Cavity spacer for an insulating glazing unit comprising aerogel in the cavity

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer (I) for an insulating glazing unit, at least comprising: - a main part (1) comprising: - a first lateral wall (2.1) and a second lateral wall (2.2) positioned parallel thereto, - a glazing interior wall (3) which connects the lateral walls (2.1, 2.2) to one another, - an outer wall (4) which is situated substantially parallel to the glazing interior wall (3) and connects the lateral walls (2.1, 2.2) to one another directly or via connecting walls (6.1, 6.2), and - a cavity (5) which is enclosed by the lateral walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing interior wall (3), and the outer wall (4) or by the lateral walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing interior wall (3), the outer wall (4), and the connecting walls (6.1, 6.2), at least one aerogel (7) being provided in the cavity (5). The invention further relates to an insulating glazing unit (II) comprising the spacer (I) and to the use of the insulating glazing unit (II).

Description

[0001] SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0002] Cavity spacer for an insulating glass unit with aerogel in the cavity

[0003] The invention relates to a spacer for an insulating glass unit, an insulating glass unit comprising the spacer, and the use of the insulating glass unit.

[0004] In the windows and facades of buildings, insulating glass units are now almost exclusively used. Insulating glass units consist of at least two panes of glass, which are arranged at a defined distance from each other by a spacer. The spacer is frame-like, usually rectangular, and is positioned around the perimeter of the insulating glass unit. This creates a space between the panes, which is typically filled with an inert gas. Compared to single glazing, insulating glass units significantly reduce heat flow between the interior enclosed by the unit and the outside environment. The spacer typically has a cavity that may be filled with a desiccant to keep the space between the panes free of moisture.

[0005] Conventional spacers are often made of a light metal (typically aluminum) or stainless steel. However, spacers made of a polymer are also known, for example from DE 27 52 542 02 or DE 19 625 845 A1. These polymer spacers have lower thermal conductivity than metal spacers, thus significantly improving the thermal insulation performance of the insulating glass unit at the edges.

[0006] WO 2021 / 224228 A1 discloses an insulating glass unit with infrared-reflecting pigmentation in a masking.

[0007] US 8 402 716 B2 discloses an encapsulated spacer assembly with a fibrous aerogel composite material.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a spacer for an insulating glass unit which has a further reduced thermal conductivity.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by a spacer for an insulating glass unit according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT.

[0010] The dependent claims are further detailed. An insulating glass unit according to the invention and the use of the insulating glass unit are further detailed in independent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a spacer for an insulating glass unit, comprising at least a base body, comprising a first side wall and a second side wall arranged parallel thereto, an inner glazing wall connecting the side walls together, an outer wall arranged substantially parallel to the inner glazing wall and connecting the side walls directly or via connecting walls, a cavity enclosed by the side walls, the inner glazing wall and the outer wall or by the side walls, the inner glazing wall, the outer wall and the connecting walls, wherein at least one aerogel is arranged in the cavity.

[0012] The first and second side walls represent the sides of the spacer to which the outer panes of an insulating glass unit are mounted during installation. The first and second side walls run parallel to each other.

[0013] The outer wall of the base structure is the wall opposite the inner glazing wall, pointing away from the interior of the insulating glass unit (inner cavity) towards the outer cavity. The outer wall preferably runs essentially perpendicular to the side walls.

[0014] The optional first connecting wall and the optional second connecting wall preferably extend at an angle α (alpha) of 30° to 60° to the outer wall. The angled shape of the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall improves the stability of the base body and enables better bonding and insulation of the spacer according to the invention.

[0015] The base body preferably has a width of 5 mm to 80 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 20 mm, along the inner glazing wall. For the purposes of the invention SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT, the width is the dimension extending between the side walls. The width is the distance between the opposite surfaces of the two side walls. The width of the inner glazing wall determines the spacing between the panes of the insulating glass unit. The exact dimensions of the inner glazing wall depend on the dimensions of the insulating glass unit and the desired spacing between the panes.

[0016] The base body preferably has a height of 5 mm to 15 mm, and particularly preferably 5 mm to 10 mm, along its side walls. Within this height range, the spacer possesses advantageous stability while remaining unobtrusive within the insulating glass unit. Furthermore, the cavity of the base body is advantageously sized to accommodate a suitable quantity of the at least one aerogel and, optionally, the at least one desiccant. The height of the base body is the distance between the opposing surfaces of the outer wall and the inner wall of the glazing unit.

