Sealing nozzle for applying sealing compound for sealing an insulating glass unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing nozzle (1) for applying sealing compound (50) for sealing an insulating glass unit (100), in particular for applying the sealing compound (50) in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and a spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3).The sealing nozzle (1) comprises a sealing compound supply line (2) with a sealing compound inlet channel (3) for supplying sealing compound (50) through the sealing compound inlet channel (3), wherein the sealing compound supply line (2) has an outlet opening (4) which outlet opening (4) is connected to the sealing compound inlet channel (3) in order to apply the sealing compound (50) for sealing the insulating glass unit (100), in particular for applying the sealing compound (50) into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3). (50) to allow the sealing compound to exit through the outlet opening (4) from the sealing compound inflow channel (3).The sealing nozzle (1) further comprises a sealing compound distribution element (5) that is pivotable relative to the sealing compound supply line (2), wherein the sealing compound distribution element (5) has a distribution surface (6) for distributing sealing compound (50) that has emerged from the sealing compound supply channel (3) through the outlet opening (4) and thus for applying the sealing compound (50) to seal the insulating glass unit (100), in particular for applying the sealing compound (50) to the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3).The sealing compound distribution element (5) is pivotable in a pivot plane (30) within a pivot angle range of at least 15° relative to the sealing compound supply line (2), wherein the distribution surface (6) is pivotable with the sealing compound distribution element (5).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing nozzle for applying sealing compound for sealing an insulating glass unit, the sealing nozzle comprising a sealing compound supply line with a sealing compound inflow channel for supplying sealing compound through the sealing compound inflow channel, wherein the sealing compound supply line has an outlet opening, which outlet opening is connected to the sealing compound inflow channel in order to allow sealing compound to exit through the outlet opening from the sealing compound inflow channel for applying the sealing compound for sealing the insulating glass unit, and a sealing compound distribution element pivotable relative to the sealing compound supply line,The sealing compound distribution element has a distribution surface for distributing sealing compound emerging from the sealing compound inlet channel through the outlet opening and thus for applying the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, the device comprising a sealing nozzle according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, in particular using a sealing nozzle according to the invention. State of the art

[0002] Insulating glass units are well known. They are used, among other things, in building windows to improve insulation. When installed in this way, insulating glass units reduce heat loss from the interior of buildings, for example in cold weather. Insulating glass units comprise two or more glass panes arranged essentially parallel to one another. Insulating glass units also comprise one or more spacer frames. One of the spacer frames is arranged between each two adjacent glass panes and runs essentially along the peripheral edges of the two adjacent glass panes, between which glass panes the respective spacer frame is arranged. Typically, therefore, the number of glass panes in an insulating glass unit is one more than the number of spacer frames.The spacer frames arranged between two adjacent glass panes keep the two adjacent glass panes at a certain distance from each other. Often, the adjacent glass panes and the spacer frames arranged between them are bonded together. The adjacent glass panes are often bonded together in this way using a butyl primary sealant and / or an acrylic adhesive.

[0003] Due to the arrangement of the glass panes and spacer frames in insulating glass panes, a chamber exists between each two adjacent glass panes within the spacer frame arranged between these two adjacent glass panes. Such a chamber can be further subdivided into subchambers by cross braces of the spacer frame. Regardless of the presence or absence of cross braces, an insulating glass unit can have one or more such chambers, depending on the number of glass panes and spacer frames. These chambers form the interior of the respective insulating glass unit. The air from these chambers is usually evacuated and replaced by a gas, particularly an inert gas.

[0004] As a rule, in insulating glass units the two adjacent glass panes and the spacer frame arranged between them are arranged in such a way that the edges of the glass panes extend slightly beyond the spacer frame arranged between them. As a result, the main surfaces of the glass panes which face the respective spacer frame extend slightly beyond the spacer frame on their circumference. This creates a space along the outside edges of the insulating glass units between the projecting edges of the adjacent glass panes and the spacer frame arranged between them. This space is usually at least partially filled with a sealing compound in order to seal the respective spacer frame to the adjacent main surfaces of the glass panes. The sealing compound used for this purpose can be a polymer sealant such as silicone, polysulfide or polyurethane.The sealing compound can also be a general hot-melt adhesive. A hot-melt adhesive can, for example, but does not have to, also be a polyurethane.

[0005] By applying the sealing compound to the space between the protruding edges of the adjacent glass panes and the spacer frame arranged between them, the seal of the respective insulating glass unit is created. This seal is generally airtight. The seal forms a barrier between the ambient air and one or more chambers of the respective insulating glass units, or the interior of the respective insulating glass unit, and prevents water vapor from penetrating the interior of the respective insulating glass unit.

[0006] During the manufacture of insulating glass units, the edges of the adjacent glass panes are often not perfectly aligned with each other on one or more sides. Such deviations can be caused, for example, by deviations in the edge lengths of the adjacent glass panes. These deviations can arise, for example, during the preparation of the glass panes if the edge lengths deviate from the specified dimensions within the manufacturing tolerances. However, there are also insulating glass units in which the edges of the adjacent glass panes intentionally differ significantly from each other on one or more sides. An example of such insulating glass units are insulating glass units for a building with an external surface made of glass. In this case, the insulating glass units are often designed so that the outer glass pane in relation to the building is larger than the inner glass pane in relation to the building.This creates space between adjacent insulating glass units in the area of ​​the inner glass pane for the structures to which the insulating glass units are attached. It is also possible for the larger glass pane to have a continuous step along its front edge. This allows the outward-facing main surface of the larger glass pane to be larger than the inward-facing main surface of the larger glass pane, facing the spacer frame. This size difference between the main surfaces can be compensated for by the step along the front edge of the larger glass pane.

[0007] Sealing nozzles are used to apply the sealing compound into the space between the projecting edges of the adjacent glass panes and the spacer frame arranged therebetween during the manufacture of insulating glass units. Such sealing nozzles are known. These sealing nozzles comprise a sealing compound supply line with a sealing compound inflow channel for supplying sealing compound through the sealing compound inflow channel. The sealing compound supply line has an outlet opening, which outlet opening is connected to the sealing compound inflow channel in order to allow sealing compound to exit through the outlet opening from the sealing compound inflow channel for applying the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass unit.Some such sealing nozzles also comprise a sealing compound distribution element that can be pivoted relative to the sealing compound supply line, wherein the sealing compound distribution element has a distribution surface for distributing sealing compound that has exited the sealing compound inflow channel through the outlet opening and thus for applying the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass unit.

