Separation method and separating device for separating glass panes of an insulating glazing unit from the spacer frame, method and device for dismantling an insulating glazing unit and processing method and processing device for processing insulating glazing units.

Abstract

Separation method for separating a glass pane (2) of an insulating glazing unit (1) from a preferably rigid spacer frame (3) connected to the glass pane (2) by means of a primary seal (4), wherein a secondary seal (5) is arranged around the outside of the spacer frame (3), which is also connected to the glass pane (2), where the secondary seal (5) and also the primary seal (4) are cut with a knife, characterized by the fact that A rotary knife (27), preferably a circular knife, is used to separate the secondary seal (5) and also the primary seal (4) and to rotate about a knife rotation axis (27a). wherein the rotary knife (27) has a knife base body (32) and a knife blade (33) extending radially outwards, preferably having a blade contact surface (39) perpendicular to the knife rotation axis (27a), wherein the knife blade (33) has a cutting edge (37) with a circumferential cutting edge (38), wherein the rotary knife (27) rests with the blade contact surface (39) on an inner surface (2b) of the glass pane (2) which is bonded to the spacer frame (3) via the primary seal (4) during the cutting process, and wherein the rotary cutter (27) is made of metal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation method and a separation device for the non-destructive separation of glass panes of an insulating glazing unit from the spacer frame of the insulating glazing unit, as well as a method and a device for disassembling an insulating glazing unit and a processing method and a processing device for processing insulating glazing units.

[0002] Insulating glass units are also known as multi-pane insulating glass. A conventional insulating glass unit has at least two parallel and spaced-apart panes of glass, between which a gas-filled, gas- and moisture-tight cavity of a defined width is provided. To ensure this predefined cavity remains permanently sealed, a perimeter spacer frame is provided between the two panes, connecting them at their outer edges. The spacer frame consists of a thin-walled spacer tube with a generally flat rectangular cross-section. Such spacer tubes are usually made of metal, particularly stainless steel or aluminum. Plastic versions are also known.

[0003] The outer surfaces of the spacer tubes also feature a primary seal, preferably made of butyl, which bonds the spacer tubes to the glass panes and seals the space between the panes from the environment. Furthermore, an outer perimeter seal (secondary seal) is provided around the spacer frame, which increases the rigidity of the insulating glazing.

[0004] The space between the panes is also filled with air or another gas, e.g. argon or xenon.

[0005] Particularly for reasons of saving CO2 emissions, there have been increasing efforts recently to recycle insulating glass units.

[0006] Glass is fundamentally well-suited for a closed-loop economy. Using recycled glass not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the energy required for melting and, consequently, the resulting CO2 emissions. For example, in flat glass production, using 10% recycled material can achieve energy savings of approximately 3% and a reduction in CO2 emissions of about 3.6%.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known to remove the glass panes from the insulating glazing without damage and to reuse the removed glass panes for the production of a new insulating glazing (upcycling).

[0008] Patent AT 364 513 B discloses a method and a device for dismantling insulating glass, wherein a base plate that can be placed on a glass pane carries, on one side, at least one handle, and on the other side, a knife blade parallel to the base plate, which is adjustable perpendicular to the base plate. The knife blade is essentially triangular and clamped in a knife holder, which has a shaft that can be slidably and clamped in a sleeve attached to the base plate.

[0009] The AT 364 513 B device is placed with its base plate against one of the insulating glass panes, so that the handles point upwards and the blade is positioned below the base plate. The blade is then adjusted perpendicular to the base plate, and thus also to the glass pane, until it touches one pane and penetrates the gap between the two panes. Moving the base plate parallel to the edge of the pane allows the blade to detach the sealant from the glass pane. Once the sealant is removed from one pane, the blade is adjusted by the width of the gap between the panes so that it now touches the other pane. Moving the base plate further separates the glass pane from the sealant. The metal profiles are then removed from the glass panes.

[0010] EP 1 031 542 A2 discloses a device and a method for dismantling insulating glass, wherein the edge region of the insulating glass having the spacer is separated by means of a water jet directed perpendicular to the glass panes.

[0011] Similarly, the edge area is cut off using a cutting wheel in accordance with US 8,621,738 B2.

[0012] According to WO 2020 / 018377 A1, the two glass panes of an insulating glass unit are separated from the spacer using a heated knife. The two glass panes are then broken for subsequent recycling.

[0013] In a process developed by PushCorp, the spacer is cut through using a rapidly rotating cutting disc (https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=720xh2OvNwk). The cutting disc is moved relative to the insulating glass unit. Subsequently, the remaining spacer remnants adhering to the glass panes are milled off, and then the primary and secondary seals are removed using grinding wheels.

[0014] German patent DE 29 46 782 A1 discloses a device that can also cut insulating glass panes and has a special saw blade for this purpose. The device is inserted into a drill and operated at the lowest possible speed or designed as a compact machine with electronic speed control. In the illustration of DE 29 46 782 A1, the saw blade is spaced away from an inner surface of the glass pane.

[0015] DE 10 2007 007 228 A1 discloses a cutting device for separating semi-finished products, for example heat exchanger tubes, intended for use in line-integrated heat exchangers. A rotating cutting blade is provided for the cutting process.

[0016] CN 104 526 725 A discloses a device and a method for separating an LCD panel from a rubber frame, wherein the frame and the panel are joined with double-sided adhesive tape. A knife blade is used for this purpose, which is inserted between the panel and the rubber frame.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to provide a separation method and a separation device for the non-destructive separation of the glass panes from the spacer frame of an insulating glazing unit, which ensures the gentlest possible separation and good quality of the separated glass panes.

[0018] Another task is to provide a method for dismantling insulating glass units.

[0019] Another task is the provision of a processing device for processing insulating glass units with such a separation device and a processing method.

[0020] These tasks are solved by a separation method according to claim 1, a disassembly method according to claim 8, a processing method according to claim 11, a separation device according to claim 12, and a processing device according to claim 38.

[0021] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the following dependent claims.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of an example drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: Highly simplified and schematic cross-section through double-glazed insulating glass Fig. 2: A side view of the separating device according to the first embodiment of the invention with insulating glazing in a feed area. Fig. 3: A side view of the separating device according to a first embodiment of the invention with the insulating glass in a forward position. Fig. 4: A side view of the separating device according to the first embodiment of the invention with the insulating glass in the advanced position, an upper horizontal separating head engaged. Fig. 5: A side view of the separating device according to the first embodiment of the invention with the insulating glazing in a further advanced position, upper horizontal separating head engaged. Fig. 6: A side view of the separating device according to the first embodiment of the invention with the insulating glazing in a further advanced position, upper separating head engaged. Fig. 7: A side view of the separating device according to the first embodiment of the invention during the horizontal separating process. Fig. 8: A side view of the separating device according to the first embodiment of the invention with the insulating glass in a discharge area and, rotated by 90° in the receiving area. Fig. 9: A side view of the separating device according to the invention, rotated by 90° Fig. 10: An enlarged side view of the upper horizontal separating head Fig. 11: Another enlarged side view of the upper horizontal separating head, rotated by 90° Fig. 12: An enlarged side view of the lower horizontal separating head Fig. 13: Another enlarged side view of the lower horizontal separating head, rotated by 90° Fig. 14: A highly simplified and schematic view of individual components of the two horizontal separating heads Fig. 15: Another highly simplified and schematic view of individual components of the two horizontal separating heads Fig. 16: A partially cut-out top view of the lower horizontal separating head Fig. 17: Another side view of the lower horizontal separating head Fig. 18: A longitudinal section through a rotary knife Fig. 19: A schematic representation of a processing device Fig. 20: A side view of an inspection unit and a degassing unit of the processing plant Fig. 21: A side view of the separation device of the processing unit in different process stages Fig. 22: Another side view of the separation device of the processing unit in different process stages Fig. 23: Another side view of the separating device of the processing unit Fig. 24: A side view of a sealant removal device of the processing unit Fig. 25: Another side view of the separating device according to a further embodiment of the invention Fig. 26: Highly simplified and schematic representation of the inclination of a knife rotation axis about a first knife axis inclination axis Fig. 27: Highly simplified and schematic representation of an inclination of the knife rotation axis about a second knife axis inclination axis Fig. 28: A perspective view of components of the lower horizontal separating head of the separating device according to a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. 29: A highly simplified and schematic side view of the rotary knife under bending load Fig. 30: A highly simplified and schematic top view of the rotary cutter with insulating glass and neutral perimeter line.

