EP4074934A1 - Connector and connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) and a plug connection (2) for hollow profiles (3) of spacers in insulating glazing, which are designed as metallic hollow profiles (3) with metallic inner sides of the hollow profile walls (43, 44, 45), the connector ( 1) an essentially U-shaped cross section with open end faces (9), an axially continuous internal cavity (10) and a base (11) pointing towards the interior of the insulating glazing in the installed position, as well as peripheral side walls (12) starting from the base (11) and a center finding (6). Arranged on the free edge (13) of the side walls (12) are a number of spring-loaded retaining elements (14, 15, 16) that protrude to the side and, in the side view, have a rectangular shape with upper and lower edges (18 ,19) as well as having a front edge (20) aligned transversely thereto and are bent out laterally at their rear transition area (21) at a bending point (17) from the side wall (12), at least one retaining element (14,15,16) on its free front area (22) has a torsional deformation (26) preferably tilted outwards about its longitudinal axis (25).

Description

The invention relates to a plug connector and a plug connection with the features of the independent claims.

A connector and a connector for spacer hollow profiles of insulating glazing are from WO 2018/162584 A1 known. The connector is designed for mating with warm-edge plastic hollow profiles. The plug connector has an essentially U-shaped cross section with a base pointing towards the interior of the insulating glass pane in the installed position, as well as edge side walls starting from the base and pointing obliquely outwards, each with a plurality of laterally flared, resilient retaining elements. These are rectangular in side view with a straight and upright front edge extending parallel to the main plane of the sloping side wall. The previously known connector is designed as a stamped and bent part from sheet metal.

the DE 20 2015 105 061 U1 shows another connector and plug-in connection designed for spacer hollow profiles made of plastic. The connector grips a metal reinforcement insert on the bottom of the unstable hollow profile with edge-side ground tongues and has resilient retaining elements on the upper edge of the side walls. These are spaced apart from the underlying side wall area by a wide groove and are therefore designed to be particularly flexible for engaging on a plastic wall and are bent in several directions.

Metallic connectors are also known from practice which have wedge-shaped retaining elements or triangular retaining elements which are widened towards the front edge.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved plug connector together with a manufacturing method and a plug connection.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims.

The connector claimed is intended and designed for metallic hollow profiles of spacers in insulating glazing, e.g. for stainless steel or aluminum profiles. The hollow profiles are metal profiles and have metallic insides of their hollow profile walls, on which the connector acts. When forming the plug-in connection, the plug connector, the hollow profile or its hollow profile end can be plugged together in any way or relative movement.

The claimed connector has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with open ends. It has an axially continuous internal cavity and, in the installed position, a base pointing towards the pane interior of the insulating glazing, as well as edge side walls extending from the base on both sides and a center location. The side walls are preferably aligned perpendicular to the floor. The side walls can also be slightly slanted outwards. You can be tilted accordingly at the transition point to the ground. This can, for example, be due to manufacturing and tooling reasons or to an adaptation to the hollow profile material or the like. The angle of tilt α of a sloping side wall relative to the vertical can be, for example, up to 10°, preferably up to 5°. In the most preferred embodiment it is between 1.5° and 3°. This design of the plug connector with a very small tilting angle α of up to 3° is advantageous for the metallic hollow profiles mentioned.

The ground orientation refers here and below to the orientation with respect to the main plane of the ground. The axial orientation refers to a longitudinal direction of the connector.

Arranged on the free edge of the side walls are a number of laterally flared and resilient retaining elements, which are bent out laterally from the side wall at a bending point, and at their free front area they have a rectangular shape with upper and lower edges and a front edge aligned transversely thereto. In the claimed connector, at least one retaining element has a torsional deformation about its longitudinal axis in its free front area. Preferably, several, in particular all, retaining elements have such a torsional deformation.

The retaining element is preferably canted outwards at the torsional deformation. For example, the upper edge of the rectangular retaining element is further outward than the lower edge. Due to the torsional deformation, the front edge of the retaining element is also tilted obliquely outwards. As a result, it is aligned at an angle to the main plane of the side wall.

This design has the advantage that the retaining element grips better in the adjacent inner wall of the hollow profile and effectively secures the connector against undesired pulling out of the plugged-on hollow profile. The retaining element is obtained by combining the rectangular shape with the torsional deformation optimal retention properties.

These advantages come into play above all in the case of metallic hollow profiles of the spacer, in particular light metal or steel profiles. In combination with the twisted rectangular shape, the result is a particularly high pull-out strength. On the other hand, a retaining element with the claimed design can recede elastically around the bending point when a hollow profile is pushed on. This makes it easier to plug the connector and the hollow profile together with little effort. Unwanted hollow profile deformations can be prevented. Due to their design, the retaining elements can make better and more effective use of the higher strength of metallic inner walls of the hollow profiles in comparison with plastic profile walls.

The respective side wall of the connector can have a side wall area with a sloping rear flank, preferably directly connected to a retaining element and its bending point. The sloping rear flank can have an angle (γ) of 35° or less, for example in a range of about 27° - 35°, to the main plane of the floor. This configuration of the connector with a sloping rear flank has independent inventive significance and can also be used without the torsional deformation, e.g. in other connectors with rectangular retaining elements according to the prior art mentioned at the outset.

The rear flank, which falls obliquely towards the bottom, has the advantage that said side wall area has a larger closed wall surface and a height that decreases only gradually over the rear flank. This improves the dimensional stability and in particular the flexural strength of the connector in this area. A high flexural strength is advantageous if a spacer frame consisting of one or more hollow profiles with an inserted plug connector is handled and moved in space, in particular pivoted, during the manufacture of insulating glass. Significant loads can occur at the joint between two hollow profile ends and an inserted connector.

