multi-pane insulating glass

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-pane insulating glass unit with a pane assembly comprising a first, a second, and a third glass pane, wherein the first and second glass panes, as well as the second and third glass panes, are each separated from one another by a spacer and an intermediate space, wherein one of the two intermediate spaces is fluidically connected to the ambient atmosphere via an opening and a flow channel, wherein a desiccant is arranged in a container positioned outside the intermediate spaces and forming part of the flow channel, wherein the container is replaceable in the flow path between the ambient atmosphere and the intermediate space (3), and wherein the container is designed as a desiccant cartridge comprising a housing which has openings at suitable locations through which ambient air can enter the housing.

[0002] Multiple-pane insulating glass units are also known as thermal insulation glazing or insulating glass. A typical multiple-pane insulating glass unit is a building component for windows and other glazing applications, composed of two or more panes of glass. The spaces between the panes provide thermal insulation because the gases introduced into these spaces have a lower thermal conductivity than the glass panes themselves.

[0003] A generic multiple-pane insulating glass unit is known from EP 2 982 824 A1. According to this previously known multiple-pane insulating glass unit, a first, a second, and a third glass pane are provided, wherein the first and second glass panes, as well as the second and third glass panes, are each spaced apart from one another by a gap. The gap between the first and second glass panes is hermetically sealed, with the second glass pane having a lower bending stiffness than the first glass pane.

[0004] From GB 1,160,386 A1, a multiple-pane insulating glass unit is also known, which has two spaced-apart glass panes. The two glass panes form a space between them. This space is fluidically connected to a desiccant-filled desiccant cartridge. This cartridge is stationary relative to the multiple-pane insulating glass unit on a designated frame component. Fluidically, the space formed between the two glass panes is connected to the atmosphere surrounding the multiple-pane insulating glass unit via this desiccant cartridge. The desiccant cartridge can be replaced if necessary, particularly when the desiccant it contains becomes saturated.

[0005] Another multi-pane insulating glass is known from JP H02-61282 A1, which has a structure comparable to the multi-pane insulating glass known from the aforementioned GB 1,160,386 A1.

[0006] Known in the art are, firstly, multi-pane insulating glass units in which all spaces between the glass panes are hermetically sealed. This has the advantage that heat transfer due to convection can be largely avoided. However, a disadvantage is that the volume of the gas changes as a result of pressure and / or temperature changes. This leads to deformation of the glass panes. This effect is disadvantageous for both technical and aesthetic reasons. From a technical perspective, the changing state of deformation of the glass panes leads to fatigue of the edge seal of the insulating glass, so that, for example, the gasket for the hermetic seal becomes leaky over time. As a result, moisture can penetrate into the space between the panes, which condenses on the glass panes and thus causes the multi-pane insulating glass to become cloudy.

[0007] From an aesthetic point of view, the deformation of the glass panes leads to distorted reflections, for example in the case of a large glass facade of a building. This effect is undesirable.

[0008] Another serious disadvantage of edge-tight insulating glass is that the glass panes have to be dimensioned to be uneconomically thick in order to absorb the pressures occurring in the space between the panes without the glass breaking.

[0009] To avoid the aforementioned disadvantages, it is known from DE 38 08 907 C2 not to seal the gaps hermetically, but rather to provide for the possibility of (slow) pressure equalization.

[0010] However, this solution has the disadvantage that, firstly, unwanted moisture can enter the gaps relatively quickly, and secondly, that no gases that have proven to be advantageous can be introduced into the gaps, as they would escape quickly due to the lack of a hermetic seal.

[0011] EP 0 090 916 A2 already proposes channeling the airways between the space between the glass panes and the ambient atmosphere, and introducing desiccants into these airways. A practical solution for this is disclosed in EP 2 982 824 A1, mentioned earlier, which uses panes of different flexural stiffness in a triple-glazed unit and combines a hermetically sealed space with an open-edge space. Here, too, the airflows are guided through flow channels in which desiccants are placed.

[0012] It is now state of the art to introduce desiccants into the hermetically sealed interior space between glass panes with edge sealing.

[0013] It is known that insulating glass unfortunately has a limited lifespan, which, depending on the pane size, pane installation, construction situation, weather exposure and the like, amounts to a period of 25 to 35 years.

