Patent Description:
It is well known to provide spacer profiles in order to define the spacing between the panes of insulating glazing consisting of a plurality of parallel glass panes spaced by an insulating cavity.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> relate to spacers with a sealing element between the spacer and the panes.

Spacer profiles made of various materials and of various shapes are known in the art. Spacer profiles made by roll forming of a metal foil are widely used in the art and considered to be one of the preferred alternatives because of their stability and their low gas diffusion properties. Another type of widely used spacer profiles are hybrid spacer profiles having a profile body fully or partly made of a plastic material and provided with a foil made of materials such as metal, polymers or combinations thereof.

Insulating Glass Units (IG units) having a plurality of glass panes are made by automatic manufacturing machines. Spacer profiles are automatically bent to the desired size and shape and are arranged between two neighboring glass panes. Spacer profiles made of metal foils can be easily bent and will remain in the bent position.

Usually, a primary sealant is used between the sides of the spacer profile and the glass panes. Polyisobutylene (PIB) is the most common primary seal. The purpose of the primary seal is to make a gastight seal between the panes and the spacer. This is done to keep the gas inside the sealed space between the panes and the spacer and also to keep moisture out of the IG unit. The primary seal is usually supplemented with a secondary seal provided on the edge of the spacer and the glass panes so as to provide elastic structural bonding of the assembly. Solutions are seen, where the primary and the secondary sealant are the same component.

The primary sealant such as PIB has a limited adhesion property that can be used to hold the spacer in position during production, but the main purpose of the PIB is to maintain the gastight seal during stretching and compression as a result of pumping actions caused by sun and wind. However, when heated the PIB becomes less viscous and the pumping action of the panes causes the PIB to leak into the visible area of the IG unit. This phenomenon is known as creep. The problem with migration or creeping is increasing and it is expected that the global warming will add further to the problem.

Creep is not only an aesthetic problem. If it becomes too large, the IG unit must be changed, as there is a risk that the seal no longer is tight when the PIB is cooled during winter. If small pores are made when the butyl glue retracts then the gas between the panes can leak and/or humidity can enter the space between the panes.

The problem is of particular importance for bend profiles due to the traditional bending process. In the bending process mechanical support is applied to the sides of the spacer profile during the bending. Thereby it is secure that during the bending excess material does not enlarge the width of the spacer profile. This means that excess material is forced inwardly instead, and this can result is small cracks, pores or wrinkles on the outer side surface in the corners of the bend spacer profile. These, cracks, pores or wrinkles act as channels for the PIB during the pumping actions cause by sun and wind.

One attempt to solve this problem is to provide a groove in the spacer between the PIB and the interior of the IG unit. The groove functions as a reservoir, into which the PIB can expand when heated and from which it can retract when cooled. However, experience has shown that the reservoir becomes filled and thereafter the creep continues. Obvious solutions would be to increase the reservoir size and/or make additional reservoirs. Both solutions mean more complex profiles which increases production price and means increased risk of production errors. Thus, there is a need for a simpler solution that prevents the PIB from creeping into the visible area of the IG unit.

An object of the present invention is to solve the problem of PIB creep. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spacer profile for mounting between glass panes for forming an intervening space between said glass panes, where the risk of PIB creep is significantly reduced. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an IG unit comprising at least two panes and a spacer profile, where the risk of PIB creep into the visible area of the IG unit is reduced. Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing IG units comprising at least two panes and a spacer profile, where the resulting IG unit has a reduced risk of PIB creep into the visible area of the IG unit.

In general, the problem has been solved by adding a sealing element preferably positioned on or adjacent to the outer surface of the side walls of the spacer body of a spacer profile. With a sealing element is meant a construction which helps to prevent or limit the unintentional transition of a substance from one space to another. When the sealing element is used as described, it prevents or limits the PIB from creeping from the sealing position into the interior space of the IG unit.

According to the invention there is provided:
A spacer profile extending in a longitudinal direction Z and comprising a spacer body, said spacer body comprising:.

wherein the spacer profile further comprises a sealing element, the sealing element is in form of an elongated appendix wherein:.

