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DOUBLE-SKIN FA?ADE ELEMENT

20240271425 ยท 2024-08-15

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    A double-skin fa?ade element comprises a planar outer glazing element and a planar inner glazing element which are held at a distance from one another in a thermally insulated surrounding frame profile; at least one pressure equalization device which is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere and with a fa?ade intermediate space which is provided between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element at least one drying device fillable with desiccant, is either located in the fa?ade intermediate space or is integrated into the surrounding frame profile and exchanges air with the fa?ade intermediate space; wherein the at least one pressure equalization device and the at least one drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into a transparent region of the fa?ade element. The at least one drying device is designed to make it possible to replace the desiccant.

    Claims

    1. A double-skin fa?ade element, comprising: a planar outer glazing element and a planar inner glazing element which are held at a distance from one another in a thermally insulated surrounding frame profile; at least one pressure equalization device which is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere and with a fa?ade intermediate space which is provided between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element; at least one drying device fillable with desiccant which is either arranged in the fa?ade intermediate space or is integrated into the surrounding frame profile and exchanges air with the fa?ade intermediate space; wherein at least one capillary element is provided, which is an integral part of the surrounding frame profile and is preferably formed in part by a portion of the surrounding frame profile; the pressure equalization device and the drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into a transparent region of the fa?ade element; and the at least one drying device is designed to allow the desiccant to be replaced and preferably comprises a replacement opening configured to allow the desiccant to be replaced from the room side.

    2. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one capillary element comprises a membrane with a capillary tube, the capillary tube having a length of at most 60 mm and preferably of at most 20 mm and particularly preferably of at most 10 mm, and an inner diameter of at most 1.5 mm and preferably of at most 1.0 mm.

    3. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 2, wherein the at least one capillary element comprises a capillary tube which has a length of at least 200 mm and preferably a membrane or a filter or a strainer at the opening of the capillary tube to the outside atmosphere.

    4. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one capillary element comprises a capillary tube that is fully integrated into the surrounding frame profile of the fa?ade element, preferably clipped into the surrounding frame profile.

    5. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the drying device comprises a desiccant container; and the at least one capillary element comprises a capillary tube which is integrated into the desiccant container.

    6. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the drying device comprises a desiccant container; and the at least one capillary element comprises a capillary tube which is formed from a groove in the desiccant container and a wall of the surrounding frame profile.

    7. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the capillary element comprises a groove in the surrounding frame profile and an end profile made of plastic, a cavity being formed between the end profile and at least one inner wall of the groove.

    8. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the double-skin fa?ade element further comprises means for reducing vapor diffusion, wherein the means for reducing vapor diffusion comprise wet glazing and at least one insulation web for thermal separation in the thermally insulated surrounding frame profile made of a plastic with high vapor tightness and/or with a coating material with high vapor tightness.

    9. The double-skin fa?ade element, comprising: a planar outer glazing element and a planar inner glazing element which are held at a distance from one another in a thermally insulated surrounding frame profile; at least one pressure equalization device which is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere and with a fa?ade intermediate space which is provided between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element; at least one drying device fillable with desiccant which is either arranged in the fa?ade intermediate space or is integrated into the surrounding frame profile and exchanges air with the fa?ade intermediate space, wherein the double-skin fa?ade element further comprises means for reducing vapor diffusion, wherein the means for reducing vapor diffusion comprise wet glazing and at least one insulation web for thermal separation in the thermally insulated surrounding frame profile made of a plastic with high vapor tightness and/or with a coating material with high vapor tightness; the pressure equalization device and the drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into a transparent region of the fa?ade element; and the at least one drying device is designed to allow the desiccant to be replaced and preferably comprises a replacement opening configured to allow the desiccant to be replaced from the room side.

    10. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 9, wherein the at least one pressure equalization device comprises a capillary element.

    11. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the pressure equalization device comprises a cavity that includes an opening into the fa?ade intermediate space; and the cavity is filled with desiccant.

    12. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein an opening in one of the at least one pressure equalization devices is in flow connection with a second opening in a cavity fillable with desiccant of one of the at least one drying devices.

    13. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the drying device comprises a desiccant container fillable with desiccant that is removably attachable to the surrounding frame profile.

    14. A double-skin fa?ade element, comprising: a planar outer glazing element and a planar inner glazing element which are held at a distance from one another in a thermally insulated surrounding frame profile; at least one pressure equalization device which is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere and with a fa?ade intermediate space which is provided between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element, and an air routing device, wherein the pressure loss of the air flow during pressure equalization is determinable and preferably adjustable by the length and/or the cross-sectional dimensions of the air routing device and/or the number of deflections of the air flow passing through the air routing device; at least one drying device fillable with a desiccant bed which is integrated into the surrounding frame profile, wherein the at least one drying device comprises at least one first opening which is in air-conducting connection with the fa?ade intermediate space; the at least one pressure equalization device and the at least one drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into a transparent region of the fa?ade element, and the at least one drying device is designed to allow the desiccant to be replaced and preferably comprises a replacement opening configured to allow the desiccant to be replaced from the room side.

    15. A double-skin fa?ade element, comprising: a planar outer glazing element and a planar inner glazing element which are held at a distance from one another in a thermally insulated surrounding frame profile; at least one pressure equalization device which comprises an air routing device and is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere and with a fa?ade intermediate space which is provided between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element; at least one drying device fillable with a desiccant bed which is integrated into the surrounding frame profile , wherein the at least one drying device comprises at least one first opening which is in air-conducting connection with the facade intermediate space, and at least one second opening, which is in air-conducting connection with the air routing device; the pressure loss of the air flow during pressure equalization is determinable and preferably adjustable by the pressure loss on flowing through the at least one drying device and the air routing device; the at least one pressure equalization device and the at least one drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into a transparent region of the fa?ade element and the at least one drying device is designed to allow the desiccant to be replaced and preferably comprises a replacement opening configured to allow the desiccant to be replaced from the room side.

    16. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein desiccant consumption over a given period of time can be estimated as a function of a location of the fa?ade element, the type of desiccant and the design features of the fa?ade element.

    17. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 14, wherein the air routing device comprises a cover attachable to the surrounding frame profile which is preferably screwed or clipped onto the sub-frame profile.

    18. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 17, characterized in that the attachable cover is made of a plastic with water adsorption capacity.

    19. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 16, wherein the air routing device comprises deflector elements which can be used to create a winding flow path for the air through the air routing device.

    20. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drying device is integrated into cavities of the elements of the surrounding frame profile arranged vertically in the installation position.

    21. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drying device can be integrated both into cavities of the elements of the surrounding frame profile arranged vertically in the installation position and into cavities of the elements of the surrounding frame profile arranged horizontally in the installation position.

    22. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the double-skin fa?ade element further comprises means for reducing vapor diffusion, wherein the means for reducing vapor diffusion comprise wet glazing and at least one insulation web for thermal separation in the thermally insulated surrounding frame profile made of a plastic with high vapor tightness and/or with a coating material with high vapor tightness.

    23. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 8, wherein the means for reducing vapor diffusion include insulation webs comprising a coating material with high vapor tightness, the coating material being applied all around mitered corners of the surrounding frame profile, the coating material preferably being applied to the entire frame perimeter including mitered corners.

    24. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 22, wherein the insulation web is coated with a foil of thin stainless steel or butyl, or the insulation web is made of a metalized plastic.

    25. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 22, wherein the insulation web is made at least partially of polyvinylidene fluoride.

    26. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein, the surrounding frame profile comprises a main frame profile and a sub-frame profile, wherein the main frame profile and the sub-frame profile are detachably connected to each other via connecting means and the sub-frame profile holds the outer glazing element.

    27. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 23, wherein a gasket is arranged between the main frame profile and the sub-frame profile, the gasket preferably being vapor-tight.

    28. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 26, wherein the at least one pressure equalization device is arranged in the main frame profile or in the sub-frame profile.

