Device and method for automated assembly of a polymer spacer for insulating glazing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for automatically assembling a polymeric spacer (1) for an insulation glazing. In the process, at least one spacer portion (11) is removed, in a manner controlled by at least one control unit, from a storage unit (12) by a removal unit (13). The at least one spacer portion (11) is fed to a sawing unit (15) in which two long-side portions (2) having a first length and two narrow-side portions (3) having a second length are produced. In a pre-connection unit (20), the long-side portions (2) and the narrow-side portions (3) are each provided on one side with a corner connector (4). In a final connection apparatus, the long-side portions (2) and the narrow-side portions (3) are arranged by a positioning unit (28) in such a way that they can be connected by a final connection unit (24) via the corner connectors (4) to form a frame-like spacer (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated assembly of a polymeric spacer for insulating glazing.

[0002] Nowadays, insulating glazing is used almost exclusively in the windows and facades of buildings. Insulating glazing usually consists of two panes of glass arranged at a defined distance from each other by a spacer. The spacer is frame-like, often rectangular, and arranged all the way around the edge of the glazing. This creates a gap between the panes, which is usually filled with an inert gas. The heat flow between the interior space defined by the glazing and the outside environment can be significantly reduced by insulating glazing compared to single glazing. The spacer typically has a cavity filled with a desiccant to keep the gap free of moisture.

[0003] Conventional spacers are made of a lightweight metal (typically aluminum). These spacers can be created by bending a straight section into a frame-like shape and then joining the ends together.

[0004] However, polymer spacers are also known, for example from DE 27 52 542 C2 or DE 19 625 845 A1. These polymer spacers exhibit lower thermal conductivity than light metal spacers, so that the thermally insulating effect of the glazing in the edge region can be significantly improved. However, polymer spacer sections are generally not bendable. Although bendable developments are known, they make the spacer structure more complex, with the bendability being provided, for example, by an externally applied metallic foil, as disclosed in DE 10 2010 006 127 A1, or by an embedded metallic reinforcing strip, as disclosed in WO 2015 / 043848 A1.

[0005] Non-bendable polymer spacers are traditionally produced by cutting the straight side sections to size and assembling them into a frame-like spacer using corner connectors. This is typically done manually, which entails considerable manufacturing effort.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing an apparatus and a method for the automated assembly of a polymeric spacer in order to reduce the manufacturing effort.

[0007] Document EP2159366 A2 discloses a device for mechanically manufacturing a rectangular spacer frame. Figures 5 to 8 show the arrangement and positioning of the spacer sections during assembly.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a device and a method according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and designs are set forth in the subclaims.

[0009] The assembled spacer has a frame-like, in particular rectangular shape. It consists of two opposing long side sections and two opposing long side sections. Each long side section is connected to both long side sections via a corner connector. Likewise, each long side section is connected to both long side sections via a corner connector. This results in the frame-like shape. In other words, the two long side sections lie opposite each other, and their ends are each connected via corner connectors to a long side section that extends between the long side sections. Likewise, the two long side sections lie opposite each other, and their ends are each connected via corner connectors to a long side section that extends between the long side sections.

[0010] The corner connectors each have two plug-in sections and a corner section arranged between the plug-in sections. The two plug-in sections are inserted into the ends of the longitudinal and transverse side sections facing the corner connector, which are adjacent to one another and connected to the corner connector. The corner section is arranged between the said longitudinal side section and transverse side section, so that the ends of the sections are directed towards it and, in particular, abut against it. The corner section thus forms an exposed part of the spacer. The two plug-in sections are arranged at an angle to one another and thereby define the angle between adjacent longitudinal and transverse side sections. For conventional insulating glass panes, this angle is 90°.

[0011] The frame-like spacer has a length and a width. The length and width are defined in a plan view of the frame-like basic shape of the spacer, with the length being the longer and the width the shorter. The length of the spacer corresponds to the length of the long side sections plus twice the length of the corner sections of the corner connectors, which results from simple geometric considerations. The width of the spacer corresponds to the length of the transverse side sections plus twice the length of the corner sections of the corner connectors.

[0012] Spacers are usually rectangular in shape with one longer dimension (the length dimension) and one shorter dimension (the width dimension). Typically, the long side sections are therefore longer than the short side sections. An exception is a square spacer, where the length is equal to the width, and the long side sections and short side sections are therefore the same length – in this case, the length and width of the spacer are equal.

[0013] Different spacers are required for different applications. These differ, for example, with regard to the colour of the spacer, with regard to the polymeric base material of the spacer, with regard to the wall thickness of the longitudinal and transverse side sections, with regard to the length of the longitudinal side sections, which results from the length of the spacer, with regard to the length of the transverse side sections, which results from the width of the spacer, with regard to the width of the longitudinal and transverse side sections, which specifies the distance between the two glass panes of the insulating glazing (depth of the spacer), with regard to the corner connectors, whereby in particular the dimensions of the plug-in sections depend on the cavity of the longitudinal and transverse side sections, which in turn results from the width, height and material thickness of the longitudinal and transverse side sections; furthermore, the dimensions of the corner section can be adapted to the width and height of the longitudinal and transverse side sections.

[0014] The invention is based on the approach that the basic components required to produce a specific spacer are automatically removed from a storage facility and then automatically cut to size, fitted with the corner connectors, and assembled. The work steps that previously had to be performed individually and manually are thus automated by the device according to the invention. The manual cutting and assembly of the spacer is thus eliminated, significantly reducing the manufacturing effort. This is the major advantage of the present invention.

[0015] The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are presented together below, with explanations and preferred embodiments referring equally to the device and method. If preferred features are described in connection with the method, it follows that the device is preferably designed and suitable accordingly. Conversely, if preferred features are described in connection with the device, it follows that the method is preferably carried out accordingly.

