EP1233136A1 - Plastic spacer frame and method of manufacturing - Google Patents

Abstract

Spacer frames are fabricated from a hollow section (14) with a stiffening insert (16) at the corner region (12), the corner being bent with the insert in place. The stiffening element can also be fitted in recesses on the surface and can be cut away near the sharply curved part of the corner. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) an analogous process where the reinforcement is placed in position after the section has been bent; the reinforcement can be made of low melting point metal or stiff fiber reinforced plastic; (b) a plastic spacer frame for insulating panes with reinforced corners.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing plastic spacer frames for insulating panes or insulating glass systems as well as the plastic spacer frames produced by the process self.

Metal hollow profiles have traditionally been used as spacers and as continuous material on bending machines to the spacer frames processed.

However, the metal profiles have a high thermal conductivity on why it has been suggested on several occasions to replace them with profiles made of a plastic material.

When manufacturing the plastic spacer frame for Insulating washers become hollow plastic profiles on conventional ones Bending machines processed especially when cold, what due to the high resilience of the plastic Leads to problems.

These problems consist in particular of disturbing deformations the hollow plastic profile and / or impermissible dimensional deviations especially in the angular range but also in the leg lengths.

In German patent applications DE 198 05 348 A1 and DE 198 07 454 A1 describes plastic spacers, in which metal reinforcement elements over the length of the hollow plastic profiles are embedded, which when bending the elastic Push back the spring-back effect of the plastic material should.

However, it has been shown that the introduction of such in Continuous reinforcement elements in the longitudinal direction in the manufacturing process, especially possible in profile extrusion is, however, requires more tools and equipment. In addition, the manufacturing process of such profiles more prone to failure, the output of the process is reduced and you see a higher reject rate.

In addition, those continuously embedded in the longitudinal direction increase Reinforcing elements the thermal conductivity of the spacer and cause additional material costs.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method with the plastic spacer for insulating washers on conventional bending systems (for the production of spacer frames made of metal) can, without having to accept the aforementioned problems are.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the method described at the outset solved in that a plastic hollow profile provide a stiffening element in an area to be angled and then the plastic profile together with the stiffening element is bent.

Alternatively, the plastic hollow profile can be bent in one intended area and then with a Stiffening element are provided.

Surprisingly, it turns out that for the stabilization of the corner areas of plastic spacer frames thus obtained, in which the plastic hollow profiles are angled, the attachment of stiffening elements limited to this area is completely sufficient to the elastic springback effect to oppose the plastic material.

This eliminates the need for manufacturing of the hollow plastic profiles, reinforcement elements throughout in the longitudinal direction to provide, as in the prior art of Case was so that not only related to it Problems and costs can be avoided, but it will in addition, an increase in the thermal conductivity of the Hollow plastic profiles or the plastic spacer frame essentially avoided. Although the stiffening element each only a short distance the two corner area of the frame-forming profile leg is enough, this is for the Sufficient stabilizing effect of the corner area formed to compensate for the return effect or spring back effect, the through the plastic material of the plastic hollow profile would otherwise be expected.

In a preferred method, the reinforcing elements executed as metal parts and more preferably have these Metal parts in the area of the bend a taper or constriction on.

Metal parts are particularly suitable as stiffening elements because they are easy to deform and the deformation is permanent. This allows you to reliably use the elastic Counteract the spring back effect of the plastic material. Becomes the stiffening element as a metal part in the area of the bend trained with a taper, so is already on the part of Stiffening element the bending point on the plastic hollow profile predefined and also makes it easier to use less material in the bending area on the part of the stiffening element Deformation of the hollow plastic profile because of its plastic material there is additional space for evasion during the bending process.

A preferred use of the stiffening element lies in this in the cavity of the plastic profile on the Place where the plastic hollow profile is bent shall be. As a result, the stiffening element in the hollow plastic profile hidden and does not optically fall at all Weight.

Alternatively, the stiffening element can also be attached to the outer Surfaces of the plastic hollow profile are arranged, which later becomes invisible with the composite insulating glass pane stay d. H. for the side walls and the frame seen from the outer surface. This leaves one special easy manufacturing too.

