EP3393308B1 - Insulating glass element for a refrigerated cabinet - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an insulating glass element for a refrigerated cabinet, a door for a refrigerated cabinet, a method for producing such an insulating glass element and its use.

Cooling shelves or refrigerators with transparent doors are widely used to display and present chilled goods to customers. The goods are kept in the refrigerated shelf at temperatures below 10 ° C and are thus protected from spoilage. In order to keep the heat loss as low as possible, insulating glass elements are often used as doors. Transparent doors make it possible to look at the goods without opening the cabinets or shelves. Each time the doors are opened, the temperature in the refrigerated shelf increases and the goods are exposed to the risk of heating up. It is therefore desirable to present the goods in such a way that the number of opening processes is minimized. For this it is important that the view through the closed doors is restricted as little as possible. In the case of conventional insulating glass elements, the view is obstructed at least in the edge area by elements of the non-transparent surrounding door frame. With conventional insulating glass elements, the door frame conceals the non-transparent surrounding edge bond. The edge bond of an insulating glass element usually comprises at least one circumferential spacer, moisture-binding desiccant and a primary sealant for fastening the spacer between the panes and a secondary sealant that stabilizes and additionally seals the edge bond. These components are usually not transparent, which means that the view is restricted in the area of the surrounding edge seal.

Various approaches are known to solve this problem. From the DE 10 2012 106 200 A1 a refrigerator is known which comprises two insulating glass elements as doors, which contains a transparent spacer element on at least one vertical side and no frame element on this side. The spacer element is designed as a T-shaped cross-sectional profile, which simultaneously fulfills a load-bearing and a sealing function. The spacer element is designed as a one-piece, solid profile that is produced by extrusion.

Another approach is in the WO2014 / 198549 A1 described. Here, too, transparent spacer elements are used, which are arranged between the panes on at least one vertical side. The transparent spacer elements are fixed between the panes with transparent sealing means.

WO 2014/009244 shows an insulating glass element in which the inner space between the panes is only delimited by a spacer.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved insulating glass element for a refrigerated cabinet which has the largest possible see-through area and at the same time has high stability, to provide a door for a refrigerated cabinet, and also to provide a simplified method for producing an insulating glass element.

The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by an insulating glass element according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

The insulating glass element according to the invention for a refrigerated cabinet comprises at least a first pane and a second pane spaced therefrom. The first disk has two opposite parallel horizontal edges and two opposite parallel vertical edges. The second disk also has two opposite parallel horizontal edges and two opposite parallel vertical edges. At least two horizontally arranged spacers are attached between the first disk and the second disk. The spacers define the distance between the first pane and the second pane and are part of the edge bond of the insulating glass element. Two vertically arranged flat profiles are attached to the vertically running edges of the first pane and the vertically running edges of the second pane. A first flat profile is attached to a vertical edge of the first pane and to a vertical edge of the second pane. The second flat profile is then attached to the opposite, parallel edges of the first and second panes. For example, the two flat profiles do not extend into an area between the two panes, ie the two flat profiles are not spacers arranged between the two panes. The flat profiles increase the mechanical stability of the insulating glass element and keep the two panes at a distance. The spacers and the flat profiles are arranged in such a way that they create an inner space between the panes between the first pane and the second pane lock in. The inner space between the panes is preferably bounded directly or immediately by the two spacers and the two flat profiles, ie the two spacers and the two flat profiles represent a direct delimitation (direct delimitation) of the inner space between the panes. In particular, there are no transparent ones at the vertical edge areas of the panes Spacers arranged between the discs. The spacers are preferably arranged in the edge region of the panes so that the inner space between the panes is as large as possible. At least one of the two flat profiles is transparent. This has the advantage that there is no visual barrier along at least one vertical edge, so that the transparent area is maximized.

The invention thus provides an insulating glass element which does not have an edge bond that obstructs the view in the area of the vertical edges. The flat profiles on the outside of the vertical edges allow a clear view of the window edge. Since at least one of the flat profiles is made transparent, an unrestricted view through the pane is possible at least on one vertical edge. The flat profiles contribute to the increased stability of the insulating glass element, so that, surprisingly, the door can be used without an additional stabilizing frame element in the area of the vertical edge.

The edges of the panes denote the glass edges, which essentially correspond to the cut edges of the panes. In the simplest case, the edge forms an angle of 90 ° with the surfaces of the pane. The edges are preferably polished or ground. Compared to broken edges, secure and easy attachment is possible here. At least the vertical edges of the first pane and the second pane are arranged flush, that is, they are at the same height, so that the flat profile can be securely attached to the two edges.

The terms horizontal and vertical refer to the orientation of the edges to each other. The two horizontal edges of a disc denote the opposite edges. The horizontal edges form an angle of essentially 90 ° with the vertical edges. The two vertical edges are opposite one another. When installing an insulating glass element as a door for a showcase or a refrigerated shelf, the horizontal edges denote the upper and lower edges. The vertical edges in this case are the right and left edges. When installing the insulating glass element in, for example, a freezer, be in a horizontal orientation the vertical edges, seen from the observer, are also the right and left edges and the horizontal edges are the rear and front edges.

Transparent in the context of the invention means that the material is transparent. A viewer can recognize the objects arranged behind the material layer. The material is accordingly translucent and preferably has a light transmission in the visible spectrum of at least 70%, particularly preferably of at least 80%. In addition, the material has as little light scatter as possible (haze), that is to say the haze value is less than 40%, preferably less than 20%.