[0008] An example of such a sealing nozzle is described in WO 2020 / 074284 A1 by Forel SPA. In this sealing nozzle, the sealing compound distribution element can be pivoted slightly relative to the sealing compound supply line by means of a ball joint, allowing it to perform slight pivoting movements both along an axis parallel to the main surfaces of the glass panes of the insulating glass unit and along an axis perpendicular to the glass panes of the insulating glass unit. This allows the sealing compound distribution element, with its distribution surface, to follow any geometric irregularities in the pane edges and the possibly not entirely flat geometry of the insulating glass, so that when the sealing compound is applied, the sealing compound cannot escape between the distribution surface and the edges of the glass panes of the insulating glass unit to be sealed.However, the sealing nozzle described in WO 2020 / 074284 A1 by Forel SPA is not optimized for sealing insulating glass units with adjacent glass panes of the same size, but rather for sealing insulating glass units with adjacent glass panes of different sizes. For this purpose, when sealing insulating glass units with adjacent glass panes of different sizes, the sealing compound distribution element is pressed against the main surface of the larger of the two adjacent glass panes facing the frame. Accordingly, the sealing compound distribution element has a part, which part is pressed against the main surface of the larger of the two adjacent glass panes facing the frame during sealing.The purpose of this part is to retain the sealing compound so that the edge of the applied sealing compound on the side of the larger glass pane is sharply defined and is at the same height as the edge of the smaller of the two adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0009] Such sealing nozzles have the disadvantage that they can only be used to seal insulating glass units with certain shapes and dimensions and are therefore not very flexible. Description of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a sealing nozzle belonging to the technical field mentioned above for applying sealing compound for sealing an insulating glass unit, which sealing nozzle can be used more flexibly for sealing insulating glass units of various shapes and dimensions. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a device for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, by means of which flexible insulating glass units of various shapes and dimensions can be sealed. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, by means of which flexible insulating glass units of various shapes and dimensions can be sealed.

[0011] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the sealing nozzle is suitable for applying sealing compound for sealing an insulating glass unit, in particular for applying the sealing compound in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and a spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes.The sealing nozzle comprises a sealing compound supply line with a sealing compound inflow channel for supplying sealing compound through the sealing compound inflow channel, wherein the sealing compound supply line has an outlet opening, which outlet opening is connected to the sealing compound inflow channel in order to allow sealing compound to emerge from the sealing compound inflow channel through the outlet opening for applying the sealing compound for sealing the insulating glass unit, in particular for applying the sealing compound into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes.The sealing nozzle further comprises a sealing compound distribution element pivotable relative to the sealing compound supply line, wherein the sealing compound distribution element has a distribution surface for distributing sealing compound exiting the sealing compound inflow channel through the outlet opening and thus for applying the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass unit, in particular for applying the sealing compound into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. The sealing compound distribution element is pivotable in a pivoting plane within a pivoting angle range of at least 15° relative to the sealing compound supply line, wherein the distribution surface is pivotable with the sealing compound distribution element. The distribution surface can be oriented as desired relative to the pivoting plane.Since the distribution surface is preferably arranged immovably, in particular fixedly, relative to the sealing compound distribution element on the sealing compound distribution element, the distribution surface is preferably pivoted to the same extent as the sealing compound distribution element when the sealing compound distribution element pivots in the pivot plane. In a preferred variant, the distribution surface is a section of a surface of the sealing compound distribution element. However, the distribution surface can also be arranged as a separate element on the sealing compound distribution element.

[0012] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, in particular by applying the sealing compound in a space between the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and a spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. This device comprises a sealing nozzle according to the invention for applying the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass unit,in particular for applying the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. Furthermore, the device comprises a drive arrangement for moving the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular around the entire insulating glass unit, while the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, and sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inlet channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle.to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, in particular so that the sealing compound thus applied forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit. It is irrelevant whether, for the movement of the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit by the drive arrangement, the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface is moved while the insulating glass unit is not moved, or whether the insulating glass unit is moved while the sealing nozzle is not moved,or whether both the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface and the insulating glass unit are moved.

[0013] Irrespective of this, the drive arrangement for moving the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit preferably includes a drive. This drive can, for example, comprise one or more motors, in particular electric motors. However, the drive can also be designed without a motor. For example, the drive can utilize gravity to move the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit. However, the drive arrangement can also be designed without such a drive.

[0014] Preferably, the drive arrangement is designed to move the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular around the entire insulating glass unit, while the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes,in particular so that the sealing compound thus applied forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, in particular with a sealing nozzle according to the invention, in particular by applying the sealing compound in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and a spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, using the sealing nozzle according to the invention. The method can also be carried out with the previously described device for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, in particular by applying the sealing compound in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and a spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes.

[0016] In the method, the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is brought into contact with the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and, in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, is moved relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular around the entire insulating glass unit, in particular while the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, wherein, during the contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is moved relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit,Sealing compound is passed through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, in particular so that the sealing compound thus applied forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0017] The fact that in the method according to the invention the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is moved in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular around the entire insulating glass unit, means that the sealing nozzle can be moved together with the distribution surface, while the insulating glass unit is not moved, that the insulating glass unit can be moved while the sealing nozzle is not moved, or that both the sealing nozzle together with the distribution surface and the insulating glass unit can be moved in order to move the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit,especially around the entire insulating glass unit.

[0018] When the method is carried out with the device according to the invention, the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and preferably moved by the drive arrangement in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, while the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle,to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. It is also possible for the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle to be brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit by the drive arrangement. However, it is also possible for the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle not to be brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit by the drive arrangement, but rather, for example, to be brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit by another drive.

[0019] According to the invention, the sealing compound distribution element can be pivoted in the pivoting plane within the pivoting angle range of at least 15° relative to the sealing compound supply line, wherein the distribution surface can be pivoted with the sealing compound distribution element, it is possible for insulating glass units with spacer frames of different thicknesses between adjacent glass panes, insulating glass units with adjacent glass panes of different sizes and also insulating glass units with spacer frames of different thicknesses between adjacent glass panes of different sizes to be optimally sealed with one and the same sealing nozzle.Therefore, the solution according to the invention has the advantage that the sealing nozzle can be used more flexibly for sealing insulating glass units with different shapes and dimensions, and that insulating glass units with different shapes and dimensions can be sealed more flexibly with the device and the method.