It is preferred if the stiffening element on the side walls or on the outside of the finished frame Surface of the plastic hollow profile is to be arranged, Recesses in the hollow plastic profile for inserting the stiffening elements intended. On the one hand, these recesses can provided over the entire length of the hollow plastic profile be and trained with the extrusion of the profile be or in the plastic hollow profile in the areas of the bends are molded. When molding are preferred machining steps used.

Forming the recesses only in the areas in whom the bend is to be made leaves a simpler one Geometry of the hollow plastic profile too. On the other hand, the Places where the stiffening elements are used should not additionally increase the wall thickness, because instead of the removed plastic material here Stiffening elements are used and so the plastic hollow profile return essentially the same stiffness or even increase it.

When using metal parts as stiffening elements is their surface at least in the areas that with the Hollow plastic profile in contact, preferably roughened, what a particularly secure mounting of the stiffening element allowed in the hollow plastic profile, as well as one positive connection of the stiffening element with the Plastic hollow profile, on which the stabilizing effect the corner area is transmitted particularly well.

As already mentioned before, according to the method according to the invention naturally also the formation of a corner area first by bending the hollow plastic profile and then a reinforcing element can be used. The Reinforcing element then fixes in this method variant the hollow plastic profile bent to the corner in its angular position. In this variant of the method are suitable as further Stiffening elements fast curing resins, low melting Metal alloys or sprayable, rigid Plastics, which are then in the angled position of the hollow plastic profile introduced into the profile in the area of the bend become, harden / cool and thereby the elastic Counteract the spring back effect of the hollow plastic profile. The Resin or plastic materials used can be reinforced, in particular be fiber-reinforced.

Of course, this method variant is suitable also metallic stiffening elements that are prefabricated and after the plastic hollow profile has been bent in Corner area can be used. Here, for example U-shaped brackets are used with two protruding Tenons in each leg of the plastic hollow profile Intervene formed angle structure and so the plastic hollow profile fix in the angled position.

It is also possible to use angles Flat materials, for example being provided here can that the flat materials at the point to be turned have a triangular or V-shaped recess, the both legs of this V-shaped recess in the bent state come to rest against each other and for example with a The welding point can be connected to one another and thus fixed. This brings the stiffening element or the so produced Plastic spacer frame additional stability.

Are suitable as further stiffening elements in the inventive Process also grid-like structures with it crossing webs, which are either first introduced into the profile and then bent together with the profile or but the already pre-bent into an angular structure in that then first used angled plastic hollow profile become.

Metallic stiffening elements are preferred in the curved Shape fixed by welding, gluing or upsetting.

Alternatively, pouring, melting or Gluing the stiffening elements can be made to this in addition to fix and, if necessary, an additional reduction the elastic springback effect of the hollow plastic profile to effect.

Finally, the present invention relates to plastic spacer frames for insulating panes or insulating glass system from a plastic hollow profile with one or more angled areas or corners, with the frame in the Corner areas each comprises a stiffening element arranged.

As stated above, preferred stiffening elements are metal parts, especially in the form of hollow profiles, in the form of Flat material (solid material) or round profiles.

According to a variant, the stiffening elements are inside of the plastic hollow profile and are so the eye in essentially hidden.

Alternatively, it can be provided or additionally that stiffening elements outside on the surfaces of the hollow plastic profile are arranged. Such surfaces are preferred selected that later in the finished insulating glass system or remain hidden from the insulating washers. These are in particular the side surfaces of the hollow plastic profiles or also those that are external to the finished frame Surfaces.

The stiffening elements are not inside the plastic hollow profile arranged, then it is advisable to the charged Provide surface recesses, these of can be extruded into the plastic hollow profile beforehand or can be molded into the corner area afterwards.

Those on the side or on the outside are further preferred Surfaces of the hollow plastic profiles used or inserted stiffening elements cast or in the plastic hollow profile melted down.

This results in a particularly secure mounting of the stiffening elements, so that when handling the plastic spacer frame not be lost.