[0017] The glazed interior wall, the exterior wall, the connecting walls, and the side walls are preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm thick, and more preferably 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm thick. According to one embodiment, the glazed interior wall, the exterior wall, the connecting walls, and the side walls have a uniform thickness. According to another embodiment, the glazed interior wall, the exterior wall, the connecting walls, and / or the side walls have different thicknesses. For example, areas of the base body that are subject to high mechanical stress can have a greater thickness than areas that are more thermally relevant. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the glazed interior wall and the exterior wall have a smaller thickness than the side walls and the connecting walls.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the base body of the spacer comprises a polymeric base material. The polymeric base material is not fundamentally limited to specific polymers. Preferably, all polymers commonly used for conventional polymeric spacers can be employed. Amorphous thermoplastics are particularly advantageous from a thermal perspective and are therefore preferred. The polymeric base material is preferably polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0019] Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PET / PC, PBT / PC, polyamide, polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polycarbonate (ABS / PC), or a copolymer, derivative, or mixture thereof. Derivatives are understood to be, in particular, polymers with the basic chain of the aforementioned polymers that bear additional substituents. Commercially available base materials can be used as such a base material for the spacer. The base material can be produced, for example, by extrusion.

[0020] The proportion of the polymeric base material in the base material is preferably at least 40 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 50 wt.%, and most preferably at least 60 wt.%. The proportion of the polymeric base material in the base material can, for example, be from 40 wt.% to 95 wt.%, or from 50 wt.% to 95 wt.%, or from 60 wt.% to 90 wt.%, or from 60 wt.% to 70 wt.%.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base body of the spacer further comprises at least one reinforcing material. Various fiber-, powder-, or platelet-shaped reinforcing materials are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of powder- and / or platelet-shaped reinforcing materials include mica and talc. Reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, or natural fibers, are particularly preferred with regard to their mechanical properties. Alternatives include ground glass fibers or hollow glass spheres. These hollow glass spheres have a diameter of 10 pm to 20 pm and improve the stability of the base body. Suitable hollow glass spheres are commercially available under the name "3M™ Glass Bubbles." In one possible embodiment, the base body 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 base material.

[0022] Glass fibers are preferably used as reinforcing agents, with the proportion of glass fibers in the base material being from 25 wt.% to 40 wt.%, and particularly preferably from 30 wt.% to 35 wt.%. Within these ranges, particularly good mechanical stability and strength of the base body are observed. Furthermore, a glass fiber content of 30 wt.% to 35 wt.% is well compatible with the barrier film, consisting of alternating polymer and metallic layers, applied to the outer surface of the spacer in a preferred embodiment (SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT). By matching the coefficient of thermal expansion of the base body and the barrier film, temperature-induced stresses between the different materials and spalling of the barrier film can be avoided.

[0023] The material of the spacer's base body may contain other additives, as is common in industrially processed plastics. These include, in particular, stabilizers, such as UV stabilizers or chemical stabilizers, color additives, and / or processing aids. The proportion of such other additives is preferably at most 5% by weight, more preferably at most 2% by weight, for example, from 0.1% to 2% by weight or from 0.5% to 2% by weight.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polymeric base material of the base body has a foamed pore structure. A pore structure is a structure with regular spaces that are filled with air.

[0025] Various methods are known for foaming polymer melts, such as a polymer melt for extruding the base body. These methods can be subdivided into physical, mechanical, and chemical processes. In physical and mechanical processes, a gas is incorporated into the polymer melt solely by physical or mechanical means. Chemical foaming processes, on the other hand, are based on the decomposition of a blowing agent by the application of heat, which releases a volatile gaseous component of the blowing agent. The finely dispersed gaseous component resulting in the melt causes the polymer melt to foam. Direct foaming processes are preferably used to produce the exemplary embodiment of the spacer according to the invention. Direct foaming processes include foam extrusion, in which the gas released by the blowing agent causes the plastic to expand as it exits a nozzle.Due to foaming during extrusion, the walls of the base body are no longer solid material but are permeated with gas bubbles, resulting in porous spaces. The foamed design of the base body is advantageous in terms of its thermal properties and simultaneously reduces its weight. Compared to a solid base body, this weight reduction is approximately 10% to 20%. (SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT.)

[0026] Properties are greatly improved by the gases trapped in the spaces, with the gases resting in the pores acting as a thermal insulator.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the base body is foamed by chemical foaming with the addition of a foaming agent. The foaming agent is preferably used in the form of granules comprising a carrier material and a blowing agent. Upon application of heat, the blowing agent decomposes in an endothermic reaction, releasing a gaseous substance, preferably CO2. Foaming agents for the chemical foaming of plastics are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available. The carrier material is generally a polymer granulate, for example, based on polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate copolymer (EBA), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic polystyrene (TPS), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The granular foaming agent is generally added to the polymer mixture before melting in the extruder.