[0020] The swivel angle range is advantageously at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 40°. The larger the swivel angle range, the more flexible the sealing nozzle can be used to seal insulating glass units of different shapes and dimensions. The reason for this is that, in principle, one and the same sealing nozzle can be used to optimally seal insulating glass units with spacer frames of different thicknesses and adjacent glass panes of different sizes. If the swivel angle range is larger, however, insulating glass units with different thicknesses of the respective spacer frame as well as different sizes between the adjacent glass panes can still be optimally sealed. Alternatively, it is also possible for the swivel angle range to be 20° or less. This meansIn such an alternative, the swivel angle range can, for example, be between 15° and 20°.

[0021] Preferably, the pivoting angle range is less than 180°, more preferably less than 120°, and most preferably less than 90°. This has the advantage that the pivoting mounting of the sealing compound distribution element can be constructed comparatively simply and thus cost-effectively. The smaller the pivoting angle range, the greater this advantage. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the pivoting angle range to be 180° or greater.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing compound distribution element, and thus the distribution surface, is mounted on the sealing compound supply line so that it can pivot relative to the sealing compound supply line in the pivoting plane within the pivoting angle range. This has the advantage that the sealing nozzle can be assembled from comparatively few parts, thus making the construction of the sealing nozzle simpler and more cost-effective.

[0023] Alternatively, it is also possible for the sealing compound distribution element and thus the distribution surface to be pivotably mounted on an element of the sealing nozzle other than the sealing compound supply line in the pivoting plane within the pivoting angle range relative to the sealing compound supply line.

[0024] The outlet opening is preferably between 1 mm 2 and 40 mm 2 , particularly preferably between 10 mm 2 and 30 mm 2 , and most preferably between 15 mm 2 and 25 mm 2 . This has the advantage that, given the viscosity of common sealing compounds, an optimal volume of sealing compound can be released through the outlet opening per unit of time in order to seal insulating glass units efficiently. At the same time, the outlet opening is sufficiently small that it can be positioned between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit for application of the sealing compound, so that the sealing compound is only released into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes.

[0025] Alternatively, the exit aperture may be 1 mm 2 or smaller and may also be 40 mm 2 or larger.

[0026] Advantageously, the sealing compound distribution element has a passage opening for the passage of sealing compound emerging from the outlet opening in order to apply the sealing compound for sealing the insulating glass unit, in particular to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. This has the advantage that the sealing compound can be dispensed at a position of the sealing nozzle at which the sealing compound can be optimally distributed by the distribution surface.

[0027] In a particularly preferred variant, the passage opening is arranged in the distribution surface. This has the advantage that the sealing compound can be passed through the passage opening in the distribution surface for applying the sealing compound for sealing the insulating glass unit, in particular for applying the sealing compound into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. This allows the sealing compound to be optimally distributed by the distribution surface.

[0028] Preferably, the passage opening at least partially overlaps the outlet opening to allow sealing compound emerging from the outlet opening to pass through, in order to apply the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass units, in particular to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. Particularly preferably, the passage opening completely overlaps the outlet opening for this purpose. This has the advantage of preventing the sealing nozzle from becoming clogged with sealing compound or at least greatly reducing the likelihood of such clogging.

[0029] Preferably, the passage opening is arranged entirely within the distribution surface. This means that the distribution surface preferably forms a simple, closed curve around the passage opening. This has the advantage that the sealing compound can be distributed particularly efficiently by the distribution surface.

[0030] In a variant, however, the passage opening is not completely located within the distribution area. For example, the distribution area can be arranged in a horseshoe shape around the passage opening.

[0031] Alternatively, it is also possible for the passage opening not to be located in the distribution area.

[0032] Regardless of whether the passage opening is arranged in the distribution surface or not, the outlet opening is preferably smaller than the passage opening. Furthermore, the outlet opening is preferably located completely within the passage opening at any pivoting angle of the sealing compound distribution element relative to the sealing compound supply line within the pivoting angle range. This has the advantage of reliably preventing the sealing nozzle from becoming clogged with sealing compound.

[0033] In one variant, however, the outlet opening is not located completely within the passage opening at every pivoting angle of the sealing compound distribution element relative to the sealing compound supply line within the pivoting angle range. Furthermore, it is also possible for the outlet opening to be the same size as or larger than the passage opening.

[0034] As an alternative to these variants, however, the sealing compound distribution element does not have a passage opening for the passage of sealing compound emerging from the outlet opening.

[0035] Regardless of whether the sealing compound distribution element has a passage opening for the sealing compound emerging from the outlet opening, a normal vector oriented perpendicular to the distribution surface at each position on the distribution surface is preferably inclined by a maximum of 20°, preferably by a maximum of 10°, to the pivoting plane. The normal vector can also be aligned parallel to the pivoting plane or arranged in the pivoting plane. In this case, the normal vector is inclined by 0° to the pivoting plane.

[0036] By having a normal vector aligned perpendicular to the distribution surface at each position of the distribution surface inclined by a maximum of 20°, preferably by a maximum of 10°, to the pivoting plane, the advantage is achieved that insulating glass units can be sealed very reliably and cleanly with the sealing nozzle by bringing the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and moving it in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit perpendicular to the pivoting plane relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular while the passage opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, wherein,during which the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is moved in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit perpendicular to the pivoting plane relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. Since the distribution surface is moved perpendicular to the pivoting plane along the edges of the adjacent glass panes, at each position of the distribution surface, a normal vector oriented perpendicular to the distribution surface at the respective position is rotated by a maximum of 20°, preferably by a maximum of 10°,is inclined to the pivoting plane, the distribution surface has only a slight curvature along the edges of the glass panes, which means that the distribution surface can still be moved evenly along the edges without snagging on the edges in the event of slight unevenness of the edges and, in addition, due to the contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, leakage of sealing compound beyond the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass units can be reliably prevented.

[0037] Alternatively, it is also possible that at not every position of the distribution surface a normal vector aligned perpendicular to the distribution surface at the respective position is inclined by a maximum of 20°, preferably by a maximum of 10°, to the pivoting plane.

