Spacer fabric for use in a plantable facade element

Abstract

Spacer fabric (10) for use in a greenable facade element (1) comprising a first cover layer (22), a second cover layer (23), a spacer layer (24) arranged between the first cover layer (22) and the second cover layer (23), characterized in that the spacer layer (24) and / or the first cover layer (22) and / or the second cover layer (23) comprises a first thread (27) for water conduction, and that the spacer layer (24) comprises a second thread (26) for stiffening the spacer layer (24).

Description

[0001] The content of the German patent application DE 10 2024 207 842.5 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to a spacer fabric, in particular for use in a greenable facade element, and to a method for producing such a spacer fabric. The invention further relates to a facade element incorporating such a spacer fabric.

[0003] Spacer fabrics are generally known from DE 100 26 405 B4. The use of a spacer fabric for absorbing water from atmospheric precipitation is known from WO 2022 / 078 637 A1. A greened facade element made of spacer textiles is known from DE 20 2018 002 767 U1.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to improve a spacer fabric, in particular for use in a greenable facade element.

[0005] This problem is solved with a spacer fabric having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, it has been found that a spacer fabric comprising a first cover layer, a second cover layer, and a spacer layer arranged between the first cover layer and the second cover layer, wherein the spacer layer and / or the first cover layer and / or the second cover layer comprise a first thread for water conduction and the spacer layer comprises a second thread for stiffening the spacer layer, is particularly advantageous. In particular, such a spacer fabric can be readily vegetated.

[0006] The first and second cover layers can be identical in design. Alternatively, the first and second cover layers can be different in design. The first and second cover layers can have a structure with openings. Alternatively, the first and / or second cover layer can have a closed structure. Preferably, at least one of the cover layers has an open structure. Openings in a cover layer allow the spacer layer to be easily and efficiently filled with a nutrient medium and plants.

[0007] The spacer layer of the spacer fabric ensures that a gap is formed between the first and second layers, thus creating a three-dimensional textile. This spacer layer includes a second thread for stiffening. This stiffening ensures that the gap between the first and second layers remains permanently intact. In particular, it prevents the first and second layers from touching due to displacement. The second thread preferably has a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, more specifically between 0.15 mm and 0.95 mm, more specifically between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm, more specifically between 0.25 mm and 0.85 mm, and more specifically between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. Most preferably, the second thread has a diameter of at least 0.3 mm.Sufficient stiffness of the spacer layer can be achieved via the preferred diameter, while still minimizing the volume in the spacer layer occupied by the second thread.

[0008] The first strand, located in the spacer layer and / or the first top layer and / or the second top layer, ensures that sufficient water is supplied to the growing medium and thus to the plants placed in the spacer layer, even in otherwise dry, rainless conditions. This first strand can absorb a high proportion of its weight in water to achieve this.

[0009] The first thread can preferably absorb at least 10 times its own weight, in particular at least 15 times its own weight, in particular at least 20 times its own weight, and in particular at least 25 times its own weight in water. This water absorption capacity of the first thread ensures that sufficient water is available to a nutrient medium or to the plants placed therein. Due to this water absorption capacity, the first thread is highly absorbent. Preferably, the first thread can absorb at most 50 times its own weight in water.

[0010] Preferably, the first thread can draw water from a water reservoir located below the spacer fabric. The first thread can thus draw water against gravity. Preferably, the first thread can draw water vertically against gravity to a height of at least 20 mm, in particular at least 25 mm, in particular at least 30 mm, in particular at least 35 mm, in particular at least 40 mm. Alternatively, a water reservoir can be located above a spacer fabric, in which case the first thread simply directs the water downwards under the influence of gravity.

[0011] The first thread is a solid material thread. Specifically, the thread has no cavities for water transport. Water transport is achieved through the thread's absorbent properties.