The sloping back flank can transition at the lower end in an acute-angled, preferably rounded groove into an upright side wall section aligned transversely to the base. This sidewall section may terminate at the front edge and the next retaining element of the sidewall. This design is also advantageous for high mechanical stability and, in particular, flexural strength of the plugged-in connector. In addition, favorable voltage curves and manufacturing techniques can result.

On each of its end faces, the connector can have a starting bevel on the free edge of the side walls, which slopes over a protruding hump into the upper edge of the retaining element adjacent to the end face. The hump may be positioned over the flexure of the restraining member. This configuration also has independent inventive significance. It can be used with advantage together with the torsional deformation of a retaining element and/or a sloping rear flank. However, it can also be used to advantage in other types of connectors without such a torsional deformation and without a trailing edge.

The hump has the advantage that it can provide independent height control and frontal support for the connector in the plugged-on hollow profile. The hump can be the same height above the ground as the free edge of the side walls in the middle connector area and possibly also at the top edges of the other retaining elements on the same side wall. The retaining element can be arranged below the hump. An arrangement of the hump over the bending point of the relevant retaining element is advantageous for connector stability.

The retaining elements of the connector advantageously have straight and parallel top and bottom edges, which are preferably also parallel to the ground, i.e. to the main plane thereof. The front edge of the retaining elements is preferably aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the preferably parallel upper and lower edges of the retaining element or elements. Upper and lower corners result at the transitions from the preferably straight front edge to the respective upper and lower edges. These can be of the same or different design. In an advantageous embodiment, the upper corner, which is further away from the bottom, has a rounded shape. This is advantageous in connection with the torsional deformation and the upper edge and upper corner lying further outwards and for the engagement on the hollow profile. The lower corner can be sharp-edged.

The retaining elements can be separated from their side wall on the underside by a straight axial separating cut with parallel cutting edges and with a preferred parallel orientation to the bottom. This shape is advantageous for cutting free the retaining elements of a metal connector. Through a thin axial separating cut with eng adjacent parallel cut edges and a small severing width, the side wall height of the wall section under the severing cut can be at a maximum, which is advantageous for the flexural strength of the connector.

On the other hand, the width of the retaining elements along their front edge and the length of the upright bending point can be particularly large due to the thin axial separating cut. This is advantageous for the local torsion and for the specific deformability of the retaining elements as well as for the retention in the plug-in connection with metallic hollow profiles. When plugged into the hollow profile, the retaining elements can spring around the upright bending point and thereby yield laterally elastically, while in the other direction transverse to the floor they are stable against deformation. The upper corner of the retaining elements, which is further away from the ground, can grip particularly well on the inner wall of a metallic hollow profile, in particular a light metal or steel profile, and develop a high retaining effect. The aforementioned deformation stability prevents the retaining elements from deflecting in a resilient manner and weakening the restraint transversely to the ground. This is a significant difference to connectors for plastic profiles, whose retaining elements are also flexible and yield in the direction transverse to the floor due to the large-format cutouts and grooves at the bottom, which is due to the low strength of hollow plastic profiles.

The cutting width (wt) of the thin axial separating cut can be 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm.

The twisted retaining elements can with a particularly preferred cutting width (wt) in the range from 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, in particular from 0.01 mm or 0.02 mm, have special advantages. At their rear area near the bending point, they can rest with their lower edge on the wall section located underneath, making contact. The retaining elements can be supported in the contact area on the wall section against forces directed transversely to the floor. This improves the vertical stability and said deformation stability of the plug connector and the plug connection. This is of particular advantage in connection with the sloping rear flank. In the plug-in connection, the plug connector can be supported at the free edge area of its side walls with the aligned upper edges of the retaining elements near the center and middle and with the aligned hump of the front retaining elements in height in the metallic hollow profile. This results in a large supporting axial length at said free edge area. Larger focal widths (wt) up to 0.5 mm or up to 0.7 mm can be used, but they do not have these advantages or only to a lesser extent.

The separating cut lengths (lt) of the axial separating cuts of the retaining elements can be of different sizes. They can vary depending on the width of the connectors. The separating cut lengths (lt) can be between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm. The retaining elements arranged adjacent to the center of the connector can have a smaller separating cut length (lt) of e.g. 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm than the retaining elements following in the direction of the connector end face, whose separating cut length (lt) is e.g. 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm can be.

The aforesaid groove or the adjoining upright side wall area can reach up to the axial separating cut of said next retaining element. This is favorable for the controllable twisting of the retaining elements with a stamp-like, for example exhibition tool.

The retaining elements are each issued laterally obliquely outwards from their side wall and pointing to a connector center. They can be run over by a hollow profile attached to the front side in an elastically yielding manner and then immediately dig into the inside wall of the profile when undesired pull-out forces occur.

It is favorable for the retaining function if the axial length of the retaining elements from the bending point to the front edge is greater than their width along the front edge.

The connector is preferably designed as a straight connector. Alternatively, it can be designed as a corner bracket. The plug connector can have a connector leg on each side of a connector center. The connector legs pointing in different directions can be of the same design.

The side walls of the plug connector each have a row of three or more retaining elements on both sides of the connector center or on the connector legs. The retaining elements arranged on both sides of the center of the connector on the respective side walls can have different heights above the floor. The height refers e.g. to the respective upper edge of the restraint elements.

Such a height offset is advantageous for forming engagement points of the retaining elements at different heights and separate from one another on the adjacent inner wall of the hollow profile. Due to the different heights of the engagement points, the various retaining elements grip better with said hollow profile wall and provide overall improved retention against unwanted pull-out.

In the case of the height offset, it is advantageous if the retaining element arranged adjacent to the end face has a lower height above the floor than the other retaining elements following in the axial direction towards the center of the connector on the same side wall. In particular, the upper edge of the retaining element adjacent to the end face can be arranged lower than the other upper edges. Said subsequent retaining elements can each have the same height above the ground. The torsional deformation can be the same or different for the retaining elements lined up one behind the other on a side wall.