[0038] Advantageously, the distribution surface has a length of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 40 mm, measured at any point on the distribution surface parallel to the pivoting plane. The length of the distribution surface at the respective point on the distribution surface measured parallel to the pivoting plane is preferably the length of an intersection line between the distribution surface and a plane running parallel to the pivoting plane at the respective point on the distribution surface. If the distribution surface is curved, the intersection line can also have a curvature. The length of the distribution surface at the respective point on the distribution surface measured in the direction parallel to the pivoting plane is therefore the length of this optionally curved intersection line. Preferably, the length of the distribution surface at any point on the distribution surface measured in the direction parallel to the pivoting plane is at least 5 mm, particularly preferably at least 10 mm.This maximum length and minimum length of the distribution area has the advantage that the sealing nozzle can be designed compactly and yet still allows for flexible and efficient sealing of various different insulating glass units.

[0039] Alternatively, at least one point on the distribution surface, the length of the distribution surface measured parallel to the pivoting plane may be greater than 50 mm or less than 5 mm.

[0040] Preferably, the distribution surface has a width of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 40 mm, at any point on the distribution surface, measured in a direction perpendicular to the pivoting plane. The distribution surface has a width of at least 5 mm, particularly preferably at least 10 mm, at any point on the distribution surface, measured in the direction perpendicular to the pivoting plane. This has the advantage that insulating glass units can be sealed very reliably and cleanly with the sealing nozzle by bringing the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit and moving it perpendicular to the pivoting plane relative to the respective insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit,in particular while the passage opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit, wherein, while the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit, perpendicular to the pivoting plane relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inlet channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the respective insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. Due to the aforementioned,The width of the distribution surface measured perpendicular to the pivoting plane has a sufficient extent along the edges of the glass panes so that leakage of sealing compound beyond the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass units can be reliably prevented.

[0041] Alternatively, it is also possible for the distribution surface to have a width of more than 50 mm or less than 5 mm at any point on the distribution surface, measured in a direction perpendicular to the pivoting plane.

[0042] The distribution surface is preferably convex. This has the advantage that when sealing insulating glass units with the sealing nozzle, the sealing nozzle can be more easily brought into contact with the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit, optimally positioned relative to the respective insulating glass unit, and can be more reliably moved along the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit, optimally positioned relative to the respective insulating glass unit, in contact with the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit.

[0043] Preferably, a first intersection line of the distribution surface with the pivoting plane has a curvature with a radius of curvature of less than 10 cm at every position of the first intersection line. This has the advantage that the sealing nozzle can be used very flexibly for sealing insulating glass units of various shapes and dimensions.In particular, this enables the optimal sealing of insulating glass units with spacer frames of different thicknesses and neighboring glass panes of different sizes using one and the same sealing nozzle, since the sealing nozzle can be more easily brought into contact with the edges of the neighboring glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit when sealing insulating glass units with spacer frames of different thicknesses and neighboring glass panes of different sizes, and can be moved more reliably in an optimal position in contact with the edges of the neighboring glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit relative to the respective insulating glass unit along the edges of the neighboring glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit.

[0044] In a preferred variation thereof, at each position of the first intersection line of the distribution surface with the pivoting plane, a second intersection line between a cross-sectional plane aligned perpendicular to the first intersection line at the respective position and the distribution surface is a straight line over a distance of at least 5 mm, or at each position of the first intersection line of the distribution surface with the pivoting plane, the second intersection line between the cross-sectional plane aligned perpendicular to the first intersection line at the respective position and the distribution surface has a curvature with a radius of curvature of more than 10 cm, particularly preferably more than 20 cm, most particularly preferably more than 50 mm, at each position of the second intersection line.This has the advantage that the sealing nozzle can be used very flexibly for sealing insulating glass units, whereby the sealing nozzle also enables optimal sealing of insulating glass units with irregular edges of adjacent glass panes.

[0045] Advantageously, the pivoting plane runs through the passage opening. In this case, the first intersection line of the distribution surface with the pivoting plane is interrupted at the location of the passage opening. This means that the first intersection line in this case has a first line segment and a second line segment, wherein the first line segment and the second line segment are arranged on opposite sides of the passage opening. A distance between the first line segment and the second line segment therefore preferably corresponds to a diameter of the passage opening measured along the first intersection line. In a preferred variant thereof, the diameter of the passage opening measured along the first intersection line is at least 5 mm, particularly preferably at least 7 mm, most preferably approximately 9 mm. This diameter is preferably less than 15 mm, particularly preferably less than 12 mm.very particularly preferably less than 10 mm. These lower and upper diameter limits have the advantage that the passage opening can be dimensioned such that the outlet opening is located completely within the passage opening at any pivoting angle of the sealing compound distribution element relative to the sealing compound supply line within the pivoting angle range, while at the same time the outlet opening can be dimensioned such that, with the viscosity of common sealing compounds, an optimal volume of sealing compound per unit of time can be discharged through the outlet opening in order to efficiently seal insulating glass units, while at the same time the outlet opening can be selected to be sufficiently small so that it can be positioned between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit for the application of the sealing compound.so that the sealing compound is only released into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes.

[0046] If, in addition, the passage opening is arranged in the distribution surface, the first line segment preferably has a different length than the second line segment. Particularly preferably, the first line segment has a length of less than 11 mm, even more preferably less than 9 mm, while the second line segment preferably has a length of more than 11 mm, even more preferably more than 13 mm. This has the advantage that the sealing nozzle can be constructed compactly while still being flexible and efficient for sealing various different insulating glass units, in particular for sealing insulating glass units with adjacent glass panes of different sizes.By having the first line section of a different length than the second line section, the particular advantage is achieved that insulating glass units with different size differences between adjacent glass panes of different sizes can be optimally sealed with one and the same sealing nozzle.

[0047] In a variant, the first line segment and the second line segment can both have a length of less than 11 mm, while the first line segment and the second line segment can both have a length of more than 11 mm. Likewise, the first line segment and the second line segment can both have the same length, such as 11 mm.

[0048] As an alternative to these variants, the pivoting plane does not run through the passage opening.

[0049] The distribution surface is preferably a plastic surface. This has the advantage that when sealing an insulating glass unit, the adjacent glass panes of the respective insulating glass unit are not damaged by the sealing nozzle, and that the distribution surface can be easily cleaned after sealing the insulating glass unit. For example, the distribution surface can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon.