[0012] The thickness of the spacer fabric defines the distance between the first and second layers, taking into account the individual thicknesses of both layers. The thickness of the spacer fabric is in the range of 5 mm to 65 mm, particularly in the range of 10 mm to 60 mm, in particular in the range of 15 mm to 55 mm, in particular in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm, and in particular in the range of 25 mm to 45 mm. A thickness of 30 mm to 40 mm is particularly preferred. Within this thickness range, sufficient stiffening of the spacer layer can be ensured, while also providing enough space for filling with a growing medium and plants. The thickness of the spacer fabric can be adapted to the specific plants to be introduced and their root systems.

[0013] The fibers between the surface layers are called pole fibers. The second fiber forms a pole fiber. If the first fiber runs within the spacer layer, it also forms a pole fiber.

[0014] Preferably, the threads of the cover layers consist at least partially of polyethylene terephthalate (PET for short).

[0015] Continuous filaments, which can be produced in any length, are preferably used for the manufacture of the spacer fabric. Preferably, all filaments of the spacer fabric are flame-retardant and / or self-extinguishing. This allows the fabric to meet fire protection requirements in particular.

[0016] The spacer fabric can preferably have an increased thread density, in particular an increased pile thread density, in its end regions to prevent substrate from falling out. The end regions can be either the top surfaces or the edges of the spacer fabric. In particular, at least one end region, in particular at least two end regions, in particular at least three end regions, in particular at least four end regions, in particular at least five end regions, in particular at least six end regions can have an increased thread density.

[0017] Sensors, irrigation and / or heating devices can be arranged within the spacer fabric. The sensors, irrigation and / or heating devices are preferably arranged in cavities within the spacer fabric.

[0018] Spacer fabric is primarily used in greenable facades. However, it can also be used for plant cultivation in greenhouses.

[0019] The spacer mesh can preferably be planted with seeds or seedlings while lying flat. Once the seeds or seedlings have sufficiently rooted, the spacer mesh can then be hung in a suitable storage space, such as a greenhouse. This allows for space-saving storage of plants.

[0020] Plants of the genus Sedum are particularly suitable for planting in a spacer fabric that will later be hung vertically.

[0021] A spacer fabric according to claim 2 exhibits particularly good water-conducting properties. A microfiber yarn can absorb many times its own weight in water.

[0022] Preferably, the first thread consists at least partially of PET.

[0023] A spacer fabric according to claim 3 enables good water transport through the first yarn. The mass-to-yarn-length ratio of the first yarn is preferably in the range between 50 and 1,000 dtex, particularly between 60 and 900 dtex, particularly between 70 and 800 dtex, particularly between 80 and 500 dtex, particularly between 90 and 350 dtex, and particularly between 100 and 250 dtex.

[0024] The unit dtex is generally defined as the ratio of a thread's mass to its length. A thread has a density of 1 dtex if it weighs 1 gram per 10,000 meters.

[0025] A spacer fabric according to claim 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the first yarn with the desired water conductivity. For this purpose, the first yarn comprises at least two twisted yarns, in particular at least three twisted yarns, in particular at least four twisted yarns, and in particular more than four twisted yarns. Preferably, the first yarn comprises exactly four twisted yarns.

[0026] Each yarn preferably comprises 50 to 1,000 individual fibers, in particular 60 to 850 individual fibers, in particular 70 to 700 individual fibers, in particular 80 to 550 individual fibers, and in particular 100 to 400 individual fibers.

[0027] Preferably, the first thread is in the range of dtex167f128x4 to dtex167f288x4. A thread designated dtex167f128x4 has a mass-to-length ratio of dtex167, meaning it weighs 167 g per 10,000 m of thread length and is composed of four yarns, each yarn containing 128 individual fibers. In general, the designation can be interpreted as "weight-to-length ratio" - "number of individual fibers per yarn" - "number of yarns". Threads in the range of dtex167f128x4 to dtex167f288x4 have proven particularly advantageous for irrigating a nutrient medium placed in the buffer layer.