The flat profiles are designed in such a way that they span the entire distance between the first pane and the second pane and extend over the vertical edges of the panes. The minimum width of the flat profiles is therefore composed of the distance a between the first pane and the second pane and the edge width b of the panes, which essentially corresponds to the thickness of the panes. The best visual results are achieved with this design. Alternatively, the flat profiles can also be wider than the minimum width and encompass the edges of the flat profiles. The length c of a flat profile depends on the dimensions of the panes. The flat profile is at least as long as the vertical edges of the panes are long. The flat profile can be somewhat longer and encompassing, which improves the stability and tightness of the overall arrangement. Since an edge bond that is not transparent is arranged along the horizontal edges, in this case an overlapping flat profile does not result in any visual disadvantage for the overall appearance.

Suitable non-transparent flat profiles are in the DE 602 24 695 T2 described. Among other things, flat profiles made of metals or plastic films with a metallic coating are disclosed here. The metallic coating on plastic films is applied in order to achieve a sufficient seal and to prevent the ingress of moisture or the loss of a gas filling. The ones in the DE 602 24 695 T2 disclosed flat profiles are not suitable as transparent flat profiles.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the at least one transparent flat profile contains at least one polymeric base film and one ceramic additional layer. Transparent polymeric base films are available at low cost. The additional ceramic layer can be applied as a transparent layer and contributes to the necessary gas diffusion density and moisture diffusion density of the flat profile. The structure of the polymer base film and ceramic additional layer enables the production of a transparent flat profile.

In a second embodiment according to the invention, the at least one transparent flat profile contains at least one polymeric base film and at least one transparent metallic additional layer. Transparent metallic additional layers improve the gas diffusion density and the moisture diffusion density of the flat profile.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one transparent flat profile contains at least one polymeric base film, at least one additional ceramic layer and at least one additional polymeric layer in this order. In this case, the additional ceramic layer is protected by an additional polymer layer, so that the tightness is maintained even under mechanical stress. The polymer additional layer can consist of the same materials as the polymer base film. In a further preferred embodiment, the flat profile contains further polymeric additional layers and ceramic additional layers, which are preferably arranged alternately, in order to further improve the tightness. The alternating arrangement advantageously ensures a particularly long-lasting improvement in tightness, since imperfections in one of the layers are compensated for by the other layers. The adhesion of several thin layers on top of one another is easier to achieve than the adhesion of a few thick layers.

The at least one transparent flat profile preferably contains at least one additional polymeric layer and at least two additional ceramic layers and / or additional metallic layers which are arranged alternating with the at least one additional polymeric layer. At least two ceramic and / or metallic additional layers ensure that defects in one of the two layers are compensated for by the other. At least one additional polymer layer is necessary for an alternating arrangement.

The polymeric base film preferably contains polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethyl methacrylates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), PET / PC, and / or copolymers thereof. These materials can be easily processed and coated or glued with an additional ceramic or metallic layer. This material selection is also suitable for the additional polymer layers.

The polymeric base film is preferably designed as a single-layer film. This is advantageously inexpensive. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the polymeric base film is designed as a multilayer film. In this case, several layers of the materials listed above are glued together. This is advantageous because the material properties can be perfectly matched to the sealant or adhesive used.

The ceramic additional layers preferably contain silicon oxides (SiO _x ) and / or silicon nitrides. The ceramic additional layers preferably have a thickness of 20 nm to 200 nm. Layers of this thickness improve the gas diffusion density and moisture diffusion density while maintaining the desired optical properties.

The additional ceramic layers are preferably deposited on the polymeric base film in a vacuum thin-layer process known to those skilled in the art. This technology enables the targeted deposition of defined additional ceramic layers without the use of additional adhesive layers.

Further polymeric additional layers are preferably connected to the other layers of the flat profile via adhesion-promoting adhesive layers. For example, transparent adhesive layers based on polyurethane are suitable as adhesion-promoting adhesive layers.

The additional polymer layers preferably have a layer thickness of 5 μm to 80 μm.

The transparent metallic additional layer preferably contains aluminum, silver, magnesium, indium, tin, copper, gold, chromium and / or alloys or oxides thereof. The transparent metallic additional layer particularly preferably contains Indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ) and / or magnesium oxide. The additional metallic layer is preferably applied in a vacuum thin-layer process and has a thickness of 20 nm to 100 nm, particularly preferably 50 nm to 80 nm.

The polymeric base film preferably has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 1 mm. With these thicknesses, sufficient stability is achieved and at the same time the visual appearance of the insulating glass element is not impaired by a thicker flat profile.

The MVTR (moisture vapor transmission rate) value of the flat profiles is preferably between 0.05 g / (m ² d) and 0.001 g / (m ² d) [grams per square meter and day]. The MVTR value is a measured value that indicates the permeability of water vapor through the flat profile. It describes the amount of water in grams that diffuses through one square meter of material in 24 hours. With these values, particularly good long-term stability of the insulating glass element is achieved, especially when used in refrigerated shelves.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass element according to the invention, the flat profiles are attached with the inside to the edges of the two panes by means of a transparent adhesive. The transparent adhesive is preferably moisture-proof in order to enable optimal sealing of the inner space between the panes. The transparent adhesive is particularly preferably an acrylic-based, silicone-based or polyurethane-based adhesive. The attachment using this adhesive is particularly durable and stable and reliably seals the inner space between the panes for a long time. Each flat profile has an inside and an outside. The inside faces the inner space between the panes, while the outside faces the environment.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass element according to the invention, the flat profiles have a sealing layer facing the inside. A sealing layer enables the flat profile to be sealed on the edges of the panes without the need to apply an additional adhesive. The sealing layer preferably contains or consists of a heat-sealable polymer. A heat-sealable polymer can be easily attached by bringing it into contact with the surface of the edges and pressing at an elevated temperature. Especially The sealing layer preferably contains a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). With LDPE, the gas and vapor diffusion density of the insulating glass element is further improved. A particularly tight connection between the edges and the flat profile is achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment of the insulating glass element, the spacers are fastened between the first pane and the second pane via a primary sealing means. The primary sealant is used on the one hand to fasten the spacer to the panes and on the other hand to seal the edge seal in order to prevent moisture from penetrating into the inner space between the panes and a loss of gas from the inner space between the panes. The spacer is preferably arranged in such a way that an outer space between the panes is created between the first pane and the second pane, delimited by the side of the spacer facing the environment. The panes protrude slightly beyond the spacer so that the outer space between the panes is created. The outer space between the panes is filled with a secondary sealant. The secondary sealant is used to mechanically stabilize the insulating glass element by partially absorbing the forces acting on the edge seal. It also further seals the edge seal.

