EP3404190B1 - Multi-pane element with opening means for the cavity - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-pane element, in particular a multi-pane insulating element, which has at least two planar elements, in particular glass planar elements, which are preferably arranged parallel to one another, a circumferential spacer frame to which the at least two planar elements are preferably connected in an airtight and vapor-tight manner, and a pressure equalization system for the space between the Has multi-disc element.

The pamphlet EP 1 978 201 A2 relates to a building opening (window, door, shop window, etc.) with a first chamber formed by one or more panes of glass, on the outside of which a second chamber is attached, which forms an intermediate space with the first chamber and which is watertight but not evacuated , and into which a thin curtain wound on a winding roller and having solar-ray shielding properties can be inserted from above.

The pamphlet WO 2016/091258 A1 relates to a multi-pane composite consisting of at least one additional pane, which consists of single-pane glass or insulating glass, and at least one base pane, which consists of single-pane glazing or an insulating glass composite. A cavity is formed between the attachment pane and the base pane, the cavity being closed by means of a spacer frame is established between the front pane and the base pane. The spacer frame is angled, with this having a leg which is connected to the base glass by adhesion or contact pressure and there is a step between the spacer frame and the base glass, the multi-pane composite being held in the area of the step in the rebate space of profile bodies and windows or facades.

Glazing units are commonly used to glaze openings in buildings. However, such units must be constructed with great care to prevent the build-up of condensation, the presence of which is considered to be detrimental to the operation of the glazing system for aesthetic reasons, mold and algae growth and visual impairments of light transmittance.

To this end, conventional glazing units contain desiccants to prevent condensation in the space between the panes of glass. In mountainous areas, for example, if the difference in elevation between where an insulated glass unit is manufactured and where it is installed is large enough, the pressure difference could stress or damage the seals or break the glass, typically during of transportation.

To address this, small tubes are used to provide temporary pressure equalization for insulated glass units. The standard in North America is a stainless steel tube, 12 inches about 30 cm long and 0.020 inch about 0.05 cm inside diameter, that is placed through the seal at the perimeter to provide a controlled flow path between the interior and the exterior environment set up. The units are then shipped and allowed to equalize for a day or more. Then the tubes are crimped to restore the unit to a fully sealed condition. Although for certain reasons it may be advantageous to leave the tube open so that there is less stress on the glass and seals as the pressure differential changes, the technical literature teaches that if the tube is left open the air flow will entrain sufficient moisture to cause the desiccant to deteriorate to saturate in a relatively short period of time, resulting in the moisture-related failure of the unit.

This access of moisture will load the filler with moisture much faster than if the unit were fully sealed.

Venting a sight glass unit without a desiccant is not an option as some condensation will then occur under certain circumstances. Sight glass units are particularly sensitive to condensation because the glass panes are transparent and condensation becomes very apparent.

If a desired sight glass unit containing desiccant in the internal air space is vented, the desiccant will keep the air inside the unit dry until it has absorbed close to its capacity. Since conventional desiccants work in two directions, the desiccant initially acts as a moisture sink. In other words, the desiccant acts to equilibrate the unit to a relative humidity such that when a pane gets cold, water will condense on the pane. This lowers the relative humidity in the unit, which in turn pulls more moisture out of the desiccant. The unit then condenses further resulting in an actual wet looking unit.

Any glass unit that is sealed will experience an internal pressure change in the glass and "pillow" in response. The amount of movement of the glass required to relieve the pressure change is directly proportional to the thickness of the unit. The length or width of the unit is of secondary importance. In the day-to-day sequence, glass can easily meet this pressure change when the distance between the panes is 0.5 inch 1.27 cm. At 1 inch 2.54 cm or above, glass breakage tends to occur because there is a greater amount of air in the unit that expands when heated, and even if breakage does not occur, there is an increase resulting therefrom of stress on the seals leading to a higher frequency of seal failure. When heavy gauge sight glass units are to be manufactured, these units must be vented to relieve pressure differentials.

