EP3362628A1

EP3362628A1 - Connector for connecting two hollow profiles, comprising a membrane

Info

Publication number: EP3362628A1
Application number: EP16781125.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans-Werner Kuster; Walter Schreiber; Karl-Theo ROES; Erol Ertugrul SACU; Jan HIERSEMENZEL
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS
Priority date: 2015-10-13
Filing date: 2016-10-13
Publication date: 2018-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-13
Also published as: KR102119987B1; US20180195339A1; EP3362628B1; WO2017064166A1; PL3362628T3; KR20180050731A

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (I) for connecting two hollow profiles in insulating glazing units, the connector at least comprising two insertion limbs (31) suitable for insertion into a hollow profile (1) and a connection region (34), in which the two insertion limbs (31) are connected, and comprising an outer surface (39), two pane contact surfaces (40) and an inner surface (41). A cavity (33) is provided in the connector (I), said cavity being suitable for producing a passage in an insulating glazing unit (II) from the interior pane gap (12) to the exterior. The cavity (33) has a first opening (36) in the outer surface (39) of the connection region and the first opening (36) is sealed by a gas-permeable, moisture-proof membrane (32).

Description

Connector for connecting two hollow profile strips with membrane

The invention relates to a connector for connecting two hollow profile strips, an insulating glass unit, a method for their production and their use.

Insulating glazing generally contains at least two panes of glass or polymeric materials. The disks are separated from each other by a gas or vacuum space defined by the spacer. The thermal insulation capacity of insulating glass is significantly higher than that of single glass and can be further increased and improved in triple glazing or with special coatings. Silver-containing coatings, for example, enable a reduced transmission of infrared radiation and thus reduce the cooling of a building in winter.

In addition to the nature and structure of the glass, the other components of a double glazing are of great importance. The seal and above all the spacers have a great influence on the quality of the insulating glazing. Above all, the contact points between the spacer and the glass pane are very susceptible to temperature and climatic fluctuations. The connection between the disc and the spacer is produced via an adhesive bond of organic polymer, for example polyisobutylene. In addition to the direct effects on the physical properties of the adhesive bond affects especially the glass itself on the adhesive bond. Due to the temperature changes, for example due to solar radiation, the glass expands or contracts again when it cools down. This mechanical movement simultaneously expands or compresses the adhesive bond, which can compensate for these movements only to a limited extent by its own elasticity. In the course of the operating life of the insulating glazing, the mechanical stress described may mean a partial or full-area detachment of the adhesive bond. This detachment of the adhesive bond can subsequently allow the ingress of atmospheric moisture within the insulating glazing. These climatic loads can cause fogging in the area of the panes and a lessening of the insulating effect.

The spaces between the panes are tightly sealed to minimize the humidity in the space between the panes. This is necessary to prevent the formation of condensation, since the moisture in particular could lead to the oxidation of vapor-deposited metal-containing coatings on the discs. Due to the dense design of the space between the panes, there is a pressure equalization with the surroundings but not possible. If the ambient conditions, such as pressure and temperature, change, the difference in pressure between the environment and the interior space between the panes causes the glass panes to bulge or bulge. Among other things, this results in increased stress on the edge bond. In addition, it can come to pinching built-in moving components, such as blinds, through the bulge of the discs. To alleviate these problems, a passageway can be made from the inner space between the panes to the environment, which allows pressure equalization. The passage must be designed to prevent the ingress of water vapor into the space between the panes while preventing the ingress of dirt and dust.

CH 687 937 A5 discloses an insulating glazing with a drying medium-filled hollow profile spacer frame which has perforated and unperforated sections towards the interior of the pane. For the pressure balance between the disc interior and external environment, a capillary tube is provided, which opens into an unperforated section of the spacer frame. The actual capillary tube is arranged in the outer space between the panes and is surrounded by secondary sealing means. An opening of the capillary tube faces the external environment. A disadvantage of this solution is the complicated production of the finished insulating glass unit, since the capillary is very sensitive.

DE 10 2005 002 285 A1 discloses a complicated insulating glass pressure equalization system with a capillary and a membrane intended for use in the space between the panes of thermal insulation glasses. The pressure compensation system can also be integrated into an enlarged spacer. Another disadvantage is the complex integration of the pressure compensation system, which is fastened via stainless steel clips in recesses of the spacer.

The object of the invention is to provide a connector for the connection of two hollow profile strips, which allows a simple production of a pressure-balanced insulating glass unit, also to provide an improved insulating glass unit and an improved method for producing such an insulating glass unit.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a connector according to the independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims. An insulating glass unit according to the invention, a method for producing the insulating glass unit according to the invention and its use according to the invention are apparent from further independent claims.

