Spacer having improved mechanical stiffness

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer (1) for insulating glass units (100), comprising - a polymer hollow profile (2) which extends in the longitudinal direction (X) and has: a first side wall (3.1) and a second side wall (3.2) arranged in parallel therewith; a glazing interior wall (4) which extends in the transverse direction (Y) between the side walls (3.1, 3.2) and interconnects them; an outer wall (5) which is arranged at least partially in parallel with the glazing interior wall (4) and perpendicularly to the side walls (3.1, 3.2) and interconnects the side walls (3.1, 3.2); and a cavity (7) which is surrounded by the side walls (3.1, 3.2), the glazing interior wall (4) and the outer wall (5), and comprising - a plurality of continuous fibres (11), wherein each continuous fibre (11) has, along its extension, a fibre length which corresponds to a dimension of the polymer hollow profile (2) along the extension of the continuous fibre. Furthermore, the continuous fibres (11) are embedded in a polymer carrier (12), wherein a polymer carrier (12) having continuous fibres (11) is arranged on a surface (11) of the glazing interior wall (4) and / or a surface (10) of the outer wall (5) and / or a surface (10) of the first side wall (3.1) and / or a surface (10) of the second side wall (3.2).

Description

[0001] Spacers with improved mechanical rigidity

[0002] The invention relates to a spacer for insulating glass units, an insulating glass unit, a method for producing an insulating glass unit and the use thereof.

[0003] Insulated glazing typically contains at least two panes of glass or polymer materials. The panes are separated by a gas or vacuum space defined by a spacer. The thermal insulation capacity of insulating glass is significantly higher than that of single-pane glazing and can be further increased and improved by triple glazing or with special coatings. For example, silver-containing coatings reduce the transmission of infrared radiation, thus reducing the cooling of a building in winter.

[0004] In addition to the quality and structure of the glass, the other components of insulating glazing are also of great importance. The seal and the spacer have a significant influence on the quality of the insulating glazing. The contact points between the spacer and the glass pane are particularly susceptible to temperature and climate fluctuations. The connection between the pane and the spacer is created using an adhesive made of an organic polymer, such as polyisobutylene. In addition to the direct effects of temperature fluctuations on the physical properties of the adhesive bond, the glass itself has a particular influence on the adhesive bond. The glass and the spacers have different coefficients of thermal expansion, meaning they expand to different extents when exposed to temperature changes.Due to temperature changes, for example due to solar radiation, the glass expands or contracts when it cools down. The spacer does not follow these movements to the same extent. This mechanical movement therefore stretches or compresses the adhesive bond, which can only compensate for these movements to a limited extent through its own elasticity. Over the course of the service life of the insulating glazing, the mechanical stress described can lead to partial or complete detachment of the adhesive bond. This detachment of the adhesive bond can subsequently allow moisture in the air inside the insulating glazing. These climatic loads can lead to fogging in the area of ​​the panes and a reduction in the insulating effect. It is therefore desirable to match the coefficients of linear expansion of the glass and spacers as closely as possible.

[0005] The thermal insulation properties of insulating glazing are significantly influenced by the thermal conductivity of the edge seal, particularly the spacer. With metallic spacers, the high thermal conductivity of the metal leads to the formation of a thermal bridge at the edge of the glass. This thermal bridge leads, on the one hand, to heat loss in the edge area of ​​the insulating glazing and, on the other hand, to the formation of condensation on the inner pane in the area of ​​the spacer in conditions of high humidity and low outside temperatures. To solve these problems, thermally optimized, so-called "warm edge" systems are increasingly being used. These spacers are made of materials with lower thermal conductivity, particularly plastics.

[0006] In terms of thermal conductivity, polymer spacers are preferable to metallic spacers. However, polymer spacers have several disadvantages. First, the impermeability of polymer spacers to moisture and gas leakage is insufficient. Various solutions exist for this, in particular, applying a barrier film as a diffusion barrier to the outer surface of the spacer (see, for example, WO2013 / 104507 A1 and WO 2016 / 046081 A1).

[0007] Secondly, the coefficients of linear expansion of plastics are much higher than those of glass. To adjust the coefficients of linear expansion, glass fibers or glass beads, for example, can be added (see, for example, EP 0852280 A1). However, an increased glass fiber content impairs the thermally conductive properties of the spacer, so precise optimization is required. Glass fibers and similar fillers also improve the longitudinal stiffness of the spacer.

[0008] Spacer frames for an insulating glass unit can be manufactured by connecting several pieces of spacer using connectors and then gluing or welding them together. Each joint must be carefully sealed. Therefore, producing a spacer frame by bending is advantageous, as in this case, only one joint needs to be sealed. Bending without additional heating is particularly desirable for ease of machining. One approach for increasing bendability without heating is the integration of a metallic strip into the polymer base body. For example, DE 19807454 A1 and WO 2015 / 043848 A1 describe the integration of a metallic reinforcing element exclusively into the side walls. This improves the cold bendability of the hollow profile, but the longitudinal stiffness is low.This makes it difficult to process the hollow profile into a spacer frame because the hollow profiles flex significantly. WO 9941481 A1 and EP 3241972 A1 disclose the arrangement of reinforcing elements in the area of ​​the side walls and, in some cases, also in the area of ​​other walls.

[0009] Mechanical longitudinal stiffness (refers to the deflection in the longitudinal direction) is important for machinability. Improvements in longitudinal stiffness can be achieved by integrating metallic strips, as just described, or by externally applying metallic elements to the body (see, for example, WO 2012055553 A1 and WO 2019201530 A1), or by incorporating glass fibers. As practice shows, spacers with glass fibers, in particular, tend to break at the bending points during cold bending, resulting in an undesirably high reject rate.

[0010] Spacers with continuous fibers can be found in US 5079054 A, EP 3241972 A1, EP 2561169 B1 and US 6537629 B1, respectively.

[0011] It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved spacer which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages, as well as to provide an improved insulating glass unit and a simplified method for its production, wherein the spacer should have a high mechanical rigidity with very good thermal insulation effect.

[0012] The object of the present invention is achieved by a spacer for insulating glass units according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are evident from the subclaims.

