Device for producing insulating glass

Abstract

Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) comprising at least a first outer glass plate (2), a second outer glass plate (2') and a middle glass plate (3); wherein the device (12) has the following features: (a) a module (14) for applying a spacer, which is provided with a device for applying a spacer (16), for arranging a spacer (4) on the first outer glass plate (2); (b) a first press (22) comprising a fixed plane (224) and a movable plane (222) for coupling the first outer glass plate with the middle glass plate (3) to produce a pre-assembled product (5); (c) a rotary conveyor (26) for rotating the pre-assembled product (5) by an angle of about 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis; (d) a second press (24) having a fixed plane (244) and a movable plane (242) for coupling the second glass plate (2') to the middle plate (3) of the pre-assembled product (5) to produce the insulating glass (6), wherein a spacer (4') is arranged on the second outer glass plate (2').

Description

AREA OF REGISTRATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing insulating glass. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for manufacturing insulating glass with a thin central glass layer. BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

[0002] As is well known, insulating glass in its simplest form consists of two glass plates separated by a spacer, which can be rigid, i.e. made of metal material, rigid polymer material or mixed metal-polymer material, or supplied flexibly on coils, or finally made of thermoplastic material supplied in drums and extruded directly onto the glass by automated machines.

[0003] Various mounting methods are known for triple glazing.

[0004] For the sake of simplicity of disclosure, the present invention refers to triple glazing, but the principles of the present invention can be applied equally to insulating glass units having four or more glass panes, as is apparent to the person skilled in the art.

[0005] For example, international patent application WO2011 / 082100A1 describes a method for assembling three glass plates, in which the three plates are arranged in a press in a pre-assembled configuration. In the pre-assembled configuration, the outer plates are provided with the spacer, which is simultaneously applied to both surfaces of the middle glass plate during pressing.

[0006] To achieve this pre-assembled state, one of the outer plates is rotated after being fitted with the spacer, so that its spacer-bearing surface faces the surface of the other outer plate on which the spacer is located. During assembly, both outer plates thus have the spacer facing the middle plate.

[0007] The alternative to this rotation is the arrangement of another station for applying the spacer, which is opposite the first, i.e. adapted to apply the spacer to the opposite surface of a glass plate.

[0008] Although possible, such a solution would be a burden in terms of system complexity and costs. In particular, it would be necessary to manage an additional supply of spacers.

[0009] The method and apparatus of EP2964863 A1 are also known, in which, unlike the previous case, one of the outer glass panes is pre-assembled with the middle glass pane, and the spacer is provided on the other outer pane. The outer glass pane pre-assembled with the middle glass pane is then inserted into the press, and the other outer glass pane is rotated so that the surface on which the spacer is provided faces the middle glass pane.

[0010] Although functional, such a solution requires a specific type of "V" press. When the plate onto which the spacer is applied is rotated, the plate, which has a non-vertical but slightly inclined position (approximately 6°) with respect to the vertical, is inclined by 6° in the opposite direction to the position already achieved during pre-assembly.

[0011] Therefore, although generally recognized and used, the state of the art is not suited to solving the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] Particularly in the case of triple insulating glass, where the middle pane has a thickness that can reach 0.5 mm, there is a need to move such a pane as little as possible, and in particular, there is a need to pay special attention to the arrangement of the spacer on it, given its fragility and deformability. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Therefore, there is a need to at least partially resolve the disadvantages and limitations mentioned above in relation to the state of the art.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to provide a process for manufacturing triple glazing that is more efficient than state-of-the-art methods.

[0015] Furthermore, there is a need to provide a procedure that makes it possible to keep low the costs of implementing an associated device and managing the materials required to apply the spacer, regardless of the type.

[0016] There is again a need to provide a method that makes it possible to achieve a safe and efficient coupling even with thin intermediate plates.

[0017] Such needs are at least partially met by a method for manufacturing insulating glass according to claim 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more understandable from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which: Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the steps of a possible embodiment of a method for manufacturing insulating glass; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the steps of a possible alternative embodiment of the steps of a method for manufacturing insulating glass; Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of a device that the in Fig. 1. carries out the procedure described; and Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a top view of a device that the in Fig. 2 procedures are carried out.

[0019] The elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are indicated by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a method for producing an insulating glass unit 6 according to the present invention, comprising at least a first outer plate 2, a second outer plate 2' and a middle plate 3.