The over- or under-pressures that occur lead to a heavy load on the seals and the glass panes, which can lead to the panes breaking. Therefore, only relatively small spaces between the panes are possible with these hermetically sealed insulating glass panes.

For architectural and thermal insulation reasons, however, the market requires the installation of insulating glass panes with a larger space between the panes. This allows sun protection systems to be installed and protected from the weather. In addition, the cleaning effort for multiple glazing can be reduced and glazing that can be installed more economically can be created overall.

However, increasing the space between the panes leads to a serious increase in the existing climatic loads. Precautions must therefore be taken to reduce the pressure fluctuations that occur.

As already mentioned, there are various technical options for pressure equalization. For example, the space in between can be supplied with dried air using ventilation devices, thus compensating for the existing pressure difference and the risk of condensation. However, this technique is very complex and requires constant monitoring and power supply. Another way is to flush the space with outside air. There is then a risk of premature contamination of the construction. What all previous designs have in common is that the construction and/or assembly is relatively expensive, and repairs and maintenance are also expensive.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of specifying a multi-pane element, in particular in the form of an insulating glazing element, which is easy to produce, has a large space in which a sun protection device can be accommodated, has effective pressure equalization and requires no additional maintenance effort.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1 .

According to the present invention, this relates to a multi-pane element which has at least two surface elements, such as glass panes, which are connected to one another via a spacer frame. The surface elements can be sealed to the spacer frame, for example, by means of a vapor-tight seal (eg butyl) and an additional adhesive (eg silicone or thiocol). Instead of a glass pane as a surface element another pane of insulating glass can also be used, for example to further adjust the thermal insulation properties.

According to embodiments, the spacer frame is made of a vapor-tight material, e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, and is formed with a cavity(s) or an opening(s). One or more cavities or openings are filled with desiccant. Customary spacers have a width of 7 to 10 mm. The desiccant it contains is designed to keep the insulating glass unit free of condensate over a period of 20 to 30 years with hermetically sealed edge seals. In the proposed embodiment, the spacer, and thus the available space for the desiccant, is significantly enlarged. The width of the spacer in the proposed embodiment is at least 20 mm. Depending on the element size, larger widths of 30 mm and more are also possible.

According to the invention, the distance between the surface elements is at least 50 mm. To equalize the pressure, the space between the panes (7) is connected to the outside atmosphere, the rebate area or the interior by means of a pressure equalization system.

In its preferred form, the pressure equalization takes place by means of an elongated cavity with a very small inner diameter.

In its simplest construction, the pressure compensation system can be designed as a capillary tube. For example, the capillary tube is dimensioned in such a way that the pressure can be equalized quickly enough in the event of temperature changes, but the exchange of air is still impeded in such a way that the resulting moisture input is reduced to a minimum. Depending on the size of the insulating glass unit, the capillary tube can be from a few cm long to more than 1 m long. The inside diameter of the capillary tube is preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The capillary tube can be designed either as a straight piece of tube, as a single or multiply bent piece of tube, or as a piece of tube coiled into a spiral. Instead of a spirally bent piece of pipe, the hollow space can also be produced by turning parts similar to a thread.

The use of two or more capillary tubes arranged in parallel has proven particularly advantageous. As a result, the function of the pressure equalization system can be further improved. In the case of small pressure differences, the system reacts very sluggishly. Only at higher pressures is a noticeable pressure equalization, and thus air exchange, made possible. Furthermore, the use of several capillary tubes has the advantage that if one of the tubes fails, there are still other tubes that fulfill their function and thus increased functional reliability is achieved.

In a further embodiment, the pressure equalization can also be effected by a valve that opens or closes the connection from a certain positive or negative pressure, and thus allows a controlled pressure equalization.

In order to protect the interior from contamination, a fine filter is preferably installed in front of the pressure equalization system. In a preferred embodiment, this fine filter is hydrophobic. This means that water in liquid form cannot pass through the filter, only in vapor form. This protects the subsequent pressure equalization system accordingly.

The amount of desiccant contained in the cavity of the spacer frame is such that it can keep the space between the panes dry over a long period of use.

