Rung connectors and rung joints

Abstract

A muntin connector for hollow window muntins (3-6) of an insulating glazing unit (41), characterized in that the muntin connector (1) has a central area (13) and several, in particular four, connector arms (8-11) extending crosswise to different sides from the central area (13), preferably straight, and the muntin connector (1) is designed to connect several, in particular four, window muntins (3-6) that can be individually attached to the connector arms (8-11), preferably straight, each with a front-facing mitered tip (7), and the muntin connector (1) is designed to be completely received in the attached window muntins (3-6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rung connector and a rung connection with the features in the preamble of the main claim.

[0002] From DE 44 41 769 A1, a straight muntin connector is known, which serves to join three hollow window muntins. One of these muntins has a transverse opening, and the other two shorter muntins each have a beveled front. The straight muntin connector passes through the opening of the first muntin, projecting beyond it on both sides. One of the other two muntins is then attached to these projections. This muntin connection technique requires a certain amount of processing and assembly effort. The visual appearance of the joint and the muntin cross could be improved.

[0003] DE 26 37 034 A1 shows a cross connector for hollow window mullions with four interlocking flat, slotted webs, on each of which elongated beads are arranged at the edge.

[0004] Other muntin connectors are known from practical experience, as well as from KR 200 397 024 Y1 and DE 10 2022 105 435 A1. Hollow window muntins with their ends cut perpendicular to their length are attached to the arms of these connectors and brought into contact with stop ribs. The ends of the window muntins are spaced apart, leaving a central area of ​​the connector open. This area contains a rattle guard with elastic spring arms, which, when installed in the cavity of an insulating glass unit, can bear against the panes on both sides with a spring action. Here, too, the visual appearance of the connection point and the muntin cross is not optimal.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to demonstrate an improved rung joining technique.

[0006] The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims. The muntin connection technology, i.e., the muntin connector, the muntin connection, the muntin cross, and the insulating glazing, offer various advantages.

[0007] The mullion connector according to claim 1 comprises a central area and several, in particular four, connector arms with longitudinal axes projecting crosswise in different directions from the central area. The connector can have a top and a bottom surface, each extending along a main plane of the connector across the central area and the connector arms. The window mullions and the insulating glazing can have a correspondingly oriented main plane as well as top and bottom surfaces.

[0008] The claimed mullion connector has the advantage that several, in particular four, hollow window mullions can be individually attached to the connector arms of the mullion connector and can meet tightly with their front-protruding miter tips above the central area of ​​the mullion connector, with the miter edges in mutual contact.

[0009] Furthermore, the window muntins can each have a circumferentially closed muntin section with end walls that are also mitered and have a mitered edge aligned with the adjacent lateral mitered edge of the miter point. Adjacent window muntins can butt tightly together at these end walls and their respective mitered edges.

[0010] The miter points project beyond the lateral end walls on the top and bottom surfaces of the window muntins. These miter points can be formed by the top and bottom walls of the respective window muntin or muntin profile. The side walls of the window muntin or muntin profile can be removed during the double-sided miter cut, leaving the aforementioned top and bottom walls intact. The connecting arms and window muntins are preferably present in equal numbers. The miter angle of the preferably centrally located and symmetrically shaped miter points can be, for example, 90°.

[0011] The specially designed muntin connector can be fully and discreetly integrated into the hollow window muntins. This creates a visually appealing and mechanically secure muntin connection. The mitered ends can then be joined together in a neat, precise miter joint. The muntin connector disappears into the hollow window muntins and is no longer visible from the outside.

[0012] This allows for the creation of a visually appealing and mechanically stable cross-shaped muntin bar. Such a muntin bar can be positioned within the cavity of an insulating glass unit. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be mounted on the exterior surface of the insulating glass unit.

[0013] The individual hollow window muntins, also known as muntin profiles, which are attached to the respective connector arm, can be precisely guided and secured against accidental removal. They can be attached to the connector arms with their circumferentially closed profile area and guided on multiple sides up to the inner end of the connector arm.

