EP4013935A1

EP4013935A1 - Spacer for insulated glass units

Info

Publication number: EP4013935A1
Application number: EP20731444.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Möller; Klaus Esser; Reimar OLDEROG; Heinz RAUNEST; Bernhard KÖNIGSBERGER; Peter Runze; Christian HELFERT; Stefan Dierneder; Leopold Mader; Marc REHLING
Original assignee: Ensinger GmbH
Current assignee: Ensinger GmbH
Priority date: 2019-08-12
Filing date: 2020-06-05
Publication date: 2022-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-05
Also published as: WO2021028091A1; US20220268092A1; DE102019121690A1; EP4013935B1; EP4013935C0; CN114555902A; CN114555902B

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer for insulated glass units, which can be easily transported, easily shaped to form a spacer frame, and easily but nevertheless precisely integrated into the glass units during production of the insulated glass unit. The spacer is designed with an inner surface, an outer surface and two side surfaces extending on either side of the spacer from the inner surface to the outer surface, and comprises a profile body. The profile body comprises two interspaced side faces running parallel to its longitudinal direction, and a main body running between the side faces and having an inner and an outer face. The profile body is produced from a plastics material and comprises, in at least some of its volume, a proportion of a particulate desiccant which is embedded in the plastics material. The spacer can be rolled up about an axis running perpendicularly to the side surfaces and is flexurally rigid on a plane running perpendicularly to the side surfaces.

Description

Spacer for insulating glass panes

The invention relates to a spacer for insulating glass panes and insulating glass panes with two or more glass panes which are held by a frame formed from the spacer at a predetermined distance.

The spacer has an inner surface, an outer surface and two side surfaces extending on both sides of the spacer from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Conventional spacers are usually equipped with one or more receiving chambers for desiccant, which is used to keep the interior of the pane dry in the insulating glass panes and thus to avoid condensation in the pane interior.

An example of this is known from DE 198 07 454 A1. Holders in these spacers of the cavity forming the receiving chamber is covered with a predetermined amount of desiccant in the formation of the spacer frame.

Alternatively, spacers with desiccant particles integrated into the spacer profile body or its binder matrix are known, for example from WO 2004/081331 A1. The spacers are either cut to size and assembled into a frame using connecting elements or bent from a single piece to form a frame. The binder matrix is formed from a water vapor permeable plastic material. Roll-up spacers are known from EP 0 261 923 A2, in which a spacer is formed from a foamed elastomer material which contains a desiccant. Rollable spacers are referred to below as windable or coilable.

Furthermore, spacers are known which are suitable for the production of triple insulating glass panes, which still have a receiving area for a third, middle pane of glass in the central area between side surfaces on which the outer glass panes come to rest. An example of this is known from WO 2014/198431 A1.

In the case of the spacers sold as bar goods, there is the problem of handling and the comparatively short length of the bars, which is typically limited to about 5 to 6 m. The further use of remaining lengths leads to greater effort in the manufacture of the insulating glass panes. In addition, the transport of the spacers, which are typically packaged in so-called runs, is more complex and costly due to the dimensions of the stanchions, which exceed the typical dimensions of pallets.

Easier to handle, especially in transport, in this regard rollable spacer made of an elastomer material, for example commercially obtained Lich, from Edgetech Europe GmbH under the brand SuperSpacer ^® that can be provided in longer lengths. However, these spacers not only have a lower flexural rigidity when forces act perpendicular to the outer surface, but also lower flexural rigidity and also a lower Shore hardness when forces act perpendicular to the side surfaces. This means that the usual assembly of rigid (hollow profile) spacers by applying a primary butyl sealant to the side and pressing this butyl compound to a layer thickness of approx. 0.2 to approx. 0.5 mm without deforming the spacer does not occur or is only possible under difficult conditions. In order to be able to handle the insulating glass panes before a secondary sealant, which is typically applied to the edge of the pane, has cured, additional assembly aids, e.g. in the form of acrylic adhesives applied to the side, are used to prevent the spacers from slipping relative to the glass panes prevent the panes of glass from slipping against one another during assembly of the insulating glass panes.

A butyl primary seal is used for these spacers in order to comply with the maximum permissible moisture absorption and the rate of gas loss required by DIN EN 1279 Part 2 and 3 (2018). Since, due to the lower Shore hardness and lower flexural rigidity when force is introduced perpendicular to the side surfaces, the conventional butyl cannot be pressed with the usual forces between the spacer and glass panes, "softer" butyl materials are usually used to ensure that all cavities and porosities (e.g. the glass surface) are filled.

In the case of spacers with receiving chambers for desiccants, when processing the spacers to form a spacer frame, the introduction of the desiccant as granules is an additional expense. This he usually follows in a separate operation on a so-called desiccant filling machine.

In view of the aspects mentioned above, the present invention is based on the object of providing a spacer that can be transported with little effort, that can be easily formed into a spacer frame and that is easy and precise with the production of the insulating glass pane Glass panes can be installed.

This object is achieved by a spacer for insulating glass panes as defined in claim 1. The inner and / or the outer surface of the spacer according to the invention can be formed from the inner surface or the outer surface of the base body of the profile body. In the installed state in the insulating glass pane, the inner surface of the spacer according to the invention faces the pane interior, while the outer surface facing away from the pane interior is placed on the outer edge area of the insulating glass pane.

The side surfaces of the profile body can also form the side surfaces of the spacer, in the event that the spacer is formed without a barrier layer lying on the outside of the profile body or if the outside barrier layer does not extend over the side surfaces of the profile body. In those cases in which the spacer has a barrier layer which rests on the outside of the profile body and also extends at least over partial areas of the side surfaces of the profile body, the side surfaces of the spacer according to the invention, depending on the extent of the barrier layer, are entirely or partially from the Profile body facing away from the surface of the barrier layer formed.

Rollable spacers in the context of the present invention are understood to mean the spacers which are attached to a core or mandrel with a diameter of approx. 200 mm to approx. 1,000 mm, in particular approx.

300 mm to approx. 500 mm, can be rolled up without significant plastic deformation. After the previously wound spacers have been unrolled, they can preferably be returned to their original geometry with little effort and are easy to process in this form.

In this sense, the spacer according to the invention preferably has a deflection of approx. 1 mm or more, more preferably approx. 1.3 mm or more, compared to an unloaded state with a force of a test stamp of 50 N acting in the middle of a support width, especially about 1.7 mm or more. The upper limit of the deflection is typically approx. 25 mm, preferably approx. 10 mm, more preferably approx. 5 mm. The deflection is always in the middle of the span on the outer surface of the spacer measured when its outer surface rests on two support bodies with a support width of 100 mm, measured in the longitudinal direction of the spacer age. The value determined in this way essentially also corresponds to the travel of the test stamp. The force of 50 N is introduced into the spacer perpendicular to a plane perpendicular to the side surfaces by means of a part-cylindrical punch with a flat contour.

If the spacer according to the invention rests with one side surface on two support bodies, due to its bending stiffness in a plane perpendicular to the side surfaces when a force of a test stamp is applied, it has a significantly lower deflection than when it is supported on the outer surface and the same force is applied perpendicular to the Outside surface. In the interests of easy handling, the spacers according to the invention preferably have a deflection of approx. 10 mm or less, more preferably approx. 5 mm or less, most preferably approx. 10 mm or less, with a force of 100 N acting perpendicular to the side surface in the middle of a support width. 3 mm or less, compared to an unloaded condition. The deflection is measured on a side surface of the spacer age when it rests on two support bodies with a support width of 100 mm, measured in the longitudinal direction of the spacer. The value determined in this case essentially also corresponds to the travel of the test stamp. Such spacers are sufficiently stable in the transverse direction and are particularly easy to handle when producing the insulating glass panes. Above all, the primary butyl sealant can also be pressed evenly and thus a uniform and reliable sealing of the space between the insulating glass slide can be achieved.

When measuring the deflection when the spacer rests with a side surface on the support bodies, a part-cylindrical punch with a planar contour is used, with the force being applied to the side surface which is opposite the side surface resting on the support bodies. The deflection measurements described above (known as the 3-point bending test) are essentially carried out analogously to the measurement of bending stiffness according to DIN EN ISO 178 (2013-09), as will be explained in more detail in the context of the detailed description.

The profile bodies of the spacers according to the invention contain at least a portion of a particulate desiccant in a partial volume, so that the introduction of desiccant into a cavity of the spacer during the manufacture of the spacer frames and their installation to form insulating glass panes can generally be dispensed with. In this way it can be avoided in particular that desiccant granules or dust can get into the space between the panes, as can be the case when filling with a loose bed of desiccant granules. In addition, the spacer according to the invention can be produced without a closed receiving chamber for the desiccant, so that the production of the spacer or its profile body, which is carried out in particular by means of an extrusion process, is simplified.

The particulate desiccant is preferably extruded into the plastic material of the profile body. In this way, on the one hand, the compressive strength of the profile body and thus of the spacer can be improved, while on the other hand, surprisingly, the rollability of the spacer is not noticeably negatively affected.

Because the spacers according to the invention can be rolled up, they can be provided and transported in great lengths with a minimal volume, so that the spacers provided in this way can also be packaged economically in a manner impervious to water vapor. In contrast to this, this causes greater problems with the spacers produced and sold as bar goods and is often not feasible from an economic point of view either. The problem with the spacers supplied as bar goods is that they are connected in many ways with longitudinal connectors for continuous processing or in the manufacture of the spacer frame or that they have to be plugged together to form a frame with the aid of corner brackets.

For this, it is necessary that the spacer has a cavity into which these connecting elements can be inserted. If desiccant were to be incorporated into the material of these hollow profile spacers, this would have to be incorporated in a comparatively higher concentration for an identical mass of desiccant, or the overall height of the spacer would have to be increased comparatively. A higher proportion of desiccant usually has a negative effect on the mechanical properties and a higher construction height leads to a deterioration in the Psi value in the so-called Uw value calculation of windows.

