Spacer for spacing glass sheets of a multiple glazed window

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spacer (1) for spacing glass panes (5) of a multi-pane window. The spacer (1) comprises an extruded silicone-free outer shell (7; 12) which encloses an inner structure (8; 13). The spacer (1) has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is provided with a first, substantially flat base (20) and a second, substantially flat, opposing base (21). The first base (20) is substantially permeable to water vapor, and the second base (21) is substantially impermeable to gases, in particular water vapor and noble gases, especially argon and krypton. The second base (21) comprises at least one vapor barrier (4) to prevent water vapor diffusion through the vapor barrier (4).The vapor barrier (4) is formed from a laminated film consisting of a PE layer and at least one PET-SiOx layer or from a metallic rolled film (21; 4), in particular comprising aluminium or preferably stainless steel.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spacer for spacing glass panes of a multi-glazed window, a multi-glazed window, and a method for producing a spacer having the features of the preambles of the independent claims.

[0002] Multi-glazed windows are also colloquially known as multi-pane insulating glass. This type of glazing primarily serves to provide thermal insulation, i.e., to prevent heat loss to a cold environment or to prevent the interior from being heated by a relatively warmer environment.

[0003] Multi-glazed windows typically consist of at least two parallel panes of glass, separated by a spacer. This creates a space between the panes that, when filled with air or gas, provides an insulating layer.

[0004] Spacers made of aluminum, stainless steel or plastic are known and are firmly bonded to the glass surfaces by pressing them together with a thermoplastic sealant.

[0005] Furthermore, it is common practice to provide spacers with a cavity that contains a desiccant to dry the air trapped in the space between the panes.

[0006] Spacers are usually designed to prevent the diffusion of water vapor from outside the cavity into the cavity and at the same time ensure the exchange of gas and water vapor between the atmosphere of the cavity and the desiccant.

[0007] Plastic spacers are typically manufactured in one piece using profile extrusion. The cavity is then subsequently filled with a desiccant.

[0008] However, this process is complex, as it requires an additional step outside the production line. A finished spacer with a desiccant also has a short shelf life, as the desiccant's absorption capacity is increasingly depleted upon contact with the water vapor in atmospheric air.

[0009] DE 10 2006 024 402 A1 describes a spacer that is co-extruded in one step from silicone and a core containing a desiccant mixture. The base surface of the spacer, which faces the cavity on the installed window, is provided either with an open-pore silicone or with slits to allow gas exchange.

[0010] WO 2010 / 115456 A1 shows a multi-pane glazing comprising two outer panes, at least one center pane, and a spacer. The spacer has a cavity for receiving a desiccant and a receiving profile for each center pane. The cavity of the spacer is filled with a desiccant. The spacer has an additional vapor barrier in the form of a rolled metallic foil.

[0011] However, this solution does not solve the problem of the limited storage time of the spacer manufactured in this way. The water absorption capacity of the desiccant is still exhausted.

[0012] Because silicone tends to outgas, there is also the problem of condensation forming in the cavity between the panes during rapid use ("fogging"). Silicone has a high water vapor penetration rate and is not suitable for protecting the desiccant matrix.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the known ones and to provide a spacer which can be produced cost-effectively and efficiently and has improved storage stability.

[0014] In particular, a spacer is to be provided which has improved properties regarding outgassing of the plastic material and improved UV and thermal insulation properties.

[0015] According to the invention, these objects are achieved with the features of claim 1.

[0016] An advantageous spacer for spacing glass panes in a multi-glazed window comprises an outer shell. This outer shell at least partially encloses the desiccant, and the desiccant is completely enclosed by the outer shell, at least in a first raw product. In the final product, the desiccant is at least partially enclosed by the silicone-free outer shell.

[0017] In a first variant of the invention, the outer shell is manufactured by coextruding a plastic matrix with the desiccant. Coextrusion allows for flexible material selection: The material can be freely selected in terms of color, properties for the vapor barrier function, or adhesive for contact with glass panes.

