Spacer device for a glazing unit comprising an acoustic absorbent material, associated glazing unit and associated manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer device for a glazing unit, the spacer device comprising a straight profile (1, 10, 100) that comprises at least four walls (3, 4, 5) defining therebetween at least one chamber (2, 21, 22), the profile extending over a profile length, one (3) of the walls comprising a plurality of periodically arranged perforations (6). The chamber (2) comprises an acoustic insulation material (8) and, optionally, a desiccant (9). Any one (4, 5) of the walls not comprising the perforations has at least one longitudinal through-opening (40, 51, 52) which extends at least partially over the length of the profile (1, 10, 100), the at least one longitudinal through-opening (40, 51, 52) being hermetically sealed by a sealing closure element (20), fixed at least to the wall (4, 5) having the at least one longitudinal through-opening (40, 51, 52).

Description

Description TITLE: GLAZING SPACING DEVICE CONTAINING AN ACOUSTIC ABSORBENT MATERIAL, GLAZING AND ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURING METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of glazing manufacturing. More particularly, it relates to a spacing device between two panes of glass in a glazing unit, providing the glazing with acoustic insulation performance and, preferably, performance that limits the presence of moisture between the panes of said glazing. It also relates to glazing incorporating at least one such device. Finally, it relates to a method for manufacturing such a spacing device. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, though not limiting, application in the case of building glazing. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Double glazing consisting of two panes of glass, or glazed walls, separated by a cavity filled with gas, typically air, is classically used in windows and building facades for its thermal and acoustic insulation performance.

[0003] However, the sound transmission loss caused by such double glazing decreases for frequencies surrounding the so-called "mass / spring / mass" frequency, which corresponds to the resonance frequency of the double glazing and is located in the low frequencies. This phenomenon, called the mass / spring / mass effect, is due to significant pressure variations in the air cavity at the mass / spring / mass frequency.

[0004] Also, in order to improve the acoustic insulation performance of glazing, various solutions have been developed.

[0005] For example, document DE 280 3740 concerns a spacing device designed to improve the acoustic performance of glazing in which it is placed. To achieve this, it comprises a first profile incorporating a material Acoustic absorber and spacer between two glazed panels. The first profile is fixed to a second profile, narrower than the first, leaving a gap between the inner face of the two glazed panels and itself. The second profile has through-holes that face the inner faces of the glazed panels.

[0006] The step of introducing the sound insulation material into the first profile is awkward, because the material must be introduced at an open end of the profile, making it difficult to distribute the sound insulation material evenly in the first profile.

[0007] The invention aims to provide a spacing device that offers good sound insulation properties while being simple to manufacture. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to produce a glazing spacing device more simply than by the methods currently used.

[0009] Thus, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a glazing spacing device, said spacing device comprising a straight profile including at least four walls delimiting between them at least one chamber, said profile extending over a profile length, one of the walls comprising a plurality of perforations arranged periodically.

[0010] The spacing device according to the invention is remarkable in that said chamber comprises a sound-insulating material and optionally a desiccant, and in that any one of said walls not comprising said perforations has at least one longitudinal through-opening which extends at least partially along said length of said profile, allowing the introduction of said sound-insulating material and optionally said desiccant through said at least one longitudinal through-opening into said chamber, said at least one longitudinal through-opening being hermetically sealed by a watertight closure cap, fixed at least on said wall having said at least one longitudinal through opening.

[0011] Once this is done, the acoustic insulation material and, if applicable, the desiccant are introduced through the longitudinal opening cut into one of the walls, which facilitates the positioning of the acoustic insulation material and, if applicable, the desiccant. These arrangements ensure that the introduced material (and, if applicable, the desiccant) is evenly distributed (which is much more difficult to achieve when they must be introduced from one end of the profile, as is the case with the prior art).

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one longitudinal through-opening is provided to extend along the entire length of the profile. This ensures that the acoustic insulation material (and any desiccant) is distributed uniformly along the entire length of the profile.

[0013] Preferably, said chamber comprises a first compartment and a second compartment separated by an internal wall of said profile, the internal wall being parallel to said wall having said perforations and having a through opening.

