Spacer with UV protection layer for blocking glazing

Abstract

A spacer for blocking glazing (1) comprising a polymer substrate (5) having at least a first pane contact surface (7.1), a second pane contact surface (7.2) facing the opposite direction, a glazing inner surface (8), and an outer surface (9), which are connected to each other via the first pane contact surface (7.1) and the second pane contact surface (7.2), wherein at least the glazing inner surface (8) has a UV protective layer (14) which completely covers the glazing inner surface (8), and the UV protective layer (14) is as follows: (a) Coatings containing organic UV absorbers and / or radical scavengers, (b) A polymer film in which the material of the polymer substrate (5) is different from the material of the UV protective layer (14), (c) A polymer layer in which the material of the polymer substrate (5) is different from the material of the UV protective layer (14), A spacer (1) wherein the wall thickness of the polymer substrate (5) is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spacer having a UV protection layer for blocking glazing, and a blocking glazing having such a spacer.

Background Art

[0002] Today, the construction of buildings without blocking glazing (insulating glazing) is unthinkable, especially as environmental protection requirements become increasingly stringent. These glazings are manufactured from at least two panes, which are connected to each other via at least one peripheral spacer. Depending on the embodiment, the intermediate space between the two panes is called the interior of the glazing and is filled with air or gas, but in either case it does not contain moisture. An excessively high moisture content in the glazing intermediate space causes water droplets to condense in the inter-pane space, especially when the external temperature is low. This must be absolutely avoided. For example, a hollow spacer filled with a desiccant may be used to absorb residual moisture remaining in the system after assembly.

[0003] In addition to sealing the inter-pane space from moisture, another important role of the spacer is the thermal separation between the interior of the building on one side of the blocking glazing and the environment on the opposite side of the blocking glazing. The thermal conductivity of the spacer has a non-negligible influence on the thermal properties of the pane. The spacer is, in one of the known embodiments, composed of a light metal, generally aluminum or the like. These can be easily processed, but the blocking effect in the end region (edge region) of the glazing is significantly reduced due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum (the so-called cold edge effect).

[0004] To improve thermal properties, so-called worm-edge solutions for spacers are known. These spacers are made of plastic, in particular, and as a result have significantly reduced thermal conductivity. Compared to spacers made of metal, plastic spacers lack sufficient airtightness, but this can be achieved instead by applying a sealing film to the outer surface of the spacer.

[0005] International Publication No. 2013 / 104507 discloses a spacer having a polymer hollow profile substrate and a barrier film. In this case, the barrier film comprises a polymer film and at least two metallic or ceramic layers, which are arranged alternately with at least one polymer layer.

[0006] Another drawback of polymer spacers is that many plastics have relatively poor long-term stability against ultraviolet (UV) radiation compared to metals. When exposed to UV light, photodegradation occurs, forming radicals that react with the polymer. As a result, the material becomes brittle and / or yellows. This particularly affects the glazing interior surface of the spacer that faces the interpane space, a surface that is visible and exposed to sunlight when the spacer is installed. One way to improve the UV stability of spacers is to manufacture the spacer substrate from a material that itself has improved UV stability. However, this severely limits the possible materials for the substrate, which may prevent other criteria, such as the required mechanical properties of the substrate, from being met.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 186548 discloses a spacer for multilayer barrier glazing, which comprises a polymer substrate and a barrier film, which has at least one metallic or ceramic layer and is applied to the polymer substrate.

[0008] German Patent Application Publication No. 10226268 discloses a spacer for a shielding glass pane, etc., in the form of a hollow profile, wherein the hollow profile is composed of a deformation-stable metal sheet and has a shielding material support disposed on the metal sheet in a region of at least the outer surface of the side wall.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 5,290,611 discloses a blocking spacer / sealing system.

[0010] European Patent Application Publication No. 0807611 discloses a glass unit having an opaque region and a translucent region. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a spacer having improved UV stability regardless of the base material of the spacer, and a shielding glazing having this spacer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The object of the present invention is achieved by the present invention, which comprises spacers and spacer-containing glazing as described in independent claims 1 and 15. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are evident from the dependent claims.

[0013] The spacer for blocking glazing of the present invention comprises at least a polymer substrate having two pane contact surfaces, a glazing inner surface, and an outer surface. The two pane contact surfaces of the spacer are referred to as the first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface. The first and second pane contact surfaces represent the sides of the spacer to which the outer panes (first and second panes) of the blocking glazing are attached when the spacer is installed. The first and second pane contact surfaces face opposite each other and extend parallel to each other. The glazing inner surface and the outer surface are connected to each other via the first and second pane contact surfaces. The glazing inner surface and the outer surface extend parallel to each other, at least partially. At least the glazing inner surface of the spacer has a UV protective layer. The UV protective layer completely covers the glazing inner surface, thereby preventing the glazing inner surface from being directly exposed to environmental influences, such as sunlight, rather than being a surface exposed to the environment. The UV protective layer is a layer that protects the underlying layer, i.e., the glazing inner surface of the polymer substrate, from ultraviolet radiation. According to the present invention, the UV protective layer is as follows: (a) Coatings containing organic UV absorbers and / or radical scavengers, (b) A polymer film in which the polymer substrate material is different from the UV protective layer material, (c) A polymer layer wherein the polymer substrate material is different from the UV protective layer material.