Preferably, the sealing element is positioned on and/or adjacent to an outer surface of the side walls or being or forming an overhang over the side walls.

The sealing element is in form of an elongated appendix, preferably of a synthetic material. The elongated appendix is connected to the spacer body at a position being no more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the first distance d1 away from the inner wall, preferably no more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the first distance d1 away from the inner wall. Preferably the elongated appendix is connected to the spacer body at the position of the inner wall.

The elongated appendix extends in a direction from the inner wall and outwardly and forming an angle α with an extension line of the side wall between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees and most preferred between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

Preferably the distance between an extension line of the side wall and a line parallel therewith and touching the end of the elongated appendix is between between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> and more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. By having the elongated appendix extending further out than the sidewalls the primary sealant is prevented from entering the interior of an IGU.

The elongated appendix has a length L1 being no more than ½ of the height h of the side wall, preferably no more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the height h of the side walls and most preferred no more that ¼ of the height h of the side walls.

The advantages of this combination of the length L1 of the elongated appendix, the position at which it is attached to the spacer body and the angle are multiple:
Firstly, during bending the elongated appendix will be squeezed towards the side wall of the spacer body during bending, but is will reposition itself after the bending and thereby cover any cracks, pores or wrinkles formed during the bending. Thus, it will improved the sealing in the bend regions of the spacer body.

Secondly, it leaves room on the side walls for the primary sealant and forms a barrier between the primary sealant and the intervening space between the panes. Thereby butyl creep is prevented during the pumping actions caused by sun and wind.

Thirdly, the elongated appendix will always follow the panes and their movement during pumping actions and thereby a tight connection is kept.

Fourthly, a sharp uniform surface is visual from the outside, when looking into the IGU unit because no sealant is visible. Further, no metal, when used, will be visible as well. This is desired by customers.

In a particular suited embodiment the elongated appendix is combined with a groove positioned behind the elongated appendix. Preferably the groove has a length L2 being larger than the length L1.

The advantage of the combination of the elongated appendix and the groove is that the groove will function as a reservoir capable of store the butyl that might migrate during the pumping actions cause by sun and wind.

It is to be noted that the primary sealant usually will be put on the side wall and not on the elongated appendix. Thus any migrating primary sealant will be stopped by the elongated appendix and forced into the groove thereby keeping the visible area of the IG unit free from primary sealant.

When the groove has a length L2 being larger than the length L1 of the elongated appendix the elongated appendix can flip into the groove during the bending operation and thereby provide further protection of the elongated appendix during bending. After the bending operation the elongated appendix returns to its original position.

Preferably the synthetic material of elongated appendix is same synthetic material that is used for the spacer body.

Preferably the synthetic material of the elongated appendix is selected from the group consisting of: polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polycarbonates, ABS, SAN, PCABS. Co-polymers of the mentioned polymers can also be used.

When referring to the inner or outer surface of the inner wall, the outer wall, the side walls, the outer connection walls or the inner connection walls, respectively, the inner surface is the surface towards the chamber and the outer surface is the surface opposite to the chamber.

The spacer body can be made of various materials such as metals, polymers and/or combinations thereof.

The spacer body can be in form of a folded metal sheet, in which case the spacer body is exclusively made of metal, such as aluminum and stainless steel. Upon such a spacer body, a sealing element can be attached by use of an adhesive.

Alternatively, the spacer body can be made of a polymeric material, where the sealing element can either be attached to or be an integral part of the spacer body. An integral part is to be understood as the sealing element being molded/extruded/co-extruded together with the spacer body so that it is a continuous part of the spacer body.

In another variant the spacer body is a hybrid materiel comprising both polymeric material, reinforcements made of metal and optionally diffusion barriers made of metal or polymeric foils.

In a preferred embodiment the spacer body is be made of a polymeric material, where the elongated appendix is either be attached to or be an integral part of the spacer body. An integral part is to be understood as the sealing element being molded/extruded/coextruded together with the spacer body so that it is a continuous part of the spacer body.