[0018] In a second variant, a spacer comprises a desiccant with an outer shell and an inner structure that is more porous than the outer shell. The outer shell and the inner structure are made from a single component, typically a polymer matrix into which a desiccant is incorporated. It has been found that monoextrusion automatically forms an outer shell that encloses the more porous inner part. The outer shell has a smooth, less porous surface. Due to its low porosity, the outer shell has a lower water vapor permeability and thus protects the desiccant during storage. The smooth outer structure thus provides a certain protective function against the penetration of water vapor.In order not to exhaust the water absorption capacity of the porous internal structure, the component combination of plastic and desiccant can also be vacuum packed in airtight containers after monoextrusion.

[0019] In the final product, in both variants, a gas and water vapor connection exists between the porous inner structure and the ambient atmosphere in at least one area, preferably one side of the spacer, with an outer side facing the cavity between the panes. Such a gas and water vapor connection can be enabled by means of a porous material or a perforation or other openings in said area, preferably said side, of the spacer in a final product. In both variants, the desiccant in the inner structure is held in a porous polymer matrix. Porous means, in particular, more porous and more permeable to water vapor than the outer shell of the spacer.

[0020] The spacer according to the invention also preferably has at least one primary seal for the material connection of the spacer to at least one glass pane, namely a highly adhesive adhesive. Optionally, the adhesive can be covered with a protective film. To improve the adhesion of the highly adhesive adhesive, a surface treatment can be applied to the profile, for example, using the corona or plasma process.

[0021] In the first variant, at least the silicone-free outer shell and the desiccant of the spacer are coextruded together. Coextrusion of the outer shell with the desiccant creates a multilayer composite of the two components.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of this first variant, the spacer is made entirely of materials that have no or only negligible outgassing after molding, in particular the spacer is completely silicone-free.

[0023] To make silicone resistant to fogging, the material is usually tempered after extrusion. This carries the risk of contaminating the desiccant. This is another advantage of avoiding silicone.

[0024] This composite eliminates the need for subsequent addition of a desiccant to the spacer. Furthermore, the desiccant can be enclosed by the outer shell during production, allowing for minimal diffusion.

[0025] This allows the inventive spacer to be stored at atmospheric conditions without the water absorption properties of the desiccant being exhausted by the water vapor present in the atmospheric air. The inventive spacer thus allows storage until the insulating glass is manufactured.

[0026] In the second variant, the outer shell exhibits essentially low water vapor permeability and is formed as a monoextrusion composite with the porous inner structure. By using monoextrusion, which results in a component bond with two different structures, spacers can be produced cost-effectively, since, unlike coextrusion, only a single material mixture is used.

[0027] By directly extruding a polymer structure containing the desiccant, the need to subsequently add a desiccant to the spacer is eliminated. Since the outer shell has a substantially low water vapor permeability, storage at atmospheric conditions is also possible.

[0028] The moisture absorption of desiccants is typically standardized. Zeolite desiccants typically have a water absorption capacity of 20%. Due to the protective function of the outer shell, the initial water load of the desiccant remains low, and this value is maintained even during storage or water cooling during the profile extrusion process. It has been shown that, particularly in the monoextrusion of a TPE desiccant matrix, the water vapor absorption into the desiccant present within the outer shell is much slower than with conventional spacers. At a standard loading, the water vapor absorption of a TPE spacer according to the invention is 5% after one month, while the same value for conventional silicone-based spacers is over 8%. The spacers according to the invention are therefore much less critical with regard to water vapor absorption during production and storage.

[0029] The manufacturing process for spacers according to the invention can also be made more efficient. In particular, it is possible to increase the extrusion speed simply by cooling in a water bath without significantly compromising the water absorption capacity of the desiccant.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the first variant, the spacer is present as a composite by coextrusion of a thermoplastic material with a plastic matrix enriched with the drying agent.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the second variant, the spacer is present as a monoextrusion of a desiccant contained in a plastic matrix, which results in an outer shell and a comparatively more porous inner structure.

[0032] In a further preferred variant of both embodiments, the at least one primary seal is also present as a composite by coextrusion with the outer shell. The primary seal preferably runs longitudinally along the entire length of the profile. The primary seal designed in this way can therefore fulfil a dual function: to bond the spacer to a glass pane in a materially bonded manner and, at the same time, to act as a seal and prevent the diffusion of water vapor from outside the space between the panes into the space between the panes. It goes without saying that a primary seal with such a dual function, i.e. a material which simultaneously has sufficient adhesive properties between the spacer profile and a glass pane and also has sufficient sealing properties, can be advantageous in conjunction with other types of spacers and not necessarily in coextruded form.To create such a dual function, an adhesive butyl is used, for example.