Fig. 1

eine ausschnittsweise Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Abstandshalterprofilrahmen mit einem Versteifungselement aus Flachmaterial;

Fig. 2

eine Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Kunststoff-Abstandshalterrahmens gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine andere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Kunststoff-Abstandshalterrahmens mit mehreren Varianten des Versteifungselements;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Kunststoff-Abstandshalterrahmens;

Fig. 5

eine weitere Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Kunststoff-Abstandshalterrahmens;

Fig. 6 bis 9

Schnittdarstellungen von erfindungsgemäßen Kunststoff-Abstandshalterrahmen mit mehreren Varianten der erfindungsgemäßen Versteifungselemente;

Fig. 10

zwei weitere Varianten von erfindungsgemäß zu verwendenden Versteifungselementen bei Kunststoff-Abstandshalterrahmen;

Fig. 11

eine weitere Variante eines Kunststoff-Abstands-halterrahmens mit einem erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Versteifungselement.

These and other advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The individual shows:

Fig. 1

a partial view of a spacer profile frame according to the invention with a stiffening element made of flat material;

Fig. 2

a variant of the plastic spacer frame according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3

another embodiment of the plastic spacer frame according to the invention with several variants of the stiffening element;

Fig. 4

another variant of the plastic spacer frame according to the invention;

Fig. 5

another variant of the plastic spacer frame according to the invention;

6 to 9

Sectional representations of plastic spacer frames according to the invention with several variants of the stiffening elements according to the invention;

Fig. 10

two further variants of stiffening elements to be used according to the invention in plastic spacer frames;

Fig. 11

a further variant of a plastic spacer frame with a stiffening element used according to the invention.

Fig. La shows a section of a plastic hollow profile frame according to the invention 10, which acts as a spacer for insulating glass panes serves, namely a corner area 12. The spacer frame 10 essentially consists of a hollow plastic profile 14 and stiffening elements used in the corner areas 12 16 together. The stiffening elements 16 are made of a band-shaped metallic material, for example Sheet steel, manufactured and have a cross-section (cf. 1d) a trapezoidal or dovetail-shaped structure on. The plastic hollow profile 14 has on its side walls 18 recesses that are complementary to that in Fig. 1d Cross section of the metallic strip material 16 shown are. This allows the metallic stiffening elements 16 insert into the side surface of the hollow plastic profile or clip in, the latter especially if the trapezoidal structure the cross section of the strip material 16 is not all too is pronounced (cf. sectional view in Fig. 1b).

The then inserted in the plastic hollow profile in a straight form Stiffening elements 16 (Fig. 1c) can then together with the hollow profile 14 are bent into a corner region 12, such as this is finally shown in Fig. 1a.

A variant of the spacer frame according to the invention Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 2, with a detail from there a plastic spacer frame 20 shown in Fig. 2a is. Here, too, the corner region 22 has a hollow plastic profile 24 laterally inserted stiffening elements 26, the either in a straight form, as shown in Fig. 2b, in the straight plastic hollow profile 24 are used and then are bent together with this to a corner region 22 or but are pre-bent as shown in Fig. 2c, and then in an already bent corner area of the hollow plastic profile 24 are used.

Here too, the stiffening element 26 preferably has one Band material again in cross-section a trapezoidal shape, so that the undercuts contained in the side walls of the profile 24 the metallic stiffening element 26 there securely hold in place.

The stiffening element 26 is according to that shown in FIG. 2 Embodiment seen in the longitudinal direction with a central Constriction 27 provided which less material constraints when bending caused.

3 shows another variant of the present invention, in which the spacer frame 30 in the corner area 32 with rod-shaped stiffening elements inserted into a hollow profile 34 36 is fixed. The partial frame with the 3a, FIG. 3a shows laterally inserted stiffening elements, 3b is a sectional view along line IIIb-IIIb shows from which the box-shaped cross section of the hollow profile 34th can be seen as well as the molded in the hollow profile 34 Cutouts 38. The cutouts can either be done from the outset molded into the hollow profile 34 during the extrusion process become or subsequently, for example, cutting or by milling limited to the corner area.

As before, the stiffening elements 36 can be in the side surfaces of the hollow profile 34 in the corner area after the bending process be used or previously in the intended Area are used and then together with the hollow profile 34 are bent to form the corner region 32.

The stiffening elements 36 can have a rectangular cross section, as shown in Fig. 3d / 3e, or a round Cross section, shown in Fig. 3f / 3g.

