WO2005075783A1

WO2005075783A1 - Insulating glass panel and method for the production thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2005075783A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/001080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl Lenhardt
Original assignee: Karl Lenhardt
Priority date: 2004-02-03
Filing date: 2005-02-03
Publication date: 2005-08-18

Abstract

The invention relates to an insulating glass panel in which two individual glass panels (2, 3) are stuck together by a frame-type spacer (4) provided with a base (5) and two limbs (11) that extend from the base and are interconnected to form one component only by means of the base (5). Said base (5) is outwardly oriented and a gap is formed above the base (5), between the limbs. At least one type of sealing substance (19, 20; 25) is provided between the limbs (11) of the spacer (4) and the two adjacent glass panels (2, 3), and a section (18) containing a drying agent adheres to the spacer (4). According to the invention, said section (18) is arranged at a distance from the base (5) and bridges the gap between the limbs (11).

Description

Insulating glass pane and process for its manufacture

The invention relates to an insulating glass pane with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1. Such an insulating glass pane is known for example from DE 28 16437 C2.

In known insulating glass panes, two individual glass panes are glued together by a frame-shaped spacer. The spacers mostly consist of metallic hollow profiles, in particular of aluminum or steel, which have legs facing the individual glass panes. It is known to apply a primary, non-setting sealant to the legs of the frame-shaped spacer, which is usually a polyisobutylene, which is a thermoplastic butyl rubber. From DE 28 03 132 C2 it is known to place the spacer for coating with the primary sealant on a horizontal conveyor, to lean against a supporting wall and to pass it with its leg lying on the horizontal conveyor between two mutually facing nozzles, with which on both legs a strand of the primary sealant is applied to the spacer. Get one. Corner of the spacer between the nozzles, the feed is interrupted and the spacer is pivoted through 90 ° against its normal direction, whereby the next leg of the frame-shaped spacer comes to rest on the horizontal conveyor, which is then coated next. This is how you proceed until the entire spacer is coated on its legs. A spacer prepared in this way is then glued to a first glass pane in a first assembly station and a second glass pane is glued to the free leg of the spacer in another assembly station and the assembly thus formed is pressed to a thickness specified for the insulating glass pane in a surface press.

The primary sealing compound not only serves to seal the insulating glass pane against the ingress of moisture or - if the insulating glass pane is covered with air

BESTÄTIGUΝGSKOPIE different gas - against the loss of gas other than air. As an assembly aid, the primary sealing compound also brings about a provisional cohesion of the insulating glass pane, which is subsequently permanently secured in the prior art by a secondary sealing compound. In the known insulating glass panes, the secondary sealing compound is filled into an edge joint which is delimited by the outside of the spacer and the two adjacent glass panes. The vast majority of the secondary sealant is accordingly on the outside of the spacer between the two individual glass panes and at most a smaller part of it penetrates into the two gaps between the two legs of the spacer and the glass panes, where it meets the primary sealant and connects to it. From US 5,439,716 A it is known to provide both the primary and the secondary sealing compound only between the legs of a spacer, which is formed from a hollow profile made of steel, and the adjacent glass panes.

It is known to use a hardening plastic mass as the secondary sealing mass, which produces a rigid bond between the two individual glass panes. Thiocols and polyurethanes are used as secondary sealing compounds in insulating glass panes.

In order to reduce the manufacturing outlay for an insulating glass pane, it is known to use a solid thermoplastic spacer instead of spacers which are formed from hollow profile bars, which is in situ by means of a nozzle which is moved along the edge of a single glass pane the glass sheet is extruded and then glued to it by attaching a second glass sheet. The spacer extruded in situ acts as a primary sealant. To permanently secure the firm bond between the individual glass panes of the insulating glass pane, a secondary sealing compound is also required in this case, which is filled into the edge joint, which is on the outside of the thermoplastic spacer and extends from one to the other glass pane. An insulating glass pane, which is formed by the fact that glass panes are glued together at the edge with the interposition of a spacer, require a desiccant which binds moisture present in the interior of the insulating glass pane so that the inside of the glass panes does not fall below the dew point when cooling. It is known to provide the desiccant in the spacer. If, as in the prior art, the spacer is formed from one or more hollow profile bars, these usually contain the desiccant in the form of a loosely filled granulate (US Pat. No. 5,439,716 A), which is connected to the interior space of the insulating glass pane via a perforation on the inside of the spacer stands.

From US 6,470,561 B1 an insulating glass pane with a spacer is known, which is formed from a U-profile made of steel, the base of which is directed outwards and the legs of which are directed into the interior of the insulating glass pane. Such a spacer has no cavity for receiving a desiccant; instead, this is embedded in a gas-permeable strand, for example made of polyurethane, which adheres to the inside of the base of the U-profile in a self-adhesive manner. Such a spacer can be made cheaper with curved corners than a spacer from hollow metal profiles which are filled with loose desiccant. However, they are more unstable than spacers made of curved hollow profile bars and are therefore only suitable for small-format insulating glass panes. Insulating glass panes manufactured with it are known under the trade name Intercept. They also look less appealing than conventional insulating glass panes.

The present invention is based on the object of showing a further possibility of obtaining inexpensive insulating glass panes which are suitable, in particular for mass production, without restrictions in terms of quality and dimensions.

This object is achieved by an insulating glass pane with the features specified in claims 1 and 2. Claims 42 and 44 specify methods for producing such an insulating glass pane. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. In an insulating glass pane according to the invention, two individual glass panes are glued together by a frame-shaped spacer. The spacer has a base and two legs extending from the base, which are integrally connected to one another via the base, but not at their ends remote from the base. The legs are preferably connected to one another in one piece only via the base. Above the base there is a space between the legs, which is bridged by a strand containing a desiccant, which extends best from the base over the full length of the legs and is glued to them. This has important advantages, which work together in a sensible way: ♦ If the legs of the spacer are only integrally connected to each other at the base of the spacer, this is favorable for a low heat transfer between the individual glass panes.