[0028] The foaming agent is preferably added to the polymer mixture of the base body in an amount of 0.5 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%, and especially 0.8 wt.% to 1.2 wt.%. These small amounts are sufficient to achieve the desired porosity of the base body.

[0029] The base body with the foamed pore structure according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably comprises closed-cell pores. The pore size is preferably 10 pm to 100 pm, particularly preferably 20 pm to 80 pm, and especially 30 pm to 70 pm. Within these pore sizes, both an advantageous reduction in thermal conductivity and good mechanical stability of the base body can be achieved.

[0030] According to the invention, at least one aerogel is arranged in the cavity of the base body. The at least one aerogel is preferably placed in the base body by filling it after the base body has been provided. In particular, the at least one aerogel can be filled into at least one of the open ends of the provided base body. This allows for the simple integration of the at least one aerogel into existing manufacturing processes for spacers. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0031] Aerogels are well known to those skilled in the art. They are highly porous solids, known for their very low thermal conductivity and heat-insulating properties. By arranging at least one aerogel within the cavity of the base body, a spacer with particularly low thermal conductivity can be created. Furthermore, the use of at least one aerogel results in good acoustic absorption properties for the spacer.

[0032] Aerogels are typically produced from gels by replacing the liquid component with a gas without causing the gel structure to collapse, for example, through supercritical drying or freeze-drying. Structurally, aerogels consist of a branching network of particle chains (dendritic structure) with numerous spaces (pores), particularly in the form of open pores. The particle chains have contact points with each other, so the aerogel can be considered a stable, sponge-like network. The particle chains themselves often result from the fusion of, for example, spherical particles. A very high volume fraction of aerogels consists of pores, especially open pores. Therefore, aerogels have a very low density. Aerogels can be produced, for example, by sol-gel processes.

[0033] The pores may contain deposits, for example, to influence the mechanical, thermal, or optical properties of the aerogel. The pores are typically air-filled, apart from any deposits.

[0034] For the purposes of this invention, porosity is defined as the proportion of the pore volume to the total volume of the aerogel. The aerogel preferably has a porosity of 50% to 99.98%, more preferably 80% to 99%, and most preferably 85% to 98%. The porosity can be determined by gas sorption measurement using nitrogen as the sample gas at a temperature of 77 K or, more preferably, using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the sample gas at a temperature of 273 K.

[0035] The pore size of the at least one aerogel is preferably from 1 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 10 nm to 40 nm. This refers specifically to the diameter of the typically approximately spherical pores. The pore size can also be determined using the aforementioned gas sorption measurement. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0036] The density of the at least one aerogel is preferably 0.16 mg / cm³. 3 up to 500 mg / cm² 3 , particularly preferably of 10 mg / cm² 3 up to 300 mg / cm² 3 This refers to the bulk density based on the volume including the pore spaces, whereby the air in the pores is not included in the mass.

[0037] The particles that make up the network of particle chains typically have a size of 1 nm to 10 nm.

[0038] Aerogels can be formed from various materials (material of the particle chains). The at least one aerogel is preferably composed of silicate, a polymer, carbon, cellulose, and / or a metal oxide. In principle, all polymers and metal oxides are suitable. Examples include polyimide for a polymer and aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide (all transparent and white or bluish), iron oxide (opaque, red or yellow), chromium oxide (opaque, green or blue), and vanadium oxide (opaque, olive green) for metal oxides. Strictly speaking, silicate aerosols do not have the chemical composition of a silicate, but rather something like SiO(OH)₂. y (OR) z, where R is an organic residue and the parameters y and z depend on the manufacturing process. They are nevertheless generally referred to as such, and the term silicate is also used accordingly within the scope of the present invention. In English, the term "silica aerogel" (i.e., SiO2 aerogel) is also common. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one aerogel is a polymer aerogel, a silicate aerogel, and / or a cellulose aerogel. These aerogels are well-researched and already commercially available in large numbers. According to the invention, at least one aerogel is arranged in the cavity of the base body. For example, one aerogel is arranged in the cavity of the base body. According to one embodiment, at least two aerogels are arranged in the cavity of the base body. For example, two aerogels are arranged in the cavity of the base body.