The retaining elements arranged on both sides of the middle of the connector on the respective side walls can have different widths along their front edges. The retaining elements arranged adjacent to the end face can have the smallest width. The retaining elements arranged adjacent to the center of the connector can have the same width or a slightly larger width. The one or more intervening retaining elements may have the greatest width. The differences in width can lead to different spring stiffnesses. They can also cause different forms of torsion.

The retaining elements arranged in each case on both sides of a connector center on the respective side walls adjacent to the connector center can have a higher spring stiffness than the other retaining elements. The higher spring stiffness can be brought about by a shorter length of the separating cut and an associated shortening of the length of the retaining element.

The pairs of retaining elements lying opposite one another on both sides of a central longitudinal direction of the plug connector can have different deployment widths. The respective pairs of retaining elements that are adjacent on the end face of the plug connector can have a smaller deployment width than the other pairs of the retaining elements that follow in the direction toward the middle of the connector. The smaller projection width makes it easier to attach a hollow profile. The larger opening width is advantageous for strengthening the retention effect. It is also favorable here if the retaining element arranged adjacent to the center of the connector has a higher spring stiffness than the other retaining elements following in the direction of the end face.

In the claimed connector, the side walls are preferably aligned perpendicularly or with a minimum, each outwardly directed slope to the bottom of the connector. This is particularly advantageous for metallic hollow profiles.

The bottom can have a bottom tongue with a stiffener on each of the end faces. In particular, this can be an interlocking or a mutual bending and an offset of tongue halves. This stabilizes the connector when plugging in a hollow profile.

The floor can have one or more through-openings that can be used, for example, to shoot through clips to attach a window bar. A through-opening is preferably provided on each side of the middle of the connector.

The bottom can have a shape that is constant across the width and flat on the outside and in the plug-in connection over the entire surface on the preferably essentially flat bottom of the abut the hollow profile. Advantageously, the edge-side transitions of the floor into the respective side wall can preferably lie flat on the hollow profile floor and be supported here.

The base can also have one or more, preferably two, axial base beads at the edge, which can each serve to accommodate an axial row of perforations on the hollow profile. The raised bottom beads face the cavity in the connector surrounded by the bottom and sidewalls. The one or more channel-shaped floor beads are formed locally in the floor and at a lateral distance from the adjacent longitudinal edge of the floor and from the transition there to the side wall. The outside of the otherwise preferably flat floor can be arranged at the same height on both sides of the floor bead(s). In the plug-in connection, the plug-in connector can rest flat on the bottom of the hollow profile and be supported at the middle bottom area and at the transitions to the side walls.

The claimed connector is advantageously designed in one piece. It can therefore be used universally and also for different types of metallic hollow profiles. It is preferably produced as a stamped and bent part from sheet metal, in particular from galvanized steel strip. The metallic connector has high mechanical stability and can still be handled ergonomically and inserted into a hollow profile with little force.

The claimed plug connection of spacers in insulating glazing is formed by a hollow profile and an inserted plug connector. The hollow profile is designed as a metal profile, in particular a light metal or stainless steel profile, and has metallic inner walls as a metal profile. The spacer can be designed in the form of a frame. It can be bent from a single hollow profile, with the two ends of the hollow profile being connected at the joint using the plugged-in connector. Alternatively, the frame-shaped spacer can be formed by several straight and/or curved hollow profiles with connectors at the joints.

In the case of the plug-in connection, the base of the plug connector is arranged on a profile base of the hollow profile, which in the installed position faces the interior of the insulating glazing. The bottom of the connector bridges the joint between the ends of the hollow profile plugged onto the connector on both sides. The hollow connector allows a granulated desiccant in the hollow profile to flow through the joint.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The claimed plug connector and the claimed plug connection can include the following design features, which can each be used individually or in combination.

One or more retaining elements of the plug connector can be tilted outwards at the torsional deformation, with the upper edge of the retaining element or elements lying further outwards than the lower edge at the free front area of the retaining element or elements.

Several, in particular all, retaining elements can exhibit the torsional deformation.

Adjacent to a retaining element and its bending point, the side wall of the plug connector can have a side wall area with a rear flank that falls obliquely towards the bottom of the connector.

The sloping back flank can merge at the lower end in an acute-angled, preferably rounded groove into an upright side wall section (31) aligned transversely to the base.

The upstanding side wall section may terminate at the front edge of the next retention element. The upstanding sidewall portion may also terminate at the severance cut of the next retention member.

The sloping rear flank can have an angle (γ) of 35° or less, for example in a range of about 27° - 35°, to the main plane of the base.

The plug connector can have a starting bevel on the free edge of the side walls on the front side, which slopes over a protruding hump into the upper edge of the retaining element adjacent to the front side. The hump may be positioned over the flexure of said retaining member.

The connector retention elements may preferably have straight and parallel top and bottom edges.

The top and bottom edges of the connector retainers may be parallel to the bottom of the connector.

The retaining elements of the plug connector can each have a preferably straight front edge with upper and lower corners aligned transversely to their upper and lower edges.

The upper corner of the leading edge of a restraining element may be rounded.

The retaining elements of the plug connector can each be severed from their side wall on the underside by a thin straight axial severing cut with parallel and closely spaced cutting edges.

The axial separating cut can run parallel to the bottom of the connector.

The retaining elements of the plug connector can each be flared out laterally at an angle from their side wall and pointing towards a connector center.

The axial length (l) of the retainers of the connector may be greater than their width (b) along the leading edge of the retainers.

The side walls of the connector can each have a row of three or more retaining elements on either side of a connector center.

