Method of assembling insulating glass sheet comprising at least one thin glass

Abstract

A method for assembling an insulating glass sheet comprising two outer glass sheets and at least one thin glass sheet therebetween is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: in a first application station, applying a first flexible spacing bar to a first outer layer glass to form a first frame-shaped spacer; after applying the first spacing bar, in a first pressing station, joining the first outer glass with the thin glass to form a glass assembly; applying a second flexible spacer strip onto the thin glass of the glass assembly after joining to form the glass assembly to form a frame-shaped spacer; after the second spacer bar is applied, in the second pressing station, the glass assembly and at least one second outer layer glass form a three-layer or four-layer insulating glass sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention is based on a method and apparatus for assembling a triple-layer insulated glass panel. The triple-layer insulated glass panel is mass-produced on an industrial production line, wherein first, second, and third glass sheets are continuously fed to an apparatus having an application station and a pressing station located downstream of the application station. Each station has a horizontal conveyor on which the glass sheets are conveyed one after another in an upright position. Each horizontal conveyor works in conjunction with a support wall, on which the upright glass sheets are supported at a rearward angle. The first and third glass sheets each form the outer layer of the finished insulated glass panel. The second glass sheet forms the middle layer of the finished insulated glass panel. In the application station, flexible spacers are applied to each of the second and third glass sheets. In the pressing station, the three glass sheets are assembled into a triple-layer insulated glass panel, and, if necessary, the three glass sheets are filled with a gas other than air. Background Technology

[0002] Patent WO2020028056A1 discloses a three-layer insulated glass panel, in which the middle glass is formed of a thin glass layer. The insulated glass panel has a 0.5mm thick thin glass layer between two outer glass layers, each 5mm thick. Therefore, the thin glass layer is unstable and easily bends and breaks. Insulated glass panels with thin glass layers of 2mm or less have been produced using rigid prefabricated spacer frames. Therefore, to date, the amount of work required to assemble such insulated glass panels is extremely large.

[0003] Patent WO2021126607A1 discloses a method for assembling a triple-layered insulating glass panel with an inner thin glass layer, wherein a rigid spacer frame of the desired dimensions is prefabricated and attached to the thin glass layer. Subsequently, the upright thin glass layer is joined to the outer glass layer in a pressing station.

[0004] US20240167325A1 discloses a method for assembling a horizontally placed three- or four-layer insulated glass panel with at least one inner thin glass layer, wherein components of the glass panel are stacked on top of horizontally placed outer glass layers. Prefabricated rigid spacer frames and glass sheets are placed on top of each other to form a stack. A sealant is applied between the spacer frames and the glass panels. The entire stack is then horizontally conveyed to an oven press, where it is heated and pressed together. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling an insulating glass panel comprising two outer glass layers and at least one thin glass layer between them, wherein, in particular, the method reduces the amount of work and / or time required to manufacture such an insulating glass panel.

[0006] This objective of the invention has been achieved by the method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] In the method according to the invention, a first flexible spacer is applied to a first outer glass layer to form a first frame-shaped spacer. The method for assembling the insulating glass panel is carried out using equipment comprising a plurality of stations arranged sequentially. The method according to the invention is performed using at least one application station, a first pressing station, and a second pressing station. The first pressing station is arranged downstream of the application station. The second pressing station is arranged downstream of the first pressing station. The first flexible spacer is applied to the first outer glass layer in the application station. The first spacer can form a frame-shaped spacer on the first outer glass layer. After the first spacer is applied, the first outer glass layer is joined with a thin glass to form a glass assembly. In the first pressing station, the first outer glass layer and the thin glass are joined to form the glass assembly. During the joining process, the distance between the thin glass and the first outer glass layer can be reduced until the thin glass rests on the first spacer and has a predetermined distance from the first outer glass layer. In particular, the distance between the thin glass and the first outer glass layer can be reduced transversely to the glass plane (especially while keeping the thin glass and the first outer glass layer parallel). Once the glass assemblies are joined together, a second flexible spacer is applied to the thin glass of the glass assembly to form a frame-shaped spacer. Specifically, the second spacer can form a frame-shaped spacer on the thin glass. After the application of the second spacer, the glass assembly is completed together with at least one second outer glass layer to form a three- or four-layer insulated glass panel. Glass assembly is completed at a second pressing station to form the three- or four-layer insulated glass panel.

[0008] Thin glass refers to a glass sheet with a thickness of 2 mm or less. Thin glass forms the middle or inner glass layer in a finished insulating glass panel. The outer glass layer is a glass sheet with two opposing surfaces; its first surface faces the thin glass layer in the finished insulating glass panel, and its second surface faces the outside of the finished glass panel. Therefore, the first surface of the outer glass layer forms the inner side of the finished glass panel. Conversely, the second surface of the outer glass layer forms the outer side of the finished insulating glass panel. The thickness of the outer glass layer can be between 2 mm and 15 mm. Specifically, it can range from 3 mm to 8 mm.

[0009] This invention has significant advantages:

[0010] This invention makes it possible to process upright thin glass with flexible spacers into three- or / or four-layer insulated glass panels on an industrial scale.

[0011] This invention eliminates the need to apply spacers to individual thin glass panes.

[0012] Applying flexible spacers to thin glass can cause considerable problems. When the hot material of the thermoplastic spacer is applied to a separate thin glass piece, a significant amount of heat is introduced into the thin glass at certain points, leading to severe deformation. The glass becomes wavy, making further processing impossible. This invention avoids this. The thermoplastic spacer applied to the outer glass layer is sufficiently cooled when bonded to the thin glass in the pressing station. Furthermore, when the thin glass is placed on the finished spacer, heat is not applied to specific points on the thin glass, but rather substantially uniformly along the entire edge. This prevents unacceptably high deformation and waviness in the thin glass, as well as unacceptably high deformation and stress.

[0013] The flexible spacer strip, pulled from the supply roller and applied to the glass sheet by the machine, is under prestress. If it is applied directly to the individual thin glass, it will result in an unacceptably high curvature in the thin glass.

[0014] This invention enables flexible spacers to be specifically applied to the outer glass or to a thin glass sheet already attached to the outer glass sheet to form a glass assembly. The glass sheet forming the outer glass is itself highly stable, sufficient to absorb the forces acting on the glass sheet when the flexible spacer is used directly. Due to its inherent high stability, the outer glass can effectively compensate for the stress introduced into the glass sheet when the spacer is applied. If the outer glass with a spacer applied along its entire edge is subsequently assembled with the thin glass, this no longer causes any unacceptably high stress and / or deformation in the thin glass.

[0015] The inventors were surprised to find that the thin glass, already bonded to the outer glass sheet to form the glass assembly, was therefore sufficiently stable. This invention allows flexible spacers to be applied to the thin glass of the glass assembly without causing unacceptably high stress and / or deformation in the thin glass.