[0016] The device according to the invention comprises at least one control unit. The control unit is or comprises a data processing system, in particular a computer. The parameters of the spacer to be produced (length, width, depth, color, material, etc.) are fed to the control unit via an input interface. This can be done by user input or, for example, by electronic order management, which is processed automatically and transmits the parameters to the control unit. From the input, the control unit determines the required basic components, the length of the longitudinal and transverse side sections, and the required corner connectors. The control unit is equipped with the necessary means for this purpose, in particular a processor and memory for executing a suitable computer program.The control unit is electronically connected to the other units of the device via output interfaces and is capable of controlling them.

[0017] It is possible for the entire device to be controlled by a single control unit. Alternatively, it is possible for some or all of the units of the device to have their own control units and to be controlled by these. In this case, there is preferably a central control unit to which the parameters of the spacer to be produced are fed via an input interface and which is connected via output interfaces to input interfaces of the downstream control units of the individual units of the device. The central control unit transmits the required information and parameters to the downstream control units as an input signal, whereupon the downstream control units control the units of the device assigned to them accordingly. When reference is made to the control unit in the following description, this means the entirety of all control units, if several are present.

[0018] The device according to the invention also comprises a storage device. The storage device comprises a storage unit and a removal unit. The storage unit is suitable and intended for the (simultaneous) storage of various types of polymeric spacer sections. Spacer sections of different types are stored (simultaneously) in the storage unit. The types differ by at least one of the following parameters: the color, the width, the height of the polymer base material, the wall thickness or material thickness.

[0019] Since spacers of different depths are typically required for different applications (for insulating glazing with different pane spacing), it is preferable to store at least spacer sections of different widths in the storage unit.

[0020] The spacer sections, in the sense of the invention, are standard components from which the required side sections are then cut. They are straight sections of a spacer. Typically, all spacer sections are the same length. However, it is also possible for spacer sections of different lengths to be kept in stock for different applications. The spacer sections are typically manufactured by extrusion.

[0021] The spacer sections are each formed from two parallel side walls that are connected to each other by an inner wall and an outer wall. The side walls are intended to face the glass panes in the insulating glazing and to be brought into contact with the glass panes. The inner wall is intended to face the space between the glass panes in the insulating glazing. In an advantageous embodiment, the inner wall is provided with holes to ensure the effect of a desiccant in the cavity on the space. The outer wall is opposite the inner wall, thus facing away from said space and intended to face the external environment of the insulating glazing. The side walls, the inner wall, and the outer wall surround a cavity. The ends of the spacer sections are open.The walls of the finished spacer are designated in the same way as the walls of the spacer sections.

[0022] The width of the spacer sections, within the meaning of the invention, is the dimension extending between the side walls. The width is the distance between the opposite surfaces of the two side walls. The height of the spacer sections, within the meaning of the invention, is the dimension extending between the outer wall and the inner wall. The height is the distance between the opposite surfaces of the outer wall and the inner wall. The dimensions of the longitudinal and transverse side sections later created from the spacer sections are designated analogously. The width of the longitudinal and transverse side sections corresponds to the depth of the spacer and determines the distance between the two glass panes in the insulating glazing. The length of the longitudinal side sections, taking into account the corner connectors as described above, determines the length of the spacer.The width of the spacer is determined from the length of the transverse side sections, taking into account the corner connectors as described above.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall and the side walls are each flat. The outer wall can also be flat overall. However, the outer wall is often made up of several flat sections: the middle section is arranged parallel to the inner wall, and the sections adjacent to the side walls form an angle of greater than 90° with the middle section on the one hand and the associated side wall on the other, in particular between 120° and 150°, ideally 135°. The angled structure of the outer wall is particularly advantageous for applying a sealant in the edge area of ​​the finished insulating glazing and has therefore proven particularly effective. Each wall is connected at its ends to the respective ends of the two adjacent walls.

[0024] The outer wall and optionally also the side walls of the spacer sections are preferably provided with an insulating film to further reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer and / or to provide a diffusion barrier. The insulating film is arranged on the surface of the outer wall and optionally the side walls facing away from the cavity. The insulating film typically comprises a polymeric film as a carrier film, for example made of or based on polyethylene terephthalate, for example with a thickness of 10 µm to 100 µm. At least one metallic (in particular made of or based on iron, aluminum, silver, copper, gold, chromium or alloys or mixtures thereof) and / or ceramic layer (in particular made of or based on silicon oxide and / or silicon nitride) is preferably arranged on the carrier film, for example with a thickness of 10 nm to 1500 nm. The insulating film can contain further polymeric layers or films.The insulation film can be applied to the spacer sections, for example, by gluing or extruded together with the spacer sections.

[0025] In addition to the storage unit, the storage facility also includes a removal unit. The removal unit is suitable and intended to remove at least one spacer section of a specific type from the storage unit. The information required for this, i.e., the identification of said specific type and the required quantity, is transmitted from the control unit (in particular, the central control unit) to the storage facility (or to its own control unit, if available). The storage facility is controlled by the control unit so that the type and quantity of spacer sections required for the specific application are removed and forwarded for further processing.

[0026] The number of spacer sections removed from the storage unit by the removal unit depends on the relationship between the length of the spacer sections and the length of the longitudinal and transverse side sections. The required number is determined by or entered into the control unit (in particular, the central control unit) and transmitted by the control unit to the storage facility (or to its own control unit, if available). A single spacer section is sufficient if both longitudinal side sections and both transverse side sections can be cut from this single spacer section, i.e., if the sum of the lengths of the two longitudinal side sections and the two transverse side sections is less than or equal to the length of the spacer section.Otherwise, more than one spacer section must be removed, for example two spacer sections, with one long side section and one short side section being cut from each spacer section (if the sum of the lengths of one long side section and one short side section is less than or equal to the length of the spacer section). If the length of the spacer section is less than the sum of the lengths of the long side sections, but greater than or equal to twice the length of the short side sections, three spacer sections can be removed, with one long side section being cut from each two spacer sections and the two short side sections from the third spacer section. For very large spacers, it may also be necessary to remove four spacer sections, with only one of the side sections being cut from each spacer section.It may also be necessary to first join several spacer sections together using a longitudinal connector in order to be able to cut suitable long side sections, and optionally also transverse side sections.