[0013] An insulating glass unit according to the invention, a method for producing the insulating glass unit according to the invention, and its use according to the invention emerge from further independent claims. The spacer for insulating glass units according to the invention comprises an elongated polymeric hollow profile with a first side wall, a second side wall arranged parallel thereto, a glazing interior wall, an outer wall, and a cavity. The cavity is enclosed by the side walls, the glazing interior wall, and the outer wall. The polymeric hollow profile is elongated and extends in a longitudinal direction X. The glazing interior wall extends in a transverse direction Y perpendicular thereto between the two side walls. The glazing interior wall is arranged essentially perpendicular to the side walls and connects the first side wall to the second side wall.The side walls are the walls of the hollow profile to which the outer panes of the insulating glass unit are attached. The glazing interior wall is the wall of the hollow profile that, after installation in the finished insulating glass unit, faces the inner cavity between the panes. The outer wall is arranged at least partially parallel to the glazing interior wall and connects the first side wall to the second side wall. The outer wall thus comprises at least one section running parallel to the glazing interior wall. After installation in the finished insulating glass unit, the outer wall faces the outer cavity between the panes.

[0014] The spacer according to the invention comprises a plurality of continuous fibers, each continuous fiber having a fiber length along its extension that corresponds to a dimension of the polymeric hollow profile along the extension of the continuous fiber. The fiber length of the continuous fibers thus corresponds to a dimension of the polymeric hollow profile in the direction of the fiber.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "continuous fiber" refers to a fiber that extends, relative to the direction of the continuous fiber, over the entire dimension of the polymeric hollow profile. If the continuous fiber extends in the longitudinal direction of the polymeric hollow profile, then the fiber length (i.e., the dimension of the continuous fiber along its extension) corresponds to the dimension of the polymeric hollow profile in the longitudinal direction. If the continuous fiber extends in the transverse direction of the polymeric hollow profile, then the fiber length corresponds to the dimension of the polymeric hollow profile in the transverse direction. If the continuous fiber extends in an oblique direction that has an angle to the longitudinal direction of the polymeric hollow profile that differs from 0° and 90° (transverse direction), then the fiber length corresponds to the dimension of the polymeric hollow profile in this oblique direction.

[0016] In other words, each continuous fiber begins and ends at a top or outer surface of the polymer hollow profile. If the continuous fiber extends in the longitudinal direction of the polymer hollow profile, then the continuous fiber begins at one end surface of the polymer hollow profile and ends at the opposite end surface of the polymer hollow profile in the longitudinal direction. The two end surfaces delimit the polymer hollow profile in the longitudinal direction. If the continuous fiber extends in the transverse direction of the polymer hollow profile, then the continuous fiber begins at one lateral surface of the polymer hollow profile and ends at the opposite lateral surface of the polymer hollow profile in the transverse direction. The two lateral surfaces delimit the polymer hollow body in the transverse direction.If the continuous fiber extends in the oblique direction of the polymeric hollow profile, then the continuous fiber starts at an end or side surface of the polymeric hollow profile and ends at the transversely opposite side surface or the longitudinally opposite end outer wall of the polymeric hollow profile, depending on the orientation of the continuous fiber.

[0017] The design as continuous fibers distinguishes the fibers of the spacer according to the invention significantly from conventional fibers that are embedded as reinforcement in a polymer hollow profile. In the prior art, only so-called short or long fibers are used. In the final product, short fibers typically have a length of 100 μm to 1 mm. The length of long fibers is typically in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm. Continuous fibers are longer than 50 mm, whereby the length of the continuous fibers in the spacer according to the invention satisfies the dimensioning rules formulated above. In contrast to continuous fibers, short or long fibers do not begin or end on outer walls of the polymer hollow profile, since the fiber length of a short or long fiber does not correspond to a dimension of the polymer hollow profile in the direction of the fiber.

[0018] The material of the continuous fibers can be chosen arbitrarily, as long as it is ensured that the spacer achieves improved mechanical rigidity, particularly longitudinal rigidity, thanks to the continuous fibers and that the fiber material has advantageous properties compared to the matrix material. The continuous fibers can be made of an organic or inorganic material, in particular glass, aramid, or carbon. The materials used for conventional reinforcing fibers are particularly preferred with regard to mechanical properties.

[0019] As the inventors have discovered, the continuous fibers can significantly improve the mechanical rigidity, particularly the longitudinal rigidity, of the spacer without compromising its thermal insulation capacity. Particularly advantageous for the spacer is the improved longitudinal rigidity achieved by aligning the continuous fibers in the longitudinal direction of the spacer. The spacer thus exhibits a certain degree of rigidity against deflection under its own weight. The continuous fibers prevent bulging when bending in the corners of a spacer frame. Furthermore, the spacer is not brittle, as is the case with spacers with short fibers. The spacer according to the invention thus exhibits good mechanical stability, reliable processability, and thermal insulation capacity.In any case, the thermal conduction is advantageously significantly worse than with metallic spacers, which also ensure good mechanical rigidity. Simultaneous realization of these properties would otherwise be very difficult—if at all—to achieve. The spacer according to the invention also offers, in particular, the possibility of producing a spacer frame by bending at low temperatures such as room temperature, with the primary focus being on improving the mechanical longitudinal rigidity. These are important advantages of the spacer according to the invention, which enable the production of insulating glass units with a relatively low scrap rate, thus enabling the time- and cost-efficient production of insulating glass units in industrial series production.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the continuous fibers have the same direction of extension. By having the continuous fibers oriented the same way, the mechanical rigidity of the spacer can be particularly well improved transversely to the direction of extension of the continuous fibers. In particular, the longitudinal rigidity of the spacer can be significantly improved as a result. For practical use, it is very advantageous if the longitudinal rigidity is improved so that the (common) direction of extension of the continuous fibers is preferably the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow profile, i.e., the continuous fibers bend transversely to their direction of extension. In this case, the continuous fibers begin at one end-side outer surface and end at the end-side outer surface of the polymeric hollow profile opposite in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the continuous fibers of a first set of continuous fibers each have a first direction of extension, which preferably corresponds to the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow profile, and the continuous fibers of at least one second set of continuous fibers each have a second direction of extension, which is different from the first direction of extension. The continuous fibers of the first set of continuous fibers thus extend in a (same) first direction. The continuous fibers of the at least one second set of continuous fibers thus extend in a (same) second direction. Any number of sets of continuous fibers can be provided, wherein the continuous fibers of a same set each extend in a same direction. The number of second sets is not limited.For example, exactly one first set of continuous fibers and exactly one second set of continuous fibers are provided, wherein the continuous fibers extend in a first direction and the continuous fibers of the second set extend in a second direction that has an angle in the range of greater than 0° and 90° to the first direction. The first direction is preferably the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow profile due to the preferred mechanical rigidity of the spacer transversely to the longitudinal direction. By having at least one second set of continuous fibers extending along the second direction, good mechanical rigidity can advantageously be achieved in another direction as well, preferably in addition to the good mechanical rigidity of the spacer transversely to the longitudinal direction. Several second sets of continuous fibers can also be provided, wherein the continuous fibers of different second sets have different orientations.