♦ The strand containing a desiccant is not applied to the base, but as a bridge between the legs at a distance from the base. This means that a space remains between the base and the strand, which is favorable for a low heat transfer between the individual glass panes.

♦ A free space closed off by the strand with the desiccant can contribute to the sealing of the insulating glass pane. Water vapor, which for some reason, for example as a result of porosity, a crack or as a result of corrosion of the spacer, passes into the space closed off by the strand, is retained there and finally absorbed by the desiccant, so that it does not reach the interior of the insulating glass pane ,

♦ The invention enables a double barrier against the penetration of water vapor, which a porous desiccant-containing mass applied to the base of the spacer according to US Pat. No. 6,470,561 B1 does not offer because the moisture can migrate around the desiccant-containing mass or penetrate through the legs , An additional barrier can be formed by an intermediate wall connecting the legs of the spacer profile, which partition lies between the strand containing a desiccant and the base of the spacer profile, specifically at a distance from the base and preferably also with Distance from the strand. The intermediate wall can be thin and it can increase the mechanical stability of the spacer profile.

♦ The above-mentioned advantage of an improved water vapor barrier is significantly increased if the strand is formed not from a porous material but from a dense material, for example from a material based on polyisobutylene. In this case, the strand acts not only as an absorber, but also as a seal. Nevertheless, it can fulfill its task of binding moisture out of the interior of the insulating glass pane because long diffusion times can be accepted without disadvantage. ♦ The space formed in the spacer has the further advantage that the spacer appears well filled with the material containing the desiccant, even though the space available in the spacer is only partially filled.

♦ This has the further advantage that the attractive appearance of the spacer in the insulating glass pane can be achieved with a minimum of material which contains a desiccant.

♦ The strand can be extruded onto the legs in situ.

♦ Fluctuations in the throughput of the material through a nozzle with which the material containing a desiccant is extruded can be compensated for by the nozzle smoothing the surface of the strand in a defined manner and, if necessary, displacing any excess material into the space between the legs , so that even with metering inaccuracies the surface of the strand is uniformly smooth.

♦ The invention is suitable for different spacers, in particular for those made of extruded plastic profiles.

The bridging of the legs of the spacer by the strand is made easier if at least one has the legs at a distance from the base a projection which extends into the space between the legs, narrows the gap between them and at the same time provides a surface which fu ^r applying the strand is particularly suitable. Such an extension stabilizes the position of the strand. The strand with the Desiccant can penetrate into the gap between the legs, which is narrowed by the at least one extension, and lead to mechanical interlocking between the at least one extension and the strand, which secures the position of the strand even if the adhesive adhesion of the strand is inadequate should be or would be inadequate. If such an extension is present on at least one of the legs of the spacer profile, it suffices if the strand bridges the gap between the extension and the opposite leg or - if two mutually opposite extensions are present - bridges the gap between the two extensions.

Spacers are preferably used, which have an extension extending along their length on both legs and the two extensions are directed towards one another. This is the cheapest for the manufacture and coating of the spacer.

The projections extending from the legs preferably taper in the direction of the opposite leg. It is particularly preferred that the extensions taper to a point. In this way, the material expenditure for the spacer, which is preferably a plastic profile, can be minimized, the free space remaining under the extensions is maximized and the heat transfer between the individual glass panes is minimized. In addition, tapered extensions are particularly suitable for interlocking the extensions with the strand in which a desiccant is stored.

The strand in which a desiccant is stored preferably has a convex upper side. It could protrude beyond the ends of the legs of the spacer that are remote from the base. However, the strand with the desiccant should preferably not protrude beyond the ends of the legs of the spacer into the space between the individual glass panes. Rather, it is preferred that the free end of the respective extension removed from the respective leg lies below a plane which delimits the two ends of the two legs of the spacer which are remote from the base. Preferably, the extensions are overall below the level mentioned. This can be achieved, for example, by having the extensions of one in the middle area of the legs point and approach the shortest way to the opposite leg, or by starting from the ends of the legs which are distant from the base, but approaching the opposite leg and at the same time the base.

The extensions preferably lie opposite one another at a distance. This helps to save material and reduce the thermal bridge between the individual glass panes. However, it is also possible, in particular in the case of tapered extensions, for the extensions to touch without integrally merging.

The extensions are preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal symmetry plane that intersects the base of the spacer. This is the cheapest for manufacturing.

The spacer itself is preferably made from an extruded plastic profile; In this way, the spacer profile with its two legs and the projections extending therefrom, which carry the strand with the desiccant, can be produced particularly cheaply,

The strand can be colored as desired by the customer. It preferably consists of a plastic which is only so slightly permeable to water vapor that the moisture present in the interior of the insulating glass pane can actually still be absorbed by the desiccant. The strand of pasty plastic in which a desiccant is dispersed is preferably extruded directly onto the extension (s), where it cools, glued to the spacer and bridging the gap between the legs or their extensions. Such a strand can be extruded simultaneously or overlapping in time in the same station in which a primary and optionally a secondary sealing compound is applied to the legs of the spacer profile. A particularly suitable material for the strand is a thermoplastic adhesive, in particular based on polyisobutylene, for example a material which is also used for thermoplastic spacers in insulating glass panes and under the TPS® brand is processed on machines from Lenhardt Maschinenbau GmbH (WO96 / 06456 A2). However, it is also possible to use materials which can otherwise be used as primary or secondary sealing compounds in insulating glass panes, for example a hot-melt, polyurethane, thiokol or a silicone.