In general, spacer profiles comprising spacer bodies made of thin walled stainless steel, plastic or hybrid materials are known as warm edge profiles. The invention is suitable for all types of warm edge profiles.

In preferred embodiments, the inner wall comprises opening so that there can be communication between the chamber and the intervening space of the IG unit. Thereby, the desiccant can remove any moisture entering the intervening space.

In variants, the chamber defined by the inner wall, the outer wall, the side walls and optionally inner connection walls and/or outer connection walls can be further divided into smaller chambers. This can be done by applying separation walls in the chamber. The separation walls have the advantage that they can support the structure of the spacer body and/or during use of multiple desiccants and keep them separated.

In one embodiment, the sealing element is in form of an adhesive polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing member in form of an adhesive polymer has an elongated shape with a rectangular, trapezoid or parallelogrammical cross section. It is particularly preferred that the adhesive polymer is positioned on the outer surface of the side walls of the spacer body but in a way leaving part of the outer surface of the side walls free so that the primary sealant can be applied there. In a preferred version, the adhesive polymer is positioned on the outer surface of the side walls in such a way that at least <NUM>/<NUM> of the surface is free, preferably more that <NUM>/<NUM> of the of the surface is free, even more preferred ½ of the surface is free, particularly it is preferred that ¾ of the surface is free and especially preferred <NUM>/<NUM> of the surface is free. This leaves room for the primary sealant to be positioned on the outer surface of the side walls and below the sealing element made of an adhesive polymer.

In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element in form of an adhesive polymer is in form of a shoulder joining the inner wall of the spacer body of the spacer profile. The shoulder extends from the inner wall and at least down to <NUM>/<NUM> of the height of the side walls, preferably at least down to <NUM>/<NUM> of the height of the side walls.

The sealing element in form of an adhesive polymer can be used on both a space profile made of folded metal, on spacer profiles made of a polymeric material and on hybrid spacer profiles made of a combination of a polymeric material and metals.

Particularly suited adhesive polymers are made of polyamides, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethanes, and a variety of block copolymers and elastomers such as butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber and EDPM rubbers.

In another embodiment, the sealing element is in form of an elongated body with a rectangular, trapezoid or parallelogrammical cross section made of a first polymeric material. At least one of the sides of said elongated body is provided with an adhesive.

Preferred polymers for the first polymeric material are polymeric foams, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers and EDPM rubbers. Suitable polymeric foams are foams such as a polyurethane foam or a polyisocyanurate foam.

Preferred adhesives are epoxies, polyurethanes, polyimides.

According to the invention, there is further provided an IG unit comprising at least two panes arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart with a spacer frame thereby forming an intervening space therebetween, said spacer frame is made from a spacer profile comprising a spacer body, said spacer body comprising:.

wherein the IG unit further comprises a sealing element sealing element is in form of an elongated appendix wherein:.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element in the IG unit is in form of an adhesive polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing member in form of an adhesive polymer has an elongated shape with a rectangular, trapezoid or parallelogrammical cross section.

It is particularly preferred that the adhesive polymer is positioned on the outer surface of the side walls of the spacer but in a way leaving part of the outer surface of the side walls free so that the primary sealant can be applied there. In a preferred version the adhesive polymer is positioned on the outer surface of the side walls in such a way that at least <NUM>/<NUM> of the surface is free, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the of the surface is free, even more preferred ½ of the surface is free, particularly it is preferred that ¾ of the surface is free and especially preferred <NUM>/<NUM> of the surface is free. This leaves room for the primary sealant to be positioned on the outer surface of the side walls and below the sealing element made of an adhesive polymer.

In another embodiment of the IG unit, the sealing element is in form of an elongated body with a rectangular, trapezoid or parallelogrammical cross section made of a first polymeric material. At least one of the sides of said elongated body is provided with an adhesive. Suitable materials for the first polymeric material are polymeric foams, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers and EDPM rubbers. Suitable polymeric foams are foams such as a polyurethane foam or a polyisocyanurate foam.

According to the invention, there is further provided a method for producing IG units comprising the steps of:.