[0023] The insulating glazing unit to be disassembled, preferably rectangular in shape, or the multiple-pane insulating glass unit 1 to be disassembled, has at least two spaced-apart glass panes 2, a spacer frame 3 arranged between them, a primary seal 4 and an edge seal or secondary seal 5.

[0024] The two glass panes 2 each have an outer pane surface 2a and an inner pane surface 2b, as well as preferably four pairs of adjacent outer pane edges 2c. The glass panes 2 are also either individual glass panes 2, each containing only a single glass plate 6 ( Fig. 1) exhibit or are laminated glass panes made of several bonded glass plates (not shown). Laminated glass panes are known to be a laminate of at least two individual glass plates, each bonded together by means of an adhesive interlayer made of plastic, in particular by a high-tear-strength, tough-elastic, thermoplastic film.

[0025] In the case of double insulating glazing 1 ( Fig. 1) The two outer pane surfaces 2a each form a first and a second outer insulating glass surface 1a;1b of the insulating glass unit 1. In the case of multiple insulating glass units 1 with more than two panes 2, the two outer pane surfaces 2a of the two outer panes 2 each form the outer insulating glass surfaces 1a;1b of the insulating glass unit 1. The inner pane(s) 2 then has / have only two inner pane surfaces 2b. The rectangular insulating glass unit 1 also has four pairs of adjacent insulating glass edges 1c.

[0026] Depending on the application, the glass plates can be made of mineral silicate glass or plastic. Preferably, they are made of mineral glass.

[0027] A gap 7 exists between the two glass panes 2. To ensure this predefined gap 7 remains permanently, a circumferential spacer frame 3 is provided between the two glass panes 2. The spacer frame 3 connects the two glass panes 2 at their edge areas, specifically at their outer edges 2c.

[0028] The spacer frame 3 is preferably rigid and consists of a circumferential, curved spacer tube 8 or several spacer tubes 8 which are connected to each other in pairs by means of a corner connector.

[0029] The spacer frame 3 can also be a flexible spacer frame 3 known per se. The flexible spacer frame consists, in a manner known per se, of a bent, flexible extruded plastic material, preferably a plastic foam, preferably silicone foam, and has a diffusion barrier.

[0030] Each spacer tube 8 has a tube wall 9. The tube wall 9 surrounds a spacer tube interior 8a, which is preferably filled with a desiccant 50.

[0031] The pipe wall 9 has a bottom wall 10, preferably flat, a top wall 11 opposite and expediently parallel to it, and two side walls 12, preferably flat. Advantageously, a transition wall 13 is also provided between each side wall 12 and the bottom wall 10. The side walls 12 and the top wall 11 preferably merge directly into one another. The two transition walls 13 are preferably designed as a chamfer, meaning that the corner area between each side wall 12 and the bottom wall 10 is flattened by the transition walls 13.

[0032] The ceiling wall 11 is also preferably perforated in a manner known per se, so that gas exchange with the desiccant 50 in the spacer tube interior 8a is enabled.

[0033] The primary seal 4 is also provided on the outer surfaces of the side walls 12. This seal bonds the spacer tube 8 to the glass panes 2 and seals the space between the panes 7 from the environment. Preferably, the primary seal 4 consists of polyisobutylene or butyl rubber.

[0034] The secondary seal 5 is arranged externally around the bottom wall 10 of the spacer tube 8. Preferably, the secondary seal 5 consists of pasty polyurethane, silicone, or special polysulfides.

[0035] The space between the discs 7 is sealed gas- and moisture-tight to the environment by means of the two seals 4;5 and is also filled with gas, preferably air or another gas, e.g. sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), argon or xenon.

[0036] The separating device 14 according to the invention has, according to a first embodiment of the invention ( Fig. 2-9) a base frame 15 and two horizontal separating heads 16; 17, namely an upper horizontal separating head 16 and a lower horizontal separating head 17.

[0037] The cutting device 14 has a vertical direction 15a and a transverse direction 15b perpendicular to it. The transverse direction 15b is preferably horizontal. The vertical direction 15a is vertical or, preferably, inclined slightly to the vertical about an axis parallel to the transverse direction 15b. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the mounting plane is 3° to 10°, more preferably 4° to 8°. Within the scope of the invention, "vertical" cutting is therefore understood below to mean cutting along an insulating glass edge 1c, which extends parallel to the vertical direction 15a, i.e., is vertical or inclined slightly to the vertical.

[0038] The base frame preferably has two frame sections 18;19 spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction 15b, preferably a feed section 18 and a take-off section 19. A frame gap or cutting area 20 is thus present between the two frame sections 18;19.

[0039] The two horizontal cutting heads 16; 17 are arranged in the cutting area 20.

[0040] Furthermore, the two frame sections 18;19 are preferably designed in a grid-like manner and each has several vertical beams 21 extending in the vertical direction 15a and several transverse beams 22 extending in the transverse direction 15b. The vertical beams 21 and the transverse beams 22 are perpendicular to each other.

[0041] The crossbeams 22 also form a back wall 24 for the support of the insulating glass unit 1 to be separated and each has several back wall rollers 23 for this purpose. The back wall rollers 23 form a support surface 73 for the insulating glass unit 1, in particular for the insulating glass surface 1b facing the support surface 73. The support surface 73 is also parallel to the transverse direction 15b and the vertical direction 15a.

[0042] The rear rollers 23 of a crossbeam 22 are arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction 15b. Furthermore, they are each rotatable about rear roller pivot axes 23a parallel to the vertical direction 15a. Preferably, the rear rollers 23 are freely rotatable.

[0043] The rear wall rollers 23 preferably have a soft plastic, preferably rubber, surface to avoid damage from scratches.

[0044] As an alternative to the crossbeams 22, a panel with a usually felt covering and back wall rollers 23 may also be present.

[0045] The rear wall 24 can also be designed as an air cushion wall in a manner known per se. It only needs to form a support surface 73 and allow movement of the insulating glazing 1 in the transport direction 45.

[0046] The base frame 15 also has a lower conveyor roller track 25 with several conveyor rollers 26. The conveyor rollers 26 are arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction 15b. Each conveyor roller 26 is rotatable about a conveyor roller pivot axis 26a perpendicular to the vertical direction 15a. The conveyor rollers 26 are freely or, at least partially, driven to rotate about the conveyor roller pivot axis 26a. The conveyor roller pivot axes 26a are perpendicular to the contact plane 73 or inclined slightly, preferably by 0.1 to 3°, more preferably by 0.1 to 0.5°, about an axis of inclination perpendicular to the vertical direction 15a in a transport direction or feed direction 45 towards the contact plane 73. The conveyor roller axes 26a thus preferably form an acute angle with the transport direction 45. The axis inclination in the transport direction 45 serves to better control the constant contact of the insulating glass unit 1 with the contact plane 73.This is because the insulating glass unit 1 is always pushed somewhat closer to the installation level 73.

[0047] The upper horizontal cutting head 16 is used to carry out horizontal cutting cuts along an upper, horizontal insulating glazing edge 1c.

[0048] The upper horizontal cutting head 16 comprises two rotary knives 27, two pressure rollers 28 and four positioning rollers 29, a knife drive motor 30 and preferably a lubrication device for lubricating the rotary knife 27 with a preferably liquid lubricant, preferably a lubricating emulsion.

[0049] The two pressure rollers 28 are each rotatably mounted about a pressure roller pivot axis 28a. The pressure rollers 28 are preferably freely rotatable about the pressure roller pivot axis 28a. According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure roller pivot axes 28a have an axial inclination analogous to that of the transport roller pivot axes 26a. The pressure roller pivot axes 28a are thus perpendicular to the contact plane 73 or inclined slightly, preferably by 0.1 to 3°, more preferably by 0.1 to 0.5°, about an axis of inclination perpendicular to the vertical direction 15a in the transport direction or feed direction 45 towards the contact plane 73. The pressure roller pivot axes 28a therefore also preferably form an acute angle with the transport direction 45.