The connector according to the invention is suitable for connecting two hollow profile strips in insulating glass units. These hollow profile strips are used as spacers in insulating glass units. The connector comprises at least two Einsteckschenkel and a connecting portion which connects the two Einsteckschenkel with each other. The two Einsteckschenkel are adapted to be plugged into a respective hollow profile strip and so to establish a connection between two hollow profile strips. The connection area connects the two Einsteckschenkel each other and is not intended to be plugged into a hollow profile strip. The connecting portion includes an outer surface, an inner surface and a disc contact surface. In the finished insulating glass unit, the outer surface faces the surroundings, the inner surface faces the inner space between the panes in the finished insulating glass unit, and the disk contact surfaces are provided so that the outer panes of the insulating glass can be attached there by suitable sealing means. In the connector according to the invention, a recess is provided, which is adapted to produce in an insulating glass unit a passage from the inner space between the panes to the environment. The recess has a first opening in the outer surface of the connection area. This opening is closed by a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane. The membrane prevents the ingress of moisture and dust from the environment. The closed with a membrane recess serves to produce a pressure equalization between the atmosphere and the inner space between the panes of an insulating glass unit in the finished insulating glass unit. The inventive connector with integrated possibility for pressure equalization is installed in the course of assembly of the spacer frame. So the pressure compensation element must not be installed in a separate step. The connector connects two hollow profile strips, which are assembled to form a spacer frame. The two Einsteckschenkel lie in the cavity of the hollow profile strips and are completely hidden. The connector according to the invention thus provides an easy way to integrate a pressure equalization in an insulating glass unit with hollow profile spacers.

A spacer frame may be formed by a hollow profile strip which is bent into a frame, and whose two ends are connected by a connector according to the invention. A spacer frame can also be composed of a hollow profile strip interrupted in several strips, whereby two individual strips are covered by an inventive proper connectors are connected and the remaining strips are connected by means of connectors according to the prior art.

The gas-permeable and water-vapor-tight membrane preferably contains a polypropylene, a polyamide, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polyester, a polymer from the group of perfluoroalkoxy polymers (PFA) and / or co-polymers thereof. Particularly preferably, the membrane contains a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This achieves particularly good moisture diffusion density values. Most preferably, the membrane contains or consists of a stretched microporous PTFE. These membranes are very well suited for use as a pressure equalizing membrane and achieve optimal low values for the water vapor permeability with at the same time good processability.

Preferably, the MVTR (moisture vapor transmission rate) value of the gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane is between 0.001 g / (m ² d) and 0.005 g / (m ² d) [grams per square meter and day]. The MVTR value is a measurement that indicates the permeability of water vapor through the semipermeable membrane. It describes the amount of water in grams that diffuses through a square meter of material in 24 hours.

The thickness of the membrane is preferably in the range of 1 to 100 μηι. The pore size of the semipermeable membrane is preferably in the range of 0.01 μηι to 10 μηι.

Preferably, the semipermeable membrane is arranged on a carrier material, for example laminated. This may be a woven or knitted fabric.

The connector according to the invention is preferably a corner connector or a longitudinal connector. The two Einsteckschenkel include an angle α, where 45 ° <α <180 °. In the case of a corner connector, the angle is preferably 90 °, and in the case of a longitudinal connector 180 °. These embodiments are particularly stable and suitable for the production of common rectangular insulating glass windows.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the recess has a second opening in the inner surface of the connecting region. The recess thus connects in the finished insulating glazing the inner space between the panes with the environment. The pressure equalization is thus directly between the environment and the inner pane space, which is particularly effective and easy to perform. The membrane over the first opening of the recess prevents moisture from entering the inner space between the panes. In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the recess has a second opening in an end face of one of the two Einsteckschenkel. The recess runs from the connection region within one of the two Einsteckschenkel to the second opening in the end face of the Einsteckschenkels. In the finished double glazing, the recess is thus open to the cavity of the hollow profile strip. Since the hollow profile strip is usually permeable to gas to the inner space between the panes, a pressure equalization between the environment and the inner space between panes is made possible in the finished insulating glass unit. The air flowing in through the membrane initially passes into the cavity of the hollow profiled strip, which can be filled with a desiccant. In that case, the incoming air is deprived of any moisture present by the desiccant before it enters the inner space between the panes. This leads to an improved protection against moisture in the inner space between the panes. Since the recess has only a first and a second opening, the air flow in the spacer frame can be specifically directed into a section of the hollow profile strip.

In a further preferred embodiment, the recess is arranged along both Einsteckschenkel, and the second opening and a third opening are arranged in the end faces of the two Einsteckschenkel. The recess branches in the connection area and then extends within the two Einsteckschenkel to two openings in the end faces. Accordingly, the recess in the finished insulating glass unit is open to the cavity of two hollow profile strips. The air flowing in through the first opening can flow in two directions. Thus, a particularly effective pressure compensation can be achieved.

The end face of a Einsteckschenkels is the surface that points to the cavity during insertion of the connector in a hollow profile strip. The front side is thus not directly on an inside of the hollow profile strip. After connecting the Einsteckschenkel with a hollow profile strip the disc contact surfaces of the connection area and the outer surface of the connection area are exposed. The wafer contact surfaces are the surfaces which face the outer disks in the finished insulating glass unit and are arranged parallel to the outer disks of the insulating glass unit. The disc contact surfaces may also be connected to the outer discs. The outer surface is the surface facing the environment in the finished insulating glass unit or at least partially in contact with the secondary sealant.

In a preferred embodiment of the corner connector according to the invention, the connection region projects with respect to the insertion legs. The supernatant U between The outer surface of the connecting portion and the outer sides of the Einsteckschenkel is 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm and more preferably 3 mm to 4 mm. Increasing the connection area increases the stability of the connector. In the finished insulating glass unit, it is possible that the material of the secondary sealant is flush with the outer surface of the connection area. This leads to a very stable arrangement and contamination of the membrane with secondary sealant is prevented. The connecting region is preferably slightly protruding with respect to the side surfaces of the Einsteckschenkel. The size of this supernatant depends on the hollow profile strip to be used. Preferably, the hollow profile strip in the insulating glass unit is flush with the disk contact surfaces of the connection region.