[0028] A spacer fabric according to claim 5 exhibits particularly advantageous stiffening properties. A PET or polyethylene terephthalate polymer-based thread is initially flexible in its basic state and can therefore be processed like a textile thread. The thread can then be cured by a physical treatment, thereby giving it its stiffening properties.

[0029] The PET polymer-based thread can consist entirely of PET. Alternatively, the second thread can have only a PET outer layer and a different material in its core.

[0030] A spacer fabric according to claim 6 is particularly easy to cure. The second yarn can preferably be cured in a range between 100 °C and 250 °C, particularly in a range between 125 °C and 225 °C, and especially in a range between 150 °C and 200 °C, and particularly preferably at 160 °C. Such a temperature range can be provided easily and without significant energy losses. In particular, the temperature range is not detrimental to the yarns otherwise processed in the spacer fabric.

[0031] A spacer fabric according to claim 7 represents a preferred embodiment of the second thread. An embodiment of the second thread as a single fiber is also referred to as a monofilament.

[0032] A spacer fabric according to claim 8 exhibits particularly good stiffening properties. For this purpose, the second yarn has a tensile strength of at least 30 cN / tex, in particular at least 35 cN / tex, in particular at least 40 cN / tex, and in particular at least 44 cN / tex. The tensile strength indicates the force under which a yarn breaks.

[0033] The tensile strength is also known as breaking length. The tensile strength can be directly converted to breaking length, where 1 cN / tex corresponds to one breaking length. Breaking length indicates the thread length of a fiber or yarn, in kilometers, below which the fiber or yarn would break under its own weight.

[0034] A spacer fabric according to claim 9 is particularly stable when tensile or compressive forces act perpendicularly on the first and / or second cover layer. Preferably, some of the first and / or second threads run substantially perpendicularly between the first and second cover layers. Alternatively, all first and second threads can run substantially perpendicularly between the first and second cover layers. The perpendicular orientation of the first and / or second threads can also create a retaining structure for the nutrient medium to be poured in.

[0035] A spacer fabric according to claim 10 ensures a particularly stable spacer fabric when forces do not act perpendicularly on the first and / or the second cover layer. The angle α at which the first and / or the second yarn runs between the first and the second cover layer is particularly in the range 40° < α < 65°, particularly in the range 42° < α < 60°, particularly in the range 44° < α < 55°, and particularly in the range 46° < α < 49°.

[0036] Preferably, some of the first and second threads run at an angle α between the first and second cover layers. Alternatively, all threads can run at an angle α between the first and second cover layers.

[0037] Preferably, the first and second threads run either perpendicularly between the first and second cover layers or at an angle α. Particularly preferably, the first and second threads run alternately perpendicularly and then at an angle α between the first and second cover layers. Such an alternating orientation of the first and second threads allows the cover layer to be made stable against forces acting perpendicularly and non-perpendicularly on the first and / or second cover layer.

[0038] A spacer fabric according to claim 11 ensures a stable structure of the cover layers and simultaneously allows for easy filling of the spacer layer with a nutrient medium and / or plants. For this purpose, the honeycombs have a length between 25 mm and 38 mm and a width between 16 mm and 20 mm.

[0039] The length of a honeycomb is defined by the diagonal between two corner points of the honeycomb. The width of a honeycomb is given by a line perpendicular to two faces of the honeycomb. Generally, the size of a honeycomb is specified in the formula "length x width". The size of a honeycomb is therefore preferably in the range of 25 mm x 16 mm to 38 mm x 20 mm.

[0040] A spacer fabric according to claim 12 represents a preferred embodiment. The polymer-based PET threads in the first and second cover layers are also preferably curable at a temperature between 100 °C and 250 °C, preferably at a temperature of 160 °C, similar to the second thread used to stiffen the spacer layer. The cover layers can be stiffened after production by means of a curable polymer-based PET thread. This ensures that the honeycomb structure is retained.