[0022] The same orientation of the continuous fibers of at least one set of continuous fibers, in particular the same orientation of all continuous fibers, further distinguishes the continuous fibers from the short and long fibers of the prior art, which may have a certain preferred direction in some areas due to extrusion, but are essentially oriented differently.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, a uniform orientation of continuous fibers exists when at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 99%, of the considered set of continuous fibers, in particular all continuous fibers, are directed in the same direction. It is understood that, due to manufacturing reasons, it cannot be ruled out that individual continuous fibers may have a different direction.

[0024] The continuous fibers can be in a variety of forms, depending on the application. For example, the continuous fibers are in the form of individual fibers ("rovings"). The individual fibers are not connected to one another. The individual fibers of at least one set of continuous fibers, in particular all continuous fibers, are preferably arranged parallel to one another. However, it is also possible for the continuous fibers to be contained in a woven composite, for example in the form of a mesh-like grid. For example, the continuous fibers of a woven composite are oriented only in a first direction, which is preferably the longitudinal direction of the spacer, and only in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0025] It is also possible for the continuous fibers to be present in a nonwoven composite (nonwoven). In a nonwoven, there is no preferred direction of the continuous fibers.

[0026] In the spacer according to the invention, the continuous fibers are embedded in a polymeric carrier, which is preferably made of a thermoplastic material. The carrier is structurally different from the polymeric hollow profile, with the carrier with the continuous fibers being embedded in the hollow profile or arranged on a surface of the hollow profile. Embedding the continuous fibers in the polymeric carrier can facilitate the production of the spacer, since the carrier with the continuous fibers can be provided prefabricated or prefabricated.

[0027] The polymeric carrier particularly preferably consists of a polymeric material that is identical to a polymeric material from which the polymeric hollow profile is made. This can have process-engineering advantages, as the two polymeric materials can be easily fused together to create a particularly strong bond between the polymeric carrier and the polymeric hollow profile. For example, the carrier contains polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G), cross-linked polyethylene terephthalate (PET-X), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PET / PC, PBT / PC, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and / or copolymers and / or derivatives thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the carrier consists essentially of one of the listed polymers. It is possible for the carrier to be a tape.The support can be connected to the hollow profile using an adhesive or by welding.

[0028] In the spacer according to the invention, the carrier with the continuous fibers is arranged on the outer surface of at least one wall of the polymeric hollow profile. The carrier with the continuous fibers is thus arranged on a surface of the glazing interior wall and / or a surface of the outer wall and / or a surface of the first side wall and / or a surface of the second side wall. This configuration has the advantage that the polymeric hollow profile can be manufactured in a conventional manner, wherein the carrier with the continuous fibers can be attached to the polymeric hollow profile after the polymeric hollow profile has been manufactured.

[0029] Preferably, a carrier with continuous fibers is arranged on a surface of the glazing interior wall and / or a surface of the outer wall, wherein a carrier with continuous fibers can additionally be arranged on a surface of the first side wall and / or a surface of the second side wall. Particularly preferably, the continuous fibers extend in the form of individual fibers in the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow body. A carrier with continuous fibers is connected to the polymeric hollow profile, for example, by gluing or welding, wherein welding requires that the materials of the carrier and hollow profile are compatible. Preferably, the materials of the carrier and hollow profile are the same.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a diffusion barrier, for example in the form of a gas- and moisture-tight barrier film, is applied to the first side wall, the outer wall, and the second side wall of the polymeric hollow profile. The diffusion barrier seals the inner space between the panes against the penetration of moisture and prevents the loss of a gas contained in the inner space between the panes. It is advantageous if the continuous fibers are embedded in the diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier thus performs a dual function as a barrier layer and a means for improving the mechanical rigidity of the spacer. According to one embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the continuous fibers are additionally embedded in at least one wall of the polymeric hollow profile.The continuous fibers are thus embedded in the glazing interior wall and / or the exterior wall and / or the first side wall and / or the second side wall of the polymeric hollow profile.

[0031] Preferably, the continuous fibers are embedded in the glazing interior wall and / or the outer wall of the polymeric hollow profile, wherein the continuous fibers can optionally be additionally embedded in the first side wall and / or the second side wall of the polymeric hollow profile. Particularly preferably, the continuous fibers extend in the form of individual fibers in the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow body.

[0032] The cavity of the spacer according to the invention leads to a weight reduction compared to a solidly formed spacer and is available for accommodating additional components, such as a desiccant.

[0033] The first side wall and the second side wall represent the sides of the spacer on which the outer panes of an insulating glass unit are mounted during installation of the spacer. The first side wall and the second side wall run parallel to each other. The outer wall of the hollow profile is the wall opposite the glazing interior wall, which points away from the interior of the insulating glass unit (inner cavity) toward the outer cavity. The outer wall preferably runs substantially perpendicular to the side walls.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the connecting walls closest to the side walls are inclined at an angle of 30° to 60° to the outer wall in the direction of the side walls. This design improves the stability of the polymeric hollow profile. Preferably, the connecting walls closest to the side walls are inclined at an angle of 45°. In this case, the stability of the spacer is further improved. In a preferred embodiment, the diffusion barrier is applied such that the areas of the two side walls bordering the glazing interior wall are free of the diffusion barrier. By applying it to the entire outer wall except for the side walls, a particularly good seal of the spacer is achieved. The advantage of the areas on the side walls remaining free of the diffusion barrier lies, on the one hand, in an improvement in the visual appearance when installed.If a barrier extends right up to the interior glazing wall or is even part of the interior glazing wall, it will be visible in the finished insulating glass unit. This should be avoided for aesthetic reasons. A further advantage of the exposed areas on the side walls is that during installation in the finished insulating glass unit, the primary sealant can be applied so that it extends over the diffusion barrier and over a section of the polymeric side wall. This creates a uniform sealing plane and achieves particularly good sealing. The height of the area left free by the diffusion barrier is preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. In this embodiment, the diffusion barrier is not visible in the finished insulating glass unit, and the visual impression is therefore advantageous.In addition, the primary sealant can be applied to the finished insulating glazing unit in such a way that the primary sealant is applied to the plastic of the side walls and the diffusion barrier. This significantly reduces interfacial diffusion at the transition between the diffusion barrier and the plastic.