In order to be able to exploit the advantages of the large space between the panes, the spacer frame is provided with an openable but vapour-tight cover on one long side. Ideally, this opening is made on the top of the element. The cover can be designed as a simple plate, or as a profile or box. The cover is removed to install or remove the sun protection system or other technical equipment. If a sun protection system is installed, it is preferably attached to the underside of the cover so that it can be inserted easily and precisely into the gap. External venetian blind systems or suitable fabric or foil roller blinds can be used as sun protection.

In order to enable these sun protection systems or other technical devices to be driven, further sealed penetrations can be introduced in the glass or in the frame profile. The drive of sun protection systems is best done automatically, for example, by means of electric motors. There are several positions and installation positions for motors.

In the simplest version, the motor is mounted directly on the sun protection system. However, this has the disadvantage that the replacement of a motor in the event of a defect is somewhat complex and that the motor is located in the hot space between the panes, which can have a negative impact on the service life.

A better solution in terms of maintenance is to mount the motor outside the space between the panes. There are two preferred options for this: In the first variant, the motor is installed in a room above the sun protection system. In this case, the cover is designed as a kind of box. While the sun protection system is attached to the box below the floor, the motor is located inside the box. The drive from the motor to the sun protection takes place, for example, via two deflection gears and an airtight passage of the drive shaft. The space in which the engine is located is connected to the outside atmosphere via the rebate space and is therefore somewhat cooler than in the space between the panes. The motor can be replaced without opening the space between the panes. However, this requires access to the upper area of the window element. The box can be removed for repairs to the sun protection itself.

In the second variant, the motor for the drive of the sun protection system is installed on the inside of the room. For this purpose, an airtight passage of the drive shaft from the sun protection system to the outside is installed. The motor is then easily accessible on the room side. In the event of a defect in the motor, it can easily be replaced there. Repairs to the sun protection itself are carried out as in the first variant.

The pressure compensation system can have an air drying unit with a regenerative desiccant (desiccant pack) and an air line system, via which air can be exchanged between the intermediate space of the multi-pane element and the outside atmosphere. The air line system can be designed in such a way that the air to be communicated during the exchange of air between the intermediate space and the outside atmosphere passes through the desiccant (desiccant package) of the at least one air drying unit.

In this way it is ensured that the air, which is conducted from the outside atmosphere into the intermediate space due to a necessary air exchange, has always been dried accordingly.

The at least one air drying unit can be assigned an active and/or passive heating system, with which the desiccant can preferably be heated or heated as required, in order in this way to bring about a regeneration of the desiccant. In this context, it makes sense for the heating system to have a coating with high emissivity, a solar collector and/or an electric heater, which preferably has at least one heating element embedded in the desiccant.

In this context, a desiccant that can be regenerated from a temperature of 40 to 50° C., for example a desiccant based on an amorphous silicon dioxide, is particularly suitable as a desiccant.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1

schematisch eine exemplarische Ausführungsform eines Mehrscheibenelements mit Druckausgleichssystem;

FIG. 2

schematisch eine nicht zur Erfindung gehörende Ausführungsform eines Mehrscheibenelements;

FIG. 3

schematisch eine weitere nicht zur Erfindung gehörende Ausführungsform eines Mehrscheibenelements;

FIG. 4

schematisch eine weitere exemplarische Ausführungsform eines Mehrscheibenelements; und

FIG. 5

schematisch eine weitere exemplarische Ausführungsform eines Mehrscheibenelements.

Show it:

FIG. 1

schematically an exemplary embodiment of a multi-disc element with pressure equalization system;

FIG. 2

schematically an embodiment of a multi-pane element not belonging to the invention;

FIG. 3

schematically another embodiment of a multi-pane element not belonging to the invention;

FIG. 4

schematically another exemplary embodiment of a multi-pane element; and

FIG. 5

schematically another exemplary embodiment of a multi-pane element.

The exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawings relate to multi-pane elements 22 in the form of insulating glass panes, which are characterized in particular by the fact that these insulating glass panes have a relatively large space 7 between the panes. According to embodiments of the multi-disk element 22 according to the invention, this is provided with a pressure compensation system 100 . According to further embodiments, a sun protection system 10 is integrated in the space 7 between the panes.