[0050] Alternatively, the distribution surface may not be a plastic surface. For example, the distribution surface could be formed by a rubber surface or a metal surface, such as a copper surface.

[0051] The inventive device for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, which device comprises a sealing nozzle according to the invention for applying the sealing compound to seal the insulating glass unit, advantageously comprises a holding device for holding the insulating glass unit while the sealing compound is being applied, in particular while the sealing compound is being applied in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes. Particularly preferably, the entire insulating glass unit to be sealed can be held, most preferably supported, by the holding device.Regardless of this, the holding device can be fixedly arranged or can be designed to be movable by the drive arrangement in order to move the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit. Regardless of this, the sealing nozzle can be designed to be movable by the drive arrangement in order to move the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.However, if the holding device is designed to be movable by the drive arrangement in order to move the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, the sealing nozzle can also be fixedly arranged and thus not designed to be movable by the drive arrangement.

[0052] If the device as described above comprises a holding device for holding the insulating glass unit while the sealing compound is applied, in particular while the sealing compound is applied in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, the advantage is achieved that the insulating glass units can be sealed more reliably and without defects using the device.

[0053] Alternatively, it is also possible that the device does not have such a holding device.

[0054] Preferably, the device comprises a dosing unit for dosing the volume of sealing compound dispensed and thus applied per unit of time by the sealing nozzle, while the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, is moved relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit. This has the advantage that the amount of applied sealing compound can be dosed in a simple manner so that the insulating glass units can be reliably sealed tightly with the device.

[0055] Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the device not to comprise such a dosing unit for dosing the volume of sealing compound dispensed and thus applied by the sealing nozzle per unit of time while the sealing nozzle is moved with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0056] Advantageously, the device comprises a control unit which is designed to control the movement of the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular around the entire insulating glass unit, while the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes,in particular so that the sealing compound applied in this way forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0057] Preferably, the control unit is designed to control the drive arrangement of the movement of the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular the drive of the drive arrangement.

[0058] If the device also comprises, as described above, a holding device for holding the insulating glass unit while the sealing compound is applied, the control unit is preferably designed to control the holding device in such a way that the sealing nozzle, with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit held by the holding device, is moved relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, in particular around the entire insulating glass unit, while the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and sealing compound is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle,to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, in particular so that the sealing compound thus applied forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0059] If the device also comprises a dosing unit as described above, the control unit is preferably designed to control the dosing unit in order to dose the volume of sealing compound dispensed and thus applied by the sealing nozzle per unit of time while the sealing nozzle is moved with the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0060] As an alternative to these variants, it is also possible for the control unit to be designed differently or for the device not to include a control unit.

[0061] In the method according to the invention, the insulating glass unit is preferably sealed by moving the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit around the entire insulating glass unit, while the passage opening is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and sealing compound is passed through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes,so that the sealing compound thus applied forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit. The fact that the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle is moved relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit around the entire insulating glass unit in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit preferably means that the sealing nozzle can be moved with the distribution surface while the insulating glass unit is not moved, that the insulating glass unit can be moved while the sealing nozzle is not moved, or that both the sealing nozzle with the distribution surface and the insulating glass unit can be moved.to move the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit.

[0062] Alternatively, it is also possible for the insulating glass unit to be sealed by moving the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit relative to the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit largely around the insulating glass unit, but not completely around the entire insulating glass unit, while the passage opening is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and sealing compound is passed through the sealing compound inflow channel of the sealing nozzle and discharged through the outlet opening of the sealing nozzle in order to apply the sealing compound in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes.With such an alternative, the sealing compound applied in this way can form a curve almost completely closed around the insulating glass unit along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, while still leaving a small gap, for example, for a somewhat wider cable passage from the interior of the respective insulating glass unit to the outside of the insulating glass unit. This can be advantageous, for example, if one of the glass panes of the insulating glass unit is an electrochromic glass pane and the spacer frame or the electrochromic glass pane has a pre-sealed cable passage in its edge.

[0063] The insulating glass unit which is sealed by the method advantageously has at least two adjacent, different glass panes and a spacer frame arranged therebetween, wherein one of the at least two adjacent, different glass panes has a main surface which faces the spacer frame arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes and projects over a distance of at least 10 cm along the edges of the at least two different glass panes over the spacer frame arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes by at least 3 mm, preferably by at least 4, particularly preferably by at least 5 mm, more than the main surface of the other of the at least two adjacent, differently sized glass panes facing the spacer frame arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes.This is advantageous because such insulating glass units can be sealed particularly easily and efficiently using the sealing nozzle according to the invention.

[0064] Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the insulating glass unit which is sealed using the method not to have at least two adjacent, different glass panes and a spacer frame arranged therebetween, wherein one of the at least two adjacent, different glass panes has a main surface which faces the spacer frame arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes and projects over a distance of at least 10 cm along the edges of the at least two different glass panes over the spacer frame arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes by at least 3 mm more than the main surface of the other of the at least two adjacent, differently sized glass panes facing the spacer frame arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes.

[0065] Advantageously, one of the at least two adjacent, different glass panes is an electrochromic glass pane. An electrochromic glass pane is preferably a glass pane whose light transmittance can be changed by applying an electrical voltage.

[0066] The electrochromic glass pane preferably has at least one electrical connection for connection to a voltage source, in order to apply an electrical voltage to the electrochromic glass pane via the connection, thereby changing the light transmittance. This electrical connection can be formed, for example, by one or more power cables. Regardless of the design of the electrical connection, it is preferably arranged in an edge of the electrochromic glass pane.

[0067] Advantageously, when applying the sealing compound, in particular with the sealing nozzle according to the invention, in the space between the edges of adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit and the spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, no sealing compound is applied to the electrical connection with the sealing nozzle according to the invention. This means that if the electrical connection is formed by a power cable, preferably no sealing compound is applied to the power cable when applying the sealing compound.

[0068] Alternatively, none of the at least two adjacent, different glass panes is an electrochromic glass pane.

[0069] The sealing compound is preferably a polyurethane, silicone, polysulfide, and / or a hot-melt adhesive. This means that the sealing compound preferably contains at least some of a polyurethane, a silicone, a polysulfide, and a hot-melt adhesive. Hot-melt adhesives, for example, have proven effective as sealing compounds for insulating glass units. However, the three material classes polyurethane, silicone, and polysulfide have also proven effective as sealing compounds for insulating glass units, regardless of whether they are also hot-melt adhesives or not.