[0041] The polymer-based PET thread used for the first and second cover layers is specifically a multifilament yarn dtex167f64x4. Alternatively, it can be a multifilament yarn dtex330f72x2.

[0042] In addition to the polymer-based thread, the first and second cover layers can also include the first thread for the water conduit.

[0043] A spacer fabric according to claim 13 provides a particularly large free space in the spacer layer. This free space allows the spacer fabric to be loaded with more growing medium and more plants, resulting in improved vegetation cover.

[0044] By constructing a spacer fabric with a maximum of 633 contact points between a top layer and the first and / or second thread per 10 cm² of top layer area, a reduced thread length between the first and second top layers is achieved. With conventional spacer fabrics, the number of contact points would be at least 844, resulting in more threads running through the spacer layer and less space for a growing medium or plants. In practice, it has been found that the free space in the spacer layer with conventional spacer fabrics with at least 844 contact points is insufficient for vegetation. In particular, it does not provide enough space for the long-term survival of the plants.

[0045] A point of contact is defined here as the point where a thread is guided towards or away from the top layer. The path of the first thread within the first or second top layer is not considered a point of contact.

[0046] A spacer fabric according to claim 14 enables the introduction of sufficient substrate for planting into the spacer fabric. The first thread and / or the second thread occupy a maximum of 25% of the volume, in particular a maximum of 20% of the volume, in particular a maximum of 15% of the volume, and in particular a maximum of 12.5% ​​of the volume in the spacer layer. Particularly preferably, the first thread and / or the second thread occupy a maximum of 12.15% of the volume in the spacer layer.

[0047] Due to the relatively small volume occupied by the first and / or second thread in the spacer layer, sufficient space can be created for a substrate as well as for the root formation of the plants.

[0048] Furthermore, the invention aims to improve a method for manufacturing a spacer fabric for use in a greenable facade element.

[0049] This problem is solved by the method with the features of claim 15. According to the method according to the invention, a first and second cover layer as well as a spacer layer between the first and second cover layers are first provided, wherein at least one thread is cured to stiffen the spacer layer. The curing of the at least one second thread for stiffening the spacer layer can take place during production, i.e., during the layer-by-layer construction of the first and second cover layers. Preferably, the curing of the at least one second thread for stiffening the spacer layer takes place after the first and second cover layers as well as the spacer layer have been completely produced. The curing takes place, in particular, when the cover layers are pulled apart, preferably from a width of 50 cm to a width of 150 cm, whereby a honeycomb structure is strengthened and the at least one second thread is cured.

[0050] A method according to claim 16 represents a preferred curing method for the at least one thread. A temperature in the range of 100 °C to 250 °C can be easily provided. Curing preferably takes place at 160 °C. Curing at such a temperature is preferred because a temperature can be easily generated across the entire spacer fabric, and, for example, it is not necessary to apply a chemical substance for curing the threads, which would be very complex and unreliable to apply to all threads.

[0051] A method according to claim 17 represents a preferred manufacturing method for the spacer fabric. For this purpose, a system is first provided comprising a first needle bar, a second needle bar, and a first, a second, and a third yarn system, each with two punching needles. The first yarn system produces the first cover layer, the second yarn system the second cover layer, and the third yarn system the spacer layer. The punching needles are mounted on a respective base bar 1 to 6, wherein, on a preferred machine, "base bar 3" and "base bar 4" produce the spacer layer.

[0052] During the layer-by-layer production of the first and second cover layers, the first thread for water conduit and the second thread for stiffening are also introduced via the third thread system. The second thread is inserted into the spacer layer, while the first thread can be inserted into the first cover layer and / or the second cover layer and / or the spacer layer.