[0035] It is conceivable that the hollow profile contains fillers that are different from the continuous fibers. With the help of the fillers, material properties such as mechanical strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability can be further adjusted. For this purpose, the person skilled in the art is familiar with a wide variety of fiber-, powder-, or platelet-shaped reinforcing agents. Examples of powder- and / or platelet-shaped reinforcing agents include mica, chalk, and talc. Particularly preferred with regard to mechanical properties are reinforcing fibers (short and / or long fibers), which include glass fibers, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, or natural fibers. Alternatives to these are also ground glass fibers or hollow glass spheres. These hollow glass spheres have a diameter of 10 μm to 20 μm and improve the stability of the polymeric hollow profile. Suitable hollow glass spheres are commercially available under the name "3M™ Glass Bubbles."In one possible embodiment, the polymeric hollow profile contains both glass fibers and hollow glass spheres. The addition of hollow glass spheres leads to a further improvement in the thermal properties of the hollow profile. Particularly preferably, the polymeric hollow profile contains talc and / or glass spheres as fillers. The polymeric hollow profile preferably contains up to 15 percent by volume of glass spheres. The polymeric hollow profile preferably contains up to 20 percent by weight of talc.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the polymeric hollow profile has a substantially uniform wall thickness d. This leads to improved bendability compared to hollow profiles with regions of varying wall thicknesses. It has been shown that with a uniform wall thickness, fewer breakages of the spacer occur during cold bending than with varying wall thicknesses.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness d is from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In this range, the spacer is stable yet flexible enough to be cold-bendable. The wall thickness d is particularly preferably from 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, especially preferably from 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm. The best results are achieved with these wall thicknesses. Deviations of 0.1 mm upwards and downwards are possible due to manufacturing reasons.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention, the hollow profile contains polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G), cross-linked polyethylene terephthalate (PET-X), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamides, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PET / PC, PBT / PC styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and / or copolymers and / or derivatives thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow profile consists essentially of one of the listed polymers. These materials deliver particularly good results with regard to the flexibility required for the bendability of the spacer without additional heating. Furthermore, the mechanical rigidity can be improved as desired by the continuous fibers.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric hollow profile consists of a foamed polymer. The inclusion of air-filled pores in the hollow profile reduces thermal conductivity and thus improves the thermal insulation properties of the hollow profile. The use of foaming agents in the production of spacers is described, for example, in EP 2930296 A1.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the glazing interior wall has at least one perforation (opening). Preferably, several perforations are provided in the glazing interior wall. The total number of perforations depends on the size of the insulating glass unit. The perforations in the glazing interior wall connect the cavity with the inner space between the panes, enabling gas exchange between them. This allows moisture in the air to be absorbed by a desiccant located in the cavity, thus preventing the panes from fogging up. The perforations are preferably designed as slots, particularly preferably as slots with a width of 0.2 mm and a length of 2 mm. The slots ensure optimal air exchange without allowing desiccant to penetrate from the cavity into the inner space between the panes.After the hollow profile has been manufactured, the perforations can be simply punched or drilled into the glazing interior wall. Preferably, the perforations are punched hot into the glazing interior wall.

[0041] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the material of the glazing interior wall is porous or made of a diffusion-open plastic, so that no perforations are required.

[0042] The diffusion barrier is preferably a barrier film and prevents moisture from penetrating the cavity of the spacer. The barrier film can be a metal foil or polymer film, or a multilayer film with polymer and metallic layers, or with polymer and ceramic layers, or with polymer, metallic, and ceramic layers. The barrier film is preferably a gas-tight and moisture-tight barrier film.

[0043] The terms "gas-tight" and "moisture-tight" refer to the gas diffusion tightness and vapor diffusion tightness for the relevant gases (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, water, and argon). The materials used are considered gas-tight or vapor-tight if, preferably, no more than 1% of the gases in the cavity can escape within one year. "Diffusion-tight" is also synonymous with "low-diffusion" in the sense that the corresponding test standard EN 1279 Parts 2 + 3 is preferably met. This means that the finished spacer preferably meets the test standard EN 1279 Parts 2 + 3.

[0044] The diffusion barrier is preferably a barrier film. The barrier film is preferably a multilayer film with polymeric layers and metallic layers, or with polymeric and ceramic layers, or with polymeric, metallic, and ceramic layers. The barrier film preferably contains at least one polymeric layer and one metallic layer or one ceramic layer.

[0045] The thickness of the polymer layers is preferably between 5 μm and 80 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 24 μm, and particularly preferably between 10 μm and 15 μm. Polymer layers with these thicknesses are easy to coat and laminate. The barrier film preferably contains one, two, three, four, or more polymer layers.

[0046] Ceramic layers are characterized by low thermal conductivity, which further improves the thermal insulation properties of the spacer. The ceramic layers preferably contain or consist of silicon oxide and / or silicon nitride.

[0047] The barrier film preferably comprises at least one thin ceramic layer with a thickness between 10 nm and 300 nm, particularly preferably between 20 nm and 200 nm. These layer thicknesses result in a particularly good barrier effect. To improve the barrier effect and to prevent a loss of impermeability when bending the spacer, the ceramic layers are preferably used in combination with other ceramic and / or metallic layers.

[0048] Metallic layers are characterized by an excellent barrier effect against moisture penetration and sealing against gas loss. According to the invention, a metallic layer can comprise both pure metals and their oxides and alloys. The metallic layers preferably comprise or consist of aluminum, silver, copper, gold, or alloys or oxides thereof. These are characterized by particularly high impermeability. The barrier film preferably comprises at least one thin metallic layer with a thickness between 10 nm and 300 nm. These thin metallic layers contribute little to increasing the thermal conductivity of the barrier film but are more susceptible to leaks that can occur during bending. Therefore, thin metallic layers are preferably used in combination with other metallic layers and / or ceramic layers.

[0049] The barrier film preferably comprises at least one, preferably exactly one, thick metallic layer with a thickness between 2 μm and 8 μm, particularly preferably between 3 μm and 7 μm. It has been shown that thick metallic layers do not lose their impermeability when bent. Thus, fewer individual layers are required than with a structure with many thin metallic layers, which is easier to manufacture. The barrier film particularly preferably comprises a thick metallic layer of elemental aluminum.