To produce an insulating glass pane according to the invention, one preferably proceeds by first providing a profile bar from which a frame-shaped spacer is formed. To form the strand containing the desiccant, apply a pasty, adhesive mass containing the desiccant to the straight profile bar. The mass is applied, for example, to the side of the legs of the profile bar facing away from the base of the profile bar, in particular to the at least one extension, the one

Leg of the profile rod preferably has in order to obtain a surface which is particularly suitable for the application of the pasty mass. At the same time or overlapping in time, a primary sealing compound, in particular a polyisobutylene, is applied to the outer sides of the two legs. Then the profile bar is formed into a frame-like structure and closed. This can be done by joining four straight profile bars with corner connectors to form the frame-like structure. However, the frame is preferably formed from a single profile bar, which is provided with curved corners for this purpose. Any necessary machining operations at the locations provided for the corners and at the ends of the profile bars are carried out before the desiccant-containing composition and the primary sealing composition are applied. The coated spacer is attached to a first glass pane and glued to it. Then a second glass pane is placed parallel to the first glass pane on the spacer and glued to it. The semi-finished insulating glass pane formed in this way is pressed to its predetermined thickness. Finally, the spacer is connected to the two glass panes by applying a secondary, hardening sealing compound in order to obtain a mechanically firm bond between the insulating glass panes. The secondary sealing compound can extend over the entire base of the spacer from one glass pane to the other glass pane, but it can also be limited to a gap between the outside of the two legs of the spacer and the adjacent glass panes. In the latter case, the secondary Sealant can also be applied at the same time or overlapping with the primary sealant on the still straight profile bar, which has not yet been closed to the frame.

If a primary sealing compound is used, which provides both an adequate seal and a sufficiently firm mechanical bond between the insulating glass pane, a separate secondary sealing compound can be dispensed with; such a primary sealant may, for example, be a reactive hot melt, a hot melt adhesive with e.g. thermosetting (crosslinking) component. A single sealing compound can be used if its properties combine sufficient sealing capacity with sufficient strength. It should set and harden to achieve strength and at the same time retain a certain permanent elasticity in order to achieve the required seal.

However, the invention is not dependent on working with only one type of sealing compound. For a long service life of the insulating glass panes, it is beneficial to use two sealing compounds that complement each other in their properties: a primary sealing compound, which like polyisobutylene, is particularly suitable for sealing, and a secondary sealing compound, which is particularly suitable for permanent, permanent connection the glass panes have, in particular, a hardening plastic mass, such as for example a polyurethane or a thiokol (polysulfide), a reactive polyisobutylene, a silicone or also a reactive hot-melt.

Both the primary sealing compound and the secondary sealing compound can be applied to the outside leg of the spacer before the insulating glass pane is assembled. This can be done at the same time, for example by coextrusion, or one after the other or overlapping in time, preferably first the primary sealing compound and then the secondary sealing compound. The primary sealing compound expediently adjoins the interior of the insulating glass pane and the secondary sealing compound directly adjoins the side of the primary sealing compound facing away from the interior of the insulating glass pane and extends to the edge of the Insulating glass pane. The primary sealing compound, which is preferably applied in front of the secondary sealing compound, already represents an effective barrier for the secondary sealing compound when the secondary sealing compound is being applied. This barrier cannot be overcome by the secondary sealing compound when pressing the insulating glass pane. A two-stage bond which is advantageous for the tightness and the cohesion of the insulating glass pane is thus achieved. Both sealing compounds are preferably applied in one and the same station, so that a separate sealing station, in which, in the prior art, the secondary sealing compound is applied only after the glass panes have been joined to form an insulating glass pane (DE 28 16 437 C2) can be dispensed with. Since the sealing stations are generally the most expensive stations in an insulating glass production line, this means enormous cost savings with considerably less space.

The primary sealing compound and the secondary sealing compound can already be applied to the legs of the profile bars before these are formed into a spacer frame. A device such as that described in DE 28 03 132 C2 for moving and pivoting spacer frames when coating their legs with a primary sealing compound is not required in such a way of producing an insulating glass pane.

The invention is suitable not only for insulating glass panes in which two individual glass panes are glued to one another by a frame-shaped spacer, but also for insulating glass panes in which more than two glass panes are bonded to one another in pairs by a frame-shaped spacer, in particular for insulating glass panes which three individual glass panes are glued together by two frame-shaped spacers.

The spacer is preferably arranged such that it is flush with the edges of the individual glass panes. In the case of stepped insulating glass panes which are composed of a larger and a smaller glass pane, the spacer is accordingly preferably flush with the edge of the smaller glass pane. On flush closure enables the greatest sealing depth and reduces both the risk of chipping from the edge of the insulating glass pane and its contamination by any overflowing sealing compound. The spacer can even be arranged in such a way that it protrudes beyond the edge of the individual glass panes and thus itself forms the edge of the insulating glass pane. This also reduces the risk of chipping from the edge of the insulating glass pane, in particular when transporting and installing the insulating glass pane in a window frame or in a facade.

Optimal protection of the edges of the glass panes is achieved with an embodiment in which the spacer has a base with two extensions which extend beyond the legs of the spacer in opposite directions and which cover the edges of the individual glass panes and preferably lie against them. The edges of the glass panes are then completely protected and whenever the insulating glass pane is set up, it stands on the base of the spacer and its extensions. These extensions preferably extend continuously in the longitudinal direction of the spacer profile, but could also be interrupted without a major loss of protection. This embodiment considerably simplifies the handling of freshly produced insulating glass panes:

Since there is no obstructive sealing compound on the edge of the insulating glass pane, but is hidden between the edge of the glass pane and the lateral extensions of the spacer, the insulating glass pane can be stacked ready for dispatch or inserted directly into window frames without having to wait for the sealing compound to harden.