    29. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, further comprising at least one solar shading device in the fa?ade intermediate space between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element, the solar shading device preferably being designed to be adaptive.

    30. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the inner glazing element comprises either multi-pane insulating glass, preferably with two or three panes, or vacuum insulating glass.

    31. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the outer glazing element is provided as monoglass, preferably as laminated glass or laminated safety glass, and preferably comprises at least one functional layer, particularly preferably a wavelength-selective coating.

    32. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, the drying device comprises a cavity fillable with desiccant which is an integral part of the surrounding frame profile and has a replacement opening that is configured to allow the desiccant to be replaced.

    33. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure equalization device comprises an elastic profile with at least one opening which is arranged in an air-conducting connection path between the fa?ade intermediate space and the outside atmosphere.

    34. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, further comprising an opaque inner element and an outer element which are held at a distance from one another, the outer element preferably being transparent.

    35. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 34, characterized in that the opaque inner element and the transparent outer element are held in a further surrounding frame profile.

    36. The double-skin fa?ade element according to claim 1, wherein the pressure equalization device and the drying device in the fa?ade intermediate space can be accessed by opening or removing the outer glazing element or an opaque outer element or the inner glazing element or an opaque spandrel element.

    Description

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    [0117] In the following figures, the invention is described purely by way of example on the basis of various embodiments. These show the following:

    [0118] FIG. 1 A vertical section through the basic structure of a facade element according to a first variant;

    [0119] FIG. 2 A vertical section through the basic structure of a fa?ade element according to a second variant;

    [0120] FIG. 3 A vertical section through a facade element according to a first embodiment of the invention;

    [0121] FIG. 4 A vertical section through a facade element according to a second embodiment of the invention;

    [0122] FIG. 5 A vertical section through a facade element according to a third embodiment of the invention;

    [0123] FIG. 6 A vertical section through a facade element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

    [0124] FIG. 7 A vertical section through a facade element according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

    [0125] FIG. 8 A vertical section through a facade element according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

    [0126] FIG. 9 A vertical section through a facade element according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

    [0127] FIG. 10 A vertical section through a facade element according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

    [0128] FIG. 11 A vertical section through a facade element according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;

    [0129] FIG. 12 A design of a pressure equalization device according to an embodiment of the invention;

    [0130] FIG. 13 A design of a pressure equalization device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

    [0131] FIG. 14 A first embodiment of a pressure equalization device with a short capillary tube;

    [0132] FIG. 15 A further embodiment with a design of a pressure equalization device in direct interaction with a drying device;

    [0133] FIG. 16 A further embodiment with a further design of a pressure equalization device with a long capillary tube in direct interaction with a drying device;

    [0134] FIG. 17 A vertical section through a facade element according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, which represents a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 16 with a long capillary tube;

    [0135] FIG. 18 A vertical section through a facade element according to a 13th embodiment of the invention, which represents a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 16 with a long capillary tube;

    [0136] FIG. 19 A vertical section through a facade element according to a 14th embodiment of the invention, which represents a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 16 with a long capillary tube;

    [0137] FIG. 20 A vertical section through a fa?ade element according to a 15th embodiment of the invention, which represents a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 16 with a long capillary tube;

    [0138] FIG. 21 A vertical section through a facade element according to a 16th embodiment of the invention, which represents a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 16 with a long capillary tube;

    [0139] FIG. 22 A vertical section through a facade element according to a 17th embodiment of the invention, which represents a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 16 with a long capillary tube;

    [0140] FIG. 23 A second embodiment of a pressure equalization device with a short capillary tube;

    [0141] FIG. 24 A third embodiment of a pressure equalization device with a short capillary tube;

    [0142] FIG. 25 A fourth embodiment of a pressure equalization device with a short capillary tube;

    [0143] FIG. 26 A vertical section through a facade element according to an 18th embodiment of the invention;

    [0144] FIG. 27 A detail view relating to FIG. 26;

    [0145] FIG. 28(a) to FIG. 28(r) [0146] Possible arrangements of pressure equalization and drying devices in a fa?ade element according to the invention;

    [0147] FIG. 29 A vertical section through the sub-frame profile of a fa?ade element in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 19th embodiment of the invention;

    [0148] FIG. 30 A vertical section through the sub-frame profile of a fa?ade element in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 20th embodiment of the invention;

    [0149] FIG. 31 A vertical section through the sub-frame profile of a fa?ade element in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 21st embodiment of the invention;

    [0150] FIG. 32 A vertical section through the sub-frame profile of a fa?ade element in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 22nd embodiment of the invention;

    [0151] FIG. 32B A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 23rd embodiment of the invention;

    [0152] FIG. 33b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 23rd embodiment of the invention;

    [0153] FIG. 34a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 24th embodiment of the invention;

    [0154] FIG. 34b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 24th embodiment of the invention;

    [0155] FIG. 35a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 25th embodiment of the invention;

    [0156] FIG. 35b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 25th embodiment of the invention;

    [0157] FIG. 35c A variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 35b in a first operating position;

    [0158] FIG. 35d A variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 35b in a second operating position;

    [0159] FIG. 36a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element according to a 26th embodiment of the invention;

    [0160] FIG. 36b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 26th embodiment of the invention;

    [0161] FIG. 37a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 27th embodiment of the invention;

    [0162] FIG. 37b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 27th embodiment of the invention;

    [0163] FIG. 38a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 28th embodiment of the invention;

    [0164] FIG. 38b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 28th embodiment of the invention;

    [0165] FIG. 39a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 29th embodiment of the invention;

    [0166] FIG. 39b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 29th embodiment of the invention;

    [0167] FIG. 40a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 30th embodiment of the invention;

    [0168] FIG. 40b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 30th embodiment of the invention;

    [0169] FIG. 41a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 31st embodiment of the invention;

    [0170] FIG. 41b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 31st embodiment of the invention;

    [0171] FIG. 42a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 32nd embodiment of the invention;

    [0172] FIG. 42b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 32nd embodiment of the invention;

    [0173] FIG. 43a A vertical section through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element according to a 33rd embodiment of the invention;

    [0174] FIG. 43b A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 33rd embodiment of the invention;

    [0175] FIG. 44a A vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane of the 34th embodiment of the invention and

    [0176] FIG. 44b A detailed view in a further section of the embodiment according to FIG. 44a.

    WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

    [0177] In the following figures, the same components are designated with the same reference numbers. In the following embodiments, only specific differences and deviations from previous embodiments are explained, while the basic structure of the fa?ade element is described in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

    [0178] In all figures, the arrows labeled DA indicate the direction of air movement during pressure equalization, and the arrows labeled TR indicate the direction of air exchange of dried air from the drying device into the fa?ade intermediate space during drying. If these directions coincide, the designation DA+TR is also used. The arrows AT indicate the direction in which the desiccant can be replaced or, if a separate desiccant container is used, this can be replaced.

    [0179] FIG. 1 shows a vertical section through a fa?ade element 1 without a pressure equalization device and drying device. On the outside of the fa?ade an outer glass element 2 is arranged, which in the present exemplary embodiment is sealed to a glazing bead 10 on the outside via outer sealing strips 33. The outer glass element 2 is held on the inside and in particular towards the facade interior 3 by means of the internal gasket 25. The internal gasket 25 is inserted into a sub-frame profile 7. A seal 27 is located between the sub-frame profile 7 and the end faces of the outer glass element 2. An outer expansion joint seal 30 is also inserted into the sub-frame profile 7. This, together with the inner expansion joint seal 28 arranged on the inside of the fa?ade and the central expansion joint seal 29, seals the expansion joint 78 between the vertically adjacent glass elements.

    [0180] The sub-frame profile 7 is screwed to the main frame profile 6 of the surrounding frame profile 11 using connecting screws 9. A gasket 8 is provided between the main frame profile 6 and the sub-frame profile 7, which is preferably made of thermoplastic butyl or another suitable material that is highly vapor-tight. In the embodiment shown, the main frame profile 6 is formed as a composite profile with main frame profile sections 6a and 6b, which are thermally decoupled via insulation webs 24 made of plastic with high vapor tightness. Solar shading 5, shown schematically in this exemplary embodiment, is arranged in the fa?ade intermediate space 3.