[0014] The wall thickness of the polymer substrate is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0015] The terms "ultraviolet radiation," "UV light," or "UV emission" refer to the optical spectrum range with wavelengths from 380 nm to 100 nm.

[0016] The UV radiation spectrum is typically divided into so-called UV-A radiation (wavelength range 380nm to 315nm), UV-B radiation (wavelength range 315nm to 280nm), and UV-C radiation (wavelength range 280nm to 100nm). For example, depending on the UV protective layer used, the transmittance in different wavelength ranges may be reduced to varying degrees. For example, a UV protective layer may provide UV protection without reducing transmittance simply by binding free radicals. It is preferable to combine both protective mechanisms. The spacer is provided to be located in the intermediate space of the blocking glazing, i.e., when installed, it is located between the panes attached to the pane contact surface. If the glass pane is made of soda-lime glass of the type commonly used window glass, UV radiation below 320nm wavelength is filtered by the glass pane itself. The UV protective layer preferably reduces the transmittance of UV radiation in the wavelength range of 380nm to 320nm. Particularly preferably, the UV protective layer reduces radiation within this wavelength range by at least 20%, particularly at least 30%, for example, at least 50% in total. In this way, it is possible to ensure good protection of the inner surface of the polymer substrate glazing from UV-A radiation that reaches the spacer through the glass pane of the blocking glazing.

[0017] The glazing interior surface is defined as the surface of the spacer base that faces inward towards the glazing after the spacer has been placed within the blocking glazing. The glazing interior surface is located between the first and second panes of the blocking glazing.

[0018] The outer surface of the spacer base is the side facing away from the inner surface of the glazing and the side facing from the inside of the sealing glazing towards the outside. The inner and outer surfaces of the glazing preferably extend substantially parallel to each other, except for any optionally present inclined portions.

[0019] The first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface represent the surfaces of the spacers used to mount the panes of the blocking glazing. The first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface are substantially parallel to each other.

[0020] The UV protective layer may be opaque or transparent. An opaque UV protective layer does not transmit light within the visible light spectrum range of 380 nm to 780 nm, thereby making the glazing interior surface of the spacer invisible to the observer through the UV protective layer. This has the advantage that visually unattractive materials, such as recycled materials, can be selected as the substrate. Furthermore, the UV protective layer may be colored, and glazing interior surfaces of different colors can be provided using the same substrate according to customer requirements. There is no need to change the extrusion process. If the UV protective layer is transparent, it allows transmission of light within the visible light spectrum range, making the glazing interior surface visible to the observer. In this way, for example, a UV protective layer can be provided for colored spacers without impairing the color tone of the spacer.

[0021] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the UV protective layer is a coating comprising an organic UV absorber and / or a radical scavenger. The coating is provided on the glazing interior surface of a polymer substrate. Such a coating is preferably provided on the glazing interior surface of a polymer substrate after the extrusion of the polymer substrate. In this way, the polymer substrate may be prepared in advance, and a coating configured according to customer requirements in terms of color and UV protection may then be provided. According to the present invention, the coating comprises an organic UV absorber and / or a radical scavenger. The coating is also referred to below as the "UV protective coating".

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the UV protective layer is a polymer film, and the material of the polymer substrate is different from the material of the UV protective layer. Preferably, the polymer film has a coating comprising an organic UV absorber and / or a radical scavenger. Such a coating is preferably provided to the polymer film after the polymer film has been provided. The coating is also referred to below as the "UV protective coating".

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the UV protective layer is a polymer layer, and the material of the polymer substrate is different from the material of the UV protective layer. Preferably, the polymer layer has a coating comprising an organic UV absorber and / or a radical scavenger. Such a coating is preferably applied to the polymer layer after the polymer layer has been provided. The coating is also referred to below as the "UV protective coating".

[0024] In preferred embodiments, the organic UV absorber includes 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, (2-hydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine, hydroxybenzophenone, and / or oxalanilide. These compounds absorb UV radiation, thereby preventing the radiation from affecting the plastic of the polymer substrate. Furthermore, the above compounds can be deposited in a simple manner on polymer substrate materials, polymer films, or polymer layers using an atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization process. Regarding the 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole group, 2-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-4,6-bis(2-phenyl-2-propanyl)phenol and 2-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol are examples of suitable embodiments.