The retaining elements of the plug connector, which are arranged on both sides of a connector center on the respective side walls, can have different heights (h1, h2) of their respective upper edge above the ground.

The respective retaining element arranged adjacent to the end face of the connector can have a lower height (h1) above the ground than the other retaining elements following in the axial direction towards the center of the connector, which can have a height (h2).

The further retaining elements, which follow the retaining element arranged adjacent to the end face of the connector in the axial direction towards the center of the connector, can each have the same height (h2) of their respective upper edge above the bottom of the connector.

The height (h2) of the near-central and axially following central retaining elements can correspond to the height of the free edge of the side walls in the region of the connector center and also to the height at the zenith of the humps on the front-side retaining elements. The height of the retaining elements preferably does not project beyond the free edge of the side walls in the region of the middle of the connector.

The retaining elements arranged on both sides of a connector center on the respective side walls of the plug connector can have different widths (b15, b15, b16) along their front edge.

The respective retaining elements arranged adjacent to the end face and the connector center of the connector can have a smaller width (b14, b16) along their front edge than one or more retaining elements arranged between them.

The side walls of the connector can be slanted slightly outwards and tilted at an angle (α) to the vertical.

The angle (α) of the side walls of the connector can be up to 10°, preferably up to 5°, particularly preferably between 1.5° and 3°.

The plug connector can have a bottom tongue with a reinforcement, in particular a twisting on the outer edge of the tongue, on each of the end faces.

The plug connector can have a base with through openings arranged on both sides of a connector center.

The connector can be designed as a straight connector.

The plug connector can be designed in one piece.

The connector can be designed as a metal connector.

The plug connector can be designed as a stamped and bent part made from sheet metal, in particular sheet steel.

The connector can be made of galvanized steel strip.

In the case of the plug-in connection, the hollow profile can be designed as a metal profile, in particular as a light metal profile or as a steel profile.

The hollow profile can be designed as a drawn or pressed or rolled metal profile.

The hollow profile can consist entirely of metal, in particular light metal or stainless steel.

In the case of the plug connection, the base of the plug connector can be arranged on a profile base of the hollow profile, which points towards the interior of the insulating glazing.

Figur 1 und 2:

einen Steckverbinder in verschiedenen perspektivischen Ansichten,

Figur 3, 4 u. 5:

den Steckverbinder von Figur 1 und 2 in verschiedenen geklappten Ansichten,

Figur 6:

eine vergrößerte Stirnansicht des Steckverbinders gemäß Pfeil VI von Figur 2,

Figur 7:

eine Variante des Steckverbinders von Figur 6 mit schrägen Seitenwänden,

Figur 8a, 8b:

vergrößerte Darstellungen des Details VIII von Figur 4,

Figur 9:

eine weiter vergrößerte und abgebrochene Darstellung von Rückhalteelementen des Steckverbinders gemäß Figur 8,

Figur 10:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Details X von Figur 1,

Figur 11:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Details XI von Figur 4,

Figur 12:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Details XII von Figur 4,

Figur 13:

eine aufgebrochene Seitenansicht einer Steckverbindung mit einem Steckverbinder und zwei aufgesteckten Hohlprofilenden,

Figur 14:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinders mit einem einseitig aufgesteckten Hohlprofil,

Figur 15:

eine Stirnansicht der Steckverbindung von Figur 13,

Figur 16:

eine Seitenansicht einer Platine mit Ausstellwerkzeugen zum Ausstellen und Torsionsverformen von Rückhalteelementen,

Figur 17:

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anordnung von Figur 16 und

Figur 18:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Details XVIII von Figur 17.

The invention is shown by way of example and schematically in the drawings. Show in detail:

Figure 1 and 2:

a connector in different perspective views,

Figure 3, 4 and 5:

the connector from Figure 1 and 2 in different folded views,

Figure 6:

an enlarged end view of the connector according to arrow VI of figure 2 ,

Figure 7:

a variant of the connector from figure 6 with sloping side walls,

Figure 8a, 8b:

enlarged representations of detail VIII of figure 4 ,

Figure 9:

a further enlarged and broken representation of retaining elements of the connector according to FIG figure 8 ,

Figure 10:

an enlarged view of the detail X of figure 1 ,

Figure 11:

an enlarged view of the detail XI of figure 4 ,

Figure 12:

an enlarged representation of detail XII of figure 4 ,

Figure 13:

a broken side view of a connector with a connector and two attached hollow profile ends,

Figure 14:

a perspective view of a connector with a hollow profile plugged on on one side,

Figure 15:

an end view of the connector of figure 13 ,

Figure 16:

a side view of a circuit board with deployment tools for deployment and torsion deformation of retaining elements,

Figure 17:

a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG figure 16 and

Figure 18:

an enlarged view of a detail XVIII of figure 17 .

The invention relates to a plug-in connector (1) and a plug-in connection (2) consisting of a plug-in connector (1) and a hollow profile (3) of a spacer for insulating glazing. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a deployment tool (46) for a connector (1).

Figure 1 to 12 show the connector (1) and its components in different views. The plug connection (2) formed by a plug connector (1) and at least one inserted hollow profile (3) or end of the hollow profile is in Figure 13 to 15 shown. Figure 16 to 18 illustrate the manufacturing process and the exhibition tool (46) for the manufacture of a connector (1) from a circuit board (45).

The spacer of an insulating glazing preferably has a frame-like shape and consists of one or more hollow profiles (3) in the manner mentioned above, which are attached to an in figure 13 shown joint (49) butt together with their preferably planar end faces. At the joint (49), the connector (1) is plugged into the two hollow profiles (3) or ends of the hollow profile, with its connector center (4) being arranged in the area of the joint (49) by means of a center finder (6).

In the following, hollow profiles (3) are spoken of in general terms, which includes both design variants of two different hollow profiles or of a single bent hollow profile and its two hollow profile ends.