[0014] Preferably, at least one longitudinal through-opening is made in a wall of the profile that is parallel to the wall containing the perforations. Advantageously, the longitudinal through-opening in the wall of the profile extends to the same position as the through-opening in the internal wall. In other words, the two through-openings are aligned one above the other in a transverse plane: this makes it easier to introduce material into the chamber compartment containing the perforations.

[0015] According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, when the profile chamber comprises two compartments, the same profile wall may comprise two longitudinal through openings, each leading in one or the other of the said first and second compartments separated by the said internal wall.

[0016] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the first compartment may contain said sound insulation material. The second compartment may contain said desiccant.

[0017] Advantageously, said sound insulation material may include: - a polymer foam, preferably selected from the group consisting of silicone foams, polyurethane foams, polyethylene foams, melamine foams, and combinations thereof, and / or - fiberglass.

[0018] Preferably, said desiccant may comprise granules made of molecular sieve, silica gel, calcium chloride (CaCl), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), activated carbon, zeolites of chemical formulation M2ZnO.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O; M may denote Ca, Mg, K, Na.

[0019] In addition, said watertight closure cap may include an aluminum foil glued to said wall having said at least one longitudinal through opening.

[0020] The invention also relates to glazing comprising at least two glazed walls forming a cavity between them, said cavity comprising at least one spacing device as defined above.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the wall of the spacing device having the periodically arranged perforations is the wall perpendicular to the glazed walls of the glazing closest to a center of the cavity.

[0022] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a spacing device for glazing as defined above, comprising the following steps: - to provide a straight profile, the straight profile comprising at least four walls delimiting between them at least one chamber, said profile extending over a length of profile, one of the walls comprising a plurality of perforations arranged periodically, any one of said walls not comprising said perforations having at least one longitudinal through opening which extends at least partially over said length of said profile, - introduce soundproofing material and possibly a desiccant through at least one longitudinal opening leading into the chamber, - hermetically seal at least one longitudinal through opening with a watertight sealing cap by fixing the watertight sealing cap to the wall presenting said at least one longitudinal through opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description given below, with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate an example of an embodiment without any limiting character.

[0024] In the figures:

[0025] [Fig. 1], Figure 1 represents a spacing device according to the invention in a first embodiment, shown in cross-section,

[0026] [Fig. 2], Figure 2 represents a spacing device according to the invention in a second embodiment, shown in cross-section,

[0027] [Fig. 3], Figure 3 represents a spacing device according to the invention in a third embodiment, shown in cross-section, and

[0028] [Fig. 4], Figure 4 schematically illustrates glazing according to the invention, comprising at least one spacing device such as one of those illustrated in the preceding figures.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION AND THE DEVICES OBTAINED

[0030] The invention is now described in more detail and in a non-limiting manner in the following description.

[0031] The invention relates primarily to the realization of a spacing device comprising a profile 1, 10 or 100, intended to be positioned between two glazed walls 7 to form a glazing V according to the invention.

[0032] Currently, it is difficult to position acoustic insulation material in a spacing device which is made in the form of a tubular profile: indeed, the only access to introduce the acoustic insulation material is an axial opening which is located at each end of the profile, the profile being made by extruding material and cut to the desired length.

[0033] By creating the profile of the spacing device according to the invention, the sound insulation material can be positioned uniformly in the profile.

[0034] The following section of the description aims first to present four examples of spacer device profiles, according to the invention, and aspects of the configuration of said device that enable the glazing fitted therewith to provide excellent acoustic insulation performance. It also aims to describe the manufacture of glazing according to the invention.

[0035] The glazing unit V, shown in Figure 4, can be any type of glazing comprising at least two glazed panes 7 defining a cavity between them. For the purposes of the present invention, the cavity of a glazing unit is defined as the volume enclosed between two glazed panes 7 of said glazing unit V.

[0036] By "spacing device" we mean any device that allows the length of the spacing between the glass panes of the glazing in which it is intended to be placed to be fixed.

[0037] With reference to figure 1, according to a first variant, the spacing device according to the invention comprises a profile 1 which is designed to be fixed between two glazed walls 7.

[0038] The term "profile" refers to a hollow tubular structure, with the chamber being the internal space within this tubular structure. The profile can be a straight profile. A "straight profile" is defined as one that is straight along its length (a longitudinal axis of the profile can therefore be defined).