[0016] Therefore, using this invention, insulated glass panels containing thin glass can be produced very quickly with a short production cycle. This allows for their mass production. Triple-pane insulated glass panels containing thin glass can be produced at the same thickness as previous double-pane insulated glass panels. Therefore, older insulated glass panels can be replaced with better triple-pane insulated glass panels without requiring changes to the window frame structure. This simplifies building modernization.

[0017] • Using spacers that have not yet been pre-assembled into a frame shape means that glass sheets of special shapes and / or with non-rectangular external profiles can be easily and flexibly processed into triple-layered insulated glass panels.

[0018] In another embodiment, the thin glass and the outer glass including the first spacer can be conveyed one after another in an upright state to a first pressing station, where they are joined together to form a glass assembly. The thin glass can be conveyed upright at its lower edge to the pressing station. The thin glass is conveyed upright at its edge through the application station without interruption, i.e., without stopping and without being processed by the application station. In particular, after the spacer has been applied to the thin glass of the glass assembly, the glass assembly can be conveyed upright to the pressing station.

[0019] In another embodiment, in the pressing station, the thin glass supported by the first pressing plate can be adsorbed onto the second pressing plate. For this purpose, the pressing station can have a suction device for adsorbing the thin glass onto the second pressing plate. The second pressing plate, on which the thin glass is adsorbed, is then removed from the first pressing plate. This is achieved by increasing the distance between the two pressing plates. The first outer glass is conveyed to the pressing station, where it is supported by the first pressing plate. In the pressing station, the first outer glass can be positioned concentrically or aligned with the thin glass adsorbed on the second pressing plate. Adsorption of the thin glass onto the second pressing plate is terminated after the thin glass has been bonded to the first outer glass. The side length of the thin glass can be several millimeters shorter than the side length of the outer glass (e.g., 3 mm shorter on each side). In this case, the thin glass can be raised and / or the first outer glass can be lowered in the pressing station until the thin glass is positioned concentrically with the first outer glass. For example, raising and / or lowering can be achieved by tilting the conveyor belt of the horizontal conveyor in the first pressing station at a corresponding angle before the glass sheet resting on the conveyor belt is adsorbed onto the corresponding pressing plate. Inclined conveyor belts are known and described, for example, in patent EP1769130B1. A first outer glass pane and a smaller, thinner glass pane are positioned relative to each other such that the edge of the thinner glass pane lies entirely within the edge of the first outer glass pane. This type of insulated glass panel is also known as a "panel with steps on all four sides." The sensitive edges of the thinner glass pane can thus be better protected from damage.

[0020] In another embodiment, the thin glass supported by the first pressing plate can first be adsorbed onto the first pressing plate in the pressing station. A second pressing plate is placed against the thin glass while maintaining its adsorption onto the first pressing plate. Before ceasing adsorption onto the first pressing plate, the thin glass is adsorbed onto the second pressing plate. Thus, the thin glass is held between the two pressing plates in the first pressing station for a period of time and simultaneously adsorbed onto both pressing plates. This ensures particularly good flatness of the thin glass. When the thin glass is subsequently placed on a still-warm thermoplastic spacer, full-surface suction reduces deformation of the thin glass.

[0021] In another embodiment, specifically, the triple-layered insulating glass panel is produced as follows: before the first spacer is applied to the first outer glass, the second outer glass and the thin glass are conveyed one after another in an upright position through an application station. The second outer glass is conveyed continuously and without processing through a first pressing station. The second outer glass is conveyed upright to a second pressing station. During conveying, the second outer glass is supported by a first pressing plate at the second pressing station. In the second pressing station, the second outer glass is adsorbed onto a second pressing plate. The second pressing plate with the second outer glass adsorbed thereon can be removed from the first pressing plate at the second pressing station. After the second outer glass, the thin glass is conveyed upright to the first pressing station. After the first spacer is applied, the first outer glass is conveyed upright from the application station to the first pressing station. The thin glass is already located at the first pressing station. In the first pressing station, the thin glass and the first outer glass are joined together to form a glass assembly. To apply the second spacer to the thin glass, the glass assembly is transported back to the application station located upstream of the first pressing station. After the second spacer has been applied to the thin glass of the glass assembly, the glass assembly is transported upright to the second pressing station. After the second outer glass has been removed from the first pressing plate, the glass assembly is transported to the second pressing station, where it is supported by the first pressing plate of the second pressing station, specifically by the first outer glass. At the second pressing station, the glass assembly and the second outer glass are joined together to form a triple-layered insulating glass panel. During joining, the glass assembly and the second outer glass are parallel to each other. During assembly, the distance between the second outer glass and the glass assembly can be reduced until the second outer glass rests on the second spacer and the first outer glass has a predetermined distance from the second outer glass. After joining, the suction of the second outer glass can be terminated, and the triple-layered insulating glass panel is transported upright out of the second pressing station.

[0022] In another embodiment, specifically, the four-layer insulating glass panel is produced as follows: a third flexible spacer is applied to the second outer glass sheet to form a third frame-shaped spacer. Before the application of the first spacer and before the application of the third spacer, the second thin glass is conveyed upright through the application station and into the first pressing station. After the second thin glass, the second outer glass is conveyed upright to the application station. In the application station, the third flexible spacer may be applied to the second outer glass. After the application of the third spacer, the second outer glass is joined with the second thin glass to form a second glass assembly (particularly in the first pressing station). For joining, the second outer glass is conveyed upright from the application station to the first pressing station. Specifically, the second thin glass may already be there. During joining, the distance between the second thin glass and the second outer glass may be reduced until the second thin glass rests on the third spacer and has a predetermined distance from the second outer glass. After the second outer glass, the first thin glass is conveyed through the application station. After the first thin glass, the first outer glass is conveyed upright to the application station. In the application station, a first flexible spacer is applied to the first outer glass layer. After the second glass assembly has been joined together, it can be conveyed upright from the first pressing station to the rotating station. In the rotating station, the second glass assembly is rotated about an upright axis of rotation. After the second glass assembly, the first thin glass is conveyed upright to the first pressing station. After rotation, the second glass assembly is conveyed upright from the rotating station to the second pressing station. The second glass assembly is supported by a first pressing plate in the second pressing station, specifically on the second thin glass. In the second pressing station, the second outer glass layer of the second glass assembly is adsorbed onto a second pressing plate in the second pressing station. In the second pressing station, the second pressing plate on which the second glass assembly is adsorbed can be removed from the first pressing plate. After the first spacer is applied to the first outer glass layer, it can be conveyed upright from the application station to the first pressing station. Specifically, the first thin glass may already be there. In the first pressing station, the first thin glass and the first outer glass layer are joined together to form the first glass assembly. After the first glass assemblies have been joined together, a second flexible spacer is applied to the first thin glass layer of the first glass assembly. To apply the second spacer to the first thin glass layer, the first glass assembly can be transported back to an application station located upstream of the first pressing station. After the second spacer has been applied to the first thin glass layer of the first glass assembly, the first glass assembly is transported upright to the second pressing station. The first glass assembly is supported by a first pressing plate at the second pressing station, specifically on the first outer glass layer. Specifically, the second glass assembly may already be located at the second pressing station and has been removed from the first pressing plate. In particular, the first glass assembly can be transported without rotation through a rotating station.A first glass assembly with a second spacer applied thereto and a previously assembled second glass assembly are joined together to form a four-layer insulating glass panel (i.e., in the second pressing station). Specifically, the distance between the first and second glass assemblies is reduced until the second thin glass of the second glass assembly rests on the second spacer, and the first outer glass layer and the second outer glass layer have a predetermined distance between them. After the first glass assembly has been joined to the second glass assembly, the second pressing plate, which draws the second outer glass layer into the second pressing station, can be terminated. After joining and / or after the termination of drawing the second outer glass layer, the four-layer insulating glass panel is conveyed upright out of the second pressing station.

