INSULATING GLAZING UNIT

Abstract

An insulating glazing unit, having a first pane, a second pane, and a third pane and a circumferential spacer is described. The spacer includes a polymeric main body described as a first pane contact surface and a second pane contact surface, a first hollow chamber and a second hollow chamber, an outer surface a groove to accommodate a pane where the lateral flanks of the groove are formed by the walls of the first hollow chamber and of the second hollow chamber, the outer surface is divided into a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and a bearing edge, the bearing edge runs substantially perpendicular to the pane contact surfaces and connects the first outer surface and the second outer surface to one another, the first outer surface and the second outer surface enclose in each case an angle α (alpha) of 100°<α<160° with the bearing edge, where wherein the panes are connected via one seal each to the pane contact surfaces, the third pane is inserted into the groove of the spacer (I).

Claims

1.-13. (canceled)

14. An insulating glazing unit, comprising a first pane, a second pane, a third pane, and a circumferential spacer, the spacer including: a polymeric main body having a first pane contact surface and a second pane contact surface running parallel thereto, a first glazing interior surface, a second glazing interior surface, an outer surface, a first hollow chamber, and a second hollow chamber, wherein: a groove to accommodate the third pane runs parallel to the first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface between the first glazing interior surface and the second glazing interior surface, the first hollow chamber is adjacent the first glazing interior surface, and the second hollow chamber is adjacent the second glazing interior surface, lateral flanks of the groove are formed by walls of the first hollow chamber and of the second hollow chamber, the outer surface is divided into a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and a bearing edge, the bearing edge runs substantially perpendicular to the pane contact surfaces and connects the first outer surface and the second outer surface to one another, the first outer surface and the second outer surface enclose angles a (alpha) with the bearing edge, the angles a being between 100° and 160°, wherein: the first pane is bonded via a seal to the first pane contact surface; the second pane is bonded via a seal to the second pane contact surface; the third pane is inserted into the groove of the spacer; an edge of the first pane, an edge of the second pane, and the bearing edge are arranged flush; the first pane and the first outer surface delimit a first outer interpane space and the second pane and the second outer surface delimit a second outer interpane space; and the first and second outer interpane spaces are at least partially filled with an outer seal, the outer seal in the first outer interpane space being adjacent the seal to the first contact surface, and the outer seal in the second outer interpane space being adjacent to the seal to the second pane contact surface.

15. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein: the outer seal covers a part of the first pane that delimits the first outer interpane space by at least 90%; the outer seal covers a part of the second pane that delimits the second outer interpane space by at least 90%; and the outer seal covers in each case the first outer surface and the second outer surface by at least 40% and at most 60%.

16. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein the outer seal fills the first and second outer interpane spaces substantially completely.

17. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein at least one insert is mounted in the groove, configured to provide a gas exchange between a first inner interpane space and a second inner interpane space.

18. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein the bottom surface of the groove is adjacent to the bearing edge of the polymeric main body.

19. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein the angles a (alpha) are between 130° and 150°.

20. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein a gas-tight and vapor-tight barrier is mounted on the first outer surface, the second outer surface, the bearing edge of the polymeric main body, and at least a part of the pane contact surfaces.

21. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 20, wherein the barrier is a barrier film that comprises at least one polymeric layer and at least one metallic or ceramic layer.

22. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 21, wherein the at least one metallic or ceramic layer is at least two metallic or ceramic layers, the at least one metallic or ceramic layer being arranged alternatingly with the at least one polymeric layer.

23. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 20, wherein the barrier is a coating that contains aluminum, aluminum oxides, or silicon oxides and is applied by a PVD method (physical vapor deposition).

24. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein an insert is installed in the groove.

25. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 24, wherein the insert contains an elastomer.

26. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 24, wherein the insert contains butly rubber.

27. The insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, wherein the polymeric main body contains polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitriles, polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylester (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), PET/PC, PBT/PC, and/or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

28. A method for producing the insulating glazing unit according to claim 14, comprising: inserting the third pane into the groove of the spacer; bonding the first pane to the first pane contact surface of the spacer via the seal; bonding the second pane to the second pane contact surface of the spacer via the seal; pressing the first, second and third panes together with the spacer; and filling the outer interpane spaces, at least partially, with the outer seal.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising using the insulating glazing unit as a building interior glazing, or a building exterior glazing, or a facade glazing.

