EP3362628B1 - Connector for connecting two hollow section strips with membrane - Google Patents

Description

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 made of glass or polymeric materials. The disks are separated from one another 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. For example, silver-containing coatings enable 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 double glazing are of great importance. The seal and especially the spacer have a great influence on the quality of the double glazing. The contact points between the spacer and the glass pane are particularly susceptible to temperature and climate fluctuations. The connection between the washer and the spacer is produced via an adhesive connection made of organic polymer, for example polyisobutylene. In addition to the direct effects on the physical properties of the adhesive connection, the glass itself particularly affects the adhesive connection. Due to the temperature changes, for example due to sunlight, the glass expands or contracts again when it cools down. At the same time, this mechanical movement stretches or compresses the adhesive connection, which can only compensate for these movements to a limited extent through its own elasticity. In the course of the operating life of the insulating glazing, the mechanical stress described can mean a partial or full detachment of the adhesive connection. This detachment of the adhesive connection can then allow moisture to penetrate inside the insulating glazing. These climate loads can lead to fogging in the area of the panes and a decrease in the insulating effect.

The spaces between the panes are tightly sealed to reduce the air humidity in the space between the panes to a minimum. This is necessary to prevent the formation of condensed water, since the moisture could lead to the oxidation of vapor-deposited metal-containing coatings on the panes. Due to the tight design of the space between the panes, there is pressure equalization with the surroundings however not possible. When the environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature, change, the pressure difference between the environment and the inner space between the panes causes the glass panes to bulge in or out. Among other things, this results in an increased load on the edge bond. In addition, built-in moving components, such as blinds, can become jammed due to the recessing of the panes. In order to alleviate these problems, a passage can be created from the inner space between the panes to the surroundings, which enables pressure equalization. The passage must be designed in such a way that water vapor cannot penetrate into the space between the panes, while at the same time preventing dirt and dust from entering.

CH 687 937 A5 discloses insulating glazing with a desiccant-filled hollow profile spacer frame which has perforated and imperforate sections towards the pane interior. A capillary tube is provided for pressure equalization between the interior of the pane and the outside, which opens into an imperforate section of the spacer frame. The actual capillary tube is arranged in the outer space between the panes and surrounded by secondary sealant there. An opening of the capillary tube faces the external environment. A disadvantage of this solution is the complex manufacture of the finished insulating glass unit, since the capillary is very sensitive.

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

WO 2014/131094 A1 discloses a breathing insulating glass unit in which the internal pressure is balanced with the ambient pressure with the aid of one or more openings with a connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is to provide a connector for connecting two hollow profile strips, which enables simple manufacture of an insulating glass unit with pressure compensation, and 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 according to the invention by a connector according to independent claim 1. Preferred statements emerge from the subclaims.

An insulating glass unit according to the invention, a method for producing the insulating glass unit according to the invention and their use according to the invention are evident 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 insertion legs and a connecting area that connects the two insertion legs to one another. The two insertion legs are suitable for being inserted into a respective hollow profile strip and thus establish a connection between two hollow profile strips. The connecting area connects the two insertion legs to one another and is not intended to be inserted into a hollow profile strip. The connection area comprises an outer surface, an inner surface and a disk contact surface. In the finished insulating glass unit, the outer surface faces the surroundings, the inner surface in the finished insulating glass unit faces the inner space between the panes, and the pane contact surfaces are provided so that the outer panes of the insulating glazing can be attached there using a suitable sealant. In the connector according to the invention there is a recess which is suitable for producing a passage from the inner space between the panes to the surroundings in an insulating glass unit. The recess has a first opening in the outer surface of the connection area. This opening is closed with a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane. The membrane prevents the ingress of moisture and dust from the environment. The recess, which is closed with a membrane, is used in the finished insulating glass unit to produce a pressure equalization between the atmosphere and the inner space between the panes of an insulating glass unit. The connector according to the invention with an integrated possibility for pressure equalization is installed in the course of assembling the spacer frame. The pressure compensation element no longer has to be installed in a separate step. The connector connects two hollow profile strips that are assembled into a spacer frame. The two insertion legs are located in the cavity of the hollow profile strips and are completely hidden. The connector according to the invention thus provides a simple possibility of integrating pressure compensation into an insulating glass unit with hollow profile spacers.