Preferably, the sealing element is attached to the at least two panes, to the spacer profile or to the spacer frame prior to the primary sealant. The advantage of attaching the sealing element prior to applying the primary sealant is that it decreases the risk of the primary sealant entering the intervening space i.e. the visible area of the IG unit.

The invention further relates to a particularly suited spacer profile.

The particularly suited spacer profile is extending in a longitudinal direction Z and comprising a spacer body, said spacer body comprising:.

The particularly suited spacer profile may further comprise a diffusion barrier, where the diffusion barrier can be a barrier made of metal or a barrier made of a polymeric material. The diffusion barrier can be a single sheet, or it can be of multiple overlapping sheets. Suitable polymeric diffusion barriers are made of materials such as ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymers (EVOH).

Another suitable polymer-based diffusion barrier is made of polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preferably sputtered with a SiOx material where <NUM> ≤ X ≤ <NUM>.

In a preferred version, at least part of the profile body is made of a polymeric material. Preferably, the polymeric material is a poor heat conduction. Suited polymeric materials can be selected from the group consisting of Polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, polyamides, polycarbonates, ABS, SAN, PCABS. Co-polymers of the mentioned polymers can also be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongated appendix is made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethanes. Alternatively, the elongated appendix can be made of a variety of block copolymers and elastomers such as butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber and EDPM rubbers. Particularly preferred are EDPM rubbers and polyamides.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongated appendix forms an overhang over the side walls.

Preferably, the profile body further comprises a groove in the side walls. The groove being positioned so that at least a part of the elongated appendix fits into the groove. The elongated appendix can then be partly pushed into the groove, when pressure is applied on the outer side. Thereby, a tight but flexible sealing is obtained, and the risk of the primary sealant, usually in form of PIB, creeping into the visible part of the IG unit is minimized.

Preferably, the elongated appendix is bendable so that it will bend towards the side walls, when light to moderate pressure is applied on the outside. With light to moderate pressure is understood the forces usually applied when mounting the spacer profile in an IG unit.

In a variant of the particularly suited spacer profile, the profile body is at least partly made of a polymeric material of the above kind, and the spacer profile comprises a diffusion barrier of metal being firmly bonded with the profile body. The diffusion barrier comprises at least four (<NUM>) bendings, where the first bending is a bending of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°. This combination provides a spacer profile that has suitable stiffness while still having very few wrinkles when bent into a frame during production of IG units. The diffusion barrier can also comprise a bending of <NUM>° thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. This gives an increased stiffness and especially when combined with a first bending of at least <NUM>°.

In a particularly suited variant the groove behind the elongated appendix is formed by the diffusion barrier.

Only the embodiments shown in <FIG>, <FIG> form part of the present invention. In <FIG>, a spacer profile <NUM> is illustrated. The spacer profile <NUM> comprises a profile body <NUM>, where the profile body comprises an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. When mounted between the panes in an IG unit, the inner wall is facing towards the interior of the IG unit, i.e. the intervening space formed between the panes and the spacer. The profile body in <FIG> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. The angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h. In <FIG>, the inner wall and the outer wall are illustrated as being parallel, but that does not have to be the case. Solutions exist, where the inner wall and the outer wall are separated by a first distance d1, and where they are slanted, curved etc. relative to each other. The inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM> and the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM>, the chamber being suitable for containing a desiccant.

<FIG> illustrate a cross section of four different spacer profiles. In <FIG>, the spacer comprises a profile body <NUM> which comprises an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of a height h. Their orientation relative to the inner wall can be as described for <FIG>. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM> and the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> have an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>, where the inner surface is the surface towards the chamber <NUM>, and the outer surface <NUM> is the opposite side. Usually, the outer surface <NUM> is the place where a primary sealant such as PIB is applied, when the spacer profile is mounted in an IG unit.

The spacer profile in <FIG> differs from the spacer profile in <FIG> in that the spacer body <NUM> further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The outer connection walls can be straight as illustrated, but other shapes such as curved, concave, convex etc. can also be useable. As can be seen from <FIG>, the height h of the side walls are decreased, when the outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> are present compared to the height of a the side walls, when the profile body does not comprise outer connection wall as illustrated in <FIG>.