[0050] The barrier film preferably comprises precisely one thick metallic layer, at least one polymer layer, and at least one thin ceramic layer and / or at least one thin metallic layer. The layer sequence is preferably: polymer layer - thin metallic layer or thin ceramic layer - thick metallic layer. This structure has proven to be extremely stretchable, which is of great importance at the corners of a cold-bent spacer frame.

[0051] Alternatively, the barrier film preferably contains at least two thin metallic layers and / or at least two thin ceramic layers arranged alternately with at least one polymeric layer. The outer layers are preferably formed by the polymeric layer. In this way, the thin metallic and ceramic layers are particularly well protected against mechanical damage. Alternatively, the outer layers are preferably formed by metallic or ceramic layers. These improve the adhesion properties to the secondary sealant. The use of a barrier film with an alternating layer sequence is particularly advantageous with regard to the tightness of the system. A defect in one of the layers does not lead to a loss of function of the barrier film. In comparison, even a small defect in a single layer can lead to complete failure.Furthermore, applying multiple thin layers is advantageous compared to a single thick layer, as the risk of internal adhesion problems increases with increasing layer thickness. Furthermore, thicker layers have higher conductivity, making such a film less thermodynamically suitable.

[0052] The thin metallic and ceramic layers are preferably deposited using a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process. Coating processes for films with thin layers in the nanometer range are well known and are used, for example, in the packaging industry. A thin metallic layer can be applied to a polymer film, for example, by sputtering, in the required thickness between 10 nm and 300 nm. This coated film can then be laminated with a thick metallic layer in the pm range, thus creating the barrier film. Such a coating can be applied to one or both sides.

[0053] The polymeric layers of the barrier film preferably comprise polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamides, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicones, acrylonitriles, polyacrylates, polymethylacrylates and / or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier film contains an adhesion promoter layer that serves to improve the adhesion of the secondary sealant in the finished insulating glazing. This adhesion promoter layer is arranged as the outermost layer of the barrier film so that it is in contact with the secondary sealant in the finished insulating glazing. A chemical pretreatment, a ceramic adhesion layer, or a metallic adhesion layer can be used as the adhesion promoter layer. The metallic adhesion layer preferably has a thickness of between 5 nm and 30 nm. According to the invention, a metallic adhesion layer can comprise both pure metals and their oxides and alloys. The metallic adhesion layer preferably comprises or consists of aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, iron, or alloys or oxides thereof. These exhibit good adhesion to the adjacent sealant. Preferred alloys are stainless steel and TiNiCr.

[0055] The hollow profile preferably has a width v of 5 mm to 55 mm, preferably 10 mm to 20 mm, along the glazing interior wall. Within the meaning of the invention, the width v is the dimension extending between the side walls. The width is the distance between the opposite surfaces of the two side walls. The selection of the width of the glazing interior wall determines the spacing between the panes of the insulating glass unit. The exact dimensions of the glazing interior wall depend on the dimensions of the insulating glass unit and the desired gap size between the panes.

[0056] The hollow profile preferably has a height of 5 mm to 15 mm along the side walls, particularly preferably 5 mm to 10 mm. Within this height range, the spacer offers advantageous stability while remaining advantageously unobtrusive within the insulating glass unit. Furthermore, the cavity of the spacer is advantageously sized to accommodate a suitable amount of desiccant. The height of the spacer is the distance between the opposite surfaces of the outer wall and the glazing interior wall.

[0057] The cavity preferably contains a desiccant, preferably silica gels, molecular sieves, CaCl2, Na2SO4, activated carbon, silicates, bentonites, zeolites and / or mixtures thereof.

[0058] The spacer can be manufactured using conventional methods. Embedding continuous fibers in the form of individual fibers (rovings) into the polymeric hollow profile is advantageously achieved by pultrusion with a thermoplastic matrix material. This is an extrusion process well known to those skilled in the art, in which the continuous fibers are unwound from spools and fed into the thermoplastic material to produce the polymeric hollow profile. The thermoplastic material flows around the continuous fibers to produce the hollow profile, enabling a very strong, direct bond that significantly improves the mechanical properties. The continuous fibers are preferably embedded into the polymeric hollow profile by pultrusion.

[0059] The embedding of the continuous fibers in a polymeric carrier can be carried out analogously in a pultrusion process with thermoplastic matrix material. The carrier with the continuous fibers can then in turn be co-extruded with the polymeric hollow profile. Connection to an external surface of the polymeric hollow profile is also possible, for example by bonding using an adhesive or welding. The polymeric carrier can also be designed as an adhesive tape. The invention further comprises an insulating glass unit with a first pane, a second pane, a circumferential spacer according to the invention arranged between the first and second panes, an inner space between the panes, and an outer space between the panes. The spacer according to the invention is arranged to form a circumferential spacer frame.The first pane is attached to the first side wall of the spacer via a primary sealant, and the second pane is attached to the second side wall via a primary sealant. This means that a primary sealant is arranged between the first side wall and the first pane and between the second side wall and the second pane. The primary sealant is in contact with the diffusion barrier, which is attached to the side walls and the outer wall. The first pane and the second pane are arranged parallel and preferably congruent. The edges of the two panes are therefore flush in the edge region, i.e. they are at the same height. The inner space between the panes is delimited by the first and second panes and the interior glazing wall.The outer cavity is defined as the space bounded by the first pane, the second pane, and the diffusion barrier on the outer wall of the spacer. The outer cavity is at least partially sealed with a secondary sealant. The secondary sealant contributes to the mechanical stability of the insulating glass unit and absorbs some of the climatic loads acting on the edge seal.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the primary sealant extends to the areas of the first and second side walls adjacent to the glazing interior wall, which are preferably free of the diffusion barrier. Thus, the primary sealant covers the transition between the polymer hollow profile and the diffusion barrier, achieving a particularly good seal for the insulating glass unit. In this way, the diffusion of moisture into the cavity of the spacer is reduced at the point where the diffusion barrier borders the plastic (less interfacial diffusion).

[0061] The primary sealant preferably contains a polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene can be crosslinking or non-crosslinking polyisobutylene. The sealant is preferably applied to the gap between the spacer and the panes with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary sealant is applied such that the entire outer space between the panes is completely filled with secondary sealant. This results in maximum stabilization of the insulating glass unit.