[0014] Adjacent window muntins can meet at the base of the connector arms and in a corner area there, with beveled ends of their side profile walls, thus forming a miter joint. The miter points formed on the top and bottom of the window muntins or muntin profiles can extend beyond the base into the central area of ​​the muntin connector, where their lateral miter edges meet tightly. The position of the miter joint between the miter points can be easily and precisely determined. It can be supported and stabilized by the muntin connector. A muntin cross with a cross-miter joint of its window muntins has a more visually appealing appearance than a muntin cross with butt-jointed muntins cut perpendicular to their longitudinal axis.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the muntin connector is designed as a cross connector with four connector arms, which are distributed at right angles around the circumference and each form a 90° angle with the other. With such a cross connector, four window muntins, each with mitered tips and a 90° miter angle, can be precisely and securely joined, each mounted on a connector arm. The manufacturing and assembly effort for the muntin connector and for forming the muntin connection can be kept to a minimum.

[0016] In another embodiment, the mullion connector can, for example, be T-shaped and have three connector arms arranged crosswise and projecting in different directions from the central area, onto which a total of three window mullions with mitered tips can be attached. The mitered tips can have a correspondingly different shape.

[0017] Advantageously, the rung connector can be made of plastic or another suitable material. For example, it can be manufactured as an injection-molded plastic part or produced using 3D printing, 3D sintering, or similar processes from plastic, metal, or material mixtures.

[0018] In one embodiment of the muntin connector, the connector arms can each have a free outer end and an inner foot end adjoining the central area, with the connector arms abutting each other at their foot ends at the central area of ​​the muntin connector. Adjacent connector arms can be directly connected to each other at their foot ends, forming a recessed corner area between their side walls. This design is particularly advantageous for attaching hollow window muntins with mitered ends and for the complete and concealed integration of the muntin connector into the muntin joint and the muntin cross. In the corner area, the aforementioned end walls with mitered edges can also abut tightly.

[0019] In the corner areas, the attached window muntins can be guided precisely along the front section of their circumferentially closed muntin or profile area against the respective connector arm. This is advantageous for quickly and accurately forming the miter joint between the window muntins. Furthermore, this design facilitates the complete and stress-free insertion of the muntin connector into the attached window muntins and the muntin cross.

[0020] A particularly advantageous feature is the arrangement of a central groove in each corner area. The groove is positioned specifically at the base of the corner and extends between the top and bottom surfaces. This allows the mitered tip and the side faces of adjacent window muntins to align perfectly without constraint at their adjacent mitered edges. Any burrs or other protrusions on the window muntins can be accommodated in the groove, if necessary. This is especially beneficial for window muntins with a rectangular cross-section.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connector arms and the central section can connect seamlessly to each other on their upper and lower surfaces. In particular, they can merge flush with one another. This is advantageous for the complete integration of the muntin connector into the window muntins and the muntin cross. The window muntins can be inserted with their mitered tips on the front without resistance, right up to the central section of the muntin connector. The stop ribs present in previously known muntin connectors are eliminated by this seamless design.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the central area of ​​the rafter connector has diagonally crossed ribs oriented transversely to the main plane of the rafter connector. These ribs are oriented diagonally to the longitudinal axes of the connector arms and correspond in their orientation and position to the mitered edges of the abutting miter points, which are preferably aligned at 90° to each other. The miter points can be effectively supported by the ribs and secured in their position during the miter joint. For the preferably four-armed configuration of the rafter connector, the central area is preferably rectangular. The diagonally crossed ribs can each originate from the corners of the central area. Additionally, ribs can be present in the central area that extend longitudinally along the connector arms and also intersect each other and the aforementioned ribs.

[0023] The connector arms can each have a transverse wall at their base between the corner areas. This can stabilize the connector arms and also form a boundary for the preferably rectangular central area. This design is also advantageous for a secure and wobble-free connection of the rafters and miters, as well as for the cross-shaped rafters.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the connector arms each have several, preferably spring-elastic, retaining elements on their outer side walls. These elements project laterally from the side walls and can be arranged axially one behind the other. In this and other embodiments, the aforementioned axial alignment refers to the longitudinal axis of the connector arm. These retaining elements guide and hold the attached muntin profile, preventing it from being unintentionally pulled off. A particularly advantageous design for the retaining elements is as spring-loaded lamellae. These can be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis and can be bent at their free ends. This design is advantageous for ensuring a rigid function when attaching the window muntins and for subsequent secure retention in the attached position.

[0025] The retaining elements can each be arranged in an outer recess of the side walls. This has the advantage that the retaining elements, especially the slats, can have a greater length in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. This benefits the spring and retention function. Furthermore, the respective recess can be arranged between the outer end of the arm and the inner end of the foot, whereby the connecting arms and their side walls can have a guiding and positioning function for the attached window muntins at these end areas. The retaining elements, especially the slats, can project laterally beyond these end areas and thus rest against the associated inner wall of the window muntin in a springy and retaining manner.