Insulating glass panes are well known from the construction industry. As a rule, insulating glass panes consist of at least two panes of glass that are connected to one another by an edge seal. The edge seal is designed to be almost airtight and vapour-tight and hermetically seals the gap to the outside atmosphere. This is necessary in order to minimize the entry of moisture into the space as far as possible.

In order to protect the insulating glass pane from condensate for years to come, there is a defined amount of desiccant in the space between them. This desiccant is usually housed in the edge bond. The amount of desiccant is sufficient to keep a hermetically sealed insulating glass pane free of condensate for around 20 to 30 years. The edge seal itself usually consists of a spacer profile made of plastic or metal, as well as a primary and secondary seal. Due to static requirements, this version is limited to insulating glass panes with a space between the panes of a few cm. The reason for this are external influences, climatic loads, such as temperature differences or radiation, which heat or cool the air in the space between the panes and can thus lead to high overpressure or underpressure. This effect is significantly increased by fittings in the space, e.g. by sun protection slats. The over- or under-pressures that occur lead to a heavy load on the seals and the glass panes, which can lead to the panes breaking.

As already mentioned at the beginning, only relatively small spaces between the panes are possible with these hermetically sealed insulating glass panes. For architectural and thermal insulation reasons, however, the market requires the installation of insulating glass panes with a larger space between the panes. This allows sun protection systems to be installed and protected from the weather to be protected. In addition, the cleaning effort for multiple glazing can be reduced and glazing that can be installed more economically can be created overall.

Enlarging the space between the panes leads to a serious increase in the existing climate loads. Precautions must therefore be taken to reduce the pressure fluctuations that occur. There are various technical options for pressure equalization. For example, the space in between can be supplied with dried air using ventilation devices, thus compensating for the existing pressure difference and the risk of condensation. However, this technique is very complex and requires constant monitoring and power supply. Another way is to flush the space with outside air. There is then a risk of premature contamination of the construction. What all previous designs have in common is that the construction and/or assembly is relatively expensive, and repairs and maintenance are also expensive.

The task now is to design a multi-pane element, in particular in the form of an insulating glazing element, which is easy to manufacture, has a large space in which, for example, a sun protection device can be accommodated, has effective pressure equalization and requires no additional maintenance effort.

An exemplary embodiment of the multi-pane element 22 according to the invention consists of at least two glass panes 1, 2, which are connected to one another via a spacer frame 3. A seal 4 of the glass panes 1, 2 to the spacer frame 3 can, for example, by means of a vapor-tight seal z. B. butyl and an additional bond z. B. silicone or Thiokol.

Instead of a glass pane 2, another insulating glass pane can also be used, for example in order to further adapt the thermal insulation properties of the multi-pane element 22.

As is shown in FIG. 1 and 4 can be removed, a pressure equalization system 100 is integrated in the space 7 between the panes. This pressure equalization system 100 has an air drying unit 16 with a regenerative desiccant 6 (desiccant pack). Furthermore, the pressure compensation system 100 has an air line system 17 via which an exchange of air between the space between the panes 7 and the outside atmosphere can be implemented. At the in FIG. 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the pane element 22 according to the invention shown, the air duct system 17 is designed in such a way that the air to be communicated during the exchange of air between the space between the panes 7 and the outside atmosphere passes through the desiccant 6 (desiccant pack) of the at least one air drying unit 16.

In detail, in the exemplary embodiment of the multi-pane element 22 according to the invention FIG. 1 the air line system 17 has an air inlet 18 on the intermediate space side and an air outlet 19 on the outside side communicating with it via a line section, the line section being designed in such a way that the air to be communicated during an air exchange passes through the desiccant 6 of the at least one drying unit 16.

The air drying unit 16 preferably has a housing 20 in which the desiccant 6 is accommodated, with the air line system 17 being designed to communicate with the interior of the housing 20 .