Suitable spacers are those which are formed from metal or plastic profile bars. In the case of spacers made of plastic in particular, it is advantageous if they have a base which is 2 mm to 5 mm thick, in particular 2.5 mm to 4 mm. Such a base, which is significantly thicker than in the case of spacers in the prior art, is advantageous not only because it improves the gas tightness and water vapor tightness of the insulating glass pane, but also because it increases the mechanical stability of the spacer, the formation of corners in the spacer without the use favors separate corner connectors, as disclosed in German patent application 102004005 354.5, filed by the same applicant, and connecting profiled bars for spacers without using separate straight connectors, as disclosed in German patent application 102004005 471.1, filed by the same applicant.

The spacer preferably consists at least partially of a plastic. Plastic profiles suitable for the invention can be inexpensively formed in long lengths by extrusion. Plastic spacers enable less heat transfer from one glass pane to the other glass pane than metallic spacers. In order to increase the gas tightness and vapor tightness of the insulating glass pane, it can be advantageous if the outside of the base of the spacer is metallic. For example, it can be thinly metallized, which does not significantly increase the heat transfer through the spacer. It is also possible to use a coextrusion process to produce a plastic spacer profile which is provided on the outside of its base with a metal foil.

Another advantageous possibility of improving the gas-tightness and vapor-tightness of a plastic spacer consists in embedding a diffusion barrier, in particular a metal foil, in the base of the spacer. Such an internal diffusion barrier can be embedded in the spacer profile using a coextrusion process.

On the outside of the legs of the profile rod, a concave surface area running in the longitudinal direction thereof is preferably provided, on which the secondary sealing compound is preferably applied. On the side of the concave surface area facing away from the base of the spacer there is preferably a flat surface area on which the primary sealing compound is applied. This flat surface area results in a defined sealing gap of a predetermined width and depth for the primary sealing compound, which is of particular importance for the gas tightness and vapor tightness. On the other side of the concave Surface area, ie in the vicinity of the outer edge of the insulating glass pane, the spacer expediently has a further flat surface area which runs parallel to the first flat surface area on which the primary sealing compound adheres. The two flat surface areas are preferably coplanar. This facilitates the correct alignment of the spacer when pressing the insulating glass pane. The secondary sealing compound is also applied to this further flat surface area or it is displaced there from the concave surface area of the spacer when the insulating glass pane is pressed.

The secondary sealing compound should extend in the gap between the legs of the spacer and the glass panes over a depth of at least 5 mm, more preferably over a depth of 6 mm to 8 mm. The secondary sealing compound preferably extends over the entire height of the legs of the spacer insofar as these are not covered by the primary sealing compound. If a primary sealant has been applied to the thighs, the secondary sealant immediately adjoins them, with gaps to be avoided as far as possible. If only one sealing compound is used, which effects both the required sealing and the permanent mechanical bond, then this should also extend over the entire height of the legs of the spacer. A large sealing depth, which is made possible without reducing the clear internal dimension of the frame-shaped spacer, if any sealing compound is only provided between the spacer and the two individual glass panes, because the spacer can then be arranged flush with the edge of the glass panes, only favors working with a single sealing compound, which can be, for example, a reactive, one-component sealant and adhesive based on a polyisobutylene (butyl) or a reactive hot-melt adhesive (hot-melt). By using such an adhesive and sealant as the sole sealing compound, cost savings can be achieved in the production of insulating glass. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding parts are identified in the various examples with the same reference numbers.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through part of an insulating glass pane according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows in detail a cross section through the spacer used in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows the spacer from FIG. 2 coated with a primary sealing compound and with a strand of desiccant applied,

FIG. 4 shows the spacer from FIG. 3 additionally coated with a secondary sealing compound,

FIG. 5 shows the spacer from FIG. 4 between two glass panes in the phase of assembling the insulating glass pane,

FIG. 6 shows a section of the insulating glass pane in FIG. 1 in an oblique view,

FIG. 7 shows, in a representation as in FIG. 4, a spacer with a modified cross-sectional shape, which is coated with only a single sealing compound, without a strand containing desiccant,

FIG. 8 shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 1, an insulating glass pane in which the spacer from FIG. 7 is inserted after application of a strand containing desiccant,

FIG. 9 shows the insulating glass pane from FIG. 8 in an oblique view,

FIG. 10 shows, as in FIG. 7, a third example of a spacer with a modified cross-sectional shape, FIG. 11 shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 8, an insulating glass pane in which the spacer from FIG. 10 is inserted,

FIG. 12 shows the insulating glass pane from FIG. 11 in an oblique view,

FIG. 13 shows a cross section through a third exemplary embodiment of a spacer,

FIG. 14 shows, in a representation as in FIG. 3, the spacer after the application of a strand with desiccant and a primary sealing compound,

FIG. 15 shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 1, an insulating glass pane with the spacer from FIG. 14 in cross section,

FIG. 16 shows the insulating glass pane from FIG. 15 in an oblique view,

FIG. 17 shows the insulating glass pane from FIG. 15 with a rung inserted

FIGS. 18 to 22 show, in representations corresponding to FIGS. 13 to 16, an exemplary embodiment with a fourth embodiment of a spacer and the

FIGS. 23 to 27 show, in representations corresponding to FIGS. 13 to 16, an example with a fifth embodiment of a spacer,

FIG. 28 shows an oblique view of the area of a connection point in a spacer,

FIG. 29 shows the connection of two profile rod ends by means of a wedge,

FIG. 30 shows, in a sectional representation corresponding to FIG. 8, a further exemplary embodiment of an insulating glass pane, and FIG. 31 shows, in a sectional representation as in FIG. 30, a last exemplary embodiment of an insulating glass pane.