[0039] The at least one aerogel can be a hydrophobic aerogel or a hydrophilic aerogel. For the purposes of this invention, a "hydrophilic aerogel" is understood to be an aerogel that can absorb polar substances, particularly water, into its pores. In contrast, a "hydrophobic aerogel" is understood to be an aerogel that can absorb nonpolar substances, such as long-chain hydrocarbons, into its pores. Depending on the choice of material and the synthesis conditions, an aerogel can, in principle, be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. For example, SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT, a hydrophobic silicate aerogel, can be converted into a hydrophilic silicate aerogel by heating through the oxidation of Si-CHs groups to Si-OH groups (see Y. Hu et al., Solid State Sciences, Preparation and characterization of hydrophobic silica aerogel sphere products by co-precursor method, Issue 48, October 2015, pages 155-162; G.Qin, Applied Surface Science, Preparation of hydrophobic granular silica aerogels and adsorption of phenol from water, Volume 280, September 1, 2013, pages 806-811; Z. Yi, Nanotechnol. Rev., Adsorption performance of hydrophobic / hydrophilic silica aerogel for low concentration organic pollutant in aqueous solution, 2019; Volume 8, pages 266-274). As another example, hydroxyl groups of a hydrophilic cellulose aerogel can be exchanged with trialkylsilyl groups via silylation to obtain a hydrophobic cellulose aerogel (see H. Setyawan, Journal of Polymers and the Environment, Fabrication of Hydrophobic Cellulose Aerogels from Renewable Biomass Coir Fibers for Oil Spillage Clean-Up, 2022, Volume 30, pages 5228-5238).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the at least one aerogel is a hydrophobic aerogel. A hydrophobic aerogel exhibits particularly high structural stability. This applies especially to the structural stability in the typical environment of an insulating glass unit.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the at least one aerogel is a hydrophilic aerogel. A hydrophilic aerogel can absorb polar substances, especially water, into its pores. Therefore, the use of a hydrophilic aerogel allows for the very effective absorption of moisture located in the space between the panes of an insulating glass unit.

[0042] The shape of the at least one aerogel is not particularly restricted, as long as it can be easily arranged in the cavity of the base body. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one aerogel has the form of granules or a powder. Granules or a powder can be easily filled into the cavity of the base body.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one aerogel has the form of granules. Granules are particularly easy to fill into the cavity of the base body and also have a favorable surface area to volume ratio. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0044] In one embodiment, the granules have a particle size of at most 5 mm, particularly preferably at most 4 mm. In another embodiment, the granules have a particle size of at least 100 pm, particularly preferably at least 200 pm. The particle size can be determined by laser diffraction particle size analysis. Granules with this particle size are particularly easy to fill into the cavity of the base body and also have an advantageous surface area to volume ratio.

[0045] In one embodiment, the at least one aerogel has the form of a powder, wherein the powder has a particle size of at most 80 pm, particularly preferably at most 70 pm. In another embodiment, the powder has a particle size of at least 200 nm, preferably at least 1 pm. The particle size can be determined by laser diffraction particle size analysis.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the glazing unit has perforations. These perforations create a connection to the inner cavity within the insulating glass unit. After the base body has been manufactured, the perforations can be easily punched or drilled into the inner wall of the glazing unit. Preferably, the perforations are punched into the inner wall of the glazing unit while hot. The size of the perforations is selected such that the at least one aerogel and, optionally, the at least one desiccant cannot penetrate into the inner cavity between the panes. In this embodiment, the at least one aerogel is preferably a hydrophilic aerogel. This allows the at least one aerogel, in addition to its function of reducing thermal conductivity, to absorb moisture from the inner cavity between the panes via the perforations in the inner wall of the glazing unit.The hydrophilic aerogel is preferably injected directly into the cavity of the base body of the insulating glass unit before assembly. This ensures a particularly high absorption capacity of the hydrophilic aerogel in the finished insulating glass unit.