[0023] In another embodiment, the method according to the invention can be performed using a first application station and a second application station. A first pressing station is located downstream of the first application station. A second application station is located between the first and second pressing stations, particularly between a rotating station and the second pressing station. In the first application station, a first spacer is applied to the first outer glass layer. When assembling a three-layer insulated glass panel, the glass assembly can be conveyed to the second application station for applying a second spacer to the thin glass of the glass assembly. When assembling a four-layer insulated glass panel, a third spacer can be applied to the second outer glass layer at the first application station. When assembling a four-layer insulated glass panel, the first glass assembly can be conveyed to the second application station for applying a second spacer to the first thin glass of the first glass assembly. Using two application stations ensures that the glass sheets and / or glass assemblies are conveyed through the production line only in the main conveying direction. Return transport to upstream stations can be avoided, and production time can be further reduced.

[0024] A rotating station is located downstream of the first pressing station. The rotating station has two parallel support walls and a horizontal conveyor. The horizontal conveyor can rotate together with the two support walls about an upright axis of rotation. The rotating station is configured to rotate the glass assembly on the horizontal conveyor 180° about the upright axis of rotation. Viewed along the conveying direction, the axis of rotation is centered relative to the horizontal conveyor. Therefore, after rotating 180°, the horizontal conveyor is again on the same line as before the rotation. A second pressing station is located downstream of the rotating station. The rotating station and the two pressing stations (particularly all stations of the device according to the invention) can each contain only one single-track horizontal conveyor. The term "single-track" refers to a horizontal conveyor with only one conveying track. The horizontal conveyors can be configured to convey upright glass sheets along a straight line through the respective stations. All horizontal conveyors can be arranged one after another along a straight line. Both the first and second pressing stations can be designed as follows: The pressing station has two parallel pressing plates. The first of these two pressing plates forms an upright support wall for the glass sheets transported upright on the horizontal conveyor. The characteristic of "upright" refers to the support wall not being perfectly vertical or aligned with the plumb bob, but rather tilted backward a few degrees, so that the upright glass against the support wall does not tilt forward (i.e., away from the support wall). The support wall can have an inclination of approximately 6° to 8° relative to the vertical direction. The second of the two pressing plates can move laterally relative to the first pressing plate to change the distance between the two pressing plates. When the second pressing plate is moved, the parallelism of the second pressing plate relative to the first pressing plate can be maintained. The pressing station can have a suction device for adsorbing the glass sheet onto the second pressing plate. The pressing station can be configured to use a gas other than air to fill the space between the glass sheets. The structure and operating mode of this pressing station are themselves known from decades of use in the industrial manufacturing of insulating glass sheets and from patents EP0539407B1 and EP1769130B1, and therefore do not require further description.

[0025] In the application station, a flexible spacer strip is applied to an upright glass sheet along the edge of the upright glass plate in a manner known per se. This means that no pre-assembled spacer frame is placed on the glass sheet. The spacer strip can be applied without gaps along the edge of the glass sheet. The spacer strip applied along the entire edge of the glass sheet forms a spacer frame to maintain a distance between two adjacent glass plates. The flexible spacer strip can be a paste, and thus can be a cured spacer strip made of thermoplastic and / or reactive crosslinking materials, applied to the glass sheet using a nozzle. Therefore, the flexible spacer strip is still hot and / or not fully cured after application. The flexible spacer strip can also be unfolded from a supply roller as a strip material and applied to the glass sheet. The application station can include an application head that is guided along at least a portion of the edge of the outer glass layer to apply the spacer strip. The application station is configured to apply the flexible spacer strip along the edge of the thin glass of the upright glass assembly.

[0026] In another embodiment, one of the workstations may have an air cushion support wall with a flat support surface. The support wall is configured to support glass sheets transported vertically on a horizontal conveyor. Multiple air ducts may lead to the support surface. When subjected to positive pressure, airflow flows obliquely from the air ducts to the support surface. This creates an air cushion on the support surface, on which the transported glass sheet (especially thin glass) can rest and slide without contacting the support surface. An upward-sloping airflow is generated on the support wall. This means that the machine operator standing in front of the workstation will not be directly blown by the air. At least one air duct (especially each air duct) may include an end duct portion extending obliquely relative to the support surface. In a vertical section through the support wall, the end duct portion may extend at an angle of 45° or less (especially 30° to 45°) to the support surface. This oblique airflow can create an air cushion, making the transport of thin glass much easier. In particular, a first pressing station may include such an air cushion support wall. The air cushion support wall may be formed from a first pressing plate. According to the present invention, an intermediate station comprising a horizontal conveyor and an air cushion support wall can be arranged between the application station and the first pressing station.

[0027] At least one pressing plate (particularly the first pressing plate of the first pressing station) may have a flat support surface to which multiple air ducts extend, wherein the air ducts, when subjected to negative pressure, form a suction device to adsorb the thin glass sheet onto the support surface. The air ducts in the pressing plate can be pressurized with either negative or positive pressure. This allows the functions of the suction device and the air cushion support wall to be combined in the pressing plate. Thus, the pressing plate can optionally act as an air cushion support wall either during transport or to hold the glass sheet in place by suction during assembly.

[0028] The support surface may have at least one recess that connects to the end conduit portion of the air duct. The recess may be circular (specifically, 20 mm or less in diameter). A recess may be provided for each end conduit portion. The recess may surround the end conduit portion. The recess opens toward the support surface. The support surface may have at least one groove that connects to the end conduit portion. Specifically, the groove may extend from the recess surrounding the end conduit portion. The groove extends along the support surface and opens toward the support surface. The end conduit portion may open at an angle to the recess or groove. All end conduit portions may extend parallel to each other.