[0027] The storage unit and the removal unit are designed to match each other. In a first advantageous embodiment, the removal unit is designed as a push-out device, i.e., a type of rod that can be inserted into the storage unit and pushes out at least one spacer section. The storage unit can be designed as a system with multiple compartments, with each compartment storing one type of spacer section. To remove the correct type, the storage unit and removal unit are positioned relative to each other such that the push-out device is inserted into the corresponding compartment.This can be achieved by moving the storage unit while the ejection device is stationary. For this purpose, the compartment system is designed in a grid-like manner (compartments are arranged in rows and columns) and mounted for horizontal and vertical movement, allowing the corresponding compartment to be moved in front of the ejection device. Alternatively, it can be achieved by moving the ejection device while the storage unit is stationary. A combination of both is also conceivable, with both the storage unit and the ejection device being moved.

[0028] In the first advantageous embodiment, the storage unit can alternatively be designed as a type of revolver system, with the compartments for the different types of spacer sections arranged radially around a center point. By rotating the storage device, the corresponding compartment can be moved in front of the stationary ejection device.

[0029] In a second advantageous embodiment, the removal unit is designed as a robot and the storage unit as a compartment or shelf system, wherein the robot can grip and remove one or more spacer sections from the corresponding compartment or shelf with a gripper arm.

[0030] The device according to the invention also comprises a sawing unit. The sawing unit is suitable and intended for producing, in particular sawing, two longitudinal side sections of a first length and two transverse side sections of a second length from the at least one spacer section. Typically, the first length is greater than the second length. Only in the case of a square spacer is the first length equal to the second length. The sawing unit is controlled by the control unit. The information about the first length and second length required for the specific application is transmitted by the control unit (in particular the central control unit) to the sawing unit (or to its own control unit, if present).

[0031] The sawing unit comprises at least one saw and means for positioning the saw and the at least one spacer section relative to each other such that the saw cuts the spacer section along a desired cutting line. During this cutting process, the spacer section is divided into two pieces: the desired longitudinal or transverse side section and a remaining section, which is either discarded or from which another side section is created by sawing or which is kept for the production of another spacer.

[0032] The device according to the invention also comprises means for transporting the spacer sections removed from the storage device to the sawing unit. In an advantageous embodiment, a conveyor belt is used for this purpose, wherein the removal unit arranges the removed spacer sections on a starting section of the conveyor belt, and the spacer sections are then transported on the conveyor belt to the sawing unit.

[0033] In a variant of this design, the saw unit includes a stopper against which one end of the respective spacer section abuts. The stopper then specifies the position of said end of the spacer section as the zero point for the device, so that a measuring device can determine the position of the required cutting line, the distance of which from the stopper corresponds to the length of the desired side section.

[0034] The measuring device can, for example, be a mechanical or laser-based length measuring device. The saw can then be positioned over the cutting line, particularly by a horizontal movement of the saw (in this case, mounted for horizontal movement).

[0035] In a further variant of this design, the leading end of the spacer section in the transport direction is detected during transport to the sawing unit by a suitable means, such as a light barrier system. The detected position of said end provides a zero point, and the spacer section is transported further along the conveyor belt until the required cutting line is located below the (in this case, horizontally fixed) saw.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the transport means is designed as a robot. For this purpose, the same robot can be used, for example, to act as a removal unit, removing the at least one spacer section from the storage facility and then placing it directly in the sawing unit in a suitable position so that it can be measured and cut.

[0037] For very large spacers, it is conceivable that the longitudinal side sections, and optionally also the transverse side sections, are longer than the spacer sections from which they are to be created. In this case, two (or more) spacer sections can be connected to form a longer combination section, and the longitudinal side sections, and optionally also the transverse side sections, can be created from such a combination section. The connection is made via a longitudinal connector, preferably designed as a pin-like component (connecting pin), which is inserted into the cavity of the two spacer components to be connected, thereby connecting them linearly to form an extended, straight combination section.Depending on the required length of the combination section, a spacer section can also be joined to a previously sawn offcut, which, for example, remained as scrap during the production of the same or a previous spacer, to form a combination section. If the device according to the invention is designed for the production of such spacers, it comprises, in an advantageous development, a longitudinal connection unit. The longitudinal connection unit is intended to connect two (or more) spacer sections to one another via a longitudinal connector or to connect a spacer section to the offcut of a previously processed spacer section via a longitudinal connector.The spacer sections are fed from the storage facility to the longitudinal joining unit via a conveyor system, where the required number of combination sections is produced (two if only the long side sections need to be manufactured from combination sections, four if the transverse side sections also need to be manufactured from combination sections). The combination sections are then fed to the sawing unit via a conveyor system. The longitudinal joining unit is controlled by the control unit. The spacer sections can be connected to form the combination section, for example, using a robot or by a mechanism that pushes the components together after they have been appropriately positioned.If the device is designed to produce spacers with different widths and heights of the side sections, the longitudinal connection unit preferably comprises a storage device for different types of longitudinal connectors. The appropriate longitudinal connector is selected by the control unit (in particular the central control unit), the information is transmitted to the longitudinal connection unit (or to its own control unit, if present), and the corresponding longitudinal connector is removed from the storage device, for example, by a robot.

[0038] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the longitudinal connection unit to be located downstream of the sawing unit. The sawing unit cuts a section, which is then connected in the longitudinal connection unit with a spacer section via a longitudinal connector to form a longitudinal side section or, if necessary, a transverse side section.

[0039] The device according to the invention also comprises a pre-connection unit. The task of the pre-connection unit is to provide each long side section and each short side section on one side with a (particularly polymeric) corner connector. The pre-connection unit is suitable and intended to provide or connect the long side sections and the short side sections with a corner connector each. For this purpose, a plug-in section of a corner connector is inserted into a first end of each of the long and short side sections. Four corner connectors are provided, with a first corner connector being inserted or plugged into the first end of the first long side section, a second corner connector into the first end of the second long side section, a third corner connector into the first end of the first short side section, and a fourth corner connector into the first end of the second short side section.The pre-connection unit is also controlled by the control unit.