Figure 1 shows a section of an insulating glass pane 1, consisting of two individual glass panes 2 and 3, between which there is a frame-shaped spacer 4, which is shown as an individual part in Figure 2. In cross section, the spacer 4 has a profile derived from a C profile with a base 5 which has a flat outer side 6. From the opposite inner side 7 of the base 5, two mirror-like legs 11 extend, which have short projections 8 directed towards one another at their ends remote from the base 5. The legs 11 of the spacer 4 facing the glass panes 2 and 3 have a first flat surface area 13 adjacent to the inside 12 of the spacer 4, a second flat surface area 14 adjacent to the outside 6 of the base 5 and a concave surface area 15 between them, the lowest point of which at the level of the inside 7 of the base 5.

The spacer 4 is formed from a plastic profile rod, which can be produced by extrusion. The base 5 of the spacer 4 is preferably thicker than its legs 11. The base 5 is preferably 2.5 mm to 4 mm thick at the thinnest point. The height of the spacer profile, measured from the outside 6 of the base 5 to the opposite inside 12 of the spacer 4, is preferably 10 mm to 12 mm. The inner side 12 of the spacer 4 is understood here to mean the end surface of the legs 11 or legs facing away from the base 5, which faces the interior 17 of the insulating glass pane.

Between the base 5 and the short projections 8 of the legs 11, these have longitudinal extensions 36, which are directed towards one another without touching, so that there is a longitudinal gap 37 between them, which is preferably narrower than the gap between the projections 8. The structure of the spacer profile is symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane 38 intersecting the base 5. Patent application 100 2004 005 747.6, filed by the same inventor with the German Patent Office, discloses how a rectangular frame can be formed from such profile bars by bending.

On the extensions 36 there is a strand 18 which contains a desiccant. For this purpose, the strand 18 can be formed, for example, from a plastic as a matrix material, in which a granular or powdery drying agent is incorporated. The strand 18 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and is best extruded directly hot onto the extensions 36, on which it adheres firmly after cooling. Part of the material penetrates into the gap 37 and interlocks there with the edges of the extensions 36. A space 39 remains in the spacer 4 under the strand 18.

In order to be able to connect such a spacer 4 with two glass panes 2 and 3 to form an insulating glass pane, a strand of a primary sealing compound 19 is applied to the flat surface region 13 of the two legs 11 of the spacer 4 (FIG. 3), whereas the concave surface region 15 a strand of a secondary sealing compound 20 is applied to each of the two legs 11 (FIG. 4). The primary sealant 19 is preferably a non-setting polyisobutylene. The secondary sealant 20 is preferably a setting polyurethane or thiokol. The secondary sealing compound 20 is preferably applied slightly offset after the primary sealing compound 19 because the strand of the primary sealing compound 19 then forms a barrier for the secondary sealing compound 20. For this purpose, the nozzles for the two sealing compounds can be arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the profile rod forming the spacer, so that a profile rod moved past the nozzles first passes through the nozzle for the primary sealing compound and then through the nozzle for the secondary sealing compound. Alternatively, you can fix the profile bar and move the nozzles along it. In this case, the nozzle for the primary sealant should run in front of the nozzle for the secondary sealant. In order that the secondary sealing compound 20 does not slide over the primary sealing compound 19, the secondary sealing compound 20 is preferably applied somewhat flatter than the primary sealing compound 19, as shown in FIG. 4, so that a step-shaped shoulder 21 is formed between the primary sealing compound 19 and the secondary sealing compound 20. Despite the offset between the application of the primary and secondary sealants 19 and 20, both can be applied in one and the same device in the manner described above. At the same time, the strand 18, which contains a desiccant, can be extruded onto the extensions 36 in the same device.

If the spacer 4 is coated and the strand 18 is applied to the extensions 36, as shown in FIG. 4, it can be attached to one of the two glass panes 2, 3 and then the other glass pane 3, 2 attached to the opposite side of the spacer 4 and the The distance between the glass panes 2, 3 can be reduced by pressing to a predetermined thickness for the insulating glass pane (FIG. 5). However, it is also possible to insert the spacer 4 coated as in FIG. 4 between two glass panes 2, 3 arranged parallel to one another and then to move them against the spacer 4 and to compress them to the predetermined thickness (FIG. 5). The strands formed from the primary sealing compound 19 and the secondary sealing compound 20 are compressed, part of the sealing compound is displaced and completely fills the gap between the legs 11 and the glass panes 2, 3, as shown in FIG. 1. With correct dosing of the sealing compounds 19, 20, neither primary sealing compound 19 swells over the inside 12 of the spacer 4 into the interior 17 of the insulating glass pane 1 nor does secondary sealing compound 20 swell outwards from the insulating glass pane 1.

It should also be pointed out that it is expedient if the primary and the secondary sealing compounds 19 and 20 are applied to the legs 11 such that the width of the spacer 4, including the primary sealing compound 19 applied thereon, extends from the shoulder 21 towards the inside 12 of the spacer 4 decreases. Correspondingly, the one measured via the secondary sealing compound 20 increases

Width of the spacer 4 from the paragraph 21 starting from the base 5. This has the advantage that no bubbles are included in the sealing compounds 19, 20 when the insulating glass pane 1 is pressed, because the air, starting from paragraph 21, comes out of the gap is displaced on the one hand into the interior 17 and on the other hand into the external environment (FIG. 5).

The spacer 4 is preferably matched to the size of the glass panes 2 and 3 in such a way that they have the same circumference. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the outside 6 of the base 5 of the spacer 4 is flush with the edge of the two glass panes 2 and 3. From the edge of the insulating glass pane 1 to the inside 12 of the spacer 4 there is a large sealing depth with a moderate gap width, which is advantageous both for sealing the insulating glass pane 1 and for its firm bond.