3h shows a further variant of the stiffening elements, where the stiffening element 36 "is a roughened, for example knurled surface has what a better form fit allows with the plastic of the hollow profile 34.

As shown in Fig. 3c, the recesses 38 'can either with the stiffening elements, here in the form of the stiffening elements 36 ', or as in the lower area 3c, initially left open and then with resins or plastic, which can also contain reinforcing materials, can be poured out. Alternatively, you can use the Pour out a melting metal alloy. With it too the restoring forces of the plastic material of the Sufficiently compensate for the plastic hollow profile 34.

Another variant of the spacer frame according to the invention is shown in Fig. 4a, where a spacer frame 40 with its corner region 42 is shown. In the plastic hollow profile 44 is a stiffening element 46 laterally in a recess 48 and together with the hollow profile 44 to form the corner area bent. Alternatively, the stiffening element 46 be preformed and then into the already formed corner area 42 of the hollow profile 44 or the frame 40 are used. The special feature of the stiffening element 46 is in that there is initially a parallel to the kink Longitudinal direction of the stiffening element 46 aligned elongated Breakthrough 47 (see. Fig. 4b) and optionally in the respective edge area V-shaped notches 49, which in the Specify the exact point for the bending of the stiffening element 46.

In the bent state, the side edges of the opening come 47 in a middle area to the plant (cf. 4A) and can then be fixed with a welding spot. This allows a further stiffening of the corner area to be achieved.

In cross section, the stiffening element 46 can again be trapezoidal be as exemplified in FIG. 1 and in correspondingly formed recesses 48 in the side walls of the hollow profile 44 are fitted.

Another variant of the stiffening element shown in FIG. 4 is shown in Fig. 5a, where the stiffening element 52 has a V-shaped notch 54 which the Bending point defined for the stiffening element 52.

Alternatively, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 5a, the stiffening element is formed from a serrated endless material be, so that this is in any length can be cut to length in relation to the application and as a stiffening element can be used in different applications.

After the stiffening element as such or together is bent with a plastic hollow profile to a corner area (see Fig. 5b), the now adjacent edges of the Notch 54 at a weld spot or weld 56 connected with each other and thus lead to increased rigidity of the stiffening element bent in an angular range 52, which is an increased absorption of restoring forces of the bent Hollow plastic profile or plastic spacer equivalent. In cross section, this stiffening element 52 again similar to Fig. 1, so that here again a good fixation in a side surface of the hollow plastic profile results.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show different variants of the Arrangement of the stiffening elements in box-shaped hollow profiles, 6 in FIG. 6, a hollow profile 58 which extends in the longitudinal direction has an inner web 60, in two beveled corner areas 61, 62 is provided with recesses 64 into which reinforcing elements 66 can be used. The same applies here, that the stiffening elements either together with the hollow plastic profile 58 can be bent together to form a corner area can or after bending the plastic hollow profile 58th can be inserted into the recesses 64 in the corner area. Also here the recesses can be inserted into profile 58 from the outset be molded in or later on over the intended Subsequent length of the stiffening elements in the hollow profile be incorporated.

The variant of a hollow profile 68 shown in FIG. 7 is similar in FIG Cross section of the hollow profile 58, but points to it when finished Frame outward-facing surface lengthways continuous reinforced median strip 70 on the via an inner web 72 with the opposite, inwards facing wall of the hollow profile 68 is connected. This reinforced Center strip 70 has a recess 74 which either from the outset when extruding the hollow profile 68 can be formed or subsequently into the profile 68 is incorporated in the corner area and which is a stiffening element 76 records. The stiffening element 76 preferably has in cross section a trapezoidal structure and can be so clip securely into the recess 74. Again, the stiffening element 76 in a corner area that has already been formed and already used bent to the corner area are used or in the still straight hollow profile 68 and be bent together with this to the corner area.

Finally, FIG. 8 shows a hollow profile 78 with an essentially exact rectangular cross-section, in which the hollow chamber by an inner web 80, as already in a similar form in the Figures 6 and 7 shown is divided in two in the longitudinal direction. On the later outer surface of the hollow profile 78 Round rods inserted as reinforcing elements 82 in recesses 84, with the stiffening elements 82 before bending the hollow profile 78 or only after training of the corner area and then pre-bent to the angle in the recesses 84 can be inserted.