[0033] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use an adhesive film (preferably an acrylate adhesive tape) in a conventional manner, which serves to position and fix the spacer against a glass pane during the production of an insulating glass unit. To improve the adhesion of the adhesive tape, the spacer can also be subjected to a corona treatment, at least in the area to which the adhesive tape is applied. The adhesive tape can be provided with a cover film, which can be removed before the spacer is used.

[0034] The spacer according to the invention preferably has a substantially four-edged profile. In a preferred embodiment, the profile cross-section of a spacer according to the invention has a substantially rectangular shape with a first side length of between 6 and 24 mm, and particularly preferably 12 or 16 mm. The side length also depends in particular on the intended application: for triple glazing applications, total widths of 12-30 mm are typically preferred. A second side preferably has a side width of between 6 and 16 mm, more preferably 6 to 8 mm.

[0035] The spacer materials are preferably selected to produce a substantially flexible spacer that enables automated production of multi-glazed windows and can be wound onto rolls for storage. The multi-glazed windows can then be manufactured by robots.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the spacer has at least one vapor barrier to prevent water vapor diffusion on one side of the spacer. The vapor barrier should preferably prevent the diffusion of water vapor through the side that faces outwards during installation, i.e. that faces the frame. A vapor barrier according to the invention can be a film that is glued on after extrusion. The vapor barrier is preferably produced by coextruding a vapor-impermeable plastic into a composite with the outer shell and the drying agent or the polymer matrix. Alternatively, the vapor barrier can be in the form of a metallic rolled foil and / or a sputter-deposited metallic or glass-like layer. Particular preference is given to a vapor barrier that is in the form of a laminate, in particular made of a PE layer to which at least one PET-SiOx layer is applied. Two PET-SiOx layers are preferred.The PE layer can be easily bonded, especially welded, to the outer shell of a TPE spacer. At the same time, the PET-SiO2 layer provides good contact for commonly used primary sealants, such as butyl adhesive. Such a vapor barrier can be applied directly after or during extrusion. Welding is preferably performed immediately after extrusion of the profile.

[0037] For example, welding can be carried out on three flanks using a Leister hot air device.

[0038] Alternatively, the extrusion die itself can be equipped with a feed for the vapor barrier. In particular, film thicknesses below a permissible stress limit can be directly bonded to the plastic melt within the die. In another alternative, the film is fed directly after the die to the extruded profile during the relaxation phase.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the spacer has a first, substantially flat base surface and a second, substantially flat, opposite base surface. Preferably, the first base surface is substantially permeable to water vapor in the final product, and the second base surface is substantially impermeable to water vapor. During installation, the first base surface is oriented so that it faces the cavity between the panes and the second base surface faces the window frame.

[0040] For the purposes of the present invention, a distinction is made between a tradable raw product and a tradable end product of the spacer according to the invention. In the raw product, the diffusion of water vapor to the internal structure containing the desiccant is hampered. This is achieved by a diffusion-tight outer shell in the first embodiment or by a less porous, smooth outer shell in the second embodiment. The end product, i.e., the spacer "activated" during or shortly before assembly, facilitates the diffusion of water vapor into the interior of the spacer on at least one side facing the gap between two glass panes.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the first base surface has at least one opening, in particular one or more perforations.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the second base surface comprises the vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is preferably a laminate made of PE and at least one PET-SiOx layer. Alternatively, metallic rolled foils are also conceivable, in particular rolled foils comprising aluminum or a stainless steel foil. A vapor-deposited metal layer is also conceivable.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the first variant, the outer shell coextruded with the desiccant matrix does not comprise any silicone, in particular it comprises, or consists essentially of, a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of: TPS (styrene block copolymers), TPC (thermoplastic polyester elastomers), TPV (crosslinked thermoplastic olefin elastomers), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers) and TPA (thermoplastic polyamide elastomers).