[0039] Profile 1 can be formed by extruding material, as in the known prior art, for example in metal alloy or plastic material.

[0040] The material is ductile either when hot (with heat applied) or when cold (without heat applied – at room temperature). In the example described, the material is ductile when hot.

[0041] The walls delimit a chamber, forming an internal space. More precisely, the profile 1 comprises at least one upper wall 3, one lower wall 4, and two side walls 5 defining the chamber 2 of the profile.

[0042] In this text, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used with reference to the orientation of the profile 1 shown in Figure 1. Of course, the profile can have any other possible orientation, such as for example an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the profile is vertical or an orientation in which the upper wall is below the lower wall.

[0043] Profile 1 may have open ends in the longitudinal direction. The chamber of the profile can, however, be closed by sealing the open ends of the profile.

[0044] The upper wall 3 comprises a plurality of perforations 6 arranged periodically. Thus, the profile 1 is also referred to as the "perforated profile" in this text. The perforations 6 are made across the entire thickness of the upper wall and establish fluid communication between the chamber 2 of the profile and the environment outside the profile (i.e., they allow the circulation of a fluid, for example a gas, from the chamber 2 of the profile to the external environment and vice versa).

[0045] The upper wall 3 of the profile corresponds to the wall intended to face the center of the cavity formed between two glazed walls 7 of a glazing V (see figure 4), the lower wall 4 corresponds to the wall of the profile 1 intended to be closest to the edge of the glazed walls 7 of the glazing V, the side walls 5 are intended to be parallel to the glazed walls 7.

[0046] All the walls of profile 1 (and those of profiles 10 and 100 presented later) advantageously have a thickness of 0.1 to 15 mm, plus preferably from 0.2 to 1 mm. In particular, the wall thickness is from 0.1 to 0.2 mm, or from 0.2 to 0.4 mm, or from 0.4 to 0.6 mm, or from 0.6 to 0.8 mm, or from 0.8 to 1 mm, or from 1 to 1 to 1.2 mm, or from 1.2 to 1.5 mm, or from 1.5 to 2 mm, or from 2 to 3 mm, or from 3 to 4 mm, or from 4 to 5 mm, or from 5 to 10 mm, or from 10 to 15 mm.

[0047] Advantageously, the length of the upper wall 3 of the profile 1 is equal to the length of the cavity between the glazed walls 7 of the glazing V in which the device is intended to be placed, in the same direction.

[0048] The perforations 6 made in the wall 3 are arranged periodically along the length of the profile.

[0049] By "plurality of perforations" is meant at least two perforations. More specifically, the upper wall 3 may comprise two, or three, or at least three, or four, or at least four, or five, or at least five, or six, or at least six, or seven, or at least seven, or eight, or at least eight, or nine, or at least nine, or ten, or at least ten, perforations arranged periodically. The more periodically arranged perforations the upper wall 3 comprises, the better the sound insulation of the glazing in which the device is located. Preferably, the upper wall 3 comprises at least three perforations, and more preferably at least four, arranged periodically.

[0050] By "periodically arranged perforations," we mean that these perforations are identical and are present at regular intervals along wall 3 (that is, the distance between the centers of two adjacent perforations 6 is essentially constant). The perforations are made across the entire thickness of wall 3 (they extend from one face of the wall to the other) and establish fluidic communication between the spaces located on either side of wall 3 (that is, they allow the circulation of a fluid, and more specifically a gas, from one face of the strip to the other). It is also observed that the perforations are arranged along a longitudinal axis located at the midpoint of the width of wall 3.

[0051] The perforations can be made using any method known to a person skilled in the art.

[0052] The perforations can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, they have a cross-section (i.e. in the principal plane of the wall 3) that is circular or substantially circular.

[0053] Advantageously, the perforations are micro-perforations. "Micro-perforations" are defined as holes whose diameter or maximum dimension (in the principal plane of the wall 3) is less than or equal to 8 mm. Preferably, the perforations have a diameter, or a maximum dimension (in the principal plane of the wall 3) of 0.2 to 8 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter or maximum dimension of the perforations may be 0.2 to 0.5 mm, or 0.5 to 1 mm, or 1 to 2 mm, or 2 to 3 mm, or 3 to 4 mm, or 4 to 5 mm, or 5 to 6 mm, or 6 to 7 mm, or 7 to 8 mm.