[0050] During the separation process, the pressure rollers 28 are pressed against the upper edge 1c of the insulating glass unit and roll along it. This ensures that the insulating glass unit 1 is guided in a clamping position between the transport rollers 26 and the pressure rollers 28 during the separation process.

[0051] The two pressure rollers 28 are arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction 15b and spaced apart from each other. The purpose of applying a pressure force to the pressure rollers 28 is to be adjustable independently of their position. Preferably, the upper separating head 16 has pneumatic and / or magnetic and / or spring-based pressure means.

[0052] The two rotary blades 27 serve to cut through the primary seal 4 and the secondary seal 5, and thus to separate each glass pane 2 from the spacer tube 8. For this purpose, the rotary blades 27 are each rotatably mounted about a blade rotation axis 27a. Furthermore, the two rotary blades 27 are each connected to the blade drive motor 30 and can be driven about their respective blade rotation axis 27a. The two rotary blades 27 are therefore preferably driven synchronously with the blade drive motor 30.

[0053] The knife rotation axis 27a is perpendicular to the insulating glass surfaces 1a;1b of the insulating glass unit 1 to be cut apart, or preferably inclined both about a first knife axis inclination axis 27-1 and about a second knife axis inclination axis 27-2 towards the respective glass pane surface 2b, against which the rotary knife 27 rests during the cutting process.

[0054] The first knife axis inclination axis 27-1 is parallel to the insulating glazing edge 1c, along which the cutting process takes place, i.e., in the case of a horizontal cutting process, parallel to the transverse direction 15b ( Fig. 26). And a first acute inclination angle γ about the first knife axis inclination axis 27-1 is preferably 0.05 to 5°, preferably 0.05 to 1.2°.

[0055] The second knife axis inclination axis 27-2 is perpendicular to the insulating glazing edge 1c, along which the cutting process takes place, and parallel to the mounting plane 73, i.e., in the case of a horizontal cutting process, parallel to the height direction 15a ( Fig. 27). And a second acute angle of inclination δ about the second knife axis inclination axis 27-2 is preferably 0.05 to 3°, preferably 0.2 to 1.5°.

[0056] The two inclinations of the knife rotation axis 27a ensure that the rotary knife 27 always rests constantly against the respective glass pane surface 2b and also always enters between the spacer frame 3 and the glass pane surface 2a.

[0057] Preferably, the inclinations of the knife rotation axis 27a are adjusted by tilting the support plates 31a;b, on which the rotary knife 27 is mounted, about a corresponding inclination axis. The inclination is preferably adjusted via adjusting screws 78; 79. An embodiment with actuators is also advantageous.

[0058] Preferably, the positioning rollers 29 and the knife drive motor 30 are also mounted on the support plates 31a;b.

[0059] Furthermore, the two rotary knives 27, together with the positioning rollers 29, are mounted so that they can be moved back and forth, preferably in a direction parallel to the knife rotation axis 27a, towards and away from the support surface 73, preferably in a direction parallel to the knife rotation axis 27a, and preferably driven. In addition, the two positioning rollers 29 are each connected to a drive means, preferably an actuator, relative to the respective rotary knife 27, so that they can be driven towards and away from the support surface 73, preferably in a direction parallel to the knife rotation axis 27a. Alternatively, an adjusting screw 74 ( Fig. 16) be present. This mobility of the positioning rollers 29 in relation to the rotary cutter 27 serves to adapt to the glass thickness of the respective glass pane 2.

[0060] The two rotary cutters 27 are preferably arranged offset from each other in the transverse direction 15b. That is, their cutter rotation axes 27a are arranged offset from each other in the transverse direction 15b and are not coaxial with each other, but preferably at the same vertical height in the vertical direction 15a.

[0061] Furthermore, the two rotary cutters 27 are preferably arranged in the transverse direction 15b between the two pressure rollers 28.

[0062] Furthermore, the two rotary cutters 27 are arranged on both sides of a central plane parallel to the mounting plane 73.

[0063] The knife rotation axes 27a can also be advantageously aligned with each other when viewed in the transverse direction 15b.

[0064] The knife rotation axes 27a are therefore arranged symmetrically to the central plane according to another preferred embodiment.

[0065] The two rotary knives 27 are also preferably each rotationally symmetrical about the knife rotation axis 27a. They are therefore preferably circular knives. However, it can also be a rotary knife 27 whose circumference is not circular but ellipsoidal.

[0066] A rotary knife 27 also has an inner knife body 32 and a knife blade 33 extending radially outwards from it.

[0067] The disc-shaped knife body 32 has two base body surfaces 32a and 32b opposite each other in the direction of the knife rotation axis 27a. The base body surfaces 32a and 32b are preferably flat and perpendicular to the knife rotation axis 27a. The knife body 32 also has a central bearing recess 34 that extends from one base body surface 32a to the other, through the knife body 32. The bearing recess 34 serves to support the rotary knife 27 on a knife drive shaft 35. The bearing recess 34 is designed in such a way as to ensure a positive-locking torque transmission. In particular, the rotary knife 27 is non-rotatably connected to the knife drive shaft 35 about the knife rotation axis 27a. The knife drive shaft 35, in turn, is connected to the knife drive motor 30 so that it can be driven about the knife rotation axis 27a.The knife drive shaft 35 is also rotatable about the knife rotation axis 27a and is mounted so that it can be moved back and forth in the direction of the knife rotation axis 27a.

[0068] Preferably the knife blade 33 has an annular blade section 36 and a circumferential cutting edge 37 extending radially outwards to it.

[0069] The ring-shaped blade section 36 has two blade section surfaces 36a;36b that are opposite each other in the direction of the knife rotation axis 27a, and in particular are planar. The blade section surfaces 36a;36b are preferably planar and perpendicular to the knife rotation axis 27a.

[0070] The cutting edge 37 has a first and a second, in particular flat, circumferential cutting surface 37a;37b, wherein the two cutting surfaces 37a;37b merge into one another in a circumferential cutting edge 38. The two cutting surfaces 37a;37b enclose an acute cutting angle β with each other. Preferably, the cutting angle β is 5 to 40°, more preferably 10 to 30°.

[0071] Furthermore, the cutting edge 38 is preferably unjagged or toothless.

[0072] The cutting edge 37 is therefore triangular in cross-section.

[0073] Furthermore, the second cutting surface 37b is perpendicular to the knife rotation axis 27a. And the first cutting surface 37b forms an acute angle with the knife rotation axis 27a.

[0074] The second cutting surface 37b is also preferably coplanar to the second blade section surface 36b, wherein the two surfaces 36b;37b merge into one another and form a continuous blade contact surface 39.

[0075] And the first cutting surface 37a transitions via a circumferential transition edge 40 into the first blade section surface 36a.

[0076] According to a very advantageous aspect of the invention, the knife blade 33 also has a slightly greater thickness than the knife body 32. The thickness corresponds to the extent in the direction of the knife axis of rotation 27a.

[0077] The first blade section surface 36a protrudes above the first base body surface 32a and the second blade section surface 36b protrudes above the second base body surface 32b.

[0078] The knife blade 33 therefore preferably extends beyond the knife base body 32 on both sides, or at least with its blade contact surface 39, viewed in the direction of the knife rotation axis 27a. This protects the inner glass pane surface 2b, since only the blade contact surface 39, and not the knife base body 32, rests against the inner glass pane surface 2b. Preferably, the knife blade 33 extends beyond the knife base body 32 by 20 to 150 µm, more preferably 50 to 100 µm, on each side.

[0079] Preferably, the knife blade 33 also has a thickness of 0.2 to 1 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.6 mm.

[0080] And / or the knife base body 32 preferably has a thickness of 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mm.

[0081] Furthermore, the rotary blade 27 is made of flexible metal, preferably flexible steel. This allows the rotary blade 27 to twist during the cutting process and conform to the glass pane surface 2b, ensuring a very clean separation of the primary and secondary seals 4;5 from the glass pane surface 2b. At the same time, the glass pane surface 2b is not damaged.