A spacer frame can be formed by a hollow profile strip which is bent into a frame and the two ends of which 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, two individual strips of one according to the invention Connectors are connected and the remaining strips are connected using 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 the perfluoroalkoxy polymers (PFA) and / or copolymers thereof. The membrane particularly preferably contains a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This gives particularly good values for the moisture diffusion density. The membrane very particularly preferably contains or consists of an expanded microporous PTFE. These membranes are very well suited for use as a pressure compensation membrane and achieve optimum low values for water vapor permeability with good processability at the same time.

The MVTR (moisture vapor transmission rate) value of the gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane is preferably 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 from 1 to 100 μm. The pore size of the semipermeable membrane is preferably in the range from 0.01 μm to 10 μm.

The semipermeable membrane is preferably arranged on a carrier material, for example laminated on. This can be a woven or a knitted textile.

The connector according to the invention is preferably a corner connector or a longitudinal connector. The two insertion legs form 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 connection area. In the finished insulating glazing, the recess thus connects the inner space between the panes and the surroundings. The pressure equalization takes place directly between the environment and the inner space between the panes, which is particularly effective and easy to carry out. The membrane over the first opening of the recess prevents moisture from getting into 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 insertion legs. The recess runs from the connection area within one of the two insertion legs to the second opening in the end face of the insertion leg. 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 gas-permeable to the inner space between the panes, pressure equalization between the surroundings and the inner space between the panes is made possible in the finished insulating glass unit. The air flowing in through the membrane first reaches the cavity of the hollow profile strip, which can be filled with a desiccant. In this case, any moisture present in the incoming air is extracted by the desiccant before it reaches the inner space between the panes. This leads to 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 directed into a section of the hollow profile strip.

In a further preferred embodiment, the recess is arranged along both insertion legs, and the second opening and a third opening are arranged in the end faces of the two insertion legs. The recess branches in the connection area and then runs within the two insertion legs 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. A particularly effective pressure equalization can be achieved in this way.

The end face of a plug-in leg is the surface which faces the cavity when the connector is inserted into a hollow profile strip. The end face is therefore not directly against an inside of the hollow profile strip. After connecting the insert legs with a hollow profile strip, the disk contact surfaces of the connection area and the outer surface of the connection area are exposed. The pane contact surfaces are the surfaces which face the outer panes in the finished insulating glass unit and are arranged parallel to the outer panes of the insulating glass unit. The disk contact surfaces can also be connected to the outer disks. The outer surface is the surface that faces the environment in the finished insulating glass unit or is at least partially in contact with the secondary sealant.

In the corner connector according to the invention, the connection area protrudes with respect to the insertion legs. The supernatant U between The outer surface of the connection area and the outer sides of the insertion legs is 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm and particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm. The stability of the connector is increased by enlarging the connection area. In the finished insulating glass unit, it is possible for the material of the secondary sealant to be 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 connection area preferably also protrudes somewhat in relation to the side surfaces of the insertion legs. The size of this overhang depends on the hollow profile strip to be used. The hollow profile strip in the insulating glass unit preferably terminates flush with the pane contact surfaces of the connection area.

According to the invention, the membrane is attached in a recess in the connection area in an enlarged connection area (see figures). This protects the membrane from damage that can occur, for example, during assembly of the insulating glass unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, at least the outer surface of the connection area 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 area. 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 provides particularly good results with regard to tightness. Alternatively, a foil coated with metal can also be used. Such an additional barrier to improve the tightness of the edge bond is advantageous, in particular, in the case of connectors made of polymeric materials which have a high permeability to water vapor.

The connector is preferably rigid. This means that after manufacturing the connector with an integrated recess with a membrane, it is no longer bendable in the connection area. The angle α between the two insertion legs can then no longer be changed significantly, that is to say it can be changed by at most 5 °, preferably by at most 1 °. This design improves the stability of the connector and prevents damage to the fastening of the membrane in the connection area.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the connector is produced in an injection molding process. The insert legs and the connection area 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 omitted. A possible method for producing a connector according to the invention initially includes the provision of a membrane, which is inserted into an injection molding tool, in which the insertion legs and the connection area are then cast. After the material has hardened, the finished connector can be removed from the injection mold.

In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the membrane is arranged in a sleeve. The sleeve is fastened in the first opening of the recess via a seal. The seal ensures that incoming air can only enter the space between the panes through the membrane. 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 can 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, which is used when sealing the insulating glass unit.