The secondary sealant preferably contains polymers or silane-modified polymers, particularly preferably organic polysulfides, silicones, room temperature crosslinking (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxide crosslinked silicone rubber and / or addition crosslinked silicone rubber, polyurethanes and / or butyl rubber. These sealants have a particularly good stabilizing effect.

The primary sealant preferably contains a polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene can be a crosslinking or non-crosslinking polyisobutylene.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass element according to the invention, at least one of the spacers contains a drying agent. The desiccant can be introduced into the spacer or applied to the spacer. The desiccant binds moisture that is present in the inner space between the panes and thus prevents the insulating glass element from fogging up from the inside. The attachment of the desiccant in at least one of the spacers, which are attached along the horizontal edges, does not lead to a visual impairment of the insulating glass element, since the non-transparent desiccant is thus located in the edge area, which is anyway not transparent. The flat profiles do not have to be provided with desiccant, since the attachment in at least one of the spacers is sufficient to prevent the panes from fogging up. The drying agent preferably contains 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 element, the spacers each comprise a hollow profile with a first side wall, a second side wall arranged parallel thereto, a glazing interior wall, an exterior wall and a cavity. The cavity is enclosed by the side walls, the interior glazing wall and the exterior wall. The glazing interior wall is arranged perpendicular to the side walls and connects the first side wall to the second side wall. The side walls are the walls of the hollow profile to which the outer panes of the insulating glass element are attached. The first side wall and the second side wall run parallel to one another. The interior wall of the glazing is the wall of the hollow profile that faces the inner space between the panes in the finished insulating glass element. The outer wall is arranged essentially parallel to the glazing interior wall and connects the first side wall to the second side wall. In the finished insulating glass element, the outer wall faces the outer space between the panes. The cavity of the spacer according to the invention leads to a weight reduction compared to a solidly shaped spacer and is at least partially filled with a desiccant.

In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass element according to the invention, the two individual spacers are each closed with a stopper at their two ends. Each plug comprises a contact surface for connection to a vertical flat profile. The contact surface runs parallel to the vertical flat profile. The stoppers prevent the desiccant from trickling out. In addition, the stability of the insulating glass element is increased, since the flat profiles can be glued not only to the edges, but also to the contact surface of the stopper. The stoppers are preferably made of a polymer, since polymers have an advantageously low thermal conductivity. The same materials are suitable as for the hollow profile of the spacer. The stopper is particularly preferably made from a polyamide, which preferably has a glass fiber content of up to 20%. The contact surface of the stopper preferably closes flush with the outer dimensions of the hollow profile. This embodiment saves material and can be easily installed in an automated manner compared to an embodiment with protruding contact surfaces. Alternatively, the contact surface protrudes in the direction of the outer space between the panes beyond the hollow profile. The edge of the contact surface facing the environment is then preferably arranged flush with the edges of the panes. This design is surprisingly stable. In addition, possible material incompatibilities or adhesion problems between the secondary sealant and the flat profile are avoided, since the contact surface in this design limits the outer space between the panes.

The outer wall of the hollow profile is the wall opposite the inner glazing space wall, which points away from the inner space between the panes in the direction of the outer space between the panes. The outer wall preferably runs perpendicular to the side walls. The sections of the outer wall closest to the side walls can, however, alternatively be inclined at an angle of preferably 30 ° to 60 ° to the outer wall in the direction of the side walls. This angled geometry improves the stability of the hollow profile and enables better gluing of the hollow profile to a barrier film. A planar outer wall, which is perpendicular to the side walls (parallel to the glazing interior wall) in its entire course, has the advantage that the sealing surface between the spacer and side walls is maximized and a simpler shape facilitates the production process.

The hollow profile is preferably designed as a rigid hollow profile. Various materials such as metals, polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers or wood can be used. Metals are characterized by a high gas and vapor tightness, but have a high thermal conductivity. This leads to the formation of a thermal bridge in the area of the edge seal, which, in the event of large temperature differences between the cooled interior and the ambient temperature, can lead to the accumulation of condensation on the glass pane facing the environment. This in turn leads to an obstruction of the view of the goods displayed in a refrigerated shelf. This problem can be avoided by using materials with low thermal conductivity. Corresponding spacers are referred to as so-called "warm edge" spacers. These materials with low thermal conductivity, however, often have poorer gas and vapor tightness properties.

In a preferred embodiment, a gas- and vapor-tight barrier is attached to the outer wall and part of the side walls. The gas- and vapor-tight barrier improves the tightness of the spacer against gas loss and the ingress of moisture. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is designed as a film. This barrier film contains at least one polymer layer and a metallic layer or a ceramic layer. The layer thickness of the polymeric layer is between 5 μm and 80 μm, while metallic layers and / or ceramic layers with a thickness of 10 nm to 200 nm are used. A particularly good tightness of the barrier film is achieved within the specified layer thicknesses.