Description

[0068] The invention is explained in detail in the following with reference to drawings. The drawings are purely schematic representations and are not true to scale. They in no way restrict the invention. They depict:

[0069] FIG. 1 a possible embodiment of the spacer for the insulating glazing unit according to the invention,

[0070] FIG. 2 a cross-section another possible embodiment of the spacer for the insulating glazing unit according to the invention,

[0071] FIG. 3 a cross-section of an insulating glazing unit according to the prior art,

[0072] FIG. 4 a cross-section of a possible embodiment of the insulating glazing unit according to the invention,

[0073] FIG. 5 a cross-section of another possible embodiment of the insulating glazing unit according to the invention, and

[0074] FIG. 6 a flowchart of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0075] FIG. 1a,b depicts two cross-sections of the spacer I for the insulating glazing unit according to the invention. The glass fiber reinforced polymeric main body 1 comprises a first pane contact surface 2.1, a second pane contact surface 2.2 running parallel thereto, a first glazing interior surface 3.1, a second glazing interior surface 3.2, and an outer surface, which is divided into three sections: a first outer surface 4.1, a bearing edge 23, and a second outer surface 4.2. The bearing edge 23 runs perpendicular to the pane contact surfaces 2.1 and 2.2. and connects the first outer surface 4.1 and the second outer surface 4.2 to one another. A first hollow chamber 5.1 is situated between the first outer surface 4.1 and the first glazing interior surface 3.1, while a second hollow chamber 5.2 is arranged between the second outer surface 4.2 and the second glazing interior surface 3.2. The groove 6 that runs parallel to the pane contact surfaces 2.1 and 2.2 is situated between the two hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2. The lateral flanks 7 of the groove 6 are formed by the walls of the two hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2, while the bottom surface of the groove 6 is adjacent the outer edge 23. The wall thickness d of the polymeric main body is 1 mm. In the region of the bearing edge 23, the wall thickness d.sub.B is 1.2 mm and is thus additionally reinforced, as result of which a third pane 15 can be better stabilized in the groove 6. The first outer surface 4.1 and the second outer surface 4.2 enclose in each case an angle α of roughly 150° with the edge 23. This angled geometry improves the stability of the polymeric main body 1. The polymere main body 1 contains styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) with roughly 35 wt.-% glass fiber. The glazing interior surfaces 3.1 and 3.2 have, at regular intervals, openings 8, which connect the hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2 to the air space above the glazing interior surfaces 3.1 and 3.2. The spacer I has an overall height h.sub.G of 12 mm and an overall width of 36 mm. The first glazing interior surface 3.1 is 16 mm wide and the second glazing interior surface 3.2 is 16 mm wide. The overall width of the spacer I equals the sum of the widths of the glazing interior surfaces 3.1 and 3.2 and of the thickness of the third pane 15 to be inserted into the groove 6. The bearing edge 23 is roughly 5 mm wide. The depth of the groove h.sub.N equals the difference of the overall height of the polymeric main body h.sub.G and the wall thickness in the region of the bearing edge d.sub.B.

[0076] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section of the spacer I for the insulating glazing unit according to the invention. The spacer depicted essentially corresponds to the spacer depicted in FIG. 1. A gas-and vapor-tight barrier film 12 is mounted on the first outer surface 4.1, the bearing edge 23, and the second outer surface 4.2. The barrier film 12 also extends over roughly 50% of the first and second pane contact surfaces 2.1 and 2.2. Thus, particularly good sealing of the spacer I is obtained. The barrier film 12 can be fastened on the polymeric main body 1, for example, with a polyurethane hotmelt adhesive. The barrier film 12 comprises four polymeric layers of polyethylene terephthalate with a thickness of 12 μm and three metallic layers of aluminum with a thickness of 50 nm. The metallic layers and the polymeric layers are alternatingly applied in each case, with the two outer layers being formed by polymeric layers.