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer shell, particularly made of TPV, can be additionally mixed with modified chalk and / or talc. This can reduce the Shore hardness.

[0045] The thermoplastic elastomer preferably has at least one, preferably all of the following properties: The Shore hardness is between 60 ShA and 75 ShA, preferably between 65 ShA and 70 ShA.

[0046] It can be processed by extrusion.

[0047] It exhibits only minimal or negligible outgassing and / or is essentially solvent-free. Acceptable outgassing and fogging values ​​can be found in DIN standard EN 1279-6.

[0048] It is compatible with the known insulating glass sealants, especially butyl, polyurethane, polysulfides, silicone or hotmelt.

[0049] It has a temperature resistance of -20°C to 80°C.

[0050] It has low, or negligible, thermal expansion and thermal conduction.

[0051] It is essentially UV resistant.

[0052] It is essentially colorfast for up to 20 years and resistant to UV light. It has low, or negligible, water vapor permeability.

[0053] It has low, or negligible, gas absorption, especially argon absorption.

[0054] It preferably has a service life of more than 20 years.

[0055] UV-stabilized organic materials such as TPE olefins and TPU elastomers have proven particularly suitable. They are characterized by low water vapor permeation. TPA polyamides or adapted biopolymer compounds that meet the above requirements are also preferred.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the second variant, the polymer matrix for the desiccant consists of components from the Olefinic TPE group, in particular Infuse 9007 from the manufacturer DOW. In a particularly preferred embodiment, chalk and / or talc are added to the polymer matrix (in particular, made of Olefinic TPE). This can reduce the Shore hardness.

[0057] The monoextruded polymer matrix preferably has at least one, preferably all of the following properties: The Shore hardness is between 60 ShA and 75 ShA, preferably between 65 ShA and 70 ShA.

[0058] It can be processed by extrusion.

[0059] It is compatible with well-known insulating glass sealants, especially butyl, polyurethane, polysulfides, silicone or hot melt.

[0060] It has a temperature resistance of -20°C to 80°C.

[0061] It has low, or negligible, thermal expansion and thermal conduction.

[0062] It is essentially colorfast over a period of up to 20 years and under the influence of UV light.

[0063] It contains an outer shell created by monoextrusion, which has a low, or negligible, water vapor permeability.

[0064] It has low, or negligible, gas absorption, especially argon absorption.

[0065] It preferably has a service life of more than 20 years.

[0066] In both variants, it is also conceivable to add additional components to the desiccant matrix, for example, to increase UV stability. One possible option is Desmopan DP 9370AU from Bayer.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the primary seal is made of an adhesive selected from the group of butyl, acrylate, and hot-melt adhesives. When the primary seal is designed as an adhesive, it can perform two functions simultaneously: first, the seal is useful for sealing in a conventional manner. At the same time, it performs a positioning function during insulating glass installation. Instead of the previous two different materials (acrylate for positioning and butyl for sealing), the primary seal can fulfill both functions. Of course, this solution can also be used advantageously in conjunction with other spacers.

[0068] A spacer according to the invention can be adapted to the contour of the glass. The spacer is preferably formed as a single piece. This simplifies handling during installation. Furthermore, the single-piece design of the spacer allows for particularly cost-effective production.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, the spacer, in addition to its essentially rectangular basic shape, has a recess, in particular a groove, for receiving a glass pane. A spacer configured in this way is particularly suitable for receiving the center glass pane of a triple-glazed window. Preferably, such a spacer also has part of the primary seal located in this groove.

[0070] In connection with triple glazing, in particular, a spacer can be used which has a basic shape as shown in WO 2010 / 11545. By coextruding or monoextruding, it is also conceivable to provide the spacer with further shaped features in a simple manner. Particularly preferably, the spacer can have a shaped feature which has a precisely defined position relative to the central receptacle of the spacer and which serves to position the spacer when inserting the central pane. This shaped feature can typically be designed as a track groove on the side facing away from the side receiving the central pane. While such a shaped feature is particularly preferred in connection with spacers according to the invention, it goes without saying that it can also be advantageous for other spacers for triple glazing.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the first variant of these spacers suitable for triple glazing, the outer shell has two chambers with desiccant, which are present as a composite by coextrusion with the outer shell.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spacer has at least one weakened area on the first flat base surface, which is perforated during or shortly before insulating glass production, thereby ensuring gas and water vapor permeability of the first flat base surface to the desiccant. Such a weakened area can be achieved by making the outer shell thinner than the surrounding wall thickness. Such a weakening is particularly preferred in the first variant. However, it can also be advantageous in the second variant.