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least one desiccant is arranged in the cavity of the base body. Preferably, in this embodiment, the inner glazing spacer has perforations. This allows the at least one desiccant to absorb moisture from the inner space between the panes through the perforations in the inner glazing spacer. Since, in this embodiment, the at least one aerogel (SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT) is a hydrophilic aerogel, both the at least one desiccant and the at least one aerogel can absorb moisture from the inner space between the panes through the perforations in the inner glazing spacer. This enables particularly advantageous drying of the inner space between the panes, while the use of the hydrophilic aerogel provides a spacer with low thermal conductivity.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one desiccant is silica gel, molecular sieve, CaCh, Na2SO4, activated carbon, silicate, bentonite and / or zeolite. The desiccant can be filled directly into the cavity of the base body before assembly of the insulating glass unit. This ensures a particularly high desiccant absorption capacity in the finished insulating glass unit.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cavity of the base body comprises at least two chambers. Preferably, the cavity of the base body comprises at least three chambers. The individual chambers are separated from one another by partitions. The at least one aerogel is arranged in at least one of these chambers. The division of the cavity into chambers has the advantage that the individual chambers can be filled differently. Preferably, the cavity of the base body comprises at least three chambers, wherein one chamber filled with a desiccant is surrounded by two chambers, each filled with the at least one aerogel. The desiccant mentioned here corresponds to the desiccant mentioned above.This arrangement has the advantage that the chamber containing the desiccant primarily serves the purpose of keeping the inner cavity between the panes dry, while the two chambers surrounding the desiccant chamber exhibit reduced thermal conductivity due to the at least one aerogel. Preferably, the inner wall of the glazing unit has perforations in the area adjacent to the desiccant chamber. This allows the desiccant to absorb moisture from the inner cavity between the panes through the perforations in the inner wall, thus advantageously keeping the inner cavity dry. The arrangement of chambers, each filled with the at least one aerogel, adjacent to the side walls of the base body is particularly advantageous, as this significantly reduces heat transfer to the panes. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT.

[0050] In one embodiment, the spacer further comprises a barrier film. The barrier film is preferably arranged on the outer wall, the optional first connecting wall, and the optional second connecting wall, and at least on a portion of the side walls. The barrier film can, for example, be attached to the base body with an adhesive. The barrier film comprises, for example, a metal-containing barrier layer made of 7 µm thick aluminum, a polymer layer made of 12 µm thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and a metal-containing thin film made of 10 nm thick aluminum. Polyethylene terephthalate is particularly suitable for protecting the 7 µm thick aluminum layer from mechanical damage, since PET films are characterized by particularly high tear resistance. The film layers are arranged, for example, such that the aluminum layers, i.e., the metal-containing barrier layer and the metal-containing thin film, are on the outside.The film is preferably arranged on a substrate such that the metal-containing barrier layer faces the outer wall. In this configuration, the thin metal-containing layer faces outwards and simultaneously acts as an adhesive layer against the secondary sealant material. Thus, the thin metal-containing layer not only provides a barrier effect but also acts as an adhesion promoter. The barrier film can also contain a foamed polymer layer to further improve its thermal properties.

[0051] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an insulating glass unit comprising at least a first pane, a second pane, and a spacer arranged circumferentially between the first pane and the second pane according to the present invention, wherein the first pane is attached to the first side wall via a primary sealant, the second pane is attached to the second side wall via a primary sealant, the spacer according to the invention separates an inner space between the panes from an outer space between the panes, and a secondary sealant is arranged in the outer space between the panes.

[0052] This means that a primary sealant is positioned between the first sidewall and the first pane, as well as between the second sidewall and the second pane. The primary sealant is in contact with the sidewalls or with a barrier film, which is optionally applied to the sidewalls, the optional connecting walls, and the SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0053] The insulating glass unit can be attached to the outer wall of the base unit. The first and second panes are arranged parallel and preferably congruently. The edges of the two panes are therefore flush in the edge region, meaning they are at the same height. The inner cavity between the panes is bounded by the first and second panes and the inner wall of the glazing unit. The outer cavity between the panes is defined as the space bounded by the first pane, the second pane, and the optional barrier film on the outer wall or the outer wall of the base unit. The outer cavity between the panes 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.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, when a barrier film is present, the primary sealant extends to the areas of the first and second side walls adjacent to the inner glazing wall that are free of the barrier film. Thus, the primary sealant covers the transition between the base body and the barrier film, resulting in a particularly good seal of the insulating glass unit. In this way, the diffusion of moisture into the cavity of the base body at the point where the barrier film borders the plastic is reduced (less interfacial diffusion).

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment of the insulating glass unit according to the invention, the secondary sealant is applied along the first and second panes such that a central region of the outer wall is free of secondary sealant. The central region is the area located centrally with respect to the two outer panes, as opposed to the two outer regions of the outer wall adjacent to the first and second panes. This achieves good stabilization of the insulating glass unit while simultaneously saving on material costs for the secondary sealant. Furthermore, this arrangement is easily manufactured by applying two strands of secondary sealant to the outer wall in the outer region adjacent to the outer panes.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment, the secondary sealant is applied such that the entire outer cavity between the panes is completely filled with secondary sealant. This results in maximum stabilization of the insulating glass unit. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0057] The secondary sealant preferably contains polymers or silane-modified polymers, particularly preferably organic polysulfides, silicones, room temperature curing (RTV) silicone rubber, peroxide-cured silicone rubber and / or addition-cured silicone rubber, polyurethanes and / or butyl rubber. These sealants have a particularly good stabilizing effect.