[0070] Alternatively, it is also possible that the sealing compound is neither a polyurethane, silicone, polysulfide or hot melt adhesive.

[0071] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0072] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: Fig. 1 a simplified schematic representation of a sealing nozzle according to the invention for applying sealing compound in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes of an insulating glass unit and a spacer frame of the insulating glass unit arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes, Fig. 2a, b, c simplified schematic representations of the sealing nozzle, wherein the Figure 1also shown insulating glass unit to be sealed is not shown, Fig. 3 a simplified schematic representation of the sealing compound supply line of the sealing nozzle without the sealing compound distribution element, Fig. 4a, b, c each a simplified schematic representation of the sealing nozzle, each showing a plan view of the distribution surface of the sealing compound distribution element of the sealing nozzle, Fig. 5 a highly simplified, schematic representation of an inventive device for sealing the insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound, comprising a sealing nozzle according to the invention, and Fig.6a, b, c, d show a simplified schematic representation of the insulating glass unit at different stages of the sealing process to illustrate the inventive method for sealing the insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound with a sealing nozzle according to the invention and a device according to the invention.

[0073] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0074] Figure 1shows a simplified schematic representation of a sealing nozzle 1 according to the invention for applying sealing compound 50 in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of an insulating glass unit 100 and a spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3. The sealing nozzle 1 is therefore also a sealing nozzle 1 for applying the sealing compound 50 for sealing the insulating glass unit 100.

[0075] The sealing nozzle 1 comprises a sealing compound supply line 2 with a Figure 1Sealing compound inflow channel 3 indicated by dashed lines for supplying sealing compound through the sealing compound inflow channel 3. The sealing compound supply line 2 has an outlet opening 4, which outlet opening 4 is connected to the sealing compound inflow channel 3 in order to apply the sealing compound 50 for sealing the insulating glass unit 100, in particular for applying the sealing compound 50 into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 102.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3, sealing compound 50 to exit through the outlet opening 4 from the sealing compound inflow channel 3. Furthermore, the sealing nozzle 1 comprises a sealing compound distribution element 5 that can be pivoted relative to the sealing compound supply line 2.This sealing compound distribution element 5 has a distribution surface 6 for distributing sealing compound 50 exiting through the outlet opening 4 from the sealing compound inflow channel 3 and thus for applying the sealing compound 50 for sealing the insulating glass unit 100, in particular for applying the sealing compound 50 into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3. The sealing compound distribution element 5 is pivotable in a pivot plane 30 within a pivot angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 3, wherein during this pivoting movement of the sealing compound distribution element 5, the distribution surface 6 is pivotable together with the sealing compound distribution element 5. In the illustration of the . Figure 1the swivel plane 30 is in the display plane.

[0076] In this case, the swivel angle range is 60°. However, it can also be larger or smaller. For example, the swivel angle range can be 179°, 119°, or even 89°. Likewise, the swivel angle range can also be 15°, 20°, 30°, or even 40°. In preferred variants, the swivel angle range is at least 15°, at least 20°, at least 30°, or at least 40°. Furthermore, in preferred variants, the swivel angle range is less than 180°, less than 120°, or less than 90°.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the sealing compound distribution element 5 and thus the distribution surface 6 are pivotally mounted on the sealing compound supply line 2 in the pivoting plane 30 within the pivoting angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2. This is described, inter alia, in the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrated, which, like the Figure 1 simplified schematic representations of the sealing nozzle 1, wherein the pivoting plane 30 is also shown in the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c lies in the representation plane. In contrast to the Figure 1 is in the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c However, only the sealing nozzle 1 is shown, while the insulating glass unit 100 to be sealed is not shown.

[0078] In the Figure 2a the sealing nozzle 1 with the sealing compound distribution element 5 is shown in a central position relative to the sealing compound supply line 2. In the Figure 2b The sealing nozzle 1 with the sealing compound distribution element 5 is shown pivoted by a pivot angle α of +30° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2 compared to the central position. This is the same position in which the sealing compound distribution element 5 is also in the Figure 1 is shown. In the Figure 2cIn contrast, the sealing nozzle 1 with the sealing compound distribution element 5 is shown pivoted by a pivot angle of -30° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2 compared to the central position. Thus, the sealing nozzle 1 is in the Figure 2b with the sealing compound distribution element 5 pivoted to a first end of the pivot angle range, while the sealing nozzle 1 is in the Figure 2c with the sealing compound distribution element 5 pivoted to a second end of the pivot angle range, whereby it can be seen that in the present case the sealing compound distribution element 5 is pivotable in the pivot plane 30 within the pivot angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2.

[0079] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of the sealing compound supply line 2 of the sealing nozzle 1 without the sealing compound distribution element 5. This means that in the representation of the Figure 3 It can be seen that the sealing compound supply line 2 has a horizontally oriented first section 10.1 and a vertically downward pointing second section 10.2. These two sections 10.1, 10.2 are both located in the pivot plane 30, which is also in the Figure 3 in the plane of the illustration. The sealing compound supply channel 3 first leads horizontally through the first section 10.1 and then vertically downwards into the second section 10.2 to a free end 11 of the second section 10.2, where the outlet opening 4 is located. This free end 11 of the second section 10.2 has a cylindrical shape, the rotational symmetry axis of which is oriented perpendicular to the pivot plane 30 and thus also perpendicular to the plane of the illustration. Therefore, in the Figure 3 the cylindrical shape of the free end 11 of the second section 10.2 can be seen as a circle in the top view.

[0080] The second section 10.2 of the sealing compound supply line 2 leads radially to the cylindrical shape of the free end 11 of the second section 10.2 into the free end 11 of the second section 10.2. At the cylindrical shape of the free end 11 of the second section 10.2, the sealing compound distribution element 5 and thus the distribution surface 6 are pivotally mounted on the sealing compound supply line 2 in the pivot plane 30 within the pivot angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2.

[0081] As in the Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 2c As can be seen, the sealing compound distribution element 5 has a main body 9.1 and a plastic part 9.2. The main body 9.1 is made of metal. The plastic part 9.2, however, is made of plastic. In one variant, the plastic part 9.2 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. However, the plastic part 9.2 can be made of a different plastic.