[0040] As already described, the required corner connectors depend on the spacer to be manufactured, in particular on the width and height of the cavity of the side sections, into which the plug-in sections of the corner connectors must be inserted with a substantial degree of precision to ensure a stable connection. If the device is designed to produce spacers with different widths and heights of the side sections, the pre-connection unit preferably comprises a storage device for different types of corner connectors. The different types of corner connectors differ in particular in the width and height of the plug-in sections, and optionally also in the length of the plug-in sections, the color, the polymer base material, and / or the dimensions of the corner section.The appropriate corner connector is selected by the control unit (in particular the central control unit), the information is transmitted to the pre-connection unit (or to its own control unit, if available) and the corresponding corner connector is removed from the storage system, for example by a robot.

[0041] The pre-connection unit comprises an insertion device with which the corner connectors are inserted into the respective side section. The feed of the corner connector to the insertion device is controlled by the control unit, wherein, if necessary, the information for selecting the appropriate type of corner connector is transmitted from the control unit (in particular the central control unit) to the pre-connection unit (or to its own control unit, if present). The insertion device can, for example, be designed as a robot that grasps the corner connector with a robot arm and inserts it into the respective side section. However, mechanical solutions are also conceivable. For example, the respective side section and the associated corner connector can be suitably positioned relative to one another so that a plug-in section of the corner connector is directed towards one end of the side section.This can be achieved, for example, using a conveyor system or a gripper arm. The side section and corner connector can then be pushed toward each other, with the plug-in section being inserted into the cavity of the side section, for example, using a mechanically driven and / or spring-loaded rod-like mounting arm that either pushes the corner connector onto the side section, with the opposite end of the side section resting against a stopper, or pushes the side section onto the corner connector, with the corner connector resting against a stopper.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the plug-in sections of the corner connectors are provided with a sealing compound before being inserted into the side sections, particularly in an area adjacent to the corner section. This seals the connection between the corner connector and the side section, particularly against moisture, and also improves adhesion. A butyl sealant is preferably used as the sealing compound.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the ends of the longitudinal and transverse side sections and / or the plug-in sections of the corner connectors are heated before the corner connectors are inserted. For this purpose, the pre-connection device has a heating device suitable for heating, for example a radiant heater or a hot air gun. The heating device is suitable for heating each corner connector (in particular its plug-in section to be inserted) and / or the end of the longitudinal side section or transverse side section assigned to it before the corner connector is connected to said assigned end. On the one hand, inserting the plug-in sections into the side sections is easier in the heated state, and on the other hand, the risk of breakage of the (typically brittle) polymeric side sections when inserting the corner connectors is reduced.Heating reduces the brittleness of the polymer material and gives it increased elasticity.

[0044] The device according to the invention also comprises means for transporting the transverse and longitudinal side sections from the sawing unit to the pre-joining unit. These can be designed, for example, in the form of a robot with a gripper arm or as a suitable conveyor system. For example, the same conveyor system can be used that transported the spacer sections from the storage facility to the sawing unit, if it is extended to the pre-joining unit.

[0045] After the pre-connection unit, there are two long side sections and two transverse side sections, each provided with a corner connector on one side, whereby one plug-in section of the corner connector is inserted into the respective side section, while the other plug-in section is free.

[0046] The device according to the invention also comprises an end connection device, which in turn comprises a positioning unit and an end connection unit. The end connection device is controlled by the control unit. The positioning unit is suitable and intended to position or arrange the longitudinal side sections and the transverse side sections relative to one another in such a way that the end of each longitudinal side section not provided with the corner connector is directed towards the corner connector of a transverse side section, and the end of each transverse side section not provided with the corner connector is directed towards the corner connector of a longitudinal side section. More precisely, the side sections are arranged in such a way that the end of the first longitudinal side section not provided with the corner connector is directed towards the exposed plug-in section of the corner connector of the first transverse side section (or vice versa), the end of the first transverse side section not provided with the corner connector is directed towards the exposed plug-in section of the corner connector of the second longitudinal side section (or vice versa), the end of the second longitudinal side section not provided with the corner connector is directed towards the exposed plug-in section of the corner connector of the second transverse side section (or vice versa), the end of the second transverse side section not provided with the corner connector is directed towards the exposed plug-in section of the corner connector of the first longitudinal side section (or vice versa).

[0047] The side sections with their corner connectors are thus arranged in a frame-like relative arrangement so that they can then be pushed together to form the finished spacer. This is controlled by the control unit, with the appropriate positioning of each side section being determined by the control unit (in particular, the central control unit), and this information is transmitted to the positioning unit (or to its own control unit, if available).

[0048] The positioning unit can, for example, be designed as a robot that grasps and positions the side sections with a gripper arm. Suitable conveyor systems are also conceivable as an alternative.

[0049] The end connection unit is suitable and intended for connecting the long side sections and the short side sections via the corner connectors to form a frame-like spacer. The previously exposed plug-in sections of the corner connectors are inserted into the previously open ends of the side sections to which they are directed. To this end, the side sections, suitably positioned by the positioning unit, are pushed into one another, for example by a suitable mechanism. For this purpose, mechanically driven and / or spring-loaded rod-like assembly arms can also be used, which push the suitably positioned components onto one another, with stoppers serving as abutments to prevent the pushed-on parts from slipping. The individual side sections can be assembled simultaneously or sequentially. The end connection unit is in turn controlled by the control unit.

[0050] The positioning unit and the end-connection unit are preferably arranged at the same location, so that the side sections are positioned by the positioning unit, for example, on a workbench, and then connected to each other directly on-site by the end-connection unit, without having to be transported to another location. It is also possible for the positioning unit and the end-connection unit to be combined into a single unit. For example, robot arms can grasp the side sections, align them appropriately, and then insert them into each other.