[0026] The side walls of the connector arms can each have a flat outer wall at the corner. This outer wall extends lengthwise along the connector arms and is located between the top and bottom of the muntin connector. The outer wall can provide a support and guide surface for the facing inner wall of the attached window muntin.

[0027] The side walls of the connector arms can be designed as longitudinal ribs that extend axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis and transversely between the upper and lower sides.

[0028] The left and right, preferably parallel, side walls of the respective connector arms can be spaced laterally apart. An arm stiffener can be arranged between the side walls. Furthermore, a gap can be present between the parallel side walls. The arm stiffener can be designed as a solid transverse wall or, preferably, as a ribbed structure. The arm stiffener supports the side walls in the transverse direction. It thus provides defined support for the external retaining elements, in particular lamellae.

[0029] The arm stiffener can, on the other hand, be arranged in a space between the preferably parallel side walls. The arm stiffener can comprise crossed stiffening ribs. These can connect to the side walls and intersect each other. Furthermore, an axially extending, central stiffening rib can be present, extending from the stiffening ribs towards the base and the central area. The ribbed design of the arm stiffener is advantageous in allowing for limited elasticity of the respective connector arm when the window mullion is exposed. It also allows for material savings.

[0030] The rung connector with its various ribs and spaces between them can be designed as a skeletal structure. This is advantageous for mechanical stability and material savings.

[0031] The arm stiffener can be axially spaced from the outer end of the arm. This has the advantage that the parallel side walls of the connector arms can flex laterally in the area of ​​the arm end. This is beneficial for guiding the window mullion during installation. The spring action can be eliminated in the area of ​​the arm stiffener and is thus limited to the insertion area of ​​the connector arms at the outer, free end of the arm.

[0032] The side walls of the connector arms can each have a guide head with an external chamfer at the outer end of the arm. This chamfer can be designed and positioned to guide a window mullion during installation and to facilitate manual or automated installation. The chamfer can be flat or rounded. The guide head can project laterally beyond the subsequent recess on the associated side arm and perform the aforementioned guiding function.

[0033] A flexible end wall can be arranged at the outer end of the arm between the spaced, preferably parallel, side walls. This enables, on the one hand, the aforementioned spring function at the outer end of the arm to guide and stabilize the attached window mullion. On the other hand, the flexible end wall, through its end connection with both side walls, secures their position. The spring and deflection movement of the guide heads can thus be limited and defined. A particularly advantageous design of the flexible end wall as a curved spring clip is beneficial. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the spring clip can have a concave bend, the zenith of which is directed towards the central area of ​​the mullion connector.

[0034] The aforementioned ribs and transverse walls of the connector arms and the central area can each extend to the top and bottom of the rung connector and terminate there. The end wall, in particular the spring clip, can have a constriction in the middle area, at the top and / or bottom, directed transversely to the main plane, which improves the spring properties.

[0035] The connecting arms can each have a rectangular cross-section. This can be adapted to a rectangular inner cross-section of the hollow window muntins or muntin profiles. Such a design of the window muntins is particularly advantageous for reasons of stability and appearance. These types of window muntins are also known as Viennese muntins or duplex profiles.

[0036] The hollow window muntins and the crossbar can be designed to be positioned within the cavity of the insulating glass unit. They can also be positioned on the exterior of the insulating glass unit, either additionally or alternatively. This may be due to aesthetic requirements, for example. The window muntins preferably have the aforementioned rectangular cross-section. Other muntin profile contours are also possible.

[0037] The invention also relates to a muntin cross comprising a muntin connector and several, in particular four, hollow window muntins, and preferably intended for use with insulating glazing. In conventional embodiments, the muntin cross can have one intersection point of the prescribed type with a muntin connector. However, the muntin cross can also comprise several such intersection points.

[0038] The invention further relates to an insulating glass unit with at least two panes spaced apart by an air gap, and a muntin cross designed as described above, which can preferably be accommodated in this air gap. The muntin cross can alternatively or additionally also be arranged on the outside of the insulating glass unit.