[0025] In one embodiment, the radical scavenger includes a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), preferably a tetramethylpiperidine derivative, particularly a 2,2,6,6 - tetramethylpiperidine derivative, such as bis(2,2,6,6 - tetramethyl - 4 - piperidyl) sebacate. HALS has the property of binding radicals formed by UV exposure, thereby reducing free radicals and suppressing related discoloration of the plastic.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a combination of a plurality of organic UV absorbers and / or radical scavengers is used. This is particularly advantageous for covering different wavelength ranges of the UV spectrum by different organic UV absorbers. Further, one or more radical scavengers may be added to a coating containing one or more organic UV absorbers, and the radical scavenger neutralizes the radicals still formed to a small extent.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coating is applied by a printing process, particularly an inkjet printing process (also called an inkjet process). A varnish containing at least a solvent, a binder (also called a matrix), and additives, and optionally at least one pigment, is printed. In the printing process, the coating may be easily applied directly to a polymer substrate, a polymer film, or a polymer layer, resulting in a UV - protective coating on the spacer surface. The pigment, optionally added to the varnish, may be distributed uniformly or non - uniformly over the entire inner surface of the spacer's glazing. By applying a varnish containing one or more pigments in a first surface area, a varnish containing one or more further pigments in each of a plurality of further surface areas, and optionally, a varnish without pigments in a further surface area, a coating with a color pattern, characters, or design configurable according to customer requirements may be printed. This coating enables a visually attractive design of the spacer in addition to its UV - protective effect.

[0028] Printing equipment suitable for varnish printing is well known to those skilled in the art. Inkjet printing processes have proven particularly advantageous for multi-color designs of coatings. By intentionally and positionally combining varnishes of different colors, these processes enable the printing of complex patterns and designs with a resolution that is appealing to the observer. Furthermore, this process is time-saving and flexible. Spacers can be manufactured in advance as standard articles and then printed with transparent, single-color, or multi-color UV protective coatings according to customer requirements.

[0029] Inorganic and / or organic pigments may be used as pigments. Additives ensure stabilization of the pigment in solution, good dispersion of the pigment in solution, good bonding between the pigment and the matrix, good adhesion to the surface to be coated, and good workability of the varnish.

[0030] The coating applied as a print preferably reduces transmittance in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 320 nm. Preferably, the organic UV absorber and / or radical scavenger is added to the varnish applied by the printing process and applied together with the varnish as a coating to a polymer substrate, polymer film, or polymer layer.

[0031] The pigment is usually surrounded on all sides by a binder, which forms the matrix of the pigment. Plastic is preferably used as the binder. Suitable binders are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Solvents suitable for printing processes, particularly inkjet printing processes, are well known to those skilled in the art. Water or n-propyl acetate are preferably used.

[0033] The varnish applied in the printing process preferably has a viscosity of 1 cp to 40 cp, particularly preferably 20 cp or less, as measured according to EN ISO 3219. These viscosities are particularly advantageous when using an inkjet printing process. Viscosity is mainly determined by the ratio of pigment to solvent, and appropriate ratios are known from the literature or can be determined by those skilled in the art through simple experiments. Furthermore, viscosity can also be affected by additives.

[0034] Common additives found in printable varnishes include rheological additives, wetting and dispersing agents, surface additives, adhesion promoters, and defoamers, one or more of which may be added to varnishes provided for the production of UV protective coatings.

[0035] Varnishes for producing coatings preferably contain rheological additives, which include ionic and nonionic oligomers, polymers based on acrylates and methacrylates, polyurethanes, surfactants, and / or mixtures and / or copolymers thereof. Rheological additives improve the fluidity of the varnish, which simplifies processing in printing processes, particularly inkjet printing processes.

[0036] As further additives, the varnish may additionally, preferably, contain a wetting dispersant, and more preferably, the wetting dispersant may include an acrylate-based polymer, an acrylate-based copolymer, particularly a block copolymer comprising a block and a pigment-binding block soluble in the solvent used, and / or a gradient copolymer comprising a block and a pigment-binding block soluble in the solvent used. The wetting dispersant prevents pigment aggregation and wetting of the pigment surface by the solvent, and thus also achieves uniform dispersion of the pigment in the varnish.

[0037] Furthermore, surface additives are preferably added to the varnish. Surface additives are used to match the surface tension of the varnish to the surface tension of the coated surface, thereby avoiding defects that occur when the surface tensions differ significantly. In addition, surface additives reduce the surface roughness of the coated surface. Preferably, the surface additives include polymers and / or copolymers based on silicone, low molecular weight silane, acrylate, block copolymers particularly preferably containing blocks soluble in the solvent used and blocks insoluble in the solvent used, and / or gradient copolymers having blocks soluble in the solvent used and blocks insoluble in the solvent used.

[0038] Furthermore, adhesion promoters and / or defoamers may be added to the varnish used. Adhesion promoters improve the adhesion of the varnish to the surface to be printed. Defoamers prevent foam formation and associated printing defects. Defoamers well known to those skilled in the art include, for example, silicone, wax, and / or paraffin.