[0082] In particular, it is important that the knife blade 33 has a corresponding degree of flexibility. Preferably, the knife blade 33 is elastically deformable by a bending angle ε ( Fig. 29). The bending angle ε corresponds to the angle between a tangent in the region of the cutting edge 38 and a plane perpendicular to the knife rotation axis 27a. Preferably, the bending angle ε is at least 5°, more preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°, and most preferably at least 30°.

[0083] As already explained, the upper horizontal separating head 16 also has four positioning rollers 29.

[0084] In this arrangement, two positioning rollers 29 interact with or are assigned to a rotary knife 27. The horizontal cutting head 16 therefore has a first and a second cutting combination 41a;41b, each consisting of two positioning rollers 29 and a rotary knife 27.

[0085] The positioning rollers 29 serve to position the respective rotary blade 27 of a cutting combination 41a;41b relative to the insulating glass unit 1 to be cut, in particular for the equidistant guidance of the respective rotary blade 27 to the outer glass pane surface 2a or insulating glass unit surface 1. Viewed in the transverse direction 15b, they are arranged on both sides of the rotary blade 27 to be positioned. That is, a positioning roller 29 is arranged on each side of the respective rotary blade 27 in the transverse direction 15b. Preferably, they are also arranged in the transverse direction 15b between the two pressure rollers 28 and preferably slightly below them.

[0086] The positioning rollers 29 are each rotatably mounted about a positioning roller rotation axis 29a in such a way that they can roll along the insulating glazing surface 1a facing the system plane 73 during the separation process.

[0087] The positioning roller rotation axes 29a are therefore preferably each at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 15a. The positioning rollers 29 are preferably freely rotatable about the positioning roller rotation axis 29a.

[0088] The positioning rollers 29 are also displaceable parallel to the knife rotation axis 27a together with the rotary knife 27. In particular, they, or rather the cutting combination 41;41b together with the rotary knife 27, are connected to drive means, preferably pneumatic cylinders 75 ( Fig. 16), can be driven back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the plane 73 in connection.

[0089] During the separation process, the positioning rollers 29 are in contact with one of the two insulating glass surfaces 1a;1b of the insulating glass unit 1 to be disassembled and roll on it.

[0090] The two positioning rollers 29 are arranged on the side of the blade contact surface 39 of the rotary knife 27 and are spaced apart from it in a direction parallel to the knife's axis of rotation 27a. In particular, the distance of the blade contact surface 39 from the positioning rollers 29, especially from an outer generatrix of the positioning rollers 29, is adjustable by adjusting the positioning rollers 29 so that it always corresponds to the thickness of the glass pane 2 against which the two positioning rollers 29 bear during cutting. This ensures the precise positioning of the rotary knife 27 relative to the glass pane 2 during the cutting process, even if the insulating glass 12 is not in completely flat contact with the rear wall rollers 23 during the cutting process.

[0091] Furthermore, the two cutting combinations 41a and 41b are arranged on both sides of the central plane parallel to the mounting plane 73 and are preferably symmetrical to it. That is, the first combination 41a is arranged on one side of the central plane and the second combination 41b is arranged on the other side of the central plane.

[0092] The positioning rollers 29 preferably have a soft plastic, preferably rubber, surface, similar to the back wall rollers 23, in order to avoid damage from scratches.

[0093] The upper horizontal cutting head 16 can also be moved back and forth along the base frame 15 in a direction parallel to the height direction 15a. A cutting head height positioning motor 42 is provided for the vertical positioning of the horizontal cutting head 16. This allows insulating glass units 1 with different heights to be cut apart.

[0094] As already explained, the separating device 14 also has the lower horizontal separating head 17. This is preferably fixed in position relative to the base frame 15 and mounted on it. It is therefore stationary.

[0095] The lower horizontal cutting head 17 is essentially designed analogously to the upper horizontal cutting head and has two rotary knives 27 and four positioning rollers 29. However, it does not have pressure rollers 28, as the insulating glass unit 1 rests on the transport rollers 26 at the bottom. The positioning rollers 29 are also arranged above the transport roller track 25.

[0096] Furthermore, the lower horizontal separating head 17 has a pressure roller 43, which serves to position the insulating glass unit 1 on the transport roller conveyor 25.

[0097] The pressure roller 43 is rotatably mounted about a pressure roller pivot axis 43a parallel to the vertical direction 15a. The pressure roller 43 is preferably freely rotatable about the pressure roller pivot axis. The pressure roller pivot axis is particularly parallel to the pivot axes 23a of the rear wall rollers 23.

[0098] The pressure roller 43 is also displaceable or movable perpendicular to the support surface 73. In particular, it is connected to drive means, preferably a pneumatic cylinder 44, and is driven back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 73.

[0099] The pressure roller 43 is also arranged such that it can be pressed against the front glass pane 2 opposite the rear wall rollers 26 in the area of ​​the lower outer edge 2c of the insulating glass unit 1. Alternatively, it is pressed against the insulating glass surface 1a and rolls along it. This moves the insulating glass unit 1 on the transport roller track 25 until it rests against the rear wall rollers 23.

[0100] The pressure roller 43 is therefore arranged in a feed direction 45 parallel to the transverse direction 15b, upstream of the two combinations 41a;41b. That is, when the insulating glass unit 1 is moved in the feed direction 44, it first engages with the pressure roller 43.

[0101] The positioning and application of a constant adjustable force to the pressure roller 43 is preferably carried out by a pneumatic cylinder.

[0102] The separation method according to the invention will now be explained in more detail using double-glazed insulating glass as an example: First, an insulating glass unit 1 to be disassembled is placed in the loading area 18 ( Fig. 2) In particular, the insulating glazing 1 is placed with its lower insulating glazing edge 1a on the transport roller conveyor 25 and partially placed against the rear wall rollers 23.

[0103] The insulating glass unit 1 is then moved on the transport roller conveyor 25 in the feed direction 44 to the cutting area 20 ( Fig. 3) This is preferably done by means of a drive using the transport rollers 26. The insulating glass unit 1 is first moved until the pressure roller 43 engages with the outer glass pane surface 2a of the front glass pane 2 or with the insulating glass surface 1a. This moves the insulating glass unit 1 on the transport roller track 25 until it rests against the rear wall rollers 23 at the position of the pressure roller 43.

[0104] Then the upper horizontal separating head 16 is moved downwards until the first of the two pressure rollers 28 touches the upper insulating glass edge 1a ( Fig. 4). This clamps the insulating glass unit 1 between the pressure roller 28 and the transport rollers 26 and positions it in the vertical direction 15a.

[0105] The insulating glass unit 1 is then moved slightly in the feed direction 44 until it is positioned in front of the first rotary cutter 27 ( Fig. 5) The rear cutting combinations 41a of the upper and lower horizontal cutting heads 16; 17 are now moved towards the insulating glass unit 1 until the first of the two positioning rollers 29 rests against the outer glass pane surface 2a of the rear glass pane 2.

[0106] The insulating glass unit 1 is then moved slightly further in the feed direction 44 until it is positioned in front of the second rotary cutter 27 ( Fig. 6) The front cutting combinations 41b of the upper and lower horizontal cutting head 16; 17 are now moved towards the insulating glass unit 1 until the first of the two positioning rollers 29 of the front cutting combinations 41b is in contact with the outer glass pane surface 2a of the front glass pane 2.

[0107] The distance between the positioning rollers 29 and the respective circular blades 27, which corresponds to the respective glass pane thickness, has already been preset. Preferably, the glass pane thicknesses and / or the insulating glass thickness are entered beforehand on a user interface of a control device (not shown) and adjusted via the actuator or the adjusting screw 74.

[0108] The actual separation process then takes place ( Fig. 7) For this purpose, the insulating glass unit 1 is moved further in the feed direction 44 until it has completely passed through the cutting area 20 and is positioned in the removal area 19.

[0109] During passage through the cutting area 20, the spacer frame 3 is separated from the two glass panes 2 by means of the rotary cutters 27 in the area of ​​the upper and lower insulating glass edge 1a. For this purpose, the rotary cutters 27 with the cutting blade 33 enter the area between the respective inner glass pane surface 2b and the spacer frame 3 and thereby cut the primary and secondary seals 4;5. Penetration is facilitated by the transition walls 13 of the spacer frame 3, as well as, if necessary, by reinforced overhangs at the corners of the curved spacer tube 8, since these act as insertion funnels.