[0053] This layered construction enables efficient production of the spacer fabric. In particular, it eliminates the need for the subsequent, complex application of threads into a spacer layer between two already fully manufactured cover layers, thus significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0054] A method according to claim 18 enables efficient and defect-free curing of the second yarn in the spacer layer. Curing in a separate tensioning frame frees up the production line, allowing for the production of further spacer fabrics. This makes it possible, in particular, to carry out the curing process in a separate, insulated room, thereby ensuring very precise temperature control.

[0055] The second thread hardens, in particular, after the raw material has been stretched from 50 cm to 150 cm. During this stretching of the raw material, the honeycomb structure of the first and second top layers is also fully formed, and the mesh size is reduced.

[0056] Another objective of the invention is to provide an improved greenable facade element.

[0057] This problem is solved by a facade element with the features of claim 19.

[0058] A facade element with a greenable spacer fabric according to the invention can be attached to building walls and, by filling the spacer fabric with a nutrient medium and plants, green the building. In addition to its visual effect, the facade element can also provide a cooling effect, as direct sunlight is absorbed by the plants and the nutrient medium, and, in particular, the irrigation creates heat protection. The building can therefore be passively cooled by such a facade element.

[0059] The basic structure of such facade elements is preferably made of rustproof and / or weather-resistant materials, such as stainless steel and / or aluminum. The basic structure may also preferably include mounting elements for attaching the spacer fabric. Preferably, the basic structure may also include limiting elements that prevent substrate from falling out of the spacer fabric.

[0060] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a facade element with a spacer fabric according to the invention, Fig. 2 a system for producing a spacer fabric according to the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic view of the yarn path produced by a third base bar, and Fig. 4 a schematic view of the yarn path produced by a fourth base bar, Fig. 5 a schematic view of the combined yarn path produced by the third and fourth base bars.

[0061] In the Fig. 1 A facade element 1 is shown, which is attached to a wall 2. The facade element 1 has spacers 3 for this purpose, which are arranged in the wall 2 by screws 4. A support structure 5 is arranged on the spacers 3, with an insulating layer 6 attached between the support structure 5 and the wall 2. Coupling elements 7 are arranged on the support structure 5.

[0062] The facade element 1 further comprises a carrier plate 8, which can be reversibly coupled to the support structure 5 via the coupling elements 7. A spacer fabric 10 is arranged on the carrier plate 8 via an adhesive layer 9. A drainage system 11 and an irrigation system 12 are also arranged on the carrier plate 8. The drainage system 11 is designed as a drip tray. The irrigation system 12 is designed as a pipe system.

[0063] A sensor 13 can also be arranged within the spacer fabric 10, by means of which the moisture content of a nutrient medium arranged within the spacer fabric 10 can be measured. Depending on the measurement result of the sensor 13, the irrigation system 12 can be switched on or off. The sensor 13 can, for example, be arranged in a cavity of the spacer fabric.

[0064] The design of the facade element creates a gap 14 between the supporting structure 5 and the support panel 8. This gap 14 provides insulation, preventing warm temperatures from reaching the wall 2 and keeping the interior of the building cool. This insulation effect is further enhanced by the insulating layer 6. The substrate can also provide insulation against cold temperatures.

[0065] The facade element 1 is preferably made of weather-resistant and / or rust-free materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Preferably, the facade element 1 has coupling elements by means of which adjacent facade elements 1 can be connected and larger facade elements 1 can be formed.

[0066] In Fig. 2 A system 15 for producing the spacer fabric 10 is shown. The system 15 comprises a first needle bar 16, a second needle bar 17, a first yarn system 18, a second yarn system 19, and a third yarn system 20. Each yarn system 18, 19, 20 has two needles 21. The individual needles 21 are also referred to as base bars. The needles 21 of the first yarn system 18 form the first and second base bars. The needles 21 of the second yarn system 19 form the fifth and sixth base bars. The needles 21 of the third yarn system 20 form the third and fourth base bars.