The barrier film particularly preferably contains at least two metallic layers and / or ceramic layers which are arranged alternately with at least one polymer layer. The outer layers are preferably formed by the polymer layer. The alternating layers of the barrier film can be connected or applied to one another using the most varied of methods known from the prior art. Methods for depositing metallic or ceramic layers are well known to the person skilled in the art. The use of a barrier film with an alternating sequence of layers is particularly advantageous with regard to the tightness of the system. A fault in one of the layers does not lead to a loss of function of the barrier film. In comparison, even a small defect in a single layer can lead to complete failure. Furthermore, the application of several thin layers is advantageous compared to one thick layer, since the greater the layer thickness, the greater the risk of internal adhesion problems. Furthermore, thicker layers have a higher conductivity, so that such a film is less suitable thermodynamically.

The polymeric layer of the film preferably comprises polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamides, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicones, acrylonitriles, polyacrylates, polymethyl acrylates and / or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The metallic layer preferably contains iron, aluminum, silver, copper, gold, chromium and / or alloys or oxides thereof. The ceramic layer of the film preferably contains silicon oxides and / or silicon nitrides.
The film preferably has a gas permeation of less than 0.001 g / (m ² h).

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the gas- and vapor-tight barrier is designed as a coating. This barrier coating contains aluminum, aluminum oxides and / or silicon oxides and is preferably applied using a PVD process (physical vapor deposition). The coating containing aluminum, aluminum oxides and / or silicon oxides provides particularly good results with regard to tightness and additionally shows excellent adhesion properties to the secondary sealants used in the insulating glass element.

The hollow profile is preferably made from polymers, since these have a low thermal conductivity, which leads to improved heat-insulating properties of the edge seal. The hollow profile particularly preferably contains biocomposites, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitriles, polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethyl methacrylates, 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.

The hollow profile preferably contains polymers and is glass fiber reinforced. The hollow profile preferably has a glass fiber content of 20% to 50%, particularly preferably 30% to 40%. The glass fiber content in the polymer hollow profile improves strength and stability. By choosing the proportion of glass fiber in the hollow profile, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the hollow profile can be varied and adapted. By adapting the coefficient of thermal expansion of the hollow profile and the barrier film or barrier coating, temperature-related stresses between the different materials and flaking of the barrier film or the barrier coating can be avoided.

The hollow profile preferably has a width of 5 mm to 45 mm, preferably 10 mm to 24 mm, along the interior wall of the glazing. In the context of the invention, the width is the dimension extending between the side walls. The width is the distance between the surfaces of the two side walls facing away from one another. The distance between the panes of the insulating glass element is determined by the choice of the width of the glazing interior wall. The exact dimensions of the glazing interior wall depend on the dimensions of the insulating glass element and the desired size of the space between the panes.

The hollow profile preferably has a height of 5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm to 10 mm, along the side walls. In this height range, the spacer has advantageous stability, but on the other hand is advantageously inconspicuous in the insulating glass element. In addition, the cavity of the spacer has an advantageous size for receiving a suitable amount of desiccant. The height is the distance between the surfaces of the outer wall facing away from one another and the interior wall of the glazing.

The wall thickness d of the hollow profile is 0.5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the glazing interior wall has at least one opening. A plurality of openings are preferably provided in the interior wall of the glazing. The total number of openings depends on the size of the insulating glass element. The openings connect the cavity with the inner space between the panes, which enables gas exchange between them. This allows air humidity to be absorbed by a desiccant located in the cavity and thus prevents the windows from fogging up. The openings 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 an optimal exchange of air without desiccant penetrating from the cavity into the space between the panes.

The first pane and the second pane of the insulating glass element preferably contain glass and / or polymers, particularly preferably quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate and / or mixtures thereof.

The first disk and the second disk have a thickness of 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 3 mm to 16 mm, whereby the two disks can also have different thicknesses.

The insulating glass element is preferably filled with an inert gas, particularly preferably with a noble gas, preferably argon or krypton, which reduce the heat transfer value in the inner space between the panes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the insulating glass element comprises more than two panes. The spacer can, for example, contain grooves in which at least one further disk is arranged. Several panes could also be designed as a laminated glass pane.

The invention further relates to a door for a refrigerated cabinet at least comprising an insulating glass element according to the invention and two horizontal frame elements. The horizontal frame elements are arranged in such a way that they hide the view of the spacers. The horizontal frame elements are therefore not made transparent, that is, they block the view of the edge bond with spacers and sealants. This improves the visual appearance of the door. The horizontal frame elements encompass at least the horizontal edges of the first pane and the second pane. The horizontal frame elements thus stabilize the door and also offer the possibility of attaching additional fastening means, for example for the pane suspension.

To open the door of the refrigerated cabinet, a door handle is preferably arranged on the first pane. The first pane is the pane that, after the door has been installed in the refrigeration unit, faces the environment, i.e. in the direction of a customer. Due to the use of the flat profiles along the vertical edges of the insulating glass element, the stability is so high that the insulating glass element is permanently stable when a door handle is used on the surface of the first pane. The door handle is preferably glued. This is particularly advantageous visually.

The frame elements preferably also encompass part of the vertical edges of the first pane and the second pane and the vertical flat profiles. This leads to an additional stabilization of the insulating glass element and reliably prevents premature detachment of the flat profiles in the corner area, in which the vertical edges of the panes adjoin the horizontal edges.

In a further preferred embodiment of the insulating glass element according to the invention, an additional vertical frame element is attached, which is attached to one of the two flat profiles and surrounds the edges of the first pane and the second pane at least in partial areas. In this way an optimal stabilization of the door is achieved and additional elements such as door suspension can be attached to the vertical frame element. The vertical frame element is attached in the refrigerated cabinet on the side of the insulating glass element opposite the door opening. The at least one transparent frame element is not covered by the vertical frame element. The transparent frame element points towards the door opening in the finished refrigerated cabinet.

The frame element preferably comprises a metal sheet, particularly preferably an aluminum or stainless steel sheet. These materials enable the door to be stabilized well and are compatible with the materials typically used in the area of the edge seal.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the frame element comprises polymers. Polymer frame elements are advantageously lightweight.

