibit. Here can alternatively but also additional Fixed stops are present at which the hollow profile for Plant come.

For the attacks or their run-on slopes is especially advantageous when convex one outwards have arched shape. Due to their location and training can they act exactly in the corner of the hollow sections and thereby both the aforementioned stop and Improve centering function, as well as the hollow profile stabilize yourself.

The connector according to the invention can be an elastic Have a sealing body that is safe, easy and safe cost-effective sealing at the connection or Joint of the hollow profiles ensures. The sealing body is especially more favorable than the e.g. from EP-A-0 133 655 known seal, during which during assembly of Connector in the hollow sections a sealant butyl or the like in an interior Free space is injected. In particular, the Sealing a reliable seal against Particulate dust resulting from the spacer frame can develop developed granulated desiccant.

The elastic sealing body has the further advantage that he easy to handle. He is helped by his excess the assembly is pressed together and lies with pressure on the to be sealed connection point of the hollow sections. This ensures an improved sealing effect.

The connector can in its wall several Have openings through which the elastic sealing body when pressing outward kick and seal can lay against the hollow profile wall. For one thing, this can be the recesses at the corner located Be stops and Aufgleitschrägen. For another but also on the opposite side of the foot recesses for a lateral passage of the sealing body available be.

For fixing and guiding the sealing body it is favorable if the connector has a suitable cavity in which the shaped body optionally with Shape adaptation can be arranged. Here he lets himself in a simple way, e.g. through an adhesive bond Fasten.

To improve the compression and sealing effect it is advantageous if the connector to a projection the wall opposite the cavity opening has. The projection arches the sealing body in the area the junction reinforced by the cavity opening outward.

In the subclaims are further advantageous Embodiments of the invention indicated.

Figur 1:

einen Steckverbinder in der Draufsicht von unten und in zwei geklappten Seitenansichten,

Figur 2:

eine vergrößerte und abgebrochene Seitenansicht des Steckverbinders mit einem Anschlag und einer Auflaufschräge sowie einem zusätzlichen Festanschlag,

Figur 3:

eine Stirnansicht des Steckverbinders von Figur 1,

Figur 4:

zwei vergrößerte und abgebrochene Detailansichten der Anschläge mit Auflaufschrägen,

Figur 5:

einen Steckverbinder mit Dichtkörper in Stirnansicht,

Figur 6:

eine Stirnansicht des Steckverbinders in Montagestellung in den Hohlprofilen und

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. In detail show:

FIG. 1:

a connector in plan view from below and in two folded side views,

FIG. 2:

an enlarged and broken side view of the connector with a stop and a ramp and an additional fixed stop,

FIG. 3:

an end view of the connector of Figure 1,

FIG. 4:

two enlarged and broken detail views of the stops with bevels,

FIG. 5:

a connector with sealing body in front view,

FIG. 6:

an end view of the connector in the assembled position in the hollow sections and

Figures 1 to 6 show a connector (1) in the form a straight connector suitable for hollow sections (2,3) of Spacers for insulating glass panes is provided. Figure 6 shows the connector (1) in conjunction with such hollow profiles (2,3). Alternatively, it can be too around other hollow profiles, e.g. Sprouts for Act insulating glass panes.

The formed by the hollow profiles shown (2,3) Spacer serves to distancing two Single panes of an insulating glass pane (not ) Shown. The hollow profiles shown are (2,3) preferably particularly thin-walled and consist of Stainless steel. You have compared to the previously used thick-walled hollow profiles made of light metal, in particular Aluminum or aluminum alloys, one clearly reduced thermal conductivity and are for higher quality Heat protection glazings particularly suitable. such Hollow profiles (2,3) have e.g. a wall thickness of approx. 0.2 mm.

The hollow sections (2,3) have shown in the Embodiment, a substantially rectangular Cross-sectional shape. In the corner area (5) (see Figure 6) between the outward pointing at the spacer frame Roof area (4) and the side walls can be a bevel or rounding off. The opposite Profile bottom is located on the frame inside (7) of the Spacer frame and faces the disc interior. Between the bottom and the side walls of the hollow sections (2,3) sharper corners may be present. Optionally, the side walls may be above the ground also continue in longitudinal webs. The shown cross-sectional shape of the hollow sections (2,3) can however, vary in any way and other than be shown formed.

The connector (1) is in its cross-sectional shape the shape of the hollow profiles (2,3) adapted. He has in shown embodiment in cross section a U-shape with a central web (10) and two perpendicular to it protruding side bars (11). The central web (10) has to the roof area (4). Between the middle bridge (10) and the Sidewalls (11) can be an oblique or round transition (14) be present. Deviating from the shown Embodiment, the connector (1) also a have box-shaped closed cross-section. In Adaptation to the hollow profile shape can take its shape also vary in another way.