The spacer in <FIG> differs from the spacer in <FIG> in that the spacer body <NUM> further comprises two inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the inner wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The advantage of the inner connection walls is that they provide a surface upon which a sealing element can be attached. Thus, a sealing element can be secured by both a part of the outer surface <NUM> of the connection walls and at least a part of the inner connection walls. The inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be straight, curved, have a roughened outer surface, be corrugated or the like in order to improve the fixation properties. The fixation to the inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

The spacer in <FIG> differs from the spacer in <FIG> in that the spacer body <NUM> further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> and two inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. The inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> with the inner wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, the two inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> have a height h.

<FIG> illustrate the spacer from <FIG> with sealing elements <NUM>. As is evident from <FIG>, the sealing elements could be attached to any one of the spacer profiles in <FIG>, and the sealing element could also be utilized together with other design variant of spacer profiles. <FIG> illustrates a spacer profile <NUM> comprising a spacer body <NUM>. The spacer body <NUM> comprises an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> being separated by a first distance d1. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other, or they can be slightly slanted. The angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The spacer profile <NUM> further comprises two sealing elements <NUM> attached to the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the profile body <NUM>. In the embodiment in <FIG>, the sealing elements <NUM> covers <NUM>/<NUM> of the height h of the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls. The sealing element <NUM> can be made of a single polymer, or it can be a composite material. Further, the sealing elements <NUM> can have inherent adhesive properties, or an adhesive can be applied to the surface being connected to the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. When the spacer profile <NUM> is positioned in an IG unit, the primary sealant, typically PIB, is positioned on the outer surface <NUM> of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and on the part of the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM> extending from the sealing element and towards the outer connection elements <NUM>, <NUM>. The primary sealant typically will extend onto the surface of the outer connection elements, where the primary sealant meets with a secondary sealant. In case on a primary sealing being used, it typically covers the outer surface of the outer wall. <FIG> is a variant of <FIG>, where the sealing elements <NUM> covers ½ of the height h of the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls.

<FIG> illustrate embodiments, where the sealing elements <NUM> are fixed at least to a part of the outer surface of the inner connection elements <NUM>,<NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a spacer profile <NUM> comprising a profile body <NUM>, where the profile body <NUM> comprises an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> being separated by a first distance d1. The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. The angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance, and they have a height h. The spacer body <NUM> further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> and two inner connection walls <NUM>,<NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. The inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> with the inner wall <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the spacer profile further comprises two sealing elements <NUM>, where the sealing element <NUM> is attached to at least a part of the outer surface of the inner connection walls <NUM>,<NUM> and being adjacent to the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The advantage of using inner connection wall <NUM>,<NUM> for fixing the sealing element is that a long fixation surface can be obtained while maintaining the same height of the spacer and leaving more space on the outside of the side walls <NUM>,<NUM> for the primary sealant. Thereby, a better sealing can be obtained while still having sealing element <NUM> for keeping the primary sealant out of the interior of an IG unit. In the embodiment in <FIG>, the sealing element <NUM> roughly extends along the inner connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> and to the point where the sidewalls <NUM>,<NUM> begin. This leaves alle the outer surface of the side wall <NUM>,<NUM> free for the primary sealant. The primary sealant can then be applied to the free area <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

The embodiment in <FIG> differs from the embodiment in <FIG> in that the sealing element extends <NUM>/<NUM> way down of the height h of the outer side <NUM> of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the sealing element <NUM> forms a shoulder like structure on the outside of the profile body <NUM>. The advantage of extending the sealing element down on the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> is that the sealing effect is increased so as to better keep the primary sealant out of the intervening spacer of the IG unit. The embodiment in <FIG> illustrates that the sealing element extends <NUM>/<NUM> of the height of the side walls. However other solutions such as <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM> or ¾ are contemplated.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment, where the sealing element <NUM> is an integral part of the profile body <NUM>. The spacer profile <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises a profile body <NUM>, where the profile body comprises an inner wall <NUM> being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. As described earlier, the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. When slanted, the angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h.