[0054] Preferably, the periodic perforations are distributed along the entire length of the wall 3 of the profile 1 (or 10 or 100, according to other embodiments). Alternatively, the perforations may be arranged periodically along only a portion of the length of the wall 3, for example, on a portion of the wall 3 having a length less than or equal to 90%, or less than or equal to 80%, or less than or equal to 70%, or less than or equal to 60%, or less than or equal to 50%, or less than or equal to 40%, or less than or equal to 30%, or less than or equal to 20%, or less than or equal to 10% of the length of the wall 3.

[0055] For each perforation, a geometric center of said perforation can be defined (hereafter simply called the "center"). The distance between the centers of two adjacent perforations is preferably 5 to 200 mm, more preferably 10 to 110 mm. The distance between the centers of two adjacent periodic perforations may be 5 to 10 mm, or 10 to 20 mm, or 20 to 30 mm, or 30 to 40 mm, or 40 to 50 mm, or 50 to 60 mm, or 60 to 70 mm, or 70 to 80 mm, or 80 to 90 mm, or 90 to 100 mm, or 100 to 110 mm, or 110 to 120 mm, or 120 to 140 mm, or 140 to 160 mm, or 160 to 180 mm, or 180 to 200 mm.

[0056] The combination of chamber 2 with periodic perforations 6 on the upper wall 3 creates resonators that absorb at least some of the sound energy in the cavity of the glazing V formed by the two glass walls 7, thereby reducing sound transmission through the glazing V. In particular, the resonators absorb sound energy especially effectively at frequencies close to their resonant frequency(ies). Furthermore, the energy absorption at the resonators' harmonic frequencies, along with physical phenomena related to the modification of the gas cavity properties of the glazing V due to the presence of the resonators, further improves sound insulation at frequencies above the resonant frequencies of the resonators.According to some embodiments, the upper wall 3, the periodic perforations 6, and the chamber 2 can be dimensioned so that the system formed by the upper wall 3 and the chamber 2 resonates at the mass / spring / mass frequency of the glazing V or at a frequency close to it, making it possible to reduce the mass / spring / mass effect.

[0057] Advantageously, the principal plane of the upper wall 3 and the principal plane of the lower wall 4 are parallel to each other. Even more advantageously, the principal planes of the upper wall 3 and the lower wall 4 are perpendicular to the principal planes of the two side walls 5.

[0058] The upper wall 3 in which the periodic perforations 6 are provided is the wall perpendicular to the glazed walls closest to a center of the glazing cavity V.

[0059] As can be seen in figure 1, the lower wall 4 and the side walls 5 are connected by corner walls 45 formed by inclined surfaces.

[0060] When manufacturing glazing that includes a spacing device with such a profile, and with angled corner walls 45, a sealing gasket (see gasket 72 in Figures 1 to 3) can be made under the profile between the glazed panels 7. The gasket wraps around the bottom (inner wall 4) of the profile as well as the corner walls 45. This profile bottom shape allows for a gasket 72 that extends up on both sides of the profile bottom. Such an "enveloping" joint offers better insulation performance than a classic straight joint.

[0061] Preferably, the profile 1 according to the invention has a polygonal cross-section, and more generally has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0062] Each of the walls of profile 1 can independently have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, preferably each of the walls of profile 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0063] Figure 1 shows that chamber 2 comprises two compartments 21 and 22 which are separated by an internal wall 23. The profile 1 according to the invention thus comprises a chamber 2 comprising a compartment 21 into which the perforations 6 open and a compartment 22, separated from compartment 21 by the wall 23.

[0064] Wall 23 extends from one side wall to the other, parallel to the upper wall 3 and lower wall 4.

[0065] The lower wall 4 has a through opening 40 which extends along the entire length of the profile: this through opening 40 is designed to allow the introduction of either a sound insulation material, or a desiccant, or both, into chamber 2.