Finally, in the case of the spacers according to the invention, the formation of the corner areas of spacer frames is simplified due to the given limited flexural rigidity. In particular, a drying agent exit, tearing and widening are avoided, and the seal succeeds better in the corner areas of the spacer frame than in the prior art. In addition, by machining the profile bodies of the spacers according to the invention, the corner formation, e.g. by punching or milling out, can be made more elegant and at an acute angle.

The bending stiffness of the spacers according to the invention in a plane perpendicular to the side surfaces (increased transverse stiffness) enables not only easy handling of the spacers according to the invention, but also the use of conventional primary butyl sealants and their compression in the manufacture of the insulating glass panes. Due to the significantly stronger material compared to conventional flexible spacers, fixtures in the spaces between the panes can be fixed in the conventional way by screwing or bolting with (staples) clips.

To further simplify the handling of the spacer according to the invention, reinforcing elements can be embedded in the plastic material of the profile body.

Particularly particulate materials, fiber materials, flat materials and / or wire-shaped materials are used as reinforcement elements. By appropriately selecting the reinforcing elements and placing them in the profile body of the spacer, the effect of restoring the spacer to an essentially linear starting position and its flexural rigidity can be optimized.

With the reinforcement elements, the thermal coefficient of linear expansion a of the profile body can also be limited to approximately 5-10 ⁵ K ¹ or less, more preferably to approximately 3.5 · 10 ⁵ K ¹ . Ideally, one should approach the coefficient of thermal expansion of the glass pane.

In preferred spacers according to the invention, the profile body has side walls on the side of the base body, which extend from the base body over its inner surface by about 0.5 mm or more, preferably about 1 mm or more, more preferably about 1.5 mm or more, extend out and form the Be tenflächen of the profile body. The side walls are preferably oriented essentially parallel to one another.

The spacers according to the invention, in which the profile body has side walls, often have a substantially U-shaped cross-section as seen perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the case of the spacers designed for triple glazing, the cross section is often essentially double-U-shaped or W-shaped, since a receiving groove for the further (middle) glass pane is preferably provided on the inner surface between the side walls, as will be explained in more detail below.

Spacers according to the present invention preferably have a height H of approximately 6 mm or less, preferably approximately 5 mm or less. A small height of the spacer is advantageous for rollability or coilability and improves the thermal properties (Psi values). In addition, a low spacer height is often a preferred design feature in connection with a lower edge seal on the insulating glass panes.

When determining the height H and the width B of a spacer profile according to the invention, the corresponding values of a rectangle comprising the cross section of the spacer are used as a basis.

Spacers according to the invention typically have a width B of approximately 12 mm to approximately 44 mm, in particular from approximately 14 mm to approximately 40 mm.

More preferably, the spacer according to the invention has an aspect ratio A, seen in cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, which is defined as the quotient of the width B of the spacer and the height H of the spacer (A = B / H). In the case of spacers according to the invention designed for triple glazing, the width B preferably has a value of approximately 30 mm or more. The height H is preferably about 5 mm or less. The aspect ratio A has in particular a value of approx. 6 or more, preferably a value of approx. 7 or more, particularly preferably a value of approx. 8 or more.

In the case of spacers that are designed for double glazing, the aspect ratio A will preferably have a value of approx. 3 or more, particularly preferably a value of approx. 4.5 or more. The width B of the Standhalter is in such embodiments of the invention, however, preferably be about 24 mm or less, in particular 14 mm or 16 mm, while the height H typically has a value of about 5 mm or less.

The plastic material of the profile body of the spacer according to the invention preferably comprises one or more polymers which are selected from polyolefins, polyketones, polyesters, vinyl polymers, polyamides or blends of these polymers, the polymer or polymers preferably polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN ), Acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ASA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 66 (PA66) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These polymers have a sufficiently high water vapor permeability so that the desiccant embedded in the plastic material can develop its effect.

The particulate desiccant preferably comprises an absorbent which is selected from silicates, sulfates, oxides, in particular in the form of zeolite, calcium sulfate, silica gel, sheet silicate, tectosilicate, phosphorus oxide, aluminum oxide, alkali oxide and / or alkaline earth oxide.

A particularly preferred particulate desiccant is a porous desiccant, the mean pore size preferably being approximately 3 angstroms. Zeolite 3A may be mentioned as an example.

The particulate desiccant is preferably used in a proportion of about 10% by weight or more, more preferably about 25% by weight to about 65% by weight, in particular about 35% by weight to about 45% by weight .-%, embedded in the plastic material, based in each case on the total weight of the profile body of the holder. These quantities are sufficient for the typically expected lifetimes of insulating glass panes. Furthermore, these proportions still allow the spacers according to the invention to be manufactured with the desired rollability. In particular, the particulate desiccant is in the form of granules with a mean particle size D50 of about 1 mm or less, preferably about 0.5 mm or less, and / or in powder form with a mean particle size D50 of about 0.1 mm or less used in the plastic material of the spacer according to the invention.

The mean particle size D50 can, for example, be determined optically using cross-sectional or micrographs of the spacer profiles or using the residue on ignition.

The spacers according to the invention preferably have a proportion of desiccant in such a way that a moisture absorption capacity of approx. 2 g of water per 100 g of spacer or more, more preferably of approx. 4 g to approx. 30 g per 100 g of spacer, is given is.

The determination of the moisture absorption capacity (hereinafter also: moisture absorption capacity) can be determined using the standard DIN EN 1279-4 Annex F (2018).

The plastic material of the spacer according to the invention is preferably selected so that the moisture content of the spacer after a storage in a standard climate (50% ± 10% relative humidity at a temperature of 23 ° C ± 2 ° C) with a storage period of 48 hours the approx 50% or less of the maximum moisture absorption capacity, preferably about 30% or less of the maximum moisture absorption capacity, more preferably about 20% or less of the maximum moisture absorption capacity.

This ensures that the spacer or the desiccant is not preloaded with moisture or moisture when assembling the insulating glass pane, even if the spacer according to the invention is exposed to the ambient air for a while. In particular, flexible spacers made of silicone foam known from the prior art have a very rapid moisture absorption, so that they can only be exposed to the ambient air for a very short time in order not to have too high a pre-loading of the desiccant when assembling the insulating glass pane. According to DIN EN 1279-6 (2018), the initial Ti loading before aging with a desiccant integrated in a polymer matrix must be less than 20% of the moisture absorption capacity (Tc). In this respect, the slower moisture absorption offers increased security during processing with a view to avoiding excessive initial loading.

Reinforcing materials, in particular in the form of glass fibers, can also be embedded in the plastic material of the profile body of the spacer according to the invention. The content of glass fibers is preferably limited to approx. 25% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the professional body. The glass fiber content is more preferably approx. 20% by weight or less, in particular approx. 15% by weight or less. Most preferred are glass fiber contents of about 10% by weight or less.

From the point of view of the desired thermal insulation of the spacers according to the invention, the plastic material of the profile body is selected so that a specific thermal conductivity of approx. 0.8 W / (nrK) or less, in particular of about 0.5 W / (nrK) or less, is given. Ideally, the lowest possible thermal conductivity of the spacer is sought. This can be achieved by selecting a suitable material for the plastic material and / or a porosity of the plastic material.

The spacer according to the invention preferably has several spaced apart ribs running parallel to the longitudinal direction on the inner surface, which increase the inner surface of the spacer, which is arranged towards the interior of the pane, so that water vapor is absorbed more quickly. Furthermore, the appearance of the spacer can also be positively influenced with this structure. The profile body of the spacer according to the invention can furthermore comprise functional elements formed in one piece with it. Such functional elements can serve to further functionalize the spacers according to the invention and, for example, have the shape of grooves or protrusions. In addition to a modification, e.g. enlargement of the surface facing the interior of an insulating glass pane when the spacer is installed, it is also possible to add desiccant bodies which, if necessary, increase the moisture absorption capacity and / or simply modify the appearance the spacers are used in the installed state. A visual modification of the inner surface of the spacer is thus possible in a simple manner.

Another use of these functional elements is to assemble or secure / guide additional, separately manufactured functional elements, especially built-in components such as pleated blinds or blinds in the space between the panes.

The functional elements including the further functional elements can be selected from planar, curved, in particular partially circular, branched or angled surface elements and / or elements enclosing one or more cavities. With such functional elements, in particular, receiving chambers for additional drying agent quantities can also be provided.

Furthermore, the spacers according to the invention can have a continuous groove on the inner surface parallel to the side surfaces of the profile body and spaced apart from them for receiving a glass pane edge. This groove can then accommodate a further pane of glass so that triple glazing can be produced. The triple glazing can be produced particularly efficiently with the spacers according to the invention. Compared to the use of two conventional, parallel spacers placed parallel to each other, only a single spacer has to be handled and thus an offset of the spacers of the one space between the panes compared to the spacer of the other space is avoided. In addition, the heat conduction device is reduced in the spacer according to the invention, since the center disk does not interrupt the better insulating spacer according to the invention. In addition, there are only two sealing planes on the side surfaces of the spacer according to the invention and not four, as is the case with the conventional use of one spacer per space between the panes.

This groove is preferably designed in such a way that it can hold the edge of the further glass pane in a non-positive manner, the profile body or its base body preferably being made of a material in the area of the groove so that the glass pane edge can be accommodated in the groove with a clamping force takes place, which is sufficient to hold the weight of the spacer.