The profile body further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The profile body <NUM> further comprises a sealing element <NUM>, here in form of a sealing flange <NUM>. In a suitable embodiment, the profile body is at least partly made of a first polymeric material, and the sealing flange can be of the same polymeric material, or in variants it can be of a second polymeric material. The spacer profile <NUM> may further comprise a diffusion barrier <NUM> firmly bonded with the profile body. The diffusion barrier <NUM> can be of a metal material, or it can be a polymeric material. In case of a polymeric material the barrier can be sputtered with SiOx where X can be any number from and including <NUM> up to and including <NUM>. The spacer profile <NUM> can further comprise reinforcement elements such as a wire in the profile body, or the barrier material is bended so as to increase stiffness. A preferred solution is to use a diffusion barrier <NUM> made of a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Such a barrier can be bended so as to increase the stiffness of the spacer profile <NUM>. A preferred bending pattern comprises at least four (<NUM>) bendings, where the first bending <NUM> is a bending of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°. Another preferred bending pattern comprises a <NUM>° bend as the last bending <NUM> thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. An even more preferred bending pattern comprises a first bending <NUM> of at least <NUM>° and a last bending <NUM> of <NUM>° thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. The overlapping layers are not shown in the figure. The sealing flange <NUM> is illustrated as being positioned in level with the inner wall <NUM>. However, other positions and extensions are possible. The sealing flange can be positioned in the first ½ of the height h of the side walls <NUM>,<NUM> measured from the inner wall <NUM>. More preferred is a position within the first <NUM>/<NUM> of the height h measured from the inner wall <NUM>. Preferably, the position and the width of the sealing flange leaves at least <NUM>/<NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> free, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the of the outer surface <NUM> is free, even more preferred is ½ of the outer surface <NUM> free, particularly it is preferred that ¾ of the outer surface <NUM> is free and especially preferred <NUM>/<NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> is free. The free area <NUM> of the outer surface can be used for sealing with the primary sealant when mounting the panes in the IG unit.

<FIG> illustrates a variant of the spacer in <FIG>. The spacer profile in <FIG> comprises a profile body <NUM>, where the profile body comprises an inner wall <NUM> being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. As described earlier, the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. When slanted, the angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h. The profile body further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The profile body <NUM> further comprises a sealing element <NUM>, here in form of an elongated appendix <NUM> extending from the profile body. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer profile <NUM> further comprises a groove <NUM> into which at least a part of the elongated appendix can fit. The profile body <NUM> is at least partly made of a first polymeric material and the elongated appendix can be of the same polymeric material, or in variants the elongated appendix can be of a second polymeric material. The spacer profile <NUM> further comprises a diffusion barrier <NUM> firmly bonded with the profile body. The diffusion barrier <NUM> can be of a metal material, or it can be a polymeric material. In case of a polymeric material, the barrier can be sputtered with SiOx where X can be any number from and including <NUM> up to and including <NUM>. The spacer profile <NUM> can further comprise reinforcement elements such as a wire in the profile body, or the barrier material is bended so as to increase stiffness. A preferred solution is to use a diffusion barrier <NUM> made of a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Such a barrier can be bended so as to increase the stiffness of the spacer profile <NUM>. A preferred bending pattern comprises at least four (<NUM>) bendings, where the first bending <NUM> is a bending of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°. Another preferred bending pattern comprises a <NUM>° bend as the last bending <NUM> thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. An even more preferred bending pattern comprises a first bending <NUM> of at least <NUM>° and a last bending <NUM> of <NUM>° thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. The overlapping layers are not shown in the figure.