[0067] A first cover layer 22 of the spacer fabric 10 can be produced on the first needle bar 16 via the first yarn system 18. A second cover layer 23 of the spacer fabric 10 can be produced on the second needle bar 17 via the second yarn system 19. A spacer layer 24 of the spacer fabric 10 can be produced between the first cover layer 22 and the second cover layer 23 via the third yarn system 20. This spacer layer comprises pile yarns 25, or spacer yarns. Pile yarns are defined as all yarns that run within the spacer layer 24.

[0068] The distance between the first needle bar 16 and the second needle bar 17 can be variably adjusted to produce spacer fabrics 10 of different thicknesses.

[0069] In a further process step not shown in the figures, the spacer fabric 10 is pulled apart in the system 15 and cured by tempering in the range of 100 °C to 250 °C, preferably at 160 °C.

[0070] Preferably, all threads of the spacer fabric 10 consist at least partially of PET.

[0071] In the Fig. 3 and 4 Schematic diagrams of the pile threads 25, which are laid by the third and fourth base bars, are shown. The pile threads 25 form contact points 28 with the first and second cover layers 22, 23.

[0072] The first cover layer 22 and the second cover layer 23, which form a honeycomb structure, are shown. Each cell has a length L, measured between two opposite corners of the cell. Furthermore, each cell has a width B, measured between two opposite sides of the cell. The size of the cell can be expressed as "length x width". The size of a cell is preferably in the range of 25 mm x 16 mm to 38 mm x 20 mm.

[0073] In the Fig. 3 The figure, which shows the pile threads 25 laid by the perforated needle 21 designated as the third base bar, shows the second thread 26 (shown as a dashed line), which forms a pile thread 25 and is incorporated into the spacer layer 24 to stiffen it. The second thread 26 extends alternately perpendicularly and at an angle α between the first cover layer 22 and the second cover layer 23. This alternating orientation stiffens the spacer fabric 10 in such a way that it can counteract a force acting perpendicularly or at an angle to the first and / or second cover layer 22, 23.

[0074] The angle α is preferably in the range 40° < α < 65°, particularly in the range 42° < α < 60°, particularly in the range 44° < α < 55°, particularly in the range 46° < α < 49°.

[0075] The second thread 26 is, in particular, a PET polymer-based thread. The second thread 26 is preferably a monofilament. The second thread 26 thus preferably consists of a single fiber. Alternatively, the second thread 26 can consist of several fibers. The diameter of the second thread 26 is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, particularly between 0.15 mm and 0.95 mm, particularly between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm, particularly in the range of 0.25 mm and 0.85 mm, and particularly between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. Preferably, the second thread 26 has a diameter of at least 0.3 mm.

[0076] The second thread 26 is preferably initially flexible in its basic state and can be cured by physical treatment, thereby developing its stiffening properties. Preferably, the physical treatment is carried out by applying heat. The temperature is preferably in the range of 100°C to 250°C, particularly in the range of 125°C to 225°C, and especially in the range of 150°C to 200°C. Preferably, the temperature for curing the second thread 25 is 160°C.

[0077] In the cured state, the second thread 26 preferably has a tensile strength greater than 30 cN / tex. In particular, the tensile strength of the second thread 26 is preferably greater than at least 35 cN / tex, more particularly greater than at least 40 cN / tex, and more particularly greater than at least 44 cN / tex. A tensile strength of 1 cN / tex corresponds to the older unit of 1 breaking length.

[0078] The second thread 26 preferably forms 211 contact points 28 with the two cover layers 22, 23 on an area of ​​10 cm² of the cover layers 22, 23.

[0079] The pole threads 25 running perpendicularly between the first and second cover layers 22, 23 are also called I-threads. The pole threads 25 running at an angle α between the first and second cover layers 22, 23 are also called X-threads.