[0073] This has the advantage that the desiccant is protected by the outer shell during and after the production of the spacer and the water absorption capacity of the desiccant is not exhausted prematurely.

[0074] The desiccant is preferably present as a matrix in a plastic. Desiccants based on molecular sieves, especially silica gels and zeolites, are particularly suitable.

[0075] The outer shell primarily ensures UV resistance, elasticity, and high dimensional stability. In a preferred embodiment, the desiccant can make up to 40%, preferably up to 70%, and more preferably up to 90% of the spacer's cross-section. The outer shell has a wall thickness of 1 ± 0.5 mm.

[0076] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a spacer, in particular a spacer as described above.

[0077] A silicone-free outer shell and an inner structure that is more porous than the outer shell and contains the desiccant are extruded so that the porous inner structure is completely enclosed by the outer shell.

[0078] In a first variant, a silicone-free outer shell and a desiccant are coextruded using a profile multiple nozzle so that the desiccant is completely enclosed by the outer shell in a diffusion-tight manner.

[0079] A suitable profile die is shown, for example, in US 5851609. A suitable profile die has multiple channels for extruding the individual components.

[0080] In a second variant, the outer shell and the inner structure are mono-extruded in such a way that a more porous inner structure is created than the outer shell, which is completely enclosed by the outer shell.

[0081] After extrusion, the outer shell is preferably made air and vapor permeable in at least one location in both embodiments. In the second variant, this step can be omitted, depending on the porosity of the outer shell.

[0082] This step can be postponed until the insulating glass is manufactured.

[0083] The process according to the invention allows extrusion to take place with water cooling without the desiccant's water absorption capacity being exhausted prior to assembly, because at this point the desiccant is completely enclosed by the outer shell. This allows for significantly more efficient extrusion and higher throughput.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is perforated at least at one point following extrusion to create an opening.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment, the outer shell is extruded with a weakened point, which is opened at least at one point following the extrusion, so that an opening is created.

[0086] Such a weakened area can be created, for example, using a profile die designed to extrude a weakened area, particularly a area with reduced wall thickness. This makes the corresponding area of ​​the outer shell easier to perforate.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the extrusion additionally comprises the extrusion of a seal, in particular a seal comprising a butyl, acrylate, or hotmelt adhesive.

[0088] In a special embodiment, the part of the outer shell facing the cavity between the panes is only made air and vapor permeable during assembly, for example, by having the said part perforated by a production robot during processing. This can occur at weak points.

[0089] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a multi-glazed window having at least two spaced-apart parallel glass panes and a spacer arranged between the glass panes for spacing as described above.

[0090] The spacer is preferably fixed directly to the glass pane with a primary seal.

[0091] Preferably, the gap between the first and second glass panes, formed by the spacer and located outside the gap between the panes, is sealed with another secondary seal. Such secondary seals are known in the art. Polysulfites, polyurethanes, and silicones have proven particularly suitable.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell still completely encloses the desiccant at the time the spacer is fixed to a glass pane. Thus, especially in the first variant, the outer shell encloses the inner structure containing the desiccant in an airtight and vapor-tight manner.

[0093] In both embodiments, the edge of the spacer facing the space between the panes can be made permeable to air and vapor, for example by perforating it or by removing part of the outer shell at a weakened point.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-glazed window is assembled in an automated process using a robot. Particularly preferred is that perforation is performed only during the insulating glass production process by an application robot, so that the desiccant load is kept to a minimum and the water absorption capacity remains as high as possible.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-glazed window comprises at least two glass panes spaced apart by a spacer, defining a gap between the panes, and an outer gap located outside the spacer between the panes. Preferably, said outer gap is sealed with a secondary seal to prevent diffusion. The spacer does not comprise silicone and, in particular, comprises an outer shell that at least partially encloses a desiccant matrix.