    [0181] On the inside of the facade, an inner glass element 4 is provided in the form of multi-insulating glass, which is held towards the stop via an internal gasket or inner seal 31 and towards the fa?ade intermediate space 3 by a gasket 32 which is held in the fa?ade intermediate space by a glazing bead 20. Providing an inner seal increases vapor tightness compared to a gasket. Reduced vapor tightness is disadvantageous as it leads to faster exhaustion of the desiccant container and thus shortens the desiccant replacement intervals.

    [0182] FIG. 1 thus shows a first variant of the basic structure of the fa?ade element, which, as shown in the embodiments starting from FIG. 3, is provided with a pressure equalization device and a drying device.

    [0183] FIG. 2 shows a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 1, in which the fa?ade element has no glazing bead 10 arranged on the outside of the facade and, accordingly, no outer sealing strips 33 which, with the omission of the outer glazing bead 10, are likewise omitted. The outer glass pane 2 is fixed to the sub-frame profile 7 by means of the seal 26. Otherwise, the structure according to FIG. 2 corresponds to that according to FIG. 1, so that reference can be made to the explanation relating to FIG. 1.

    [0184] Building on the basic design of the facade element 1 already illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows a first alternative design of a pressure equalization device and drying device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, both the pressure equalization device and the drying device are arranged in the sub-frame profile 7. For this purpose, desiccant 14 is located in a hollow chamber 80 of the sub-frame profile 7. The desiccant 14 can be replaced vertically in the direction of the arrow AT between the expansion joint 78 and the hollow chamber 80 filled with desiccant 14 in the sub-frame profile 7. Towards the fa?ade intermediate space 3, both pressure equalization and, together with pressure equalization, the transport of moisture-laden air from the facade intermediate space 3 into the hollow chamber 80 filled with desiccant 14 where water vapor is adsorbed on suitable adsorbents such as zeolites can take place, and in this way a stable, low level of humidity is maintained in the internal atmosphere of the fa?ade intermediate space 3.

    [0185] Also indicated in FIG. 3 with reference number 56 are measures for providing a vapor barrier in the area of the insulation webs 24, for example by selecting suitable materials for the insulation webs.

    [0186] The embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs from that according to FIG. 3 in that the hollow chamber 80 provided in the sub-frame profile 7 combined with a long or short capillary tube that connects to the outside atmosphere and to the fa?ade intermediate space serves to equalize the pressure, as shown by the arrows DA. The main frame profile 6 has a hollow chamber 13 which is filled with desiccant 14. In addition, openings 15 are provided between the hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3 which enable an exchange of air so that moisture-laden air can enter the hollow chamber 13, whereupon the desiccant 14 contained therein adsorbs the moisture. Moisture-laden desiccant is replaced in the direction of the arrow AT towards the inside of the fa?ade. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in which the pressure equalization device and the drying device in the sub-frame profile 7 interact directly with each other, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 there is no direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device, since the pressure equalization device is arranged in the sub-frame profile 7, while the drying device is located in the main frame profile 6.

    [0187] The direction AT shown in FIG. 4 for the replacement of vapor-laden desiccant with freshly regenerated desiccant is given only as a general indication. FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 illustrate a possible technical implementation of the replacement process.

    [0188] The embodiment according to FIG. 5 is similar to that according to FIG. 4, but differs in that the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7, which exchanges air with the expansion joint 78 for the purpose of pressure equalization (arrow direction DA), is in air-conducting connection with the hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6 via a pressure equalization sub-system 17. Pressure equalization relative to the fa?ade intermediate space 3 thus takes place from the expansion joint 78 into the hollow chamber 80 of the sub-frame profile 7 and, through the pressure equalization sub-system 17, into the hollow chamber 13 filled with desiccant 14 and through the openings 15, whereas in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 has a pressure-equalization-enabling, air-conducting connection both to the expansion joint 78 and to the fa?ade intermediate space 3.

    [0189] Thus, in the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the pressure equalization device and the drying device interact directly with each other, because the pressure equalization device is arranged in the sub-frame profile 7 and between the sub-frame profile 7 and the main frame profile 6, and the drying device is arranged in the main frame profile 6.

    [0190] Another variant is shown in FIG. 6. Here, both the pressure equalization device and the drying device are integrated into the hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6. This solution is therefore similar to that shown in FIG. 3 in terms of the direct interaction of the pressure equalization device with the drying device. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3, however, the combined system is located in a cavity 13 in the main frame profile 6, whereas in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 the desiccant 14 is located in a cavity 80 in the sub-frame profile 7. For this purpose, pressure equalization openings 18 are provided between the hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6 and the expansion joint 78, as well as openings 15 between the hollow chamber 13 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3, thus enabling pressure equalization between the fa?ade intermediate space 3 and the expansion joint area. Air flows between the expansion joint and the drying device through a foam block 22 with an open-cell core.

    [0191] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the desiccant-filled hollow chamber 13 is arranged so that it is not located in the transparent field of view of the fa?ade element 1 and therefore cannot be perceived as obtrusive.

    [0192] In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, too, the drying device is located in the area of the main frame profile 6. In contrast to the previous embodiments, however, the drying device comprises a separate desiccant container 19 which can be attached to the main frame profile 6 in the fa?ade intermediate space 3. The desiccant container 19 is replaced by completely removing it in the direction of arrow AT and reattaching it to the main frame profile 6 with regenerated desiccant. The desiccant container 19 has openings 15 that connect the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19, which is filled with desiccant 14, with the facade intermediate space 3, so that air can be exchanged and water vapor in the fa?ade intermediate space 3 can be absorbed by the desiccant 14 in the desiccant container 19. In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the pressure equalization device is configured in the same way as in the embodiment according to FIG. 4. Pressure equalization is achieved by a cavity 80 of the sub-frame profile 7 that is in air connection with both the expansion joint 78 and the facade intermediate space 3. The pressure equalization device in the sub-frame profile 7 and the drying device in the form of a replaceable desiccant container 19 are thus provided without directly interacting with one another. The desiccant container 19 has a shape that does not obtrude when viewed from inside the fa?ade looking outwards or from outside the fa?ade looking inwards.

    [0193] The embodiment according to FIG. 8 combines the basic ideas of the embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7. As in the embodiment according to FIG. 7, a separate desiccant container 19 is provided, which, however, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, not only serves as a drying device, but also has a pressure equalization device integrated into it. For this purpose, in addition to the openings 15 previously described with reference to FIG. 7 which establish an air connection between the interior of the desiccant container 19 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3, additional pressure equalization openings 18 are provided which, also in the case where a cavity 13 is interposed in the main frame profile 6 as shown in FIG. 8, establish a flow connection between the expansion joint 78 and the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 filled with desiccant 14, so that pressure equalization can take place between the expansion joint 78 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3 via the pressure equalization openings 18, the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 and the openings 15. Both the pressure equalization device in the main frame profile 6 and in the desiccant container 19, and the drying device in the form of a replaceable container in the facade intermediate space 3 thus interact directly with each other. The pressure equalization device and the drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into the transparent region 12 of the fa?ade element. The transparent region extends upwards from the internal gasket 32 of the inner glazing 4 in the drawing plane of FIG. 8, because only in this region are both the outer glazing 2 and the inner glazing 4 transparent when viewed through the facade element in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the outer glazing 2, provided the solar shading device 5 is not in the operating position.

    [0194] The embodiment according to FIG. 9 substantially corresponds to that according to FIG. 3. Foils are applied to the insulation webs 24 for thermal separation of the sub-profiles 6a and 6b of the main frame profile 6. A foil with reference number 23a made of very thin stainless steel with a thickness of no more than 0.050 mm or of metalized plastic foil or of butyl foil is provided on the insulation web on a surface facing towards the expansion joint. Reference number 23b refers to a foil as described above, but on the insulation web 24 on a side facing away from the expansion joint. These measures serve to further increase the vapor tightness of the insulation webs and thus reduce the diffusion of water vapor into the fa?ade intermediate space 3.