[0110] During the separation process, the rotary knives 27 are driven by the knife drive motor 30 in such a way that they rotate around the knife rotation axes 27a.

[0111] The rotary blades 27 are oriented such that the blade contact surface 39 faces the inner glass pane surface 2b and rests against it, slides along it, or conforms to it. The flexibility of the rotary blades 27 supports the threading process and compensates for irregularities during the cutting process.

[0112] Preferably, the feed rate of the insulating glazing 1 is set such that a neutral circumferential line U is present on the blade contact surface 39, along which the relative velocity in a direction parallel to the insulating glazing edge 1c between the blade contact surface 39 and the glass pane surface 2b, on which the blade contact surface 39 rests, is essentially 0.

[0113] The circumferential speed v UThe blade contact area 39 in the region of the neutral circumferential line U therefore corresponds to the feed rate of the insulating glass unit 1. Or, more generally, it corresponds to the relative velocity v. R between the rotary cutter 27 and the glass pane 2 in a direction parallel to the insulating glazing edge 1c. The circumferential line U extends rotationally symmetrically around the cutter rotation axis 27a.

[0114] This ensures a very gentle separation. In particular, the surface of the glass pane 2b is hardly scratched. Minimal relative movements to the inner surface of the glass pane 2b are guaranteed.

[0115] This is achieved in particular by the fact that the insulating glass unit 1 is driven in the feed direction 45 primarily by means of the rotary cutters 27. Depending on the weight of the insulating glass unit 1, an additional drive is provided by means of the transport rollers 26, but this can also be omitted.

[0116] During the separation process, the rotary knives 27 are also preferably lubricated by means of lubricants in order to minimize friction during the separation process.

[0117] When the insulating glass unit 1 has arrived in the acceptance area 19, the upper horizontal separating head 16 moves upwards and the insulating glass unit 1 is rotated, especially manually, by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the height direction 15a and brought back to the receiving area 18 and placed there on the transport roller conveyor 25 ( Fig. 8).

[0118] The separation process described above is then repeated so that the spacer 3 is also separated from the two glass panes 2 at the other two insulating glass edges 1a. The spacer 3 can now be removed and the glass panes 2 can be used further.

[0119] This provides a high-quality, pure raw material for the pure recycling of glass, almost free of metal and drying agents.

[0120] For upcycling, the edge can now either be removed using conventional cutting techniques, or, to preserve the entire glass pane 2, the residues of the primary and secondary seals 4;5 adhering to the inner glass pane surfaces 2b must first be removed. This can be done, for example, manually, using scrapers and / or a pressure washer and / or brushes.

[0121] As already explained, the separation device 14 according to one embodiment of the invention is incorporated into a processing device 46 ( Fig. 19) for the automated processing of insulating glass units 1 integrated.

[0122] The processing device 46 comprises, in a processing feed direction 47, a testing device 48, a degassing device 49, the separation device 14 according to the invention and a sealing residue removal device 51 arranged one after the other.

[0123] The testing device 48 serves to determine certain properties of the insulating glass units 1 to be disassembled, in particular to measure the insulating glass units 1 to be disassembled. In particular, the testing device 48 has means for measuring the thickness, width and length of the insulating glass unit 1. Preferably, the measuring device 48 also has means for measuring the structure of the insulating glass unit 1.

[0124] In particular, it is determined whether the insulating glass unit 1 is double or triple glazed. Furthermore, the thickness of the individual glass panes 2 of the insulating glass unit 1, the thickness of the spacer frame 3, and preferably the presence of functional coatings on the glass pane surfaces 2a;b can be determined. It can also be determined, if applicable, which gas the insulating glass unit 1 is filled with.

[0125] The means for measuring the insulating glass assembly are known to the expert, such as https: / / www.sparklike.com / en / products / sparklike-laser-integrated.

[0126] The degassing unit 49 ( Fig. 20) has several drilling devices 52 for piercing the secondary seal 5 and the spacer frame 3. Preferably, several upper drilling devices 52a are provided, which are arranged along the upper insulating glass edge 1c, and several lower drilling devices 52b are also provided, which are arranged along the lower insulating glass edge 1a. The lower drilling devices 52b are also preferably connected to an extraction device 53, with which the gas located in the space between the panes 7 is extracted from the space between the panes 7.

[0127] The gases located in the space between the disks 7 can be, for example, argon, xenon, or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Since these are heavier than air, they are preferably extracted at the lower drilling devices 52b. After extraction, the gases are then filled into corresponding gas storage devices 54.

[0128] As already explained, the separating device 14 is connected to the degassing device 49.

[0129] The separating device 14 ( Fig. 21-23) not only has the upper, movable horizontal separating head 16 and the lower, stationary horizontal separating head 17, but also a further, also movable, vertical separating head 55. The vertical separating head 55 serves for separating in a direction parallel to the vertical direction 15a or along an insulating glass edge 1c extending parallel to the vertical direction 15a.

[0130] According to a first embodiment, the vertical cutting head 55 is designed analogously to the upper horizontal cutting head 16 described in the first embodiment and has two cutting combinations 41a;41b, each with a rotary knife 27 and two positioning rollers 29.

[0131] In addition, the vertical separating head 55 can have a fall protection roller (not shown), preferably designed analogously to the pressure roller 43, which serves to prevent the glass from tipping forward.

[0132] However, the vertical cutting head 55 is rotatable compared to the upper horizontal cutting head 16 about an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction 15a and the transverse direction 15b, or an axis perpendicular to the insulating glass surfaces 1a;1b, so that it can be used for cutting along both vertical insulating glass edges 1c. In particular, the vertical cutting head 55 is arranged rotated 90° clockwise compared to the upper horizontal cutting head 16 about the axis perpendicular to the vertical direction 15a and the transverse direction 15b, or the axis perpendicular to the insulating glass surfaces 1a;1b, during the cutting process.

[0133] According to a further embodiment, the vertical cutting head 55 has two cutting combinations 41a;41b for each of the two insulating glass edges 1c. This eliminates the need to rotate the vertical cutting head 55.

[0134] Or a cutting combination 41a;41b has a pair of positioning rollers 29 for each of the two insulating glass edges 1c, with only one pair of positioning rollers being engaged during the cutting process. The two pairs of positioning rollers are arranged opposite each other in the transverse direction 15b. Alternatively, one pair of positioning rollers is arranged on one side of the respective rotary cutter 27 in the transverse direction 15b, and the other pair of positioning rollers is arranged on the other side of the rotary cutter 27 in the transverse direction 15b.

[0135] In this embodiment as well, the vertical cutting head 55 does not need to be rotated to allow cutting along both insulating glass edges 1c. Furthermore, if the knife rotation axes 27a are not perpendicular to the contact plane 73 in this embodiment, the rotary knives 27 are adjustable, in particular by means of appropriate drive means, such that the knife rotation axes 27a always have the corresponding inclination to the insulating glass edge 1c and to the glass pane surface 2b during the cutting process.

[0136] Furthermore, the vertical cutting head 55 is also mounted on the base frame 15 so that it can be moved back and forth in a direction parallel to the vertical direction 15a. The vertical cutting head 55 also has a cutting head drive motor 42, with which the vertical cutting head 55 is connected to be driven back and forth in the vertical direction 15a.

[0137] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the separating device 14 for the processing device 46, it is sufficient if the upper horizontal separating head 16 and the lower horizontal separating head 17 have only a single cutting combination 41a, which serves to separate the rear glass pane 2, which rests against the rear wall rollers 23, from the spacer frame 3, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0138] The vertical cutting head 55 is also arranged after the first and second horizontal cutting heads 16;17 when viewed in the feed direction 45. This means that when the insulating glass unit 1 is moved in the feed direction 45, it first encounters the two horizontal cutting heads 16;17.

[0139] Preferably, the automated separation process proceeds as follows: First, the insulating glass unit 1 to be disassembled is moved in the feed direction 45 as described above, so that it engages with both the upper horizontal cutting head 16 and the lower horizontal cutting head 17 and the spacer frame 3 is cut off in a first section or in a first section.