[0066] In the example device illustrated in Figure 1, chamber 2 has two compartments 21 and 22, each designed to accommodate either a layer of sound-insulating material 8 (or internal sound-absorbing material) or a layer of desiccant 9.

[0067] The internal wall 23 of chamber 2, separating the two compartments 21 and 22, also includes a through opening 230, which allows access to compartment 21 from compartment 22.

[0068] The presence of the through opening 40 (and also that of the opening 230) thus facilitates the introduction of the layer of acoustic insulation material and that of the desiccant by introducing them uniformly laterally into the profile, rather than introducing them via an opening located at the end of the profile: it is thus easier to distribute the introduced material evenly and to ensure its proper introduction.

[0069] According to Figure 1, the layer of sound insulation material comprises a foam 8 made of polymer, which is introduced into compartment 22 of chamber 2 through the opening 40 of the lower wall 4 in the first instance, and then through the opening 230 of the inner wall 23 to be introduced into compartment 21 in the second instance.

[0070] It should be understood that the layer of acoustic insulation material could be made of a different material than polymer foam: it could include glass wool, for example, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] Acoustic insulating polymer foam 8 can be manufactured using any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, the polymer foam is manufactured by injection molding, prior to the implementation of the process according to the invention, in order to take the form of a foam bar. A physical and / or chemical expanding agent can be used to achieve the expansion of the polymer, for example, in the mold. Alternatively, the foam bar can be manufactured by a foam extrusion technique.

[0072] Polymer foam can be chosen from the group consisting of silicone foams, polyurethane foams, polyolefin foams (including polyethylene), melamine foams, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the polymer foam is either silicone or polyurethane.

[0073] Polymer foam can be characterized by an average porosity greater than or equal to 0.7 and / or an average air resistance of 5,000 to 150,000 Nsrrr 4 The porosity of the material can be measured using a porosimeter according to the fluid saturation method, by mercury intrusion. Air resistance can be measured according to standard NF EN ISO 9053-1. Such a porous structure of the polymer foam can improve the acoustic performance of the device and therefore to improve the acoustic insulation of the glazing housing said spacing device.

[0074] The polymer foam may have an average porosity greater than or equal to 0.75, or greater than or equal to 0.8, or greater than or equal to 0.85, or greater than or equal to 0.9, or greater than or equal to 0.95, for example, a porosity of 0.7 to 0.75, or 0.75 to 0.8, or 0.8 to 0.85, or 0.85 to 0.90, or 0.90 to 0.95, or 0.95 to 0.99. Particularly preferred, the polymer foam has an average porosity of 0.7 to 0.99, and more preferably greater than or equal to 0.9. The average air resistance of the polymer foam may be from 5,000 to 10,000 Nsnr 4 , or from 10,000 to 20,000 Nsrrr 4 , or from 20,000 to 40,000 Nsrrr 4 , or from 40,000 to 60,000 Nsnr 4 , or from 60,000 to 80,000 Nsrrr 4 , or from 80,000 to 100,000 Nsrrr 4 , or from 100,000 to 120,000 Nsnr 4 , or from 120,000 to 140,000 Nsnr 4 , or from 140,000 to 150,000 Nsrrr 4Preferably, polymer foam exhibits an average air resistance of 20,000 to 100,000 Nsrrr 4

[0075] Advantageously, the polymer foam may comprise an average proportion of open cells of 30 to 100%, preferably 30 to 99%, and preferably 65 to 98%. The average proportion of open cells can be measured using a microscope. For example, a cross-section of a polymer foam can be examined under a microscope to determine whether each cell is open or closed. The average proportion of open cells is then calculated by dividing the total number of open cells by the total number of cells. The microscope may be, for example, an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope.Alternatively, the average proportion of open cells can be measured using an ultrasonic tortuosimeter by measuring the characteristic lengths of a polymer foam (e.g., viscous and thermal characteristic lengths) which are then used to calculate the porosity of the foam and thus determine the open cell rate.

[0076] Polymer foam may comprise an average proportion of closed cells from 0 to 70%, preferably from 1 to 70%, and preferably from 2 to 35%. The average proportion of closed cells can be measured in the same way as the average proportion of open cells.