The connector is preferably made of polymers, since these have a low thermal conductivity, which leads to improved heat-insulating properties of the edge composite. The connector particularly preferably contains biocomposites, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitriles, polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethylmetacrylates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride ( PVC), particularly 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 5% to 60%, particularly preferably 20% to 50%. The fiber content in the connector according to the invention improves the strength and stability. The thermal expansion coefficient of the connector can be varied and adapted to the hollow profile spacer by the choice of the fiber content. To be favoured Natural fibers or glass fibers, particularly preferably glass fibers used to reinforce the connector.

In an alternative embodiment, the connector can 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 insertion legs, each for receiving a hollow profile strip. A multiple connector, on the other hand, has at least four insertion legs, half of which run parallel to each other. In the connection area, the multiple connector has a web from which all legs of the connector extend. In a preferred embodiment, the connector according to the invention is designed as a double corner connector. This has four insertion legs, two of which are arranged parallel to each other. Such a double corner connector preferably contains one or more recesses which are closed with a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane.

Furthermore, the invention comprises an insulating glass unit with a connector with an integrated membrane, in particular a connector according to the invention. The insulating glass unit according to the invention comprises at least a first pane, a second pane arranged parallel thereto and a circumferential spacer frame arranged between the first pane and the second pane. The spacer frame comprises at least one hollow profile strip and at least one connector. The first pane, the second pane and the spacer frame delimit an inner pane gap. The connector comprises at least two insertion legs and a connection area. The two insertion legs are connected to each other in the connection area. The two insertion legs are inserted into the ends of the at least one hollow profile strip and connect them to form a circumferential spacer frame. The connection area is located outside the hollow profile strip, while the insertion legs are located within the cavity of the hollow profile strip. The connection area comprises an outer surface facing the surroundings, two disk contact surfaces facing the two disks and an inner surface facing the inner space between the disks. The contact surfaces of the disks preferably run parallel to the disks. A recess is made in the connector, which creates a passage from the inner space between the panes to the surroundings and thus enables pressure equalization. The recess has a first opening in the outer surface of the connection area. The first opening is closed with a gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane. Thus, in the insulating glass unit according to the invention with a membrane arranged in the connector, there is pressure equalization when the Ambient conditions ensured. The pressure compensation element is installed in the insulating glazing according to the invention via the connector. Leakages that can be introduced through a recess in the spacer frame when a pressure compensation element is subsequently introduced are thus 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 connection area. The recess is open to the inner space between the panes via the second opening and open to the surroundings via the first opening. The recess thus creates a direct passage from the inner space between the panes to the surroundings and enables particularly effective pressure equalization. The water vapor-tight membrane prevents moisture and dust from entering the inner space between the panes.

The spacer frame can comprise several individual hollow profile strips, which are assembled to form a complete frame. The individual strips can be welded together, glued together or put together using 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 at one point via a connector according to the invention. The spacer frame is preferably rectangular. Most insulating glass units are manufactured in this form.

The spacer frame is preferably attached between the first pane and the second pane via a primary sealant. This provides a good seal between the inner pane interstice and the external environment. This prevents the ingress of moisture and the loss of any gas filling. The primary sealant preferably contains a polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene can be a crosslinking or non-crosslinking polyisobutylene.

A hollow profile spacer strip known from the prior art can be used as the hollow profile strip, regardless of its material composition. Examples of 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 wall arranged perpendicular to the side walls and an outer wall. The glazing interior wall connects the side walls with each other. The outer wall is arranged essentially parallel to the glazing interior wall and connects the side walls together. The first side wall, the glazing interior 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 absorb a desiccant, for example. The glazing interior wall comprises at least one permeable section, so that there is a possibility for gas exchange between the cavity and the inner pane interspace. In the permeable section, the exchange of gas and moisture between the inner space between the panes and the cavity is possible. The cavity contains a desiccant at least in the permeable section, which absorbs any moisture present in the inner space between the panes and thus prevents the panes from fogging. The permeability of the glazing interior wall can be achieved by using 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 insertion legs. The recess runs from the first opening in the connection area within one of the two insertion legs to the second opening in the end face of the insertion leg. 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 is itself a permeable section. In the permeable section, the glazing interior wall of the hollow profile strip is made permeable. It is important that the second opening of the connector opens into a section of the hollow profile strip, which is connected to a permeable section of the hollow profile, so that a pressure equalization between the surroundings and the inner space between the panes is possible. The air flowing in through the membrane first reaches the cavity of the hollow profile strip, which is at least partially filled with a desiccant. Any moisture present in the incoming air is extracted by the desiccant before it reaches the inner space between the panes. This leads to 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 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 profile strip with an impermeable glazing interior wall and the impermeable section is connected to a permeable section. In this context, impermeable means gas impermeable and moisture impermeable. This can be achieved by choosing the material of the glazing interior wall or by applying a barrier film, as is also used for the outer wall of hollow profile spacers. A desiccant is preferably arranged in the impermeable section. The inflowing air is first dried in the impermeable section filled with desiccant and only then flows through the permeable area into the inner space between the panes. This leads to a further improved protection against moisture in the inner space between the panes.