[0096] In both variants, the outer shell is preferably designed to enable vapor diffusion between the space between the panes and a desiccant embedded in the desiccant matrix.

[0097] Due to the outer shell of the spacer, the initial water loading of the desiccant is very low. This also increases the service life of a multi-glazed window equipped with the spacer according to the invention. The requirements of EN 1279 Parts 2 and 3 are met more reliably and for a longer period. The argon loss from the space between the panes is less than 1% per year.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of both variants, the internal structure has at least one cavity. This at least one cavity leads to a reduction in the PSI value. Internal structures without cavities are also conceivable. However, due to material and cost savings, a design with cavities is preferable.

[0099] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings and concrete embodiments, without, however, being limited to these. Figure 1 shows a schematic profile of a spacer from the prior art. Figure 2 shows another schematic profile of a spacer for multi-glazed windows. Figure 3 shows a schematic profile view of a spacer according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic profile view of another embodiment of a spacer according to the present invention. Figure 5shows a schematic profile view of a spacer according to the present invention between two glass panes. Figure 6 shows a schematic profile view of another alternative form of spacer according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows a schematic profile view of another alternative form of spacer according to the present invention. Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a spacer partially in cross section according to the present invention. Figure 9 shows a schematic profile view of another alternative form of a spacer according to the present invention Figure 10 shows a schematic profile view of another alternative form of a spacer according to the present invention Figure 11 shows a schematic profile view of another alternative form of a spacer according to the present invention

[0100] All figures are not to scale, in particular the wall thickness of the outer shells 7 and 12 may vary depending on the choice of material. Figures 5 to 9 The outer shell 7 or 12 is now shown as an example.

[0101] Figure 1 shows a prior art spacer 1 with a substantially rectangular profile cross-section. A primary seal 3 is applied to the two narrow sides. Butyl compounds are typically used as the primary seal. The spacer 1 also has a vapor barrier 4. Aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, or plastic foils are typically used as the vapor barrier 4.

[0102] Figure 2shows another spacer 1, which is adapted for use with multi-glazed windows with three or more panes. The spacer 1 has a vapor barrier 4 and two primary seals 3 on the respective narrow sides of the spacer 1. The spacer also has a groove with an additional sealant 6, whereby acrylic adhesive or hot melts are generally used. A glass pane 5 is integrally connected to the spacer 1 by the seal 6 in the groove. On the side facing away from the third pane 5, the spacer is also provided with a track groove, which indicates the position of the groove. The track groove is used to position the spacer during insulating glass production. Fig. 2The track groove is shown in conjunction with a conventionally manufactured spacer. It goes without saying that such track grooves are particularly easy to manufacture in conjunction with the coextruded or monoextruded spacers described below.

[0103] Figure 3shows a spacer 1 according to the invention with a thermoplastic sheath 7 enclosing a desiccant 8. The spacer 1 has a sheath 7 with a thickness of 1 mm. In addition, the spacer 1 has a height H of 6.5 mm, a height h of 3.5 mm, a width B of 9.8 mm, and a width b of 0.8 mm. The spacer 1 also has a sputtered surface 4, which acts as a vapor barrier to prevent the passage of gas and water vapor. The narrow sides of the spacer 1 are provided with an acrylic elastomer (VAMAC; Typon) as a highly adhesive adhesive (positioning adhesive) 3. The sheath 7 also has perforations 9 on one side so that gas exchange can take place between the desiccant and the space between the panes (not shown).

[0104] Sheath 7 is made of a flexible, hand-bendable thermoplastic elastomer. The elastomer has a Shore A hardness of over 60 ShA, is fogging-resistant, and impermeable to water vapor and argon gas. Sheath 7 is particularly preferably made of Saran and is coextruded with the desiccant matrix.