[0058] The primary sealant preferably contains polyisobutylene. The polyisobutylene can be crosslinking or non-crosslinking.

[0059] The first pane and the second pane of the insulating glass unit preferably contain glass, ceramics and / or polymers, particularly preferably quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first disk and the second disk each have a thickness of 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 3 mm to 16 mm, whereby both disks can also have different thicknesses.

[0061] 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. For example, it can be a single spacer according to the invention that is bent into a complete frame. It can also be several spacers according to the invention that are connected to one another 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 spacers with a miter cut abut abutments.

[0062] In principle, a wide variety of geometries are possible for the insulating glass unit, for example rectangular, trapezoidal and rounded shapes. To produce round geometries, the spacer according to the invention can, for example, be bent when heated.

[0063] In another embodiment, the insulating glass unit comprises more than two panes. The spacer can, for example, contain recesses in which at least one further pane is arranged. Several panes could also be designed as laminated glass. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0064] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the insulating glass unit according to the invention as interior building glazing, exterior building glazing and / or facade glazing.

[0065] Certain advantageous, but not limiting, embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to examples and figures, which can of course be combined with one another if necessary. The drawings are purely schematic representations and not to scale.

[0066] They show:

[0067] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a spacer I according to the invention,

[0068] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cross-section of an embodiment of a spacer I according to the invention.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a cross-section of a further embodiment of a spacer I according to the invention, and

[0070] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an insulating glass unit II according to the invention.

[0071] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a spacer I according to the invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the spacer I comprises a base body 1, which is formed from a first side wall 2.1, a second side wall 2.2 arranged parallel to it, an inner glazing wall 3, an outer wall 4, a first connecting wall 6.1, a second connecting wall 6.2, and a cavity 5. The first side wall 2.1 and the second side wall 2.2 are connected to each other via the inner glazing wall 3. The outer wall 4 is arranged substantially parallel to the inner glazing wall 3 and is connected to the first side wall 2.1 via the first connecting wall 6.1 and to the second side wall 2.2 via the second connecting wall 6.2. The first connecting wall 6.1 and the second connecting wall 6.2 are optional; alternatively, the first side wall 2.1 and the second side wall 2.2 can be connected to each other.2 can also be directly connected to the outer wall 4. The cavity 5 is enclosed by the first side wall 2.1, the glazing interior wall 3, the second side wall 2.2, the first connecting wall 6.1, the second connecting wall 6.2, and the outer wall 4. The connecting walls 6.1 and 6.2 preferably run at an angle α (alpha) of 30° to 60° to the outer wall 4. The angled shape of the first connecting wall 6.1 and the second connecting wall 6.2 improves the stability of the base body 1 and enables better bonding and insulation of the spacer I according to the invention. An aerogel 7 is arranged in the cavity 5 of the base body 1. By arranging the aerogel 7 in the cavity 5, a spacer I with particularly low thermal conductivity can be provided. Furthermore, the use of aerogel 7 results in good acoustic absorption properties for the spacer I.The aerogel 7 is a polymer aerogel, a silicate aerogel, or a cellulose aerogel. These aerogels are well-researched and already commercially available in large numbers. The aerogel shown in Figure 1 of the embodiment of the spacer I according to the invention is a hydrophobic aerogel. A hydrophobic aerogel exhibits particularly high structural stability. This applies especially to the structural stability in the typical environment of an insulating glass unit. In this embodiment, the aerogel has the form of granules. In this embodiment, the granules have a particle size of at least 100 pm and at most 5 mm. Granules with this particle size can be filled particularly easily into the cavity 5 of the base body 1 and also have an advantageous surface area to volume ratio.

[0072] The base body 1 of the illustrated embodiment of the spacer I according to the invention comprises a polymeric base material, wherein the polymeric base material is polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PET / PC, PBT / PC, polyamide, polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-polycarbonate (ABS / PC) or a copolymer or a derivative or a mixture thereof.