[0039] Pigments suitable for printing processes and inkjet printing processes are well known to those skilled in the art. The pigments used may be inorganic and / or organic. In inkjet printing processes, varnishes of cyan, magenta, and yellow are typically printed in an overlapping or partially overlapping manner, thereby mixing these primary colors to form the desired color, and black is often provided as a further varnish. Examples of pigments commonly used in inkjet printing processes include process yellow (also called pigment yellow), phthalocyanine copper, and quinacridone. For example, carbon black, nanostructured carbon black, nanoparticle carbon black (also called colored carbon black), and / or carbon nanotubes are used to produce black printing. Furthermore, alumina effect pigments, particularly those containing Al2O3 flakes coated with a metal oxide and having a smooth surface, may be added to the printable varnish to create a matte metallic appearance. The Al2O3 flakes are typically coated with TiO2 and / or iron(III) oxide. TiO2 itself can be used as a white pigment in varnish, and it has a UV-absorbing effect, especially when nanoscale TiO2 is used, and therefore functions as a UV absorber at the same time.

[0040] Lignin and / or lignin derivatives, such as lignosulfonates, may be used as dispersants in printable varnishes. This has been particularly advantageous when carbon black is used in inkjet printing processes.

[0041] The aforementioned individual components of printable varnishes, particularly inkjet printable varnishes, are well known to those skilled in the art and commercially available. For example, a suitable inkjet printable varnish composition is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0068409. European Patent No. 2473569 discloses a suitable adhesion promoter. A favorable wetting and dispersing agent is described in U.S. Patent No. 9085654, and a favorable defoaming agent is described in International Publication No. 2008 / 067974.

[0042] The polymer film preferably includes polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyetherimide (PEI), and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). These materials have good stability against UV radiation. The polymer substrate material is selected to be different from the polymer film material of the UV protective layer. Therefore, when selecting the substrate material, it is not necessary to consider its UV stability, and the selection may be made based only on other criteria, such as mechanical stability, cost, and recyclability. The polymer film as the UV protective layer may be opaque or transparent. Since an opaque polymer film optically hides the polymer substrate from the observer's eye, materials that are not visually appealing or have an uneven appearance, such as recycled materials, may be used as the substrate material. The polymer film is preferably applied to the polymer substrate by adhesion, welding, or shrinkage. The polymer film applied as a UV protective layer by shrinkage is preferably arranged in the form of a tube around the polymer substrate, and the shrinkage tube adheres to the glazing inner surface, the pane contact surface, and the outer surface after shrinkage.

[0043] The polymer layer preferably comprises polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyetherimide (PEI), and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). These materials have advantageous UV stability. The polymer substrate material differs from the polymer layer material of the UV protective layer, and the polymer substrate material is selected independently of the polymer layer material in terms of aspects such as mechanical stability, cost, and recyclability. The polymer layer as a UV protective layer is preferably applied to the polymer substrate by co-extrusion.

[0044] The polymer substrates are polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitrile, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene / polycarbonate (ABS / PC), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), PET / PC, PBT / PC, and / or copolymers or mixtures thereof. These materials achieve good results in terms of the mechanical stability of the substrate.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the spacer, the polymer substrate includes a thermoplastic polymer. Examples of thermoplastic polymers used in the polymer substrate include polyethylene (PE), polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or copolymers or mixtures thereof. Using a styrene-based thermoplastic polymer as the substrate has been demonstrated to be particularly advantageous with respect to the mechanical properties of the polymer substrate. A particularly suitable thermoplastic polymer is styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN). Polybutylene terephthalate has also been demonstrated to be particularly advantageous with respect to the mechanical properties of the polymer substrate.

[0046] Optionally, the polymer substrate can be designed as a foamed polymer substrate having a porous structure with regularly spaced air-filled cavities.

[0047] In addition to the listed materials, the polymer substrate may include further components, such as reinforcing agents and coloring pigments.

[0048] Various reinforcing agents for polymer substrates are known to those skilled in the art in the form of fibers, powders, or plate-like particles. Examples of powder and / or plate-like particle reinforcing agents include mica and talc. Particularly preferred in terms of mechanical properties are reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, or natural fibers. Alternatives include crushed glass fibers or hollow glass spheres. For example, these hollow glass spheres have a diameter of 10 μm to 20 μm and improve the stability of the polymer hollow profile. Suitable hollow glass spheres are "3M TM It is commercially available under the name "Glass Bubbles." In one embodiment, the polymer substrate contains both glass fibers and hollow glass spheres. The addition of hollow glass spheres further improves the thermal properties of the hollow profile.