Preferably, in an enlarged connection area, the membrane is mounted in a recess in the connection area (see figures). As a result, the membrane is protected from damage, which may occur during assembly of the insulating glass unit, for example.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, at least the outer surface of the connection region is provided with a water vapor-tight barrier. This barrier is preferably a metal layer which is applied directly to the outer surface of the connection region. This metallization contains aluminum, aluminum oxides and / or silicon oxides and is preferably applied via a PVD process (physical vapor deposition). The coating containing aluminum, aluminum oxides and / or silicon oxides gives particularly good results in terms of tightness. Alternatively, a metal-coated film can be used. In particular, in connectors made of polymeric materials which have a high permeability to water vapor, such an additional barrier to improve the tightness of the edge bond is advantageous.

The connector is preferably rigid. This means that after the manufacture of the connector with integrated recess with membrane it is no longer bendable in the connection area. The angle □ between the two Einsteckschenkeln can then not be changed significantly, that is at most by 5 °, preferably at most changed by 1 °. This design improves the stability of the connector and prevents damage to the attachment of the membrane in the connection area.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the connector is manufactured in an injection molding process. The insertion legs and the connection injection molded. The membrane is preferably integrated directly in the course of the injection molding process, so that a separate step for fixing the membrane is eliminated. A possible method for producing a connector according to the invention initially comprises the provision of a membrane, which is inserted into an injection molding tool, in which then the Einsteckschenkel and the connection area are poured. After curing of the material, the finished connector can be removed from the injection molding tool.

In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the membrane is arranged in a sleeve. The sleeve is secured via a seal in the first opening of the recess. The seal ensures that incoming air can only get through the membrane into the space between the panes. Sleeves with different diaphragms / valves can be used for pressure equalization. The advantage of this design is that the membrane can be easily varied. The seal preferably contains a polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene may be a crosslinking or non-crosslinking polyisobutylene.

In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the membrane is covered in the first opening of the recess, for example by a rubber cap. The cover serves to protect the membrane against damage and against the ingress of dirt or secondary sealant used in sealing the insulating glass unit.

Preferably, the connector is made of polymers, since they have a low thermal conductivity, which leads to improved heat-insulating properties of the edge bond. Particularly preferably, the connector contains biocomposites, polyethylene (PE),

Polycarbonates (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitriles, polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS ), Acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene / polycarbonate (ABS / PC), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), PET / PC, PBT / PC and / or

Copolymers or mixtures thereof.

In one possible embodiment, the polymeric connector is fiber-reinforced. The connector preferably has a fiber content of from 5% to 60%, particularly preferably from 20% to 50%. The fiber content in the connector according to the invention improves the strength and stability. By choosing the fiber content, the thermal expansion coefficient of the connector can be varied and adapted to the hollow profile spacer. Preferred are the natural fibers or glass fibers, particularly preferably glass fibers used to reinforce the connector.

In an alternative embodiment, the connector may also be made of metal.

The connector according to the invention can be designed both as a single and as a multiple connector. A single connector comprises two Einsteckschenkel for receiving a respective hollow profile strip. A multiple connector, however, has at least four Einsteckschenkel, each of which runs parallel to each other. In the connection area, the multiple connector has a bridge from which all the legs of the connector go out. In a preferred embodiment, the connector according to the invention is designed as a double corner connector. This has four Einsteckschenkel, of which two are arranged parallel to each other. Such a double corner connector preferably contains one or more recesses, which are closed by a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane.

Furthermore, the invention comprises an insulating glass unit with a connector with integrated membrane, in particular a connector according to the invention. The insulating glass unit according to the invention comprises at least a first disk, a second disk arranged parallel thereto, and a peripheral spacer frame arranged between the first disk and the second disk. The spacer frame comprises at least one hollow profile strip and at least one connector. The first disc, the second disc and the spacer frame define an inner disc space. The connector comprises at least two insertion legs and a connection area. The two Einsteckschenkel are connected to each other in the connection area. The two Einsteckschenkel are inserted into the ends of at least one hollow profile strip and connect them to a rotating spacer frame. The connection area is outside the hollow profile strip, while the Einsteckschenkel are located within the cavity of the hollow profile strip. The connection region comprises an outer surface facing the environment, two wafer contact surfaces facing the two disks, and an inner surface facing the inner disk space. The disc contact surfaces preferably run parallel to the discs. In the connector, a recess is attached, which creates a passage from the inner space between the panes to the environment and thus allows pressure equalization. The recess has a first opening in the outer surface of the connecting region. The first opening is closed with a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane. Thus, in the case of the insulating glass unit according to the invention with a diaphragm arranged in the connector, a pressure equalization with changes in the Environmental conditions ensured. The pressure compensation element is installed over the connector in the insulating glazing according to the invention. Leaks that can be introduced during the subsequent introduction of a pressure compensation element via a recess in the spacer frame are avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the recess has a second opening in the inner surface of the connecting region. The recess is open via the second opening to the inner space between the panes and open to the environment via the first opening. The recess thus creates a direct passage from the inner space between the panes to the environment and allows a particularly effective pressure equalization. The water vapor-tight membrane prevents ingress of moisture and dust into the inner space between the panes.

The spacer frame may comprise a plurality of individual hollow profile strips which are assembled into a complete frame. The individual strips can be welded together, glued together or put together via connectors. The hollow profile strip can also be made continuously and bent in the corners. The ends of the hollow profile strip are connected at least one point via a connector according to the invention. Preferably, the spacer frame is rectangular. In this form most insulating glass units are manufactured.