[0073] The wall thickness of the base body 1 is, for example, 1 mm. The width b of the base body 1 along the glazed interior wall 3 is, for example, 12 mm. The height g of the base body 1 is, for example, 6.5 mm.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cross-section of an embodiment of a spacer I according to the invention. The spacer I shown in Fig. 2 differs from the spacer I shown in Fig. 1 in that the SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0075] The glazing unit has 3 perforations 9 and the aerogel 7 is a hydrophilic aerogel. The perforations 9 create a connection to the inner cavity within the insulating glass unit. In addition to its function of reducing thermal conductivity, the hydrophilic aerogel can absorb moisture from the inner cavity via the perforations 9 in the glazing unit.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a cross-section of a further embodiment of a spacer I according to the invention. The spacer I shown in Fig. 3 differs from the spacer I shown in Fig. 2 in that the cavity 5 comprises three chambers, that the aerogel 7 is a hydrophobic aerogel, and that a desiccant 8, for example a molecular sieve, is further arranged in the cavity 5 of the base body 1. The cavity 5 comprises three chambers, with one chamber filled with the desiccant 8 being surrounded by two chambers, each filled with the aerogel 7. The inner glazing wall 3 has perforations 9 in the area adjacent to the chamber containing the desiccant 8. This allows the desiccant 8 to absorb moisture from the inner cavity between the panes via the perforations 9 in the inner glazing wall 3, thus advantageously keeping the inner cavity dry.The hydrophobic aerogel exhibits particularly high structural stability. This applies especially to the structural stability in the typical environment of an insulating glass unit.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the insulating glass unit II according to the invention, with a spacer I arranged between a first pane 20 and a second pane 21. This spacer I differs from the spacer I shown in Fig. 2 in that the spacer I used in the insulating glass unit II in Fig. 4 has a barrier film 26 and a desiccant 8, for example a molecular sieve, is further arranged in the cavity 5 of the base body 1. The hydrophilic aerogel and the desiccant 8 can absorb moisture from the inner cavity 23 via the perforations 9 in the inner glazing wall 3, which enables particularly advantageous drying of the inner cavity 23. Furthermore, the use of the hydrophilic aerogel allows for a spacer with low thermal conductivity. The barrier film 26 is located on the outer wall 4, the first connecting wall 6.The SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT first pane 20, second pane 21, and barrier film 26 define the outer cavity 24 of the insulating glass unit II. The edge 27 of the first pane 20 and the edge 28 of the second pane 21 are aligned. The secondary sealant 25, which may contain a silicone, for example, is located in the outer cavity 24. Silicones are particularly effective at absorbing the forces acting on the edge seal, thus contributing to the high stability of the insulating glass unit II. The barrier film 26, together with the secondary sealant 25, insulates the inner cavity 23 between the panes and reduces heat transfer from the base body 1 to the inner cavity 23. The barrier film 26 can be attached to the base body 1, for example, with PUR hot melt adhesive. Between the side walls 2.1 and 2.A primary sealant 22 is preferably arranged between the first pane 20 and the second pane 21. This sealant contains, for example, butyl. The primary sealant 22 overlaps the barrier film 26 to prevent possible interfacial diffusion. The first pane 20 and the second pane 21 preferably have the same dimensions and thicknesses. The panes preferably have an optical transparency of > 85%. The panes 20 and 21 preferably contain glass and / or polymers, preferably flat glass, float glass, fused silica, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or mixtures thereof. The first pane 20 and the second pane 21 are, for example, 3 mm thick. In an alternative embodiment, the first pane 20 and / or the second pane 21 can be designed as a laminated glass pane.

[0078] The barrier film 26, for example, comprises a metal-containing barrier layer made of 7 µm thick aluminum, a polymer layer made of 12 µm thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and a metal-containing thin film made of 10 nm thick aluminum. Polyethylene terephthalate is particularly suitable for protecting the 7 µm thick aluminum layer from mechanical damage, as PET films are characterized by particularly high tear resistance. The film layers are arranged, for example, such that the aluminum layers, i.e., the metal-containing barrier layer and the metal-containing thin film, are on the outside. The film is positioned on the base body 1 such that the metal-containing barrier layer faces the outer wall 4. The metal-containing thin film then faces outwards and simultaneously acts as an adhesive layer against the material of the secondary sealant 25. Thus, the metal-containing thin film not only fulfills a barrier function but also acts as an adhesion promoter.SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT.

[0079] Examples

[0080] The thermal conductivity of a reference spacer (reference example) and of a spacer according to the invention (example 1) was measured. The thermal conductivity can be measured with a heat flux meter (for example, the HFM 446 Lambda from Netzsch) according to ISO 8301:1991.

[0081] The base body of the spacers used was made of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0082] Reference example:

[0083] Spacers without aerogel or desiccant in the cavity, i.e., only air in the cavity of the base body.