[0077] The terms "open cells" and "closed cells" refer, respectively, to cells that are interconnected (i.e., there are open passages between the cells) and cells that are isolated from each other (i.e., there are no open passages between the cells). Generally, open-cell foams have better sound absorption capacity due to the transmission of sound waves between the cells, while closed-cell foams have greater rigidity. Of course, the rigidity and sound absorption capacity of polymer foam depend on various factors, such as the foam density, cell size, and chemical composition.

[0078] In some embodiments, the average proportion of open cells in the polymer foam 8 may be, for example, greater than or equal to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or approximately 100%. The average proportion of closed cells in the polymer foam 8 may be, for example, less than or equal to 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 2%, or approximately 1%.

[0079] Advantageously, the polymer foam 8 as described above is monolithic. By "monolithic," we mean that the polymer forms a single-piece object without any visible seams or separate parts. For example, the polymer foam 8 can be in the form of a bar manufactured as a single piece by injection molding.

[0080] The interior of chamber 2 may also contain a gas.

[0081] Compartment 22 includes a layer of a desiccant 9, configured to absorb moisture, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. A desiccant is classically defined as an agent that has the property of drying the atmosphere in which it is placed, or, in other words, of absorbing all or part of the moisture contained in that atmosphere. The use of such a layer of desiccant is part of a desire to absorb said moisture before it turns into liquid water.

[0082] The desiccant layer can be in the form of a bar 9 of agglomerated granules, which is received in compartment 22 by deforming the bar 9 to introduce it through the opening 40 into compartment 22.

[0083] The desiccant layer may also include non-agglomerated granules (i.e. individually) which are inserted (for example by injection) after formation of the profile 1, or 10 or 100 (or other embodiments according to the invention) through the opening 40.

[0084] These granules are, for example, made of molecular sieve, silica gel, calcium chloride (CaCl), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), activated carbon, or zeolites with the chemical formula M2 / nO.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O; where M can represent Ca, Mg, K, or Na. In general, any material known to those skilled in the art for making desiccants can be used as granules.

[0085] The desiccant 9 could also be integrated into the polymer foam bar 8 or incorporated into the foam 8 in a uniform or substantially uniform manner.

[0086] Alternatively, the desiccant can be contained in at least one envelope to form a layer, which is held inside the chamber, thus forming a cushion of desiccant material 9. Each envelope may contain the desiccant 9 in the form of granules as described above. Each envelope may be made of a flexible or rigid material, such as paper, plastic, polymer or plant fibers, or woven materials. The envelope may have perforations to allow the granules to absorb moisture. These perforations are typically smaller in diameter than the granules to prevent them from escaping the envelope.

[0087] The through opening 230 between compartments 21 and 22, which respectively house a sound insulation material 8 and a desiccant 9, has also aims to bring material 8 and agent 9 into contact, so that agent 9 has a drying effect on the sound insulation material.

[0088] To keep the acoustic insulation foam bar 8 and the desiccant 9 contained in compartment 22 in place, the through access opening 40 is to be closed by a watertight sealing flap 20, which completely covers the opening 40 and is glued to the lower wall 4. For more secure retention of the watertight sealing flap 20, it also extends onto the corner wall 45 and at least partially onto the side walls 5 where it is also glued (see figure 1).

[0089] Reference will now be made to figures 2 and 3 illustrating other profiles of a spacing device according to the invention.

[0090] Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a spacing device according to the invention, in which chamber 2 of profile 10 has only one compartment.

[0091] It should be noted that profile 10 has walls whose dimensions are similar to those of the walls of profile 1.

[0092] The spacing profile 10 thus comprises an upper wall 3, a lower wall 4, side walls 5 and corner walls 45 forming inclined surfaces between the side walls 5 and the lower wall 4.

[0093] The upper wall 3 comprises a plurality of perforations 6 arranged periodically and the lower wall has the through opening 40 allowing the introduction of sound insulation material 80 into chamber 2.

[0094] A watertight sealing cap 20 closes the opening 40 by being fixed to the lower wall 4 and extends from the lower wall 4 to the side walls 5.

[0095] Acoustic insulation material 80 is a mixture of acoustic insulation foam and a desiccant incorporated into the foam.