The spacer frame is preferably fixed between the first disc and the second disc via a primary sealant. This achieves a good seal of the inner space between the panes and the outside environment. The penetration of moisture and the loss of any existing gas filling are prevented. The primary sealant preferably contains a polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene may be a crosslinking or non-crosslinking polyisobutylene.

As a hollow profiled strip, a hollow profile spacer line known from the prior art can be used independently of its material composition. By way of example, polymeric or metallic hollow profile strips are mentioned here.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the hollow profile strip comprises at least a first side wall, a second side wall arranged parallel thereto, a glazing interior space wall arranged perpendicular to the side walls and an outer wall. The glazing interior wall connects the side walls together. The outer wall is arranged substantially parallel to the glazing inner wall. net and connects the side walls together. The first side wall, the glazing inner wall, the second side wall and the outer wall enclose a cavity. The cavity improves the thermal conductivity of the hollow profile strip compared to a solid profile strip and can, for example, absorb a desiccant. The glazing interior wall includes at least one permeable section so that there is a possibility for gas exchange between the cavity and the inner space between the panes. In the permeable section, the exchange of gas and moisture between the inner space between the panes and the cavity is possible. At least in the permeable section, the cavity contains a desiccant which possibly absorbs moisture present in the inner space between the panes and thus prevents fogging of the panes. The permeability of the glazing interior wall can be achieved by the use of a porous material and / or by at least one perforation in the glazing interior wall.

In a further preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the recess has a second opening in an end face of one of the two Einsteckschenkel. The recess runs from the first opening in the connecting region within one of the two Einsteckschenkel to the second opening in the end face of the Einsteckschenkels. The recess is thus open to the cavity of the hollow profile strip. The second opening is arranged in a section of the hollow profile strip, the cavity of which is connected to the permeable section or which itself is a permeable section. In the permeable section, the glazing interior wall of the hollow profile strip is designed to be permeable. It is important that the second opening of the connector opens into a portion of the hollow profile bar, which is connected to a permeable portion of the hollow profile, so that a pressure equalization between the environment and the inner space between the panes is possible. The air flowing in through the membrane initially passes into the cavity of the hollow profile strip, which is at least partially filled with a desiccant. The inflowing air is removed by the desiccant possibly existing moisture before it enters the inner space between the panes. This leads to an improved protection against moisture in the inner space between the panes. Since the recess has only a first and a second opening, the air flow in the spacer frame can be specifically directed into a section of the hollow profile strip.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the insulating glazing according to the invention, the second opening of the connector is arranged in a section of the hollow profiled strip with an impermeable glazing interior wall and the impermeable section is connected to a permeable section. Impermeable means in this context impermeable to gas and impermeable to moisture. This can be achieved by the choice of the material of the glazing interior wall or by applying a barrier film, as it is also used for the outer wall of Hohlprofliabstandhaltern. Preferably, a desiccant is disposed in the impermeable portion. The incoming air is first dried in the impermeable portion filled with desiccant and then flows only over the permeable area in the inner space between the panes. This leads to a further improved protection against moisture in the inner space between the panes.

Preferably, the gas flow in the spacer frame or in the hollow profile strip is interrupted by the connector. The connector is preferably designed so that no gas exchange between the connected ends of the hollow profile strip is possible through the connector. Alternatively, a bulkhead may be inserted into the hollow section or a gas impermeable rubber plug may be installed behind the connector. The interruption of the gas flow ensures that the ambient air flowing in through the membrane flows only in one direction and therefore always first through the same sections filled with desiccant. This can further increase the efficiency of drying. Preferably, all sections of the hollow profile strip are filled with a desiccant, so that an effective drying of the incoming ambient air and the inner space between the panes are ensured.

The length d of the impermeable portion measured along the circumferential spacer frame is preferably at least 0.2 A, where A is the circumference of the spacer frame along the interior glazing wall. Preferably, d> 0.3 A, particularly preferably d> 0.5 A. This increases the drying path of the air stream in the gas-impermeable region, so that long-term stability, insulating effect and lifetime of the glazing are further optimized.

The glazing interior wall preferably contains perforations. The total number of perforations depends on the size of the insulating glass unit. The perforations are preferably designed as slots, particularly preferably as slots with a width of 0.2 mm and a length of 2 mm. The slots ensure optimal air exchange without the possibility of drying agents penetrating from the cavity into the inner space between the panes. About the attachment of a certain number of perforations can easily be adapted to the given conditions, the permeability of the glazing interior wall and be varied in different areas of the hollow profile strip. The first side wall and the second side wall of the hollow profile strip are provided so that the first disc and the second disc are fixed there. Preferably, the first disc and the second disc are attached to the first side wall and to the second side wall via a primary sealing means. The inner space between the panes is delimited by the first pane, the second pane and the glazing interior wall of the hollow profile strip. The outer wall of the hollow profile strip and the first and second disc define an outer space between the panes. The outer space between the panes is preferably filled with a secondary sealant. The secondary sealant contributes to the mechanical stability of the insulating glass unit and absorbs part of the climatic loads that act on the edge seal.