9 shows a further variant of the present invention, in which a hollow profile 86 has recesses on its side walls 88 has, inserted into the reinforcing elements 90, 90 ' can be. The stiffening elements 90 and 90 'of FIG. 9 differ from the previously shown stiffening elements from that they have pin-shaped projections 92, 92 'which in engage corresponding holes in the side wall of the hollow profile 86. Here are those designated by the reference number 92 Pins or protrusions are kept relatively short and engage Blind hole of the side wall of the hollow profile 86, while the Projections or pins 92 'in through holes in the side wall of the hollow profile 86 engage.

10 finally shows a section of an inventive one Spacer frame 100, which consists of a hollow profile 102 is made and includes a corner region 104. Again, a stiffening element according to the invention 106, which is used as a U-shaped bracket (see FIG. 10b) is executed. The free legs 108 of the bow-shaped stiffening element 106 engage as bores in bores in the side wall of the hollow profile 102 are provided, and fix thus the hollow profile 102 in the bent state.

Alternatively, the stiffening element 106 can also be a curved one Configuration, as shown in Fig. 10c, thereby the distance of the engaging in the side wall of the hollow profile 102 Enlarge the tenon from the corner point of corner area 104 and thus the stabilizing effect can be increased. Finally 11 is a spacer frame 110 according to the invention shown in detail with a corner region 112. The frame 110 is formed from a plastic hollow profile 114, which a receptacle or recess 116 on its side surfaces for a stiffening element 118. The stiffening element has a lattice-like structure in which intersecting Bridges stiffen the corner area.

The above description shows in detail and clearly, that the basic idea of the invention, the restoring forces of Hollow plastic profiles in the formation of an angled Plastic spacer frame through the use of stiffening elements to compensate in these corner areas, in manifold ways for those described in detail above Examples give testimony that can be realized.

Details above for specific forms of stiffening elements are often described in others Realize devices as well, even if not in everyone Case was referred to individually.

Claims (21)

Process for the production of plastic spacer frames for insulating panes, characterized in that a plastic hollow profile is provided with a stiffening element at an area to be angled and then the plastic profile is bent together with the metal part. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffening element is a metal part. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stiffening element has a tapered cross section in the region of the bend. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stiffening part is inserted into the cavity of the plastic profile. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the metal part is designed as a hollow profile, with a round or polygonal cross section or as a full flat material or round profile. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stiffening element is inserted in lateral recesses of the hollow plastic profile in the region of the bend. Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the metal part is roughened on at least part of the surfaces which are in contact with the plastic profile. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the recesses in the region of the bend are formed in the hollow plastic profile, preferably by machining. Process for the production of plastic spacer frames for insulating panes, characterized in that a hollow plastic profile is bent in an area provided for bending and then provided with a stiffening element. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the stiffening element is formed from a fast-curing resin, a low-melting metal alloy or an injectable, rigid, optionally fiber-reinforced plastic and is introduced into a lateral recess in the plastic profile in the bent area. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the resin or the sprayable plastic contains reinforcing materials and is in particular fiber-reinforced. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stiffening element is fixed in a curved shape, preferably welded, glued or compressed. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a U-shaped bracket is used as the stiffening element, which is inserted into the plastic profile with two pins. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stiffening element is designed as a lattice-like structure. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the stiffening element has been inserted or after the plastic hollow profile has been bent, the latter is cast in together with the stiffening element or is melted into the material of the plastic element. Plastic spacer frame for insulating washers made of a hollow plastic profile with one or more angled areas, characterized in that the frame comprises at least one reinforcing element arranged in the angled areas. Plastic spacer frame according to claim 16, characterized in that the stiffening element is a metal part, in particular in the form of a hollow profile, a full flat material or round profile. Plastic spacer frame according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the stiffening element is arranged in the interior of the hollow plastic profile. Stiffening element according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the stiffening element is arranged on one or more outer surfaces of the hollow plastic profile. Plastic spacer frame according to claim 19, characterized in that it has cutouts on the outer surfaces. Plastic spacer frame according to claim 20, characterized in that the stiffening elements are cast or melted.

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