<FIG> illustrates an IG unit <NUM> comprising a spacer profile <NUM> and two panes <NUM>, <NUM> arranged with the spacer between them so as to keep a distance between the panes <NUM>, <NUM> and thereby defining an intervening space <NUM>. The spacer profile <NUM> comprises a profile body <NUM> comprising an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. The inner wall <NUM> is facing towards the intervening space <NUM> of the IG unit <NUM>. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. The angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The IG unit <NUM> further comprises two sealing elements <NUM> attached to the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the profile body <NUM> and/or to the panes <NUM>,<NUM>. In the embodiment in <FIG>, the sealing elements <NUM> covers <NUM>/<NUM> of the height h of the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls. The sealing element <NUM> can be made of a single polymer, or it can be a composite material. Further, the sealing elements <NUM> can have inherent adhesive properties, or an adhesive can be applied to the surface being connected to the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The IG unit further comprises a primary sealant <NUM> located on the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls and on the opposite side of the sealing member than the intervening space <NUM> of the IG unit. The IG unit <NUM> further comprises an optional secondary sealant <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an IG unit <NUM> comprising a spacer profile <NUM> as described in <FIG> and two panes <NUM>,<NUM> arranged with a spacer profile between them so as to keep a distance between the panes <NUM>,<NUM> and thereby defining an intervening space <NUM>. The IG unit further comprises a primary sealant <NUM> located on the outer surface <NUM> of the side walls and on the opposite side of the sealing member than the intervening space <NUM> of the IG unit. The IG unit <NUM> further comprises an optional secondary sealant <NUM>. When the panes <NUM>,<NUM> are being fixed in the IG unit <NUM>, the elongated appendix <NUM> will bend towards the profile body and thereby forming a tight seal keeping the primary sealant <NUM> out the of intervening space <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment, where the sealing element <NUM> is an integral part of the profile body <NUM> an is in form of an elongated appendix <NUM> having a length L. The spacer profile <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises a profile body <NUM>, where the profile body comprises an inner wall <NUM> being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. As described earlier, the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. When slanted, the angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h.

The profile body further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The profile body <NUM> further comprises a sealing element <NUM>, here in form of an elongated appendix <NUM>. In a suitable embodiment, the profile body is at least partly made of a first polymeric material, and the sealing flange can be of the same polymeric material, or in variants it can be of a second polymeric material. The spacer profile <NUM> may further comprise a diffusion barrier <NUM> firmly bonded with the profile body. The diffusion barrier <NUM> can be of a metal material, or it can be a polymeric material. In case of a polymeric material the barrier can be sputtered with SiOx where X can be any number from and including <NUM> up to and including <NUM>. The spacer profile <NUM> can further comprise reinforcement elements such as a wire in the profile body, or the barrier material is bended so as to increase stiffness. A preferred solution is to use a diffusion barrier <NUM> made of a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Such a barrier can be bended so as to increase the stiffness of the spacer profile <NUM>. A preferred bending pattern comprises at least four (<NUM>) bendings, where the first bending <NUM> is a bending of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°. Another preferred bending pattern comprises a <NUM>° bend as the last bending <NUM> thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. An even more preferred bending pattern comprises a first bending <NUM> of at least <NUM>° and a last bending <NUM> of <NUM>° thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. The overlapping layers are not shown in the figure. Elongated appendix <NUM> is illustrated as being positioned in level with the inner wall <NUM>. However, other positions and extensions are possible. The elongated appendix <NUM> forms an angle α with the extension line <NUM> of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees and most preferred between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

The length L of the elongated appendix is no more than ½ of the height h of the side wall, preferably no more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the height h of the side walls and most preferred no more that ¼ of the height h of the side walls. Thereby, the position and the length of the elongated appendix <NUM> leaves at least <NUM>/<NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> free, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the of the outer surface <NUM> is free, even more preferred is ½ of the outer surface <NUM> free, particularly it is preferred that ¾ of the outer surface <NUM> is free and especially preferred <NUM>/<NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> is free. The free area <NUM> of the outer surface can be used for sealing with the primary sealant when mounting the panes in the IG unit and the elongated appendix prevents it from creeping into the interior of the IGU.