[0029] When processing thin glass with a thickness of 2 mm or less, the groove width is 20 mm or less. When processing thin glass with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less, the groove width can be 15 mm or less. When processing thin glass with a thickness of 1 mm or less, the groove width can be 10 mm or less. This ensures that the thin glass extending on the groove without support will not undergo unacceptable deformation due to the negative pressure in the air duct. Therefore, the thin glass can be sucked onto the supporting surface in a particularly flat manner without producing undesirable ripples.

[0030] The groove may comprise at least two groove portions extending at an angle to each other. Each groove portion extends along a straight line. Each groove portion may have a length of 60 mm or less. This effectively prevents the thin glass from elastically deforming and bulging into the groove due to negative pressure. Several grooves may be arranged in the support surface, connecting to the end conduit portion. In a planar view of the support surface, the grooves may extend radially toward an end conduit portion. For example, the grooves may be arranged around an end conduit portion like a radial beam.

[0031] In another embodiment, the support surface may have a first support region and a second support region. The air duct density in the first support region of the support surface may be greater than the air duct density in the second support region. The air duct density in the support region is defined as the number of air ducts leading to that support region divided by the total area of ​​that support region. The first support region may extend along the edge of the lower region of the support wall. When subjected to positive pressure, more air is ejected from the first support region. This reliably prevents the lower edge of the thin glass from contacting the support surface during transport on a horizontal conveyor. The suction area fraction of the surface area drawn by the air ducts in the first support region may be greater than the suction area fraction in the second support region (particularly by increasing the area subjected to negative pressure by recesses and / or grooves). The suction surface area fraction in the support region is the area subjected to negative pressure divided by the total area of ​​that support region. Therefore, the thin glass can be drawn onto the support surface in a particularly flat manner. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. Identical and corresponding components are indicated by corresponding reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of the structure of the apparatus and some intermediate steps in a first embodiment of the method for assembling a four-layer heat-insulating glass panel according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The equipment is a further intermediate step during the assembly of four layers of insulated glass panels;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of a finished triple-layer insulated glass panel;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of a finished four-layer heat-insulating glass panel;

[0037] Figure 5 It is used for Figure 1 A schematic front view of the rotating station of the equipment;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic top view of the rotating workstation;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic side view of the rotating workstation;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of the equipment's support wall;

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of region X;

[0042] Figure 10 It is an enlarged view of the vertical cross-section passing through the supporting wall in region X;

[0043] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 Some intermediate steps in the embodiments of the equipment and the method for assembling a triple-layered heat-insulating glass panel according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The equipment and further intermediate steps during the assembly of the triple-layer insulated glass panels;

[0045] Figure 13 It shows something similar to Figure 1 The variations of the equipment and some intermediate steps in another embodiment of the method for assembling a four-layer heat-insulating glass panel according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 The equipment and further intermediate steps during the assembly of the four-layer insulated glass panels;

[0047] Figure 15 It shows something similar to Figure 1 The intermediate steps of the device variation and another embodiment of the method for assembling a triple-layered heat-insulating glass panel according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 11 , Figure 12 Equipment 1 for assembling insulated glass panels 10 and 11 is shown respectively; this equipment is designed as a monorail production line. The triple-layer insulated glass panel 10 comprises three glass sheets S1, T, and S2, as shown in [reference needed]. Figure 3 See also Figure 4The four-layer insulating glass panel 11 comprises four glass sheets S1, T1, T2, and S2. Glass sheet T1, T2, and T1 are thin glass sheets with a thickness of 1 mm or less. Glass sheet S1 is a first outer glass sheet having a first surface S11, facing the thin glass sheet T or T1 and forming the inner side of the insulating glass panel 10 or 11. The second surface S12 of the outer glass sheet S1 forms the outer side of the insulating glass panel 10 or 11. Glass sheet S2 is a second outer glass sheet having a first surface S21 and a second surface S22, which respectively form the inner and outer sides of the insulating glass panel 10 or 11. In the insulating glass panel 10, a first flexible spacer 14 is arranged between the first outer glass sheet S1 and the thin glass sheet T. The spacer 14 forms a known spacer frame along the edge of the outer glass sheet S1, which holds the two glass sheets S1 and T at a predetermined distance from each other. Accordingly, a second flexible spacer 15 is disposed between the second outer glass layer S2 and the thin glass layer T1. In the case of the insulating glass plate 11, a first flexible spacer 14 is disposed between the first outer glass layer S1 and the first thin glass layer T1. A second flexible spacer 15 is disposed between the first thin glass layer T1 and the second thin glass layer T2. A third flexible spacer 16 is disposed between the second outer glass layer S2 and the second thin glass layer T2 in a corresponding manner.

[0049] Equipment 1 includes an inspection station 2, several intermediate stations, two application stations 4 and 9, two pressing stations 5 and 8, and a rotation station 6. Intermediate stations 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are located between the other stations, serving as transport tracks and / or intermediate storage. Intermediate station 36 is located downstream of the second pressing station 8 for removing finished heat-insulating glass panels 10 and 11. Intermediate stations 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 may each include a monorail horizontal conveyor and a support wall (not shown) in a manner known per se.

[0050] In a first embodiment of the production of a four-layer insulating glass sheet 11 according to the present invention, a second thin glass T2 is supplied as a first glass sheet to inspection station 2, where defects are inspected. The thin glass T2 is then conveyed vertically in the main conveying direction, passing through intermediate station 31, first application station 4, and intermediate station 32 to reach first pressing station 5. A second outer glass S2 is supplied as a second glass sheet. After defects are inspected at inspection station 2, the outer glass S2 is conveyed via intermediate station 31 to first application station 4. A first thin glass T1 is conveyed as a third glass sheet to inspection station 2. After defects are inspected, the thin glass T1 is conveyed to intermediate station 31. Then, the first outer glass S1 is conveyed as a fourth glass sheet to inspection station 2, where defects are inspected. See also Figure 1In intermediate step A, at the first application station 4, the third spacer 16 is applied to the outer glass S2, thereby forming a closed spacer frame along the edge of the outer glass S2 in a manner known per se.