[0140] The insulating glass unit 1 is then stopped, and the vertical cutting head 55 moves downwards, bringing the corresponding positioning rollers 29 of the vertical cutting head 55 into contact with the two insulating glass surfaces 1a and 1b. The vertical cutting head 55 then moves from top to bottom, separating the spacer frame 3 on both sides from the two glass panes 2 in the area of ​​the first vertical or substantially vertical insulating glass edge 1c, which extends parallel to the vertical direction 15a.

[0141] Once this vertical cutting process is completed, the insulating glass unit 1 is moved further in the feed direction 45 and the horizontal cutting process is continued and completed.

[0142] The insulating glass unit 1 is then stopped, and the vertical cutting head 55 moves upwards. The corresponding positioning rollers 29 of the vertical cutting head 55 are again brought into contact with the two insulating glass surfaces 1a and 1b. The vertical cutting head 55 then moves from bottom to top, separating the spacer frame 3 on both sides from the two glass panes 2 in the area of ​​the second vertical or substantially vertical insulating glass edge 1c, which extends parallel to the vertical direction 15a.

[0143] During the vertical separation processes, the insulating glass unit 1 is preferably fixed or held in place by vacuum suction cups 65.

[0144] Since the two horizontal cutting heads 16; 17 have only a single cutting combination 41a, only the rear glass pane 2, which abuts the back wall 24, is separated from the spacer frame 3 along the two horizontal insulating glass edges 1c.

[0145] Since the rear glass pane 2 is now completely separated from the spacer frame 3, it is separated from a remaining insulating glazing element 56 which has the front glass pane 2 and the spacer frame 3.

[0146] For example, this is done by means of a gripping device 57. The gripping device 57 preferably also has vacuum grippers 65 which grip the front glass pane 2 and rotate the insulating glazing element 56 by 180° about an axis perpendicular to the glass pane surface 2a;2b and place it on the receiving area 18, while the rear glass pane 2 is held by the vacuum suction cups 65 which are installed in the rear wall 24.

[0147] Preferably, the separated glass pane 2 is transported out while one glass pane 2 is being swivelled.

[0148] After rotation, the glass pane 2 of the insulating glazing element 56 rests with its outer glass pane surface 2a against the rear wall 24.

[0149] Subsequently, the spacer frame 3 is at least partially separated from the glass pane 2 by means of the upper and lower horizontal cutting heads 16;17. Preferably, the upper rotary cutter 27 only cuts the secondary seal 5 and not the primary seal 4, in order to ensure that the spacer frame 3 remains connected to the glass pane 2.

[0150] The final separation of the spacer frame 3 from the glass pane 2 is preferably achieved by means of a frame knife 58, which is arranged in the removal area 19. For this purpose, the frame knife 58, which is preferably stationary, has an upper and optionally a lower, each flexible, blade 59. To cut off the spacer frame 3, the insulating glass element 56 is also pushed through the stationary blades 59 in the feed direction 45. This completely separates the second glass pane 2 from the spacer frame 3. Due to an advantageous curvature of the frame knife outwards from the contact plane 73, the spacer frame 3 is bent forward and falls forward into the disposal area.

[0151] However, the final separation can also be achieved, for example, by pulling apart the spacer frame 3 and the glass pane 2.

[0152] After separation, the spacer frame 3 is preferably fed to a crusher 68 to increase the packing density. The crusher 68 can, for example, be arranged directly below the separating device 14. Alternatively, the spacer frames 3 can be transported to the crusher 68 by means of a conveying device, such as a conveyor belt or a transport cart.

[0153] As already explained, the remaining sealant from the primary and secondary seals 4;5 adhering to the separated glass panes 2 must now be removed. This is done in the sealant removal device 51, which is connected to the separating device 14 ( Fig. 24).

[0154] The sealing residue removal device 51 has a first cleaning station 60, a second cleaning station 61 and a vertical disc rotating device 62 in between.

[0155] The first and second cleaning stations 60; 61 each preferably comprise an upper and a lower scraper 67a;b, a first upper and a first lower metal brush 63;b, an upper and a lower cleaning nozzle 64a;b supplied with high-pressure water, and a second upper and a second lower metal brush 66a;b for removing the primary and secondary sealant residues. The metal brushes 63a;b; 66a;b are preferably steel brushes. The first metal brushes 63a;b preferably serve to remove the secondary sealant residues, and the second metal brushes 66a;b serve for final cleaning over the area of ​​the primary and secondary seals 4; 5. The cleaning nozzles 64a;b serve primarily for removing the primary sealant residues. And the scrapers 67a;b serve for pre-cleaning, in particular for removing large secondary sealant residues. Sand can advantageously be added to the high-pressure water.

[0156] In the first cleaning station 60, the primary and secondary sealant residues are removed along the first two horizontal outer edges 2c of the glass pane. The glass pane 2 is then tilted 90° by means of the tilting table 62, and the primary and secondary sealant residues in the area of ​​the two other, also horizontal, outer edges 2c of the glass pane are removed in the second cleaning station 61. The cleaned glass pane 2 can then be removed from the sealant removal device 51 and sent for the desired recycling.

[0157] The disassembly of triple insulating glass units is carried out analogously to that of double insulating glass units 1. First, only one glass pane 2 and one spacer frame 3 are separated, and then the remaining double insulating glass unit is disassembled as described.

[0158] According to a further embodiment of the invention ( Fig. 25) The cutting device 14 also includes edge conditioning agents for removing contaminants from the insulating glass edges 1c before the cutting process. These contaminants include, for example, glass chips and / or glass shards and / or spacers 69 that may still be adhering to the outer edge 1c of the insulating glass unit from the installation of the insulating glass unit 1.

[0159] For example, the separating device 14 for removing glass chips and / or glass shards has a brush roller 70 at the top and bottom, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the mounting plane 73 and preferably can be driven by appropriate drive means.

[0160] Furthermore, the separating device 14 preferably has an edge conditioning rotary knife 71 at the top and bottom, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the height direction 15a, preferably freely rotatable. The edge conditioning rotary knife 71 serves to separate the spacers 69.

[0161] To ensure the positioning of the lower edge conditioning rotary knife 71 in the vertical direction 15a relative to the insulating glass edge 1c, the transport roller conveyor 25 also has a lowerable transport roller conveyor section 72 with several transport rollers 26. The transport roller conveyor section 72 is positioned such that the spacer 69 to be cut is positioned on it shortly before the edge conditioning rotary knife 71 engages. Because the transport roller conveyor section 72 is lowered relative to the other transport rollers 26, the insulating glass 1 remains in contact with the other transport rollers 26.

[0162] The upper edge conditioning rotary knife 71 and the upper brush roller 70 are also movable, in particular with the upper separating head 16, parallel to the height direction 15a.

[0163] The edge conditioning agents described above are used to clean the horizontal insulating glass edges 1c. If necessary, the separating device 14 also has corresponding edge conditioning agents for the vertical insulating glass edges 1c, which are attached, for example, to the vertical separating head 55.

[0164] The conditioning of the insulating glass edges 1c serves to prevent excessive stress on the rotary cutters 27 and to avoid resulting damage such as warping and / or breakage and / or fracture.

[0165] Furthermore, the separating device 14 preferably includes a camera 76 for measuring the thickness of the glass panes and / or the insulating glass thickness. This allows the distance of the positioning rollers 29 from the respective circular blade 27 to be automatically adjusted.

[0166] According to a further embodiment of the invention ( Fig. 28) The cutting heads 16; 17; 55 do not have positioning rollers 29, but only a pressure roller 43. The upper horizontal cutting head 16 also has a pressure roller 43. The circular knives 27 are preferably connected to a drive means, preferably an actuator motor, so that they can be moved back and forth parallel to the knife rotation axis.

[0167] Furthermore, the lower horizontal cutting head 17 has a measuring head 77 for measuring the insulating glass thickness. The measuring head 77 preferably has a caliper for measuring, which is pressed against the insulating glass surface 1a by a pneumatic cylinder. This determines the relative position of the first rotary cutter 27 to the insulating glass surface 1a. If the set axial position of the rotary cutter 27 is not correct for the cut, the rotary cutter 27 is moved axially until it is in the correct position.