More preferably, the spacer is also designed so that the clamping force of the groove is sufficient to compensate for the restoring forces of the unrolled spacer. This makes the production of triple insulating glass panes much easier. With an appropriate design of the clamping force, it is still possible to absorb and transfer the weight of the middle disk via the vertically arranged sections of the spacer frame, so that the lower part of the spacer frame does not bear any weight or only part of the weight of the middle disk during assembly got to. With an appropriate design, support of the lower spacer frame part can then be dispensed with during production. Without sufficient clamping force, the lower part of the spacer frame and its gluing with the glass panes would have to absorb the entire weight of the middle glass pane or, as described above, the middle glass pane would have to be supported by the assembly device in order to achieve a to prevent excessive bending or displacement of the spacer relative to the glass pane.

In addition, an adhesive can also be provided in the groove in order to additionally fix the middle glass pane.

The groove for receiving the edge area of a third pane of glass can also be provided by a separately manufactured component connected to the profile body via the functional elements.

In such embodiments, the spacer according to the invention will often have two spaced projections extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the Profilkör pers on the inner surface, between which the groove is formed. A receptacle for the edge region of a third pane of glass can thus be created in a simple manner, the material requirement being kept to a minimum and / or the rollability or coilability being additionally optimized.

In preferred embodiments of the spacers according to the invention, projections are formed in the area of the inner surface which are adjacent to its side surfaces, which protrude substantially perpendicularly from the inner surface. This allows the contact surfaces of the spacer age on the outer glass panes to be enlarged, so that an improved seal from the pane interior is achieved with respect to the environment.

Often the outer surface of the base body is essentially planar, while the inner surface can also be planar or concave. Advantages of these embodiments are that the overall height of the spacer according to the invention and the material requirements can be optimized. The plastic material of the profile body of the spacer according to the invention can, at least in some areas, have a porosity with a pore structure, the mean pore size of which is preferably about 5 μm to approx.

150 μm and the pore volume preferably being approx. 40% by volume or less of the volume of the profile body. The mean pore size can be determined optically or through an X-ray tomographic analysis, for example, using a sectional or micrograph. Porosity allows various product properties such as weight per meter, rigidity, strength (Shore hardness D), thermal conductivity, kinetics of moisture absorption and sound insulation to be specifically influenced.

In preferred spacers according to the invention, the base body or its plastic material has a Shore hardness D (measured based on DIN ISO 1976-1; 2012) of approx. 30 or more, preferably approx. 40 or more, most preferably approx. 50 or more.

A greater flexibility in the selection and the composition of the plastic material of the profile body and its geometric Ausgestal device while maintaining the rollability of the spacer is obtained when on the outer and / or inner surface of the base body and / or the side surfaces of the profile body in regular At intervals transverse to the longitudinal direction of the profile body, recesses, in particular in the form of a slot or wedge, are provided.

Preferred spacers according to the invention have a barrier layer with a barrier effect against gases, in particular against argon, oxygen and water vapor, on the outer surface and optionally also at least on parts of the side surfaces.

The barrier layer is preferably selected from a metal foil with a thickness of preferably up to approximately 100 μm, more preferably with a thickness in the range from approximately 10 μm to approximately 50 μm, in particular in the range from approx. 10 mhi to approx. 20 pm. A rolled stainless steel foil or a rolled aluminum foil, a multilayer foil with a polymer-based carrier foil and at least one, in particular vapor-deposited layer made of metal, metal oxide or ceramic, a coating with platelet-shaped nanoparticles, in particular in the form of, is preferably used as the barrier layer Layered silicates, a flexible glass layer, a diffusion-inhibiting polymer film or a polymer film laminate are used.

A particularly preferred spacer according to the invention is designed in such a way that it can be continuously joined together in the longitudinal direction without any auxiliary material, in particular by means of a form fit and / or material connection, the spacer being more preferably joined together in the longitudinal direction by means of hooking, clips or welding. The elements for joining end areas of the spacers can in particular be formed in the area of the base body and / or the side walls of the profile body.

The present invention further relates, as already mentioned at the outset, to an insulating glass pane with two outer glass panes held at a predetermined distance by a frame made from a frame according to the invention.

In preferred insulating glass panes according to the invention, the two outer glass panes are glued to the spacer according to the invention in the area of the side surfaces of the spacer or the side surfaces of the profile body by means of a primary sealant, the primary sealant preferably being selected from synthetic rubber, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone polymer, Silane-modified polymer, polysulfide and polyacrylate.

A secondary sealant can be applied over the entire surface of an edge area of the insulating glass pane according to the invention, which is formed by the outer surface of the spacer, in particular in the form of polysulfide, polyurethane, silicone and butyl-based hotmelt. The application of sealant extends in particular continuously from the one glass pane lying on the outside against one side surface of the spacer to the other glass pane lying against the other side surface, preferably with a substantially constant thickness. The sealant is sealingly on the glass panes and on the outer surface of the spacer age.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the sealant is applied in an edge area of the insulating glass pane only in the areas of the outer surface of the spacer that are adjacent to the side surfaces and the glass panes resting there on the outside. The secondary sealant is preferably applied in a wedge-shaped manner to the two outer glass panes on the outer edge of the insulating glass pane.

In preferred insulating glass panes according to the invention it can be provided that the sealant application of primary and secondary sealant extends continuously between the side surfaces of the spacer and the first and second glass panes and over the outer surface.

The composite formed by the glass panes and the spacer frame with the aid of the primary sealant preferably has a strength that is sufficient to initially fix the spacer with its own weight to the glass pane (s) without aids.

In the case of spacers according to the invention, which have a groove on the inner surface, the edge of a third glass pane can be used to form a triple insulating glass pane in a simple manner.

With regard to the glass panes that can be used for the insulating glass panes, there are no restrictions when using the spacers according to the invention. In particular, in addition to all types of common glass Panes also glass panes made of polymer materials, in particular also Plexi glass panes, are used. In the case of insulating glass panes with more than two panes of glass, polymer films can also be used for the panes to be arranged in the middle.

These and other advantageous embodiments of the invention from standholders and insulating glass panes formed using the same are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. They show in detail:

FIGS. 1A to ID show a first embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, partly in different installation situations in an insulating glass pane, as well as variants of this spacer;

Figures 2A and 2B show a further embodiment of an inventive

Spacer and a variant thereof;

Figures 3A to 3D show a further embodiment of the invention

Spacer, partly in different installation situations in an insulating glass pane, as well as a variant of the spacer;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show two variants of an insulating glass pane with spacers according to the invention;

Figures 5A to 5D a schematic test setup for determining the

Deflection of spacers according to the invention perpendicular to their outer surface;

FIGS. 6A to 6D show a schematic test setup for determining the deflection of spacers according to the invention perpendicular to a side surface; FIGS. 7a to 7i show schematic profile geometries of the spacer profiles a) to i) according to Table 1;

FIGS. 8A to 8C measurement curves obtained with different types of spacers in a test setup according to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9A to 9E show further embodiments of the spacer according to the invention and variants thereof, partly in different installation situations in an insulating glass pane;

Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of an inventive

Spacer;

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of a spacer according to the invention with several variations of a functional element;

FIGS. 12A to 12C show further embodiments of the spacer according to the invention with different functional elements in the installed state in an insulating glass pane; and

FIGS. 13A to 13F show different versions of the production of a connection between two spacer end regions of the spacer of FIG. 1A.

Figure 1 shows several variants of a first embodiment of an inventive spacer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spacer.

When determining the height H and the width B of a spacer profile according to the invention, the corresponding values of a cross section of the rectangle comprising the spacer, as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

Figure 1A shows a spacer 10 according to the invention, which comprises a rollable profile body 12 with a base body 18 and two parallel to its longitudinal direction, spaced apart side walls 14, 16, which together with the base body 18 form a U-shaped profile geometry. The side walls also form the side surfaces of the profile body and partially the side surfaces of the spacer.

On the top side of the base body 18 of the spacer 10, a barrier layer or vapor barrier layer 20 is arranged, which preferably extends from one side surface of the side wall 14 over the top side (outer surface) 17 of the base body 18 to the second side surface of the side wall 16 . In the installed state, the Außenoberflä surface is arranged adjacent to the outer edge of the insulating glass pane.

As a vapor barrier layer 20, for example, stainless steel foils with a thickness of approximately 10 μm to approximately 20 μm and multilayer films whose individual layers are coated with metal and / or ceramic are suitable.

The inner surface of the spacer 10 is formed here by the inner surface 19 of the base body 18, which extends from the side wall 14 via the base body 18 to the side wall 16.

The plastic material from which the profile body 12 with its base body 18 and the side walls 14 and 16 is made is, for example, selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acryl-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS ), Acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ASA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 66 (PA66), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or blends of these polymers. This preferred selection also applies to the spacers according to the invention described below. For example, glass fibers with a proportion of approx. 10% by weight and a desiccant with a proportion of approx. 40% by weight are included in the plastic material, each based on the total weight of the profile body of the spacer.

Typically, the spacers according to the invention are produced in an extrusion process.

Figure 1B shows the spacer 10 of Figure 1A in an installation situation in egg ner insulating glass pane 25, with a first glass pane 22 on the side surface of the spacer 10, which is formed by the side wall 14 of the profile body or by the vapor barrier layer 20, and on it second Be ten surface, formed by the side wall 16 or vapor barrier layer 20, a second glass pane 24 are arranged adjacent. The ends 21a, 21b of the vapor barrier layer 20 are angled here and embedded in the plastic material of the base body 18, as is known, for example, from DE 10 2010 006 127 A1.

The two glass panes 22, 24 are firmly connected to the spacer 10 on the side surfaces by a primary sealant, e.g. a butyl compound 26, 27. The lateral butyl application (primary sealant) 26, 27 usually remains ductile, so that pumping movements of the pane can be absorbed in the event of wind and climatic loads. Therefore, this is not sufficient to hold the pane composite of the insulating glass pane together permanently. Another sealant, the secondary sealant, is required, which hardens and holds the insulating glass pane together.