[0051] The first pressing station 5 has a monorail horizontal conveyor 50, a first pressing plate 51, and a second pressing plate 52. The horizontal conveyor 50 is designed in a manner known per se and is schematically indicated by dashed lines. The first pressing plate 51 is arranged in a fixed position. The upright pressing plate 51 is slightly tilted backward relative to the vertical direction and supports the thin glass T2 erected on the horizontal conveyor 50 so that it does not tilt forward (i.e., it does not tilt to the side away from the pressing plate 51). The pressing plate 51 forms a support wall 53 with a flat support surface 54. A vertical line or plumb line is... Figure 10 The dashed line 55 indicates this. The supporting surface 54 is formed by a rubber coating 56 on the supporting wall 53. The supporting wall 53 is designed as an air cushion supporting wall, containing multiple air ducts 57. See also... Figures 8 to 10 An air duct 57 leads to a support surface 54. A first duct portion 571 of the air duct 57 is formed by a blind hole drilled into the support wall 53 from the rear. An end duct portion 572 of the air duct 57 connects to the duct portion 571 and extends at an angle W relative to the support surface 54. The angle W is 30°. The end duct portion 572 has a diameter of 3 mm to 6 mm, particularly 4 mm. When positive pressure is applied to the air duct 57, the airflow therefore flows obliquely away from the support surface 54. To avoid obstructing the airflow from the support surface 54, the rubber coating 56 includes an elliptical hole 561 surrounding the end duct portion 572. The air duct 57 thus extends as a through channel through the support wall 53 to the side of the support wall 53 opposite to the support surface 54.

[0052] The second pressing plate 52 is arranged parallel to the first pressing plate 51 and the support surface 54. The pressing plate 52 can move linearly laterally to the conveying direction of the horizontal conveyor 50, thereby changing the distance between the two pressing plates 51 and 52. The pressing plate 52 includes a suction device (not shown) that can adsorb the glass sheet supported by the pressing plate 51 onto the pressing plate 52. Then, the pressing plate 52 with the glass sheet adsorbed on it can be removed from the pressing plate 51.

[0053] Thin glass T2 is drawn onto pressing plate 52 and leaves pressing plate 51 together with it. This will be explained in more detail below. After spacer 16 is applied to outer glass S2, it is conveyed to intermediate station 32. Thin glass T1 and outer glass S1 are conveyed to follow outer glass S2, see below. Figure 1 Intermediate step B in the process.

[0054] When the thin glass T2 adsorbed on the pressing plate 52 has left the pressing plate 51, the horizontal conveyor 50 becomes free. The outer glass S2 can then be conveyed by the horizontal conveyor 50 to the pressing station 5 until it is aligned with the thin glass T2. The pressing plate 52, on which the thin glass T2 is adsorbed, then moves backward toward the pressing plate 51 until the thin glass T2 rests on the spacer 16 and is at a predetermined distance from the outer glass S2. Before the thin glass T2 is fully rested on the spacer 16, the space between the thin glass T2 and the outer glass S2 can be filled with a gas other than air in a manner known per se. The second thin glass T2 and the second outer glass S2 are then joined together to form glass assembly U2 (referred to as the "second glass assembly"). The thin glass T1 is conveyed to the intermediate station 32. See also... Figure 1 In intermediate step C, the outer glass S1 is conveyed to the application station 4, and the spacer 14 is applied to the outer glass S1.

[0055] The distance between pressing plates 51 and 52 increases again, and the second glass assembly U2 is conveyed to the rotary station 6 via intermediate station 33. Simultaneously, thin glass T1 is conveyed to pressing station 5, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 Intermediate step D in the process.

[0056] See Figures 5 to 7 The rotating station 6 has a monorail horizontal conveyor 60, a first support wall 61, and a second support wall 62. The horizontal conveyor 60 is designed in a manner known per se. Furthermore, the rotating station 6 has a base frame 63 fixed to the ground, on which a rotating frame 64 is mounted. A rotary joint 65 with a vertical axis of rotation 66 is arranged between the rotating frame 64 and the base frame 63. The rotary joint 65 is designed as a rotary ring with a plurality of guide rollers 67 arranged circumferentially. The rotating station 6 includes a rotary driver 68 by which the rotating frame 64 can rotate about the axis of rotation 66 in the direction of arrow Y. An inclined frame 70 is connected to the rotating frame 6. An inclined joint 71 with a horizontal inclined axis 72 is arranged between the rotating frame 64 and the inclined frame 70. The inclined axis 72 is perpendicular to... Figure 7 The drawing plane is extended in the diagram. A tilting actuator 73 in the form of pressure medium cylinders is provided so that the tilting frame 70 tilts relative to the rotating frame 64 about the tilting axis 72 in the direction of arrow Z.

[0057] When glass assembly U2 is conveyed upright from pressing station 5 to rotating station 6, its lower edge U21 is supported on the outer side S22 of glass sheet S2. When glass assembly U2 is conveyed to rotating station 6, horizontal conveyors 50 and 60 are aligned, and support wall 61 is in the same plane as pressing plate 51. Then, glass assembly U2 rotates 180° in the direction of arrow Y by rotary drive 68, and thus rotates. Simultaneously with the rotational movement in the direction of arrow Y, glass assembly U2 tilts in the direction of arrow Z by tilt drive 73. As horizontal conveyor 60 tilts together with support walls 61 and 62, glass assembly U2 also moves away from support wall 61 and tilts towards support wall 62. After the tilting process is complete, glass assembly U2 is supported on thin glass sheet T2 by support wall 62. After the rotation and tilting processes are completed, horizontal conveyor 60 is aligned with horizontal conveyor 50 again, and support wall 62 is in the same plane as pressing plate 51, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 In the intermediate step E, during rotation, the thin glass T1 is drawn onto the pressing plate 52 and leaves the pressing plate 51 together with it.

[0058] After the glass assembly U2 is rotated, it is supported on the thin glass 11 and conveyed to the second pressing station 8. When the thin glass T1 adsorbed on the pressing plate 52 has left the pressing plate 51, the horizontal conveyor 50 becomes free. Then, the outer glass S1 can be conveyed by the horizontal conveyor 50 to the pressing station 5 until it is aligned with the thin glass sheet T1. Then, the pressing plate 52, on which the thin glass T1 is adsorbed, moves backward toward the pressing plate 51 until the thin glass T1 rests on the spacer 14 and is at a predetermined distance from the outer glass S1. Before the thin glass T1 is fully rested on the spacer 14, the space between the thin glass T1 and the outer glass S1 can be filled with a gas other than air in a manner known per se to increase the insulation effect. Then, the first thin glass T1 and the first outer glass S1 are joined together to form the glass assembly U1 (also referred to as the "first glass assembly"), see [reference needed]. Figure 2 Intermediate step F in the process.

[0059] The first glass assembly U1 is conveyed vertically from the pressing station 5 via the intermediate station 33 through the rotating station 6 without rotating. The glass assembly U1 is supported by the support wall 62 on its outer side S12. The glass assembly U1 is then conveyed via the intermediate station 35 to the second application station 9. See also... Figure 2 In intermediate step G, at the second application station 9, the second spacer 15 is applied to the first thin glass T1, thereby forming a closed spacer frame along the edge of the thin glass T1 in a manner known per se.