• Bereitstellen einer ersten Scheibe und einer zweiten Scheibe,
• Bereitstellen von zwei Abstandhaltern und zwei Flachprofilen, wobei mindestens eines der Flachprofile transparent ausgeführt ist,
• Anbringen der beiden Abstandhalter zwischen der ersten Scheibe und der zweiten Scheibe entlang den jeweils gegenüberliegenden Kanten der Scheiben über ein primäres Dichtmittel,
• Anbringen der zwei Flachprofile auf den vertikalen Kanten der beiden Scheiben über einen Kleber, sodass die Flachprofile und Abstandhalter zwischen der ersten Scheibe und der zweiten Scheibe einen inneren Scheibenzwischenraum definieren.

Bevorzugt wird das Verfahren in der oben angegebenen Reihenfolge durchgeführt. Durch die Anbringung der zwei Abstandhalter wird zunächst eine stabile Verbindung zwischen den beiden Scheiben hergestellt und der Abstand zwischen den Scheiben definiert. Anschließend können die Flachprofile auf den bereits ausgerichteten Kanten befestigt werden. Im Anschluss an die Befestigung der Flachprofile wird bevorzugt entlang der Abstandhalter im äußeren Scheibenzwischenraum ein sekundäres Dichtmittel angebracht. Dies dient der mechanischen Stabilisierung des Isolierglaselements.The invention further comprises a method for producing an insulating glass element according to the invention for a refrigerated shelf comprising the steps:

• Providing a first disc and a second disc,
• Provision of two spacers and two flat profiles, at least one of the flat profiles being transparent,
• Attaching the two spacers between the first pane and the second pane along the respective opposite edges of the panes using a primary sealant,
• Attaching the two flat profiles to the vertical edges of the two panes using an adhesive, so that the flat profiles and spacers define an inner space between the panes between the first pane and the second pane.

The process is preferably carried out in the order given above. By attaching the two spacers, a stable connection is first established between the two panes and the distance between the panes is defined. The flat profiles can then be attached to the already aligned edges. Following the fastening of the flat profiles, a secondary sealant is preferably attached along the spacers in the outer space between the panes. This serves to mechanically stabilize the insulating glass element.

• Bereitstellen einer ersten Scheibe und einer zweiten Scheibe ,
• Bereitstellen von zwei Abstandhaltern und zwei Flachprofilen, wobei mindestens eines der Flachprofile transparent ausgeführt ist,
• Anbringen der beiden Abstandhalter zwischen der ersten Scheibe und der zweiten Scheibe entlang den jeweils gegenüberliegenden Kanten der Scheiben über ein primäres Dichtmittel,
• Auflegen der zwei Flachprofile auf den vertikalen Kanten der ersten Scheibe und den vertikalen Kanten der zweiten Scheibe, sodass die Flachprofile und die Abstandhalter einen inneren Scheibenzwischenraum begrenzen,
• Befestigen der Flachprofile auf den vertikalen Kanten der ersten und zweiten Scheibe durch Anpressen der Flachprofile unter gleichzeitigem Erhitzen.

The invention further comprises a further method for producing an insulating glass element according to the invention for a refrigerated shelf, comprising the steps:

• Providing a first disc and a second disc,
• Provision of two spacers and two flat profiles, at least one of the flat profiles being transparent,
• Attaching the two spacers between the first pane and the second pane along the respective opposite edges of the panes using a primary sealant,
• Laying the two flat profiles on the vertical edges of the first pane and the vertical edges of the second pane so that the flat profiles and the spacers delimit an inner space between the panes,
• Fasten the flat profiles on the vertical edges of the first and second pane by pressing the flat profiles while heating them at the same time.

This method is particularly suitable for insulating glass elements with a polymer-containing layer on the inside of the flat profile. Such flat profiles can be connected to the edges by local heating of the contact point between the flat profile and the glass edge. The flat profile is preferably heated to a temperature which is above the melting temperature of the polymer-containing layer. By melting this layer, it can also be attached without glue. This simplifies the process by saving a separate production step for applying an adhesive. This method is particularly preferred for insulating glass elements with a sealing layer on the inside. Sealing layers are particularly suitable for fastening by heating while pressing.
This process is also preferably carried out in the order given above. By attaching the two spacers, a stable connection is first established between the two panes and the distance between the panes is defined. The flat profiles can then be attached to the already aligned edges. Following the fastening of the flat profiles, a secondary sealant is preferably attached along the spacers in the outer space between the panes. This serves to mechanically stabilize the insulating glass element.

The invention further comprises the use of the insulating glass element according to the invention as a door in a refrigerated shelf or in a freezer.

Figur 1

eine Aufsicht auf eine mögliche Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaselements,

Figur 2

eine Aufsicht auf eine mögliche Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Tür für ein Kühlmöbel,

Figur 3

einen Querschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaselements entlang der Schnittebene A eingezeichnet in Figur 1,

Figur 4

einen Querschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaselements entlang der Schnittebene B eingezeichnet in Figur 1,

Figur 5

eine Ansicht eines Abstandhalters mit Stopfen und Flachprofil vorgesehen für ein erfindungsgemäßes Isolierglaselement,

Figur 6

einen Querschnitt einer möglichen Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Isolierglaselements entlang der Schnittebene C eingezeichnet in Figur 1,

Figur 7

einen Querschnitt eines Abstandhalters geeignet für ein erfindungsgemäßes Isolierglaselement,

Figur 8

einen Querschnitt eines Flachprofils geeignet für ein erfindungsgemäßes Isolierglaselement.

