EP3362630A1

EP3362630A1 - Connector for connecting two hollow profiles

Info

Publication number: EP3362630A1
Application number: EP16788463.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans-Werner Kuster; Walter Schreiber; Erol Ertugrul SACU; Katrin Frank
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Priority date: 2015-10-13
Filing date: 2016-10-13
Publication date: 2018-08-22
Also published as: WO2017064168A1

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) which connects the two insertion limbs (31), wherein the connection region (34) comprises an outer surface (39), two pane contact surfaces (40) and an inner surface (41), each insertion limb (31) comprises a limb inner face (27), a limb outer face (28), an end face (35) and two lateral surfaces (29) and each insertion limb (31) has an inner region (25) adjoining the connection region (34). A barrier coating (32) is applied at least to the entire outer surface (39) of the connection region (34), at least to one portion of the pane contact surfaces (40) and, in the inner region (25), to the limb outer faces (28), as a seal against gaseous and moisture diffusion.

Description

Connector for connecting two hollow profile strips

The invention relates to a connector for connecting two hollow profile strips, a method for its production, 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 thermal insulation capacity of insulating glass is significantly higher than that of single glass and can be further increased and improved in triple glazing. The disks are separated from each other by a gas or vacuum space defined by the spacer. This inner pane space is free of moisture. Too high a content of moisture leads to the condensation of water droplets in the inner space between panes, especially at cold outside temperatures, which must be avoided at all costs. The spacers can be designed as hollow profile strips. To accommodate the residual moisture remaining after the installation of the insulating glass unit in the system, for example, hollow profile strips filled with a desiccant may be used.

Various Hohlprofilabstandshalter of polymeric or metallic materials are known in the art. A polymeric hollow profile spacer is described, for example, in WO 2013/104507 A1.

The tightness of the edge seal of an insulating glass unit has a great influence on the quality and the lifetime of the insulating glazing. When mounting an insulating glass unit hollow profile strips are assembled, for example, with longitudinal connectors or corner connectors to a complete spacer frame. This spacer frame is designed to minimize the ingress of moisture. Leaky points, however, can arise, for example, at the joints of the hollow profile strips. These joints, where the hollow profile strips are plugged together with the connectors must therefore be made as tight as possible. In addition, the tightness of the connector itself is of great importance. The connector should also be as easy to produce and in particular allow easy handling during assembly of the insulating glass unit.

Connectors made of metallic materials are known, as described for example in DE 19850491. The advantage with metallic connectors is a high gas tightness the connector. Disadvantages, however, include the poor insulating properties of the material. Recent developments in the field of connectors are rather directed to polymeric connectors that are easy and inexpensive to produce by injection molding. In this context, for example, EP 2281994 A2, EP 2066861 B1 and DE 202012103899 U1 be mentioned. A disadvantage of polymeric connectors, however, is the high vapor and gas permeability compared to metallic connectors.

DE 10 2006 017 821 A1 discloses a polymeric corner connector for glass pane spacers, wherein some surfaces are provided with a glued metal foil, which improves the tightness of the corner connector. The contact points on which the hollow profile spacer rests against the corner connector are provided with butyl, which provides additional tightness. A disadvantage of this solution is that the metal foil must be glued on the corner connector in a separate process step. The attachment of the metal foil is very complex and not tight executable in more complex geometries, such as in a corner connector with a bore.

The object of the invention is to provide a connector for connecting two hollow profile strips, which has an improved seal and at the same time is easy to produce, to provide a method for producing such a connector and also an improved 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.