Preferably, the secondary sealant polymers or silane-modified polymers, more preferably organic polysulfides, silicones, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxidischvernetzten silicone rubber and / or addition-crosslinked silicone rubber, polyurethanes and / or butyl rubber. These sealants have a particularly good stabilizing effect.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the connection area of the connector is increased, so that it protrudes slightly in relation to the Einsteckschenkel. The projection U between the outer surface of the connecting region and the outer sides of the Einsteckschenkel is 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm and more preferably 3 mm to 4 mm. Preferably, the supernatant U is selected so that after filling the outer space between the panes with a secondary sealing means, the outer surface of the connecting region and the secondary sealing means are flush. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the connection portion is not contacted by the secondary sealant. This reduces the risk of contamination of the membrane.

The cavity preferably contains a drying agent, preferably silica gels, molecular sieves, CaCl ₂ , Na ₂ SO ₄ , activated carbon, silicates, bentonites, zeolites and / or mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit, the insulating glass unit contains a connector according to the invention, as described above.

The first and second pane of the insulating glass unit preferably contain glass and / or polymers, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass,

Polymethylmethacrylate and / or mixtures thereof. In an alternative embodiment the first disc and / or the second disc may be formed as a laminated glass pane.

The insulating glass unit can also contain more than two panes.

The invention further comprises a method for producing an insulating glass unit, in particular an insulating glass unit according to the invention, wherein first at least one hollow profile strip is provided and the ends of which are connected to at least one connector according to the invention to form a complete spacer frame. In the case of an interrupted hollow profile strip, the individual sections can be connected to corner connectors according to the prior art without an integrated membrane. At least a portion of the hollow profile strip is filled with a desiccant. Thereafter, the first and second disks are attached to the spacer frame via a primary sealant to form an inner disk space and an outer space between the disks. In the final step, a secondary sealant is placed in the outer space between the panes and the pan assembly is compressed. The process according to the invention for producing an insulating glass unit with a membrane is considerably simpler than prior art processes for the subsequent installation of pressure compensation elements in a hollow profile spacer. There is no need for a separate step for the installation of a membrane. It must also be made no holes, since the recess with membrane is already integrated in the connector and this connector must be inserted only in the hollow profile strips.

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

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. The figures are purely schematic representations and not to scale. They do not limit the invention in any way. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic, perspective cross section of an embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic, perspective cross-section of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention, FIG. 3 shows a schematic external view of the embodiments of a corner connector according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross section of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,

FIG. 5A shows a schematic external view of an embodiment of a longitudinal connector according to the invention,

FIG. 5B or a schematic cross section along the line Β'-B "of the longitudinal connector shown in FIG. 5A,

6 shows a cross section of a spacer frame with the corner connector according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, FIG.

FIG. 7 shows the corner region of an insulating glass unit according to the invention in cross section,

FIG. 8A shows a schematic cross section of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,

FIG. 8B shows a cross-section of a spacer frame with the corner connector according to the invention shown in FIG. 8A,

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross section of a hollow profile that can be used in an insulating glass unit according to the invention,

10 shows a cross section along the line Α '- A "of an insulating glass unit according to the invention shown in FIG.

Figure 1 shows a connector according to the invention in the form of a corner connector. The presentation is greatly simplified. Slats or retaining elements, as used in the prior art, to fix the corner connectors in a hollow profile strip, for example, are not shown. These can be added by the specialist as needed. The connector I comprises two Einsteckschenkel 31 which are connected to each other in the connection region 34. The two Einsteckschenkel 31 include an angle α (alpha) of 90 °. The connecting region 34 has an outer surface 39 which faces the environment in the finished insulating glass unit II and an inner surface 41 which is in the finished insulating glass unit to the inner pane space 12 points. In the connection region 34, a recess 33 is integrated. The recess 33 has a first opening 36 which is mounted in the region of the outer surface 39. The first opening 36 is closed with a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane 32. The second opening 37 is arranged in the inner surface 41, so that in the finished insulating glass unit II, a direct passage from the inner pane intermediate space 12 to the outer environment is formed. Thus, a pressure equalization is made possible directly by ventilation in the inner pane space 12. The water-vapor-tight membrane 32 prevents moisture from penetrating into the inner space between the panes 12. The plug-in legs 31 and the connecting area 34 are produced in one piece from a polyamide in an injection molding process. The membrane 32 made of expanded PTFE is already integrated in the course of the injection molding process and fixed so stable. The connection region 34 projects in comparison to the insertion legs 31. The projection U between the outer surface 39 and the outer side 44 of the Einsteckschenkel 31 is 3.5 mm. The connecting portion 34 is also slightly protruded with respect to the side surfaces of the insertion legs (not visible in the image). The size of this supernatant depends on the hollow profile strip 1 to be used. Preferably, the hollow profile strip 1 in the insulating glass unit is flush with the wafer contact surfaces 40 of the connecting region 34. The membrane 32 is mounted in the connection area 34 in a recess, so that it is protected from mechanical damage (see also Figure 3). In addition, the protruding connection region 34 has the advantage that a reinforcement of the connection region 34 is thereby achieved, which contributes to an increase in the stability of the connector I. The connecting portion 34 is rigid, that is, the angle α (alpha) can not be changed significantly. As a result, the membrane 32 is additionally stabilized, since movements in the region of the membrane 32 are avoided. The exact dimensions of the corner connector depend on the used hollow profile strips. 1 The length L of a Einsteckschenkels is 3.2 cm in the example, and the length E of the connection region about 1, 2 cm.