[0077] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section through an insulating glazing unit according to the prior art. The polymeric main body 1 comprises a first pane contact surface 2.1, a second pane contact surface 2.2 running parallel thereto, a first glazing interior surface 3.1, a second glazing interior surface 3.2, and an outer surface 4. The entire outer surface 4 runs perpendicular to the pane contact surfaces 2.1, 2.2 and connects the pane contact surfaces 2.1. 2.2. A first hollow chamber 5.1 is situated between tthe outer surface 4 and the first glazing interior surface 3.1, while a second hollow chamber 5.2 is arranged between the outer surface 4 and the second glazing interior surface 3.2. A groove 6 that runs parallel to the pane contact surfaces 2.1 and 2.2 is situated between the two hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2. The lateral flanks 7 of the groove 6 are formed by the walls of the two hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2. The first pane 13 of the triple insulating glazing unit is bonded via a seal 10 to the first pane contact surface 2.1 of the spacer I, while the second pane 14 is bonded via a seal 10 to the second pane contact surface 2.2. The intermediate space between the first pane 13 and the third pane 15 delimited by the first glazing interior surface 3.1 is defined as the first inner interpane space 17.1, and the space between the third pane 15 and the second pane 14 delimited by the second glazing interior surface 3.2 is defined as the second inner interpane space 17.2. The inner interpane spaces 17.1 and 17.2 are connected via the openings 8 in the glazing interior surfaces 3.1 and 3.2 with the respective underlying hollow chamber 5.1 or 5.2. A desiccant 11 is situated in the hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2. A third pane 15 is inserted into the groove 6 of the spacer via an insert 9 made of a sealant, which fixes the third pane and hermetically separates the two inner interpane spaces 17.1, 17.2 from one another. The depth of the groove 6 is less than the height of the pane contact surfaces 2.1, 2.2. With a height of the pane contact surfaces of roughly 5 mm, the pane can be stabilized depending on the wall thickness of the polymeric main body over a height of at most 4 mm by the lateral flanks of the groove 7. The outer interpane space 24, which is delimited by the outer surface 4 and the first pane 13 and the second pane 14, is completely filled with an outer seal 16.

[0078] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention. The spacer I corresponds to the spacer described in FIG. 2. The first pane 13 of the triple insulating glazing unit is bonded via a seal 10 to the first pane contact surface 2.1 of the spacer I, while the second pane 14 is bonded via a seal 10 to the second pane contact surface 2.2. The seal 10 is made of a polyisobutylene. The insert 9 encloses the edge of the third pane 15 and fits flush into the groove 6. The Insert 9 is made of butyl rubber and covers the bottom surface 26 and a part of the lateral flanks 7. The insert 9 fixes the third pane 15 without stress and compensates thermal expansion of the pane. Moreover, the insert 9 prevents development of noise from slippage of the third pane 15. The insert 9 is applied such that a gas exchange is possible between the two inner interpane spaces 17.1, 17.2. For this, the insert 9 is not inserted continuously along the entire spacer profile, but, rather, divided into a plurality of parts. Where no insert 9 is installed, a gas exchange and, hence, pressure equalization between the inner interpane spaces 17.1 and 17.2 can occur. The inner interpane spaces 17.1 and 17.2 are connected to the respective underlying hollow chamber 5.1 or 5.2 via the openings 8 in the glazing interior surfaces 3.1 and 3.2. A desiccant 11 that is made of a molecular sieve is situated in the hollow chambers 5.1 and 5.2. A gas exchange between the hollow chambers 5.1, 5.2 and the inner interpane spaces 17.1 and 17.2 takes place through the openings 8, with the desiccant 11 withdrawing the atmospheric moisture from the inner interpane spaces 17.1 and 17.2. The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 protrude beyond the pane contact surfaces 2.1 and 2.2. The edge of the first pane 21, the edge of the second pane 22, and the bearing edge 23 are arranged at one height. The first outer surface 4.1 and the first pane 13 delimit the first outer interpane space 24.1, and the second outer surface 4.2 and the second pane 14 delimit the second outer interpane space 24.2. An outer seal 16 is installed in the outer interpane spaces 24.1, 24.2. This outer seal 16 is formed from an organic polysulfide. The outer seal 16 completely covers the part of the first pane 13 that delimits the first outer interpane space 24.1 and covers the first outer surface 4.1 by roughly 50%. Thus, the edge bond can be excellently stabilized mechanically. At the same time, compared to completely filled outer interpane spaces 24.1, 24.2, outer seal 16 can be economized. Since the outer seal 16 is adjacent the seal 10, the edge bond is additionally sealed. The barrier 12, which is implemented as described in FIG. 2, adequately seals the spacer I even in the regions without outer seal 16. The thermal conductivity of the outer seal 16 is higher than that of the polymeric main body 1. Due to the separated interpane spaces 24.1, 24.2, the insulating glazing unit according to the invention has improved insulation properties compared to an insulating glazing unit according to the prior art, since thermal decoupling takes place by means of the separation. As is depicted in FIG. 3, insulating glazing units according to the prior art have a continuous outer interpane space 24 between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 that is filled with the outer seal.

[0079] The geometry of the spacer I in the insulating glazing unit according to the invention further results in an improvement of the stabilization of the third pane 15 in the groove 6. The distance between the glazing interior surfaces 3.1, 3.2 and the edges of the outer panes 21, 22 is dictated by the subsequent window frame, because the seal 10 and the seal 16 are to be covered by the window frame of the finished insulating glass window. In the insulating glazing unit according to the invention, this region is optimally utilized for stabilization of the third pane 15 in the groove 6, since the depth of the groove h.sub.N is maximized. With the prior art insulating glazing unit, a much smaller depth of the groove h.sub.N is obtained and, thus, poorer stabilization of the third pane 15.