The thickness of the base 5 is chosen so that it is sufficiently gas-tight and water-vapor-tight. In order to increase its gas tightness and water vapor tightness, additional measures can be taken: for example, a metal foil can be integrated into the base 5 or the outside of the base 5 can be covered with a thin metal foil which extends into the concave surface area 15 on both sides.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the extensions 36 of the spacer 4 are not made blunt, but tapering, whereby they approach each other more closely than in the first exemplary embodiment, but without touching each other.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 in that the tapering extensions 36 do not start from the central region of the legs 11, but from the ends of the legs which are remote from the base 5 11, the extensions 36 taking the place of the short projections 8 provided in the previous exemplary embodiments. While in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 7 to 9, the extensions 36 approach the opposite leg 11 by the shortest route, they do not in the exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 10 to 12, but instead extend there approximately at an angle of 45 ° to the base 5 and the respective opposite leg 11. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10 to 12, particularly little material is needed for the spacer profile and the lowest heat transfer between the individual glass panes 2 and 3 is achieved.

The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 also differ from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that not two different sealing compounds but only a single sealing compound 25 is applied to the outside of the legs 11. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, it can be applied with a lenticular cross-section to the concave surface area 15 of the legs 11 and, when the insulating glass pane is pressed, is displaced into the gaps delimited by the two flat surface areas 13 and 14, so that it extends practically over the entire height of the legs 11.

In all of the exemplary embodiments described above, the strand 18 is arranged such that it does not protrude beyond the plane 16 which delimits the ends of the legs 11.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the legs 11 have a concave surface area 15 which is designed such that the width of the spacer 4 starts from the flat surface area 13 to the outside 6 of the base 5 and that the legs 11 on the base 5 no longer merge into a second flat surface area. In a departure from the first exemplary embodiment, the secondary sealing compound 20 is only applied retrospectively in the production of the insulating glass pane after the two glass panes 2 and 3 have been glued to the spacer 4 via the primary sealing compound 19. In addition, the outline of the spacer 4 is chosen to be somewhat smaller than the outline of the glass panes 2 and 3, so that the secondary sealing compound 20 also extends in a thin layer over the outside 6 of the base 5 from one glass pane 2 to the other glass pane 3 can.

The strand 18 extends close to the two glass panes 2 and 3 and essentially determines that with its appearance, which is preferably matt black Appearance of the spacer of the insulating glass pane. A matt black appearance is particularly favorable because it harmonizes with colored window frames and door frames and reflects their color without being intrusive.

FIG. 17 shows how a rung 22 can be arranged in such an insulating glass pane 1. The rung 22 is designed as a hollow profile rod and is connected to an end piece 23, which has a plate 24, from which a first extension 26 extends into the rung 22. From the other side of the plate 24, a second extension 27 extends through the strand 18 into the free space 9 under the strand 18, it being possible for a barb-shaped contour of the second extension 27 to engage behind the extensions 36 and reliably on Spacer 4 is anchored. A barbed contour of the first extension 26 can make it difficult to displace it in the rung 22. An unwanted movement of the rung 22 in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 4 is prevented by the strand 18 on which the plate 24 lies and which surrounds the second extension 27.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 22 differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 in that the extensions 36 of the legs 11 are designed to taper in a manner similar to that in the example in FIGS. 10 to 12 and that the size of the The spacer is the same in outline as the size of the glass panes 2 and 3, the secondary sealing compound 20 being arranged only between the legs 11 and the glass panes 2 and 3, but not covering the outside 6 of the base 5. Otherwise, the contour of the outside of the legs 11 is very similar to that in the example in FIGS. 13 to 17.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 26 differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that only one of the two legs 11 has an extension 36 which extends into the vicinity of the opposite leg 11. In this case too, the strand 18, which adheres to the extension 36, extends from the inside of one leg 11 to the opposite inside of the opposite leg 11. The convex contour of the strand 18 rises slightly above the inside 12 of the spacer 4, formed by the end faces of the legs 11 remote from the base 5. In this example with an asymmetrically constructed spacer profile, the extension 27 of the rung end piece 23 cannot extend into the space 39 under the strand 18 extend, but abuts the extension 36. The extension 27 can be anchored at the upper ends of the legs 11 formed with undercuts, and for this purpose is, for example, as shown in FIG.

In order not to make the connection point of the spacer frame 4 visible in the insulating glass pane, it is preferably covered with a badge 29, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 28. In the example shown, the badge 29 has two projections 30 on its back, which can be inserted through the desiccant-containing mass 18 into the space 39 underneath and thereby anchored. At the same time, the extensions 30 prevent the two plugged-together ends of the profile bar from shifting laterally against one another when further manipulation with the frame-shaped spacer 4. If such a badge 29 is undesirable, a lateral offset between the two profile rod ends can also be prevented by inserting a wedge 31 into the free space 39, as shown in FIG. This wedge 31 is then covered by the desiccant mass 18.

The wedge 31 and the extensions 30 of the badge 29 can also have barbs that resist pulling apart the profile rod ends. In such a case, the profile rod ends do not have to engage with one another in a complementary manner, as is shown, for example, in FIG. 8a; This is suitable to simplify the connection of the profile rod ends.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 also differs from the previous exemplary embodiments in that the legs 11 of the spacer profile are still connected at a distance from the base 5 by an intermediate wall 40. Such an intermediate wall 40 can increase its mechanical stability, in particular in the case of thin-walled spacer profiles. It can also be an abutment for form the insertion of rung end pieces. Finally, it forms an additional barrier against the diffusion of water vapor.

At the upper ends of the legs 11 extending against the length of the profile rod, directed against each other extensions 36 are provided, on oak the desiccant mass is applied as a strand. On the outside of the extensions 36, shoulders 41 are provided on the legs 11, which favor the anchoring of sealing compound 25 on the outside of the legs 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 28, a uniform sealing compound 25 is applied to the outside of the legs 11, e.g. a reactive hot-melt, which brings about both the necessary sealing between the spacer 4 and the glass panes of the insulating glass pane as well as the permanent and firm connection with them.