The connector shown (1) is preferably made Metal. He can also be made of plastic or arbitrary other suitable materials as well as from Composites exist. Im shown Embodiment, he is as a punched and bent part Steel sheet executed. Preferably, it consists of a Strip steel, tempered after punching and bending and is treated galvanically.

The connector (1) has at the junction or Joint (6), which at the same time preferably the transverse Center line of connector (1) forms one Center stop. The middle stop at least consists of two stops (17,18), where at least the front wall the first deferred hollow profile (2,3) abuts. In addition, according to Figures 1 to 4 fixed stops (15,16). Through the middle stop is the connector (1) each half in the two Hollow profiles (2,3). It allows a dense Abutting the hollow profiles (2,3) on the Junction (6) and largely prevents the Forming joints at this point. This improves on the one hand, the optical appearance of the spacer and on the other hand prevents the interior granulated drying agents at the junction (6) emerges and enters the disk interior.

As FIGS. 3, 4, 9 and 10 make clear, the stops are (17,18) at the aforementioned oblique transition (14) between Middle and side bar (10,11) arranged. The attacks (17,18) thereby have obliquely outward and have preferably an outwardly curved round convex Cross-sectional shape (25). In the illustrated embodiment they are punched and stiffened.

The stops (17,18) are preferably as against each other directed and one-sided fixed stops educated. They point in opposite directions, each stop (17,18) only on a hollow profile (2,3) acts. As Figure 11 illustrates, is the hollow profile (2) on the stop (17) and the hollow profile (3) on the stop (18). The stops (17,18) are on the front and to Junction (6) pointing end across Connector longitudinal axis straight cut off and form thereby a stop edge (19). The attacks (17,18) are in the region of the connection point (6) axially to each other arranged offset and are adjacent to each other Compound (6) opposite. You can order one small distance from the junction (6) set back be.

The stops (17,18) each have on their back a ramp (24) extending from the top of the Transition (14) respectively to the stop edge (19) and the Junction (6) towards wedge-shaped increases. Before Stop edges (19) of the stops (17,18) is located in each case a free-punched recess (21). The recess (21) facilitates the caulking and is to form a straight stop edge (19) advantageous.

The vaults (25) of the attacks (17,18) and their Run-up slopes (24) can be formed as small humps be narrower than the transition (14). FIG. 3 and FIG 4 show such training. In another Variant, as shown in Figure 5 and 6, are the bulges (25) larger and go with their lateral Flanks in the central bar (10) or the adjacent Side bridge (11) over.

The additional fixed stops (15,16) are each on an edge (12) of the side webs (11). Preferably, this is the frame inside (7) pointing lower edge of the track. The fixed stops (15,16) act only in one direction, these effective directions are opposite. The hard stops (15,16) are in Area of the junction (6) axially to each other arranged offset and are adjacent to each other Compound (6) opposite. The one right Fixed stop (15) acts with the hollow profile (2) and the other fixed stop (16) with the hollow profile (3) together.

As Figure 2 illustrates, the fixed stops (15,16) preferably the shape of substantially triangular Stop lugs and have at the junction (6) facing front a straight stop edge (19), which extends substantially transverse to the connector longitudinal axis. The stop edge (19) can be in a small free punch leak. At the back have the stop lugs (15,16) an oblique flank rising from the edge of the foot (12) (20), on each of which from the back deferred hollow profile (2,3) slides on. The shape may be according to DE-G 94 11 067.

In the embodiment shown are the stop lugs (15,16) from the lower edge of the foot (12) and lie in Extension of the side bars (11). Alternatively, the Fixed stops (15,16) also diagonally or laterally be issued and thereby on the side surface of the Webs (11) protrude laterally.

At the other edge region (13) of the side webs (11) are the Stops (17,18) arranged. Above the fixed stop (15) is the stop (17) and above the fixed stop (16) the other stop (18). As Figure 2 illustrates, are the fixed stops (15,16) and theirs at the same time Side web (11) associated with stops (17,18) respectively the connection point (6) arranged opposite. The Fixed stops (15,16) lie on one side of the Junction (6) and the stops (17,18) on the opposite side.

As Figure 1 and 2 illustrate, have the stop edges (19) each located on the same side bar (11) Fixed stops (15,16) and stops (17,18) in opposite directions. The stop edges (19) can, as shown in the embodiment, compared to the Joint (6) or midline slightly axial be set back. You can alternatively but also at the same height.

In their stop function, the rectified act Fixed stops (15,16) and stops (17,18) and their Run-up slopes (24) together. This means that the Fixed stop (15) with the other side bar (11) located stop (18) cooperates and the Fixed stop (16) with the also diagonal opposite stop (17). These in theirs Stop function cooperating stops (15,18) and (16,17) are seen axially with their stop edges (19) at the same height. The suspended hollow sections (2,3) hit each two diagonally across the Profile cross-section opposite end wall corners.