[0168] The measuring head 77 is therefore used in particular to check whether the insulating glass surface 1a and thus the insulating glass 1 is in its target position and thus in particular to check whether the insulating glass thickness is correctly recorded and / or whether the insulating glass 1 is correctly positioned on the back wall 24 and / or whether a readjustment of the position of the rotary measuring device 27 is required.

[0169] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the caliper is combined or connected with the pressure roller 43 and the measurement is carried out during the pressing of the insulating glass unit 1 against the rear wall 24.

[0170] The separation process according to the invention then proceeds as follows: Preferably, the glass thickness and insulating glass thickness are first entered on the user interface. Then, the two rotary cutters 27 are moved axially to their respective cutting positions.

[0171] The insulating glass unit 1 is then positioned against the rear wall 24 as described above by means of the two pressure rollers 43 of the lower horizontal separating head 17 and the upper horizontal separating head 16.

[0172] Then, as already described, the upper horizontal separating head 16 is moved downwards until the first of the two pressure rollers 28 touches the upper insulating glass edge 1a.

[0173] The insulating glass unit 1 is then moved slightly in the feed direction 44 until it is positioned in front of the first rotary cutter 27 ( Fig. 5) Using the measuring head 77, the insulating glass thickness is now measured and, if necessary, the first rotary cutter 27 and, if applicable, the second rotary cutter 27 are readjusted to their respective cutting positions in the direction parallel to the cutter rotation axis 27a based on the measurement results.

[0174] If the measurement results deviate from the previous inputs, a corresponding alarm can be sent to the operator.

[0175] The separation process then takes place as described above.

[0176] The invention also includes providing only one positioning roller 29, or ensuring that only one of the two positioning rollers is in contact during the separation process.

[0177] Furthermore, it is naturally also within the scope of the invention that when disassembling the spacer frames 3, only one edge is not completely separated from the glass pane 2, in particular only the upper horizontal edge. In this case, it is sufficient if the frame knife 58 only has the upper knife blade 59a.

[0178] Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention that the separation along the insulating glass edges 1c takes place in a different order than described.

[0179] Furthermore, the rotary knives 27 do not necessarily have to be driven around their knife rotation axis 27a by the knife drive motor 30, although this is preferred. The undriven rotary knife 27 rolls during the cutting process and thus rotates. For example, only some of the rotary knives 27 can be driven.

[0180] Furthermore, the separating device 14 can also be a portable handheld device (not shown) instead of the preferred stationary separating device 14, which has a single rotary knife 27. The handheld device also has at least one handle and the knife drive motor.