FIG. 30 shows a section through an insulating glass pane corresponding to FIG. 11. In contrast to the example in FIG. 11, however, in the example in accordance with FIG. 30 the spacer 4 is formed from a thin-walled profile bar, the flanks 11 of which are spaced from the base 5 by a parallel to the base 5 Partition 40 are connected. The upper ends of the legs 11 have mutually directed extensions 36 which protrude at right angles from the legs 11. The extensions 36 carry a strand 18 of a desiccant-containing mass, which extends almost over the entire width of the spacer profile. The strand 18 is preferably applied to the extensions 36 by extrusion in situ. However, it could also be prefabricated and applied to the extensions 36 like an adhesive tape.

A uniform sealing compound 25, for example a reactive hot melt, is applied to the outside of the legs 11, as in the example according to FIG. The spacer profile shown in FIG. 30 can be produced from plastic by extrusion. As in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 27, the intermediate wall 40 can serve as a support or abutment for a rung foot. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 31 differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 30 in that the spacer profile is a thin-walled box profile that is open on the inside and is essentially rectangular. It can be formed by extrusion from plastic or, for example, from rolls of sheet metal, in particular sheet steel. Another difference from FIG. 30 is that a primary sealing compound 19 has been applied to the outside of the legs 11, whereas an edge joint is provided on the outside of the base 5 between the glass panes 2 and 3, into which after the insulating glass pane has been assembled a secondary sealant 20 is filled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS:

1. Insulating glass pane

2. Glass pane

3. Glass pane 4. Spacer

5th base

6. Outside of 5

7. Inside of 5

8. Tabs

11. Leg, leg of the spacer

12. Inside of the spacer

13. first flat surface area

14. second flat surface area

15. concave surface area 16. level

17. Interior of the insulating glass pane

18th strand

19. Primary sealant

20th secondary sealant 21st paragraph

22. Rungs

23. End piece

24th plate

25. only sealing compound 26. first extension

27. second extension

29th badge

30. process

31. Wedge

36. Processes

37th gap

38th plane of symmetry

39. Free space

40. partition 41. shoulder

Claims

Expectations:

1. insulating glass pane, in which two individual glass panes (2, 3) are glued to one another by a frame-shaped spacer (4), which has a base (5) and two legs (11) extending from the base, which, although over the base (5 ), but not at their ends remote from the base (5), are integrally connected to one another, the base (5) facing outwards and above the base (5) between the legs (11), between the legs (11) of the spacer (4) and the two adjacent glass panes (2, 3) at least one type of sealing compound (19, 20; 25) is provided and a strand (18) adhering to the spacer (4) which contains a desiccant contains, characterized in that the strand (18) is arranged at a distance from the base (5) and bridges the gap between the legs (11).

2. Insulating glass pane, in which two individual glass panes (2, 3) are glued to one another by a frame-shaped spacer (4), which has a base (5) and two legs (11) extending from the base, which, although over the base (5 ), but not at their ends remote from the base (5), are integrally connected to one another, the base (5) facing outwards and above the base (5) between the legs (11), between the legs (11) of the spacer (4) and the two adjacent glass panes (2, 3) at least one type of sealing compound (19, 20; 25) is provided and a strand (18) adhering to the spacer (4) which is a desiccant contains, characterized in that at least one of the legs (11) at a distance from the base (5) has an extension (36) which extends into the space between the legs (11), and that the strand (18) in a distance from the base (5) is arranged un d bridges at least the space between the at least one extension (36) and the opposite leg (11) or extension (36).

3. Insulating glass pane according spoke 2, characterized in that both legs (11) have such an extension (36).

4. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one extension (36) extends over the entire circumference of the frame-shaped spacer (4).

5. Insulating glass pane according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the strand (18) adheres primarily to the side of the at least one extension (36) facing away from the base (5).

6. insulating glass pane according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the at least one extension (36) tapers in the direction of the opposite legs).

7. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 6, characterized in that the at least one extension (36) tapers.

8. Insulating glass pane according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the free end of the respective extension (36) removed from the respective leg (11) lies below a plane (16) which is located away from the base (5) Ends of the legs (11) limited.

9. insulating glass pane according spoke 8, characterized in that the extensions (36) are overall below the said level (16).

10. Insulating glass pane according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the extensions (36) are opposite each other at a distance.

11. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 10, characterized in that the extensions (36) are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a longitudinally extending plane of symmetry that intersects the base (5) of the spacer (4).

12. insulating glass pane according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the strand (18) in addition to the adhesion to the legs (11) and / or the at least one extension (36) with the at least one extension (36) also interlocked is.

13. Insulating glass pane according spoke 12, characterized in that there is a positive connection between the strand (1) and the at least one extension (36).

14. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 13, characterized in that the strand (18) engages around the edge of the extension (36).

15. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (11) are integrally connected to one another only via the base (5).

16. Insulating glass pane according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the legs (11) between the base (5) and their ends remote from the base (5) are connected by an intermediate wall (40).

17. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the strand (18) facing away from the base (5) is convex.

18. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strand (18) lies below the plane (16) which delimits the ends of the legs (16) which are remote from the base (5).

19. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strand (18) is formed from a sealing compound customary for insulating glass panes.

20. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strand (18) is colored.

21. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer (4) is arranged so that it is flush with the edges of the individual glass panes (2, 3).

22. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer (4) is arranged so that it forms the edge of the insulating glass pane, and that the outside (6) of the spacer (5) is free of sealing compound.

23. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile height of the spacer (4) is 8 mm to 15 mm.

24. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile height of the spacer (4) is 9 mm to 12 mm.

25. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer (4) has a base (5) which is 2 mm to 5 mm thick.

26. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer (4) has a base (5) which is 2.5 mm to 4 mm thick.

27. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer (4) consists at least partially of a plastic, in particular an extruded profile.

28. Insulating glass pane according spoke 27, characterized in that the outer side (6) of the base (5) of the spacer (4) is metallic.

29. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 27, characterized in that a diffusion barrier is embedded in the base (5) of the spacer (4).

30. Insulating glass pane according spoke 27, characterized in that the diffusion barrier is a metal foil.

31. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only a single sealing compound (25) is provided between the spacer (4) and the glass panes (2, 3).

32. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 31, characterized in that the sealing compound (25) provided as the only one is a hardening one-component adhesive.

33. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 31, characterized in that the sealing compound (25) provided as the only one is an in particular reactive hot-melt adhesive.

34. insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (11) of the spacer (4) have on their outside a concave surface area (15) in cross section.

35. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the gap (28, 29) between the two legs (11) of the spacer (4) and the two adjacent glass panes (2, 3) a primary sealing compound (19) and A secondary sealing compound (20) is provided in the section of the gap (28, 29) of the insulating glass pane that adjoins this to the outside.

36. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 34 and 35, characterized in that the secondary sealing compound (20) is applied to the concave surface area (15) of the legs (11), and that the concave surface area (15) on its the base (5 ) facing away from a flat surface area (13), on which the primary sealing compound (19) is applied.

37. Insulating glass pane according to claim 36, characterized in that the concave surface area (15) on its other side is another flat surface area (14) adjacent.

38. Insulating glass pane according to spoke 37, characterized in that part of the second sealing compound (20) adheres to the further flat surface area (14).

39. Isher glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary sealing compound (20) extends over a depth of at least 5 mm.

40. insulating glass pane according to claim 39, characterized in that the secondary sealing compound (20) extends over a depth of 6 to 8 mm.

41. Insulating glass pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary sealing compound (20) extends over the entire height of the legs (11) of the spacer (4), provided that these are not covered by the primary sealing compound (19).

42. A method for producing an insulating glass pane with the features according to one of the preceding claims

(a) providing a profile bar to form a frame-shaped spacer (4),

(b) applying a mass containing a desiccant to the profile bar at a distance from its base (5), so that the mass the space between the legs (11) or between an extension (36) of one of the legs (11) and bridging the opposite leg (11) or between an extension (36) of one leg (11) and an extension (36) of the opposite leg (11),

(c) applying a primary sealing compound (19) to the outside of the legs (11), (d) shaping the profile rod into a frame-like structure,

(e) closing the frame-shaped structure to form a spacer (4) by connecting the ends of the profiled bar to one another,

(f) placing the spacer (4) on a first glass pane (2) so that it adheres to the edge of the first glass pane (2) in the vicinity thereof, (g) attaching a second glass pane (3) parallel to the first glass pane (2) to the spacer (4) so that it also adheres to the second glass pane (3),

(h) compressing the two glass panes (2, 3) to the thickness specified for the insulating glass pane, (i) optionally connecting the spacer (4) to the two glass panes (2, 3) by applying a secondary sealing compound (20), the Sequence of steps (b) and (c) can be interchanged and steps (b) and (c) can also be carried out simultaneously or overlapping one another in time.

43. The method according to spoke 42, characterized in that between the spacer (4) and the first glass pane (2) a first strand and between the spacer (4) and the second glass pane (3) a second strand made of the second sealing compound (20 ) is applied, which is separated from the first strand.

44. A method for producing an insulating glass pane with the features according to one of claims 1 to 41

(a) providing a profile bar,

(cl) applying a primary sealing compound (19) to the outside of the legs (11) of the profile bar at a distance from the base (5), (c2) applying a secondary sealing compound (20) to the outside of the legs (11) of the profile rod, specifically in the region between the base (5) and the primary sealing compound (19),

(d) shaping the profile bar into a frame-shaped structure, (e) closing the frame-shaped structure into a spacer (4) by connecting the ends of the profile bar to one another,

(f) placing the spacer (4) on a first glass pane (2) so that it adheres to the edge of the first glass pane (2) in the vicinity thereof,

(g) attaching a second glass pane (3) parallel to the first glass pane (2) to the spacer (4) so that it also adheres to the second glass pane (3),

(h) compressing the two glass panes (2, 3) to the thickness specified for the insulating glass pane, it being possible to change the sequence of steps (b), (cl) and (c2) and steps (b), (cl) and (c2) can also be carried out simultaneously or overlapping one another in time.

45. The method according to spoke 44, characterized in that the secondary sealing compound (20) is applied adjacent to the primary sealing compound (19).

46. Method according to spoke 44 or 45, characterized in that the secondary sealing compound (20) of the primary sealing compound (19) is applied in a trailing manner but overlapping in time.

47. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 46, characterized in that the mass, which contains a desiccant, is applied simultaneously or overlapping in time with the primary sealing mass (19).

48. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 47, characterized in that the profile rod is machined before the application of the primary sealing compound (19) and the compound containing the desiccant.

49. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 48, characterized in that a gap existing in the primary sealing compound (19) and / or in the strand (18) containing the desiccant (18) after connecting the ends of the profile rod at the connection point is subsequently closed ,

50. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 49 for producing an insulating glass pane (1), in which at least one rung (22) is installed, which with an end piece (23) in a recess or opening on the inside (12) of the spacer ( 4) intervenes, characterized in that the point at which the rung (22) is to be attached is marked on the profile rod or on the strand (18) and at the marked point an end piece (23) in the strand (18) or through the Strand (18) is inserted into the recess or opening of the spacer (4) below.

51. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 50, characterized in that the connection point in the spacer frame (4) on the inward-facing side (12) of the profile bar is covered with a badge (29).

52. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that the badge (29) has on its underside one or more extensions (30) which are pressed into the mass (18) containing the desiccant.

53. The method according to spoke 52, characterized in that the extensions (30) are inserted into a recess (39) or opening in the profile rod covered by the mass containing the desiccant (18).

54. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 50, characterized in that a wedge (31) connecting the two profile rod ends is inserted at the connection point in the spacer frame (4).