As Figure 1 illustrates in the left illustration is First, the hollow profile (2) in the direction (8) on the Push connector (1). It slides in the outer corner area (5) on the ramp (24) of the stop (17) and its oblique edge. At the diagonally opposite corner slides the hollow profile (2) on the trailing edge (20) of the fixed stop (16) (not visible). Around Joint or center line (6) beats the profile (2) in the floor area at the fixed stop (15) and in the diagonal opposite corner region (5) on the stop (18).

The previously sliding on the hollow profile (2) on the Run-up slope (24) of the stop (17) causes the Hollow profile (2) raised and with the ground against the bottom web edge (12) is pressed. This is where the Hollow profile end wall securely in abutment with the Stop edges (19) of the stopper (18) and the Fixed stop (15).

As Figure 2 illustrates, are the fixed stops (15,16) only a small amount above the associated Outboard edge (12) outwards. This supernatant is in about as large as the profile wall thickness and is in shown embodiment about 0.2 mm. The increase in Chamfers can be much larger. In the In the embodiment shown, it is e.g. at the apex and at the stop edge (19) about 0.5 to 1 mm.

The subsequently deferred second hollow profile (3) beats on the front side of the first hollow profile (2) or at the associated stops (16,17) of the connector (1) on. When the stops (15,16) and (17,18) opposite the connection point (6) arranged axially set back are, the stop takes place on the previously deferred Hollow profile (2).

For the secure hold of the connector (1) in the deferred hollow sections (2,3) provide one or more Retaining elements (22,23) formed differently could be. In the illustrated embodiment are to the lower web edges (12) of the side webs (11) respectively punched and bent down and sideways Spring lugs (23) arranged. These can be on their own already enough. Additionally or alternatively, on to the frame outside facing center bar (10) a plurality Openings (22) are present in the caulking on Roof area (4) of the hollow sections (2,3) engage and a form positive connection. This training corresponds e.g. DE-A-43 35 039. Alternatively or In addition, also issued spring lugs on Central web (10) be present. The connector (1) can be closed or open at the ends. He otherwise may have any other shape and training as in the embodiment shown have.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further variant of the invention Connector (1). In the illustrated embodiment has the connector (1) also has a substantially U-shaped Cross-section. Its wall consists of one Middle bar (10) and two vertical or oblique Sidewalks (11). At the end faces (31) is the Middle bar (10) obliquely angled and forms in this Area also a substantially closed Wall. The webs (10,11) surround one another Cavity (32) facing to one side with its Cavity opening is open.

In the cavity (32) a sealing body (28) is arranged, the e.g. is designed as a cuboid cushion and by an adhesive connection or in any other way suitably on the inside of the central web (10) is fixed. The sealing body (28) can be adapted to the shape of the Cavity (32) to be adapted and this completely fill out. The sealing body (28) consists of a elastic material, e.g. a plastic foam. Of the Dichtköper (28) is sized so large that he through the Cavity opening (32) protrudes a piece to the outside and thus over the contour of the connector (1) or over the bottom edge of the side webs (11) protrudes.

The sealing body (28) is located at least in the area the junction (6), the shown Connector preferably with its center in Longitudinal direction is identical. As in FIGS. 5 and 6 clarify, the sealing body (28), the beginning still over the side webs (11) board, during assembly of the Connector in the hollow sections (2,3) compressed and thereby lies with pressure in the region of the cavity opening (32) on the inner wall of the hollow profiles (2,3). He engages over the connection point (6) and seals it off.

The spacer frame is a granulated Desiccant (30), with the interior of the Insulating glass pane over a perforation in the profiles communicates. Through the closed end faces (31) and additionally through the sealing pad (28) is a Exit of this granulate (30) at the junction (6) prevented.

As Figure 5 and 6 illustrate, the connector (1) so mounted in the hollow sections (2,3) Middle web (10) to the outer roof area (4) of the Hollow profiles (2,3) points. The cavity opening (32) has to the bottom region (7) of the hollow sections (2,3) out. Of the Floor area (7) is turned toward the disc interior.

The connector (1) has on the central web (10) in the area the connection point (6) one to the cavity (32) directed projection (29), e.g. as one plate-shaped expression is formed. This Projection (29) bulges the sealing body (28) on the Junction (6) additionally through the cavity opening (32) to the outside. By this curvature of the sealing body (28) at the connection point (6) during assembly additionally condensed and developed at this critical Make an increased contact pressure and sealing effect.

The sealing body (28) can additionally also in the field of Stops (17,18) through the recesses or cutouts (21) come out and these openings in addition seal sealingly or in sealing contact with the Hollow profiles (2,3) occur.