The two glass panes 22, 24 are held by the spacer 10 in paralle Ler arrangement at a predetermined distance from one another. The upper side of the base body 18 forms the outer side, ie the outer surface of the spacer 10 or the outer edge area the insulating glass pane 25. In addition, a secondary sealant 28, 29 is applied to the glass panes and the outer surface of the spacer 10 in the area of the outer edge area.

The primary butyl sealant 26, 27 is applied essentially over the entire side surfaces of the side walls 14, 16 or the side surfaces of the spacer 10 from. The secondary sealant 28, 29 forms a wedge-shaped configuration at the outer edge region of the insulating glass pane 25, seen in cross section.

Another installation situation of the spacer 10 of Figure 1A in an insulating glass pane 25 is shown in Figure IC. In this variant, a secondary sealant 30 is applied over the entire surface of the vapor barrier layer 20 (outer surface) of the spacer 10 so that the secondary sealant 30 extends from one glass pane 22 to the other glass pane 24 parallel to this layer. The glass panes 22, 24 are glued to the side surfaces of the spacer or the side surfaces of the side walls 14, 16 via a primary sealant 32, 34.

Figure ID shows another variant of the rollable Ab stand holder 10 according to the invention in cross section, which is provided with the reference numeral 40 and a profile body 42 with a base body 48 and on both sides to this on side walls 44, 46, which together with the base body 48 of the spacer 40 form a U-shaped profile cross-section. A barrier or vapor barrier layer 50 is applied to the upper outer side of the spacer 40, which extends from the first side surface of the side wall 44 over the entire outer surface of the base body 48 to the second side surface of the side wall 46 and this, like the first side surface, to a large extent covered. The base body 48 has on its downward (in the installed state of the spacer to the interior of the insulating glass pane) oriented inner surface 52 (inner surface of the spacer 40) a structure of longitudinal ribs 54 which are parallel to each other and regularly spaced over the entire width of the inner surface 52 are divided ver.

The parallel ribs 54 on the inner surface 52 of the spacer 40 enlarge the surface on the inside of the spacer and thus promote the faster absorption of water vapor. Furthermore, the appearance of the spacer can also be positively influenced with this structure.

2A shows a further embodiment of a spacer 80 according to the invention, which comprises a profile body 82 (which here also represents the base body), which has a planar outer surface 88 and parallel side surfaces 84 and 86 which are aligned perpendicular to the outer surface 88. On the outer surface 88 a vapor barrier layer 90 is angeord net, which extends from the first side surface 84 over the outer surface 88 to the second side surface 86 and covers the side surfaces to the predominant part. The vapor barrier layer 90 forms in the area of the outer surface 88 the outer surface of the spacer 80 and predominantly its Be tenoberflächen.

The inner surface 92 of the profile body 82 opposite the planar outer surface 88 is concave and extends essentially from the first side surface 84 to the second side surface 86. The inner surface 92 forms the inner surface of the spacer 80.

A modified embodiment of a spacer 100 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 2B. The spacer 100 has a profile body 101 with a base body 102 which has a planar outer surface 108 and a first and a second side surface 104, 106 arranged perpendicular thereto. The spacer 100 has a vapor barrier layer 110 on its outer surface which extends over the outer surface 108 and also over large parts of the side surfaces 104, 106. The spacer 100 also has an inner surface 112 which is concave and in addition has ribs 114 which run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the spacer 100 and are regularly spaced apart from one another.

A further embodiment of the spacer according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3A, the spacer 120 again having a profile body 121 with a base body 122 and side walls 124, 126 laterally delimiting it. The side walls 124, 126 are aligned parallel to one another and essentially perpendicular to a planar outer surface 128.

A vapor barrier layer 130 is provided on the outer surface 128, which extends from the first side surface of the side wall 124 over the outer surface of the base body 122 to the second side surface of the side wall 126 and also covers the side surfaces to a large extent.

The spacer 120 also has an inner surface 132 which is essentially planar and in the middle between the side walls 124, 126 has a groove 134 running in the longitudinal direction of the spacer, which is delimited by two parallel, strip-shaped projections 136, 137. The distance between the free ends of the projections 136, 137 is preferably selected something smaller than the width of the groove in the area of its bottom. The groove 134 is used to accommodate a middle, third pane of glass (not illustrated), which divides the interior of an insulating glass pane into two sub-volumes. In the embodiment of the spacer 120 shown, the partial volumes of the interior of the insulating glass pane are essentially the same size. Deviating from this, by an eccentric arrangement of the groove 134 and the two projections 136, 137 delimiting the groove 134, the partial volumes can be designed to be of different sizes in order, for example, to implement an asymmetrical construction if this is due to further requirements such as fall protection, statics, etc. necessary is. FIG. 3B shows a variant of the spacer 120 in the form of a spacer 140. The spacer 140 has a profile body 141 with a base body 142 and side walls 144, 146 which laterally delimit it. The side walls 144, 146 are aligned parallel to one another and essentially perpendicular to an outer surface 148 of the spacer 140.

A vapor barrier layer 150 is provided on the outer surface 148, which extends from the first side surface of the side wall 144 over the outer surface of the base body 142 to the second side surface of the side wall 146 and also covers the side surfaces to a large extent.

The essentially planar base body 142 also has an inner surface 152 which, centrally between the side walls 144, 146, has a groove 154 running in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 140, which is delimited by two parallel, strip-shaped projections 156, 157. The distance between the free ends of the projections 156, 157 is preferably selected to be somewhat smaller than the width of the groove 154 in the region of its bottom. The groove 154 is used to receive a middle, third pane of glass (not shown), which divides the interior of an insulating glass pane into two partial volumes. In the illustrated embodiment of the spacer 140, the partial volumes of the interior of the insulating glass pane are essentially the same size. This can be deviated from if necessary, as described in the context of FIG. 3A.

The areas of the inner surface 152 between the side walls 144 and 146 and the groove 154 and the associated projections 156, 157 are not flat in this embodiment, but rather are provided with parallel, regularly spaced ribs 158.

FIG. 3C shows the spacer 140 from FIG. 3B in an installation situation in an insulating glass pane 170, with a first glass pane 172 on the side surface formed by the side wall 144 and the vapor barrier layer 150 of the spacer 140 and on its second side surface (corresponds to the side surface of the side wall 146 and the vapor barrier layer 150) a second sheet of glass 174 are arranged adjacent. The two glass panes 172, 174 are connected to the spacer 140 via a primary butyl sealant 176, 177. The two glass panes 172, 174 who held by the spacer 140 in a parallel arrangement at a predetermined distance from one another. The top side of the base body 152 (outer surface) forms the outer edge area of the insulating glass pane 170.

The primary butyl sealant 176, 177 is applied to the spacer 140 essentially over the entire height of the side surfaces of the side walls 144, 146. A secondary sealant 178, 179 forms a wedge-shaped configuration on the outer edge region of the insulating glass pane 170, viewed in cross section towards the outer glass panes.

In the groove 154 and between the projections 156, 157, a third glass pane 180 is held, which separates the interior of the insulating glass pane between the outer glass panes 172, 174 into two partial volumes. The glass pane 180 can be made of the same material and with a thickness as the glass panes 172, 174, but is often made thinner, since the glass pane 180 is subjected to less stress than the glass panes 172, 174. For this reason, the glass pane 180 also made of another material, such as plexiglass, made or replaced by a plastic film. In any case, the space between the panes is divided into smaller partial volumes, so that convection currents can be reduced or essentially completely suppressed. This leads to improved thermal insulation values of the insulating glass panes.

Another installation situation of the spacer 140 in FIG. 3B is shown in FIG. 3D. In this variant, a primary butyl sealant 182, 183 is applied to the side surfaces of the side walls 144 and 146 or the areas of the vapor barrier layer 150 arranged there. A secondary sealant 184 is applied over the entire area of the outer surface of the spacer ters 140 is applied so that it extends parallel to the outer surface from one glass pane 172 to the other glass pane 174 and rests in a sealing manner on both glass panes and on the outer surface (vapor barrier layer 150).

In the groove 154 and between the projections 156, 157, a third glass pane 180 is again inserted and held, the volume separates the interior of the insulating glass 170 between the outer glass panes 172, 174 into two parts.

The above-described effect of further improving the thermal insulation values of insulating glass panes which include a third, middle pane of glass will be explained again in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

It can also be seen here that due to the one-piece spacer for the triple glazing, an offset, as can occur between the three panes of glass in conventionally used two spacers, is avoided.

Figure 4A shows an insulating glass pane 200 with two parallel glass panes 202, 204, which are held parallel to one another by means of spacer segments 10a and 10b at a distance, which correspond to the spacer 10 of Fi gur 1A.

The glass panes 202, 204 are glued to the spacer segments 10a, 10b using a primary butyl sealant 210a, 211a, 210b, 211b. A secondary sealant 230a, 230b is applied over the entire outer surface of the spacer 10 (here the sections 10a, 10b) in a manner analogous to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. IC, and also lies against the glass panes 202, 204 in a sealing manner.

The insulating glass pane 200 has a single interior space 220 which is delimited only by the glass panes 202, 204 and the spacer 10 arranged circumferentially on the edge region of the glass panes. The one in the vertical direction Running spacer segments and the corresponding proportions of primary butyl sealant and secondary sealant are not shown in FIG. 4A for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 4B shows an insulating glass pane 240 with two glass panes 242, 244 arranged in parallel, which are kept at a distance parallel to one another by means of spacer segments 120a and 120b, which correspond to spacer 120 of FIG. 3A.