[0049] Particularly preferred are glass fibers used as reinforcing agents, added in amounts of 25% to 40% by weight, and especially 30% to 35% by weight. Within these ranges, good mechanical stability and strength of the polymer substrate can be observed. Furthermore, a glass fiber content of 30% to 35% by weight readily conforms to a multilayer barrier film, which in a preferred embodiment consists of alternating polymer and metallic layers and is applied to the outer surface of the spacer. By matching the thermal expansion coefficients of the polymer substrate and the barrier film or coating, temperature-induced stress between different materials and delamination of the barrier film or coating can be avoided.

[0050] The polymer substrate preferably has an airtight and vapor-tight barrier film, which serves to improve the airtightness of the polymer substrate. Preferably, this is applied to the outer surface of the polymer substrate, particularly to a portion of the outer surface and the pane contact surface. This airtight and vapor-tight barrier improves the sealing of the spacer against gas loss and moisture penetration. Preferably, the barrier is applied to about half to two-thirds of the pane contact surface, but may be installed over a relatively wide area or along the height of the entire pane contact surface. Suitable barrier films are disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2013 / 104507.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, an airtight and vapor-tight barrier is mounted as a film on the outer surface of a polymer substrate. This barrier film comprises at least one polymer layer and a metallic or ceramic layer. The polymer layer has a thickness of 5 μm to 80 μm, while the metallic and / or ceramic layer is 10 nm to 200 nm thick. At the aforementioned thicknesses, particularly good impermeability of the barrier film is achieved. The barrier film can be applied to the polymer substrate, for example, by adhesion. Alternatively, the film may be co-extruded together with the substrate.

[0052] Particularly preferably, the barrier film comprises at least two metallic and / or ceramic layers, which are arranged alternately with at least one polymer layer. The thickness of each layer is preferably as described in the paragraph above. Preferably, the outer layer is formed by a metallic layer. The alternating layers of the barrier film may or may be connected to each other in various ways known in the prior art. Methods for laminating metallic or ceramic layers are well known to those skilled in the art. Using a barrier film with an alternating layer structure is particularly advantageous with respect to the airtightness of the system. A defect in any one layer does not lead to a loss of function of the barrier film. In contrast, with a single layer, even a minor defect can cause complete dysfunction. Furthermore, applying multiple thin layers is advantageous compared to a thick layer because the risk of internal adhesion problems increases with increasing layer thickness. Moreover, since thick layers have relatively high conductivity, such films are relatively less thermodynamically suitable.

[0053] The polymer layer of the film preferably contains polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, acrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, and / or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The metallic layer preferably contains iron, aluminum, silver, copper, gold, chromium, and / or alloys or oxides thereof. The ceramic layer of the film preferably contains silicon oxide and / or silicon nitride.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, the airtight and vapor-tight barrier is preferably designed as a coating. The coating contains aluminum, aluminum oxide, and / or silicon oxide and is preferably applied using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. Coatings containing the aforementioned materials provide particularly good results in terms of sealing and exhibit excellent adhesion properties to the material used for the outer seal in the sealing glazing.

[0055] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the airtight and vapor-tight barrier has at least one metallic or ceramic layer, which is designed as a coating and contains aluminum, aluminum oxide, and / or silicon oxide, and is preferably applied by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process.

[0056] The polymer substrate of the spacer preferably has a hollow chamber extending along the polymer substrate, i.e., it is designed as a hollow profile spacer. The hollow chamber of the polymer substrate is adjacent to the inner surface of the glazing, the inner surface of the glazing is located above the hollow chamber, and the outer surface of the spacer is located below the hollow chamber. In this context, "above" is defined as facing the inter-pane space of the blocking glazing in the installed state of the spacer, and "below" is defined as facing away from the interior of the panes. The hollow chamber of the spacer results in weight reduction compared to a solid molded spacer and can be used to accommodate other components, such as desiccants.

[0057] Adjacent to the pane contact surface, the outer surface of the spacer is preferably provided with a slope, resulting in improved stability of the polymer substrate. The outer surface has a first slope adjacent to the first pane contact surface and a second slope adjacent to the second pane contact surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second slopes each have an angle α of 130° to 140° with respect to the adjacent pane contact surface. This is advantageous in further improving the mechanical stability of the spacer. Preferably, the angle α between the first slope and the pane contact surface is the same as the angle α between the second slope and the pane contact surface. Such a symmetrical design provides further stability advantages.

[0058] The spacer height is determined as the maximum height of the spacer between the inner and outer surfaces of the glazing. The spacer height is preferably 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm, particularly preferably 6.0 mm to 8.0 mm, and even more preferably 6.5 mm to 7.0 mm. Within these ranges, good spacer stability and secure bonding of the pane to the pane contact surface are achieved.

[0059] The spacer width is defined as the maximum extension length of the spacer between pane contact surfaces facing opposite directions. The spacer width substantially depends on the desired inter-pane space of the inter-pane glazing being fabricated. The spacer width is typically 4 mm to 30 mm, preferably 8 mm to 16 mm.