[0080] In its cured state, the spacer fabric 10 has a thickness D. The thickness D of the spacer fabric 10 is in the range of 5 mm to 65 mm, particularly in the range of 10 mm to 60 mm, particularly in the range of 15 mm to 55 mm, particularly in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm, and particularly in the range of 25 mm to 45 mm. A thickness D of the spacer fabric 10 is particularly preferably in the range of 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0081] In Fig. 4 The course of the pile threads 25 is shown, which are laid through the pins 21 designated as the fourth base bar. Here, the second thread 26 (shown as a dotted line) and the first thread 27 (shown as a solid line) are shown, which both run alternately perpendicularly and at an angle α between the first cover layer 22 and the second cover layer 23 and form pile threads 25.

[0082] The second thread 26 serves to stiffen the spacer layer 24. The first thread 27 serves to conduct water in the spacer layer in order to irrigate an introduced substrate in the form of a nutrient medium (not shown). The first thread 27 can be connected in particular to an irrigation system 12, which is Fig. 1 As shown, they are connected. The first thread 1 can thereby draw liquid upwards from the irrigation system 12 against the direction of gravity. Due to the path of the first thread 27, a substrate located in the spacer layer 24 can be evenly irrigated.

[0083] The second thread 26, which is laid by the hole needle 21 designated as the fourth base bar, has the same properties as the second thread 26, which is laid by the hole needle 21 designated as the third base bar.

[0084] The first thread 27 is preferably a microfiber yarn. The first thread 27 can preferably absorb several times its own weight in water, in particular at least 10 times its own weight, in particular at least 15 times its own weight, in particular at least 20 times its own weight, and in particular at least 25 times its own weight. Due to its water absorption capacity, the first thread 27 is also referred to as highly absorbent. This water absorption capacity allows for particularly effective irrigation of the substrate.

[0085] The first thread 27 preferably has a mass-to-thread-length ratio between 50 and 1,000 dtex, particularly between 60 and 900 dtex, particularly between 70 and 800 dtex, particularly between 80 and 500 dtex, particularly between 90 and 350 dtex, and particularly between 100 and 250 dtex. A thread has a mass-to-thread-length ratio of 1 dtex if it weighs 1 gram per 10,000 meters.

[0086] The first thread 27 preferably comprises at least two twisted yarns, each with 50 to 1000 individual fibers. Preferably, the first thread 27 comprises at least three yarns, preferably at least four yarns, and preferably more than four yarns.

[0087] Each yarn of the first thread 27 preferably has 50 to 1000 individual fibers, in particular 60 to 850 individual fibers, in particular 70 to 700 individual fibers, in particular 80 to 550 individual fibers, in particular 100 to 400 individual fibers.

[0088] The first thread, 27, is particularly preferred if it has a mass-to-length ratio of 167 to 288 dtex. A thread designated 167 dtex has a mass-to-length ratio of 167 dtex, meaning it weighs 167 g per 10,000 m of thread and is composed of four yarns, each containing 128 individual fibers. In general, the designation can be interpreted as "weight-to-length ratio" - "number of individual fibers per yarn" - "number of yarns".

[0089] The second thread 26 and the first thread 27 each preferentially form 211 contact points 28 with the two cover layers 22, 23 on an area of ​​10 cm² of the cover layers 22, 23. In total, the pile threads 25 laid by the perforated needle 21, designated as the fourth base bar, thus form 422 contact points 28 with the two cover layers 22, 23.

[0090] The finished spacer fabric 10 exhibits both the properties described in Fig. 3 as well as the in Fig. 4 shown pile threads 25 on. The combination in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The shown pile threads 25, which are laid by the perforated needles 21 designated as the third and fourth base bar, preferably form a total of 633 contact points 28 with the two cover layers 22, 23 on an area of ​​10 cm² of the cover layers 22, 23.

[0091] In Fig. 5 The combined thread path of the pile threads 25 produced by the perforated needles 21 designated as the third and fourth base bars is shown. In the Fig. 5 This is a schematic combination of Fig. 3 and the Fig. 4 The first cover layer 22 and the second cover layer 23 are schematically represented here as solid areas. In reality, the first cover layer 22 and the second cover layer 23 preferably exhibit a honeycomb structure similar to that shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown honeycomb structure.