The glass panes 242, 244 are glued to the spacer segments 120a, 120b using a primary butyl sealant 246a, 246b, 247a, 247b. A secondary sealant 250a, 250b is used analogously to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 3D.

In the grooves 134a, 134b of the spacer segments 120a, 120b, a third, middle glass pane 246 is inserted, which divides the interior of the insulating glass pane 240 into two separate partial volumes 252, 254.

The subdivided interior of the insulating glass pane 240 has partial volumes 252, 254 and is only supported by the glass panes 242, 244 and the spacer 120 arranged around the edge of these glass panes and the primary (butyl) sealant 246a, 246b, 247a, 247b and the secondary - Sealant 250a, 250b limited to the outside. The spacer segments running in the vertical direction and the corresponding proportions of the butyl adhesive and the secondary sealant are not shown in FIG. 4A for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 5A schematically shows a test arrangement 300 for determining the deflection of a spacer according to the invention (here the spacer 10 as an example) or also the flexural rigidity according to DIN EN ISO 178 (2013). The specimen of the spacer 10 used for testing has a length Lp of 150 mm and is positioned on two support bodies 302, 304, the support points having a predetermined distance Ls of 100 mm to each other, hereinafter also referred to as the support width. The two support bodies 302, 304 define a support plane.

A partially cylindrical punch 306 with a planar contour, with which a force F can be applied to the spacer perpendicular to the support plane, is positioned in the center of the support width Ls.

For the rollability or coilability of the spacer according to the invention, the deflection relative to an unloaded state is important, which is measured on the outer surface of the respective spacer to be tested (here e.g. the outer surface 17 of the spacer 10), the force acting via the punch 306 being 50 N. amounts.

In Figure 5B, the test arrangement 300 with a spacer 460 is shown in a sectional view along line VB - VB perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spacer 460 and parallel to the direction of the force F acting.

In the sub-figures 5C and 5D, the two spacers 10 and 460 are shown in an orientation in which the outer surface 17 or 470, which rests on the support bodies 302, 304 when testing the deflectability, points downward.

Preferably, the spacer according to the invention can be rolled up in such a way that a deflection with a force of 50 N acting in the middle of the support width compared to an unloaded state of approx. 1 mm or more, preferably approx. 1.3 mm or more, more preferably about 1.7 mm or more. The deflection is measured on the outer surface 17 and 470 (here on the barrier layer 20 or 472) of the spacer in the middle of the support width when the spacer is on the two support bodies 302, 304 with a support width of 100 mm, in the longitudinal direction of the Ab stand holder measured, rests. The force of 50 N is introduced into the spacer perpendicular to a support plane defined by the support bodies (and the outer surface) (test method A; see FIGS. 5A and 5B). For the handling of the spacers according to the invention in the production of the insulating glass panes, it is preferred if the spacers have a bending stiffness when a force is introduced perpendicular to a side surface (here: 14; 468) or side surface, in which a deflection of the spacer (10; 460) in a positioning according to FIGS. 6A and 6B with a force of 100 N acting in the middle of the support width Ls compared to an unloaded state approx. 10 mm or less, preferably approx. 5 mm or less, more preferably approx. 3 mm or less.

The deflection is determined on one of the side surfaces (here: 14, 16; 466, 468) of the spacer in the middle of the support width when the side surface on the two support bodies 302, 304 of the test arrangement 300 with a support width Ls of 100 mm, in the longitudinal direction of the Spacer measured, lies on. The typical sample length Lp is 150 mm. The force of 100 N is introduced into the spacer perpendicular to the side surfaces (test method B). This test requires the spacers to be oriented as shown for spacers 10 and 460 in sub-figures 6C and 6D, respectively. For the test to be carried out properly, the spacer can be held in the orientation shown in partial figures 6A and 6B by means of guide elements 310, 312 without this noticeably affecting the measurement results. The guide elements 310, 312 can be fixed in a parallel arrangement at a predetermined distance from one another, so that the spacer 10, 460 between them can be accommodated with little play.

As already mentioned, the test parameters used when measuring the flexural strength in accordance with DIN EN ISO 178 are a span or support distance Ls of 100 mm and a length of the test specimen Lp of approx. 150 mm. The other test parameters are:

Preload: 1 N (test method variant A and B)

Test speed: 10 mm / min (test method variant A and B)

Radii RI (punch 306) and R2 (support body 302, 304): 5 mm After the spacer to be tested has been placed on the support bodies 302, 304, the punch 306 is brought into contact with the spacer 10, 460 with the preload, which is thus stabilized in its position. The test stamp 306 is then moved vertically downwards at the specified test speed, with the force acting on the test body (spacer) being recorded as a function of the travel path of the test stamp 306 (see FIGS. 8A to 8C). This distance corresponds essentially to the deflection of the test body.

The spacer profiles are placed with the outer surface facing down (test method A - for the deflection perpendicular to the outer surface; Figure 5A / 5B) and the outer surface oriented to the side (test method B - for the deflection or flexural rigidity perpendicular to the side surface; Figure 6A / 6B).

In the test method variant A, the outer surface is defined as the side which, when the spacer is installed in an insulating glass pane, is arranged adjacent to the outer circumference of the insulating glass pane. The stamp 306 of the test arrangement 300, also called a pressure fin, presses when the three-point bend is performed, coming from above, vertically downwards at Ls / 2 on the sample (here: spacer 10 or 460).

If, in the test method variant B (deflection perpendicular to the side surface), the spacer twists heavily and deviates significantly from the desired orientation during the measurement, a suitable guide must be used to keep the test specimen in the vertical orientation. The guide can be, for example, one or, if necessary, two separate, loosely attached guide plates as described above, which limit lateral evasion of the test body, but allow vertical movement of the test body, in particular while the pressure fin is being pressed in, but essentially unhindered. This is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the description of which can be referred to here. The test specimens must be free of visible damage (eg irreversible deformation, cracks, breaks, etc.) and represent the usual good product condition, which also meets the qualitative requirements for the installation to form insulating glass panes. The values obtained in test methods A and B are essentially independent of any moisture absorption by the drying agent before the test method is carried out.

The width B of the spacers according to the invention is preferably approx.

12 mm to approx. 44 mm, more preferably approx. 14 mm to approx. 40 mm.

It is not necessary to condition the test specimen before the measurement. The test specimens are preferably tested in a normal climate of 23 ° C ± 2 ° C at 50% ± 10% humidity.

The end of the measurement occurs when the test body breaks or is destroyed or when the maximum travel path of the punch 306 is reached.

The measurements are carried out in such a way that the bending curve is recorded and saved and can be output as a force-displacement curve.

Test methods A and B are carried out on samples according to the invention and samples from the prior art.

A more detailed characterization of the samples can be found in the following table 1. An overview of the profile geometries in a schematic representation is contained in FIG. 7 (sub-figures 7a to 7i).

Sample a) corresponds to an embodiment of the present invention with the following properties: The spacer is a solid profile made of polypropylene with 20% by weight glass fibers (GF 20) and 40% by weight desiccant (zeolite 3A powder; average particle size approx. 6 to 9 μm; available under the name Sylosiv K300 from Grace GmbH & Co KG), each based on the total weight of the spacer. The geometry also corresponds to the spacer 460 of FIG. 9C. A 10 .mu.m thick stainless steel foil was used as the barrier layer. The spacer can be rolled up / coilable on a core with a diameter of 300 mm. The spacer is designed for triple glazing with two spaces between panes (SZR) of 12 mm each and a central pane with a thickness of 4 mm.

Sample b) corresponds to an embodiment of the present invention with the following properties:

The spacer is a solid profile made of polypropylene with 10% by weight glass fibers (GF 10) and 40% by weight desiccant (zeolite 3A powder; average particle size approx. 6 to 9 μm; available under the name Sylosiv K300 from Grace GmbH & Co KG), each based on the total weight of the spacer. The geometry also corresponds to the spacer 10 of FIG.

1A. A 10 .mu.m thick stainless steel foil was used as the barrier layer. The spacer can be rolled up / coilable on a core with a diameter of 300 mm.

Sample c) is a conventional spacer, which is available under the name ^® Ultra Chromatech F2 by the company Rolltech A / S. The spacer is made of polypropylene and has an approx. 0.1 mm thick stainless steel strip as a barrier layer on its outer surface. The spacer has the shape of a hollow profile and is not coilable. Desiccant can be filled into the hollow chamber of the hollow profile.

Sample d) is a conventional spacer, which is available under the name Multitech ^® by the company Rolltech A / S. The spacer consists of a plastic hollow profile made of styrene-acrylonitrile polymer (SAN) with approx. 35 Wt .-% glass fibers (GF 35), based on the total weight of the spacer age, a metallized film is applied as a barrier layer to the spacer profile on the outer surface. Desiccant can be filled into the hollow chamber of the hollow profile. The spacer cannot be coiled.

Sample e) is a conventional spacer for triple insulating glass panes, which is available under the name SWISSPACER TRIPLE from SWISS-SPACER Vetrotech Saint-Gobain (International) AG. The two spaces between the panes SZR are each 16 mm in size. The thickness of the middle disk is 2 mm. The spacer also consists of a hollow plastic profile with two hollow chambers made of SAN with about 35 wt .-% glass fibers (GF 35), based on the total weight of the spacer, and a metallized plastic film as a barrier layer. Desiccant can be filled into the hollow chambers of the hollow profile. The spacer cannot be coiled.

Sample f) is a conventional spacer is available under the name Thermobar ^® from Thermo Seal Group. The spacer consists of a hollow plastic profile made of polypropylene with about 40 wt .-% glass fibers (GF 40), based on the total weight of the spacer, on which a metallized film is placed on the outer surface as a barrier layer. Desiccant can be filled into the hollow chamber of the hollow profile. The spacer cannot be coiled.