According to the exemplary embodiment as set out in FIG. 1 and 4 is shown, the air drying unit 16 is assigned a heating system in order to preferably heat or heat the desiccant 6 as required, in particular for the purpose of regenerating it. The heating system is an active and/or passive heating system.

As in FIG. 4 indicated schematically, the heating system 21 comprises a coating with high emissivity or a solar collector. As an alternative or in addition to this, however, it is also conceivable for the heating system 21 to have an electric heater, which preferably comprises at least one heating element embedded in the desiccant 6 .

The heating system 21 is designed in particular to heat the air to be discharged from the space between the panes 7 to the outside atmosphere during an air exchange, specifically before the air passes through the desiccant 6, with preference being given to this For this purpose, a line section of the air line system 17 provided between the air inlet 18 on the side of the cavity and the air drying unit 16 has a meandering shape at least in some areas, a coating with high emissivity being provided on and/or in the vicinity of the meandering area 23.

The desiccant 6 of the air drying unit 16 is preferably a desiccant that can be regenerated from a temperature of approximately 40 to 50° C., such as a desiccant based on an amorphous silicon dioxide.

The representation in FIG. 1 It can also be seen that a flow restrictor 24 is provided in the line section of the air line system 17 which lies between the drying unit 16 and the air inlet 19 on the exterior side.

In FIG. 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a multi-disc element 22 according to the invention with an integrated pressure equalization system 100 is shown schematically.

At the in FIG. 1 shown embodiment, the spacer frame 3 consists of a vapor-tight material such. B. aluminum, and is formed with cavities 5 and corresponding openings. One or more cavities 5 or openings can be filled with desiccant 6. The distance between the disks 1, 2 can be from a few centimeters to over 20 centimeters. For pressure equalization, the space between the panes 7 is connected to the outside atmosphere, the rebate space or the interior by means of the previously described pressure equalization system 100 .

In principle, the pressure equalization system can be designed as a capillary tube in its simplest form. The capillary tube 8 is dimensioned in such a way that the pressure equalization can take place quickly enough in the event of temperature changes, but that the exchange of air is nevertheless impeded in such a way that the moisture input that occurs as a result is reduced to a minimum. Depending on the size of the insulating glass unit, the capillary tube can be from a few cm long to more than 1 m long. The inside diameter of the capillary tube is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

The use of two or more capillary tubes arranged in parallel has proven particularly advantageous. As a result, the function of the pressure equalization system can be further improved. In the case of small pressure differences, the system reacts very sluggishly. Only at higher pressures is a noticeable pressure equalization, and thus air exchange, made possible. Furthermore, the use of several capillary tubes has the advantage that if one of the tubes fails, there are still other tubes that fulfill their function and thus increased functional reliability is achieved.

In a further embodiment, the pressure equalization can also be effected by a valve that opens or closes the connection from a certain positive or negative pressure, and thus allows a controlled pressure equalization.

In order to protect the interior from contamination, a fine filter is preferably installed in front of the pressure equalization system. In a preferred embodiment, this fine filter is hydrophobic. This means that water in liquid form cannot pass through the filter, only in vapor form. This protects the subsequent pressure equalization system accordingly.

The amount of desiccant 6 accommodated in the cavity is dimensioned such that it can keep the space between the panes dry over a long period of use.

In order to be able to utilize the advantages of the large space between the panes, in embodiments of the invention the spacer frame is provided on one long side with a cover 9 that can be opened but can nevertheless be mounted in a vapor-tight manner. Ideally, this opening is made on the top of the element. The cover 9 can be designed as a simple plate, or as a profile or box. The cover 9 is removed to install or remove the sun protection system 10 or other technical devices. If a sun protection system 10 is installed, it is preferably attached to the underside of the cover 9 in order to be able to insert it easily and precisely into the space. External venetian blind systems or suitable fabric or foil roller blinds can be used as sun protection.

In order to enable these sun protection systems or other technical devices to be driven, further sealed penetrations can be made in the glass or in the frame profile. Sun protection systems, for example, are best driven automatically by means of electric motors.