FIG. 2 shows a further connector I according to the invention in the form of a corner connector. The connector I differs from that shown in Figure 1 in the embodiment of the recess 33. The recess 33 has three openings 36, 37 and 38. The first opening 36 is arranged as described for Figure 1 in the outer surface 39 and with a membrane 32nd locked. The second opening 37 and the third opening 38 are located in the end faces 35 of the two Einsteckschenkel 31st This design allows simultaneous ventilation in two sections of a hollow profile strip 1, so that a particularly efficient pressure compensation can be achieved. Figure 3 shows an external view of the connectors shown in Figures 1 and 2. The membrane 32 has a rectangular shape here. The membrane may have any shape adapted to the respective first opening 36 of the recess 33. The membrane 32 is mounted in a recess in the connection area 34 and thus well protected from damage during assembly of the glazing. The connecting region 34 also has two wafer contact surfaces 40. The wafer contact surfaces 40 are the surfaces of the connecting region 34 which point in the finished insulating glass unit II to the outer panes, parallel to the outer panes of the insulating glass unit and optionally connected to these. The disc contact surfaces 40 are slightly ahead, so that after insertion of the hollow profile strips 1 a flush conclusion with the side walls of the hollow profile strip is possible. This simplifies the assembly of the insulating glass unit II.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of another embodiment of a connector according to the invention I. The connector I differs from the connector shown in Figure 2 in the manner of attachment of the membrane 32 in the recess 33. The membrane 32 is here in a sleeve 42 and arranged over a seal 43 in the first opening 36 of the recess 33 attached. The sleeve 42 is made of aluminum and attached tightly in the recess 33 via a butyl sealant. The inflowing air can thus reach in the finished insulating glass unit only via the membrane 32 in the inner space between the panes. An advantage of retrofitting the membrane 32 by means of a sleeve 42 is the increased flexibility of the design. The injection-molded connector I can be provided as needed with a pressure compensation membrane or alternatively with a pressure compensation valve, which is adapted to the respective insulating glass unit and the required pressure equalization.

FIG. 5A shows a schematic external view of an embodiment of a connector I according to the invention in the form of a longitudinal connector. Figure 5B shows a cross-section of the longitudinal connector along the line Β '- B "The viewing direction is indicated by an arrow in Figure 5A The representation of the connector is greatly simplified Lamella or retaining elements, as used in the prior art For example, these are not shown and can be added by the person skilled in the art as needed The longitudinal connector I comprises two insertion legs 31, which are connected via a connection region 34. The insertion legs 31 close an angle α (alpha) of FIG The connection region 34 projects in comparison with the insertion legs 31. The projection U between the outer surface 39 of the connection region 34 and the outer side 44 of the insertion limb 31 is 4 mm has the advantage that the membrane 32 can be mounted in a recess of the connecting region 34. Thus, the membrane 32 is better protected against damage. The gas and water vapor-tight membrane 32 closes the first opening 36 of the recess 33. The second opening 37 of the recess 33 is arranged in the inner surface 41 of the connecting region. Thus, in the finished insulating glass unit II, pressure equalization is made possible directly between the inner space between the panes 12 and the surroundings.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section through a spacer frame 8 with a connector I according to the invention. The spacer frame 8 comprises four hollow profiled strips 1 which are each connected in the corners by corner connectors to form a complete spacer frame 8. The individual strips along the longer sides of the spacer frame are 200 cm long, while the strips along the shorter sides are each 100 cm long. The four strips are connected by three corner connectors according to the prior art and a corner connector I according to the invention and form a rectangular spacer frame 8. The corner connector I according to the invention is described in detail in FIG. The two Einsteckschenkel 31 of the invention Eckverbinders I are inserted into two hollow profile strips 1 and connected via a connecting portion 34. The connecting region 34 is exposed and is not inserted into the hollow profile strip 1. The end faces 35 of the Einsteckschenkel 31 point to the cavity 5 and are not on an inner side of the hollow profile strip 1 at. The structure of a hollow profile strip 1 is shown by way of example in FIG. The hollow profile strip 1 contains a cavity 5. The cavity 5 is filled with a desiccant 1 1, for example with molecular sieve. The glazing interior wall 3 is designed to be permeable along all hollow profile strips 1. The cavity 5 is in the finished insulating glass unit via perforations 7 in the glazing interior wall 3 of the hollow profile strip 1 in conjunction with the inner pane space 12. The desiccant 1 1 can absorb moisture from the inner space between the panes 12 and prevent fogging of the discs. Since all hollow profiled strips 1 are filled with molecular sieve, the absorption capacity for moisture is maximum, which ensures sufficient drying of the inner pane space 12 over the entire life of the insulating glass unit. The corner connector I according to the invention contains a recess 33, which has a first opening 36 in the outer surface 39 of the connection region 34 and has a second opening 37 in the inner surface 41. In the finished insulating glass unit I, the second opening 37 is open to the inner pane space 12 and the first opening 36 is open to the environment (see FIG. 7).