Sample G) is a conventional coilbarer spacer which is below the drawing Be Super Spacer ^® Premium of Edgetech available. The spacer is made as a solid profile and made of a foamed silicone material in which a desiccant (approx. 47% by weight) is embedded. A metallized film is applied as a barrier layer to the outer surface of the full profile. Sample h) is a conventional coilable, polyurethane-based spacer available from Glasslam under the name WorldSpacer ™. From the stand holder is made as a full profile and made of a foamed polyurethane material, in which a desiccant (approx. 45 wt .-%) is embedded. An approx. 50 μm thick stainless steel strip is applied as a barrier layer to the solid profile on the outer surface.

Sample i) is a conventional coilable spacer available from the Soytas Group under the name Panaspacer. The spacer is made of a wave-shaped reinforcing element made of polycarbonate wel Ches takes up most of the cross-sectional area. This reinforcing element is covered with a barrier layer on the side and on the inside. On the inside, over the barrier layer, there is also a foam material in which a desiccant is embedded. The manufacturer does not specify the proportion of desiccant.

Table 1 also shows the values for the Shore hardness D of the samples according to the invention and of the coilable samples from the prior art, if available, for comparison.

Table 1

Figures 8A and 8B show the measurement results based on such force-displacement curves for a selection of spacers a) and b) according to the present invention and c) to g) according to the prior art, measured according to the test method variant A. The measurement curves for samples h) and i) are not shown, since their course corresponds essentially to the curve course of sample g), ie a conventional coilable sample.

FIG. 8C shows the measurement results using force-displacement curves for samples a) and b) according to the invention and according to the prior art c) to e) and g) to i), the conventional samples g) to i) being coilable Samples are. The measurement was carried out here in accordance with test method variant B. The measurement curve for sample f) is not shown in FIG. 8C, since it essentially coincides with the curve of sample d).

FIG. 9A shows a further embodiment of a spacer 400 according to the invention with a profile body 402, which has a base body with a planar outer surface 404 and parallel side surfaces 406 and 408 which are oriented perpendicular to the outer surface 404. A vapor barrier layer 410 is arranged on the outer surface 404, which extends from the first side surface 406 over the outer surface 404 to the second side surface 408 and forms the side surfaces of the spacer for the most part. The inner surface 412 of the base body (inner surface of the spacer), which is opposite the planar outer surface 404, is concave and extends essentially from the first side surface 406 to the second side surface 408.

The ends of the side surfaces 406, 408 adjacent to the inner surface 412 each have outwardly protruding, bead-shaped projections 414, 416 which, when the spacer is installed in an insulating glass pane, bear directly on the glass panes and the side surfaces 406, 408 including that of the side surfaces formed by the vapor barrier layer 410 are kept at a small distance from the respective glass pane and thus create a defined space for the absorption of butyl adhesive. Further can thus be avoided that butyl adhesive enters the interior of the insulating glass pane and becomes visible there.

Another embodiment of a spacer 430 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 9B, the spacer 430 in turn having a profile body 432 with a base body 434 and side surfaces 436, 438 that delimit these laterally. The side surfaces 436, 438 are aligned parallel to one another and essentially perpendicular to a planar outer surface 440.

A vapor barrier layer 442 is provided on the outer surface 440, which extends from the first side surface 436 over the outer surfaces 440 to the second side surface 438 and also largely covers the side surfaces 436, 438 and thus forms a large part of the side surfaces of the spacer 430 .

The base body 434 also has an inner surface 444, which centrally between the side surfaces 436, 438 has a groove 446 running in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 430 and delimited by two parallel projections 448, 449. The distance between the free ends of the projections 448, 449 is preferably selected to be somewhat smaller than the width of the groove 446 in the region of its bottom. The groove 446 is used to receive a middle, third glass disc (not shown), which divides the interior of an insulating glass pane into two partial volumes.

The inner surface 444 (inner surface of the spacer 430) is concave in the areas between the side surface 436 and the projection 448 or the side surface 438 and the projection 449.

The ends of the side surfaces 436, 438 adjacent to the inner surface 444 each have outwardly protruding, bead-shaped projections 450, 452 which, when the spacer is installed, lie directly on the glass panes in an insulating glass pane and the side surfaces 436, 438 on one Keep a small distance to the respective pane of glass and thus create a defined space for the butyl adhesive. Furthermore, it can be avoided that butyl adhesive enters the interior of the insulating glass pane and becomes visible there.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9B, each of the side surfaces (here on the surface sections of the vapor barrier layer 442 that cover the side surfaces 436, 438) with a volume 454, 456 of primary sealant (butyl adhesive), which is sufficient in order to ensure the sealing and gluing between the glass pane to be applied and the side surfaces of the spacer 430. The primary sealant 454, 456 is shown here in the non-compressed state.

FIG. 9C shows a variant of the spacer 430 according to the invention from FIG. 9B.

The spacer 460 according to the invention as shown in FIG. 9C has a profile body 462 with a base body 464 and side surfaces 466, 468 delimiting these laterally. The side surfaces 466, 468 are aligned parallel to one another and essentially perpendicular to a planar outer surface 470.

A vapor barrier layer 472 is provided on the outer surface 470 of the spacer 460, which extends from the first side surface 466 over the outer surface 470 to the second side surface 468 and also largely covers the side surfaces 466, 468.

The base body 464 also has an inner surface 474, which centrally between the side surfaces 466, 468 has a groove 476 running in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 460 and delimited by two parallel projections 478, 479. The distance between the free ends of the projections 478, 479 is preferably selected to be somewhat smaller than the width of the groove 476 in the area their soil. The groove 476 is used to accommodate a middle, third glass disc (not shown) which divides the interior of an insulating glass pane into two partial volumes.

The inner surface 474 is concave in the areas between the side surface 466 and the projection 478 or between the side surface 468 and the projection 479 and is provided with ribs 480 which run parallel to one another and evenly spaced in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 460.

The ends of the side surfaces 466, 468 adjacent to the inner surface 474 have outwardly protruding, bead-shaped projections 482, 484 which, when the spacer 460 is installed in an insulating glass pane, bear directly on the glass panes and the side surfaces 466, 468 a small distance to the respective pane of glass and thus create a defined space for the butyl adhesive. Furthermore, it can thus be avoided that butyl adhesive enters the interior of the insulating glass pane and becomes visible there.

Figures 9D and 9E show the spacer 460 installed in a triple insulating glass pane 500 with two outside, on both sides of the spacer 460 on its side surfaces (side surfaces 466 and 468) arranged glass panes 502, 504 and a central one, inserted in the groove 476 Glass pane 506. The glass panes 502, 504 are glued to the spacer 460 via a compressed primary butyl sealant 508, 509, which extends essentially over the entire side surfaces 466 and 468. A secondary sealant 510 is added to the mass of the butyl sealant.

511 applied to the outer edge of the respective glass pane 502 or 504 and sections of the outer surface 470 with a wedge-shaped cross-section (FIG. 9D) or it extends as a continuous layer 512 with an essentially uniform thickness over the entire outer surface 470 (FIG. 9E). The bead-shaped projections 482, 484 limit the primary butyl sealant volumes in the direction of the interior of the insulating glass pane 500. Due to the wedge-shaped application of the secondary sealant 510, 511 in FIG. 9D, a considerable amount of the secondary sealant can be saved compared to the conventionally used continuous application of the secondary sealant 512 in FIG. 9E. In addition, the heat conduction is reduced in this area, so that the Psi values for the edge seal are lower.

The glass panes 502, 504 in FIG. 9E are again glued to the side surfaces of the spacer 460 via a primary sealant 508, 509.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a spacer 530 according to the invention, which has a profile body 532 with an essentially flat base body 534, to which side walls 536, 538 with side surfaces 540, 542 adjoin on both sides.

In the side walls 536, 538 slots 544 are brought at regular intervals at their free ends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spacer 530. On the outer surface 546 of the base body 534, slots 548 are also introduced at regular intervals, which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction over the entire width of the base body 534.

The slots 544 and 548 are seen in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 530 either offset from one another as shown or else in an identical position in the longitudinal direction (not shown). This formation of a spacer according to the invention allows the use of comparatively rigid plastic materials and possibly comparatively high levels of desiccant in the plastic material for the formation of the profile body, and yet the coilability of the spacer is retained. In addition, the restoring forces and plastic deformations that may arise as a result of the rolling up can be reduced by appropriate design of these slots to such an extent that the spacer can be glued to the desired position by means of primary sealant alone remains on the panes of glass until the secondary sealant applied has hardened.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in the form of a spacer 560. The spacer 560 has a profile body 562 with a base body 564 and two side walls 566, 568 formed on both sides of the base body 564, which form the side surfaces 570, 572 of the profile body 562 deploy.

On its outer surface 574, the spacer 560 has a barrier layer 576, which extends from the first side surface 570 over the outer surface of the base body to the side surface 572 and also covers large parts of the side surfaces 570, 572 to form the side surfaces of the spacer 560 .

Functional elements are formed on the free ends of the side walls 566, 568, which latching projections 578, 580 are molded onto the free ends as the respective other side wall facing.

The latching projections 578, 580 are spaced apart from the inner surface 582 of the base body 564 and are therefore suitable for holding a separately manufactured component between them and the inner surface 582 for further functionalization of the spacer 560 in a form-fitting manner.

To hold such components in a form-fitting manner on the spacer 560 according to the invention, grooves 584, 586 can alternatively or additionally be provided in the area of the inner surface 582 in the base body 564.

FIG. 11 shows some variations of an exemplary component 590 which is suitable for the further functionalization of the spacer 560 and which has an essentially strip-shaped base body 592 which, in a form-fitting manner, rests on the inner surface 582 from the latching projections 578, 580 held in conjunction with the base body 564 of the spacer 560 who can. The component 590 extends from one to the other side wall 566, 568 of the profile body 562.