According to the invention ( FIG. 4 and 5 ) the openable cover is attached to the inside of the element. For this purpose, the internal glass pane is made shorter. The now open area is replaced by a frame with a lid on the inside. The frame 16 is so wide in the upper and lateral areas that it can be used to clamp the glass pane. The aim of this design is that the cover can be opened even when the insulating glass pane is installed. The surrounding frame is thermally insulated. This can be done either with an intermediate layer with a low thermal conductivity or with a thermally separated composite profile.

As with the other variants, the lid can be sealed airtight and vapor-tight on the frame, and thus hermetically seals the space between the two panes of glass.

With small or narrow elements, the load of the glass panes is primarily transferred to the side posts. The frame 17 lying above the glass pane only has a sealing function here. When using wider elements, the lower frame must be statically designed in such a way that the upper edge of the glass can introduce pressure and suction loads there. In the simplest case, this can be done by using a larger frame profile 18 . If the installation space is no longer sufficient, it is proposed to design the cover in such a way that it can be connected to the upper horizontal profile in a rigid manner and, after screwing it to the lower frame profile, can statically support the glass edge lying there.

In a further embodiment, the cover can also be designed in such a way that it acts like a support which is fastened to the left and right of the post.

What all variants have in common is that the proposed element can be manufactured as a complete unit and installed like a commercially available insulating glass pane.

Normally, the amount of desiccant is dimensioned in such a way that an average service life of a conventional insulating glass pane is achieved.

In a further embodiment, an additional desiccant pack is built into the connecting line between the intermediate space and the outside atmosphere. In the case of cooling, the air from the outside first flows through the capillary tube and is throttled to a minimum there. It then flows through the desiccant pack and releases the moisture there. When the cavity heats up, e.g. when exposed to sunlight, the air expands and is pushed out again through the desiccant. If the outflowing air and/or the desiccant is warm enough, the desiccant will again release the moisture to the air flowing through, and thus dry again. A material is used as a desiccant that can release moisture again from around 50°C.

The trick now is to reach a temperature of approx. 50°C when the air flows out. The simplest possibility is that the desiccant is built into a type of solar collector 20 . A solar collector is a component that has a highly absorptive surface and almost completely converts the energy radiated from the sun into thermal energy. In its simplest form, the solar collector can only consist of a dark-colored material that conducts heat well.

This pre-drying protects the desiccant present in the profiles from excessive saturation.

However, the desiccant in the desiccant pack could also be heated by an electric heater. This heater is a simple resistor that heats up when current flows through it. The power supply could either be taken from the sun protection system, or the required electricity is provided by an integrated photovoltaic element with a battery. This element could work completely independently. Since it has no moving parts, it is very durable.

For example, a silica gel can be used as the desiccant for the desiccant pack. In addition to the silica gel, a molecular sieve can also be used. Silica gel is amorphous silicon dioxide

In a further embodiment, opening options 21 are present in the cavities filled with desiccant, which allow the desiccant to be exchanged. The opening options can be attached both to the outside of the profiles and to the inside. Attaching the opening option in the area of the openable cover has proven to be particularly advantageous. Access to the desiccant cavities can easily be created in this area. The desiccant can then be exchanged through the openings. This can be done with a suction device, for example. Once the desiccant is removed, new or regenerated desiccant can be reinserted. As a result, the function of the insulating glass element can be extended by a long time.

According to embodiments of the present invention, this relates to insulating glazing, consisting of at least two glass panes 1, 2 and a circumferential spacer frame 3, to which the glass panes are connected in an airtight and vapor-tight manner, the distance between the glass panes 1, 2 being greater than 30 mm, wherein the spacer frame 3 has one or more cavities 5 and/or openings that are filled with a desiccant 6, and wherein the intermediate space can be opened on at least one side in order to accommodate technical equipment for sun or glare protection, noise protection or other requirements to be brought in, and can then be sealed again in a vapour-tight manner, and the space between the panes 7 is connected to the outside atmosphere by at least one pressure equalization system 8 .

The spacer frame 3 can be opened on at least one side by means of a cover.