[0039] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0040] The invention is illustrated by way of example in the drawings. These show Fig. 1: A truncated top view of a mullion joint of a mullion cross with a mullion connector and four window mullions with mitered tips attached to its connector arms, Fig. 2: a broken side view of a window mullion according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3: a schematic view of an insulating glass unit with a crossbar, Fig. 4: A perspective view of the rung connector looking at its underside, Fig. 5: Another perspective view of the rung connector looking at its top side, Fig. 6: a cutaway view of the rung connector of Fig. 1-4, Fig. 7: A top view of the rung connector of Fig. 1-6, Fig. 8: An enlarged front view according to arrow VIII of a connector arm and an attached window mullion of Fig. 1, Fig. 9: a broken and enlarged detail view of a connector arm with a partially shown attached and cut window mullion, Fig. 10: Another perspective view of the rung connector from Fig. 1-9 and Fig. 11: a front view of the rung connector according to arrow XI of Fig. 10 showing a partial representation of an attached window mullion and insulating glass.

[0041] The invention relates to a mullion connector (1) and a mullion joint (2). The invention further relates to a mullion cross (42) and an insulating glazing unit (41).

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a muntin connection (2) for a muntin cross (42) of an insulating glass unit (41). The muntin connection (2) is formed by a muntin connector (1) and several window muntins (3-6) that are individually attached to connector arms (8-11) of the muntin connector (1). The connector arms (8-11) and the window muntins (3-6) are present in equal numbers. In the embodiment shown, there are four window muntins (3-6) and four connector arms (8-11). The number can be different, for example, three.

[0043] The rung connector (1) comprises a central section (13) and the aforementioned multiple, e.g., four, connector arms (8-11) projecting crosswise from the central section (13) in different directions. The connector arms (8-11) are preferably straight and each has a longitudinal axis (12). The connector arms (8-11) are arranged crosswise around the central section (13), offset by 90° each time. The rung connector (1) shown is designed as a cross connector.

[0044] The four window muntins (3-6) are designed as hollow muntin profiles, in particular box profiles, and are individually attached to the connecting arms (8-11). The window muntins (3-6) preferably have a straight shape. According to the abbreviated side view of Fig. 2 each a closed rung area or profile area (38) which includes a Fig. 8 shows an essentially rectangular internal cross-section.

[0045] The window muntins (3-6) each have a central, symmetrical mitered tip (7) projecting axially beyond the closed muntin section (38) on one front side, with lateral mitered edges (37). The mitered tip has a miter angle of, for example, 90°. In the double-sided miter cut, the side walls of the window muntin (3-6) are cut off at the front, leaving the top and bottom walls of the muntin profile intact and forming the mitered tip (7) with the mitered edges (37). The lateral end walls (39) of the closed muntin or profile section (38) are also chamfered by the miter cut and have mitered edges (40) that taper obliquely towards the central axis of the window muntin (3-6).

[0046] The upper wall of the muntin profile is located on a top surface (23) and the lower wall on a bottom surface (24) of the window muntin (3-6) or the muntin profile. The vertical side walls of the closed profile area (38) extend between the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24).

[0047] The aligned top (23) and bottom (24) surfaces of the muntin connector (1) are also referred to below. The top (23) and bottom (24) of the muntin connector (1) extend along the main plane of the muntin connector (1) across the central area (13) and the connector arms (8-11). The main planes of the muntin cross (42) and the insulating glass unit (41) are aligned accordingly.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of an insulating glass unit (41), which is arranged, for example, on a window and is located in a surrounding frame (43), for example, a window sash frame. The insulating glass unit (41) comprises two or more panes, preferably made of glass, which are arranged parallel to each other, forming a gas-filled cavity (44) between the panes, and are connected by a spacer frame (not shown) that surrounds the outer edge. The in Fig. The window bars (3-4) shown in sections together with the connector (1) form a bar cross (42), which is arranged, for example, in the space between the panes (44). Fig. Figure 11 shows an example of this arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, a crossbar (42) of the type mentioned can also be arranged on the outside of the insulating glazing (41).

[0049] The rung connector (1) is in Fig. 4-11 shown in different views. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view looking at the aforementioned underside (24). In Fig. Figure 5 shows another perspective view looking at the top (23).

[0050] The top and bottom surfaces (23, 24) of the connector arms (8-11) and the intermediate section (13) connect seamlessly. In particular, they merge flush into one another. The top and bottom surfaces (23, 24) are shown in side view from Fig. The window muntins (3-6) are formed flat or have a straight extension. When attached, they can slide without resistance over the connector arms (8-11) to the central area (13). The muntin connector (1) is fully integrated into the attached window muntins (3-6).