[0021] The procedure essentially comprises the following steps: (a) Arranging a spacer 4 on the first glass plate 2; (b) Coupling the first glass plate with the middle plate 3 to produce a pre-assembled product 5; (c) Rotating the pre-assembled product 5 by an angle of approximately 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis; (d) Arranging a spacer 4' on the second glass plate 2; and (e) Coupling the second glass plate 2' with the middle plate 3 of the pre-assembled product 5 to produce the insulating glass unit 6.

[0022] In this revelation, "essentially vertical" means an axis that is essentially parallel to the direction of gravity, i.e., an axis that is essentially perpendicular to the lower position of the device supporting the plates.

[0023] It is also noted that the glass plates in this type of application are not exactly vertical, but are inclined by a few degrees, conventionally 5-6°, with respect to such a plane, in order to be easily moved.

[0024] Rotating the pre-assembled product 5 allows the spacer 4' to be positioned on the second plate 2'. Without rotating the pre-assembled product 5, the spacer 4' should be positioned on the middle glass plate 3. If the middle glass plate 3 is very thin (with a thickness on the order of one millimeter, even down to 0.5 mm), it is correspondingly very deformable and could be subject to stresses, which would compromise its integrity.

[0025] In this case, the pre-assembled product 5 is simply rotated to then be coupled with the second plate 2'.

[0026] According to one possible embodiment, step (a) of arranging a spacer 4 on the first glass plate 2 takes place in a spacer mounting module 14, which is equipped with a spacer mounting device. An embodiment of this type is described, for example, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown.

[0027] Step (d) of arranging a spacer 4' on the second glass plate 2' can also be carried out in the same module 14.

[0028] According to one possible embodiment, the device for applying a spacer 16 of the module 14 can be adapted to distribute a thermoplastic spacer 4, 4'.

[0029] Depending on specific requirements, step (d) of arranging a spacer 4' on a second plate 2' can be performed before or simultaneously with step (b) of coupling the first glass plate to the intermediate plate 3 to produce a pre-assembled product 5. In alternative embodiments, step (d) can begin before step (c) and end after the start of step (c), depending on specific requirements.

[0030] According to one possible embodiment, the method may include a step (c') in which, in addition to being rotated by an angle of about 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis of step (c), the pre-assembled product 5 is also rotated along an axis that is substantially parallel to the feed direction of the glass plates, so that once the rotation of step (c) has been carried out, the pre-assembled product 5 has a position that is substantially parallel to that of the second plate 2'.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a system for manufacturing insulating glass according to the one described in Fig. 1. The procedure shown.

[0032] In a first step, a central plate 3 is conveyed into a first press 22, which has a fixed plane 224 and a movable plane 222. The central plate is engaged by the movable plane 222 and spaced apart from the fixed plane 224.

[0033] The first plate 2 is advanced into module 14, where the spacer is applied. In the drawing, this is a module 14 that has a device 16 adapted for distributing a thermoplastic spacer. Such a device 16 for distributing a thermoplastic spacer is not described in detail, as it is known to those skilled in the art.

[0034] After the step of applying the spacer 4 to the first plate 2, the first plate 2 is conveyed into the first press 22 and engaged by the moving plane 222 so that it can be coupled with the middle plate 3 to produce the product 5.

[0035] The product 5 is then transported to a rotary conveyor 26, which is adapted to rotate the pre-assembled product 5 by an angle of approximately 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis.

[0036] According to one possible embodiment, the rotary conveyor 26 is adapted to tilt the position of the product 5 so that it is again parallel to the fixed plane 224 of the press 22.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the product 5 is conveyed into a second press 24 to be engaged with a second plate 2'.

[0038] The plate 2' is first conveyed into module 14 for the application of the spacer 4', for example a thermoplastic spacer.

[0039] Then the plate 2' with the attached spacer 4' passes through the first press 22 and the rotary conveyor to reach the second press 24.

[0040] In the second press 24, the second plate 2' with its own spacer 4' is positioned on the fixed plane, while the product 5 is engaged by the moving plane 242.

[0041] Press 24 then continues by coupling the second plate 2' with product 5.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment based on the schematic representation of the method in Fig. 2.

[0043] In a first step, a central plate 3 is conveyed into a first press 22, which has a fixed plane 224 and a movable plane 222. The central plate is engaged by the movable plane 222 and spaced apart from the fixed plane 224.