[0092] The pile threads 25 comprise the second thread 26 (shown as a dashed line) laid by the perforated needle 21 designated as the third base bar, as well as the first thread 27 (shown as a solid line) and second thread 26 (shown as a dotted line) laid by the perforated needle 21 designated as the fourth base bar. The depicted arrangement of the pile threads 25 is sufficient for the required stability of the spacer fabric 10 and also allows sufficient water transport through the first thread 27. Furthermore, the resulting void in the spacer layer 24 allows the spacer layer 24 to be filled with sufficient substrate for planting the spacer fabric 10.

Claims

1. Spacer fabric (10), in particular for use in a greenable facade element (1), comprising - a first cover layer (22), - a second cover layer (23), - a spacer layer (24) arranged between the first cover layer (22) and the second cover layer (23), characterized by that the spacer layer (24) and / or the first cover layer (22) and / or the second cover layer (23) includes a first thread (27) to the water conduit, and that the spacer layer (24) includes a second thread (26) for stiffening the spacer layer (24).

2. Spacer fabric (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first thread (27) comprises a microfiber yarn.

3. Spacer fabric (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the first thread (27) has a mass-thread-length ratio between dtex 50 and dtex 1000.

4. Spacer fabric (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe first thread (27) comprises at least two twisted yarns, each with 50 to 1000 individual fibers.

5. Spacer fabric (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second thread (26) is a PET polymer-based thread.

6. Spacer fabric (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second thread (26) can be cured at a temperature between 100°C and 250°C.

7. Spacer fabric (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second thread (26) is a single fiber.

8. Spacer fabric (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second thread (26) has a tensile strength greater than 30 cN / tex.

9. Spacer fabric (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first thread (27) and / or the second thread (26) runs perpendicular to the first and second cover layer (22, 23).

10. Spacer fabric (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first thread (27) and / or the second thread (26) runs at an angle α to the first and second cover layer (22, 23), where 40° < α < 65°.

11. Spacer fabric (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first and second cover layers (22, 23) form a honeycomb structure.

12. Spacer fabric (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first and second cover layer (22, 23) comprises a polymer-based PET thread.

13. Spacer fabric according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that one of the two cover layers (22, 23) maximum 633 contact points (28) between a cover layer and the first thread (27) and / or the second thread (26) per 10 cm 2 has an area.

14. Spacer fabric according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe first thread (27) and / or the second thread (26) occupy a maximum of 25% of the volume in the spacer layer (24).

15. Method for producing a spacer fabric (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 comprising the steps of: - providing a first cover layer (22), - providing a second cover layer (23), - providing a spacer layer (24) between the first cover layer (22) and the second cover layer (23), wherein the spacer layer (24) comprises at least one second yarn (26), characterized by the fact that at least one second thread (26) is cured to stiffen the spacer layer (24).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that The curing of the second thread (26) takes place at a temperature between 100°C and 250°C.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized bythe steps: - providing a system (15) for producing a spacer fabric (10) comprising -- a first needle bar (16), -- a second needle bar (17), -- a first yarn system (18) with at least two needle holes (21) for producing the first cover layer (22), -- a second yarn system (19) with at least two needle holes (21) for producing the second cover layer (23), and -- a third yarn system (20) with at least two needle holes (21) for producing the spacer layer (24), - producing the first cover layer (22) layer by layer on the first needle bar (16) to provide the first cover layer (22), - producing the second cover layer (23) layer by layer on the second needle bar (17) to provide the second cover layer (23), wherein during layer by layer production a first yarn (27) for water conduction and a second yarn (26) for stiffening each is connected to the first cover layer (22) and the second cover layer (23).

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that The curing of the second thread (26) takes place in a separate tensioning frame after completion of the spacer fabric (10).

19. Facade element (1) with a spacer fabric (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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