[0060] The second pressing station 8 has a monorail horizontal conveyor 80, a first pressing plate 81, and a second pressing plate 82. The first pressing plate 81 is arranged in a fixed position and is slightly tilted backward relative to the vertical direction. The pressing plate 81 supports the glass assembly U2 erected on the horizontal conveyor 80, preventing the glass assembly U2 from tipping forward (i.e., tipping to the side away from the pressing plate 81). The pressing plate 81 forms an air cushion support wall with a flat support surface, which is arranged in the same plane as the support surface 54 of the pressing plate 81. The second pressing plate 82 is arranged parallel to the pressing plate 81 and can move linearly laterally to the conveying direction of the horizontal conveyor 80, thereby changing the distance between the two pressing plates 81 and 82. The pressing plate 82 includes a suction device (not shown), which is known per se, that can adsorb the glass assembly U2 supported by the pressing plate 81 onto the pressing plate 82. The glass assembly U2 is adsorbed onto the pressing plate 82 at the outer glass layer S2. The pressing plate 82, on which the glass assembly U2 is attached, then moves away from the pressing plate 81. Therefore, the horizontal conveyor 80 becomes free, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 intermediate step G.

[0061] Glass assembly U1 is conveyed from horizontal conveyor 80 to pressing station 8 via intermediate station 35. When outer glass S1 aligns with outer glass S2, pressing plate 82 with glass assembly U2 attached thereto moves backward toward pressing plate 81. The distance between the two pressing plates 81 and 82 decreases until thin glass T2 rests on spacer 15, and the first outer glass S1 and the second outer glass S2 have a predetermined distance, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 In the intermediate step H, before the thin glass T2 is completely placed on the spacer 15, the space between the thin glass T2 and the thin glass T1 can be filled with a gas other than air in a manner known per se.

[0062] The adhesion of the outer glass layer S2 to the pressing plate 82 terminates, and the distance between the pressing plates 81 and 82 increases again. The assembled four-layer heat-insulating glass panel 11 is then transported away via the horizontal conveyor 80 and the intermediate station 36. During the transport process, the upright insulating glass panel 11 is supported on the outer side S12.

[0063] In an embodiment of the production of the three-layer heat-insulating glass panel 10 according to the present invention, the same equipment 1 as that used in the production of the four-layer heat-insulating glass panel 11 described above is used. The second outer glass layer S2 is fed in as the first glass sheet. Then, the thin glass T is fed in as the second glass sheet. The third glass sheet is the first outer glass layer S1, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 Intermediate step A. After inspecting the corresponding glass sheet at inspection station 2, the outer glass S2 is sent to pressing station 8 without further processing. The thin glass T is then conveyed to pressing station 5. See also Figure 11In intermediate step B, at application station 4, the first spacer 14 is applied to the outer glass S1. The thin glass T is drawn onto the pressing plate 52 and moves away from the pressing plate 51 together with it. The outer glass S2 is drawn onto the pressing plate 82 and moves away from the pressing plate 81 together with it. See [link to previous steps]. Figure 11 Intermediate step C. Then, the outer glass S1 with spacer 14 is conveyed to pressing station 5, where it is joined with thin glass T to form glass assembly U, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 Intermediate step D in the process. This connection is made in the same manner as the glass assembly U1 described above. See [link to other steps]. Figure 12 In intermediate step E, the glass assembly U is then conveyed to the second application station 9 without passing through the rotating station 6. There, spacer bars 15 are applied to the thin glass T, thereby forming a closed spacer frame along the edge of the thin glass T in a manner known per se, see [reference needed]. Figure 12 In intermediate step F, the glass assembly U is conveyed to the pressing station 8. The pressing plate 82, on which the outer glass S2 is attached, moves again toward the pressing plate 81 until the outer glass S2 rests on the spacer 15. (See [reference]). Figure 12 In intermediate step G, the assembled triple-layer heat-insulating glass panel 10 is then transported away through intermediate station 36.

[0064] Alternatively, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a modified device 1' can also be used to assemble the four-layer insulated glass panel 11. Compared to the device 1 described above, device 1' does not include a second application station 9. See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The intermediate steps A to F, glass components U1 and U2, are related to the above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The intermediate steps A through F are produced in the same manner. Afterward, the glass assembly U1 is transported back to the application station 4 in the opposite direction to the main conveying direction. See also... Figure 14 In intermediate step G, at application station 4, spacer bars 15 are applied to thin glass T1, thereby forming a closed spacer frame along the edge of thin glass plate T1 in a manner known per se. At pressing station 8, glass assembly U2 is drawn onto pressing plate 82 and removed from pressing plate 81. Glass assembly U1 with spacer bars 15 is conveyed in the main conveying direction through pressing station 5 and rotating station 6 into pressing station 8. There, glass assembly U1 is joined to glass assembly U2 in an appropriate manner to form heat-insulating glass plate 10, see [reference needed]. Figure 14 The intermediate step H in the process.

[0065] Alternatively, such as Figure 15As shown, the modified equipment 1” can also be used to assemble the triple-layer heat-insulating glass panel 10. The main difference between equipment 1” and the equipment 1 described above is that the two pressing stations 5 and 8 are arranged one after the other. In addition, only one application station 4 is provided. The feeding of glass sheets S2, T and S1 and the production of glass assembly U (see Figure 15 Intermediate steps A to C) in the above text are related to Figure 11 The intermediate steps A through D are performed in the same manner as described above. Afterward, the glass assembly U is transported back to the application station 4 in the opposite direction to the main conveying direction. See also... Figure 15 In intermediate step D, at application station 4, spacer strips 15 are applied to the thin glass T, thereby forming a closed spacer frame along the edge of the thin glass T in a manner known per se. At pressing station 8, the outer glass plate S2 is drawn onto pressing plate 82 and removed from pressing plate 81. The glass assembly U with spacer strips 15 is conveyed in the main conveying direction through pressing station 5 into pressing station 8. See also Figure 15 In the intermediate step E, the glass assembly U is connected to the outer glass S2 in an appropriate manner to form the heat-insulating glass panel 10.

[0066] The air ducts 57 in the pressing plate 51 can be pressurized with either negative or positive pressure. When pressurized with negative pressure, they form a suction device 90 to adsorb the flexible thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 onto the support surface 53 as flatly as possible. See also Figure 9The suction device 90 includes an air conduit 57, a circular recess 91, and a plurality of grooves 92. The recess 91 surrounds and connects to the end conduit portion 572. The recess 91 opens toward the support surface 54 and has a diameter of 20 mm or less. The grooves 92 extend radially toward the end conduit portion 572 and lead to the recess 91. The grooves 92 may include a plurality of groove portions 921 and 922. Two groove portions 921 and 922 extend at an angle to each other. The length L of the groove portions 921 and 922 extending in a straight line is at most 60 mm. The width B of the groove 92 is approximately 8 mm. The depth T of the recess 91 and the groove 92 is at most 1 mm. The recess 91 may be slightly deeper than the groove 92. The support surface 54 has a first support region 93 in which the air conduit density is greater than that in a second support region 94. This improves the air cushion transport of thin glass. In the first support region 93, the fraction of the suction surface area subjected to negative pressure by the air duct 57 is greater than that in the second support region 94. The suction device 90 includes four recesses 92 in the support region 93 and five recesses 92 in the support region 94. A third support region 95 is arranged in the lower corner of the support wall 53, where the fraction of the suction surface area is even greater than that in the support region 93. This is achieved by having several recesses 92 connected to and intersecting with each other. The support wall 53 has an aperture 96 for accommodating a sensor. The suction device 90 is not located within the area of ​​the aperture 96.