[0080] Due to the geometry of the spacer I of the insulating glazing unit according to the invention, the volume of the hollow chambers 5.1, 5.2 is also increased in comparison with a prior art insulating glazing unit, as depicted in FIG. 3. More desiccant 11 can be accommodated in the enlarged hollow chambers 5.1, 5.2, as a result of which the service life of the insulating glazing unit is increased. The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 are made of soda lime glass with a thickness of 3 mm, while the third pane 15 is formed from soda lime glass with a thickness of 2 mm.

[0081] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention. The insulating glazing unit corresponds essentially to that depicted in FIG. 4. The outer interpane spaces 24.1, 24.2 are completely filled with the outer seal 16. Thus, optimum mechanical stabilization of the edge bond is obtained. In comparison with a prior art spacer as depicted in FIG. 3, outer seal 16 is spared.

[0082] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. First, the polymeric main body 1 is prepared and, if need be, provided with an insert 9. Then, the third pane 15 is prepared and washed. The third pane 15 is now slid into the groove 6 of the spacer I according to the invention. Here, for example, three spacers I can be preformed into a rectangle open on one side, with the third pane 15 slid into the groove 6 via the open side. Then, the fourth pane edge is closed with a spacer I. The corners of the spacer are either welded or linked via corner connectors. These first three process steps serve for preparation of a third pane 15 with spacer I. Such a preassembled component can then be further processed in a conventional double glazing system. The assembly of the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 on the pane contact surfaces 2.1 and 2.2 is done in the double glazing system via a seal 10 in each case. Using the bearing edge 23, the spacer I with an integrated third pane 15 can be positioned without additional equipment. Optionally, a protective gas can be introduced into the interpane spaces 17.1 and 17.2. Then, the insulating glazing unit is pressed. In the last step, an outer seal 16 is filled into the outer interpane spaces 24.1 and 24.2 and the finished insulating glazing unit is placed on a rack to dry.

[0083] In the following, other preferred embodiments of the invention are presented

Embodiment 1

[0084] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units, at least comprising a polymeric main body (1) comprising a first pane contact surface (2.1) and a second pane contact surface (2.2) running parallel thereto, a first glazing interior surface (3.1), a second glazing interior surface (3.2), an outer surface (4), a first hollow chamber (5.1), and a second hollow chamber (5.2), wherein [0085] a groove (6) to accommodate a pane runs parallel to the first pane contact surface (2.1) and the second pane contact surface (2.2) between the first glazing interior surface (3.1) and the second glazing interior surface (3.2), [0086] the first hollow chamber (5.1) is adjacent the first glazing interior surface (3.1), and the second hollow chamber (5.2) is adjacent the second glazing interior surface (3.2), [0087] the lateral flanks (7) of the groove (6) are formed by the walls of the first hollow chamber (5.1) and of the second hollow chamber (5.2), [0088] the outer surface (4) is divided into a first outer surface (4.1), a second outer surface (4.2), and a bearing edge (23), [0089] the bearing edge (23) runs substantially perpendicular to the pane contact surfaces and connects the first outer surface (4.1) and the second outer surface (4.2) to one another, [0090] the first outer surface (4.1) and the second outer surface (4.2) enclose in each case an angle α (alpha) of 100°<α<160° with the bearing edge (23).

Embodiment 2

[0091] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units according to embodiment 1), wherein the bottom surface (26) of the groove (6) is adjacent the bearing edge (23) of the polymeric main body (1).

Embodiment 3

[0092] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units according to one of the embodiments 1) or 2), wherein the angle α (alpha) is between 130° and 150°.

Embodiment 4

[0093] Spacer (I) for an insulating glazing unit according to one of the embodiments 1 through 3, wherein a gas- and vapor-tight barrier (12) is mounted on the first outer surface (4.1), the second outer surface (4.2), the bearing edge (23) of the polymeric main body (1), and at least a part of the pane contact surfaces (2.1, 2.2).

Embodiment 5

[0094] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units according to embodiment 4, wherein the gas- and vapor-tight barrier (12) is implemented as a barrier film that comprises at least one polymeric layer as well as one metallic layer or one ceramic layer, preferably at least two metallic layers and/or ceramic layers, that are arranged alternatingly with at least one polymeric layer.