[0014] Even with desiccants, the inevitable aging of the edge seal, even in hermetically sealed systems, will sooner or later cause a pumping effect, drawing ambient air into the space and pushing it out. This leads to the ingress of moisture and dirt. Even if desiccant-filled channels are present, these desiccants will be consumed and become ineffective over time, and corresponding aging of the pane structure is unavoidable.

[0015] While a lifespan of 30 years may be acceptable for residential window panes, architectural requirements have changed over time. Pane combinations have become highly diverse, encompassing thermal insulation, solar control, soundproofing, burglar resistance, facade design elements, and the like. Vast glass facades can be found worldwide. Depending on the pane size, replacing just one pane can represent a significant economic factor.

[0016] Triple-glazed insulating glass units have also become standard in the context of energy discussions. These units have a reduced lifespan because the doubled air volume results in high internal pressures when temperatures and air pressures change. While switching to open-wall systems, as proposed in the prior art, and passing the air through channels containing desiccants might achieve a slight extension of the service life, the desiccant's properties deteriorate due to aging, consumption, and moisture absorption.

[0017] Starting from the previously described prior art, the present invention is based on the Task The underlying principle is to prevent impairment of the aesthetics of a multi-pane insulating glass unit due to deformation of the glass panes, while simultaneously ensuring good thermal insulation and significantly increasing the service life of the edge-ventilated multi-pane insulating glass unit.

[0018] For technical Solution The invention proposes an insulating glass arrangement of the generic type, characterized in that the two spaces between are fluidically connected to each other, whereby each space (3) is directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the ambient atmosphere for pressure equalization, and that the housing has a lid which can be opened, wherein the lid is placed on the housing in an airtight manner.

[0019] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0020] According to the invention, it is proposed to abandon the insulating glass principle of an absolutely hermetically sealed edge and to use a system that is open at the edge. An area is provided in which the cavity is connected to the environment via an opening. According to the invention, a container is arranged at this point, through which air flowing into and out of the cavity must pass. This container is filled with a desiccant.

[0021] The solution according to the invention positions the desiccant in a cartridge-like housing (hereinafter referred to as such) in the flow path between the environment and the insulating glass unit in a replaceable manner. This makes it replaceable and regenerable. It also allows for adaptation to new developments in this area without the need for costly replacement of the entire glass unit.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the edge seal of the insulating glass system has an opening into which the pipe nozzle of a desiccant cartridge can be inserted. The desiccant cartridge itself has a housing which has openings at suitable locations through which ambient air can enter the housing. Inside the housing, flow channels can be formed by suitable means, so that the outside air is guided along the channels into the space between the glass panes. The respective desiccant is introduced into the channels.

[0023] According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, the cartridge has a lid that can be opened, for example, to replace the desiccant. According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the lid is sealed to the housing.

[0024] The invention offers several advantages over conventional insulating glass construction. Deformation of the outer panes does not occur because constant pressure equalization with the environment takes place. The so-called internal climate loads can therefore be disregarded when calculating glass thickness, allowing for the use of reduced glass thicknesses. This results in an overall reduction in the weight of the insulating glass systems. Furthermore, larger pane spacings can be implemented, for example, to enable and facilitate the integration of functional elements such as sun protection systems. In multi-pane insulating glass systems with three or more panes, the prestressing of inner panes is eliminated, as there is no longer a need to counteract breakage caused by temperature and air pressure changes.

[0025] In corresponding systems with two or more spaces, these spaces are fluidically connected to each other according to the invention. Thus, it is sufficient to connect one of the spaces to the outside air via the drying cartridge, while the other spaces are fluidically connected to this space.

[0026] During production, special features of the installation locations (pressure heights and the like) do not need to be taken into account.

[0027] The core concept of the invention is that no space between the glass panes is hermetically sealed. This means that every space is directly or indirectly connected to the surrounding environment of the multi-pane insulating glass unit via fluid flow to allow for pressure equalization. Therefore, deformation of one glass pane does not lead to a pressure increase on another pane. Instead, the resulting pressure changes are balanced by pressure equalization with the surrounding environment. This means that in the event of volume expansion in the space between two glass panes, neither pane will bulge or buckle.