[0051] The positioning and final connection of the side sections can also be staggered, whereby first the first longitudinal side section and the first transverse side section are positioned relative to one another and then assembled to form a first sub-unit, the second longitudinal side section and the second transverse side section are positioned relative to one another and then assembled to form a second sub-unit and then the two sub-units are positioned relative to one another and assembled.

[0052] During the final connection, the affected ends of the longitudinal and transverse side sections and / or the plug-in sections of the corner connectors are preferably preheated to reduce the brittleness of the polymer material and simplify insertion. For this purpose, the end connection unit has a heating device, for example a radiant heater or a hot air gun. The heating device is suitable for heating each corner connector (in particular its plug-in section to be inserted) and / or the associated end of the longitudinal side section or transverse side section before the corner connector is connected to said associated end.

[0053] After the spacer is assembled, the corner connectors and the adjacent areas of the side sections can be provided with a sealing adhesive tape. The end connection unit is preferably equipped with suitable means for this purpose. The application of the adhesive tape can, for example, be automated by a robot controlled by the control unit. The adhesive tape is applied in particular to the outer surface of the spacer.

[0054] The device according to the invention preferably also comprises a conveyor device for transporting the finished spacer. This conveyor device is preferably designed as a conveyor belt onto which the assembled spacer is pushed, for example, by a mechanism or placed by a robot arm. The conveyor device for transporting the spacer is also preferably controlled by the control unit.

[0055] In an advantageous development of the invention, the device further comprises a filling device which is suitable and intended for filling the cavity of the spacer with desiccant. The spacer is fed to the filling device by a suitable conveyor device, for example a robot or a conveyor belt. The filling device comprises a drilling device through which at least one hole is drilled into a wall of the spacer, a filling device through which the desiccant is filled into the spacer via the at least one hole, and a sealing device through which the hole is subsequently closed or sealed with a sealing compound. The sealing compound is preferably a butyl sealant. Particularly suitable desiccants are silica gels, molecular sieves, CaCl 2 , Na 2 SO 4 , activated carbon, silicates, bentonites, and / or zeolites. The filling device is controlled by the control unit.

[0056] The device according to the invention can comprise a measuring device that is suitable and intended for measuring the finished spacer, in particular its width and length and / or the angles between adjacent longitudinal and transverse side sections. The measurement serves for quality control. The measurement can be carried out, for example, using a laser measuring system or mechanically using sensors. The measuring device is controlled by the control unit.

[0057] In a further development of the invention, at least one strut is inserted between at least two opposing side sections of the spacer, which is substantially perpendicular to said opposing side sections and runs substantially parallel to the two remaining side sections. Such struts are known as "Georgian bars" in window frames, and if these are to be used, it is advantageous for the spacer to also have corresponding struts. A suitably cut strut section is inserted between said opposing side sections (typically the long side sections) and connected to the side sections, for example, by gluing or screwing. Several parallel strut sections can also be used.If the two remaining side sections (typically the transverse side sections) are also to be provided with at least one strut, appropriately cut strut sections are inserted between said side sections and the existing struts running parallel to them and connected to them, for example, by glueing or screwing. The strut sections are cut to size by a sawing unit, either the sawing unit for producing the transverse and longitudinal side sections or a second sawing unit specifically designed for this purpose. The spacer sections are fed to the respective sawing unit as starting material, preferably from the storage device according to the invention.The bracing is inserted in an optional bracing device of the device according to the invention, to which the frame-like spacer and the bracing sections are fed by a suitable conveyor. The bracing sections are preferably inserted and attached by a robot. The control unit determines the need for bracing and, if necessary, determines its dimensions. The control unit then controls the bracing device and the associated conveyor.

[0058] The spacer is then placed to produce insulating glazing. For this purpose, it is positioned in the edge region between two plane-parallel glass panes, with the side walls preferably coming into contact with the glass panes via a sealing compound. The sealing compound is preferably a butyl sealing compound. An external sealing compound, particularly organic sealing compound made of or based on polysulfides, silicones, RTV (room temperature-curing) silicone rubber, HTV (high temperature-curing) silicone rubber, peroxide-curing silicone rubber and / or addition-curing silicone rubber, polyurethanes, butyl rubber, and / or polyacrylates, is preferably filled into the marginal space between the glass panes, which is defined by the glass panes and the outer wall of the spacer and is open to the outside.The inner space between the panes, defined by the glass panes and the inner wall of the spacer, is preferably evacuated or filled with an inert gas, such as argon or krypton. The glass panes are preferably made of soda-lime glass. The thickness of the glass panes can, in principle, be varied as desired; a thickness of 1 mm to 25 mm, preferably 3 mm to 19 mm, is particularly common. The light transmission of the glass panes is preferably greater than 85%.

[0059] The insulating glazing can be manufactured immediately after the spacer assembly. However, the spacers can also be stored and / or transported to another production location in the meantime.

[0060] The insulating glazing can of course also comprise more than two glass panes, wherein a spacer according to the invention is preferably arranged between each two adjacent glass panes.

[0061] The spacer or the spacer sections preferably have a wall thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. Wall thickness refers to the thickness of the walls, i.e., the side walls, the outer wall, and the inner wall; it can also be referred to as the material thickness. All walls and sections preferably have the same wall thickness.

[0062] The width of the spacer sections or the longitudinal and transverse side sections is preferably from 5 mm to 35 mm, particularly preferably from 5 mm to 33 mm, for example from 10 mm to 20 mm. The height of the spacer sections or the longitudinal and transverse side sections is preferably from 3 mm to 20 mm, particularly preferably from 5 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably from 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0063] The spacer sections or the longitudinal and transverse side sections are made of a polymeric material, preferably made of or based on polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitrile, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-polycarbonate (ABS / PC), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyethylene terephthalate-polycarbonate (PET / PC), polybutylene terephthalate-polycarbonate (PBT / PC), or copolymers or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Particular preference is given to PP, ABS, ASA, ABS / PC, SAN, PET / PC, and PBT / PC. The polymeric material may contain additives such as colorants (dyes or pigments), stabilizers, curing agents or UV blockers.The polymeric material preferably contains glass fibers for reinforcement, whereby the glass fiber content can be, for example, from 20 wt.% to 40 wt.%.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way.