[0060] The wall thickness of the polymer substrate is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Good stability can be obtained within this range. At the same time, material consumption can be kept as low as possible.

[0061] Preferably, multiple openings are provided within the inner surface of the glazing, and within the opening region, a direct passage exists between the hollow chamber and the region above the inner surface of the glazing. When a spacer is installed in the sealing glazing, the openings connect the inside of the hollow chamber to the inside of the glazing, thereby enabling gas exchange between the two. As a result, moisture from the air can be absorbed by the desiccant placed in the hollow chamber, thereby preventing fogging of the panes. The openings are preferably designed as slits, particularly preferably with a width of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, e.g., 0.2 mm, and a length of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, e.g., 2 mm. The slits ensure optimal air exchange so that the desiccant from the hollow chamber cannot enter the inner space between panes. The total number of openings depends on the size of the sealing glazing.

[0062] Particularly preferred is a perforated groove that extends substantially parallel to the pane contact surface, with an opening introduced into the glazing interior surface within the perforated groove. The perforated groove represents a recess in the glazing interior surface, i.e., the perforated groove is offset from the glazing interior surface by the depth of the perforated groove in the direction of the hollow chamber. The perforated groove preferably has a depth of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm, for example 0.10 mm.

[0063] The spacer having a first pane contact surface and a second pane contact surface is suitable for double glazing, triple glazing, and multiple glazing. Further spacers and spacer bases shaped to hold multiple panes may be used to hold multiple panes. In the former case, the first and second panes are first attached to the pane contact surfaces of the spacer, and then further spacers are attached to one of the pane surfaces facing away from the spacer, and the exposed pane contact surface of the further spacer accepts further panes. In an alternative embodiment, triple or multiple blocking glazing can be designed to have spacers in the form of double spacers. Such double spacers can accept at least one additional pane in the groove. For example, a spacer for triple glazing has a groove in the glazing interior surface between the first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface, in which a third pane is inserted between the first and second panes. The first and second panes are attached to the first and second pane contact surfaces of the spacer. The groove extends between the inner surfaces of the first and second glazing layers, thereby laterally partitioning them and separating the first and second hollow chambers from each other. The lateral sides of the groove are formed by the walls of the first and second hollow chambers. The basic design of such a spacer is known, for example, from International Publication No. 2014 / 198431.

[0064] The present invention further includes a blocking glazing having spacers according to the present invention. The blocking glazing comprises at least a first pane, a second pane, and peripheral spacers according to the present invention surrounding the panes.

[0065] The interior of this blocking glazing is located adjacent to the interior surface of the spacer's glazing. On the other hand, the exterior surface of the spacer is adjacent to the space between the outer panes. Here, the first pane is attached to the first pane contact surface of the spacer, and the second pane is attached to the second pane contact surface of the spacer.

[0066] The first and second panes are preferably attached to the pane contact surface via a sealant, which is applied between the first pane contact surface and the first pane, and / or between the second pane contact surface and the second pane.

[0067] The sealant preferably contains butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, polyethylene vinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin rubber, polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymers thereof, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0068] The sealant is introduced into the gap between the spacer and the pane with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0069] The inter-pane space outside the sealing glazing is preferably filled with an outer seal. This outer seal primarily serves to adhesively bond the two panes together, thus promoting the mechanical stability of the sealing glazing.

[0070] The outer seal preferably contains polysulfide, silicone, silicone rubber, polyurethane, polyacrylate, copolymers thereof, and / or mixtures thereof. Such materials have very good adhesion to the pane, thereby ensuring that the outer seal securely bonds the pane. The thickness of the outer seal is preferably 2 mm to 30 mm, and particularly preferably 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0071] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blocking glazing has at least three panes, and a further spacer frame is attached to the first and / or second panes, to which at least the third pane is fixed. In an alternative embodiment, the blocking glazing has a double spacer having a groove into which the third pane is inserted. The first and second panes are supported by the pane contact surface.

[0072] The first, second, and / or third panes of the barrier glazing preferably comprise glass, particularly preferably quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, and / or mixtures thereof. The first and / or second panes of the barrier glazing may have thermoplastic polymer panes. The thermoplastic polymer panes preferably comprise polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or copolymers and / or mixtures thereof. Additional panes of the barrier glazing may have the same composition as those described for the first, second, and third panes.

[0073] The first and second panes preferably have a thickness of 2 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, and both panes may have different thicknesses.

[0074] The first pane, the second pane, and further panes are made of single-pane safety glass, heat-strengthened or chemically strengthened glass, float glass, extra-clear low-iron float glass, tinted glass, or laminated safety glass containing one or more of these components. The panes may have any further components or coatings, such as a Low-E layer or other solar radiation protection coating.

[0075] The outer inter-pane space, demarcated by the first pane, the second pane, and the outer surface of the spacer, is filled at least partially, preferably completely, with an outer seal. This achieves very good mechanical stability of the end joint.