A method for producing a connector according to the invention, an insulating glass unit according to the invention, a method for the production thereof and the 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 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 connection area comprises an outer surface, a Inner surface and two disc contact surfaces. 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. The two Einsteckschenkel include at least one leg inner side, a leg outer side, an end face and two side surfaces. The leg inner side points in a finished insulating glass unit in the direction of the glazing inner wall of the spacer and the inner space between the panes. The leg outer side points in the finished insulating glass unit in the direction of the outer wall of the spacer and the outer space between the panes. The end faces have, after insertion of the Einsteckschenkel in a hollow profile strip in the cavity, wherein the side surfaces bear against the side walls of the hollow profile strip. Each Einsteckschenkel has an inner region adjacent to the connecting region and an outer region adjacent to the inner region. In particular, each Einsteckschenkel from the inner area and the outer area is composed. At least on the outer surface of the connection region, on at least a part of the disc contact surfaces of the connection region and in the inner region on the outer side of the leg, a barrier coating is applied. The barrier coating is a diffusion barrier in the form of a coating. The barrier coating serves to seal against gas diffusion and moisture diffusion. Since the barrier coating is not only applied to the outer surface of the connection region, but also extends in the inner region on the outer sides of the leg, penetration of gas and moisture is particularly effectively prevented in the region of the joint between the hollow profile strip and connector. The barrier coating is applied directly to the connector. It is not a subsequently glued over an adhesive film. The design as a coating in particular facilitates the production of the connector, since the gluing of a film requires several steps and is particularly difficult for angled components. Also, the handling of the connector is improved because the connectors must be treated very carefully with subsequently glued films to prevent the film is damaged and partially detached. A coating, however, is firmly connected to the component.

Thus, the invention provides an improved connector, as the barrier coating extending over part of the outside of the leg provides improved sealing in the region of the joint between the hollow profile strip and the connector. In addition, the connector is easy to manufacture and easy to handle.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier coating is applied contiguously. Connected means that the barrier coating is different from the exterior surface extending continuously to the inner region on the outer thighs. Any existing steps or contact surfaces, which are located between the outer side of the leg and the outer surface, are also provided with the barrier coating, in particular a metal coating. The uninterrupted barrier coating achieves a particularly good seal.

The barrier coating preferably contains metals and / or metal oxides. In particular, metal oxides provide good adhesion to the materials of the secondary sealant with which at least the outer surface of the bonding area is in contact. The barrier coating preferably contains aluminum, silver, copper, silicon and / or oxides thereof. These materials are characterized by a particularly good gas tightness. In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier coating contains no nickel, in particular the barrier coating is not a nickel plating.

The barrier coating preferably has a thickness of between 1 nm and 5 μm, preferably 2 nm and 300 nm, particularly preferably between 5 nm and 200 nm.

The barrier coating may be applied, for example, via a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process. Sputtering methods based on PVD processes are known and suitable for applying metal-containing layers to plastic parts.

Layer thicknesses between 1 nm and several μηη (microns) can be achieved. PVD processes are particularly suitable if the entire component is to be coated.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the barrier coating is applied via a CCVD (combustion chemical vapor deposition) process. This flame coating is carried out at atmospheric pressure and thus requires no complex installation of vacuum chambers. The barrier coating can be applied over the flame coating targeted in certain areas, with a particularly stable coating is obtained.

In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the barrier coating is applied via an APCVD (atmospheric pressure plasma chemical vapor deposition) process. The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure and provides low cost high quality coatings, for example

Silicon oxides or metal oxides. In an alternative preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the barrier coating is applied by a dipping process. In this case, a plastic connector with a cleaned surface is immersed in a metal dispersion and thus provided with a metallic coating. The process can be carried out without major installations and is particularly suitable for the coating of corner connectors.

A spacer frame may be formed by a continuous 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 may also be composed of a hollow profile strip interrupted in a plurality of strips, wherein two individual strips are connected by a connector according to the invention and the remaining strips are connected by means of connectors according to the prior art.

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, the barrier coating is also applied to the side surfaces in the inner region. This further improves the seal at the junction between hollow profile strip and connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the proportion of the inner region to a total length L of the inner side of the leg is between 5% and 60%, preferably between 10% and 30%. It is sufficient to apply a barrier coating in this inner area to achieve a good seal while minimizing the cost of material for the metal coating.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier coating is applied over the entire surface of the connector. This leads to a particularly good seal. In addition, this embodiment can be made particularly simple, since no specific coating of individual areas is required.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, no barrier coating is applied in the outer region of each Einsteckschenkels. Thus, the barrier coating is applied only to a part of the surface of the connector. As a result, material and costs can be saved in the manufacture of the connector in a particularly advantageous manner.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, a seal is provided at least on the outer side of the leg in the boundary region between the connection region and the insertion leg. The seal is mounted according to the invention in the border region to both Einsteckschenkeln. This seal serves to further improve the sealing of the joint between the hollow profile strip and connector in the finished insulating glass unit. The gasket may be, for example, a silicone-containing gasket, a butyl gasket, a hot-melt gasket (hotmelt), or a gasket made of a gasket

Be polymer foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the connector does not comprise a butyl gasket.