[0051] The mitered tips (7) of, for example, the four attached window mullions (3-6) meet according to Fig. 1 and Fig. The 3 parts meet in the center of the central area (13), with their lateral mitered edges (37) lying close together. The mitered tips (7) completely cover the central area (13) on the top and bottom (23, 24). The connector arms (8-11) each project axially into the closed muntin area (38) of the window muntins (3-6). The muntin connector (1) thus disappears completely into the attached window muntins (3-6) and is not visible from the outside in the closed muntin connection (2) and the muntin cross (42).

[0052] The central area (13) has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view of the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24), with the connecting arms (8-11) extending from the sides of the rectangle. Each connecting arm (8-11) has a free outer arm end (14) and an inner foot end (15), with adjacent connecting arms (8-11) abutting the central area (13) at their foot ends (15). Adjacent connecting arms (8-11) are directly connected to each other at their foot ends (15), forming a recessed corner area (16).

[0053] The preferably rectangular central area (13) has according to Fig. Four to seven diagonally crossed ribs (22), oriented transversely to the main plane of the rung connector (1), each originating from the corners of the central area (13). The ribs (22) intersect at right angles in the center of the central area (13) and the rung connector. The ribs (22) run along and under the lateral mitered edges (37) of the four miter points (7). The ribs extend to the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24) of the rung connector (1) and provide a bearing and support for the mitered edges (37) of the attached miter points (7). Gaps may be present between the ribs (22). In the illustrated embodiment, a horizontal, closed inner wall (21) is provided, oriented parallel to the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24). This wall can be positioned centrally between the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24) or according to Fig. 6 be arranged off-center and closer to the top or bottom (23,24).

[0054] The central area (13) may have additional ribs that are aligned along the longitudinal axes (12) and intersect each other. All ribs may intersect at the center point of the central area (13).

[0055] The connecting arms (8-11) each have parallel side walls (18, 19) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) and laterally separated from each other. The side walls (18, 19) also extend between the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24). The recessed corner area (16) is formed between adjacent side walls (18, 19). Here, the adjacent side walls (18, 19) are directly connected to each other.

[0056] The corner areas (16) each have a central groove (17) at the base, which runs between the upper and lower surfaces (23,24).

[0057] The connector arms (8-11) each have a transverse wall (20) at their inner foot end (15) between the corner areas (16). This wall extends to the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24). The transverse wall (20) can laterally define the central area (13).

[0058] The connecting arms (8-11) each have several laterally projecting, spring-elastic retaining elements (28) on their outer side walls (18, 19), arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12). In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining elements (28) are each designed as resilient lamellae (29). The retaining elements (28), in particular the lamellae (29), can have an oblique inclination directed towards the central area (13). They can each be integrally formed on the outer side walls (18, 19). At their free ends, the lamellae (29) can be angled and can extend transversely to the longitudinal axis (12) in this end region. The retaining elements (28), in particular the lamellae (29), can also extend to the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24) and terminate there.

[0059] The retaining elements (28), in particular lamellae (29), are each arranged in an outer, axially extending indentation (27) of the side wall (18, 19). At the free arm end (14) and at the inner foot end (15), the side walls (18, 19) project laterally outwards again, thereby limiting the axial length of the respective indentation (27).

[0060] The side walls (18, 19) each have a flat lateral outer wall (26) at the inner foot end (15) and at the corner area (16), as well as in the projecting area. This extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) and between the upper and lower surfaces (23, 24). Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, a window mullion (3-6) can be guided on the end section of its closed mullion area (38) at the end face of its closed mullion area and on its side walls on the flat outer walls (26) on both sides.

[0061] At the outer end (14) of the arm, the side walls (18, 19) each have a guide head (30) in the projecting area after the indentation (27). This guide head has an outer chamfer (31) which can be flat or curved. A window mullion (3-6) can be guided by the guide head (30) during installation.

[0062] The window muntins (3-6) each have a beveled miter edge (40) on their lateral end walls of the closed muntin or profile area (38) due to the miter cuts on both sides. These mitered edges (40) are located in the corner area (16). Here, adjacent window muntins (3-6) meet closely with their beveled mitered edges (40). The abutting window muntins (3-6) are positioned and centered relative to each other by their lateral mitered edges (37) and the mitered edges (40) inclined in the same direction.