[0065] They show: Fig. 1 a plan view of a spacer for an insulating glazing and its components, Fig. 2 a perspective cross-section through the spacer from Figure 1 , Fig. 3 a cross-section through an insulating glazing with the spacer made of Figure 1, Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a bearing device of a device according to the invention, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a sawing unit of a device according to the invention, Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a pre-connection unit of a device according to the invention, Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an end connection device of a device according to the invention and Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a further development of a spacer for insulating glazing.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a spacer 1 for an insulating glazing unit, which is to be produced using the device and method according to the invention. A plan view of the assembled spacer 1 is shown ( Figure 1a ) and its individual components in the form of an exploded view ( Figure 1a). The spacer 1 is frame-like with a rectangular basic shape. It is composed of two long side sections 2 with a first length and two long side sections 3 with a second length which is shorter than the first length. The two long side sections 2 lie opposite each other, the two long side sections 3 lie opposite each other. Each long side section 2 is connected to the two long side sections 3 via a corner connector 4. Likewise, each long side section 3 is connected to both long side sections 2 via a corner connector 4. The corner connectors 4 have a corner section and two plug-in sections extending from it, which are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other. The two plug-in sections are each inserted into one end of the long side section 2 and the long side section 3, which are to be connected to each other via the corner connector 4.The shorter dimension of the spacer 1 in plan view is called its width (in this case the horizontal dimension), the longer dimension is called its length (in this case the vertical dimension). The third dimension (in this case perpendicular to the plane of representation) is called the depth of the spacer - it determines the distance between the glass panes of the insulating glazing that are to be connected to each other via the spacer 1.

[0067] Figure 2shows a cross-section through the spacer 1 or through one of its long side sections 2 or transverse side sections 3. The spacer 1 is made, for example, from SAN, which has a glass fiber content of, for example, 35 wt.%. The spacer 1 is constructed from two parallel side walls, an inner wall and an outer wall, with the inner wall and the outer wall running between the side walls. The side walls run vertically in the illustration and are intended to be brought into contact with the glass panes of the insulating glazing. The inner wall is arranged horizontally in the illustration above and is intended to face the inner space between the panes of the insulating glazing.The outer wall is positioned at the bottom in the illustration, comprising a flat central section arranged parallel to the inner wall and two flat edge sections arranged at an angle of approximately 135° to the central section on the one hand and to the adjacent side section on the other. The spacer 1 surrounds a cavity intended to be filled with a desiccant.

[0068] The outer wall and adjacent sections of each side wall are provided with an insulating film 5, each on the surface facing away from the cavity. The insulating film 5 reduces diffusion through the spacer. This can reduce the ingress of moisture into the interior of an insulating glazing unit or the loss of the inert gas filling of the interior of the pane. The insulating film 5 also improves the thermal properties of the spacer, thus reducing thermal conductivity. The insulating film 5 comprises, for example, the following layer sequence: a polymeric carrier film (consisting of LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), thickness: 24 µm) / a metallic layer (consisting of aluminum, thickness: 50 nm) / a polymeric layer (PET, 12 µm) / a metallic layer (Al, 50 nm) / a polymeric layer (PET, 12 µm).

[0069] The horizontal dimension of the long side section 2 or the transverse side section 3 in the section plane shown is referred to as the width of the respective side section 2, 3. The width dimension extends between the glass panes of the insulating glazing; the inner wall and the outer wall extend along the width dimension. The width is, for example, 15 mm. The vertical dimension of the long side section 2 or the transverse side section 3 in the section plane shown is referred to as the height of the respective side section 2, 3; it is, for example, 6.5 mm. The length dimension extends between the corner connectors 4. The material thickness of the side walls, the inner wall, and the outer wall is approximately the same and is, for example, 1 mm.

[0070] Figure 3shows a cross-section through an insulating glazing unit in the area of ​​the spacer 1. The insulating glazing unit consists of two glass panes 6, 7 made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of, for example, 3 mm, which are connected to one another via the spacer 1 arranged in the edge area. The side walls of the spacer 1 are each connected to the glass panes 6, 7 via a sealing layer 8. The sealing layer 8 consists, for example, of butyl. An outer sealing compound 9 is arranged all around the edge of the insulating glazing unit between the glass panes 6, 7 and the spacer 1. The sealing compound 9 is, for example, a silicone rubber.

[0071] The cavity of the spacer 1 is filled with a desiccant 10. The desiccant 10 is, for example, a molecular sieve. The desiccant 10 absorbs any residual moisture present between the glass panes 6, 7, thus preventing fogging of the glass panes 6, 7 in the space between the panes. The effect of the desiccant 10 is enhanced by holes (not shown) in the inner wall of the spacer 1.

[0072] Figure 4shows an exemplary embodiment of a storage device of a device according to the invention with a storage unit 12 and a removal unit 13. The storage unit 12 is a compartment system with a plurality of compartments, wherein a plurality of spacer sections 11 of a specific type are stored in each compartment. The types of spacer sections 11 in the different compartments differ, for example, in color, height, and width. Thus, spacer sections 11 of different colors and dimensions are stored in the storage unit 12, wherein all spacer sections 11 have the same standard length. The removal unit 13 has a rod-like, horizontally movable ejection device.

[0073] The storage unit 12 is mounted for vertical and horizontal movement, allowing the compartment with the appropriate spacer sections 11 to be moved in front of the removal unit 13 and the ejection device to be inserted therein, whereby one or more spacer sections 11 are pushed out of the storage unit 12 on the opposite side. These spacer sections 11 are transferred to a conveyor device 14, which is designed as a roller-driven conveyor belt.