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

The length d of the impermeable section, measured along the circumferential spacer frame, is preferably at least 0.2 A, where A is the circumference of the spacer frame along the glazing interior wall. Preferably d ≥ 0.3 A, particularly preferably d ≥ 0.5 A. This increases the drying path of the air flow in the gas-impermeable area, so that long-term stability, insulating effect and service life 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 drying agent from the cavity being able to penetrate into the inner space between the panes. By adding a certain number of perforations, the permeability of the glazing interior wall can easily be adapted to the given conditions and 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 fastened there. The first disk and the second disk are preferably fastened to the first side wall and to the second side wall by means of a primary sealant. 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 pane delimit 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 some of the climate loads that act on the edge bond.

The secondary sealant preferably contains polymers or silane-modified polymers, particularly preferably organic polysulfides, silicones, room temperature-crosslinking (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxidically crosslinked 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 enlarged so that it protrudes somewhat in relation to the insertion legs. The protrusion U between the outer surface of the connection area and the outer sides of the insertion legs is 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm and particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm. The protrusion U is preferably selected such that after the outer space between the panes has been filled with a secondary sealant, the outer surface of the connection area and the secondary sealant are flush. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the connection area is not touched by the secondary sealant. This reduces the risk of membrane contamination.

A desiccant is preferably contained in the cavity, 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 panes of the insulating glass unit preferably contain glass and / or polymers, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate and / or mixtures thereof. In an alternative embodiment The first pane and / or the second pane can be designed 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 at least one hollow profile strip is initially 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 with corner connectors according to the prior art without an integrated membrane. At least a section of the hollow profile strip is filled with a desiccant. The first and second panes are then attached to the spacer frame via a primary sealant, creating an inner pane space and an outer pane space. In the last step, a secondary sealant is applied in the outer space between the panes and the pane assembly is pressed. The method according to the invention for producing an insulating glass unit with a membrane is considerably simplified compared to methods according to the prior art for the subsequent installation of pressure compensation elements in a hollow profile spacer. No separate step is required to install a membrane. There is also no need to drill holes because the recess with the membrane is already integrated in the connector and this connector only has to be inserted into the hollow profile strips.

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

• Figur 1 einen schematischen, perspektivischen Querschnitt einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinders,
• Figur 2 einen schematischen, perspektivischen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinders,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Außenansicht der in Figur 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinders,
• Figur 4 einen schematischen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinders,
• Figur 5A eine schematische Außenansicht einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Längsverbinders,
• Figur 5B bzw. einen schematischen Querschnitt entlang der Linie B^I - B^II des in Figur 5A gezeigten Längsverbinders,
• Figur 6 einen Querschnitt eines Abstandhalterrahmens mit dem in Figur 1 gezeigten erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinder,
• Figur 7 den Eckbereich einer erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaseinheit im Querschnitt,
• Figur 8A einen schematischen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinders,
• Figur 8B einen Querschnitt eines Abstandhalterrahmens mit dem in Figur 8A gezeigten erfindungsgemäßen Eckverbinder,
• Figur 9 einen schematischen Querschnitt eines in einer erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaseinheit einsetzbaren Hohlprofils,
• Figur 10 einen Querschnitt entlang der in Figur 7 gezeigten Linie A^I - A^II einer erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaseinheit.