[0105] The vapor barrier 4 for secondary sealing preferably consists of a composite functional film. Films sputtered with SiO 2 to make them diffusion-tight are particularly suitable. A laminate made of PE / PET-SiOx / PET-SiOx, welded after extrusion, is particularly preferred, with the PE layer facing the spacer and the PET-SiOx layer facing the glass. Alternatively, EVOH-based films are conceivable. Alternatively, a glass, aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic film can be glued on after the coextrusion of the casing 7 and the desiccant matrix 8. The primary seals (positioning adhesives) 3 can also be attached to the spacer 1 in a subsequent production step. It is also conceivable to integrate the provision of a suitable vapor barrier into the coextrusion process. The vapor barrier 4 can be a rolled metal foil, which can be chosen between 10 and 30 mm (aluminum) or 6 and 12 mm (stainless steel) thick, depending on the material used.The rolled films can also be corrugated. The corrugation is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spacer. This makes the spacer more flexible and easier to wind. Naturally, in this case, the plastic material applied to the film is also corrugated accordingly.

[0106] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment to the spacer 1 from Figure 3 . The spacer 1 has a thermoplastic coating 7 made of Saran ™< Barrier Films from DOW, which encloses a desiccant matrix 8 (as described above) in two separate chambers. For example, Infuse 9007 DOW can be used as the desiccant matrix. The casing 7 is provided with perforations 9 at two locations, allowing water vapor exchange between the desiccant matrix and the space between the panes (not shown). Fig.4shows a schematic view of a middle pane 5 of a triple-glazed window, which is set into a groove and is firmly bonded to the spacer 1 by means of an adhesive 6. The spacer also has a track groove for positioning relative to the middle pane. The spacer 1 additionally has a vapor barrier 4. The vapor barrier preferably comprises a film coated with SiOx, e.g. a PET-SiOx film. A laminate made of PE / PET-SiOX / PET-SiOx from the manufacturer AMCOR is preferred. The PET-SiOx layer is a PET carrier that is coated with silicon in a high vacuum. Alternatively, vapor barriers made of a subsequently applied stainless steel foil, rolled aluminum foil or another metal foil or vapor-deposited metal are also conceivable.

[0107] The spacer also features two primary seals 3 made of an acrylic adhesive, which were also subsequently applied. Alternatively, TPU foam, butyl, hot melt, or EPDM would also be suitable.

[0108] The desiccant matrix used for Figure 3 and 4 3A zeolite with a volumetric fraction of 25 to 60% in a matrix of an olefin block copolymer (e.g. INFUSE ™< 9700 from DOW ®< ) or a polyolefin elastomer (e.g. ENGAGE ™< from DOW ®< ) is used.

[0109] The thermoplastic sheath 7 and the desiccant matrix 8 are coextruded in a single process step. Alternatively, the seal 6 can also be coextruded with the desiccant matrix 8 and the thermoplastic sheath 7.

[0110] Figure 5shows a spacer 1 mounted between two panes 5. The spacer 1 has a thermoplastic coating 7 in combination with a desiccant 8. The thermoplastic coating consists of TPU or olefins. The spacer also has an adhesive tape 11 on both sides, which was previously coated with a film and which was removed before the spacer 1 was applied to the glass panes 5. The spacer 1 also has primary barriers 3 made of butyl adhesive. A secondary seal 10 made of polysulfide - Thiover or polyurethane - Polyver additionally seals the spacer 1 from the outside atmosphere. The desiccant 8 is extruded as a matrix of desiccant and a plastic, wherein the materials of the Figure 3 and 4 be used.

[0111] Figure 6 shows a spacer 1, in which, in contrast to the Figure 5The adhesive tape and the primary barrier were replaced by a primary barrier 3 made of hotmelt adhesive or butyl adhesive. The primary barrier 3 thus performs a dual function: bonding the glass panes and preventing vapor diffusion. The primary barrier 3 can be co-extruded with the other components of the spacer. For the application of the adhesive tape, Figure 6 (not shown in detail) similar to the Figure 2 or 3 a recess or a groove is provided (which in these figures is also already used to accommodate the primary seals 3). Depending on whether a version with a barrier film (comparable to the illustrations in Figure 3 and 4 ) or a rolled stainless steel foil is used, a recess (in the case of a barrier foil) or a groove (between the stainless steel foil and the profile) is provided to accommodate the adhesive tape.