The connector (1) is made of metal. It is preferably produced as a stamped and bent part from sheet metal or a metal plate (45). The connector (1) can be made from a galvanized steel strip, for example.

The one or more hollow profiles (3) are preferably designed as metal profiles. For example, they can be designed as rolled, drawn or extruded metal profiles. Different metals are suitable as materials, preferably stainless steel or a light metal, in particular an aluminum alloy.

The connector (1) and the one or more hollow profiles (3) can be adapted to one another. Figure 13 to 15 show this design. The connector (1) is preferably designed as a straight connector. It preferably has a one-piece form. The connector (1) has a longitudinal direction (5) and a connector center (4) or an in figure 3 shown transverse centerline. On both sides of the connector center (4) has the Connector (1) each have a connector leg (7.8). The design of the connector legs (7.8) can be the same.

The connector (1) has an in Figure 6, 7 and 15 shown substantially U-shaped cross-section. It consists of a base (11) with a main plane shown in dot-dash lines and two upright side walls (12) adjoining the longitudinal edges of the base (11). The end portions of the side walls (12) located on the end faces (9) of the connector (1) can be Figure 3 and 5 each be bent obliquely inwards.

The side walls (12) are, for example, in figure 6 and 15 aligned perpendicular to the floor (11) and to its main plane shown in broken lines.

figure 7 shows a variant of the plug connector (1) with side walls (12) that are directed obliquely outwards. In the case of the right-hand side wall (12), its bent front end area is not shown. The side walls (12), which are directed obliquely outwards, are tilted at the transition point (50) to the base (11) by an angle (α) relative to the vertical shown in dashed lines. The tilting angle (α) of the respective side wall (12) can be up to 10°, for example. It is preferably up to 5°, particularly preferably between 1.5° and 3°. The vertical refers to the aforementioned vertical side wall orientation to the floor or to its main plane.

The angle (β) between the respective side wall (12) and the base (11) or its main plane is accordingly up to 100°, preferably up to 95° and particularly preferably between 91.5° and 93°.

The connector (1) is positively accommodated in the hollow profiles (3). The hollow sections (3) have according to figure 15 peripheral profile walls (42,43,44) which enclose a cavity in which the plugged connector (1) is accommodated. In the installation position of the spacer formed by the hollow profile(s) (3) in insulating glazing, the profile wall (42) forms a profile base which points towards the interior of the insulating glazing. The two adjoining profile walls (43) form side walls, with the profile wall (44) opposite the profile base (42) being designed as a profile roof. A curved indentation can be present between the profile roof (44) and the side walls (43).

In the plugged-in position, the connector (1) grips the metallic inner sides of the lateral profile walls (43) by means of retaining elements (14, 15, 16) explained below and prevents accidental removal of a hollow profile (3) from the connector (1). The bottom (11) can have one or more raised axial bottom beads (40), in each of which an axial row of perforations (48) on the profile bottom (42) can be accommodated. The perforations (48) are gas-permeable and allow the gas located in the interior of the pane to come into contact with a granulated desiccant located in the one or more hollow profiles (3).

The one or more channel-shaped bottom beads (40) curve in the direction of the cavity (10). They can be formed locally in the floor (11). The floor beads (40) are arranged, for example, on the longitudinal edges of the floor (11) and the transitions (50) to the side walls (12). The floor beads (40) are each arranged at a lateral distance from the adjacent longitudinal edge of the floor (11) and from the transition (50) there to the side wall (12). figure 6, 7 and 15 show this arrangement. The outside (51) of the otherwise preferably flat floor (11) can be arranged at the same height on both sides of the floor bead(s) (40). In the plug-in connection (2), the plug-in connector (1) can rest flat on the base (42) of the hollow profile (3) and be supported at the central base area and at the transitions (50) to the side walls (12). The bottom bead(s) (40) can also be located elsewhere on the connector (1), for example in the central bottom area above a central row of perforations there.

As Figure 1 to 15 illustrate, the cross-sectionally U-shaped connector (1) has open end faces (9) and an axially continuous internal cavity (10). in the in figure 15 In the installed position shown, the base (11) faces the interior of the insulating glazing pane and rests against the profile base (42), bridging the joint (49). The hollow connector (1) allows the granulated desiccant to flow between the hollow profiles (3) and over the joint (49).

The plug connector (1) has the said side walls (12) on the edge starting from the base (11) and a center finder (6) to limit the insertion depth of the connector legs (7, 8) in the respective hollow profile (3).

Arranged on the free edge (13) of the side walls (12) are a number of spring-loaded retaining elements (14, 15, 16) that are set out laterally to the outside. The retaining elements (14, 15, 16) each have a free front area (22) that is flared out laterally relative to the side wall (12) and a rear transition area (21) with a bending point (17) at which the retaining elements (14, 15 , 16) are bent out laterally from the side wall (12) and the side wall area (28) located there.

The retaining elements (14,15,16) each have a rectangular shape with upper and lower edges (18,19) and a front edge (20) aligned transversely to the free front area (22) in the side view. The edges (18,19,20) preferably have a straight shape. The upper and lower edges (18,19) are arranged parallel to one another. They are preferably also aligned parallel to the floor (11).

An upper and preferably rounded corner (23) is formed at the transition point of the respective upper edge (18) and the front edge (20). At the transition point between the front edge (20) and the bottom edge (19) a lower corner (24) is formed, which can be rectangular and sharp-edged.

At least one of the retaining elements (14, 15, 16) has a torsional deformation (26) about its longitudinal axis (25) in its free front area (22). The torsional deformation (26) is in Figure 16 to 18 shown. in the other Figures 1 to 15 it is not visible for the sake of clarity.