[0062] The secondary sealant preferably contains polymers or silane-modified polymers, particularly preferably organic polysulfides, silicones, room-temperature-curing (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxide-curing silicone rubber and / or addition-curing silicone rubber, polyurethanes, and / or hot melt. These sealants have a particularly good stabilizing effect.

[0063] The first pane and the second pane of the insulating glass unit preferably contain glass, ceramic and / or polymers, particularly preferably quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate.

[0064] The first pane and the second pane have a thickness of 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 3 mm to 16 mm, although both panes can also have different thicknesses.

[0065] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the insulating glass unit comprises at least three panes, wherein a further spacer frame is attached to the first pane and / or the second pane, to which the at least third pane is fastened.

[0066] In principle, a wide variety of geometries are possible for the insulating glass unit, for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, and rounded shapes. The spacer can be bent to create round geometries.

[0067] The first pane, the second pane, and further panes can be made of single-pane safety glass, thermally or chemically toughened glass, float glass, extra-clear low-iron float glass, colored glass, or laminated safety glass containing one or more of these components. The panes can have any desired additional components or coatings, for example low-E layers or other solar control coatings. In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the spacer frame consists of one or more spacers according to the invention. Preferably, a spacer according to the invention is bent into a complete frame and connected or welded at one point via a connector. There can also be several spacers according to the invention that are linked together via one or more connectors.The connectors can be designed as longitudinal connectors or corner connectors. Such corner connectors can, for example, be designed as a molded plastic part with a seal, in which two mitered spacers meet.

[0068] In another embodiment, the insulating glazing comprises more than two panes. The spacer can, for example, contain grooves in which at least one additional pane is arranged. Multiple panes could also be formed as a laminated glass pane.

[0069] The invention further comprises a method for producing an insulating glass unit according to the invention, comprising the steps:

[0070] Providing a spacer according to the invention,

[0071] Bending the spacer to form a spacer frame that is closed at one point,

[0072] Providing a first disc and a second disc,

[0073] Fixing the spacer via a primary sealant between the first pane and the second pane,

[0074] Pressing the disc assembly from the two discs and the spacer and

[0075] Filling the outer pane cavity with a secondary sealant.

[0076] The insulating glass unit is manufactured mechanically on double glazing systems known to those skilled in the art. First, a spacer frame comprising the spacer according to the invention is provided. Preferably, the spacer frame is produced by bending the spacer according to the invention into a frame that is closed at one point by welding, gluing and / or using a connector. A first pane and a second pane are provided, and the spacer frame is fixed between the first and second panes using a primary sealant. The spacer frame is placed onto the first pane with the first side wall of the spacer and fixed using the primary sealant. Subsequently, the second pane is placed onto the second side wall of the spacer, congruent with the first pane, and is also fixed using the primary sealant, and the pane assembly is pressed together.The outer cavity between the panes is at least partially filled with a secondary sealant. The process according to the invention thus enables the simple and cost-effective production of an insulating glass unit. No special new machinery is required, since the design of the spacer according to the invention allows the use of conventional bending machines, such as those already available for cold-bendable metallic spacers.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the spacer is bent at room temperature, i.e., at temperatures below 40°C, preferably between 15°C and 30°C. This eliminates the need for an external heat source to preheat the spacer in the corners. This process saves energy and time.

[0078] The invention further encompasses the use of the insulating glass unit according to the invention as interior glazing of a building, exterior glazing of a building and / or facade glazing.

[0079] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. The drawings are purely schematic representations and not to scale. They do not limit the invention in any way. They show:

[0081] Figure 1 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the spacer,

[0082] Figures 2A-2C each show cross sections of various embodiments of the polymeric hollow profile of the spacer of Figure 1 with schematically illustrated continuous fibers, which are not claimed in the claims, Figures 3A-3E each show cross sections of various further embodiments of the polymeric hollow profile of the spacer of Figure 1 with schematically illustrated continuous fibers, wherein the embodiments of Figures 3A to 3C are not claimed in the claims,

[0083] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of another possible embodiment of the spacer of Figure 1 with schematically illustrated continuous fibers,

[0084] Figure 5 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention,

[0085] Figure 6 is a flow chart of the method according to the invention for producing an insulating glass unit according to the invention.

[0086] Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a spacer 1 according to the invention, wherein the continuous fibers are not shown (see Figures 2A-2D to Figure 4). The spacer 1 comprises a polymeric hollow profile 2 which extends in the longitudinal direction X. The transverse direction Y is directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The vertical direction Z is directed perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions. The hollow profile 2 consists, for example, of polypropylene, although other polymeric materials are equally possible. The polymeric hollow profile 2 comprises two parallel side walls 3.1 and 3.2. The side walls 3.1 and 3.2 are connected via an outer wall 5 and a glazing interior wall 4. Two angled connecting walls 6.1 and 6.2 are arranged between the outer wall 5 and the side walls 3.1 and 3.2. The connecting walls 6.1, 6.2 are preferably inclined at an angle a (alpha) of 30° to 60°, e.g. 45°, to the outer wall 5.The glazing interior wall 4 runs perpendicular to the two side walls 3.1 and 3.2 and connects the two side walls 3.1 and 3.2. The outer wall 5 is located opposite the glazing interior wall 4 and connects the two side walls 3.1 and 3.2. The angled geometry of the two connecting walls 6.1, 6.2 improves the stability of the polymer hollow profile 2.

[0087] The respective outer sides or outer surfaces of the glazing interior wall 4, the outer wall 5 and the two side walls 3.1, 3.2 together form the common outer side or outer surface 10 of the polymeric hollow profile 2.

[0088] The polymeric hollow profile 2 has a cavity 7, which can be provided with a desiccant. Furthermore, the glazing interior wall 4 is provided with a plurality of openings 8 so that the desiccant can absorb moisture from the inner cavity 15 between the panes (see Figure 5).

[0089] The wall thickness of the polymer hollow profile 2 is, for example, 1 mm. The width in the transverse direction Y of the polymer hollow profile 2 is, for example, 12 mm. The total height in the vertical direction Z of the polymer hollow profile 2 is, for example, 6.5 mm.

[0090] A barrier film 9 is applied to the surface 10 of the outer wall 5, the connecting walls 6.1, 6.2, and a portion of the side walls 3.1, 3.2, approximately up to half the height h of the side walls 3.1, 3.2. The barrier film 9 is bonded to the polymeric hollow profile 2 with an adhesive (not shown). A transition area is formed on the side windows 3.1, 3.2 in which the side windows 3.1, 3.2 are not provided with a barrier film 9. The barrier film 9 is not mandatory.