Alternatively or additionally, the base body 592 of the functional component 590 can be equipped with projections 596, 598 on its surface 594 facing the inner surface 582 in the assembled state, which are preferably shaped complementary to the grooves 584, 586 of the base body 564 of the spacer 560, so that the projections 596, 598 with the grooves 584, 586 are positively connectable.

The component 590 can have a centrally arranged receptacle 600 for a third glass pane (not shown) on its side opposite the surface 594 of the base body. The spacer 560 can thus be used both for double glazing and for triple glazing and in the latter case only needs to be retrofitted with the functional component 590.

In a first variation, in the functional component 590 ', the receptacle 600' can be arranged eccentrically, so that a pane interior is created in a triple glazing produced with it, which is divided into a smaller and a larger part volume.

In a second variant of the functional component 590 ″, it has the center receptacle 600 ″ for a third pane of glass and, in addition, a structured surface with regularly and parallel spaced ribs 602 ″ running in the longitudinal direction of the component 590 ″. The spacer 560 can thus be optically modified on its surface which is directed towards the interior of the insulating glass pane and is thus visible in the installed state. In a third variant of the functional component 590 ″ ″, the receptacle 600 ″ ″ is placed off-center and the surface is in turn optically modified with ribs 602 ″ ″.

Since the functional components are manufactured separately, the choice of material for their manufacture is freely selectable. In particular, the material does not necessarily have to be selected from the point of view of rollability, since the functional components can only be connected to the spacer immediately before the spacer frame is manufactured.

In FIGS. 12A to 12C, further examples of spacers according to the invention are shown which have functional elements with which further functionalization of the spacers can be carried out in a simple and customer-specific manner if required.

In FIG. 12A, a spacer 622 according to the invention is shown in the installed state on the edge of an insulating glass pane 620. The spacer 622 holds a first and a second glass pane 624, 626 at a predetermined distance and is connected to these via a primary butyl sealant 628, 629 and a secondary sealant (e.g. polysulfide, polyurethane, silicone or hotmelt butyl) 630, 631 firmly connected.

The spacer 622 has a profile body 632 with a base body 634 and two side walls 636, 638 formed parallel to one another on both sides of the base body 634, the outer side surfaces of which form the side surfaces of the spacer 622, which are in contact with the glass panes 624, 626.

Functional elements protruding vertically in the form of latching projections 642, 644 are formed on the base body 634 of the profile body 632 on its inner surface 640 and extend parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the spacer. Between the locking projections 642, 644 is a groove-shaped receptacle 646 forms into which a functional component 648 is set and held in a form-fitting manner by the locking projections 642, 644 who can.

The functional component 648 is designed in the present exemplary embodiment with several functions. A first function is to provide a groove 650 for receiving the edge of a third pane of glass 652. Further functions are taken over by two surface elements 654, 656, which extend on both sides of the groove 650 in opposite directions to the first and the second glass pane. The surface elements 654, 656 firstly cover the inner surface of the base body 634 and thus offer the possibility of optically modifying the appearance of the spacer 622. In addition, the surface elements 654, 656 of the functional component 648 create fillable cavities on their sides facing the profile body 632, which in the present embodiment are equipped with desiccant bodies 658, 660, which provide an additional moisture absorption capacity. The desiccant body 658, 660 can, depending on requirements, fill the hollow spaces completely or - as shown here - partially.

The spacer 622 can be fitted with a stainless steel band 662 on its outer surface. The stainless steel strip 662 takes on the function of a barrier layer, which essentially extends in a straight line from the first glass pane 624 to the second glass pane 626 and protrudes somewhat towards the side surfaces. This means that there is no need for a barrier layer on the side surfaces, as the primary butyl sealant also connects to the stainless steel strip from below and, together with the stainless steel strip, creates a continuous sealing layer. Due to the planar design of the stainless steel strip 662, a greater material thickness can be used for this, although the spacer can still be rolled up easily.

FIG. 12B shows an edge region of an insulating glass pane 670 with two glass panes 674, 676 held at a distance by a spacer 672 according to the invention. A secondary sealant 680 is applied to the outer surface 678 of the spacer 672 and extends from the glass pane 674 to the glass pane 676 in the transverse direction of the insulating glass pane 670 over the entire width of the spacer 672. A primary butyl sealant 710, 711 is provided between the side walls 686, 688 and the glass panes.

The spacer has a profile body 682 with a base body 684, on which side walls 686, 688 are formed on both sides. On the inner surface of the base body 684 facing away from the outer surface 678, two strip-shaped latching projections 690, 692 are formed thereon, which form a receptacle 694 between them. A functional component 695 can be inserted into the receptacle 694 with a form fit.

The functional component 695 here, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, has several functions. First, the functional component 695 forms a receiving groove 696, into which a third glass pane 698 can be inserted with its edge area. Furthermore, two surface elements 700, 702 extending from the area of the groove 696 in both directions to the glass panes 674, 676 and the side walls 686, 688 together with the profile body 682 of the spacer 672 are closed hollow chambers on both sides of the locking projections 690, 692 , which can be equipped with desiccant bodies 704, 706 in order to adjust the moisture absorption capacity of the spacer 672 to a predetermined value. In addition, the surface elements 700, 702 serve for the optical design of the spacer 672 on its visible side in the installed state.

A web-like projection 708 can be provided in the receiving groove 696 so that the middle glass pane 698 is not pushed in to the bottom of the groove during assembly. By appropriately designing the projection 708, it is possible for it to be compressed in the event of greater thermal expansion of the central pane. This is particularly important in the case of middle panes made of plastic, which in comparison to the glass panes a have significantly greater thermal expansion. The projection 708 acts like a spring that can be compressed if necessary.

Finally, FIG. 12C shows an edge region of an insulating glass pane 720 with two glass panes 724, 726 held at a distance by a spacer 722 according to the invention.

A secondary sealant 730 is applied to the outer surface 728 of the spacer 722 and extends from the glass pane 724 to the glass pane 726 in the transverse direction of the insulating glass pane 720 over the entire width of the spacer 722. A primary butyl sealant 748, 749 is applied between the side walls 736, 738 and the glass panes 724, 726.

The spacer 722 has a profile body 732 with a base body 734, on which side walls 736, 738 are formed on both sides. On the inner surface of the base body 734 facing away from the outer surface 728, two strip-shaped projections 740, 742 are formed on the latter, which form a receptacle 744 between them. A third pane of glass 746 can be inserted into the receptacle 744 with a form fit.

The profile body 732 of the spacer 722 also has two surface elements 750, 752 extending from the area of the protrusions 740, 742 forming the groove 744 in both directions to the glass panes 724, 726 and the side walls 736, 738, which together with the base body 734 of the spacer 722 are essentially closed hollow chambers on both sides of the projections 740, 742, which can be equipped with desiccant bodies 754, 756 in order to adapt the moisture absorption capacity of the spacer 722 to a predetermined value. In addition, the surface elements 750, 752 serve the optical design of the spacer 722 on its visible side when installed.

FIGS. 13A to 13F use a spacer 10 according to the invention according to FIG. 1A to show various options for joining of end regions of a spacer according to the invention. This applies both to the end regions of rolled up spacers and to the end regions of a section of a spacer that has already been cut for the formation of a frame of an insulating glass pane.

Figure 13A illustrates the production of a butt joint 800 from spacer end regions 802, 804 by means of plastic welding, for example using an ultrasonic welding or mirror welding technique. The upper part of the figure is a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the stand holder. The middle part of the figures shows the spacer end areas 802, 804 in a top view of the base body 18, the illustrations placed to the side thereof each show a side view of the side walls 14 and 16, respectively. The butt joint 800 produced by welding preferably extends from a side wall 14 via the base body 18 to the side wall 16.

Figure 13B illustrates the production of a further variant of a butt joint 810 of modified spacer end areas 812, 814 by means of plastic welding, e.g. using an ultrasonic welding or mirror welding technique, or also by means of an adhesive technique, e.g. with the help of a metallic adhesive tape (not shown). The two end regions 812, 814 are each provided with complementary projections and recesses 816, 818 (e.g. for a tongue and groove connection).

The middle part of the figures again shows the spacer end areas 812, 814 in a plan view of the base body 18, the illustrations placed to the side thereof each show a side view of the side walls 14 and

16. The butt joint 810 produced by welding extends preferably from a side wall 14 over the base body 18 to the side wall 16. Figure 13C illustrates the production of a further variant of a butt connection 820 of spacer end areas 822, 824 by means of a form-fitting clip connection, which may be made by plastic welding, e.g. using an ultrasonic welding or mirror welding technique, or by means of an adhesive technique, e.g. with the help of a metallic adhesive tape (not shown), can also be secured.

The middle part of the figures shows the, in turn, the spacer end areas 822, 824 in a top view of the base body 18, the illustrations placed to the side of it each show a side view of the side walls 14 and 16, respectively a side wall 14 over the base body 18 to the side wall 16.

Figure 13D illustrates the production of a further variant of a butt connection 830 of spacer end areas 832, 834 by means of a form-fitting clip connection, which may be made by plastic welding, e.g. using an ultrasonic welding or mirror welding technique, or by means of an adhesive technique, e.g. using a metallic adhesive tape (not shown), can be secured. For this purpose, the end regions 832, 834 are provided with complementary projections and recesses 836, 838 in the region of the side walls 14, 16, analogously to the variant in FIG. 13B.

The middle part of the figures again shows the spacer end areas 832, 834 in a plan view of the base body 18, the illustrations placed to the side thereof each show a side view of the side walls 14 and 16. The butt joint 830, which may be additionally secured by welding, preferably extends from a side wall 14 via the base body 18 to the side wall 16.