Embodiment 6

[0095] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units according to embodiment 4, wherein the gas- and vapor-tight barrier (12) is implemented as a coating that contains aluminum, aluminum oxides, and/or silicon oxides and is preferably applied by a PVD method (physical vapor deposition).

Embodiment 7

[0096] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units according to one of the embodiments 1 through 6, wherein an insert (9), preferably an insert (9) containing an elastomer, particularly preferably containing butyl rubber, is installed in the groove (6).

Embodiment 8

[0097] Spacer (I) for insulating glazing units according to one of the embodiments 1 through 7, wherein the polymeric main body (1) contains polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitriles, polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), preferably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylester (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), PET/PC, PBT/PC, and/or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

Embodiment 9

[0098] Insulating glazing unit, at least comprising a first pane (13), a second pane (14) and a third pane (15), and a circumferential spacer (I) according to one of the embodiments 1 through 8, wherein [0099] the first pane (13) is bonded via a seal (10) to the first pane contact surface (2.1), [0100] the second pane (14) is bonded via a seal (10) to the second pane contact surface (2.2), [0101] the third pane (15) is inserted into the groove (6) of the spacer (I), [0102] the edge of the first pane (21), the edge of the second pane (22), and the bearing edge (23) are arranged flush, wherein the first pane (13) and the first outer surface (4.1) delimit a first outer interpane space (24.1) and the second pane (14) and the second outer surface (4.2) delimit a second outer interpane space (24.2), and [0103] the outer interpane spaces (24.1, 24.2) are at least partially filled with an outer seal (16) that is adjacent the seal (10).

Embodiment 10

[0104] Insulating glazing unit according to embodiment 9, wherein the outer seal (16) [0105] covers the part of the first pane (13) that delimits the first outer interpane space (24.1) by at least 90%, [0106] covers the part of the second pane (14) that delimits the second outer interpane space (24.2) by at least 90%, [0107] covers in each case the first outer surface (4.1) and the second outer surface (4.2) by at least 40% and at most 60%.

Embodiment 11

[0108] Insulating glazing unit according to embodiment 9, wherein the outer seal (16) fills the outer interpane spaces (24.1,24.2) substantially completely.

Embodiment 12

[0109] Insulating glazing unit according to one of the embodiments 9 through 11, wherein at least one insert (9) is installed in the groove (6) such that a gas exchange is possible between the two inner interpane spaces (24.1, 24.2).

Embodiment 13

[0110] Method for producing an insulating glazing unit according to one of the embodiments 9 through 12, wherein at least [0111] a) the third pane (15) is inserted into the groove (6) of the spacer (I), [0112] b) the first pane (13) is bonded to the first pane contact surface (2.1) of the spacer (I) via a seal (10), [0113] c) the second pane (14) is bonded to the second pane contact surface (2.2) of the spacer (I) via a seal (10), [0114] d) the pane arrangement comprising the panes (13, 14, 15) and the spacer (I) is pressed together, and [0115] e) the outer interpane spaces (24.1, 24.2) are at least partially filled with an outer seal (16).

Embodiment 14

[0116] Use of a spacer (I) according to one of the embodiments 1 through 8 in insulating glazing units, preferably in triple insulating glazing units.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0117] I spacer [0118] 1 polymeric main body [0119] 2 pane contact surfaces [0120] 2.1 first pane contact surface [0121] 2.2 second pane contact surface [0122] 3 glazing interior surfaces [0123] 3.1 first glazing interior surface [0124] 3.2 second glazing interior surface [0125] 4 outer surface [0126] 4.1 first outer surface [0127] 4.2 second outer surface [0128] 5 hollow chambers [0129] 5.1 first hollow chamber [0130] 5.2 second hollow chamber [0131] 6 groove [0132] 7 lateral flanks [0133] 8 openings [0134] 9 Insert [0135] 10 seal [0136] 11 desiccant [0137] 12 barrier/barrier film /barrier coating [0138] 13 first pane [0139] 14 second pane [0140] 15 third pane [0141] 16 outer seal [0142] 17 inner interpane space [0143] 17.1 first inner interpane space [0144] 17.2 second inner interpane space [0145] 21 edge of the first pane [0146] 22 edge of the second pane [0147] 23 bearing edge [0148] 24 outer interpane space [0149] 24.1 first outer interpane space [0150] 24.2 second outer interpane space [0151] 26 bottom surface of the groove [0152] d wall thickness of the polymeric main body [0153] d.sub.B wall thickness in the region of the edge of the polymeric main body [0154] h.sub.N depth of the groove [0155] h.sub.G overall height of the polymeric main body