[0091] The entire spacer 1 has, for example, a thermal conductivity of less than 10 W / (m K) and a gas permeation of less than 0.001 g / (m 2 h) on.

[0092] Consider now Figures 2A to 2C, each of which shows cross sections of various embodiments of the polymeric hollow profile 2 of the spacer 1 of Figure 1 with schematically illustrated continuous fibers 11 (sections in the XZ plane), which are not claimed in the patent claims. To avoid unnecessary repetition, only the continuous fibers 11 are described. The barrier film 9 is not shown. The continuous fibers 2 are each formed as individual fibers and embedded in a wall of the polymeric hollow profile 2. The polymeric hollow profile 2 with the continuous fibers 11 is produced by pultrusion (i.e. extrusion of the hollow profile 2 while embedding the continuous fibers 11, which are unwound from a respective spool).The continuous fibers 11 are arranged side by side, without intermediate connections, and all extend in the longitudinal direction X of the spacer 1 (with the proviso that it cannot be ruled out that individual continuous fibers due to manufacturing reasons may have a different direction). The continuous fibers 11 are, for example, glass or carbon fibers. The various embodiments of Figures 2A to 2C differ in the embedding of the continuous fibers 11 in the walls of the polymeric hollow profile 2. In Figure 2A, the continuous fibers 11 are only embedded in the glazing interior wall 4. This measure can achieve a significant improvement in the mechanical rigidity of the spacer 1 transverse to the longitudinal direction X, i.e. in the vertical direction Z. In general, an improvement in the mechanical rigidity can be achieved with a bending component in the vertical direction Z. This is particularly important for practical application.In Figure 2B, the continuous fibers 11 are embedded only in the glazing interior wall 4 and the outer wall 5. The mechanical rigidity of the spacer 1 in the vertical direction Z can thereby be further improved. In Figure 2C, the continuous fibers 11 are embedded in the glazing interior wall 4, the outer wall 5, the two side walls 3.1, 3.2, and the two connecting walls 6.1, 6.2. The mechanical rigidity of the spacer 1 in all directions can thereby be significantly improved.

[0093] In the embodiments of Figures 2A to 2C, the continuous fibers 11 extend "endlessly" in the longitudinal direction X of the spacer 1, ie they each run from a front surface 10' (end face) of the polymeric hollow profile 2 and end at the front surface 10' (end face) of the polymeric hollow profile 1 opposite in the longitudinal direction X. The two front surfaces 10', 10", which in Figure

[0094] I, limit the polymer hollow profile 2 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0095] Figures 3A to 3E each show cross-sections of various further embodiments of the polymeric hollow profile 2 of the spacer 1 of Figure 1 with schematically illustrated continuous fibers 11 (sections in the XZ plane). The embodiments of Figures 3A to 3C are not claimed in the patent claims. To avoid unnecessary repetition, only the continuous fibers 11 are described. The barrier film 9 is not shown.

[0096] The continuous fibers 11 of Figures 2A to 2C differ from the continuous fibers

[0097] II of Figures 3A to 3E in that they are embedded in a matrix, i.e. a carrier 12 made of polymer material. The continuous fibers 11 with carrier 12 are shaped here, for example, into a tape. The carrier 12 with the continuous fibers 11 can be embedded in the hollow profile 2, in particular by co-extrusion with the polymer hollow profile 2. The various embodiments of Figures 3A to 3C differ in the embedding of the carriers 12 with continuous fibers 11 in the walls of the polymer hollow profile 2. In Figure 3A, the carrier 12 with continuous fibers 11 is only embedded in the glazing interior wall 4. In Figure 3B, the carrier 12 with continuous fibers 11 is only embedded in the glazing interior wall 4 and in the outer wall 5. In Figure 3C, the carrier 12 with continuous fibers 11 is embedded in the glazing interior wall 4, the outer wall 5, the two side walls 3.1, 3.2 and the two connecting walls 6.1, 6.2.The mechanical rigidity of the spacer 1 can be significantly improved analogously to Figures 2A to 2C.

[0098] In the embodiments of Figures 3D and 3E, the carrier 12 with continuous fibers 11 is arranged and fastened on the surface 10 of the polymeric hollow profile 2, for example by gluing or welding (not shown). In Figure 3C, the carrier 12 with continuous fibers 11 is applied only to the surface 10 of the glazing interior wall 4. In Figure 3D, the carrier 12 with continuous fibers 11 is applied only to the surface 10 of the glazing interior wall 4 and the outer wall 5. The mechanical rigidity of the spacer 1 in the vertical direction Z or with a bending component in the vertical direction Z can be further improved thereby. In addition, continuous fibers can be embedded in the polymeric hollow profile 2, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3D.

[0099] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of another possible embodiment of the spacer 1 of Figure 1 with schematically illustrated continuous fibers 11. In this embodiment, the continuous fibers 11 are embedded in the barrier film 9, whereby the barrier film 9 advantageously performs a dual function. On the one hand, it improves the gas and vapor impermeability of the spacer 1, and on the other hand, it serves to improve the mechanical rigidity.

[0100] Although not shown in the figures, it would be equally possible for the continuous fibers 11 to be arranged in a woven or non-woven composite, for example in a mesh or a woven or scrim.

[0101] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the edge region of an insulating glass unit 100 according to the invention with the spacer 1 shown in Figure 1. For the sake of clarity, continuous fibers 11 are not shown. These can, for example, be designed as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, 3A to 3D, and 4.

[0102] In the insulating glass unit 100, a first pane 13 is connected to the first side wall 3.1 of the spacer 1 via a primary sealant 17, and a second pane 14 is attached to the second side wall 3.2 via the primary sealant 17. The primary sealant 17 contains a cross-linking polyisobutylene. An inner pane cavity 15 is located between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 and is delimited by the glazing interior wall 4 of the spacer 1 according to the invention. The cavity 7 is filled with a desiccant 19, for example, molecular sieve. The cavity 7 is connected to the inner pane cavity 15 via openings 8 in the glazing interior wall 4. Through the openings 8 in the glazing interior wall 4, a gas exchange takes place between the cavity 7 and the inner space between the panes 15, whereby the desiccant 19 absorbs the air humidity from the inner space between the panes 15.The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 protrude beyond the side walls 3.1 and 3.2, creating an outer interpane gap 16 located between the first pane 13 and the second pane 14 and delimited by the outer wall 5 with the barrier film 9 of the spacer 1. The outer interpane gap 16 is sealed with a secondary sealant 18. The secondary sealant 18 is, for example, a silicone. Silicones absorb the forces acting on the edge seal particularly well and thus contribute to the high stability of the insulating glass unit 100. The first pane 13 and the second pane 14 are made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of 3 mm.