[0028] The glass panes can be separated from each other by frames. The thickness of the gap between the panes can be chosen depending on the thickness of the frame. The gaps can be of any size, but are typically between 12 mm and 18 mm thick. The frame can be made from a single piece or from individual profile elements.

[0029] The desiccant used to absorb moisture can be a silica gel or molecular sieve and / or the like.

[0030] According to the invention, the desiccant cartridges can be designed in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, they can be combined to form long and highly efficient flow channels. Desiccant cartridges can also be arranged redundantly or switched on and off as needed. This allows for the creation of piping systems.

[0031] To ensure that all spaces in multi-pane insulating glass units are aerodynamically connected, intermediate panes with holes can be incorporated. Hole sizes are typically in the millimeter range, for example, 3 mm. These holes allow for air exchange between adjacent spaces. Conventionally, these spaces can be created by placing spacers and sealant between the adjacent glass panes. Additionally, desiccants can be placed around the perimeter or at least parallel to the edges within the spaces.

[0032] The invention of an edge-open insulating glass unit with a renewable desiccant cartridge multiplies the service life of the insulating glass unit compared to current edge-tight insulating glass units with desiccants only in the spacers.

[0033] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. They show: Figure 1: a schematic representation of an embodiment for an insulating glass unit with edge ventilation and replaceable desiccant cartridge.

[0034] In the Figure 1 A schematic representation of a multi-pane insulating glass unit 1 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, this unit consists of three glass panes 2, between which two spaces 3 are formed. Spacers 4 and 5 serve to maintain the distance between the glass panes 2 around the perimeter.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 5 can be filled with desiccant. Air can be provided to enter and exit a channel-like spacer through openings and be dried therein. Reference numeral 6 indicates a conventional edge seal, typically formed by rubber, a polymer, or the like.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, a box-shaped cartridge 7 is filled with desiccant. This cartridge has openings (not shown) at corresponding locations through which air can enter the interior of the cartridge 7, which otherwise has a hermetically sealed interior. The interior of the desiccant cartridge 7 is connected to the interior 3 via a connecting nozzle 8.

[0037] To connect the interior spaces in terms of fluid dynamics, a through-hole 9 is arranged on the middle disk 2.

[0038] It is obvious that the spaces are indirectly connected to the ambient air via the openings 9 and 8 and the desiccant cartridge 7.

[0039] The spacers 4, 5 can be filled with desiccants and have an inner surface with a slight perforation, so that the desiccant comes into contact with the air in the space 3 and thus keeps the air space 3 dry.

[0040] The spacers 4, 5 are themselves made of metal or plastic.

[0041] The invention of an edge-open insulating glass unit with a renewable desiccant cartridge multiplies the service life of the insulating glass unit compared to current edge-tight insulating glass units with desiccants only in the spacers.

Claims

1. Insulating glass assembly with a pane unit comprising a first, a second, and a third glass pane (2), wherein the first and the second glass pane (2) as well as the second and the third glass pane (2) are spaced apart from one another by a respective spacer (4, 5) and an intermediate space (3), wherein one of the two intermediate spaces (3) is in fluidic communication with the ambient atmosphere via an opening and a flow channel, wherein a drying agent is arranged in a receptacle arranged outside the intermediate spaces (3) and forming a part of the flow channel, wherein the receptacle is exchangeable in the flow path between the ambient atmosphere and the intermediate space (3) and wherein the receptacle is in the form of a drying cartridge (7) which comprises a housing having openings at a suitable location, through which openings ambient air can enter into the housing, characterized in that the two intermediate spaces (3) are in fluid communication with each other, whereby each intermediate space (3) is directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the ambient atmosphere for pressure for pressure equalization, and that the housing has a lid that can be opened, the lid being placed on the housing in such a way that it seals the housing airtight.

2. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner pane (2) arranged between the intermediate spaces (3) has a through bore (9).

3. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle is connected to the intermediate space (3) via a pipe socket.

4. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that flow channels are formed in the interior of the housing.

5. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the drying agent is inserted into the channels.

6. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacers (4, 5) are filled with drying agent and have an inner surface with perforation.

7. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate spaces (3) are between 12 mm and 18 mm thick.

8. Insulating glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that several drying cartridges (7) are provided which are arranged redundantly and can be switched on and off as needed.