[0063] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 9 further illustrates that the aforementioned retaining elements (28), in particular lamellae (29), are arranged on the side walls (18, 19) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) between the outer wall (26) and the guide head (30). The free ends of the retaining elements (28) or lamellae (29) project laterally outwards a small distance beyond the outer wall (26) and the guide head (30). When the window mullion (3-6) is axially attached, they deflect elastically and then clamp against the inside of the mullion side walls.

[0064] Fig. Figures 4 to 10 further illustrate that the side walls (18, 19) are designed as longitudinal webs (25) extending along the longitudinal axis (12). They also extend transversely to the main plane of the rung connector (1) between the top and bottom surfaces (23, 24).

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the parallel, web-like side walls (18, 19) are spaced apart laterally and transversely to the longitudinal axis (12). A space is located between them. An arm stiffener (32) is arranged in this space between the parallel side walls (18, 19). This arm stiffener supports the side walls (18, 19) mutually transversely to the longitudinal axis (12).

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the arm stiffener (32) has crossed stiffening ribs (33). These ribs are arranged with their ends on the side walls (18, 19) and are preferably integrally formed. In addition, a central stiffening rib (34) can be present at the inner foot end (15), extending axially from the intersection of the stiffening ribs (33) towards the central area (13). The stiffening rib (34) can connect to the transverse wall (20) and can, in particular, be integrally formed there.

[0067] The arm stiffeners (32) of the connector arms (8-11) are axially spaced from the outer arm end (14). They are located, for example, in the area of ​​the indentations (27). The arm stiffener (32) can also terminate in front of the guide heads (30) of the side walls (18, 19). At the free outer arm end (14), the side walls (18, 19) can thus flex and deform laterally and relative to each other.

[0068] At the outer end (14) of the arm, a flexible end wall (35) is arranged between the spaced side walls (18, 19), in particular between their leading edges (30). This end wall is web-like and allows the aforementioned mutual spring action of the side walls (18, 19). It can also limit this action. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible end wall (35) is designed as a curved spring bar (36). The spring bar (36) can have a concave shape, with the preferably central curvature directed towards the central area (13).

[0069] How Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 11, the connecting arms (8-11) can each have a rectangular outline in cross-section. This can be adapted to a rectangular inner cross-section of the hollow window muntins (3-6), in particular the closed muntin area (38). The inner cross-section of the window muntins (3-6) must be according to Fig. 8. It is also possible that the window mullions (3-6) have a roof-like shape with the middle area curved outwards or another contour at the top (23) and / or the bottom (24).

[0070] Figure (8) further illustrates that the elastic end wall (35), in particular the spring clip (36), can have a constriction and a lower web height in the central region than at the outer edges. This supports the spring property of the end wall (35) or the spring clip (36).

[0071] The rung connector (1) has a skeletal structure with the aforementioned ribs and webs as well as the spaces between them.

[0072] Various modifications of the illustrated embodiments are possible. Some or all of the aforementioned clearances can be omitted, with the rung connector (1) exhibiting a more robust design than the skeletal construction shown. The arm stiffener (32) can be replaced by a more robust structure, e.g., an inner wall extending along the main plane of the rung connector (1). The axially arranged and multiple retaining elements (28) can also be designed differently from the lamellae (29) shown. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 rung connector, cross connector 2 rung connection 3 window muntins 4 window muntins 5 window muntins 6 window muntins 7 Miter tip 8 connector arm 9 connector arm 10 connector arm 11 connector arm 12 Longitudinal axis 13 Central area 14 outer arm end 15 inner foot end 16 Corner area 17 Groove 18 Side wall of connector arm 19 Side wall of connector arm 20 transverse wall 21 Interior wall 22nd rib 23 Top 24 Underside 25 Longitudinal web 26 Outer wall flat 27 indentation 28 Retaining element 29 lamella 30 Starting head 31 Lead-in slope 32 Arm stiffening 33 Crosswise stiffening rib 34 Axial stiffening rib 35 Front wall 36 spring clips 37 Miter edge at miter tip 38 Profile area closed 39 Front wall 40 Mitered edge on end wall 41 Insulating glazing 42 rung cross 43 frames 44 disc space QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 44 41 769 A1

[0002] DE 26 37 034 A1

[0003] KR 200 397 024 Y1

[0004] DE 10 2022 105 435 A1

[0004]

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