[0084] Example 1:

[0085] Spacers with an aerogel powder (hydrophilic silicate aerogel Quartzene® powder, type Z2TP from Svenska Aerogel AB, particle size of 1 to 70 pm) in the cavity of the base body

[0086] Measured thermal conductivity of the spacers:

[0087] Reference example: 0.107898 W / (m K)

[0088] Example 1: 0.074790 W / (m K)

[0089] The spacer according to Example 1 has approximately 30% lower thermal conductivity compared to the spacer according to the reference example, so that by using aerogel in the cavity, a spacer with significantly reduced thermal conductivity can be provided. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT

[0090] Reference symbol list:

[0091] I spacer

[0092] II Insulating glass unit

[0093] 1 Basic body

[0094] 2.1 first side wall

[0095] 2.2 second side wall

[0096] 3 Glazed interior wall

[0097] 4 Exterior wall

[0098] 5 Cavity

[0099] 6.1 First connecting wall

[0100] 6.2 second connecting wall

[0101] 7 Aerogel

[0102] 8 Desiccants

[0103] 9 Perforation in the glazed interior wall

[0104] 20 first disc

[0105] 21 second disc

[0106] 22 primary sealant

[0107] 23 inner disc space

[0108] 24 outer disc space

[0109] 25 secondary sealant

[0110] 26 Barrier film

[0111] 27 Edge of the first disc

[0112] 28 Edge of the second pane a Angle of the first connecting wall to the outer wall b Width of the base body along the glazing interior wall g Height of the base body

Claims

SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT Patent claims 1. Spacer (I) for an insulating glass unit, comprising at least a base body (1), comprising a first side wall (2.1) and a second side wall (2.2) arranged parallel thereto, a glazing interior wall (3) connecting the side walls (2.1, 2.2) to each other, an outer wall (4) arranged substantially parallel to the glazing interior wall (3) and connecting the side walls (2.1, 2.2) to each other directly or via connecting walls (6.1, 6.2), a cavity (5) enclosed by the side walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing interior wall (3) and the outer wall (4) or by the side walls (2.1, 2.2), the glazing interior wall (3), the outer wall (4) and the connecting walls (6.1, 6.2), wherein at least one aerogel (7) is arranged in the cavity (5).

2. Spacer (I) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aerogel (7) is a hydrophobic aerogel.

3. Spacer (I) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aerogel (7) is a hydrophilic aerogel.

4. Spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one aerogel (7) has the form of granules or a powder.

5. Spacer (I) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one aerogel (7) has the form of granules, wherein the granules have a particle size of at most 4 mm.

6. Spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glazing interior wall (3) has perforations (9).

7. Spacer (I) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one desiccant (8) is further arranged in the cavity (5) of the base body (1), which SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT at least an aerogel (7) in the form of granules or a powder and the glazing interior wall (3) has perforations (9).

8. Spacer (I) according to one of claims 1, 4 and 5, wherein at least one desiccant (8) is further arranged in the cavity (5) of the base body (1), the glazing interior wall (3) has perforations (9) and the at least one aerogel (7) is a hydrophilic aerogel.

9. Spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the glazing interior wall (3), the outer wall (4), the connecting walls (6.1 , 6.2) and the side walls (2.1, 2.2) are 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm thick, preferably 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm.

10. Spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cavity (5) comprises at least three chambers, wherein one chamber filled with a desiccant (8) is surrounded by two chambers each filled with the at least one aerogel (7).

11. Spacer (I) according to claim 10, wherein the chambers each filled with the at least one aerogel (7) are arranged adjacent to the side walls (2.1, 2.2) of the base body (1).

12. Spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base body (1) of the spacer (I) comprises a polymeric base material, wherein the polymeric base material is polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PET / PC, PBT / PC, polyamide, polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polycarbonate (ABS / PC) or a copolymer or a derivative or a mixture thereof.

13. Spacer (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spacer (I) further comprises a barrier film. SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE 2024382-WO-PCT 14. Insulating glass unit (II), comprising at least a first pane (20), a second pane (21), a spacer (I) arranged circumferentially between the first pane (20) and the second pane (21) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first pane (20) is attached to the first side wall (2.1) via a primary sealant (22), the second pane (21) is attached to the second side wall (2.2) via a primary sealant (22), the spacer (I) separates an inner space between the panes (23) from an outer space between the panes (24) and a secondary sealant (25) is arranged in the outer space between the panes (24).

15. Use of the insulating glass unit (II) according to claim 14 as interior building glazing, exterior building glazing and / or facade glazing.

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