In the prior art, the joint must be periodically sealed with butyl. The butyl is applied either after assembly of the spacer frame or previously on the connector. Both methods are expensive. In the application of the butyl on the connector, which can then be used as a prefabricated component, although the assembly of the insulating glass unit is simplified; however, the handling of the butyl-prepared connectors is difficult because they must be stored separately due to the exposed sticky butyl and can not be handled as bulk. Therefore, a seal based on foamed polymers is preferably provided in the boundary region of the connector according to the invention. When mating connector and hollow profile strip of the sealing foam is compressed, so that an optimal seal is achieved. This seal has the advantage over the Butyl used in the prior art that the material does not stick and therefore the connector can be stored with applied seal without special precautions. Particular preference is attached to a foamed polyurethane based seal. Polyurethane foam sealing tapes are available at low cost and have very good sealing properties. Surprisingly, polyurethane foams in combination with the barrier coating of the invention achieved very good seals, at least as well as with the known butyl seals.

Preferably, the seal is circumferentially mounted on the outside of the leg, the side surfaces and the inside of the leg in order to achieve a maximum seal. The boundary area is the area of a Einsteckschenkels, which is directly adjacent to the connection area. In the border area, for example, there may be a groove in which the seal can be mounted. In a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention a recess is mounted in the connector, 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 region and a second opening in the inner surface of the connection region. The recess thus connects in the mounted insulating glass unit, the inner pane clearance with the environment. The Durchläse is suitable for filling the insulating glass unit with an inert gas. The gas filling takes place directly from the environment into the inner space between the panes. The integrated-through connector according to the invention is installed in the course of assembly of the spacer frame. The integration of the passage in the connector is particularly advantageous, since so a subsequent drilling of the spacer frame is eliminated. When assembling the insulating glass unit, not the entire outer space between the panes is filled with a secondary sealant in one step. The area with the first opening of the connector is left free of secondary sealant. The first opening is closed after filling the inner space between the panes with an inert gas with suitable caps or plugs provided for this purpose. This closure is then finally sealed with secondary sealant. The barrier coating in the area of the outer surface seals the connector optimally. A seal with a subsequently applied film would not be possible because of the recess or only under extreme workload. The invention thus further provides an excellent sealed connector with the option of gas filling in the assembled insulating glass unit.

In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention a recess is mounted in the connector, which is adapted to produce in an insulating glass unit a passage from the environment to the cavity of a hollow profile. The recess has a first opening in the outer surface of the connection area and is arranged along both Einsteckschenkel. A third opening and a fourth opening are arranged in the end faces of the two Einsteckschenkel. The recess therefore branches in the connection area and extends within the two Einsteckschenkel to two openings in the end faces. In this embodiment, a second opening in the inner surface of the connection area is not necessary. In the finished insulating glass unit, the recess is thus open to the cavity of the hollow profile strips. A gas filling can thus take place via the hollow space of the hollow profile strips, which as a rule has perforations in the area of the glazing interior area, via which the gas filling reaches the inner space between the panes. Since the cavity usually contains a desiccant, can at the gas filling may be absorbed by any moisture penetrating from this desiccant.

In a further preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the recess is arranged along both Einsteckschenkel, and a third opening and a fourth opening are arranged in the end faces of the two Einsteckschenkel. The recess therefore branches in the connecting region and extends to the inner surface of the connecting region and within the two Einsteckschenkel to two openings in the end faces. In the finished insulating glass unit, the recess is thus open to the cavity of the hollow profile strips and to the inner space between the panes. Thus, a gas filling of the inner space between the panes and the hollow space of the hollow profile strips can be effected particularly effectively.

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 a wall 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 facing the outer disks in the finished insulating glass unit and arranged substantially 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 connector according to the invention, the connection region projects with respect to the insertion legs. Increasing the connection area increases the stability of the connector. Particularly preferably, the area with the outer surface protrudes, that is, the outer surface protrudes beyond the outer sides of the Einsteckschenkel. 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, 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%, more preferably from 5% to 20%. 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. Preferably, natural fibers or glass fibers, more preferably glass fibers, are used to reinforce the connector.