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

Figure 1

a plan view of a possible embodiment of an insulating glass element according to the invention,

Figure 2

a plan view of a possible embodiment of a door according to the invention for a refrigerated cabinet,

Figure 3

a cross section of an insulating glass element according to the invention along the section plane A drawn in Figure 1 ,

Figure 4

a cross section of an insulating glass element according to the invention along the section plane B drawn in Figure 1 ,

Figure 5

a view of a spacer with stopper and flat profile provided for an insulating glass element according to the invention,

Figure 6

a cross section of a possible embodiment of an insulating glass element according to the invention along the cutting plane C is shown in FIG Figure 1 ,

Figure 7

a cross section of a spacer suitable for an insulating glass element according to the invention,

Figure 8

a cross section of a flat profile suitable for an insulating glass element according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a possible embodiment of an insulating glass element according to the invention. The insulating glass element I has a first pane 11 and a second pane 12 arranged parallel and congruently. The first pane 11 has two opposite horizontal edges 14.1 and 14.2 and two opposite vertical edges 17.3 and 17.4. The second disk 12 also has two opposite parallel horizontal edges 15.1 (covered in the drawing) and 15.2 and two opposite vertical edges 18.3 and 18.4. Between the panes 11 and 12, an edge bond is arranged along the horizontal edges 15.2 and 14.2, with spacer 13, primary sealant 27 and secondary sealant 28. Of the edge bond, only the secondary sealant 28 is shown in the drawing. A transparent flat profile 16.3 is attached to a vertical edge of the first pane 17.3 and to a vertical edge of the second pane 18.3. The transparent flat profile 16.3 stabilizes the insulating glass element I and seals the inner space between the panes against the Penetration of foreign bodies and moisture. At the same time, it enables a free view through the edge area of the insulating glass element I along the side of the insulating glass element I closed with the transparent flat profile 16.3. The transparent flat profile 16.3 contains a polymeric base film 19 essentially containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 0.4 mm thick and a metallic one Additional layer 32 made of indium tin oxide (ITO) with a thickness of 50 nm. A further transparent flat profile 16.4 is arranged on the side of the insulating glass element I opposite the transparent flat profile 16.3. The second flat profile 16.4 is attached to the vertical edges 17.4 and 18.4 of the first and second panes. Due to the likewise transparent design of the flat profile 16.4, the insulating glass element I has a maximum transparent area. An edge bond with spacer 13 blocks the view through the edge region of the insulating glass element only along the horizontal edges of the panes. At the same time, the insulating glass element I is surprisingly highly stable due to the built-in flat profiles 16.4 and 16.3.

Figure 2 shows a door II according to the invention for a refrigerated shelf. The door II comprises two horizontal frame elements 30.1 and 30.2 and an insulating glass element I as in FIG Figure 1 shown. The two horizontal frame elements 30.1 and 30.2 hide the view of the horizontal spacers 13.1 and 13.2 and the edge bond with primary and secondary sealing means. The horizontal frame elements 30.1 and 30.2 are formed from a 0.3 mm thick stainless steel sheet. The frame elements 30.1 and 30.2 increase the stability of the door II. The horizontal frame element 30.2 is at the top when the door II is installed vertically in a refrigerated shelf or at the rear when the door II is installed horizontally. The horizontal stainless steel sheet 30.2 engages around the horizontal edges of the first and second disks 14.2 and 15.2. In addition, it engages around part of all vertical edges of the first and second disks 17.3, 17.4, 18.3 and 18.4. The frame element 30.2 also encompasses part of the two vertical flat profiles 16.3 and 16.4, which leads to a further improvement in the stability of the door II, since the corners are protected from mechanical stress, which may lead to partial detachment of one of the flat profiles 16.3 or 16.4 could. The horizontal frame element 30.1, which would be arranged at the bottom after installation in a refrigerated shelf or at the front when installed in a freezer, has the same structure as the upper or rear frame element 30.2. The horizontal frame elements 30.1 and 30.2 are glued to the insulating glass element I. Fasteners such as hinges can be attached to the horizontal frame elements 30.1 and 30.2 when installed in a refrigerated shelf or rails when used as a sliding door a freezer. A door handle 31, which is glued to the first pane 11, enables the door to be opened and closed easily. Thanks to the use of the two flat profiles 16.3 and 16.4, the insulating glass element I is so stable that the forces that act on the insulating glass element when the door II is opened do not adversely affect the insulating glass element.

Figure 3 shows a cross section through an insulating glass element I according to the invention along the cutting plane A, looking at the cutting plane A, as in FIG Figure 1 indicated by an arrow. The flat profile 16.4 has an inner side 22 and an outer side 23. The inner side 22 faces the inner space between the panes 8 and the outer side 23 faces the external environment. The inner side 22 of the flat profile 16.4 is attached to the vertical edges 17.4 and 18.4 of the first and second panes 11 and 12 via a transparent acrylate adhesive 24. The flat profile 16.4 is made transparent and consists essentially of a PET layer as a polymeric base film 19 and an additional ceramic layer 20 made of silicon oxides. The additional ceramic layer 20 is arranged on the inside 22. Thus, the additional ceramic layer 20, which serves to improve the tightness of the flat profile, is optimally protected against damage during installation or use.

Figure 4 shows a cross section through an insulating glass element I according to the invention along the sectional plane B shown in FIG Figure 1 . The cutting plane B runs through the spacer 13.1. A hollow profile 1 with a cavity 5 which is filled with desiccant 21 is visible. A suitable hollow profile 1 is below Figure 7 described. The flat profile 16.4 is attached to the vertical edges 17.4 and 16.4, which is shown in Figure 3 is shown. The spacer 13.1 is closed at one end with a stopper 25. The contact surface 26 of the stopper is connected to the flat profile 16.4 via a transparent acrylate adhesive 24. The stopper 25 prevents desiccant 21 from trickling out and enables stable bonding of the flat profile 16.4. On the outer surface of the spacer 13.1 in the outer space 7 between the panes, a silicone is arranged as a secondary sealing means 28.