In the shown and preferred embodiment, all retaining elements (14,15,16) have said torsional deformation (26). As Figure 16 to 18 illustrate, the relevant retaining element (14,15,16) is tilted outwards at the torsional deformation (26). In this case, for example, the upper edge (18) and in particular the upper corner (23) lie further outwards than the lower edge (19) or the lower corner (24). figure 18 shows this position with a dashed plumb line. The upper corner (23) lying further outside digs into the inside of the adjacent lateral profile wall (43) of the inserted hollow profile (3) and counteracts an extension movement of the hollow profile (3). In a modified Embodiment, the lower edge (19) or lower corner (24) are further outside than the upper edge (18) or upper corner (23).

As figure 4 , 8a , 8b and 9 make clear, the side walls (12) have the said side wall area (28) in the rear, preferably directly, connection to a retaining element (14,15,16) and its bending point (17). The side wall area (28) has at its upper edge a back flank (29) that falls obliquely towards the base (11). Such a sloping rear flank (29) is also present at the rear connection to the free edge (13) near the middle. The rear flank (29) can have an angle (γ) of 35° or less, for example in the range of approx. 27°-35°, relative to the main plane of the base (11). The angle (γ) can be the same for all back flanks (29) and can be, for example, approximately 21°. It is also possible to provide an angle (γ) of approximately 35° for a middle retaining element (15).

The rear flank (29) is directed towards the next retaining element (15,16). At its lower end, it transitions into an upright side wall section (31) which is aligned transversely to the base (11). In this case, an acute-angled and preferably rounded groove (30) is formed at the transition point. In the area of the rear flank (29), the side wall height gradually decreases. The upstanding side wall section (31) terminates at the next retaining element (15,16).

The sloping back flank (28) can be arranged with one or more retaining elements (14, 15, 16). It is preferably arranged on the retaining element (14) adjacent to the center (4) of the connector and on the retaining element (15) that follows next in the direction of the end face (9). The sloping back flank (28) can also be arranged at the center location (6).

The retaining elements (14, 15, 16) are each separated from their side wall (12) at their lower edge (19) via a straight axial separating cut (27) with parallel cutting edges. The axial separating cut (27) runs parallel to the bottom (11). The severing cut (27) is narrow and has closely adjacent parallel cut edges. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cutting width (wt) of the narrow or thin axial separating cut (27) is 0.01 mm or 0.02 mm. The back focus (wt) can also be slightly larger, up to 0.1 mm. In addition, cutting widths (wt) of up to 0.5 mm or even up to 0.7 mm are possible. The cutting width (wt) is the distance between adjacent parallel cutting edges. The upstanding side wall sections (31) each end at the axial severing cut (27).

The retaining elements (14, 15, 16) are each flared laterally outwards from their side wall (12) and point towards the connector center (4). The side walls (12) each have a row of three retaining elements (14,15,16) on both sides of the connector center (4) and on the connector legs (7,8), which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (5). The number of retaining elements (14, 15, 16) can also be greater, for example four or more.

As figure 4 , 8a , 8b and 9 make clear, the connector (1) has a run-on bevel (34) on its end faces (9) and on the free edge (13) of the side walls (12). This rises from the end face (9) to the middle of the connector (4) and facilitates the insertion of a hollow profile (3). The run-on bevels merge into the upper edge (18) of the retaining element (16) adjacent to the end face (9) via a protruding hump (35). The hump (35) is arranged in the area above the bending point (17). The hump (35) falls to the top edge (18) of the retaining element (16) down.

The hump (35) can have a height above the floor (11) which corresponds to the height of the free edge (13) of the relevant side wall (12) in the area of the connector center (4). This can be the maximum height of the free edge (13). The free edge (13) and the hump (35) can in accordance with the insertion position figure 15 at the point of transition of the side wall (43) into the profile roof (44) and at the indentation there. The straight axial top edges (18) of the other retaining elements (14, 15) can also be at this height above the floor (11), at least in the area near the bending point (17) that is not twisted or slightly twisted.

The axial length (1) of the retaining elements (14,15,16) between the bending point (17) and the front edge (20) is greater than their width (b) along the front edge (20). figure 4 , 8th and 9 show this configuration. the

The retaining elements (14, 15, 16) arranged on both sides of the connector center (4) on the respective side walls (12) have different widths (b14, b15, b16) along their front edge (20). The respective retaining elements (14, 16) arranged adjacent to the end face (9) and the connector center (4) have a width (b14, b16) which is smaller than the width (b15) of the one retaining element (15) arranged in between or a possible one Plurality of such intermediate retaining elements. The width (b16) of the retaining element (16) can be equal to or smaller than the width (b14) of the retaining element (14) adjacent to the connector center (14).

The axial lengths (1) of the retaining elements (14, 15, 16) can also be different. According to Figure 8a the length (114) of the retaining element (14) adjacent to the connector center (4) can be shorter than the length (l15) of the in the direction of the end face (9) following retaining element (15) and shorter than the length (l16) of the following retaining element or elements (16). The axial lengths (l15,l16) of the following retaining elements (15,16) can be the same. The axial lengths (L14, L15, L16) are each measured from the bending point (17) to the front edge (20) of the respective retaining element (14,15,16).

Accordingly, according to Figure 8b the length (lt14) of the severing cut (27) of the retaining element (14) near the center must also be shorter than the length (lt15) of the severing cut (27) in the following retaining element (15). The separating cut (27) of the front retaining element (16) can also have a greater length (lt16) than the separating cut (27) of the retaining element (14) adjacent to the connector center (4). The separating cut lengths (lt15, lt16) can be the same or different.

The separating cut lengths (lt) can be between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm. A range between 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm is preferred. The separating cut length (lt16) of the front retaining element (16) can be 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm, for example. The separating cut length (lt15) of the retaining element(s) (15) following in the direction of the middle of the connector can also amount to 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm, for example.