    [0195] In the embodiment according to FIG. 10, an opaque element is shown, which is provided in the form of a spandrel panel 58 in the plane of the inner glass element 4 and an opaque coating 60 in the plane of the outer glass pane, conventionally referred to as position 2. With this configuration, it is possible to arrange a separately provided desiccant container 19 in the opaque region. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the desiccant container 19 is a replaceable container located in the spandrel area in front of the spandrel panel 58. The desiccant container 19 also forms part of the pressure equalization device with openings 15 into the fa?ade intermediate space 3 surrounding the desiccant container 19. Between the two vertically adjacent facade elements there is an air conducting element 21 which has an inner cavity and connects the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container in the spandrel panel 58 with the facade intermediate space 3 of the adjacent panel. For this purpose, the air conducting element, which can be a tube or hose, for example, is inserted through insertion openings 18a in the main profile 6 and fixed on the outside of the insertion element 21 in a sealing manner in the insertion openings 18a. In this way, pressure equalization is achieved in the fa?ade intermediate space 3 of the adjacent fa?ade element and incoming air is dehumidified at the same time.

    [0196] The embodiment according to FIG. 11 closely corresponds to that according to FIG. 10. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 10, however, an interior space in the opaque region in the area of the frame of the main frame profile 6 is completely filled with insulating material 62. For this reason, the desiccant container 19 also occupies the whole depth of the main frame profile 6, and openings 15 are provided at the front of the desiccant container 19 in order to achieve pressure equalization in the area of the sub-frame profile 7 via the facade intermediate space 3, which is not filled with insulating material. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the air conducting element 21 is used to equalize the pressure in the fa?ade intermediate space 3 of the vertically adjacent fa?ade element and to dry the incoming air.

    [0197] The above examples clearly show that there are two basic concepts with regard to the pressure equalization device. On the one hand, a direct air connection can be established with the facade intermediate space so that there is no direct interaction with the drying device. On the other hand, a connection to the fa?ade intermediate space can also be made via and through the drying device, so that there is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device.

    [0198] The embodiment according to FIG. 12 shows the pressure equalization device integrated into the sub-frame profile 7 in detail. For this purpose, a long capillary tube 35 is clipped into the sub-frame profile 7. The long capillary tube can preferably be made of metal or plastic. Thermoplastics or elastomers can be used as plastics. A filter element or membrane can be arranged at the inlet of the capillary tube (not shown in the cross-section), which is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere. In the same way, a filter or membrane can alternatively or additionally be provided at the outlet of the capillary tube (not shown in the cross-section). The outlet of the capillary tube is in air-conducting connection with the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7. The hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 is provided with a filter 36 in a pressure equalization opening to the fa?ade intermediate space 3. This allows pressure equalization to take place between the facade intermediate space 3 and the outside atmosphere via the cavity 80 and the capillary tube 35 in the direction of arrow DA, via an air-conducting connection between the cavity 80 and an outlet opening of the long capillary tube 35 and the air-conducting connection between the inlet opening of the long capillary tube 35 and the outside atmosphere. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is an example of those embodiments in which there is no direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device.

    [0199] The embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is similar to that shown in FIG. 12, but uses a plastic profile 66 made of a thermoplastic or elastomer instead of the long capillary tube shown in FIG. 12. For this purpose, a groove 53 is formed in the area of the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7, and the plastic profile 66 is inserted into the groove 53 in order to seal the groove 53 at a distance from the groove. A groove 51 with a rectangular cross-section which represents the capillary element is provided in the plastic profile 66 made of a thermoplastic or elastomer. There is also an opening 68 in the groove 53, which connects the cavity 80 with the groove 51. The groove is connected to the outside atmosphere via a gap in the plastic profile 66. The desired pressure equalization takes place via the plastic profile 66, the hollow chamber 80 and, in the direction of the arrow DA, the filter 36 in the pressure equalization opening 34 of the hollow chamber 80 of the sub-frame profile 7.

    [0200] The embodiment according to FIG. 20 differs from that according to FIG. 19 only in that a space is provided which forms a gap 55 between the groove 53 in the sub-frame profile 7 and the plastic profile 66 inserted into the groove 53. The plastic profile 66 for sealing the groove 53 is made of a thermoplastic or elastomer and must be both sufficiently adaptable and sufficiently vapor-tight, something which must be taken into account when selecting a suitable plastic profile. The gap 55 forms the capillary element and is connected to the hollow chamber in the sub-frame profile 7 via the opening 68. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, too, there is no direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device.

    [0201] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, in contrast to that shown in FIG. 19, the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 is filled with desiccant 14. Hence, there is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the capillary element is again formed by a groove 53 in the sub-frame profile 7 and a gap 51 in the plastic profile 66 which forms a long capillary element. The capillary element 51 has a rectangular cross-section. A filter 36 is inserted into the pressure equalization opening to the fa?ade intermediate space 3.

    [0202] FIG. 22 shows a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 20 in which, similarly, the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 is also filled with desiccant 14. The pressure equalization device thus again comprises a long capillary groove formed by the gap 55 between the plastic profile 66 made of a thermoplastic or elastomer and the groove 53, and the filter 36 between the hollow chamber 80 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3. However, due to the filling of the hollow chamber 80 with desiccant 14, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, there is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device.

    [0203] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, there is a pressure equalization opening 37 with a filter 36 in the sub-frame profile 7 which connects the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 to the outside atmosphere. Furthermore, a groove 38 is provided in the main frame profile 6 as part of a long capillary tube. In this groove there is a plastic profile 47 made of a thermoplastic or elastomer which serves to seal the groove 38 and is provided with a gap 48 as part of the capillary tube cross-section. The pressure equalization device therefore includes elements in both the sub-frame profile 7 and the main frame profile 6. A capillary groove comprising a groove 38 and a gap 48 in the plastic profile 47 is formed in the main frame profile 6. The cavity 13 in the main frame profile 6 adjacent to the groove 38 in the main frame profile 6 is filled with desiccant 14. An opening (not shown in the sectional plane of FIG. 17) connects the long capillary tube with the hollow chamber filled with desiccant 14 in the main frame profile 6. Hence, there is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device.

    [0204] The embodiment according to FIG. 18 differs from that according to FIG. 17 in that a differently shaped, elongated plastic profile 49 made of a thermoplastic or elastomer is inserted into the groove 38 in the main frame profile 6, which also serves to seal the groove 38, but ends at a distance from the groove base, so that a gap 50 is present between the groove 38 in the main frame profile 6 and the plastic profile 49. Hence, the pressure equalization device is again formed in both the sub-frame profile 7 and the main frame profile 6. In the main frame profile 6, a capillary groove is provided which is formed by the gap 50 between the groove 38 and the plastic profile 49. In addition, the pressure equalization device interacts directly with the drying device, since the cavity 13 in the main frame profile 6 adjacent to the groove 38 is filled with desiccant 14 and an opening in the groove 38 is located in the desiccant-filled cavity. A filter 36 in the sub-frame profile 7 prevents the ingress of dirt.

    [0205] The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is similar to that shown in FIG. 18, but the sealing plastic profile 39 made of a thermoplastic or elastomer inserted into the groove 38 in the main frame profile 6 is shaped differently. Within the groove 38, a gap 50 is provided which forms a cavity and performs the function of a long capillary tube. The cross-sectional dimensions of the capillary tube can be adapted by appropriately selecting the dimensions of the plastic profile 39. The hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6 adjacent to the groove 38 is filled with desiccant 14. The groove 38 has a pressure equalization opening 72 to the hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6 filled with desiccant 14. A filter 70 can optionally be located in the pressure equalization opening 72. Compared to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 18 and 19, in the embodiment according to FIG. 13 the cross-sectional area of the gap 50 is larger. Consequently, a very long capillary tube must be chosen in this exemplary embodiment. The longer the capillary tube, the better it works as a moisture inhibitor. A filter 36 in the sub-frame profile 7 prevents the ingress of dirt.