[0076] The outer seal preferably comprises a polymer or a silane-modified polymer, and particularly preferably an organic polysulfide, silicone, room temperature crosslinked (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxide crosslinked silicone rubber, and / or addition crosslinked silicone rubber, polyurethane and / or butyl rubber.

[0077] The sealant between the first pane contact surface and the first pane, or between the second pane contact surface and the second pane, preferably contains polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene may be crosslinked or uncrosslinked polyisobutylene.

[0078] The barrier glazing is optionally filled with a protective gas, preferably a noble gas, preferably argon or krypton, which reduces the heat transfer value in the intermediate space of the barrier glazing.

[0079] In principle, the barrier glazing can have a variety of geometric shapes, such as rectangles, trapezoids, and rounded shapes. To create rounded geometric shapes, the spacer can be bent, for example, under heated conditions.

[0080] At the corners of the blocking glazing, the spacers are connected to each other, for example, via a corner connector. Such a corner connector may be designed as a plastic molded part, for example, having a seal and into which the two spacers abut.

[0081] Alternatively, the spacers may be directly connected to each other at the corners, for example, by welding adjacent spacers together within the corner area. For example, the spacers may be cut at a 45° angle and joined together by ultrasonic welding.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment, the spacers are not separated at the corners of the glazing and are not connected at the required angles by corner connectors, but instead are bent into the corresponding corner geometric shape under heating.

[0083] A preferred process for producing a barrier glazing according to the present invention includes at least the following steps: (a) To provide a spacer according to the present invention, (b) Assembling a spacer frame from the spacers according to the present invention, (c) The first pane is attached to the first pane contact surface of the spacer frame via sealant, and the second pane is attached to the second pane contact surface of the spacer frame via sealant. (d) Optional: attaching at least one additional spacer frame to the first pane and / or the second pane, and attaching the third pane and optionally additional panes to additional spacer frames. (e) Pressing the pane assembly, (f) Introducing an external seal into the outer inter-pane space.

[0084] In step (c), the bonding of the panes to the pane contact surface can be performed in any order. Optionally, both panes can be bonded to the pane contact surface simultaneously.

[0085] In step (f), the outer interpane space is filled at least partially, preferably completely, with an outer seal. The outer seal is preferably, for example, in the form of a plastic sealing compound, and is extruded directly into the outer interpane space.

[0086] Preferably, the glazing between panes is filled with protective gas before the assembly (step e) is pressed.

[0087] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual dimensions. They do not limit the present invention in any way. The drawings are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0088] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the spacer according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a blocking glazing unit having a spacer according to the present invention. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b is a plan view of the shielding glazing unit shown in Figure 2a. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0089] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a spacer 1 according to the present invention, which has a polymer substrate 5, which has two pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2, a glazing interior surface 8, an outer surface 9, and a hollow chamber 10. The outer surface 9 has an inclined shape, and the inclined portions 9a and 9b of the outer surface adjacent to the pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2 are inclined at an angle α = 135° with respect to the pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2. A watertight and vapor-tight barrier film (not shown) reduces heat transfer from the polymer substrate 5 to the interior of the glazing of the barrier glazing and is applied to the outer surface 9, the inclined portions 9a and 9b of the outer surface, and optionally to parts of the pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2 of the spacer 1. The barrier film has three polymer layers of polyethylene terephthalate with a thickness of 12 μm and three metallic layers of aluminum with a thickness of 50 nm. Here, the metallic layer and the polymer layer are mounted in an alternating manner, and the barrier film layer facing the inter-pane space outside the barrier glazing with the spacers in place is the metallic layer. The barrier film is bonded to the polymer substrate 5. The hollow chamber 10 is suitable for filling with a desiccant. A transparent UV protective layer 14 is applied to the inner surface 8 of the glazing, and the UV protective layer extends beyond the inner surface 8 to the pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2, covering the pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2 to half their height. The UV protective layer 14 is a coating containing 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazoles as an organic UV absorber and a tetramethylpiperidine derivative as a radical scavenger. The UV protective layer 14 is applied by a plasma polymerization process. In a further embodiment, the UV protective layer 14 containing the organic UV absorber is printed using an inkjet process. In at least a portion of the glazing interior surface 8, the printed UV protective layer 14 contains pigment, creating a decorative print on the glazing interior surface 8. The glazing interior surface 8 of the spacer 1 has a plurality of openings 12, which are arranged at equal intervals along the glazing interior surface 8, thereby allowing gas exchange between the interior of the sealing glazing and the hollow chamber 10.In this way, any moisture in the atmosphere present inside is absorbed by the desiccant 11. The opening 12 is preferably designed as a slit with a width of 0.2 mm and a length of 2 mm. The material thickness of the wall of the base 5 is substantially uniform around the entire circumference, for example, 1 mm.