[0074] During the production of a specific spacer, the required type and number of spacer sections 11 are determined by a control unit (not shown). The control unit then controls the storage device so that the required spacer sections 11 are transferred from the storage unit 12 to the conveyor device 14, from which they can be fed for further processing.

[0075] In Figure 4aThe storage facility is seen from the side. In Figure 4b the storage unit 12 is shown rotated by 90° from the front, so that the different compartments with the different spacer sections 11 can be seen.

[0076] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sawing unit 15 of a device according to the invention, to which the spacer sections 11 are fed by means of the conveyor device 14. The sawing unit 15 comprises a stopper 17 against which one end of the spacer section 11 abuts, the conveyor device is then stopped ( Figure 5a). A dimensioning device (not shown) measures, controlled by the control unit, the required cutting lines to saw a longitudinal side section 2 and a transverse side section 3 from the spacer section 11. The sawing unit 15 also comprises a saw 16, which is mounted for horizontal and vertical movement. The control unit moves the saw 16 horizontally to the determined cutting lines and lowers it there onto the spacer section 11. After sawing, the spacer section 11 is divided into the longitudinal side section 2, the transverse side section 3, and a remaining piece 18, which is discarded as scrap ( Figure 5b ).

[0077] In the illustrated case, wherein a longitudinal side section 2 and a transverse side section 3 are produced from a spacer section 11, it is advantageous if two spacer sections 11 are positioned simultaneously on the stopper 17 and then separated simultaneously by the saw 16.

[0078] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pre-connection unit 20 of a device according to the invention in a top view. The pre-connection unit 20 has a working surface 23 with a stopper 21 on which a corner connector 4 is positioned. A longitudinal side section 2 is arranged on the working surface 23 such that one of its ends is directed toward a plug-in section of the corner connector 4 ( Figure 6a). The pre-connection unit 20 also comprises a movable mounting arm 22, which is moved horizontally toward the long side section 2 and pushes it toward the corner connector 4. Due to the abutment effect of the stopper 21, the plug-in section of the corner connector 4 is inserted into the cavity of the long side section 2 ( Figure 6b ). This process is carried out with both long side sections 2 and both transverse side sections 3, so that in the end both long side sections 2 and both transverse side sections 3 are each provided with a corner connector on one side.

[0079] The pre-connection unit 20 is again controlled by the control unit. The positioning of the corner connector 4 and the long side section 2 or the short side section 3 can be achieved, for example, using a robot arm or a suitable conveyor system.

[0080] The plug-in section of the corner connector 4 is preferably provided with a sealing compound. The plug-in section of the corner connector 4 and / or the end of the longitudinal side section 2 or transverse side section 3 can optionally be heated by a heating device (not shown) before insertion.

[0081] Figure 7shows an exemplary embodiment of an end connection device of a device according to the invention in a top view. The end connection device comprises a work surface 27, a positioning unit 28, and an end connection unit 24. The positioning unit 28 arranges the longitudinal side sections 2 and transverse side sections 3 provided with the corner connectors 4 on the work surface 27 in such a way that they can be assembled to form the spacer 1 by the end connection unit 24. The positioning unit 28 is designed, for example, as a robot gripper arm.The long side sections 2 and long side sections 3 are arranged in a frame-like manner, so that the end of each long side section 2 not provided with the corner connector 4 is directed towards the corner connector 4 of a long side section 3 and the end of each long side section 3 not provided with the corner connector 4 is directed towards the corner connector 4 of a long side section 2 (. Figure 7a). The end connection unit 24 comprises four movable mounting arms 26, each with an associated movable stopper 25. Each mounting arm 26 is moved to one of the corner connectors 4 already attached to a long side section 2 or transverse side section 3 and pushes it onto the end of the transverse side section 3 or long side section 2, which is directed toward the respective corner connector 4. The associated stopper 25 acts as an abutment to prevent the transverse side section 3 or long side section 2 from slipping. Thus, the still exposed plug-in sections of the corner connectors 4 are inserted into the cavity of the associated transverse side section 3 or long side section 2, thereby completing the production of the spacer 1 ( Figure 7b ).

[0082] The end connection device is also controlled by the control unit, which determines the intended position of the components, arranges them accordingly with the positioning unit 28 and then directs the movement of the stoppers 25 and the mounting arms 26 of the end connection unit 24.

[0083] Pre-connection unit 20 and final connection device can be spatially combined so that the same work surface is used as work surface 23 and work surface 27.

[0084] The assembly of the spacer 1 does not have to be carried out simultaneously, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, for example, one longitudinal side section 2 and one transverse side section 3 can first be positioned relative to one another and assembled, then the other longitudinal side section 2 and the other transverse side section 3 can be positioned relative to one another and assembled, and then the two resulting partial products can be positioned relative to one another and assembled.

[0085] Figure 8shows a plan view of a spacer 1 that can be produced using a further development of the device and method according to the invention. A vertical brace 29 extends between the transverse side sections 3, which is also formed from a correspondingly cut piece of a spacer section 11 and is, for example, screwed to the transverse side sections 3. A horizontal brace extends between the longitudinal side sections 2. The horizontal brace is formed from two horizontal brace sections 30, each of which extends from a longitudinal side section 2 to the vertical brace 29 and is, for example, screwed to the longitudinal side section 2 and the vertical brace 29. Such a spacer 1 is suitable for insulating glazing that is to be used in a frame with so-called "Georgian bars."The "Georgian Bars" are corresponding struts in the window frame, which are provided primarily for aesthetic reasons and conceal the struts 29, 30 of the spacer 1.