At least one of the two panes of glass can be made shorter, with the remaining area being made as a frame 16, 17, 18 with a cover 9.

The cover 9 present on the spacer frame 3 can be fastened in such a way that it can transfer static loads from the upper profile to the lower frame profile.

The cover 9 can be designed as a profile or as a box.

The spacer frame 3 can have such a large cavity 5 that a sufficient amount of desiccant 6 can be filled in there.

There may be closable openings 21 on the desiccant cavity through which the desiccant can be exchanged.

The drive motor 11 can be located within the cover 9 designed as a box.

According to embodiments, the drive shaft 15 can be guided through the bottom of the cover 9 by means of an almost airtight bushing 14 .

According to embodiments, the drive 11 can be on the inside of the room.

According to embodiments, the drive shaft 15 can be guided through a bore in the glass pane 2 by means of an almost airtight bushing 14 .

According to embodiments, an additional desiccant packet 19 through which the air flowing in and out is guided can be located in the connecting line between the intermediate space and the outside atmosphere.

According to embodiments, the desiccant packet can contain a desiccant that can release moisture back into the air flowing through even at temperatures from approx. 40 to 50°C.

According to embodiments, the desiccant package can be thermally conductively connected to a solar collector 20 and thus heated when exposed to sunlight.

According to embodiments, the desiccant pack can be heated by a heating element.

According to embodiments, the pressure compensation element can consist of a capillary tube wound into a spiral.

According to embodiments, the pressure equalization element can consist of a valve that enables pressure equalization in the event of overpressure or underpressure.

Claims (5)

1. A multi-pane element (22), in particular multi-pane insulating element, comprising the following:

   - at least two preferably parallelly arranged surface elements (1, 2), particularly glass surface elements;

   - a surrounding spacer frame (3) to which the at least two surface elements (1, 2) are connected in preferably air-tight and vapor-tight manner; and

   - a pressure equalization system (8) for the interspace (7) of the multi-pane element (22),

   wherein the at least two surface elements (1, 2) are connected to the surrounding spacer frame (3) such that a distance between the surface elements (1, 2) is at least 50 mm,

   wherein a sunshade and/or anti-glare device (10) able to be activated as needed is accommodated in the interspace (7) enclosed by the surface elements (1, 2) and the spacer frame (3),

   wherein the spacer frame (3) has an air-tight and vapor-tight closable opening enabling access from a spatially interior side to the sunshade and/or anti-glare device (10) provided in the interspace (7) enclosed by the surface elements (1, 2) and the spacer frame (3),

   wherein the inner surface element of the at least two surface elements (1, 2) is made shorter so as to form the air-tight and vapor-tight closable opening, wherein the remaining area is realized as a frame having a cover (9) for the air-tight and vapor-tight closing of the opening.
2. The multi-pane element (22) according to claim 1,
   wherein the cover (9) is designed as a profile or as a box.
3. The multi-pane element (22) according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the sunshade and/or anti-glare device (10) has a drive for manipulating the device, wherein the drive is at least in part provided externally of the interspace (7) enclosed by the surface elements (1, 2) and the spacer frame (3).
4. The multi-pane element (22) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   wherein the spacer frame (3) has a cavity (5) into which a desiccant (6) is filled in preferably replaceable manner, wherein the spacer frame (3) has an associated closable opening (21) for the as-needed replacing of the desiccant (6).
5. The multi-pane element (22) according to one of claims 1 to 4,

   wherein the pressure equalization system (100) comprises the following:

   - at least one air drying unit (16) with a regenerative desiccant (6), wherein the desiccant (6) is preferably a regenerable desiccant (6) as of a temperature of approximately 40 to 50° C, in particular an amorphous silicon dioxide-based desiccant (6); and

   - an air duct system (8, 17, 23) via which air can be exchanged between the interspace (7) and the outer atmosphere,

   wherein the air duct system (8, 17, 23) is designed such that the air to be conveyed when air is exchanged between the interspace (7) and the outer atmosphere passes through the desiccant (6) of the at least one air drying unit (16).

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