Claims

[1] Separation method for separating a glass pane (2) of an insulating glazing unit (1) from a preferably rigid spacer frame (3) connected to the glass pane (2) by means of a primary seal (4), wherein a secondary seal (5) is arranged around the outside of the spacer frame (3), which is also connected to the glass pane (2), where the secondary seal (5) and also the primary seal (4) are cut with a knife, characterized by , that A rotary knife (27), preferably a circular knife, is used to separate the secondary seal (5) and also the primary seal (4) and to rotate about a knife rotation axis (27a). wherein the rotary knife (27) has a knife base body (32) and a knife blade (33) extending radially outwards, preferably having a blade contact surface (39) perpendicular to the knife rotation axis (27a), wherein the knife blade (33) has a cutting edge (37) with a circumferential cutting edge (38), wherein the rotary knife (27) rests with the blade contact surface (39) on an inner surface (2b) of the glass pane (2) which is bonded to the spacer frame (3) via the primary seal (4) during the cutting process, and wherein the rotary cutter (27) is made of metal. [2] Separation method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rotary knife (27) is driven around the knife rotation axis (27a) during the separation process. [3] Separation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a relative velocity between the glass pane (2) and the rotary cutter (27) is set such that minimal relative movements to the inner surface (2b) of the glass pane prevail on the blade contact surface (39). [4] Separation method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the separation process takes place along the insulating glass edges (1c) of the insulating glass (1). [5] Separation method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotary knife (27) is lubricated during the separation process with a lubricant, preferably liquid, preferably a lubricating emulsion. [6] Separation method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cutting edge (37) has a first and a second, in particular flat, circumferential cutting surface (37a;37b), wherein the two cutting surfaces (37a;37b) merge into each other in the circumferential cutting edge (38) and the two cutting surfaces (37a;37b) enclose an acute cutting angle (β) with each other and the second cutting surface (37b) is perpendicular to the knife rotation axis (27a). [7] Separation method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that a relative velocity (v R) between the glass pane (2) and the rotary cutter (27) is set in a direction parallel to the insulating glazing edge (1c) along which the cutting process takes place, such that a neutral circumferential line (U) is present on the blade contact surface (39), wherein a circumferential speed (v U ) of the circumference (U) of the relative velocity (v R ) between the rotary meter (27) and the glass plate (2). [8] Method for dismantling insulating glass units (1) comprising at least two parallel and spaced-apart glass panes (2) and a spacer frame (3) arranged between the glass panes (2) in a pane edge region, wherein a space between the panes (2) and the spacer frame (3) is defined by the glass panes (2) and the spacer frame (3), wherein the spacer frame (3) is bonded to the two glass panes (2) via a primary seal (4) and wherein the insulating glass unit (1) has a secondary seal (5) arranged around the outside of the spacer frame (3), wherein, to disassemble, the spacer frame (3) and the secondary seal (5) are separated from the glass panes (2), characterized by , that the separation of the secondary seal (5) and at least partially also of the spacer frame (3) from the glass panes (2) is carried out according to the separation method according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the insulating glazing (1) is cut apart by cutting with the rotary knife (27) to such an extent that an insulating glazing element (56) is formed which has a single glass pane (2) and the spacer frame (3) adhering to it, wherein the secondary seal (5) is separated from the glass pane (5) and the primary seal (4) is at least not cut over the entire circumference of the insulating glazing element (56) and subsequently the primary seal (4) is completely cut, preferably by means of a non-rotating knife, preferably a frame knife (58). [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that when separating along an insulating glazing edge (1c) at least partially two glass panes (2) of the insulating glazing (1) are simultaneously separated from the spacer frame (3). [11] A processing method for the, in particular automated, processing of insulating glass units (1) with at least two parallel and spaced-apart glass panes (2) and with a spacer frame (3) arranged between the glass panes (2) in a pane edge region, wherein a space between the panes (2) and the spacer frame (3) is defined by the glass panes (2) and the spacer frame (3), wherein the spacer frame (3) is bonded to the two glass panes (2) via a primary seal (4) and wherein the insulating glass unit (1) has a secondary seal (5) arranged around the outside of the spacer frame (3), comprising the following process steps: a) Preferably measuring the insulating glass unit to be disassembled (1), b) Preferably degassing the space between the disks (7), c) Disassembling the insulating glass unit (1) by means of a method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, d) Removal of sealant residues of the primary and secondary seals (4;5) adhering to the glass panes (2). [12] Separating device (14) for carrying out the separation method according to one of claims 1 to 7 or the method for disassembling according to one of claims 8 to 10, for separating at least one glass pane (2) of an insulating glazing unit (1) from the preferably rigid spacer frame (3) connected to the glass pane (2) by means of a primary seal (4), wherein the secondary seal (5) is arranged around the outside of the spacer frame (3) and is also connected to the glass pane (2), wherein the cutting device (14) for cutting through the secondary seal (5) and also the primary seal (4) has at least one blade, characterized by , that the knife is the rotary knife (27), preferably the circular knife, which is rotatable about the knife rotation axis (27a), wherein the cutting device (14) has a knife drive motor (30) with which the rotary knife (27) is rotatably connected about the knife rotation axis (27a), wherein the rotary knife (27) has the blade contact surface (39), preferably perpendicular to the knife rotation axis (27a), which, during separation, rests against the inner surface (2b) of the glass pane (2) to be separated, which is bonded to the spacer frame (3), wherein the rotary knife (27) comprises the knife base body (32) and the knife blade (33) extending radially outwards from it and having the blade contact surface (39), wherein the knife blade (33) has the cutting edge (37) with the circumferential cutting edge (38), and wherein the rotary cutter (27) is made of metal. [13] Separating device (14) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the separating device (14) has contact means for contacting an insulating glass surface (1a) during the separating process, wherein the contact means form a contact plane (73) for contacting the insulating glass surface (1a) during the separating process, wherein the contact plane (73) is vertical or inclined about a horizontal axis to the vertical, wherein a contact plane inclination angle α is preferably 3° to 10°, preferably 4° to 8°. [14] Separating device (14) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the separating device (14) has a transport track, in particular a transport roller track (25), for supporting a lower, horizontal insulating glazing edge (1c) and for transporting the insulating glazing (1) during the separating process along the horizontal insulating glazing edges (1c). [15] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by, that the separating device (14) has at least one separating head (16;17;55) which has at least the rotary knife (27), preferably at least two rotary knives (27), which is rotatably mounted about the knife rotation axis (27a), wherein the separating head (16;17;55) preferably has the knife drive motor (30) with which the rotary knife (27) is rotatably connected about the knife rotation axis (27a). [16] Separating device (14) according to claim 15, characterized by , that the rotary knife (27) is mounted so as to be movable back and forth to and from the mounting plane (73), preferably in a direction parallel to the knife rotation axis (27a), wherein preferably the rotary knife (27) is connected to drive means so as to be driven back and forth to and from the mounting plane (73), preferably in the direction parallel to the knife rotation axis (27a). [17] Separating device (14) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by, that the cutting head (16;17;55) has at least one cutting combination (41a;41b), preferably two cutting combinations (41a;41b), each with a rotary knife (27) and two positioning rollers (29), wherein the positioning rollers (29) of a cutting combination (41a;41b) are each rotatable about a positioning roller rotation axis (29a) parallel to the storage plane (73) and are arranged on both sides of the rotary knife (27) in a direction perpendicular to the knife rotation axis (27a) and to the positioning roller rotation axes (29a). [18] Separating device (14) according to claim 17, characterized by , that the at least one cutting combination (41a;41b) is mounted so as to be displaceable back and forth to and from the mounting surface (73), wherein preferably the at least one cutting combination (41a;41b) is connected to drive means so as to be driven back and forth to and from the mounting surface (73). [19] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized by , that the cutting device (14) has an upper horizontal cutting head (16) for cutting along an upper horizontal insulating glass edge (1c), a lower horizontal cutting head (17) for cutting along a lower horizontal insulating glass edge (1c) and preferably a vertical cutting head (55) for cutting along an insulating glass edge (1c) perpendicular to the horizontal insulating glass edges. [20] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized by , that the at least one separating head (16;17;55) has a lubrication device for lubricating the at least one rotary knife (27) with a lubricant, preferably liquid, preferably a lubricating emulsion. [21] Separating device (14) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by, that the upper horizontal separating head (16) has at least one, preferably two, pressure rollers (28) for pressing against an upper, horizontal insulating glass edge (1a) and rolling on the insulating glass edge (1a) during the separating process. [22] Separating device (14) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized by , that the upper horizontal cutting head (16) and / or the lower horizontal cutting head (17) has a pressure roller (43), preferably movable towards and away from the contact plane (73), for pressing the insulating glass unit (1) against the contact plane (73), wherein the pressure roller (43) is preferably arranged such that it engages with the insulating glass unit (1) in front of the at least one rotary knife (27) during the cutting process. [23] Separating device (14) according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized by, that the two positioning rollers (29) are arranged opposite the blade contact surface (39) in a direction parallel to the knife rotation axis (27a) and are spaced apart from it, wherein preferably the cutting head (16;17;55) has means for adjusting the distance of the blade contact surface (39) from the positioning rollers (29). [24] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 23, characterized by , that the blade contact surface (39) protrudes beyond the knife base body (32) in a direction parallel to the knife rotation axis (27a), preferably by 20 to 150 µm, particularly preferably by 50 to 100 µm. [25] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 24, characterized by , that the knife blade (33) has a thickness of 0.2 to 1 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.6 mm, and / or the knife body (32) has a thickness of 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mm. [26] Separating device (14) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by , that the cutting edge (38) is toothless. [27] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 13 to 26, characterized by , that the knife rotation axis (27a) is perpendicular to the mounting plane (73). [28] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 13 to 26, characterized by , that the knife rotation axis (27a) is inclined by a first inclination angle (γ) about a first knife axis inclination axis (27-1) towards the glass pane surface (2b) on which the rotary knife (27) is to be in contact during the cutting process, wherein the first knife axis inclination axis (27-1) is parallel to the insulating glazing edge (1c) along which the cutting process is to take place, and wherein the first inclination angle (γ) is preferably 0.05 to 5°, preferably 0.05 to 1.2°. [29] Separating device (14) according to one of claims 13 to 26 or 28, characterized by, that the knife rotation axis (27a) is inclined by a second angle of inclination (δ) about a second knife axis inclination axis (27-2) towards the glass pane surface (2b) on which the rotary knife (27) is to be in contact during the cutting process, wherein the second knife axis inclination axis (27-2) is parallel to the contact plane (73) and perpendicular to the insulating glazing edge (1c) along which the cutting process is to take place, and wherein the second angle of inclination (δ) is preferably 0.05 to 3°, preferably 0.2 to 1.5°. [30] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 29, characterized by , that the rotary knife (27) is made of steel. [31] Separating device (14) according to one of claims 24 to 30, characterized bythat the knife blade (33) is elastically deformable, wherein the knife blade (33) is preferably elastically deformable by a bending angle (ε) of at least 5°, preferably at least 15°, particularly preferably at least 20°, most preferably at least 30°. [32] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 31, characterized by , that the cutting device (14) includes edge conditioning agent for removing contaminants from the insulating glass edges (1c), preferably glass chips and / or glass shards and / or spacers (69), prior to the cutting process. [33] Separating device (14) according to claim 32, characterized by , that the separating device (14) for removing glass chips and / or glass shards has at least one brush roller (70) which is preferably rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the mounting plane (73) and preferably driveable. [34] Separating device (14) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized by, that the separating device (14) for separating spacers (69) has at least one edge conditioning rotary knife (71) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the mounting plane (73) and perpendicular to the insulating glass edge (1c) to be processed, preferably freely. [35] Separating device (14) according to claim 34, characterized by , that the cutting device (14) for separating spacers (69) along the lower, horizontal insulating glass edge (1c) has a lower edge conditioning rotary knife (71), and the transport track, preferably the transport roller track (25), has a lowerable transport track section, preferably a lowerable transport roller track section (72) with several transport rollers (26), wherein the transport track section is positioned such that the spacer (69) to be cut is positioned on it immediately before the edge conditioning rotary knife (71) engages. [36] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 35, characterized by , that the separation device (14) has measuring means, preferably a camera (76), for measuring the glass pane thicknesses and / or the insulating glazing thickness of the insulating glazing (1) to be separated. [37] Separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 36, characterized by , that the separating device (14) is a stationary separating device (14). [38] Processing device (46) for carrying out the processing method according to claim 11, comprising: a) Preferably an inspection device (48) for measuring the insulating glass unit (1) to be disassembled, b) Preferably a degassing device (49) for degassing the space between the disks (7), c) A separating device (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 37 for disassembling the insulating glass unit (1), d) A seal residue removal device (51) for removing seal residues of the primary and secondary seals (4;5) adhering to the glass panes (2). [39] Processing device (46) according to claim 38, characterized by , that the testing device (48) includes means for measuring the insulating glass unit (1) to be disassembled, preferably means for measuring the thickness, width and length of the insulating glass unit (1) and / or means for measuring the structure of the insulating glass unit (1). [40] Processing device (46) according to claim 38 or 39, characterized by, that the degassing device (49) has at least one, preferably several, drilling devices (52) for piercing the secondary seal (5) and the spacer frame (3), wherein the drilling devices (52) are preferably connected to an extraction device (53) for extracting the gas located in the space between the discs (7) from the space between the discs (7), wherein the degassing device (49) preferably has at least one gas storage device (54) for storing the extracted gas. [41] Processing device (46) according to one of claims 38 to 40, characterized by, that the gasket residue removal device (51) has at least one cleaning station (60;61) comprising an upper and a lower scraper (67a;b) and / or a first upper and a first lower metal brush (63;b) and / or an upper and lower cleaning nozzle (64a;b) supplied with high-pressure water and / or a second upper and a second lower metal brush (66a;b) for removing the primary and secondary gasket residues.

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