The connector according to the invention can be designed both as a single and as a multiple connector. A single connector comprises two legs for receiving a respective hollow profile strip. In contrast, a multiple connector has at least four legs, half of which run 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 legs, two of which are arranged parallel to each other. Such a double corner connector preferably contains one or more recesses for gas filling of an insulating glass unit.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for producing a connector according to the invention. First, in an injection molding process, an injection-molded part comprising a plug-in leg and connecting region is produced. Subsequently, a barrier coating is applied by means of a flame coating process, at least on the entire outer surface, a part of the wafer contact surfaces and in the inner region on the outer sides of the legs. By means of the flame-coating process, the barrier coating can be applied selectively in specific areas, a particularly stable coating being obtained.

In an alternative preferred method for producing a connector according to the invention, an injection-molded part comprising a plug-in leg and a connection region is likewise first produced. Then the surface to be coated is cleaned. The Purification is preferably carried out by means of plasma or with a solvent. Then the barrier coating is applied by a dipping process. For this purpose, the injection molded part is immersed with a cleaned surface in a metal dispersion and thus provided with a metallic coating. The process can be carried out without major installations and is particularly suitable for the coating of corner connectors. In addition, the process is easy to automate.

In an alternative preferred method, an injection-molded part comprising a plug-in leg and connecting region is applied in an APCVD (atmospheric pressure plasma chemical vapor deposition) process. The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure and can be integrated into the automated manufacturing process.

Furthermore, the invention comprises an insulating glass unit with 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 according to the invention. The first disc, the second disc and the spacer frame define an inner disc space. An outer disk space is defined by the first disk, the second disk and the spacer frame, and is at least partially 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.

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 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, for example, absorb a desiccant.

The glazing interior wall is preferably permeable, so that a possibility for gas exchange between the cavity and the inner space between the panes is present. The cavity preferably 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.

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 simply Permeability of the glazing interior wall to 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 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 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.

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 pane and / or the second pane may be formed as a laminated glass pane.

The insulating glazing invention is preferably filled with a protective gas, more preferably with a noble gas, preferably argon or krypton, which reduce the heat transfer value in the insulating glass space.

In a further embodiment, the insulating glass unit comprises more than two panes. In this case, the spacer may for example contain grooves in which at least one further disc is arranged. The grooves divide the cavity of the spacer while in several cavities. Thus, for example, a triple glazing spacer will receive one washer each on the opposite side walls of the spacer and another washer in a groove between the first two discs. The groove defines two cavities of the spacer from each other. Such a spacer is known, for example, from WO2014 / 198431. In this case, two individual connectors can be used for mounting a profile frame, which are inserted into each one of the cavities. Preferably, however, a multiple connector is used, since it can be inserted into both cavities in only one work step and thus enables an efficient production process. The invention further comprises a method for producing an insulating glass unit, wherein initially 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. 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the insulating glass unit is filled with an inert gas after attaching the secondary sealant. Preferably, the filling takes place through a recess in the connecting region of the connector.

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 show purely schematic representations and are not to scale. They do not limit the invention in any way. Show it:

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

FIG. 2 shows a schematic, perspective external view of a further embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective cross section, which is shown in FIG

Embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention,

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

FIG. 5 shows a schematic external view of an embodiment of a longitudinal connector according to the invention, FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross section along the line A ¹ -A 'of the longitudinal connector shown in FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic external view of a further embodiment of a longitudinal connector according to the invention,

8 is a schematic external view of another embodiment of a corner connector according to the invention, FIG.

9 shows a cross section of a spacer frame with the corner connector according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,

FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-section of a hollow profile that can be used in an insulating glass unit according to the invention,