[0096] According to other embodiments of the device according to the invention, the profile 10 could consist only of acoustic insulation foam. However, such an embodiment cannot be used alone to produce the frame of a glazing unit according to the invention. Indeed, it is recommended to produce only two frame edges with such a profile and to provide two frame edges with a profile incorporating a desiccant material to meet current glazing manufacturing standards.

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates yet another embodiment: the spacing device includes a profile 100, which includes a double chamber 2, like the profile 1 of the device shown in Figure 1. The chamber 2 includes a compartment 21 which accommodates an acoustic insulation material 8 and a compartment 22 which accommodates a desiccant 9.

[0098] The internal wall 23 of chamber 2, separating the two compartments 21 and 22, includes a through opening 230 which ensures contact between the acoustic insulation material 8 and the desiccant agent 9.

[0099] It should be noted that profile 100 has walls whose dimensions are similar to those of the walls of profile 1.

[0100] The spacing profile 100 thus comprises an upper wall 3, a lower wall 4, side walls 5 and corner walls 45 forming inclined surfaces between the side walls 5 and the lower wall 4.

[0101] The upper wall 3 comprises a plurality of perforations 6 arranged periodically.

[0102] Unlike profile 1, the lower wall 4 does not have a through opening allowing the introduction of material into chamber 2.

[0103] In this embodiment, one of the side walls 5 includes two through openings 51 and 52, each opening respectively into compartment 21 and into compartment 22, to introduce a sound insulation material 8 into compartment 21 and to introduce a desiccant into compartment 22.

[0104] Another embodiment according to the invention could provide for only one chamber and one lateral through opening.

[0105] The invention would also envisage having only one lateral through opening with a chamber comprising two compartments, the desiccant agent 9 being able to be introduced into compartment 21 through the single lateral through opening, then into compartment 22 through the through opening 230 of the inner wall 23 of chamber 2.

[0106] As in other embodiments, the profile includes a sealing cover 20 which closes the lateral through openings 51 and 52. This sealing cover 20 also extends over the solid lower wall 4 and over the other lateral wall 5, thus laterally enveloping the profile 100 and its lower wall 4.

[0107] Figure 4 illustrates a glazing unit according to the invention. It is made in the following way:

[0108] First, the glass panels 7 of the glazing V to be produced are measured in order to know their width and length.

[0109] Then, four profiles of 1, 10 or 100 (depending on the model chosen) are made with a length that corresponds approximately to the side of the glazing in order to form a frame with these profiles, with dimensions adapted to the glazing to be made.

[0110] As an alternative manufacturing process, a profile 1, 10 or 100 is produced with a length that corresponds approximately to the perimeter of the glazing, and a frame is produced from this single profile by hammering the profile so as to form the angles of the frame, and so that the frame formed can extend between the two walls, along the inner edge between two glazed walls 7.

[0111] The frame thus obtained is fixed onto a first glazed wall 7.

[0112] To do this, a first bead of glue 70 is deposited along the profile over the entire length of a first side wall 5 (see figures 1, 2 or 3 which shows the glazing seen in section).

[0113] A second glazed wall 7 is then positioned and fixed on the frame, opposite the first, against the other side of the frame (the other side wall 5 - see figures 1, 2 and 3 also) by means of another glue joint 71, deposited all along the other side wall, all around the frame.

[0114] Thus, the frame is sandwiched between two glazed walls 7, and the glue joints 70, 71, deposited on the side walls 5 of the straight profile 1 (or 10, or 100, or any other profile made in accordance with the invention), over the entire length of the frame, are compressed between the profile of the spacing device and a glazed wall 7.

[0115] Preferably, the glazed walls 7 are attached to the profile 1, 10 or 100 by a polyisobutylene (PIB) based adhesive.

[0116] Finally, a peripheral sealing gasket 72 may also be present, preferably located on the external face of the spacer device (i.e., the lower wall of the profile, which is the face of the spacer device closest to the edge of the glazed walls). More preferably, the peripheral sealing gasket extends from this face to the edge of the glazed walls. This sealing gasket 72 may be made with a sealant (called a "sealing compound") based on polyurethane, polysulfide, and / or silicone.

[0117] The profile 1, 10 or 100 of the spacing device, which is positioned between two glazed walls 7, thus allows the length of the spacing between the glazed walls 7 to be fixed.