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

• Figure 1 2 shows a schematic, perspective cross section of an embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 2 2 shows a schematic, perspective cross section of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 3 a schematic external view of the in Figure 1 and 2 shown embodiments of a corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 4 2 shows a schematic cross section of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 5A 2 shows a schematic external view of an embodiment of a longitudinal connector according to the invention,
• Figure 5B or a schematic cross section along the line B ^I - B ^{II of} the in Figure 5A shown longitudinal connector,
• Figure 6 a cross section of a spacer frame with the in Figure 1 shown corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 7 the corner area of an insulating glass unit according to the invention in cross section,
• Figure 8A 2 shows a schematic cross section of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 8B a cross section of a spacer frame with the in Figure 8A shown corner connector according to the invention,
• Figure 9 2 shows a schematic cross section of a hollow profile that can be used in an insulating glass unit according to the invention,
• Figure 10 a cross section along the in Figure 7 shown line A ^I - A ^{II of} an insulating glass unit according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a connector according to the invention in the form of a corner connector. The representation is greatly simplified. Slats or retaining elements, such as those used in the prior art to fix the corner connectors in a hollow profile strip, are not shown, for example. These can be added by the specialist as required. The connector I comprises two insertion legs 31 which are connected to one another in the connection region 34. The two insertion legs 31 form an angle α (alpha) of 90 °. The connecting area 34 has an outer surface 39 which faces the surroundings in the finished insulating glass unit II and an inner surface 41 which faces in the finished insulating glass unit points to the inner space between the panes 12. A recess 33 is integrated in the connection area 34. The recess 33 has a first opening 36 which is made 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 there is a direct passage from the inner pane space 12 to the outer environment. Pressure equalization is thus made possible directly by ventilation in the inner space 12 between the panes. The water vapor-tight membrane 32 prevents moisture from penetrating into the inner space between the panes 12. The insertion legs 31 and the connecting region 34 are produced in one piece from an polyamide in an injection molding process. The membrane 32 made of stretched PTFE is already integrated in the course of the injection molding process and is thus securely attached. The connection region 34 stands out in comparison to the insertion legs 31. The projection U between the outer surface 39 and the outer side 44 of the insertion leg 31 is 3.5 mm. The connection area 34 also protrudes somewhat in relation to the side surfaces of the insertion legs (not recognizable in the picture). The size of this protrusion depends on the hollow profile strip 1 to be used. The hollow profile strip 1 in the insulating glass unit preferably terminates flush with the pane contact surfaces 40 of the connecting region 34. The membrane 32 is provided in a recess in the connection area 34, so that it is protected against mechanical damage (see also Figure 3 ). The projecting connection area 34 has the additional advantage that a strengthening of the connection area 34 is achieved, which contributes to an increase in the stability of the connector I. The connection area 34 is rigid, that is, the angle α (alpha) cannot 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 hollow profile strips 1 used. The length L of an insert leg is 3.2 cm in the example, and the length E of the connection area is approximately 1.2 cm.

Figure 2 shows a further connector I according to the invention in the form of a corner connector. The connector I differs from that in Figure 1 shown in the design of the recess 33. The recess 33 has three openings 36, 37 and 38. The first opening 36 is like to Figure 1 described arranged in the outer surface 39 and closed with a membrane 32. The second opening 37 and the third opening 38 are located in the end faces 35 of the two insertion legs 31. This embodiment enables simultaneous ventilation in two sections of a hollow profile strip 1, so that particularly efficient pressure compensation can be achieved.

Figure 3 shows an exterior view of the in Figure 1 and 2 shown connectors. The membrane 32 here has a rectangular shape. The membrane can 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 is thus well protected against damage during the assembly of the glazing. The connecting area 34 also has two pane contact surfaces 40. The pane contact areas 40 are the areas of the connecting area 34 which, in the finished insulating glass unit II, face the outer panes, run parallel to the outer panes of the insulating glass unit and, if appropriate, are connected to them. The disk contact surfaces 40 protrude somewhat, so that after the hollow profile strips 1 have been inserted, a flush closure 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 a further embodiment of a connector I according to the invention. The connector I differs from that in FIG Figure 2 Connector shown in the manner of fastening the membrane 32 in the recess 33. The membrane 32 is arranged here in a sleeve 42 and fastened via a seal 43 in the first opening 36 of the recess 33. The sleeve 42 is made of aluminum and is sealed in the recess 33 via a butyl sealant. In the finished insulating glass unit, the inflowing air can only reach the inner space between the panes via the membrane 32. An advantage of the subsequent attachment of the membrane 32 using a sleeve 42 is the increased flexibility of the design. The injection molded connector I can be provided 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 compensation.