[0067] Using the suction device 90 according to the invention, thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 are first adsorbed onto the first pressing plate 51 in the first pressing station 5. The suction device 90 is designed to ensure that the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 adhere to the particularly flat support surface 54 without forming ripples. Due to the different suction effects in the support regions 93, 94, and 95, the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 first contact the support surface 54 in the support region 95. Then, starting from this corner, the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 contact the support surfaces 54 in the support regions 93 and 94. This contact process begins from the corner of the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 until the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2 are in full surface contact (particularly planar contact) with the support surface 54. This avoids the formation of an air cushion between the support surface 54 and the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2, thus preventing ripples from forming on the thin glass sheets T, T1, and T2. Thin glass pieces T, T1, and T2 are held adsorbed onto the first pressing plate 51, while simultaneously being adsorbed onto the second pressing plate 52. Adsorption on the first pressing plate 51 is terminated only after the corresponding thin glass pieces T, T1, and T2 have been adsorbed onto the second pressing plate 52. As a result, the thin glass pieces T, T1, and T2 can be transferred to the second pressing plate 52 in a very flat manner and placed on the spacers 14 or 16, as described above. The suction device in the second pressing plate 52 can be designed in a manner known per se, or may include the suction device 90 according to the invention.

[0068] Figure label:

[0069] 1, 1', 1" equipment;

[0070] 10. Triple-layer insulated glass panels;

[0071] 11. Four-layer insulated glass panels;

[0072] T is a thin glass sheet used for triple-glazed insulated glass panels;

[0073] T1 is the first thin glass sheet used in a four-layer insulated glass panel;

[0074] T2 is the second thin glass sheet used in a four-layer insulated glass panel;

[0075] S1 First outer glass layer;

[0076] S11 Surface / Interior;

[0077] S12 Surface / Exterior;

[0078] S2 Second outer glass sheet;

[0079] S21 Surface / Interior;

[0080] S22 Surface / Exterior;

[0081] U is a glass assembly used for triple-glazed windows;

[0082] U1 is the first glass assembly for a four-layer insulated glass panel;

[0083] U2 is the second glass assembly used for a four-layer insulated glass panel;

[0084] U21 lower edge;

[0085] 14. First spacer;

[0086] 15. Second spacer;

[0087] 16. Third spacer;

[0088] 2. Inspection station;

[0089] 31–36 Intermediate workstations;

[0090] 4. Apply at the work station;

[0091] 5. Pressing station;

[0092] 50 horizontal conveyor;

[0093] 51. Pressing plate;

[0094] 52. Pressing plate;

[0095] 53. Supporting wall;

[0096] 54 Supporting surface;

[0097] 55. Vertical line;

[0098] 56. Rubber coating;

[0099] 561. Oval hole;

[0100] 57. Air duct;

[0101] 571. Catheter section;

[0102] 572. End catheter portion;

[0103] 6. Rotating workstation;

[0104] 61. Supporting wall;

[0105] 62. Supporting wall;

[0106] 63. Base frame;

[0107] 64. Rotating frame;

[0108] 65 Rotary joint;

[0109] 66. Rotation axis;

[0110] 67. Guide rollers;

[0111] 68. Rotary actuator;

[0112] 70. Inclined frame;

[0113] 71 Inclined joint;

[0114] 72. Inclined axis;

[0115] 73 Tilting driver;

[0116] 8. Pressing station;

[0117] 80 horizontal conveyor;

[0118] 81 Pressing plate;

[0119] 82 Pressing plate;

[0120] 9. Application station;

[0121] 90. Suction device;

[0122] 91 recess;

[0123] 92. Groove;

[0124] 921 Groove section;

[0125] 922 Groove section;

[0126] 93 Support area;

[0127] 94 Support area;

[0128] 95 Support area;

[0129] 96 holes.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an insulating glass panel (10, 11) comprising two outer glass layers (S1, S2) and at least one thin glass layer (T; T1, T2), comprising the following steps: In the application station (4), the first flexible spacer strip (14) is applied to the first outer glass (S1) to form the first frame-shaped spacer; After the first spacer (14) is applied, in the first pressing station (5), the first outer glass (S1) is connected to the thin glass (T; T1) to form a glass assembly (U, U1), wherein the first pressing station (5) is arranged downstream of the application station (4); After the glass assemblies (U, U1) have been connected and formed, a second flexible spacer (15) is applied to the thin glass (T; T1) of the glass assemblies (U, U1) to form a frame-shaped spacer; After the second spacer (15) is applied, in the second pressing station (8), the glass assembly (U, U1) together with at least one second outer glass (S2) forms a three- or four-layer heat-insulating glass panel (10, 11), wherein the second pressing station (8) is arranged downstream of the first pressing station (5).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The thin glass (T; T1) and the outer glass (S1) including the first spacer (14) are conveyed one after another in an upright state to the first pressing station (5), where the thin glass (T; T1) and the outer glass (S1) are joined together to form the glass assembly (U, U1).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises the following steps: In the first pressing station (5), the thin glass (T; T1) supported by the first pressing plate (51) is adsorbed onto the second pressing plate (52); Remove the second pressing plate (52) with the thin glass (T; T1) adsorbed on it from the first pressing plate (51); After the thin glass (T; T1) has been removed from the first pressing plate (51), the first outer glass (S1) is transported to the first pressing station (5), where the first outer glass (S1) is supported by the first pressing plate (51). After connecting the thin glass (T; T2) and the first outer glass (S1) to form the glass assembly (U, U1), the adsorption of the thin glass (T; T1) onto the second pressing plate (52) is stopped.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the method comprises the following steps: In the first pressing station (5), the thin glass (T; T1) supported by the first pressing plate (51) is first adsorbed onto the first pressing plate (51); Before stopping the adsorption of the thin glass (T; T1) onto the first pressing plate (51), the thin glass (T; T1) is adsorbed onto the second pressing plate (52).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Before the first spacer bar (14) is applied to the first outer glass (S1), the second outer glass (S2) and the thin glass (T) are conveyed one after another in an upright state through the application station (4); The second outer glass (S2) is conveyed vertically to the second pressing station (8); The thin glass (T) is conveyed vertically to the first pressing station (5); After the first spacer bar (14) is applied, the first outer glass (S1) is conveyed vertically from the application station (4) to the first pressing station (5); In the first pressing station (5), the thin glass (T) and the first outer glass (S1) are joined together to form the glass assembly (U); After the second spacer (15) has been applied to the thin glass (T) of the glass assembly (U), the glass assembly (U) is conveyed upright to the second pressing station (8); In the second pressing station (8), the glass assembly (U) and the second outer glass (S2) are connected together to form a triple-layer heat-insulating glass panel (10); After connection, the three-layer heat-insulating glass plate (10) is conveyed upright out of the second pressing station (8).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method comprises the following steps: In the second pressing station (8), the second outer glass (S2) supported by the first pressing plate (81) of the second pressing station (8) is adsorbed onto the second pressing plate (82) of the second pressing station (8); The second pressing plate (82), on which the second outer glass (S2) is adsorbed, is removed from the first pressing plate (81); After the second outer glass (S2) has been removed from the first pressing plate (81), the glass assembly (U) is conveyed to the second pressing station (8), where the glass assembly (U) is supported by the first pressing plate (81) of the second pressing station (8). After joining the second outer glass (S2) and the glass assembly (U), the adsorption of the second outer glass (S2) onto the second pressing plate (82) of the second pressing station (8) is terminated. After the second outer glass (S2) is terminated from adsorbing onto the second pressing plate (82), the triple heat-insulating glass plate (10) is conveyed out of the second pressing station (8).