The cut length (lt14) of the retaining element (14) near the center can be 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, for example.

The retaining element (14) close to the center can thus have a higher spring stiffness than the retaining element (15) that follows. The retaining element (14) closest to the connector center (4) on the side walls (12) or on the connector legs (7, 8) thereby claws particularly well and firmly on the metal inner side of the profile side wall (43) and prevents accidental removal.

The retaining elements (16) adjacent to the end face (9) can have a relatively low spring stiffness and, thanks to their greater resilience, make it easier to insert the hollow profile (3) or the end of the hollow profile. This can also be the case with the retaining element or elements (15) arranged between them.

As figure 9 makes clear, the retaining elements (14, 15, 16) arranged on both sides of the connector center (4) on the respective side walls (12) each have different heights (h1, h2) above the floor (11). The height in each case relates to the upper edge (18) of the retaining elements (14, 15, 16). The respective retaining elements (16) arranged adjacent to the end face (9) have a height (h1) which is less than the height (h2) of the further retaining elements (14, 15) following in the axial direction towards the connector center (4). These following retaining elements (14, 15) can have the same height (h2). The height (h2) can correspond to the height of the free edge (13) in the area of the connector center (4) and also to the height of the hump (35) at its zenith.

figure 5 clarifies, in a top view, different extension widths (w1, w2) of the pairs of retaining elements (14, 15, 16) lying opposite one another on both sides of the longitudinal direction (5). The respective pairs of retaining elements (16) adjacent to the end face (9) have a deployment width (w1) which is less than the deployment width (w2) of the other pairs of retaining elements (14,15). The smaller projection width makes it easier to insert a hollow profile (3) or the end of the hollow profile.

The respective other pairs of retaining elements (14, 15) can have the same deployment width (w2) as one another. Because of their greater length (115), the central pairs of retaining elements (15) can have a lower spring stiffness than the pairs of retaining elements (14) adjacent to the connector center (4). As a result, they can also yield softly and flexibly when attaching a hollow profile (3) or the end of a hollow profile and then cling to the inside of the respective profile side wall (43).

The middle finding (6) of the connector (1) can be designed in different ways. In the embodiment shown, it is in accordance with figure 4 and 12 formed by cut-away, laterally flared and mutually directed resilient stop lugs (32) on the free edge (13) of the side walls (12). A hollow profile (3) pushed on at the end travels over the first resiliently yielding stop lugs (32) and then hits the other stop lugs (32) arranged beyond the middle of the connector (4).

Alternatively, it is possible to find the center (6) by means of fixed stops acting on one side or both sides, or a combination of spring lugs and fixed stops. Wedge-like fixed stops acting on one side can be arranged at the center of the connector (4) on only one side wall (12) and with a mutual axial offset. The fixed stops can have a modified stop function.

According to Figure 1 to 3 and 5 one or more passage openings (39) can be arranged on the bottom (12). In the embodiment shown, two through openings (39) are arranged on either side of the connector center (4). The through openings (39) are arranged centrally and are designed as axially aligned elongated holes. You can each of the connector center (4) be a piece spaced axially.

The connector (1) or its base (11) has a base tongue (36) with a reinforcement (37) on each of the end faces (9). The bottom tongue protrudes obliquely upwards. The stiffening (37) can be formed, for example, by a twist (38) on the outer edge of the tongue. For this purpose, there is an axial incision in the middle area on the outer edge of the tongue, through which a left and right half of the tongue are formed. One of these tongue halves is then bent upwards and one downwards, forming an offset, as a result of which the said entanglement (38) arises.

An identifier (41) can be located on the bottom (11) or at another point of the connector (1), which can be used to identify the connector (1), e.g. with regard to its width dimension or its suitability or purpose for a specific width or width. Inside width of a hollow profile (3).

Figure 16 to 18 illustrate by way of example part of the manufacture of the connector (1) and the one or more torsional deformations (26). The plug connector (1) is made from a flat metal plate (45) by stamping and bending. The respective retaining elements (14, 15, 16) and possibly also the free edge (13) and the center finding (6) are first punched out on the circuit board (45). The retaining elements (14, 15, 16) or their front free area (22) are also separated from the side wall (12) in the area of the lower edge (19) by a separating cut (27).

A deployment tool (46) is used in each case to form the torsional deformation (26) of the retaining elements (14,15,16). This can for example as cylindrical punch with a conical or rounded head part (47) and optionally a front flattening. The respective deployment tool (46) is advanced along its longitudinal axis and transversely to the main plane of the board (45) to form the torsional deformation (26). The tapered head part (47) hits the upper and front end area of the respective retaining element (14, 15, 16). This is in particular the transition point between the upper edge (18) and the front edge (20). This area is first and foremost contacted by the deployment tool (46) and taken with it during the feed movement. This causes the relevant retaining element (14, 15, 16) to tilt and twist about its longitudinal axis (25).

During the further feed movement, the deployment tool (46) also comes into contact with the other areas of the relevant retaining element (14,15,16) and bends it outwards, bending it around the bending point (17) and placing it outwards from the plane of the side wall . Figure 16 to 18 show this end position of the retaining elements (14,15,16), the deployment tools (46) being shown in a distanced position for the sake of clarity. During this manufacturing process, the respective retaining element (14,15,16) is moved from its initial position, which is in the plane of the board, to the in Figure 16 to 18 shown, issued final position brought.