Figure 5 shows a spacer 13 with a flat profile 16 suitable for installation in an insulating glass element I according to the invention. In this example, the spacer 13 has a rectangular cross section. Alternatively, the spacer 13 can have a different cross-section, for example as in FIG Figure 7 shown. The cavity 5 of the spacer 13 is filled with a molecular sieve as the desiccant 21. The two ends of the spacer 13 are closed with a plug 25. The plug 25 is made of a polyamide, for example. The stopper 25 contains a part which is inserted into the cavity 5 of the spacer 13 and a contact surface 26 which faces the flat profile 16 in the insulating glass element I. The contact surface 26 is provided for fastening the flat profile 16. The contact surface 26 corresponds to the cross section of the hollow profile 1, that is to say the contact surface of the stopper is flush with the outer dimensions of the hollow profile. This saves material costs for the stopper.

Figure 6 a cross section of an insulating glass element according to the invention along the section plane C drawn in Figure 1 looking sideways at section plane C, marked by an arrow in Figure 1 . The first disk 11 is connected to the first side wall 2.1 of the spacer 13.1 via a primary sealing means 27, and the second disk 12 is attached to the second side wall 2.2 via the primary sealing means 27. The primary sealant 27 contains a crosslinking polyisobutylene. The inner space 8 between the panes is located between the first pane 11 and the second pane 12 and is delimited by the glazing interior wall 3 of the spacer 13.1. The cavity 5 is filled with a desiccant 21, for example molecular sieve. The cavity 5 is connected to the inner space 8 between the panes via openings in the interior wall 29 of the glazing. A gas exchange takes place through the openings 29 between the cavity 5 and the inner space between the panes 8, the desiccant 21 absorbing the humidity from the inner space 8 between the panes. The first pane 11 and the second pane 12 protrude beyond the side walls 2.1 and 2.2, so that an outer space 7 between the panes is created, which is located between the first pane 11 and the second pane 12 and is limited by the outer wall of the spacer 4. The horizontal edge 14.1 of the first disk 11 and the horizontal edge 15.1 of the second disk 12 are arranged at the same level. The outer space 7 between the panes is filled with a secondary sealant 28. The secondary sealant 28 is, for example, a silicone. Silicones absorb the forces acting on the edge seal particularly well and thus contribute to the high stability of the insulating glass element I. The first disk 11 and the second disk 12 are made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of 3 mm.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of a spacer 13 suitable for an insulating glass element I according to the invention. The hollow profile 1 comprises a first side wall 2.1, a side wall 2.2 running parallel to it, a glazing interior wall 3 and an exterior wall 4. The glazing interior wall 3 runs perpendicular to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 and connects the two side walls. The outer wall 4 lies opposite the glazing interior wall 3 and connects the two side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The outer wall 4 runs essentially perpendicular to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The sections of the outer wall 4.1 and 4.2 closest to the side walls 2.1 and 2.2 are, however, inclined at an angle of approximately 45 ° to the outer wall 4 in the direction of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The angled geometry improves the stability of the hollow profile 1 and enables better bonding with the barrier film 6. The wall thickness d of the hollow profile is 1 mm. The hollow profile 1 has, for example, a height h of 6.5 mm and a width of 15 mm. The outer wall 4, the glazing interior wall 3 and the two side walls 2.1 and 2.2 enclose the cavity 5. The cavity 5 can accommodate a desiccant 21, for example. The hollow profile 1 is a polymeric glass fiber-reinforced hollow profile which contains styrene-acrylic-nitryl (SAN) with about 35% by weight of glass fiber. The polymeric glass fiber reinforced hollow profile 1 is characterized by a particularly low thermal conductivity and at the same time high stability. A gas- and vapor-tight barrier film 6, which improves the tightness of the spacer 13, is attached to the outer wall 4 and approximately half of the side walls 2.1 and 2.2. The barrier film 6 can be attached to the hollow profile 1 with a polyurethane hotmelt adhesive, for example. The barrier film 6 comprises four polymer layers made of polyethylene terephthalate with a thickness of 12 μm and three metallic layers made of aluminum with a thickness of 50 nm. The metallic layers and the polymer layers are attached alternately, the two outer layers being formed by polymer layers become.

Figure 8 shows a cross section of a transparent flat profile suitable for an insulating glass element I according to the invention. The transparent flat profile 16.3 comprises a polymer base film 19 made of PET with a thickness of 0.5 mm. The polymeric base film 19 is connected to a multilayer structure of ceramic additional layers 20 and polymeric additional layers 33 and a sealing layer 34. Two 50 nm thick silicon oxide (SiO _x ) layers are contained as ceramic additional layers 20. The silicon oxide layers 20 are alternating with two additional polymer layers 33 made of 12 microns thick PET. The flat profile can be produced, for example, by gluing two 12 .mu.m thick PET films 33 coated with silicon oxide layers 20 with a polyurethane adhesive. The silicon oxide layer arranged next to the polymeric base film 19 improves the adhesion to the PET of the polymeric base film 19, which is connected via a laminating adhesive. A sealing layer 34 made of a heat-sealable LDPE is attached to the inside 22 of the flat profile 16.3. The transparent flat profile 16.3 is later simply fastened via the sealable LDPE by heating to the vertical edges (17.3, 17.4, 18.3, 18.4) of the panes of the insulating glass element I.

List of reference symbols

I.

Insulating glass element

II

Door for a refrigerated cabinet

1

Hollow profile

2

side walls

2.1

first side wall

2.2

second side wall

3

Glazing interior wall

4th

Outer wall

4.1, 4.2

the sections of the outer wall closest to the side walls

5

cavity

6th

Barrier film

7th

outer space between the panes

8th

inner space between the panes

11

first slice

12

second disc

13

Spacers

13.1, 13.2

Spacers along the horizontal sides of the insulating glass element I.