Figure 1 1 is a cross section 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 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 insertion legs 31, which are connected to one another in the connection region 34. The two Einsteckschenkel 31 include an angle α (alpha) of 90 °. Each insertion angle 31 is composed of an inner region 25, which has a barrier coating 32, and an outer region 45. The connection region 34 has an outer surface 39 facing the environment in the finished insulating glass unit II and an inner surface 41 facing the inner pane cavity 12 in the finished insulating glass unit. The Einsteckschenkel 31 each have a Schenkelaußenseite 28, which in the finished insulating glass unit to an outer wall 4 of a hollow profile strip 1 and thus to the outer space between the panes 24 and a leg inner side 27, in the finished insulating glass unit II to the glazing inner wall 3 a hollow profile strip 1 and thus to the inner space between the panes 12 points. The Einsteckschenkel 31 each have two side surfaces 29 which connect the leg outer side 28 and the leg inner side 27 with each other. The Einsteckschenkel 31 also each have an end face 35, which points in the finished insulating glass unit II to the cavity 5 of the hollow profile strip. The Einsteckschenkel 31 and the connecting portion 34 are made in one piece in an injection molding of a polyamide. The disc 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 in front of something with respect to the side surfaces 29 of the Einsteckschenkel, 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. The connecting portion 34 also protrudes with respect to the leg outer sides 28 and the leg inner sides 27. 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 exact dimensions of the corner connector depend on the used hollow profile strips 1. In the connection region 34 is on the entire outer surface 39 and on the disc contact surfaces 40 a Barnerebeschichtung 32 applied. In the inner region 25, the Barnerebeschichtung 32 (indicated by the checkered pattern) is applied to the leg outer sides 28 and the side surfaces 29. The Barnerebeschichtung is applied contiguously, that is, it extends without interruption from the outer surfaces 39 on the protruding portions of the connecting portion 34 on the coated surfaces of the Einsteckschenkel 31 in the inner region 25. In the outer region 45 of the Einsteckwinkel 31 Barnerebeschichtung 45 is applied. Barnere coating 32 is a 50 nm thick layer of alumina applied in a flame coating process. The barnerebeschichtung 32 is not applied to the leg inner sides 27 and the inner surface 41 of the connecting portion 34. For the improvement of the tightness of the corner connector I, the Barnerebeschichtung 32 in particular on the outward, that is to the outer space between the panes 24 facing surfaces, crucial. By eliminating the Barnerebeschichtung 32 on the inward-facing surfaces material costs can be saved.

Figures 2 and 3 show a corner connector according to the invention with a recess 33, suitable for filling an insulating glass unit with an inert gas. Figure 2 shows an external view of the connector and Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the connector. The structure of the connector is basically the same as that described in FIG. The connection region 34 is chamfered and a recess 33 is integrated in the connection region 34. The recess 33 has a first opening 36 which is mounted in the region of the outer surface 39. The second opening 37 is arranged in the inner surface 41, so that in the mounted insulating glass unit II, a direct Durchläse from the inner pane clearance 12 to the external environment arises, from where the filling can be done with an inert gas. Barnere coating 32 is contiguous on the entire outer surface 39, the wafer contact surfaces 40 and the inner surface 41 of the connection region 34. brought. In addition, the barrier coating 32 is located in the inner region 25 of the Einsteckschenkel 31 on the side surfaces 29, the Schenkelaußenseiten 28 and the leg inner sides 27. By attaching the barrier coating 32 in the inner region 25 also on the in the insulating glass unit II to the inner space between disc 12 faces 41st and 27, the tightness of the connector I is further improved. The barrier coating 32 is applied by a dip-coating process and consists of a 5 μm-thick aluminum-containing layer. Despite the complicated geometry, the coating can be carried out integrally with the opening 36 without the need for complicated multistage process steps, as would be necessary, for example, when using a film. The connecting portion 34 is rigid, that is, the angle α (alpha) between the Einsteckschenkeln 31 can not be changed significantly. As a result, the stability of the connector I is further increased. 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. The inner region 25 extends over approximately 15% of the total length L of the Einsteckschenkels 31, determined along the leg inner side 27. The coating in this inner region 25 is sufficient to achieve a significant improvement in the tightness of the connector I.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a further connector I according to the invention in the form of a corner connector. The connector I differs from the connector shown in Figures 2 and 3 in the embodiment of the recess 33. The recess 33 has three openings 36, 38 and 42. The first opening 36 is disposed in the outer surface 39 and the third opening 38 and the fourth opening 42 are located in the end faces 35 of the two Einsteckschenkel 31st This embodiment allows a simultaneous filling with inert gas in two sections of a hollow profile strip. 1