    [0206] FIG. 14 shows a pressure equalization device that directly interacts with a drying device, further clarifying the general illustration in FIG. 8. A separate desiccant container 19 is provided, which can be attached to the main frame profile 6 in the direction of arrow AT, for example via a screw connection, and removed from it. In the main frame profile 6, a pressure equalization opening 42 is provided and there is a correspondingly arranged opening in the desiccant container 19, which can advantageously be provided with a filter 36 acting as a desiccant particle barrier. Furthermore, a maintenance opening 43 is provided in the main frame profile 6 through which it is possible to replace the short capillary tube 41 with membrane 45 located in a pressure equalization opening 18 in the main frame profile 6. The membrane acts as a filter and moisture inhibitor. There is an air-conducting pressure equalization path in the direction of arrow DA from the outside atmosphere into the cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 filled with desiccant 14, and from there through corresponding openings 15 into the facade intermediate space 3. Through the latter openings 15, air is also exchanged between the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3 in order to regulate the moisture content of the air in the fa?ade intermediate space 3.

    [0207] FIG. 15 shows a design similar to that shown in FIG. 14, but using a long capillary tube. For this purpose, a removable and therefore replaceable desiccant container 19 filled with desiccant 14 can be attached to the main frame profile 6. The pressure equalization device comprises a long capillary tube 35 which is inserted into a correspondingly dimensioned receiving groove in the desiccant container on the side of the desiccant container 19 facing the main frame profile 6. The long capillary tube is made of metal or a thermoplastic or elastomeric material. The outlet end of the long capillary tube 35 is in air-conducting connection with the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 via an opening that is not visible in the sectional plane of FIG. 15. Hence, there is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device. The outlet end of the long capillary tube 35 is in air-conducting connection with the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 via an opening that is not visible in the sectional plane of FIG. 15. An inlet opening of the long capillary tube 35 shown only in section in FIG. 15 is in air-conducting connection with a connection piece 44 which also has an internal flow channel for air and whose end facing away from the long capillary tube 35 is in air-conducting connection with a pressure equalization opening 18 in the main frame profile 6 which establishes the flow connection to the expansion joint 78. A filter 36 is provided in the pressure equalization opening 18 in the main frame profile 6.

    [0208] Replacement of the desiccant container 19 in the direction of the arrow AT is carried out as in the embodiments according to FIGS. 8 and 14, and the exchange of air between the fa?ade intermediate space 3 and the cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 filled with desiccant 14 takes place as described in connection with the embodiment according to FIG. 14.

    [0209] In a modification of FIG. 15, FIG. 16 shows a different configuration of a long capillary tube which is composed of two sections of an elongated cavity 46, a groove-shaped indentation 74 in the wall of the desiccant container 19 and the wall of the main frame profile 6 with an opening in which the connection piece 44 is arranged. The outlet end of the long capillary tube 46 is in air-conducting connection with the inner cavity 69 of the desiccant container 19 via an opening that is not visible in the sectional plane of FIG. 16. The inlet opening of the long capillary tube 46 shown only in section in FIG. 16 is in air-conducting connection with the connection piece 44 which also has an internal flow channel for air and whose end facing away from the long capillary tube 46 is in air-conducting connection with a pressure equalization opening 18 in the main frame profile 6 which establishes the flow connection to the expansion joint 78. A filter 36 is provided in the pressure equalization opening 18 in the main frame profile 6. Otherwise, the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to that shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

    [0210] FIG. 23 shows a further embodiment using a short capillary tube 41 with a membrane 45 which is in air-conducting connection with a pressure equalization opening 37 in the sub-frame profile 7. Via the short capillary tube, for pressure equalization, air from the expansion joint 78 passes into the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 and from there via the pressure equalization opening 34 into the fa?ade intermediate space 3. The drying device comprises desiccant 14 in a hollow chamber 13 of the main frame profile 6. The hollow chamber exchanges air with the facade intermediate space 3. Hence, there is no direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device.

    [0211] The embodiment shown in FIG. 24 represents a modification of that shown in FIG. 23. There is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device because, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, there is no direct exchange of air between the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3, since the hollow chamber 80 is in air connection with the desiccant-filled hollow chamber 13 of the main frame profile 6. For this purpose, aligned openings are provided in the hollow chamber 80 and the hollow chamber 13 through which, as described with reference to FIG. 5, pressure equalization takes place between the outside atmosphere and the fa?ade intermediate space with interposition of the drying device.

    [0212] The embodiment shown in FIG. 25, like the embodiments shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, uses a short capillary tube 41 with a membrane 45 whose inlet opening is in air-conducting connection with a pressure equalization opening 37 in the sub-frame profile 7. There is direct interaction between the pressure equalization device and the drying device because the hollow chamber 80 in the sub-frame profile 7 is filled with desiccant 14. Furthermore, a pressure equalization opening 34 is provided in the hollow chamber 80 which is in air-conducting connection with the fa?ade intermediate space 3. A filter element 36 is located in the pressure equalization opening 34.

    [0213] The embodiment according to FIG. 26, like the embodiment according to FIG. 10, has an opaque panel 58 in the spandrel area which is provided instead of the inner glazing element. The embodiments of the pressure equalization device and the drying device, on the other hand, correspond to those illustrated in FIG. 18 by a detailed view and previously explained.

    [0214] The panel 58 is thermally insulated and has an outer cover shell 59, which is usually made of metal. The cover shell is preferably dark towards the fa?ade intermediate space and, particularly preferably, dark and matt.

    [0215] An inner cover shell 61 is provided on the room side. An insulating material 62 is located between the cover shells 59 and 61. The insulating panel is preferably made of open-cell mineral wool, organic foam or aerogel or is a vacuum panel. The panel 58 is held to the fa?ade intermediate space 3 by a bead 20 with the interposition of a sealing strip 57, while an inner seal 31 is provided on the room side. Optional solar shading 5 can also be provided in the region of the panel 58, in particular if the outer glazing element 2 is not provided with an opaque coating 60 at position 2.

    [0216] Desiccant 14 is replaced and fresh, regenerated desiccant is blown in using a replacement device 16 which extends through a hollow chamber 67 of the main frame profile 6 and whose inner cavity 65 connects the room side of the facade element 1 with the hollow chamber 13 in the main frame profile 6 in which the desiccant 14 is located. To prevent water vapor penetrating from the room side into the desiccant-filled cavity 13, a room-side sealing element 64 is provided, as shown in the detailed view in FIG. 27, which seals the inner cavity 65 of the replacement device at its room-side end. Furthermore, a sealing part 63 is provided in the area of the opening between the cavity 13 filled with desiccant 14 and the hollow chamber 67 of the main frame profile 6, which serves to prevent water vapor penetrating from the hollow chamber 67 of the main frame profile 6 into the desiccant-filled cavity 13. When the desiccant 14 is to be replaced, the sealing element 64 is removed and the desiccant 14 is sucked out through the inner cavity of the replacement device 16 towards the room side in the direction of arrow A. Fresh desiccant can then be blown into the hollow chamber 13 in the direction of arrow B through the inner cavity 65 of the replacement device 16 and the sealing element 64 can then be reinserted. This allows desiccant 14 to be replaced easily from the room side.

    [0217] In FIG. 28, various possible arrangements of the pressure equalization device and drying device are shown schematically in the schematic diagrams 28(a) to 28(r). The window region is shown as F and the optional opaque region, which is preferably located in the spandrel area, is shown as B. Dashed lines indicate a long capillary tube that interacts with a drying device, while horizontal dash-dotted lines in the drawing plane of FIG. 28 indicate a long capillary tube without interaction with a drying device. The horizontal lines in the drawing plane of FIG. 28 correspond to a horizontal direction when the fa?ade element is installed as intended. The vertical dash-dotted lines shown in FIG. 28(a) to (r) correspond to a pressure equalization device with a membrane and a short capillary tube. Finally, a distinction must be made with regard to the arrangement of the pressure equalization openings. Straight solid lines indicate a pressure equalization opening to the outside or to the inside, while solid lines drawn at right angles indicate pressure equalization to the inside.