The connector (1) may also include one or more have resilient or friction retaining elements (23). In the embodiment shown, it is free-cut and laterally curved retention lugs (23), which are each angled in the direction of entry and retracting in the hollow profiles (2,3) dig. In the area of the retention lobes (23) can also recesses or free cuts (21) available be, through which the sealing body (28) during assembly attacks.

In addition, the connector (1) and others Have mounting options. In the shown He has embodiment of the central web (10) several of above-described Verstemmöffnungen (22) with suitable Shaping, by the wall stoppers after assembly in the roof area (4) of the hollow sections (2,3) positive fit intervention. The Wandverstemmungen be through from the outside set stamp achieved that the Hohlprofilwandung through the Verstemmöffnungen (22) in the cavity (32) and Press the sealing body (28). The sealing body (28) can Thus, essentially all openings on the connector (1) seal tightly during assembly.

Modifications of the embodiments shown are in different way possible. For one thing, the Fixed stops (15,16) another form, location and Have alignment. Similarly, the wedge-shaped Run-up slopes (24) and the stops (17,18) to the Connector (1) be molded or attached. in the Area of the central bar (10) can be further attacks be present, e.g. also existing in this area Align wall deformations of the hollow sections (2,3) and correct. For example, these are also near the Joint (6) arranged spring lugs suitable. In addition, the connector (1) has a closed Have cross-section with two central webs, wherein correspondingly also at the second middle bridge spring lugs, Stops and the like can be arranged.

The connector (1) can also have several cavities (32) if necessary, all with a corresponding designed sealing body (28) at least partially filled are. Furthermore, the cross-sectional design of the Connector (1) as desired. Furthermore, an additional Sealing body also in the region of the projection (29) be arranged on the outside. The sealing body (28) can have a shortened shape, which is essentially the Junction (6) and a certain bilateral Security area covered. The sealing body (28) leaves also train with lateral excess, so that he already at the attachment in the connector (1) by the Recesses (27,21) occurs. He can, however, also like in the embodiment shown exactly between the Side bars (11) be fitted or even narrower. Also variable are the training and arrangement of Stops (17,18) and the retaining elements (23,22). Of the Connector (1) could also be on the end faces (31) be open.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Connectors

2

hollow profile

3

hollow profile

4

roof

5

corner

6

Joint, joint, centerline

7

Frame inside

8th

Aufsteckrichtung, first hollow profile

9

Aufsteckrichtung, second hollow profile

10

center web

11

side web

12

Edge, down

13

Edge area, above

14

Transition, corner area

15

Fixed stop, stop lug

16

Fixed stop, stop lug

17

attack

18

attack

19

stop edge

20

flank

21

recess

22

Retaining element, opening

23

Retaining element, spring nose

24

approach ramp

25

bulge

26 27 28

sealing body

29

head Start

30 31

front

32

cavity

Claims (13)

Connector for hollow sections (2, 3), in particular spacers of insulating glass panes, having a substantially U-shaped or box-shaped cross-section, each having a one-way fixed stop (15, 16) at one edge (12) of its side webs (11), wherein the oppositely acting fixed stops (15, 16) are arranged in the region of the connection point (6) of the hollow profiles (2, 3), characterized in that the fixed stops (15, 16) are respectively attached to the other edge region (13) of the lateral webs (11). and on the opposite side of the connection point (6) is associated with a run-on slope (24). Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the run-on slopes (24) located on the back of mutually facing, one-sided and on both sides of the connection point (6) arranged fixed stops (17,18) are located. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stops (17,18) at an oblique transition (14) between the side web (11) and the central web (10) are arranged. Connector according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the stops (17,18) in cross section have a convexly outwardly curved shape (25) which merges into the adjacent side web (11) and central web (10). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (17,18) each have at the connection point (6) facing the front side a substantially straight stop edge (19) with a front lying recess (21). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (1) is formed as a stamped and bent part made of sheet metal, wherein the stops (17,18) are punched free and stiffened. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (17,18) and the ramps (24) at the apex have a height of 0.5 to 1 mm. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed stops (15,16) and the stops (17,18) with its stop edge (19) relative to the connection point (6) are arranged offset back. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed stop (15,16) and each acting in the same stop direction stops (18,17) with its stop edge (19) are axially at the same height. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed stops (15,16) are formed as projecting lugs with a front straight stop edge (19) and a rear oblique edge (20). Connector according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connector (1) has an elastic sealing body (28) which is connectable to the connector (1) prior to assembly and at least in the region of the connection point (6) via the Contour of the connector (1) protrudes. Connector according to claim 11, characterized in that the sealing body (28) consists of a plastic foam. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (1) has a plurality of retaining elements (22,23).

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