Modifications to the embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. In particular, the aforementioned configurations and modifications can be combined with one another and also interchanged as desired. The torsional deformation (26) and the tilting movement of the one or more retaining elements (14,15,16) can be designed differently, in that the lower edge (19) or the lower corner (24) is further outward lies as the top edge (18) or the top corner (23). The deployment tool (46) and its head part (47) can be modified accordingly for this purpose. Furthermore, the through-openings (39) and possibly also the edge-side bottom beads (40) can be omitted. The bottom tongues (36) can also be designed in a different way. In addition, the number of retaining elements (14, 15, 16) can vary. On the connector legs (7,8) and their left and right side walls (12), there can be two retaining elements (14,16) instead of the three retaining elements (14,15,16) shown. In this case, for example, the retaining elements (14, 16) close to the center and at the front can be retained and have the configuration described above, with the central retaining element (15) being omitted.

REFERENCE LIST

1

connector

2

connector

3

Hollow profile, spacer hollow profile

4

connector center

5

longitudinal direction

6

Center finding, center stop

7

connector leg

8th

connector leg

9

face

10

cavity

11

floor

12

side wall, side bar

13

free edge

14

retaining element, retaining nose

15

retaining element, retaining nose

16

retaining element, retaining nose

17

bending point

18

top edge

19

bottom edge

20

leading edge

21

transition area

22

free front area

23

corner above

24

corner below

25

longitudinal axis

26

torsional deformation

27

Separation cut, free cut

28

sidewall area

29

trailing edge

30

throat

31

wall section

32

stop nose

33

face

34

leading edge

35

hump

36

ground tongue

37

stiffening

38

entanglement, misalignment

39

passage opening

40

floor bead

41

identifier

42

profile wall, profile floor

43

profile wall, side wall

44

profile wall, profile roof

45

circuit board

46

exhibition tool

47

headboard

48

perforation

49

joint

50

Transition floor/side wall

51

outside

H

Height of a restraining element

b

Width of a restraining element

l

axial length of a restraining element

w

Width of a pair of restraining elements

according to

cut length

wt

parting width

a

tilting angle side wall

β

Angle side wall and floor

g

Trailing edge angle

Claims (15)

Connectors for hollow profiles (3) of spacers in insulating glazing, which are designed as metallic hollow profiles (3) with metallic inner sides of the hollow profile walls (43, 44, 45), the connector (1) having an essentially U-shaped cross section with open end faces ( 9), an axially continuous inner cavity (10) and a base (11) pointing towards the interior of the insulating glazing in the installed position, as well as peripheral side walls (12) starting from the base (11) and a center location (6), with the free edge (13 ) of the side walls (12), several laterally flared, resilient retaining elements (14,15,16) are arranged which, in the side view, have a rectangular shape with upper and lower edges (18,19) and with have a front edge (20) aligned transversely thereto and are bent out laterally at their rear transition area (21) at a bending point (17) from the side wall (12), wherein at least one retaining element (14,15,16) has a torsional deformation (26) about its longitudinal axis (25), which is preferably tilted outwards, in its free front region (22). Connector according to Claim 1, characterized in that the side wall (12) adjoining a retaining element (14, 15, 16) and the bending point (17) has a side wall region (28) with a rear flank (29 ) has, wherein preferably the sloping back flank (29) at the lower end in an acute-angled, preferably rounded groove (30) in an upright and transverse to the bottom (11) aligned side wall section (31) which preferably ends at the front edge (20) of the next retaining element (15,16). Connector claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector (1) on the end faces (9) each have a starting bevel (34) on the free edge (13) of the side walls (12), which has a protruding hump (35) in the upper edge (18) of the retaining element (16) adjacent to the end face (9). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining elements (14,15,16) preferably have straight and parallel upper and lower edges (18,19) and preferably one aligned transversely to the upper and lower edges (18,19). , preferably straight front edge (20) with upper and lower corners (23,24). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining elements (14,15,16) are separated from their side wall (12) on the underside by a thin straight axial separating cut (27) with closely adjacent parallel cutting edges. Connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the thin axial separating cut (27) has a cutting width (wt) of 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.01 mm to 0.1mm. Connector according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the lengths (lt) of the axial separating cuts (27) of the retaining elements (14, 15, 16) are between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 2 .5 mm. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining elements (14, 15, 16) arranged on either side of a connector center (4) on the respective side walls (12) have different heights (h1, h2) above the base (11). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining elements (14, 15, 16) arranged on either side of a connector center (4) on the respective side walls (12) have different widths (b15, b15, b16) along their front edge (20). . Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining elements (14) arranged on both sides of a connector center (4) on the respective side walls (12) adjacent to the connector center (4) have a higher spring stiffness than the other retaining elements (15, 16). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposing pairs of retaining elements (14,15,16) on both sides of a central longitudinal direction (5) of the connector (1) have different deployment widths (w1,w2), the respective the end face (9) adjacent pairs of retaining elements (16) a lower Have deployment width (w1) than the deployment width (w2) of the other pairs of retaining elements (14,15). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (12) are aligned perpendicularly to the base (11) or are directed outwards at a minimal angle and tilted at an angle (α) to the vertical. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (11) has one or more, preferably two, raised axial base beads (40) on the edge, which are each designed to accommodate an axial row of perforations (48) on the hollow profile (3) and with each lateral distance to the adjacent longitudinal edge of the base (11) and to the transition (50) there to the side wall (12) is/are arranged, with the outside (51) of the otherwise preferably flat base (2) on both sides of the base bead(s) ( 40) is arranged at the same height. Plug-in connection of spacers in insulating glazing, the plug-in connection (2) having a metallic hollow profile (3) with metallic inner sides of the hollow profile walls (43,44,45) and an inserted plug connector (1), characterized in that the plug connector (1) according to a of claims 1 to 13. Plug connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the base (11) of the connector (1) is arranged on a profile base (42) of the hollow profile (3), which points to the interior of the insulating glazing, with preference being given to the Bottom (11) of the connector (1) at its central bottom area and at its transitions (50) to the side walls (12) on the profile bottom (42) rests flat.

Images