[0044] The first plate 2 is advanced into module 14, where the spacer is applied. In the drawing, this is a module 14 that has a device 16 adapted for distributing a thermoplastic spacer. Such a device 16 for distributing a thermoplastic spacer is not described in detail, as it is known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] After the step of applying the spacer 4 to the first plate 2, the first plate 2 is conveyed into the first press 22 and engaged by the moving plane 222 so that it can be coupled with the middle plate 3 to produce the product 5.

[0046] The product 5 is then transported to a rotary conveyor 26, which is adapted to rotate the pre-assembled product 5 by an angle of approximately 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis.

[0047] According to one possible embodiment, the rotary conveyor 26 is adapted to tilt the position of the product 5 so that it is again parallel to the fixed plane 224 of the press 22.

[0048] With regard to the feed direction of the glass plates, the conveyor 26 can be positioned following the first press 22, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, or positioned between module 14 for applying the spacer 4 and the first press 22.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in 2, the product 5 is conveyed back into the first press 22 to be coupled with a second plate 2'.

[0050] The plate 2' is first conveyed into module 14 for the application of the spacer 4', for example a thermoplastic spacer.

[0051] The plate 2' with the attached spacer 4 is then conveyed to the first press 22.

[0052] In the first press 22, the second plate 2' with its own spacer 4' is positioned on the fixed plane 224, while the product 5 is engaged by the movable plane 222.

[0053] The first press 22 then continues by coupling the second plate 2' with the product 5.

[0054] Therefore, the advantages that can be achieved through the present invention are now becoming apparent.

[0055] In particular, a method for manufacturing triple glazing is provided that is more efficient than the state-of-the-art methods.

[0056] Furthermore, a method has been provided that makes it possible to keep low the costs of implementing an associated device and managing the materials required to apply the spacer, regardless of the type.

[0057] Again, the method of the present invention enables a safe and efficient coupling even with thin intermediate plates.

[0058] Furthermore, the method enables the implementation of a press of a type known per se and not of the “V” type mentioned at the beginning of this disclosure.

[0059] In other words, a method was provided which, by using a specific sequence of devices that are known per se and commonly found in glassworks, enables the production of triple insulating glass units with a thin intermediate plate.

[0060] To meet specific needs, the person skilled in the art may make changes to the embodiments described above and / or replace the described elements with equivalent elements without deviating from the scope of protection of the attached claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2011 / 082100A1

[0005] EP 2964863 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) comprising at least a first outer glass plate (2), a second outer glass plate (2') and a middle glass plate (3); wherein the device (12) has the following features: (a) a module (14) for applying a spacer, which is provided with a device for applying a spacer (16), for arranging a spacer (4) on the first outer glass plate (2); (b) a first press (22) comprising a fixed plane (224) and a movable plane (222) for coupling the first outer glass plate with the middle glass plate (3) to produce a pre-assembled product (5); (c) a rotary conveyor (26) for rotating the pre-assembled product (5) by an angle of about 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis; (d) a second press (24) having a fixed plane (244) and a movable plane (242) for coupling the second glass plate (2') to the middle plate (3) of the pre-assembled product (5) to produce the insulating glass (6), wherein a spacer (4') is arranged on the second outer glass plate (2'). [2] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to claim 1, which characterized by is that the spacer (4') on the second outer glass plate (2') was arranged in the module (14) for applying a spacer, which is provided with a device for applying a spacer (16). [3] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the device for applying a spacer (16) of the module (14) is adapted to distribute a thermoplastic spacer (4, 4'). [4] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the rotary conveyor (26) for rotating the pre-assembled product (5) by an angle of about 180° with respect to a substantially vertical axis is also adapted to rotate according to an axis which is substantially parallel to the feed direction of the glass plates. [5] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to the preceding claim, which characterized by is that, once the pre-assembled product (5) has been rotated according to an axis that is substantially parallel to the feed direction of the glass plates, it has a position that is substantially parallel to that of the second plate (2'), and / or the fixed planes (224, 242) of the presses (22, 24). [6] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, which characterized byThe module (14) for applying a spacer is arranged upstream of both the first press (22) and the second press (24) with respect to the feed direction of the glass plates. [7] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the rotary conveyor (26) is arranged between the first press (22) and the second press (24). [8] Device (12) for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the movable plane (222) of the first press (22) and the movable plane (242) of the second press (24) are adapted to engage a glass plate (2, 2', 3) and / or a pre-assembled product (5).

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