[0103] Figure 9 shows a flow chart of the method according to the invention for producing an insulating glass unit 100 according to the invention. The reference symbols I to VI have the following meaning:

[0104] I) Providing a spacer according to the invention,

[0105] II) Bending the spacer to form a spacer frame which is closed at one point,

[0106] III) Providing a first disc and a second disc,

[0107] IV) Fixing the spacer via a primary sealant between the first disc and the second disc, V) Pressing the disc assembly from the discs and the spacer, and

[0108] VI) Filling the outer cavity between the panes with a secondary sealant.

[0109] As can be seen from the above description of the invention, the invention provides a novel spacer with continuous fibers that, compared to conventional spacers, exhibits significantly improved mechanical rigidity, particularly longitudinal rigidity, while maintaining very good thermal insulation properties. The thermal conductivity is significantly lower than that of metallic spacers. The spacer according to the invention also offers the possibility of producing a spacer frame by bending, for example, to form corners at low temperatures such as room temperature. In industrial series production, insulating glass units can be manufactured in a time- and cost-efficient manner.

[0110] List of reference symbols

[0111] 1 spacer

[0112] 2 hollow profile

[0113] 3.1 first side wall

[0114] 3.2 second side wall

[0115] 4 Glazing interior wall

[0116] 5 Exterior wall

[0117] 6.1 first connecting wall

[0118] 6.2 second connecting wall

[0119] 7 Cavity

[0120] 8 Opening

[0121] 9 Barrier film

[0122] 10 Surface

[0123] 10', 10" front surface

[0124] 11 Continuous fiber

[0125] 12 carriers

[0126] 13 first disc

[0127] 14 second disc

[0128] 15 inner space between panes

[0129] 16 outer space between panes

[0130] 17 primary sealant

[0131] 18 secondary sealant

[0132] 19 Desiccants

[0133] 100 insulating glass units

Claims

Patent claims 1. Spacer (1) for insulating glass units (100), comprising a longitudinally extending (X) polymeric hollow profile (2) with a first side wall (3.1) and a second side wall (3.2) arranged parallel thereto, a glazing interior wall (4) extending in the transverse direction (Y) between the side walls (3.1, 3.2) and connecting them together, an outer wall (5) arranged at least partially parallel to the glazing interior wall (4) and perpendicular to the side walls (3.1, 3.2) and connecting the side walls (3.1, 3.2). 3.2) connects to each other, and a cavity (7) which is separated from the side walls (3.1 , 3.2), enclosed by the glazing interior wall (4) and the outer wall (5), a plurality of continuous fibers (11), each continuous fiber (11) having a fiber length along its extension corresponding to a dimension of the polymeric hollow profile (2) along the extension of the continuous fiber, the continuous fibers (11) being embedded in a polymeric carrier (12), and a polymeric carrier (12) with continuous fibers (11) being arranged on a surface (11) of the glazing interior wall (4) and / or a surface (10) of the outer wall (5) and / or a surface (10) of the first side wall (3.1) and / or a surface (10) of the second side wall (3.2).

2. Spacer (1) according to claim 1, wherein a polymeric material of which the polymeric support (12) is made and a polymeric material of which the polymeric hollow profile (2) is made are identical.

3. Spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which a diffusion barrier (9) is applied to the first side wall (3.1), to the outer wall (5) and to the second side wall (3.2) of the polymeric hollow profile (2), wherein the continuous fibers (11) are embedded in the diffusion barrier (9) which serves as a polymeric support (12).

4. Spacer (1) according to claim 3, wherein the diffusion barrier (9) is a multilayer film and in particular contains at least one polymeric layer and exactly one thick metallic layer with a thickness between 2 pm and 8 pm.

5. Spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the continuous fibers (11) have the same direction of extension, which in particular corresponds to the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow profile (2).

6. Spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the continuous fibers (11) of a first set of continuous fibers each have a first extension direction which corresponds in particular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow profile (1), and the continuous fibers of at least a second set of continuous fibers each have a second extension direction which differs from the first extension direction.

7. Spacer (I) according to claim 6, wherein the continuous fibers (11) (1) as single fibers, and / or (ii) in a woven composite, and / or (iii) exist in a non-woven composite.

8. Spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the continuous fibers (11) are embedded in the inner glazing wall (4) and / or the outer wall (5) of the polymeric hollow profile (2), wherein the continuous fibers (11) are in particular in the form of individual fibers in the longitudinal direction (X) of the polymeric hollow profile (2) extend.

9. Spacer (I) according to claim 8, wherein the continuous fibers (11) are embedded in the first side wall (3.1) and / or the second side wall (3.2) of the polymeric hollow profile (2).

10. Insulating glass unit (100) comprising a first pane (13), a second pane (14), a spacer (1) arranged circumferentially between the first pane (13) and the second pane (14) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first pane (13) is attached to the first side wall (3.1) via a primary sealing means (17), the second pane (14) is attached to the second side wall (3.2) via a primary sealing means (17), and an inner space between the panes (15) is bounded by the glazing interior wall (4), the first pane (13) and the second pane (14). an outer space between the panes (16), which is bounded by the diffusion barrier (9) attached to the outer wall (5) and the first pane (13) and the second pane (14), in which a secondary sealant (18) is arranged.

11. Method for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (100) according to claim 10, comprising the following steps Providing a spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Bending the spacer (1) to form a spacer frame which is closed at one point, Providing a first disc (13) and a second disc (14), Fixing the spacer (1 ) via a primary sealant (17) between the first disk (13) and the second disk (14), Pressing the disk assembly made of the disks (13, 14) and the spacer (1), and Filling the outer space between the panes (16) with a secondary sealant (18).

12. Method for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (100) according to claim 11, wherein the spacer (1) is bent into a spacer frame at temperatures below 40 °C.

13. Use of the insulating glass unit (100) according to claim 10 as interior building glazing, exterior building glazing and / or facade glazing.

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