<FIG> illustrates spacer profile which comprises a profile body <NUM>, where the profile body comprises an inner wall <NUM> being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and an outer wall <NUM> being separated from the inner wall <NUM> by a first distance d1. The profile body <NUM> further comprises two side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. As described earlier, the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be parallel to each other or they can be slightly slanted. When slanted, the angle θ between the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or even more preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a second distance d2, and they have a height h. The profile body further comprises two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> connect the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM>. Together the inner wall <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM>, the two side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the two outer connection walls <NUM>, <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> suitable for containing a desiccant. The profile body <NUM> further comprises a sealing element <NUM>, here in form of an elongated appendix <NUM> extending from the profile body. The elongated appendix <NUM> forms an angle α with the extension line <NUM> of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees and most preferred between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

The length L of the elongated appendix is no more than ½ of the height h of the side wall, preferably no more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the height h of the side walls and most preferred no more that ¼ of the height h of the side walls. Thereby, the position and the length of the elongated appendix <NUM> leaves at least <NUM>/<NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> free, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the of the outer surface <NUM> is free, even more preferred is ½ of the outer surface <NUM> free, particularly it is preferred that ¾ of the outer surface <NUM> is free and especially preferred <NUM>/<NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> is free.

The profile body <NUM> is at least partly made of a first polymeric material and the elongated appendix can be of the same polymeric material, or in variants the elongated appendix can be of a second polymeric material. The spacer profile <NUM> further comprises a diffusion barrier <NUM> firmly bonded with the profile body. The diffusion barrier <NUM> can be of a metal material, or it can be a polymeric material. In case of a polymeric material, the barrier can be sputtered with SiOx where X can be any number from and including <NUM> up to and including <NUM>. The spacer profile <NUM> can further comprise reinforcement elements such as a wire in the profile body, or the barrier material is bended so as to increase stiffness. A preferred solution is to use a diffusion barrier <NUM> made of a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. Such a barrier can be bended so as to increase the stiffness of the spacer profile <NUM>. A preferred bending pattern comprises at least four (<NUM>) bendings, where the first bending <NUM> is a bending of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°. Another preferred bending pattern comprises a <NUM>° bend as the last bending <NUM> thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. An even more preferred bending pattern comprises a first bending <NUM> of at least <NUM>° and a last bending <NUM> of <NUM>° thereby forming two substantially parallel overlapping layers. The overlapping layers are not shown in the figure.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the spacer profile <NUM> further comprises a groove <NUM> with a length L2 into which the elongated appendix can fit. The groove <NUM> is formed by the diffusion barrier <NUM>. Alternatively the groove <NUM> can be formed in the sidewall itself.

Claim 1:
A spacer profile (<NUM>) extending in a longitudinal direction Z and comprising a spacer body (<NUM>), said spacer body comprising:
- an inner wall (<NUM>) having a first width, said inner wall being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z,
- an outer wall (<NUM>) having a second width, said outer wall and said inner wall being separated by a first distance d1,
- two side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a height h, said two side walls being separated by a second distance d2,
- the inner wall (<NUM>), the outer wall (<NUM>) and the two side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) together are forming a chamber (<NUM>) suitable for containing a desiccant,
- optionally the spacer body further comprises two outer connection walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending between said two side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said outer wall (<NUM>) such that the inner wall (<NUM>), the outer wall (<NUM>), the two side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the outer connection walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) together are forming the chamber (<NUM>) suitable for containing a desiccant,
- optionally the spacer body further comprises two inner connection walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending between said two side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said inner wall (<NUM>) such that that the inner wall (<NUM>), the outer wall (<NUM>), the two side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the inner connection walls together (<NUM>, <NUM>) are forming the chamber (<NUM>) suitable for containing a desiccant; wherein spacer profile (<NUM>) further comprises a sealing element (<NUM>) characterized in that the sealing element (<NUM>) is in form of an elongated appendix (<NUM>) wherein:
- said elongated appendix (<NUM>) is connected to the spacer body at a position being no more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the first distance d1 away from the inner wall (<NUM>)
- said elongated appendix (<NUM>) extends in a direction from the inner wall and outwardly and forming an angle α with an extension line of the side wall between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees
- said elongated appendix (<NUM>) has a length L1 being no more than ½ of the height h of the side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>).