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method is performed using a first application station (4) and a second application station (9). in, The first pressing station (5) is located downstream of the first application station (4), and the second application station (9) is located between the first pressing station (5) and the second pressing station (8), particularly between the rotating station (6) and the second pressing station (8). The first spacer (14) is applied to the first outer glass (S1) in the first application station (4). Furthermore, the glass assembly (U) is conveyed to the second application station (9) for applying the second spacer (15) to the thin glass (T) of the glass assembly (U).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following steps: A third flexible spacer (16) is applied to the second outer glass (S2) to form a third frame-shaped spacer; After the third spacer (16) is applied, the second outer glass (S2) is connected to the second thin glass (T2) to form the second glass assembly (U2); After the second glass assembly (U2) has been connected and formed, and after the second spacer (15) has been applied to the first glass assembly (U1) containing the first outer glass (S1), the first glass assembly (U1) and the second glass assembly (U2) are connected together to form a four-layer heat-insulating glass panel (11).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Before the first spacer bar (14) is applied and before the third spacer bar (16) is applied, the second thin glass (T2) is conveyed upright through the application station (4) and enters the first pressing station (5); After the second thin glass (T2), the second outer glass (S2) is conveyed upright to the application station (4); In the application station (4), the third flexible spacer (16) is applied to the second outer glass (S2); After the third spacer (16) is applied, the second outer glass (12) is conveyed vertically from the application station (4) to the first pressing station (5); In the first pressing station (5), the second thin glass (T2) and the second outer glass (S2) are joined together to form the second glass assembly (U2); After the second outer glass (S2), the first thin glass (T1) is conveyed through the application station (4); After the first thin glass (T1), the first outer glass (S1) is conveyed upright to the application station (4); In the application station (4), the first flexible spacer strip (14) is applied to the first outer glass (S1); After the second glass assembly (U2) has been connected and formed, the second glass assembly (U2) is transported vertically from the first pressing station (5) to the rotating station (6), in which the second glass assembly (U2) rotates about an upright rotating axis (66); After the second glass assembly (U2), the first thin glass (T1) is conveyed upright to the first pressing station (5); After rotation, the second glass assembly (U2) is transported upright from the rotation station (6) to the second pressing station (8); After the first spacer (14) has been applied to the first outer glass (S1), the first outer glass (S1) is conveyed upright from the application station (4) to the first pressing station (5); In the first pressing station (5), the first thin glass (T1) and the first outer glass (S1) are joined together to form the first glass assembly (U1); After the first glass assembly (U1) has been connected and formed, the second flexible spacer (15) is applied to the first thin glass (T1) of the first glass assembly (U1); After the second spacer (15) has been applied to the first thin glass (T1) of the first glass assembly (U1), the first glass assembly (U1) is conveyed upright to the second pressing station (8); In the second pressing station (8), the first glass assembly (U1) and the second glass assembly (U2) are connected together to form a four-layer heat-insulating glass panel (11); After the connection is formed, the four-layer heat-insulating glass plate (11) is conveyed upright out of the second pressing station (8).

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method is performed using a first application station (4) and a second application station (9). in, The first pressing station (5) is located downstream of the first application station (4), and the second application station (9) is located between the first pressing station (5) and the second pressing station (8), particularly between the rotating station (6) and the second pressing station (8). In the first application station (4), the first spacer strip (14) is applied to the first outer glass layer (S1), and the third spacer strip (16) is applied to the second outer glass layer (S2). Furthermore, the first glass assembly (U1) is transported to the second application station (9) for applying the second spacer (15) to the first thin glass (T1) of the first glass assembly (U1).

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises the following steps: In the second pressing station (8), the second outer glass (S2) of the second glass assembly (U2) supported by the first pressing plate (81) is adsorbed onto the second pressing plate (82); The second pressing plate (82) on which the second glass assembly (U2) is adsorbed is removed from the first pressing plate (81); After the second glass assembly (U2) is removed, the first glass assembly (U1) is conveyed to the second pressing station (8), where the first glass assembly (U1) is supported by the first pressing plate (81). After the first glass assembly (U1) has been bonded to the second glass assembly (U2), the attachment of the second outer glass layer (S2) to the second pressing plate (82) is terminated. After the adsorption of the second outer glass (S2) onto the second pressing plate (82) has ceased, the four-layer heat-insulating glass plate (11) is conveyed out of the second pressing station (8).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the workstations (2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9), especially the first pressing workstation (5), has an air cushion support wall (53) including a flat support surface (54), wherein a plurality of air ducts (57) lead to the support surface (54), and wherein, when subjected to positive pressure, airflow emerges obliquely from the air ducts (57) to the support surface (54).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The support surface (54) includes a first support region (93) and a second support region (94), wherein the air duct density in the first support region (93) is greater than the air duct density in the second support region (94), and wherein the air duct density is defined as the number of air ducts (57) per square meter of support surface (54).

14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein, At least one of the pressing plates (51, 52, 81, 82), especially the first pressing plate (51) of the first pressing station (5), has a flat support surface (54) to which a plurality of air ducts (57) lead, wherein the air ducts (57) form a suction device (90) when subjected to negative pressure in order to adsorb flat thin glass (T; T1; T2) onto the support surface (54).

Images