[0090] Figures 2a and 2b show a barrier glazing 2 having the spacer 1 of the present invention according to Figure 1, with details of the UV protective layer and airtight / water vapor barrier film omitted. Figure 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the barrier glazing 2, and Figure 2b shows a plan view. Figure 2b shows an overall view of the barrier glazing 2 of Figure 2a. The spacers 1 are connected to each other at the corners of the barrier glazing 2 via corner connectors 17. The spacers 1 of the present invention are attached at the periphery between the first pane 15 and the second pane 16 via sealant 4. The sealant 4 connects the pane contact surfaces 7.1 and 7.2 of the spacer 1 to panes 15 and 16. The hollow chamber 10 is filled with a desiccant 11. A molecular sieve is used as the desiccant 11. The glazing internal space 3 adjacent to the glazing internal surface 8 of the spacer 1 is defined as the space enclosed by the glass 15, 16 and the spacer 1. The outer inter-pane space 13 adjacent to the outer surface 9 of spacer 1 is a strip-shaped peripheral portion of the glazing, which is partitioned on one side by two panes 15, 16 respectively and on the other side by spacer 1, with a fourth end of the portion being open. The internal space 3 of the glazing is filled with argon. Sealant 4 seals the gap between panes 15, 16 and spacer 1 and is introduced between each pane contact surface 7.1 or 7.2 and the adjacent pane 15 or 16. Sealant 4 is polyisobutylene. The outer seal 6 serves to connect the first pane 15 and the second pane 16 and is attached to the outer surface 9 in the outer inter-pane space 13. The outer seal 6 is made of polysulfide. The outer seal 6 terminates flush with the pane edges of the first pane 15 and the second pane 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Spacer 2. Blocking glazing 3 Inside of the glass 4. Sealant 5 Polymer substrate 6 Outer seal 7.1 First Pain Contact Surface 7.2 Second Pain Contact Surface 8. Glazing of the inner surface 9 Outer surface 10 Hollow Chamber 11. Desiccant 12 Openings 13. Outer inter-pane space 14 UV protection layer 15. First Pain 16. Second Pain 17 Corner Connectors

Claims

1. A spacer for blocking glazing (1) having at least a polymer substrate (5), the polymer substrate (5) having at least a first pane contact surface (7.1), a second pane contact surface (7.2) facing the opposite side of the first pane contact surface (7.1), a glazing inner surface (8), and an outer surface (9), the glazing inner surface (8) and the outer surface (9) being connected to each other via the first pane contact surface (7.1) and the second pane contact surface (7.2), at least the glazing inner surface (8) having a UV protective layer (14), the UV protective layer (14) completely covering the glazing inner surface (8), and the UV protective layer (14) being the following: (a) Coatings containing organic UV absorbers and / or radical scavengers, (b) A polymer film in which the material of the polymer substrate (5) is different from the material of the UV protective layer (14), (c) A polymer layer wherein the material of the polymer substrate (5) is different from the material of the UV protective layer (14), The wall thickness of the polymer substrate (5) is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Spacer (1).

2. The spacer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the UV protective layer (14) reduces the transmittance of UV radiation in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 320 nm, preferably by at least 20% in total, particularly preferably at least 30%, and particularly particularly at least 50%.

3. The spacer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the UV protective layer (14) is transparent or opaque to radiation in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm.

4. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the UV protective layer (14) is a polymer film, and the polymer film has a coating containing an organic UV absorber and / or a radical scavenger.

5. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the UV protective layer (14) is a polymer layer, and the polymer layer has a coating containing an organic UV absorber and / or a radical scavenger.

6. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the organic UV absorber comprises 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, (2-hydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine, hydroxybenzophenone, and / or oxalanilide.

7. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the radical scavenger comprises a hindered amine-based light stabilizer (HALS), preferably a tetramethylpiperidine derivative.

8. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coating is a coating applied by a printing process, preferably an inkjet printing process.

9. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, wherein the polymer film comprises polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyetherimide (PEI), and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the polymer film is applied to the polymer substrate (5) by adhesion, welding, or shrinkage.

10. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 8, wherein the polymer layer comprises polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyetherimide (PEI), and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the polymer layer is applied to the polymer substrate (5) by co-extrusion.

11. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polymer substrate (5) comprises a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

12. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least an airtight and vapor-tight barrier film is applied to the outer surface (9) of the polymer substrate (5).

13. The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the polymer substrate (5) has a hollow chamber (10), and the hollow chamber (10) is surrounded by the glazing inner surface (8), the outer surface (9), the first pane contact surface (7.1), and the second pane contact surface (7.2).

14. A spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a plurality of openings (12) are introduced into the glazing inner surface (8).

15. A blocking glazing (2) comprising at least a spacer (1), a first pane (15), and a second pane (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first pane (15) is attached to the first pane contact surface (7.1) of the spacer (1) by sealant (4), and the second pane (16) is attached to the second pane contact surface (7.2) of the spacer (1) by sealant (4).

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