[0082] The plastic part 9.2 is attached to the main body 9.1, so that the main body 9.1 and the plastic part 9.2 together form one element, or the sealing compound distribution element 5. The sealing compound distribution element 5 is pivotally mounted on the sealing compound supply line 2 with the main body 9.1 at the cylindrical shape of the free end 11 of the second section 10.2 in the pivot plane 30 within the pivot angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2. As a result, the plastic part 9.2 attached to the main body 9.1 is also pivotally mounted on the sealing compound supply line 2 at the cylindrical shape of the free end 11 of the second section 10.2 in the pivot plane 30 within the pivot angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2. Since the distribution surface 9 is formed by a surface of the plastic part 9.2, the distribution surface 6 is a plastic surface and also by the main body 9.1 is pivotably mounted on the sealing compound supply line 2 at the cylindrical shape of the free end 11 of the second section 10.2 in the pivot plane 30 within the pivot angle range of 60° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2.

[0083] The Figures 4a, 4b and 4c each show a simplified schematic representation of the sealing nozzle 1. In each case, a top view of the distribution surface 6 of the sealing compound distribution element 5 is shown. That is, in contrast to the representation in the Figures 1 to 3 is in the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c a view of the sealing nozzle 1 from a different perspective is shown. The viewing direction is in the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c starting from the free end 11 of the second section 10.2 of the sealing compound supply line 2 along the second section 10.2 of the sealing compound supply line 2. Accordingly, the viewing direction is in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c in the swivel plane 30, which in the Figures 4a, 4b and 4cis shown accordingly as a dashed line.

[0084] In the Figure 4a The sealing nozzle 1 is as already shown in the Figure 2a with the sealing compound distribution element 5 in the central position relative to the sealing compound supply line 2. In the Figure 4b The sealing nozzle 1 is as already shown in the Figure 2b with the sealing compound distribution element 5 in a position pivoted by a pivot angle α of +30° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2 compared to the central position. Furthermore, in the Figure 4c the sealing nozzle 1 as shown in Figure 2c with the sealing compound distribution element 5 in a position pivoted by a pivot angle of -30° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2 compared to the central position.

[0085] In the Figures 4a, 4b and 4cIt can be seen that the sealing compound distribution element 5 has a passage opening 7 arranged in the distribution surface 6 for allowing the sealing compound 50 emerging from the outlet opening 4 to pass through, in order to apply the sealing compound 50 to seal the insulating glass unit 100, in particular to apply the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2, 102.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3. This passage opening 7 is arranged entirely within the distribution surface 6. This means that the distribution surface 6 forms a simply closed curve around the passage opening 7.

[0086] The outlet opening 4 is smaller than the passage opening 7 or the passage opening 7 is larger than the outlet opening 4, whereby the passage opening 7 completely overlaps the outlet opening 4. As can be seen from the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c As illustrated, the outlet opening 4 is located completely within the passage opening 7 at any pivoting angle of the sealing compound distribution element 5 relative to the sealing compound supply line 2 within the pivoting angle range. This prevents clogging of the sealing nozzle 1 with sealing compound 50 or at least greatly reduces the probability of such clogging.

[0087] In the sealing nozzle 1, at each position of the distribution surface 6, a normal vector oriented perpendicular to the distribution surface 6 at the respective position is aligned parallel to the pivot plane 30 or arranged in the pivot plane 30. In a variant, the distribution surface of the sealing nozzle can also be shaped differently, so that at each position of the distribution surface 5, the normal vector oriented perpendicular to the distribution surface 6 at the respective position is inclined by a maximum of 20° or by a maximum of 10° to the pivot plane 30. In such a variant, the distribution surface is preferably convex in the direction perpendicular to the pivot plane 30. This means that the angle of the normal vector observed at the respective position to the pivot plane 30 preferably increases with increasing distance of the respective position from the pivot plane 30.

[0088] In the present embodiment illustrated in the figures, the distribution surface 6 has a length of 40 mm at each point on the distribution surface 5, measured parallel to the pivot plane 30. However, this length can also be greater or lesser. For example, this length can be 30 mm or 50 mm. The length of the distribution surface 6, measured at each point on the distribution surface 6 parallel to the pivot plane 30, is preferably the length of a cutting line between the distribution surface 6 and a plane running parallel to the pivot plane 30 at the respective point on the distribution surface 6. If the distribution surface 6 is curved, the cutting line can therefore also have a curvature.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present embodiment illustrated in the figures, the distribution surface 6 has a width of 28 mm at every point on the distribution surface 6, measured in a direction perpendicular to the pivot plane 30. However, this width can also be larger or smaller. For example, it can be 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm.

[0090] The distribution surface 6 is convex in shape. At each position of the first intersection line between the distribution surface 6 and the pivoting plane 30, a first intersection line has a curvature with a radius of curvature of less than 4 cm. However, at each position of the first intersection line between the distribution surface 6 and the pivoting plane 30, a second intersection line between a cross-sectional plane aligned perpendicular to the first intersection line at the respective position and the distribution surface 6 is a straight line. In a variant thereof, at each position of the first intersection line between the distribution surface 6 and the pivoting plane 30, the respective second intersection line between the cross-sectional plane aligned perpendicular to the first intersection line at the respective position and the distribution surface 6 only has a straight line over a distance of at least 5 mm and is otherwise convexly curved.In a further variant, however, at each position of the first intersection line of the distribution surface 6 with the pivoting plane 30, the second intersection line between the cross-sectional plane aligned perpendicular to the first intersection line at the respective position and the distribution surface 6 has a curvature with a radius of curvature of more than 10 cm, more than 20 cm or more than 50 mm at each position of the second intersection line.

[0091] As in the Figures 4a, 4b and 4cAs can be seen, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the pivoting plane 30 runs through the passage opening 7. Accordingly, the first intersection line of the distribution surface 6 with the pivoting plane 30 is interrupted at the location of the passage opening 7. This means that the first intersection line has a first line section 8.1 and a second line section 8.2, wherein the first line section 8.1 and the second line section 8.2 are arranged on opposite sides of the passage opening 7. A distance between the first line section 8.1 and the second line section 8.2 therefore corresponds to a diameter of the passage opening 7 measured along the first intersection line. This diameter is 9 mm because the passage opening 7 is circular and has a diameter of 9 mm.