Figure 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 B ^I - B ^II . The direction of view is with an arrow in Figure 5A indicated. The representation of the connector is greatly simplified. Slats or retaining elements, such as those used in the prior art to fix the longitudinal connector in a hollow profile strip, are not shown, for example. These can be added by the specialist as required. The longitudinal connector I comprises two insertion legs 31, which are connected via a connecting area 34. The insertion legs 31 enclose an angle α (alpha) of 180 °. The connection region 34 stands out in comparison to the insertion legs 31. The protrusion U between the outer surface 39 of the connecting region 34 and the outer side 44 of the insertion legs 31 is 4 mm. The enlargement of the connection area 34 in particular in the direction of the outer surface 39 has the advantage that the membrane 32 can be attached in a recess of the connection region 34. In this way, 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 connection area. In the finished insulating glass unit II, pressure equalization is thus made possible directly between the inner space 12 between the panes and the surroundings.

Figure 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 profile strips 1, each of which is 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 via three prior art corner connectors 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 in Figure 1 described in detail. The two insertion legs 31 of the corner connector I according to the invention are inserted into two hollow profile strips 1 and connected via a connection area 34. The connection area 34 is exposed and is not inserted into the hollow profile strip 1. The end faces 35 of the insertion legs 31 face the cavity 5 and are not in contact with an inside of the hollow profile strip 1. The structure of a hollow profile strip 1 is in Figure 9 shown as an example. The hollow profile strip 1 contains a cavity 5. The cavity 5 is filled with a desiccant 11, for example with a molecular sieve. The glazing interior wall 3 is made 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 connection with the inner space 12. The drying agent 11 can absorb moisture from the inner space 12 and prevent the windows from fogging up. Since all hollow profile strips 1 are filled with molecular sieve, the absorption capacity for moisture is at a maximum, which ensures adequate drying of the inner pane interspace 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 connecting 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 gap 12 and the first opening 36 is open to the surroundings (see Figure 7 ).

Figure 7 shows a corner area of an insulating glass unit II according to the invention in cross section. The connector I is the one in Figure 1 shown connector according to the invention. The two insertion legs 31 are each arranged in a cavity 5 of a hollow profile strip 1. The Recess 33 connects the inner space between the panes 12 to the surroundings. The recess 33 has a first opening 36 in the outer surface 39 of the connection area and a second opening in the inner surface 41 which faces the inner space between the panes. A gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane 32 over the first opening 36 prevents moisture from penetrating into the inner pane space 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 the inner pane space 12 and cavity 5 can take place. Moisture can thus be absorbed from the inner space between the panes 12 by the molecular sieve 11 contained in the cavity 5. When using a gas-permeable material for the hollow profile strip 1, the outer wall 4 is provided with a barrier film 6 which seals the edge bond. The barrier film 6 is a multilayer film. Adjacent to the outer wall 4 and the corner connector I, a secondary sealant 16, for example an organic polysulfide, is arranged in the outer pane interspace 24, which improves the mechanical stability of the insulating glass unit II. The material of the secondary sealant 16 is flush with the outer surface 39 of the connection region 34. In the manufacture of the insulating glass unit II, contamination of the membrane 32 by secondary sealant 32 is prevented.

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 in Figure 2 shown in that the recess 33 is arranged only along one of the two insertion legs 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 an insertion leg 31. In this way, ventilation can take place in a specific section of the spacer frame 8.

Figure 8B shows a cross section of a spacer frame 8 according to the invention with the in Figure 8A described corner connector I. The spacer frame 8 comprises a hollow profile bar 1 and a corner connector I according to the invention. The hollow profile bar 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, in the finished insulating glass unit, faces the inner space 12 between the panes. The glazing interior wall 3 comprises permeable sections 1a and an impermeable section 1b. Perforations 7 are provided in the glazing interior wall 3 in the permeable section 1a, so that in the finished insulating glass unit a gas exchange can take place between the inner pane interspace 12 and the cavity 5 of the hollow profile strip 1. The insertion leg 31 of the connector I according to the invention the second opening 37 engages in the impermeable section 1b and the other insertion leg 31 engages in a permeable section 1a. The cavity 5 of the hollow profile 1 is filled with a desiccant along the entire circumference of the spacer frame 8. Apart from the recess 33, the connection area 34 of the corner connector I according to the invention is solid, that is to say it separates the sections 1a and 1b connected by the corner connector I and prevents gas exchange between these two sections. In the finished insulating glass unit, the ambient air flows out of the second opening 37 into the cavity 5 of the impermeable section 1b and is pre-dried there by contact with the drying agent 11. Only in the area of the following section 1a, which is connected to the impermeable section 1b in a gas-permeable manner, can the air reach the inner pane interspace 12 via the perforations 7 in the glazing interior wall 3. In this way, efficient drying of the ambient air is achieved.