FIG. 7 shows a corner region of an insulating glass unit II according to the invention in cross section. The connector I is the connector according to the invention shown in FIG. The two Einsteckschenkel 31 are each arranged in a cavity 5 a hollow profile strip 1. The Recess 33 connects the inner pane space 12 with the environment. The recess 33 has a first opening 36 in the outer surface 39 of the connection area and a second opening in the inner area 41 facing the inner space between the panes. A gas-permeable and water-vapor-tight membrane 32 above the first opening 36 prevents moisture from penetrating into the inner space between the panes 12. The glazing interior wall 3 of the hollow profile strip 1 is made gas-permeable, for example made of a porous plastic, so that a gas exchange between inner pane space 12 and cavity 5 can take place. Thus, moisture from the inner space between the panes 12 can be absorbed by the molecular sieve 1 1 contained in the cavity 5. The outer wall 4 is provided with the use of a gas-permeable material for the hollow profile strip 1 with a barrier film 6, which seals the edge seal. The barrier film 6 is a multilayer film. Adjacent to the outer wall 4 and the corner connector I, a secondary sealing means 16, for example an organic polysulfide, is arranged in the outer pane cavity 24, which improves the mechanical stability of the insulating glass unit II. The material of the secondary sealing means 16 terminates flush with the outer surface 39 of the connecting region 34. In the manufacture of the insulating glass unit II so contamination of the membrane 32 is prevented by secondary sealing means 32.

Figure 8A shows a cross section of a connector according to the invention in the form of a corner connector I. It differs from that shown in Figure 2 in that the recess 33 is disposed only along one of the two Einsteckschenkel 31. Accordingly, the recess 33 has only a first opening 36 in the outer surface 39 and a second opening 37 in the end face 35 of a Einsteckschenkels 31st Thus, a targeted ventilation in a particular section of the spacer frame 8 done.

FIG. 8B shows a cross section of a spacer frame 8 according to the invention with the corner connector I described in FIG. 8A. The spacer frame 8 comprises a hollow profile strip 1 and a corner connector I according to the invention. The hollow profile strip 1 is bent into a rectangular frame. The two ends of the hollow profile strip 1 are connected via the corner connector I according to the invention. The hollow profile strip 1 has a glazing interior wall 3, which faces the inner space between the panes 12 in the finished insulating glass unit. The glazing interior wall 3 comprises permeable sections 1 a and an impermeable section 1 b. In the permeable section 1 a perforations 7 are mounted in the glazing interior wall 3, so that in the finished insulating glass unit, a gas exchange between the inner pane cavity 12 and the cavity 5 of the hollow profile strip 1 can take place. The Einsteckschenkel 31 of the connector I according to the invention with The second opening 37 engages in the impermeable portion 1 b and the other Einsteckschenkel 31 engages in a permeable portion 1 a. The cavity 5 of the hollow profile 1 is filled with a drying agent along the entire circumference of the spacer frame 8. Apart from the recess 33, the connecting region 34 of the corner connector I according to the invention is solid, that is to say it separates the sections 1 a and 1 b joined by the corner connector I and prevents gas exchange between these two sections. In the finished insulating glass unit, the ambient air flows from the second opening 37 into the cavity 5 of the impermeable portion 1 b and is pre-dried there by contact with the desiccant 1 1. Only in the area of the following section 1 a, which is gas-permeable to the impermeable portion 1 b, the air through the perforations 7 in the glazing interior wall

3 in the inner space between the panes 12 pass. This achieves efficient drying of the ambient air.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective cross section of a hollow profiled strip 1. The hollow profile strip 1 comprises two parallel side walls 2.1 and 2.2, which make contact with the discs 13 and 14 of an insulating glass unit II. The side walls 2.1 and 2.2 are connected via an outer wall 4 and a glazing inner wall 3. The outer wall

4 runs substantially parallel to the glazing interior wall 3. The hollow profile strip 1 is made of a polymer and additionally glass fiber reinforced and contains, for example, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and about 35 wt .-% glass fiber. The hollow profile strip 1 has a cavity 5 and the wall thickness of the polymeric hollow profile 1 is, for example, 1 mm. On the outer wall 4, a barrier film 6 is attached, which comprises at least one metal-containing barrier layer and a polymeric layer. The entire hollow profile strip has a thermal conductivity of less than 10 W / (m K) and a gas permeation of less than 0.001 g / (m ² h).

Figure 10 shows a cross section of a section of an insulating glass unit according to the invention along the line Α '- A "in Figure 7 (viewing direction is indicated in Figure 7.) The insulating glass unit II contains the hollow profile strip 1 described in Figure 9. Between a first disc 13 and a second The glass fiber-reinforced polymeric hollow profiled strip 1 with the barrier film 6 fastened thereon is arranged on the pane 14. The barrier film 6 is arranged on the outer wall 4 and on a part of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 The first pane 13, the second pane 14 and the barrier film 6 delimit the pane outer pane cavity 24 of the insulating glass unit The secondary pane sealant 16, which for example contains polysulfide, is arranged in the outer pane cavity 24. The barrier film 6 together with the secondary sealant 16 isolates the inner pane cavity 12 and reduces the heat transfer from the glass fiber reinforced polymeric hollow profile strip 1 in the inner space between the panes 12. The barrier film 6, for example, with a polyurethane (PUR) hot melt adhesive on the hollow profile strip 1 are attached. Between the side walls 2.1, 2.2 and the discs 13, 14, a primary sealing means 10 is preferably arranged. This contains, for example, a butyl. The primary sealant 10 overlaps with the barrier film 6 to prevent potential interfacial diffusion. The first disk 13 and the second disk 14 preferably have the same dimensions and thicknesses. The discs preferably have an optical transparency of> 85%. The discs 13, 14 include quartz glass, for example. Within the hollow profile strip 1, a desiccant 1 1, for example Molsieb, within the cavity 5 is arranged. This desiccant 1 1 can be filled in the cavity 5 of the hollow profile strip 1 prior to assembly of the insulating glass unit. The glazing interior wall 3 comprises smaller perforations 7 or pores, which allow a gas exchange with the inner space between the panes 12.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