[0118] The length of this gap (i.e., the thickness of the cavity between the panes of glass) can be from 6 to 30 mm, preferably from 10 to 20 mm, for example, 16 mm or 20 mm. Advantageously, the frame containing the spacing device is positioned within the cavity, more particularly in a peripheral area. Preferably, the frame containing the spacing device has the same number of sides as the number of edges of the glazing, and more preferably, a shape identical to that of the glazing. Preferably, each side of the frame of the spacing device is parallel to an edge of the glazing.

[0119] The glazing according to the invention, thus obtained, can be used in any application using glazing. In particular, the glazing according to the invention can be building glazing. The glazing can be intended to form the interface between the exterior and interior of the building, and can, for example, be a glazing of facade, window glazing or door glazing. Alternatively, the glazing may be intended to be placed inside the building.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. A glazing spacer, said spacer comprising a straight profile (1, 10, 100) including at least four walls (3, 4, 5) delimiting between them at least one chamber (2, 21, 22), said profile (1, 10, 100) extending over a profile length, one (3) of the walls comprising a plurality of perforations (6) arranged periodically, characterized in that said chamber (2) comprises a sound insulation material (8) and optionally a desiccant (9), and in that any one (4, 5) among said walls not comprising said perforations has at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52) which extends at least partially over said length of said profile (1, 10, 100), allowing the introduction of said sound insulation material (8) and possibly said desiccant (9) through said at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51,52) up to said chamber (2), said at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52) being hermetically sealed by a watertight sealing cap (20), fixed at least to said wall (4, 5) having said at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52).

2. Spacing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52) extends over the entire length of said profile (1, 10, 100).

3. Spacing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said chamber (2) comprises a first compartment (21) and a second compartment (22) separated by a wall (23) internal to said profile (1, 100), the internal wall (23) being parallel to said wall (3) having said perforations (6) and having a through opening (230) in the internal wall (23).

4. A spacing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said device has at least one opening longitudinal through (40) is made in a wall (4) of the profile which is parallel to said wall (3) having said perforations (6).

5. Spacing device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said longitudinal through opening (40) of the wall (4) of said profile extends to the right of said through opening (230) of said internal wall (23).

6. Spacing device according to claim 3, characterized in that a wall (5) of the profile comprises two longitudinal through openings (51, 52), each opening into one (21) or the other (22) of said first and second compartment (21, 22) separated by said internal wall (23).

7. Spacing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first compartment (21) comprises said sound insulation material (8).

8. Spacing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the second compartment (22) comprises said desiccant agent (9).

9. A spacing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sound insulation material (8) comprises: - a polymer foam, preferably selected from the group consisting of silicone foams, polyurethane foams, polyethylene foams, melamine foams, and combinations thereof, and / or - fiberglass.

10. A spacing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said desiccant agent (9) comprises granules made of molecular sieve, silica gel, calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), activated carbon, zeolites chemical formulation M2ZnO.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O; M can represent Ca, Mg, K, Na.

11. Spacing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing lid (20) comprises an aluminum foil glued to said wall (4, 5) having said at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52).

12. Glazing (V) comprising at least two glazed walls (7) forming a cavity between them, said cavity comprising at least one spacing device according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Glazing according to claim 12, wherein the wall (3) of the spacing device having the perforations (6) arranged periodically is the wall perpendicular to the glazed walls (7) of the glazing (V) closest to a center of the cavity.

14. A method for manufacturing a spacer device for glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: - provide a straight profile (1, 10, 100), the straight profile (1, 10, 100) comprising at least four walls (3, 4, 5) delimiting between them at least one chamber (2, 21, 22), said profile (1, 10, 100) extending over a profile length, one (3) of the walls comprising a plurality of perforations (6) arranged periodically, any one (4, 5) among said walls not comprising said perforations having at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52) which extends at least partially over said length of said profile (1, 10, 100), - introduce a sound insulation material (8) and optionally a desiccant (9) through the at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52) right up to room (2), - hermetically seal at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52) with a watertight sealing cap (20) by securing the sealing cap watertight (20) on the wall (4,5) having said at least one longitudinal through opening (40, 51, 52).

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