Figure 9 shows a perspective cross section of a hollow profile strip 1. The hollow profile strip 1 comprises two parallel side walls 2.1 and 2.2, which make contact with the panes 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 interior wall 3. The outer wall 4 runs essentially parallel to the glazing interior wall 3. The hollow profile strip 1 is made of a polymer and is additionally glass-fiber reinforced and contains, for example, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and about 35% by weight of 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. A barrier film 6 is attached to the outer wall 4 and comprises at least one metal-containing barrier layer and a polymer 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 A ^I - A ^II in Figure 7 (The viewing direction is in Figure 7 displayed). The insulating glass unit II contains the hollow profile strip 1 described in Figure 9 . The glass fiber-reinforced polymeric hollow profile strip 1 with the barrier film 6 attached to it is arranged between a first pane 13 and a second pane 14. The barrier film 6 is arranged on the outer wall 4 and on 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 outer pane gap 24 of the insulating glass unit. The secondary sealant 16, which contains polysulfide, for example, is arranged in the outer interspace 24. The barrier film 6 together with the secondary sealant 16 insulates the inner space between the panes 12 and reduces the heat transfer from the glass fiber-reinforced polymeric hollow profile strip 1 into the inner space between the panes 12. The barrier film 6 can be attached to the hollow profile strip 1, for example with a polyurethane (PUR) hot melt adhesive. A primary sealant 10 is preferably arranged between the side walls 2.1, 2.2 and the disks 13, 14. For example, this contains a butyl. The primary sealant 10 overlaps the barrier film 6 to prevent possible interface diffusion. The first disk 13 and the second disk 14 preferably have the same dimensions and thicknesses. The panes preferably have an optical transparency of> 85%. The disks 13, 14 contain quartz glass, for example. A desiccant 11, for example a molecular sieve, is arranged within the hollow space 5 within the hollow profile strip 1. This desiccant 11 can be filled into the cavity 5 of the hollow profile strip 1 before assembling the insulating glass unit. The glazing interior wall 3 comprises smaller perforations 7 or pores that enable gas exchange with the inner pane interspace 12.

Reference list

I.

Interconnects

II

Insulating glass unit

1

Hollow profile bar

2.1

first side wall

2.2

second side wall

3rd

Glazing interior wall

4th

Outer wall

5

cavity

6

Barrier film

7

Perforations in the glazing interior

8th

Spacer frame

10th

primary sealant

11

Desiccant

12th

inner space between panes

13

first disc

14

second disc

16

secondary sealant

24th

outer space between panes

31

Insert leg

32

membrane

33

Recess

34

Connection area

35

Face of an insert leg

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

seal

44

Outside of an insert leg

45

Side surface of an insert leg

L

Length of an insert leg

E

Length of the connection area

U

Projection between the outer surface of the connection area and the outside of an insertion leg

Claims (14)

1. Connector (I) for connecting two hollow-profile strips in insulating glazing units, comprising two plug-in legs (31), suitable for insertion into a hollow-profile strip (1),
   a connection region (34), which connects the two plug-in legs (31), comprising an outer surface (39), two pane contact surfaces (40), and an inner surface (41), wherein

   - a cavity (33) is provided in the connector (I), which cavity is suitable for establishing, in an insulating glazing unit (II), a passage from the inner interpane space (12) to the surroundings, and