FIG. 13E illustrates the production of a further variant of a butt connection 840 of spacer end regions 842, 844 by means of a form-fitting connection (here a dovetail connection in the area of the Base body 18), which can optionally be additionally secured by means of plastic welding, for example using an ultrasonic welding or mirror welding technique, or also by means of an adhesive technique, for example with the help of a metallic adhesive tape (not shown).

The middle part of the figures again shows the spacer end areas 842, 844 in a plan view of the base body 18, the illustrations placed to the side thereof each show a side view of the side walls 14 and 16. The butt joint 840, which may be additionally secured by welding, preferably extends from a side wall 14 via the base body 18 to the side wall 16.

Figure 13F illustrates the production of a further variant of a butt connection 850 of spacer end areas 852, 854 by means of a form-fitting hook / clip connection of the side walls 14, 16, which for this purpose provide hook-shaped, complementary projections and setbacks 856, 858 on the end areas 852, 854 are. If necessary, the butt joint 850 can also be secured by means of plastic welding, e.g. using an ultrasonic welding or mirror welding technique, or also by means of an adhesive technique, e.g. with the help of a metallic adhesive tape (not shown).

The middle part of the figures shows the, in turn, the spacer end areas 852, 854 in a top view of the base body 18, the illustrations placed to the side of it each show a side view of the side walls 14 and 16, respectively a side wall 14 over the base body 18 to the side wall 16.

All the embodiments of FIG. 13 have in common that the spacer end regions can be fixed to one another when a spacer frame is closed, which simplifies the manufacture of the insulating glass panes. In addition, the connection techniques shown can also be used to use remnants of spacers when producing a spacer frame.

The connection techniques shown with reference to the spacer 10 in FIG. 13 can also be used analogously for all spacers according to the invention, in particular also for spacers according to the invention with a more complex geometry, such as that of the spacers 120 and 460 of FIGS.

Claims

1. Spacer for insulating glass panes, wherein the spacer is formed with egg ner inner surface, an outer surface and two side surfaces extending on both sides of the spacer from the inner surface to the outer surface and comprises a profile body, the profile body two parallel to its longitudinal direction de, spaced apart Side surfaces and a base body extending between the side surfaces with an outer and an inner surface, wherein the profile body is made of a plastic material and at least in a partial volume includes a part of a particulate desiccant which is embedded in the plastic material, wherein the spacer can be rolled up about an axis perpendicular to the side upper surfaces, and wherein the spacer is designed to be rigid in a plane perpendicular to the side upper surfaces.

2. Spacer according to claim 1, wherein the spacer can be rolled up in such a way that a deflection of the spacer relative to an unloaded state is approx. 1 mm or more, preferably approx. 1.3 mm or more, more preferably approx , 7 mm or more, with the deflection on the outer surface of the spacer being determined when its outer surface rests on two support bodies with a span Ls of 100 mm, measured in the longitudinal direction of the spacer, and when one is in the middle of the Support width Ls acting force F of 50 N, this force being introduced into the spacer perpendicular to a support plane defined by the support bodies.

3. Spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacer has a flexural rigidity in which a deflection of the spacer age compared to an unloaded state about 10 mm or less, preferably about 5 mm or less, more preferably about 3 mm or less The deflection on a side surface is determined when it rests on two support bodies with a support width of 100 mm, measured in the longitudinal direction of the spacer, and with a force of 100 N acting in the middle of the support width, this force being perpendicular is introduced to the side surface in the spacer.

4. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein reinforcing elements are embedded in the plastic material of the profile body, the reinforcing elements preferably comprising particulate materials, fiber materials, sheet materials and / or wire-like materials.

5. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the profile body has side walls on both sides of the base body, which extend from the base body over its inner surface by approx. 0.5 mm or more, preferably approx. 1 mm or more, more preferably approx. 1.5 mm or more and form the side surfaces of the profile body, the side walls preferably being aligned essentially parallel to one another.

6. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spacer has a height H of about 6 mm or less, preferably about 5 mm or less.

7. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer has a width of about 12 mm to about 44 mm, in particular from about 14 mm to about 40 mm.

8. Spacer according to claim 7, wherein the spacer is designed for a triple glazing and has a width of about 30 mm or more and in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction has an aspect ratio A, which as the quotient of the width B of the spacer and the Height H of the spacer is defined (A = B / H), the aspect ratio A having a value of about 6 or more, preferably a value of about 7 or more, particularly preferably a value of about 8 or more.

9. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plastic material comprises a polymer which is selected from polyols, polyketones, polyesters, vinyl polymers, polyamides or blends of two or more of these polymers, the polymer or polymers preferably made of polypropylene , Polyethylene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ASA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 66 (PA66) , Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or blends of these polymers is / are selected.

10. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the particulate desiccant is selected from silicates, sulfates, oxides, in particular in the form of zeolite, calcium sulfate, silica gel, layered silicate, framework silicate, phosphorus oxide, aluminum oxide, alkali oxide and / or alkaline earth oxide or Mixtures thereof, the desiccant particularly preferably comprising a zeolite 3A with an average pore size of approximately 3 angstroms.

11. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the particulate desiccant in a proportion of about 10 wt .-% or more, preferably about 25 wt .-% to about 65 wt .-%, more preferably about 35% by weight to approx. 45% by weight is embedded in the plastic material, in each case based on the total weight of the professional body.

12. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the particulate desiccant is embedded in the plastic material in the form of granules and / or powder, the granules preferably having an average particle size Dso of approx. 1 mm or less, preferably approx , 5 mm or less, and the powder preferably has an average particle size D 50 of approximately 0.1 mm or less.

13. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spacer comprises a proportion of desiccant, such that a moisture absorption capacity of about 2 g of water per 100 g of spacer or more, more preferably from about 4 to about 30 g per 100 g spacer is given.

14. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plastic material of the profile body is selected such that the moisture content of the spacer after storage in a standard climate (50% ± 10% relative humidity at a temperature of 23 ° C ± 2 ° C) with a storage period of 48 hours approx. 50% or less of the maximum moisture absorption capacity, preferably approx.

30% or less of the maximum moisture absorption capacity, more preferably about 20% or less of the maximum moisture absorption capacity.

15. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plastic material containing the desiccant has a specific thermal conductivity of about 0.8 W / (nrK) or less, in particular of about 0.5 W / (nrK) or less having.

16. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the spacer has a plurality of spaced apart, parallel to its longitudinal direction ribs on the inner surface.

17. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the spacer has on the inner surface a parallel to the side surfaces and spaced apart from these, continuous groove for receiving egg Nes glass pane edge of a further glass pane.

18. Spacer according to claim 17, wherein the spacer has two parallel to its longitudinal direction running parallel to its longitudinal direction, to egg nander spaced projections, between which the groove is formed.

19. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein one or more functional elements are formed on the inner surface of the base body and / or on the side walls of the Profilkör pers, in particular in the form of grooves and locking projections.

20. Spacer according to claim 19, wherein the spacer comprises one or more non-positively or positively connected components with the functional elements, the components being selected in particular from desiccant carriers, receiving elements for glass panes and decorative elements.

21. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the outer surface is essentially planar and wherein optionally the inner surface is concave.

22. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the plastic material of the profile body at least in some areas has a pore structure, the mean pore size is preferably about 5 pm to about 150 pm and the pore volume is preferably about 40 vol. % or less, preferably about 10% by volume to about 35% by volume of the volume of the profile body.

23. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the profile body by on an outer and / or inner surface of the base body and / or on the side walls at regular intervals substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the profile body recesses, in particular in the form of a slot or wedge, having.

24. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the spacer on the outer surface has a barrier layer with a barrier effect against gases and / or humidity, wherein the barrier layer is preferably selected from a metal foil, in particular special with a thickness of about 100 pm or less, more preferably from approx. 10 pm to approx. 50 pm, preferably a rolled stainless steel foil or a rolled aluminum foil, a multilayer foil with a polymer-based carrier foil and at least one layer made of metal, metal oxide or ceramic, a coating with platelet-shaped nanoparticles, in particular in the form of sheet silicates, a flexible glass layer, a diffusion-inhibiting polymer film or a polymer film laminate.

25. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the spacer on the outer surface has a barrier layer with a barrier effect against gases and / or humidity, the barrier layer being designed as a coating on the profile body and preferably a layer of metal, metal oxide or ceramic, platelet-shaped nanoparticles, in particular in the form of sheet silicas.

26. Spacer according to one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the spacer is equipped in such a way that it can be continuously joined to one another in the longitudinal direction without auxiliary material, in particular by means of a form fit or material fit, the spacer preferably in the longitudinal direction by means of hooking, clipping or Welding is joinable.

27. Insulating glass pane with two outer glass panes held at a predetermined distance by a spacer frame, the spacer frame being manufactured using a spacer according to one of claims 1 to 26.

28. Insulating glass pane according to claim 27, wherein the two outer glass panes are glued to the spacer in the area of the side surfaces by means of a primary sealant, the primary sealant preferably being selected from synthetic rubber, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone polymer, silane modifi - Decorated polymer, polysulphide and polyacrylate.

29. Insulating glass pane according to claim 27 or 28, wherein a secondary sealant, in particular in the form of polysulfide, polyurethane, silicone and butyl-based hotmelt, adjacent to the two outer glass panes on the outer circumference of the insulating glass pane, is optionally applied in a wedge shape.

30. Insulating glass pane according to one of claims 27 to 29, wherein on egg ner surface of the insulating glass pane, which is formed by an outer surface of the spacer, a secondary sealant is carried over the entire surface, the sealant application in particular continuously Lich from one glass pane to the other glass pane extends and you tend to lie against the glass panes.

31. Insulating glass pane according to one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the spacer from the side of the inner surface has a groove into which a third glass pane is inserted with its edge.