FIG. 5 shows a schematic external view of an embodiment of a connector I according to the invention in the form of a longitudinal connector. Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the same longitudinal connector along the line A ¹ - A "The representation of the connector is greatly simplified Lamellae or retaining elements, as used in the prior art, to fix and center the longitudinal connector in a hollow profile strip These can be added as required by the person skilled in the art The longitudinal connector I comprises two insertion legs 31, which are connected via a connection region 34. The insertion legs 31 enclose an angle α (alpha) of 180 ° With reference to the insertion legs 31, about 1, 5 mm extend beyond the inner sides of the legs 27, the outer sides of the legs 28 and the side surfaces 29. The connecting region 34 comprises a recess 33, which has a total of three openings. gene has. The first opening 36 is disposed in the outer surface 39 of the connection area. The recess 33 also extends within the two Einsteckschenkeln 31 and has a third opening 38 and a fourth opening 42 in the end faces 35 of the Einsteckschenkel 31st Through the recess 33 is thus in the finished insulating glass unit II, a gas filling directly into the cavities 5 of the plugged onto the connector I hollow profile strips 1 possible. The barrier coating 32 is mounted on the outer surface 39, the disc contact surfaces 40 of the connection region 34 and in the inner region 25 on the outer thighs 28 and the side surfaces 29. The barrier coating 32 is applied contiguously, that is, the transition from the surfaces of the connecting portion 34 to the surfaces of the Einsteckschenkel 31 is uninterrupted. The contact surfaces 44 created by the protrusion of the connecting region 34 are coated. In the boundary region 30, in which the connecting region 34 adjoins the respective Einsteckschenkel 31, a seal 30 in the form of a sealing tape is made

Polyurethane foam arranged. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the sealing tape is arranged circumferentially around both insertion legs 31. When inserting the Einsteckschenkel 31 in the cavity 5 of a hollow profile strip 1, the sealing tape is compressed, thus forming an optimal seal the junction between the hollow profile strip 1 and connector I. A subsequent sealing with a Butyldichtstoff is not required, creating a production step in the production of an insulating glass unit is saved.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic external view of a further embodiment of a longitudinal connector according to the invention. The connector I comprises two insertion legs 31 and a connection region 34 which comprises trapezoidal disc contact surfaces 40, an outer surface 39 and an inner surface 41. The connecting region 34 is narrower in the region of the inner surface 41 than in the region of the outer surface 39. The hollow profiled strips 1, which are inserted onto the Einsteckschenkel 31 must therefore be bevelled so that a flush conclusion in the region of the junction between the hollow profile strip 1 and connector I is achieved , This embodiment with a connecting region 34 tapering in the direction of the inner surface 41 is suitable for a particularly stable connection of two hollow profiled strips 1. In the area of the outer surface 39, the connecting region 34 contains a first opening 36 of a recess 33, which has a second opening 37 in the region of the inner surface 41. A diffusion-proof barrier coating 32 is applied in the region of the outer surface 39, on a part of the wafer contact surfaces 40 and in the inner region 25 on the outer side of the leg 28 and a part of the side surfaces 29. The disk contact surfaces 40 and the side surfaces 29 are coated only in a part region adjoining the leg outer side 28. This saves material and at the same time it Glass unit provided in the direction of the external environment facing surfaces with the diffusion-tight barrier coating.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective external view of a double corner connector. The construction corresponds essentially to the simple corner connector with recess described in FIGS. 2 and 3. This representation is only schematic and greatly simplified. Slats or retaining elements, as used in the prior art, to fix and center the corner connector in the hollow profile strips, for example, are not shown. These can be added by the specialist as needed. In this case, the connecting regions 34 of two individual corner connectors on a common web 43 which connects them. The two recesses 33 each establish a connection between the external environment and the two inner pane interspaces 12 in an insulating glass unit. Thus, both inner pane spaces 12 can be filled simultaneously with an inert gas. The double corner connector is suitable for mounting double spacers for triple glazing. The double spacers can be plugged together simultaneously and exactly to a spacer frame.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of a spacer frame 8 according to the invention with the corner connector 1 described in FIGS. 2 and 3. 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 longer sides of the spacer frame are 200 cm long, while the shorter sides are each 100 cm long. 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 is made gas-permeable (represented by the broken line). In the glazing interior wall 3 perforations 7 are mounted so that in the finished insulating glass unit, a gas exchange between the inner pane space 12 and the cavity 5 of the hollow profile strip 1 can take place. The cavity 5 of the hollow profile 1 is filled along the entire circumference of the spacer frame 8 with a desiccant 1 1, for example with molecular sieve. The desiccant 1 1 can absorb moisture from the inner space between the panes 12 and prevent fogging of the discs. 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 space between the panes 12 and the first opening 36 is open to the surroundings. FIG. 10 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 extends 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 1 1 shows a cross section of a section of an insulating glass unit according to the invention. The insulating glass unit II contains the hollow profiled strip 1 described in FIG. 10. The glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric hollow profiled strip 1 with the barrier film 6 fastened thereon 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 a part of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The first disk 13, the second disk 14 and the barrier film 6 define the outer space between the panes 24 of the insulating glass unit. In the outer pane cavity 24, the secondary sealant 16, which contains polysulfide, for example, arranged. 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 pane space 12. The barrier film 6 can be fixed to the hollow profile strip 1, for example with a polyurethane (PUR) hotmelt adhesive. 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