   - the cavity (33) has a first opening (36) in the outer surface (39) of the connection region (34), and the first opening (36) is sealed with a gas-permeable and water-vapor-tight membrane (32),

   characterized in, that
   the connection region (34) protrudes forward relative to the plug-in legs (31) thus providing an enlarged connection region (34), wherein in the enlarged connection region (34) the membrane (32) is mounted in a recess in the connection region (34).
2. Connector (I) according to claim 1, wherein the gas-permeable and water-vapor-tight membrane (32) contains or is made of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), preferably an expanded microporous polytetrafluoroethylene.
3. Connector (I) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the connector (I) is a corner connector or a longitudinal connector.
4. Connector (I) according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the cavity (33) has a second opening (37) in the inner surface (41) of the connection region.
5. Connector (I) according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the cavity (33) is arranged at least along a plug-in leg (31) and a second opening (37) of the cavity (33) is arranged in an end face (35) of a plug-in leg (31).
6. Connector (I) according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the cavity (33) is arranged along both plug-in legs (31) and the second opening (37) and a third opening (38) of the cavity (33) are arranged in the end faces (35) of the two plug-in legs (31).
7. Connector (I) according to one of claims 1 through 6, wherein at least the outer surface (39) of the connection region (34) is provided with a water-vapor-tight barrier, is preferably coated with a metal layer ist.
8. Insulating glazing unit (II) at least comprising

   - a first pane (13) and a second pane (14),

   - arranged between the panes (13, 14), a peripheral spacer frame (8) comprising at least one hollow-profile strip (1) and at least one connector (I) according to one of the claims 1 through 7,

   - an inner interpane space (12) delimited by the spacer frame (8) and the two panes (13, 14), wherein

   - the connector (I) comprises at least two plug-in legs (31), which are inserted into the ends of the at least one hollow-profile strip (1), and a connection region (34), which connects the two plug-in legs (31),

   - the connection region (34) comprises an outer surface pointed toward the surroundings (39), two pane contact surfaces (40), and an inner surface (41) pointed toward the inner interpane space (12),

   - a cavity (33) is provided in the connector (I), which cavity establishes a passage from the inner interpane space (12) to the surroundings, and

   - the cavity (33) has a first opening (36) in the outer surface (39) of the connection region (34), and the first opening (36) is sealed with a gas-permeable and water-vapor-tight membrane (32).
9. Insulating glazing unit according to claim 8, wherein the cavity (33) has a second opening (37) in the inner surface (41).
10. Insulating glazing unit (II) according to claim 9, wherein the hollow-profile strip (1) comprises at least one first side wall (2.1); a second side wall (2.2) arranged parallel thereto; a glazing interior wall (3) arranged perpendicular to the side walls (2.1, 2.2), which connects the side walls (2.1, 2.2) to one another; an outer wall (4), which is arranged substantially parallel to the glazing interior wall (3) and connects the side walls (2.1, 2.2) to one another, and a hollow space (5) that is surrounded by the side walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing interior wall (3), and the outer wall (4), wherein

    - the glazing interior wall (3) of the hollow-profile strip (1) includes at at least one permeable section (1a), in which a gas exchange and moisture exchange between an inner interpane space (12) and the hollow space (5) is possible, and

    - the hollow space (5) contains a desiccant (11) at least in the permeable section (1a).
11. Insulating glazing unit (II) according to claim 10, wherein the cavity (33) is arranged along a plug-in leg (31), a second opening (37) of the cavity (33) is arranged in an end face (35) of a plug-in leg (31) and wherein the second opening (37) is arranged in a section of the hollow-profile strip (1), whose hollow space (5) is connected to the permeable section (1a) or which is itself a permeable section (1a).
12. Insulating glazing unit (II) according to claim 11, wherein the second opening (37) is arranged in a section (1b) of the hollow-profile strip (1) with an impermeable glazing interior wall (3) and the impermeable section (1b) is connected to a permeable section (1a).
13. Method for producing an insulating glazing unit (II) according to one of the claims 8 through 12, at least comprising the steps:

    - Preparing at least one hollow-profile strip (1),

    - Connecting the ends of the at least one hollow-profile strip (1) to form a complete spacer frame (8) using at least one connector (I) according to one of claims 1 through 7,

    - Filling the hollow-profile strip (1) with a desiccant (11),

    - Installing a first pane (13) and a second pane (14) on the spacer frame (8) via a primary sealant (10), wherein an inner interpane space (12) and an outer interpane space (24) are created,

    - Installing a secondary sealant (16) in the outer interpane space (24), and

    - Pressing the pane arrangement.
14. Use of the insulating glazing unit (II) according to one of claims 8 through 12 as a building interior glazing unit, a building exterior glazing unit, and/or a façade glazing unit.

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