[0112] The Figure 7differs from the Figure 5 by a vapor barrier 4 welded to the thermoplastic elastomer 7, made of a SiOx-coated film or a bonded aluminum or stainless steel film. The thermoplastic elastomer 7 encloses a desiccant 8.

[0113] It goes without saying that all of the above-mentioned embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another as desired.

[0114] Figure 8shows a perspective cross-section of a section of a spacer 1 in the form of a strip cutout. The spacer 1 has a first flat base surface 20, which, when mounted, faces a gap between the panes (not shown), and a second flat base surface 21, which, when mounted, faces a window frame (not shown). The spacer 1 has perforations 9 along the entire length of side 20 to enable gas exchange with the desiccant. The base surface 21 is delimited by a diffusion-tight film.

[0115] Figure 9shows a perspective cross-section of a spacer 1, which is present as a strip section. The spacer 1 has an outer shell 12 and a porous inner structure 13. The outer shell 12 and the inner structure 13 are mono-extruded as a component combination from a plastic matrix and desiccant. The preferably used desiccant is zeolite and preferably makes up 50% of the desiccant matrix. The plastic for the matrix is ​​Infuse 9007 from Dow. Alternatively, HTC8312 / 59 from KRAIBURG TPE Gmbh & Co. KG can also be used. This embodiment can also be used for triple glazing and can be provided with a track groove as described above. Likewise, this embodiment can be provided with adhesive tape and vapor barriers, in particular a vapor barrier made of a PE / PET-SiOx / PET-SiOx laminate film, as described above.

[0116] Extrusion takes place at a temperature of 130°C (at the extrusion die) to 160°C (in the feed) and an extrusion speed of 5 to 30 m / min.

[0117] Figure 10 shows a perspective cross-section of a spacer 1. The desiccant 8 has two cavities 14. The desiccant 8 is surrounded by a casing 7. The desiccant 8 with the cavities 14 is coextruded with the casing 7.

[0118] Figure 11 differs from Figure 10 in that the spacer 1 is monoextruded as a whole from a plastic matrix. The spacer 1 has an outer shell 12 and an inner structure 13. The inner structure also has two cavities 14.

[0119] In Figure 10 and in Figure 11The cavities 14 reduce the PSI value, and material savings are achieved. It is understood that these embodiments can also be used for triple glazing and can be provided with a track groove as described above. These embodiments can also be provided with adhesive tape and vapor barriers, in particular a vapor barrier made of a PE / PET-SiOx / PET-SiOx laminate film, as described above.

[0120] For all of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is possible to cool the extrusion with water during the manufacturing process.

[0121] This allows for high extrusion speeds while simultaneously reducing the stress on the desiccant during the extrusion process. The spacers produced in this way have a longer shelf life.

[0122] By choosing a thermoplastic elastomer in the Figure 3-8 and 10The outer skin of the spacer also has lower water vapor permeability. This significantly increases the service life of multi-glazed windows with the spacers according to the invention.

[0123] In the Figure 9 and 11 The service life is also increased with an outer shell with lower water vapor permeability, which is created by monoextrusion.

Claims

1. Spacer (1) for spacing apart glass panes (5) of a multi-glazed window comprising a silicone-free outer shell (7; 12) which surrounds an inner structure (8; 13), wherein the outer shell (7; 12) is present by extrusion in the form of a composite comprising the inner structure (8; 13), wherein the spacer (1) has a substantially rectangular cross section and is provided with a first, substantially planar base area (20) and a second, substantially planar opposing base area (21) and wherein the first base area (20) is substantially permeable to water vapour and the second base area (21) is substantially impermeable to gases, in particular to water vapour and inert gases, in particular argon and krypton, wherein the second base area (21) comprises at least one vapour barrier (4) to prevent water vapour diffusion through the vapour barrier (4), characterised by that the vapour barrier (4) is formed by a film of a PE layer and at least one PET-SiOx layer constructed as a laminate.

2. Spacer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vapour barrier (4) is applied directly in the extrusion process or directly following the extrusion process.

3. Spacer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vapour barrier (4) is applied by co-extrusion.

4. Spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the vapour barrier (4) is a laminate of PE / PET-SiOx / PET-SiOx.

5. Spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PET-SiOx film is a film coated with SiOx.

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