I connector

II insulating glass unit

I hollow profile strip

2.1 first side wall

2.2 second side wall

3 glazing interior wall

4 outer wall

5 cavity

6 barrier film

7 perforations in the glazed interior surface

8 spacer frame

10 primary sealant

I I desiccant

12 inside pane space

13 first disc

14 second disc

16 secondary sealant

24 outer pane space

31 insertion legs

32 membrane

33 recess

34 connection area

35 front side of a Einsteckschenkels

36 first opening of the recess

37 second opening of the recess

38 third opening of the recess

39 outer surface of the connection area

40 disc contact surface of the connection area

41 inner surface of the connection area

42 sleeve

43 sealing

44 outside of a Einsteckschenkels

45 side surface of a Einsteckschenkels

L Length of a Einsteckschenkels

E Length of the connection area Projection between outer surface of the connection area and outside of a Einsteckschenkels

Claims

claims

1 . Connector (I) for connecting two hollow profiled strips in insulating glass units, comprising two insertion legs (31) suitable for insertion into a hollow profiled strip (1), a connecting region (34) connecting the two insertion legs (31), comprising an outer surface (39) , two disc contact surfaces (40) and an inner surface (41), wherein in the connector (I) a recess (33) is mounted, which is adapted to produce in an insulating glass unit (II) a passage from the inner pane space (12) to the environment and

the recess (33) has a first opening (36) in the outer surface (39) of the connection region (34) and the first opening (36) is closed by a gas-permeable membrane (32) impermeable to water vapor.

A connector (I) according to claim 1, wherein the gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane (32) contains or consists of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), preferably a stretched microporous polytetrafluoroethylene.

A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the connector (I) is a corner connector or a longitudinal connector.

A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess (33) has a second opening (37) in the inner surface (41) of the connecting portion.

5. The connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess (33) is arranged at least along a Einsteckschenkels (31) and a second opening (37) of the recess (33) in an end face (35) of a Einsteckschenkels (33). 31) is arranged.

6. Connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess (33) along both Einsteckschenkel (31) is arranged and the second opening (37) and a third opening (38) of the recess (33) in the end faces (35) of the two Einsteckschenkel (31) are arranged.

7. The connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least the outer surface (39) of the connection region (34) is provided with a water vapor-tight barrier, preferably coated with a metal layer.

8. Insulating glass unit (II) at least comprising

a first disc (13) and a second disc (14),

a circumferential spacer frame (8) arranged between the panes (13, 14), comprising at least one hollow profiled strip (1) and at least one connector (I),

an inner disc space (12) bounded by the spacer frame (8) and the two discs (13, 14), wherein

the connector (I) comprises at least two insertion legs (31) which are inserted into the ends of the at least one hollow profiled strip (1) and a connecting region (34) which connects the two insertion legs (31)

the connection region (34) comprises an outer surface (39) pointing to the surroundings, two disk contact surfaces (40) and an inner surface (41) facing the inner disk space (12),

in the connector (I) a recess (33) is mounted, which creates a passage from the inner space between the disc (12) to the environment and

9. insulating glass unit according to claim 8, wherein the recess (33) has a second opening (37) in the inner surface (41).

10. insulating glass unit (II) according to claim 9, wherein the hollow profile strip (1) at least a first side wall (2.1); a second side wall (2.2) arranged parallel thereto; a vertical glazing interior wall (3) arranged perpendicular to the side walls (2.1, 2.2) connecting the side walls (2.1, 2.2) with 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 and a cavity (5) defined by the side walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing inner wall (3) and the outer wall (4) is enclosed, wherein the glazing inner wall (3) of the hollow profile strip (1) comprises at least one permeable portion (1 a), in which a gas exchange and moisture exchange between the inner pane space (12) and cavity (5) is possible and

the cavity (5) at least in the permeable section (1 a) contains a desiccant (1 1).

1 1. Insulating glass unit (II) according to claim 10, wherein the recess (33) is arranged along a Einsteckschenkels (31), a second opening (37) of the recess (33) in an end face (35) of a Einsteckschenkels (31) is arranged and wherein the second opening (37) in a portion of the hollow profile strip (1) is arranged, the cavity (5) with the permeable portion (1 a) is connected or the self permeable section (1 a).

12. insulating glass unit (II) according to claim 1 1, wherein the second opening (37) in a portion (1 b) of the hollow profile strip (1) with impermeable glazing interior wall (3) is arranged and the impermeable portion (1 b) with a permeable portion (1 a) is connected.

The insulating glass unit (II) according to claim 8, wherein the insulating glass unit includes a connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. A process for producing an insulating glass unit (II) comprising at least the steps:

Providing at least one hollow profile strip (1),

Connecting the ends of the at least one hollow profiled strip (1) to a complete spacer frame (8) by means of at least one connector (I) according to one of claims 1 to 7,

Filling the hollow profile strip (1) with a desiccant (1 1),

Attaching a first disc (13) and a second disc (14) on the spacer frame (8) via a primary sealing means (10), wherein an inner disc space (12) and an outer space between the discs (24) arise,

Attaching a secondary sealant (16) in the outer pane space (24) and

Pressing the disc assembly.

15. Use of the insulating glass unit (II) according to any one of claims 8 to 13 as building interior glazing, building exterior glazing and / or facade glazing.