[0086] The cutting, arranging and screwing of the vertical bracing 29 and the horizontal bracing sections 30 can also be carried out automatically with the device according to the invention, controlled by the control unit. List of reference symbols:

[0087] (1)Spacer (2)Long side section (3)Transverse side section of spacer 1 (4)Corner connector of spacer 1 (5)Insulation film (6)Glass pane (7)Glass pane (8)Sealing layer (9)Outer sealant (10)Desiccant (11)Spacer section (12)Storage unit (13)Removal unit (14)Conveyor device (15)Saw unit (16)Saw of saw unit 15 (17)Stopper of saw unit 15 (18)Remaining piece of a spacer section 11 (20)Pre-connection unit (21)Stopper of the pre-connection unit 20 (22)Mounting arm of the pre-connection unit 20 (23)Working surface of the pre-connection unit 20 (24)End connection unit (25)Stopper of the end connection unit 24 (26)Mounting arm of the end connection unit 24 (27)Working surface of the end connection unit 24 (28)Positioning unit (29)Vertical bracing (30)Horizontal bracing section

Claims

1. Apparatus for assembling a polymeric spacer (1) for an insulating glazing, comprising: - at least one control unit, - a storage device having a storage unit (12) for storing different types of polymeric spacer portions (11) and having a removal unit (13) which is suitable for removing at least one spacer portion (11) of a specific type from the storage unit (12), - a sawing unit (15) which is suitable for producing two longitudinal side portions (2) of a first length and two transverse side portions (3) of a second length from the at least one spacer portion (11), - a pre-connection unit (20) which is suitable for providing the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) with one corner connector (4) each, - a final connection device having a positioning unit (28) which is suitable for arranging the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) such that the end of each longitudinal side portion (2) not provided with the corner connector (4) is directed toward the corner connector (4) of a transverse side portion (3), and the end of each transverse side portion (3) not provided with the corner connector (4) is directed toward the corner connector (4) of a longitudinal side portion (2), and having a final connection unit (24) which is suitable for connecting the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) via the corner connectors (4) to form a frame-like spacer (1), wherein the at least one control unit is suitable - for controlling the storage device, wherein the control unit transmits the type and number of spacer portions (11) required to the storage device, - for controlling the sawing unit (15), wherein the control unit transmits the required first length and second length to the sawing unit (15), - for controlling the pre-connection unit (20), and - for controlling the final connection device, wherein the control unit transmits the suitable positioning of the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) to the positioning unit (28).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit (12) is designed with a plurality of compartments, wherein each compartment is provided to store a type of spacer portion (11), and wherein the removal unit (13) is designed as a rod-like push-out apparatus, wherein the storage unit (12) and the removal unit (13) can be positioned relative to one another such that the removal unit (13) can be inserted into a specific compartment in order to push the at least one spacer portion (11) of the specific type out of the storage unit (12).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit (12) is designed as a compartment or shelf system, and the removal unit (13) is designed as a robot which is suitable for removing the at least one spacer portion (11) of the specific type from the storage unit (12) using a gripper arm.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, which is equipped with a conveyor belt for transporting the at least one spacer portion (11) from the storage device to the sawing unit (15).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sawing unit (15) has a stopper (17) against which an end of the at least one spacer portion (11) abuts , and a movably mounted saw (16) which can be positioned by the at least one control unit at a suitable distance from the stopper (17) in order to saw off the relevant longitudinal side portion (2) with the first length or the relevant transverse side portion (3) with the second length.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sawing unit (15) has a saw (16) and a light barrier system which is suitable for detecting the front end of the at least one spacer portion (11) in the transport direction on the conveyor belt, and wherein the at least one control unit is suitable for further transporting the at least one spacer portion (11) on the conveyor belt, starting from the detected position, until the required cutting line for producing the relevant longitudinal side portion (2) with the first length or the relevant transverse side portion (3) with the second length is located under the saw (16).

7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, which comprises a longitudinal connection unit which is suitable for connecting two spacer portions (11) via a connecting pin to form a combination portion, from which a longitudinal side portion (2) or transverse side portion (3) is produced in the sawing device.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pre-connection unit (20) comprises a storage device for storing different types of corner connectors (4) and is suitable for removing corner connectors (4) of a specific type from the storage device, wherein the at least one control unit transmits the type of corner connectors (4) required to the pre-connection unit (20).

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pre-connection unit (20) and the final connection device are equipped with a heating device which is suitable for heating each corner connector (4) and / or the end of the longitudinal side portion (2) or transverse side portion (3) associated therewith before the corner connector (4) is connected to said end.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the positioning unit (28) is designed as a robot having a gripper arm.

11. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, which comprises a filling device which is suitable for drilling at least one hole in a wall of the spacer (1), pouring a desiccant (10) into the spacer (1) via this hole and subsequently sealing the hole using sealant.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, which comprises a measuring device which is suitable for measuring the spacer (1), wherein length measurements and angles are determined in particular.

13. Method for assembling a polymeric spacer for an insulating glazing, wherein a) different types of polymeric spacer portions (11) are stored in a storage unit (12) of a storage device, b) a removal unit (13) of the storage device removes at least one spacer portion (11) of a specific type from the storage unit (12), wherein the storage device is controlled by at least one control unit, which type and number of spacer portions (11) required are transmitted to the storage device, c) a sawing unit (15) produces two longitudinal side portions (2) of a first length and two transverse side portions (3) of a second length from the at least one spacer portion (11), wherein the sawing unit (15) is controlled by the at least one control unit which transmits the required first length and second length to the sawing unit (15), d) a pre-connection unit (20) provides the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) with one corner connector (4) each, wherein the pre-connection unit (20) is controlled by the at least one control unit, e) a positioning unit (28) of a final connection device arranges the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) such that the end of each longitudinal side portion (2) not provided with the corner connector (3) is directed toward the corner connector (4) of a transverse side portion (3), and the end of each transverse side portion (3) not provided with the corner connector (4) is directed toward the corner connector (4) of a longitudinal side portion (2), f) a final connection unit (24) of the final connection device connects the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) via the corner connectors to form a frame-like spacer (1), wherein the final connection device is controlled by the at least one control unit which transmits the suitable positioning of the longitudinal side portions (2) and the transverse side portions (3) to the positioning unit (28).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the different types of polymeric spacer portions (11) in the storage unit (12) differ by at least one parameter which is selected from color, width, height, material, and wall thickness.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the corner connectors (4) are provided with a sealant.

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