14.1, 14.2

horizontal edges of the first slice

15.1, 15.2

horizontal edges of the second disc

16.3, 16.4

transparent flat profile

17.3, 17.4

vertical edges of the first disc

18.3, 18.4

vertical edges of the second disc

19th

polymer base film of the transparent flat profile

20th

ceramic additional layer of the transparent flat profile

21st

Desiccant

22nd

Inside of the flat profile

23

Outside of the flat profile

24

transparent glue

25th

Plug

26th

Contact surface of the plug

27

primary sealant

28

secondary sealant

29

Openings in the interior wall of the glazing

30.1, 30.2

horizontal frame elements

31

Door handle

32

metallic additional layer

33

polymer additional layer

34

Sealing layer

a

Distance between first and second pane

b

Edge width of a pane / thickness of a pane

c

Length of a flat profile

Claims (14)

1. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet, at least comprising

   - a first pane (11) and a second pane (12) spaced at a distance therefrom with, in each case, two opposite parallel horizontal edges (14.1, 14.2, 15.1, 15.2) and, in each case, two opposite parallel vertical edges (17.3, 17.4, 18.3, 18.4)

   - two horizontally arranged spacers (13.1, 13.2) between the first pane (11) and the second pane (12),

   - two vertically arranged flat profiles (16.3, 16.4), which are, in each case, secured to the vertical edges of the first pane (17.3, 17.4) and to the vertical edges of the second pane (18.3, 18.4), wherein the two flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) do not extend into a region between the two panes (11, 12),

   - the two horizontally arranged spacers (13.1, 13.2) and the two vertically arranged flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) directly enclose an inner interpane space (8) between the first pane (11) and the second pane (12) and

   - at least one of the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) is transparent,
   characterized in that the at least one transparent flat profile (16.3, 16.4) includes at least one polymeric base film (19) and at least one ceramic additional layer (20), and/or
   that the at least one transparent flat profile (16.3, 16.4) includes at least one polymeric base film (19) and at least one transparent metallic additional layer (32).
2. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transparent flat profile (16.3, 16.4) includes at least one polymeric additional layer (33) and includes at least two ceramic additional layers (20) and / or metallic additional layers (32), which are arranged alternatingly with the at least one polymeric additional layer (33).
3. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) have in each case an inner side (22) and an outer side (23), and the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) are secured with their inner sides (22) to the vertical edges (17.3, 17.4, 18.3, 18.4) of the two panes (11, 12) via a transparent adhesive (24), preferably a transparent adhesive (24) based on acrylate, on silicone, or on polyurethane.
4. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) have a sealing layer (34) facing the inner side (22), which sealing layer preferably includes a heat-sealable polymer, particularly preferably an LDPE (low-density polyethylene).
5. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the spacers (13.1, 13.2) are secured via a primary sealant (27) to the first pane (11) and the second pane (12), and the outer interpane space (7) facing the external external surroundings is filled with a secondary sealant (28).
6. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the polymeric base film (19) contains polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethyl methacrylates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), PET/PC, and / or copolymers thereof.
7. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the polymeric base film (19) has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, preferably has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.
8. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 through 7, wherein at least one of the spacers (13.1, 13.2) contains a desiccant (21).
9. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to one of claims 1 through 8, wherein the spacers (13.1, 13.2) comprise in each case a hollow profile (1),

   - the hollow profile (1) at least comprising

   - a 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;

   - a hollow space (5), which is surrounded by the side walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing interior wall (3), and the outer wall (4), and

   - the hollow space (5) is filled at least partially with a desiccant (21).
10. Insulating glass element (I) for a refrigeration cabinet according to claim 9, wherein the individual spacers (13.1, 13.2) are closed at both ends in each case with a stopper (25) and each stopper (25) includes a contact surface (26) for connecting to a vertical flat profile (16.3, 16.4).
11. Door (II) for a refrigeration cabinet at least comprising an insulating glass element according to one of claims 1 through 10 and two horizontal frame elements (30.1, 30.2), wherein

    - the horizontal frame elements (30.1, 30.2) are arranged such that they obscure the view of the spacers (13.1, 13.2),

    - the horizontal frame elements (30.1, 30.2) surround the horizontal edges (14.1, 14.2, 15.1, 15.2), and

    - a door handle (31) is arranged on the first pane (11).
12. Method for producing an insulating glass element (I) according to one of claims 1 through 10, wherein at least

    - a first pane (11) and a second pane (12) are provided,

    - a spacer (13.1, 13.2) is mounted in each case along two opposite sides (14.1, 14.2) of the insulating glass element (I) between the two panes (11, 12) via a primary sealant (27), and

    - two flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) are secured on the vertical edges of the first pane (17.3, 17.4) and on the vertical edges of the second pane (18.3, 18.4) via an adhesive such that the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) and the spacers (13.1, 13.2) delimit an inner interpane space (8).
13. Method for producing an insulating glass element (I) according to claim 4, wherein at least

    - a first pane (11) and a second pane (12) are provided,

    - a spacer (13.1, 13.2) is mounted in each case along two opposite sides (14.1, 14.2) of the insulating glass element (I) between the two panes (11, 12) via a primary sealant (27),

    - two flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) are placed on the vertical edges of the first pane (17.3, 17.4) and on the vertical edges of the second pane (18.3, 18.4) such that the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) and the spacers (13.1, 13.2) delimit an inner interpane space (8)

    - and the flat profiles (16.3, 16.4) are secured by heating and simultaneous pressing in the region of the vertical edges (17.3, 17.4, 18.3, 18.4) of the first and second panes (11, 12).
14. Use of the insulating glass element (I) according to one of claims 1 through 10 as a door in a refrigerated display case or in a freezer cabinet.

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