25 inner area

26 Boundary area between connection area and insertion leg

27 thigh inside

28 thigh outer side

29 side surfaces of a Einsteckschenkel

30 seal

31 insertion legs

32 barrier coating

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 fourth opening of the recess

43 Bridge of a multiple connector

44 contact surfaces

45 outer area

L Length of a Einsteckschenkels

E Length of the connection area

Claims

claims

1 . Connector (I) for connecting two hollow profile strips in insulating glass units, comprising two Einsteckschenkel (31), suitable for insertion into a hollow profile strip (1), and a connecting portion (34) connecting the two Einsteckschenkel (31), wherein

the connection region (34) comprises an outer surface (39), two wafer contact surfaces (40), and an inner surface (41),

each Einsteckschenkel (31) comprises a leg inner side (27), a leg outer side (28), an end face (35) and two side surfaces (29),

each Einsteckschenkel (31) has a the connecting portion (34) adjacent the inner region (25), wherein

at least on the entire outer surface (39) of the connecting region (34), at least on a part of the disc contact surfaces (40) and in the inner region (25) on the leg outer sides (28) a barrier coating (32) is applied to seal against gas and moisture diffusion ,

The connector of claim 1, wherein the barrier coating (32) is applied contiguously.

A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the barrier coating (32) contains metals and / or metal oxides.

A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier coating (32) contains aluminum, silver, copper, silicon and / or oxides thereof.

A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the barrier coating (32) is applied to the side surfaces (29) in the inner region (25).

6. Connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the proportion of the inner region (25) to a total length L of the Einsteckschenkels (31) between 5% and 60%, preferably between 10% and 30%.

7. A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the boundary region (26) between the connecting region (34) and Einsteckschenkel (31) at least on the outer side of the leg (28), a seal (30) is mounted, preferably a foamed Polymer based seal (30), more preferably a foamed polyurethane based seal (30).

A connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the connector (34) there is mounted a recess (33) adapted to make a passage in an insulating glass unit (II) 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 a second opening (37) in the inner surface (41) of the connection region.

9. Connector (I) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the connector (34) has a recess (33) is adapted, in a insulating glass unit (II) a passage from the environment (12) to the cavity (5 ) of a hollow profile (1), wherein the recess (33) has a first opening (36) in the outer surface (39) of the connecting region (34) and

a third opening (38) and a fourth opening (42) of the recess (33) in the end faces (35) of the two Einsteckschenkel (31) are arranged.

10. A method for producing a connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising

Injection molding the Einsteckschenkel (31) and the connecting portion (34),

Applying a barrier coating (32) to seal against gas and moisture diffusion at least over the entire outer surface (39), a portion of the wafer contact surfaces (40) and in the inner region (25) on the outer sheath (28) via a flame coating process.

1 1. A process for producing a connector (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising

Injection molding the Einsteckschenkel (31) and the connecting portion (34),

Cleaning at least one surface to be coated,

Applying a barrier coating (32) to at least the entire outer surface (39), a portion of the wafer contact surfaces (40), and the inner region (25) on the outer sheath sides (28) by immersing the injection molded article in a metal dispersion.

12. insulating glass unit (II), 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) according to one of claims 1 to 9,

an inner space between the panes (12) bounded by the spacer frame (8) and the two panes (13, 14),

an outer disc space (24) bounded by the two discs (13, 14) and the spacer frame (8) and

a secondary sealing means (16) in the outer space between the panes (24).

13. A process for producing an insulating glass unit (II), comprising the steps of:

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 9,

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.

14. Use of the insulating glass unit (II) according to claim 12 as Gebäudeinnenvergla- solution, building exterior glazing and / or facade glazing.