    [0218] Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 28, there are 18 feasible ways of arranging pressure equalization devices and drying devices. The arrangement of the pressure equalization device and drying device depends on the choice of pressure equalization system, in particular the choice of a short or long capillary tube, and the circumstances of the building. Short capillary tubes are preferably installed in vertical frame areas.

    [0219] In the embodiments where the volume flow of air during pressure equalization does not interact with the desiccant, as shown by way of example in the embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 7, the provision of a capillary tube can be omitted if the air flow is such that a sufficient service life can be achieved before it becomes necessary to replace the desiccant. Various configurations are possible, as shown in FIGS. 29 to 32.

    [0220] In the configuration according to the vertical section in FIG. 29, the pressure equalization air flow takes place entirely in the sub-frame profile 7. For this purpose, a first pressure equalization opening 82 and a second pressure equalization opening 84 are provided, these being provided in the sub-frame profile 7 and, in the example according to FIG. 29, are spaced apart vertically as far as possible from one another and arranged in the immediate vicinity of the corner brackets 86 in the mitered corners of the sub-frame profile 7. The first pressure equalization opening 82 is arranged at the lowest point of the vertical part of the sub-frame profile, is connected with the outside atmosphere and extends obliquely downwards along an incline at the corner bracket, so that dust penetrating through the first pressure equalization openings 82 into the inner cavity of the sub-frame profile 7 can settle downwards and escape from the sub-frame profile. The second pressure equalization opening 84 is provided at the highest point of the, for example 4 meter, vertical part of the sub-frame profile 7 and connects the fa?ade intermediate space 3 with the inner cavity of the sub-frame profile 7. The rectilinear air routing shown in FIG. 29 can already extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space, which is defined by the provision of two aligned holes through the sub-frame profile.

    [0221] As an alternative to the configuration shown in FIG. 29, during pressure equalization air can flow in a front cover 88 which, in the vertical section through the sub-frame profile shown in FIG. 30, is fastened to the sub-frame profile 7, being preferably clipped or screwed onto the sub-frame profile 7. The front cover has an inner cavity 90 and a vertical extension that substantially corresponds to the height of the vertical part of the sub-frame profile 7. The first pressure equalization opening 82 is provided at the bottom end of the front cover 88 at the lowest point of the sub-frame profile and points down vertically, so that dust penetrating into the inner cavity of the front cover 88 automatically falls out of the first pressure equalization opening 82 in a downward direction under the influence of gravity. At the top end of the front cover, an opening towards the sub-frame profile 7 at the top end of the vertical part of the sub-frame profile is provided. During pressure equalization, air flows between the top end of the front cover 88 and a sleeve 92 which extends through the sub-frame profile 7 and leads into the fa?ade intermediate space 3. The largely rectilinear air routing shown in FIG. 30, with only a single 90? deflection at the top of the air flow, can also extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0222] FIG. 31 modifies the flow routing according to FIG. 30 in such a way that a flow connection exists between the inner cavity 90 of the inner cover 88 and the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7 via an air equalization opening 94 in the sub-frame profile 7 at the upper end of the front cover 88. The second pressure equalization opening 84 connects the fa?ade intermediate space 3 and the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7 and is provided approximately at the height of the first pressure equalization opening 82, so that when the pressure is equalized the air flow is deflected twice and covers a distance that essentially corresponds to twice the height of the vertical part of the sub-frame profile 7. This flow routing results in a double deflection of the air flow, between which the air flow essentially runs in a straight line.

    [0223] The variant according to FIG. 32 corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. 29, to which reference is made, but is modified in such a way that, in the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7, an insertion element 98 is arranged which comprises a first wall 102 and a second wall 104, to each of which at least one transverse baffle 106 is attached, the alternating arrangement of which deflects the air flow several times in contrast to the rectilinear air flow according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 and forces a winding flow path. The transverse baffles 106, which are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, slope downwards towards the side of the free flow cross-section and therefore act as additional dust brakes. The air routing shown in FIG. 32, with multiple deflections of the air flow, can further extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0224] According to a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), the measures explained with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32 can be combined with one another by providing a front cover and additionally providing alternately arranged transverse baffles either in the inner cavity of the sub-frame profile or in the inner cavity of the front cover, which constitute additional deflections of the air flow. In this case, however, it is preferable to provide the transverse baffles in the front cover, as they can fulfill the additional function of a dust brake and prevent or at least reduce the penetration of dust into the sub-frame profile. By combining the measures explained in FIGS. 31 and 32, the service life of the desiccant can be extended even further compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0225] In all embodiments with a front cover, this can also consist of a plastic material which is able to absorb moisture and thus serves as a moisture buffer that dehumidifies incoming air within the limits of its moisture absorption capacity and releases the absorbed moisture back into dried air flowing out of the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0226] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 29 to 32 have in common that the pressure equalization between the outside atmosphere and the fa?ade intermediate space is separate from the air exchange between the fa?ade intermediate space and a desiccant. Another common feature of these embodiments is that a dust filter can also be provided in the region of the first pressure equalization opening. If a capillary tube is dispensed with, the design of the air routing alone can significantly increase the service life of the desiccant until the moisture-laden desiccant needs to be replaced.

    [0227] To further increase the service life of the desiccant, the air flow should be led through the desiccant during pressure equalization.

    [0228] FIGS. 33a and 33b show a first possible embodiment, with FIG. 33a showing a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element, and FIG. 33b showing a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0229] The design of the sub-frame profile according to FIG. 33a is similar to that according to FIG. 29 and differs only in that, instead of the second pressure equalization opening between the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7 and the fa?ade intermediate space 7 an opening 108 to the desiccant chamber is provided. The opening 108 is preferably a bore hole. For all other design features, refer to the explanations concerning FIG. 29.

    [0230] FIG. 33b uses dash-dotted lines to schematically indicate the flow pattern of the air flow during pressure equalization. This representation is simplified, because a gas flow through a bed of solid particles such as desiccant pellets is not linear, but takes a winding path with numerous branches. However, the dotted lines are intended to indicate which measures can be taken advantageously in order to load the desiccant with moisture as evenly as possible.

    [0231] In the following, the situation will be explained in which there is negative pressure in the fa?ade intermediate space and air from the outside atmosphere flows into the fa?ade intermediate space. However, the explained principles apply equally to an air flow in the opposite direction.

    [0232] After flowing into an inner cavity 110 of the main frame profile 6 which is filled with desiccant, the air flow is drawn to the openings 112a, 112b and 112c which connect the inner cavity 110 of the main frame profile 6 with the fa?ade intermediate space 3. The driving force of the air flow is the air pressure present at the openings 112a, 112b and 112c, which is lower than that of the air flow when it enters the desiccant bed 98 through the opening 108.

    [0233] The provision of three openings results in air flow to all openings, although the pressure loss through the desiccant bed 98 is substantially proportional to the distance between the opening 108 and the respective opening 112a, 112b, 112c. To counteract the effect whereby the air flow prefers the path with the least flow resistance, the openings 112a, 112b, 112c have different opening diameters. The opening diameter d1 of the opening 112a closest to the opening 108 at the inlet is the smallest and therefore generates the greatest pressure loss due to the flow resistance when air flows through. The diameter d2 of the opening 112b further from the opening 108 is greater than the diameter d1, and the diameter d3 of the opening 112c furthest from the opening 108 at the inlet is the greatest. In this way, the flow of air through the desiccant container can be made more even. The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 shown in FIGS. 33a, b can significantly extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0234] The desiccant is introduced directly into an inner cavity of the main frame profile 6, so that no adverse optical effect can result from a desiccant container placed in the fa?ade intermediate space. Nor is it necessary to provide a separate desiccant container. The desiccant is replaced using a replacement device, as explained with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.

    [0235] FIGS. 34a and 33b show a second possible embodiment, with FIG. 34a showing a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the facade element, and FIG. 34b showing a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0236] The design of the sub-frame profile according to FIG. 34a is similar to that according to FIG. 30 and differs only in that, instead of the second pressure equalization opening between the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3, an opening 108 to the desiccant chamber is provided. The opening 108 is preferably a bore hole. For all other design features, refer to the explanations concerning FIG. 30.

    [0237] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 in FIG. 34b corresponds to that in FIG. 33b.

    [0238] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 shown in FIGS. 34a, b can likewise significantly extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0239] FIGS. 35a and 35b show a third possible embodiment, with FIG. 35a showing a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element, and FIG. 35b showing a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0240] The design of the sub-frame profile according to FIG. 35a is similar to that according to FIG. 31 and differs only in that, instead of the second pressure equalization opening between the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3, an opening 108 to the desiccant chamber is provided. The opening 108 is preferably a bore hole. For all other design features, refer to the explanations concerning FIG. 31.

    [0241] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 according to FIG. 35b corresponds to that according to FIG. 33b, but with the difference that the opening 108 to the desiccant chamber is located vertically at the lower end of the fa?ade element and the openings 112a, 112b, 112c are correspondingly located at the upper vertical end of the fa?ade element. Due to the low volume flow of air, it makes no difference whether air flows through the desiccant bed 98 from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

    [0242] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 shown in FIGS. 35a, b can significantly extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0243] FIGS. 35c and 35d show a further design of the embodiment according to FIGS. 35a and 35b. However, it should be clear that the possibility of adjusting the pressure loss and preferred flow paths through the drying device described below can be used in all embodiments in which the air flow is guided through the drying device for pressure equalization.

    [0244] In the region of the openings 112a, 112b and 112c, a slide 122 is arranged, which is held in a suitable guide 124 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction indicated by the arrow A. In the slide, shutters 126a, 126b and 126c shown by hatching in FIG. 35c are provided, which can be moved by shifting the slide 122 between two positions which are shown in FIGS. 35c and 35d. In the position shown in FIG. 35c, the shutters are located in an area that does not overlap the openings 112a, 112b and 112c. Hence, there is no interaction between the openings 112a, 122b, 112c and the shutters. In the position shown in FIG. 35d, shutter 126a is located in front of the opening 112a, shutter 126b is located in front of the opening 112b and shutter 126c is located in front of the opening 112c. The pressure loss and also the air flow through the desiccant bed can be influenced by providing openings in the shutters and their opening cross-sections. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 35c and 35d, shutter 126a has no opening, shutter 126b has an opening with diameter d1, and shutter 126c has an opening with diameter d2. In the position shown in FIG. 35d, opening 112a is therefore closed. Opening 112b is narrowed to a diameter d1 and opening is narrowed to diameter d3. In this way, the pressure loss through the desiccant bed is increased, but the flow path between openings 108 and 112a is also prevented. FIGS. 36a and 36b show a fourth possible embodiment, with FIG. 36a showing a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element, and FIG. 36b showing a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0245] The design of the sub-frame profile according to FIG. 36a is similar to that according to FIG. 32 and differs only in that, instead of the second pressure equalization opening between the inner cavity 96 of the sub-frame profile 7 and the fa?ade intermediate space 3, an opening 108 to the desiccant chamber is provided. The opening 108 is preferably a bore hole. For all other design features, refer to the explanations concerning FIG. 32.

    [0246] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 according to FIG. 36b corresponds to that according to FIG. 33b, so that reference is made to the explanations concerning FIG. 33b.

    [0247] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 shown in FIGS. 36a, b can significantly extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space.

    [0248] FIGS. 37a and 37b show a fifth possible embodiment, with FIG. 37a showing a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element, and FIG. 37b showing a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0249] The design of the sub-frame profile according to FIG. 37a comprises a front cover 88 as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 35a, but with additional transverse baffles 106 in the front cover 88 for flow deflection and as a dust separator. The transverse baffles 106 create a winding flow path and further improve the effectiveness of the pressure equalization system.

    [0250] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 according to FIG. 37b corresponds to that according to FIG. 35b, so that reference is made to the explanations concerning FIG. 35b.

    [0251] The air flow through the desiccant bed 98 shown in FIGS. 37a, b can significantly extend the service life of the desiccant compared to the case of direct air entry from the outside atmosphere into the fa?ade intermediate space. This solution also has good dust separation properties thanks to the alternating transverse baffles in the front attachment element.

    [0252] The embodiment according to FIGS. 37a, b already generates a relatively high pressure loss in the air flow of the pressure equalization device, which can be problematic if the desiccant bed 98 also causes a high pressure loss in the air flowing through, so that with slight pressure fluctuations there may not be sufficient driving force for air to flow through the entire height of the desiccant bed 98, which substantially corresponds to the height of a fa?ade element.

    [0253] Therefore, the embodiments described below with reference to FIGS. 38a to 42b provide an opening 108 between the sub-frame profile 7 and the main frame profile 6 that is substantially central in relation to the height of the desiccant bed 98, while the openings 112a, 112b, . . . are arranged above and below the desiccant bed 98. In this way, the distance between the opening 108 and each of the openings 112a, 112b, . . . is halved.

    [0254] The simplest case is shown in the embodiment according to FIGS. 38a and 38b, with FIG. 38a showing a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element, and FIG. 38b showing a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0255] The opening 108 lies approximately halfway up the fa?ade element, adjacent to a shortened air flow in the sub-frame profile 7 between the first pressure equalization opening 82 and the opening 108. This shortens the path of the air from the opening 108 to one of the openings 112a, 112b with a correspondingly smaller pressure loss of the air flowing through the desiccant bed 98. The pressure loss in the inner cavity of the sub-frame profile 7 is significantly less than in the desiccant bed 98. The configuration in the sub-frame profile 7 corresponds to that shown in FIG. 33a, but with the modification that the opening 108 is halfway up.

    [0256] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 39a and 39b, FIG. 39a shows a vertical sectional view through the sub-frame profile in a sectional plane parallel to the glass plane of the fa?ade element, and FIG. 39b shows a vertical sectional view in a sectional plane perpendicular to the glass plane.

    [0257] The configuration of the sub-frame profile shown in FIG. 39a corresponds to that shown in FIG. 38a. However, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 39a, six openings 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e and 112f were provided in the desiccant bed 98, which are configured as bore holes whose diameter increases with increasing distance from the opening 108, as previously explained with reference to FIG. 33b. Thus, two measures are combined with one another in order to achieve as even a flow as possible through the desiccant bed 98 with an acceptable pressure loss: on the one hand, the substantially vertically centered arrangement of the opening 108 between the main frame profile 6 and the sub-frame profile 7, and, on the other hand, the arrangement of the openings 112a to 112f in the fa?ade intermediate space above and below the desiccant bed 98, with the cross-section of the openings increasing the further they are positioned from the opening 108 to the sub-frame profile.

    [0258] The functional principle shown in FIG. 39b can be combined with different flow routings in the sub-frame profile, an adjustment only being necessary because the opening 108 in the main frame profile is located approximately halfway up the sub-frame profile.

    [0259] In the embodiment according to FIG. 40a, the height of the front cover 88 is reduced by half compared to the embodiment according to FIG. 34a, while in the embodiment according to FIG. 41a, the front cover 88 corresponds to that according to FIG. 35a and only the position of the opening 108 is changed. The flow routing through the desiccant between the sub-frame profile and the facade intermediate space as shown in FIGS. 40b and 41b corresponds to that previously explained with reference to FIG. 39b.

    [0260] In the embodiment according to FIG. 42a, b, the flow routing between the opening 108 to the sub-frame profile 7 and the openings 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e and 112f again corresponds to that shown in FIG. 39b. However, a shortened insert 100 with transverse baffles 106 is arranged in the sub-frame profile 7 compared to the configuration according to FIG. 36a to take account of the modified position of the opening 108. This configuration with a shortened flow path through the sub-frame profile has the additional advantage that the pressure loss of the flow path through the sub-frame profile is also reduced.

    [0261] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 43a, b, the opening 108 between the sub-frame profile 7 and the desiccant-filled chamber in the main frame profile 6 is connected to a distribution pipe 114, so that air flowing through the opening 108 into the drying device enters the distribution pipe. The distribution pipe 114 is provided at predetermined intervals with a plurality of outlet openings 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, the number of which may differ from that shown in FIG. 43b. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional openings of the outlet openings 116a to 116e are not the same, but increase with increasing distance from the opening 108. This makes it possible to influence the air flow exiting the individual outlet openings 116a to 116c so that it is substantially the same through each outlet opening. The openings 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d and 112e are each located substantially vertically above one of the outlet openings 116a to 116e, so that a preferred air flow path is formed between each pair of an outlet opening 116a to 116e and an opening 112a to 112e, and the resulting distribution of air flows through the desiccant bed means that the desiccant in the drying device is loaded with moisture as evenly as possible. The openings 112a to 112e have an increasing opening cross-section. In the case of a bore hole, the opening diameter of the openings 112a to 112e, which are labeled d1 to d5 in FIG. 43a, thus increases steadily from d1 to d5.

    [0262] The embodiment according to FIGS. 44a and 44b modifies the embodiment according to FIGS. 43a and 43b in such a way that the pressure loss of the air flowing through the drying device can also be adjusted, as previously explained with reference to FIGS. 35c and 35d. For this purpose, the distribution pipe 114 is surrounded by a pipe sleeve 118 which is rotatably mounted relative to the distribution pipe 114 via a bearing in the main frame profile 6 and can be adjusted from the outside. To this end, the pipe sleeve 118 is rotatable from the outside on the main frame profile in the direction indicated by the arrow R. The pipe sleeve 118 has adjustment openings 120a to 120e at each of the axial positions corresponding to the respective axial positions of the outlet openings 116a to 116e. The opening cross-section of the outlet openings 116a to 116e can be reduced by rotating the pipe sleeve 118 relative to the distribution pipe 114. As the opening cross-section of the outlet openings decreases, the pressure loss of the air flowing through the outlet openings 116a to 116e increases.

    [0263] However, the air flows indicated in all figures are only intended to schematically indicate a possible flow pattern. In reality, the air flow branches out through a bed of granular solids, and the very low volume flows for pressure equalization are also overlaid by diffusion processes that allow moisture-laden air to diffuse into areas where the air has dried. These diffusion processes support the even moisture loading of the desiccant in the desiccant bed.

    [0264] A common feature of all configurations in which air flows through the desiccant bed is that the service life of the desiccant can be significantly increased compared to direct introduction of air into the fa?ade intermediate space. In this way, despite the absence of a capillary tube, a double-skin fa?ade element can be designed whose replacement interval can be more than 20 years, even under unfavorable climatic conditions.

    [0265] For all the air flow variants described above, a simple test can be used to determine the volume flow of air as a function of the prevailing pressure difference. Using targeted tests, it is possible to determine the relationship between the volume flow of air and the pressure difference so that it can be described mathematically. The calculation of the pressure difference over any chosen reference period, for example one year, using hourly weather data for a defined location has already been explained in detail.

    [0266] All of the described embodiments, some of which are detail representations, have in common that the facade element according to the invention can be configured in two different ways. On the one hand, a surrounding frame profile can be provided for all components of the fa?ade element, wherein either only transparent glass elements are provided, or transparent regions and additional opaque regions are provided, preferably in the spandrel area. On the other hand, two surrounding frame profiles can be provided, one surrounding frame profile for the transparent glass elements and another surrounding frame profile for the opaque region.

    [0267] The facade element according to the invention naturally has an air volume in the fa?ade intermediate space that far exceeds the gas volume of a conventional insulating glass pane. Therefore, the design options for insulating glass panes are not transferable to double-skin facade elements and regular regeneration of the desiccant is required, so that all functional elements, in particular the pressure equalization device and drying device, must be accessible, maintainable, reparable and replaceable. Furthermore, the pressure equalization device and the drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they are not located in a transparent region of the facade element, which has the advantage that they are fully integrated into the area of the surrounding frame profile and are thus entirely concealed from an outside observer.

    LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

    [0268] 1 Fa?ade element [0269] 2 Outer glass element [0270] 3 Fa?ade intermediate space [0271] 4 Inner glass element [0272] 5 Solar shading [0273] 5 Solar shading in the spandrel area [0274] 6 Main frame profile of the surrounding frame profile [0275] 6a, 6b Main frame profile sections [0276] 7 Sub-frame profile of the surrounding frame profile [0277] 8 Gasket [0278] 9 10 Connecting screw [0279] External glazing bead [0280] 11 Surrounding frame profile [0281] 12 Transparent region [0282] 13 Hollow chamber in main frame profile [0283] 14 Desiccant [0284] 15 Opening [0285] 16 Desiccant replacement device [0286] 17 Pressure equalization sub-system between sub-frame profile and drying device in the main frame profile [0287] 18 Pressure equalization opening [0288] 18 Insertion opening [0289] 19 Desiccant container [0290] 20 Glazing bead [0291] 21 Air conducting element [0292] 23a Foil [0293] 23b Foil [0294] 24 Insulation web [0295] 25 Internal gasket of the outer glass element [0296] 26 Seal inside the outer glass element [0297] 27 Seal [0298] 28 Inner expansion joint seal [0299] 29 Middle expansion joint seal [0300] Outer expansion joint seal [0301] 31 Internal gasket or inner seal [0302] 32 Gasket inside the inner glass element [0303] 33 Outer seal [0304] 34 Pressure equalization opening [0305] 35 Long capillary tube [0306] 36 Filter [0307] 37 Pressure equalization opening [0308] 38 Groove [0309] 39 Plastic profile [0310] 41 Mounting groove [0311] 42 Pressure equalization opening [0312] 43 Maintenance opening [0313] 44 Connection piece [0314] 45 Membrane [0315] 46 Cavity [0316] 47 Plastic profile [0317] 48 Gap [0318] 49 Plastic profile [0319] 50 Gap [0320] 51 Groove [0321] 53 Groove [0322] 55 Gap [0323] 56 Vapor barrier [0324] 57 Seal inside the inner panel [0325] 58 Spandrel panel (opaque) [0326] 59 Outer cover shell of the spandrel panel on the room side [0327] 60 Opaque coating [0328] 61 Inner cover shell of the spandrel panel on the room side [0329] 62 Insulation material [0330] 63 Sealing part [0331] 64 Room-side sealing element [0332] 65 Inner cavity of the replacement device [0333] 66 Plastic profile [0334] 67 Hollow chamber [0335] 68 Opening [0336] 69 Desiccant container cavity [0337] 70 Filter [0338] 72 Pressure equalization opening [0339] 74 Indentation [0340] 78 Expansion joint [0341] 80 Hollow chamber in sub-frame profile [0342] 82 First pressure equalization opening [0343] 84 Second pressure equalization opening [0344] 86 Corner bracket [0345] 88 Front cover [0346] 90 Inner cavity of the cover [0347] 92 Sleeve [0348] 94 Third air equalization opening [0349] 96 Inner cavity of the sub-frame profile [0350] 98 Desiccant bed [0351] 100 Insertion element [0352] 102 First wall [0353] 104 Second wall [0354] 106 Transverse baffle [0355] 108 Opening to desiccant chamber [0356] 110 Inner cavity of the main frame profile [0357] 112a . . . 112f Opening to the fa?ade intermediate space [0358] 114 Distribution pipe [0359] 116a . . . 116e Outlet opening [0360] 118 Pipe sleeve [0361] 120a . . . 120e Adjustment opening [0362] 122 Slide [0363] 124 Guide [0364] 126a, 126b, 126c Shutter