[0092] The first line section 8.1 has a length of 8 mm, while the second line section 8.2 has a length of 23 mm. In variants, the two line sections 8.1, 8.2 can also be larger or smaller. For example, the first line section 8.1 can be 10 mm long, while the second line section 8.2 can be 21 mm long. Depending on the length of the distribution surface 6 measured parallel to the pivoting plane 30 and depending on the diameter of the passage opening 7, the first line section 8.1 and the second line section 8.2 can also have other lengths. The length of the first line section 8.1 is preferably less than 11 mm, very particularly preferably less than 9 mm. The length of the second line section 8.2, on the other hand, is preferably more than 11 mm, particularly preferably more than 13 mm.

[0093] The Figure 5shows a highly simplified, schematic representation of a device 40 according to the invention for sealing the insulating glass unit 100 by applying sealing compound 50, in particular by applying the sealing compound 50 in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and a spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3. This device 40 comprises a sealing nozzle 1 according to the invention for applying the sealing compound 50 for sealing the insulating glass unit 100, in particular for applying the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3.Furthermore, the device 40 comprises a drive arrangement 41 for moving the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 around the entire insulating glass unit 100, while the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and sealing compound 50 is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel 3 of the sealing nozzle 1 and discharged through the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 in order to 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3, so that the sealing compound 50 applied in this way forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100.

[0094] In the Figure 5In the embodiment shown, for this sealing, the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 is moved relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 by the drive arrangement 41, the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6, while the insulating glass unit 100 is not moved. In a first variant, however, the insulating glass unit 100 is moved for this purpose by the drive arrangement 41, while the sealing nozzle 1 is not moved, while in a second variant, both the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 and the insulating glass unit 100 are moved for this purpose by the drive arrangement 41.

[0095] The device 40 further comprises a holding device 43 for holding the insulating glass unit 100 while the sealing compound 50 is applied in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3. The entire insulating glass unit 100 to be sealed is supported by the holding device 43. To hold the insulating glass unit 100, or to support it as in the present case, the holding device 43 comprises holding means such as suction cups or clamps.

[0096] In the in the Figure 5In the embodiment shown, the drive assembly 41 comprises a rail arranged to extend around the insulating glass unit 100 when the insulating glass unit 100 is supported by the holding device 43. The sealing nozzle 1 is movable along this rail by the drive assembly 41 in order to apply the sealing compound 50 for sealing the insulating glass unit 100.

[0097] Regardless of how the sealing nozzle 1 is movable relative to the insulating glass unit 100 by the drive arrangement 41 in order to seal the insulating glass unit 100 by applying the sealing compound 50, the drive arrangement 41 includes a drive 42, which comprises an electric motor, for driving the movement of the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100. Thus, the drive arrangement 41 is designed to move the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 to move around the entire insulating glass unit 100, while the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and sealing compound 50 is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel 3 of the sealing nozzle 1 and discharged through the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 in order to seal the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 so that the sealing compound 50 thus applied forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100.

[0098] In the Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the holding device 43 is fixedly arranged, while the sealing nozzle 1 is movable by the drive arrangement 41. In a variant, however, the holding device 43 is designed to be movable by the drive arrangement 41 in order to move the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100. In this case, the sealing nozzle 1 can also be movable at the same time by the drive arrangement 41. However, the sealing nozzle 1 can just as well be stationary, i.e., cannot be moved by the drive arrangement 41.

[0099] The device 40 further comprises a dosing unit 44 for dosing the volume of sealing compound 50 dispensed and thus applied per unit of time by the sealing nozzle 1, while the sealing nozzle 1, with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100, is moved relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100. Such dosing units are known. Some such dosing units comprise a dosing valve for allowing a specific volume of sealing compound 50 per unit of time to pass through the dosing valve at a predetermined pressure to which the sealing compound 50 is subjected upstream of the dosing valve.For example, the pressure of the sealing compound 50 upstream of the dosing valve can be adjusted using a pressure pump, or the dosing valve can be adjusted according to the pressure of the sealing compound 50 upstream of the dosing valve. Other such dosing units comprise a volume reservoir for storing sealing compound 50. To dose the sealing compound 50, the volume of the volume reservoir is reduced per unit of time by the volume to be applied, so that the corresponding volume of sealing compound 50 is forced out of the volume reservoir. For this purpose, the volume reservoir can, for example, comprise a tube and a piston guided therein, wherein the piston is moved within the tube at a predetermined speed to reduce the volume of the volume reservoir by the desired volume per unit of time.

[0100] In addition, the device 40 comprises a control unit 45 which is designed to control the movement of the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 around the entire insulating glass unit 100, while the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 1 and sealing compound 50 is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel 3 of the sealing nozzle 1 and discharged through the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1. is used to apply the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3, so that the sealing compound 50 applied in this way forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100. The control unit 45 is designed to control the drive 42 of the drive arrangement 41 and thus the drive arrangement 41 of the movement of the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100.

[0101] The control unit 45 is further designed to control the holding device 43 such that the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 held by the holding device 43 is moved relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 around the entire insulating glass unit 100, while the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and sealing compound 50 is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel 3 of the sealing nozzle 1 and through the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 is discharged to distribute the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.1 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3, so that the sealing compound 50 applied in this way forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100. Since in the in . Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the holding device 43 is stationary, the holding device 43 is controlled by the control unit 45 to hold the insulating glass unit 100 during this movement of the sealing nozzle 1. In variants where the holding device 43 is moved with the held insulating glass unit 100, the movement of the holding device 43 is also controlled accordingly by the control unit 45.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 45 is designed to control the dosing unit 44 in order to dose the volume of the sealing compound 50 dispensed and thus applied per unit of time by the sealing nozzle 1, while the sealing nozzle 1 is moved with the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100.

[0103] The control unit 45 can, for example, be a personal computer (PC) running software for controlling the device 40. However, the control unit 45 can also be configured differently. For example, the control unit 45 can be integrated into the device 40. Regardless of this, the control unit 45 preferably comprises a microprocessor configured to control the device 40 and is either programmed accordingly or controlled by appropriate software.

[0104] The Figures 6a , 6b, 6c and 6deach show a simplified schematic representation of the insulating glass unit 100 in different stages of the sealing process in order to illustrate the inventive method for sealing the insulating glass unit 100 by applying sealing compound 50 with a sealing nozzle 1 according to the invention, in particular by applying the sealing compound 50 in the space between edges of adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and a spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 with the sealing nozzle 1 according to the invention.

[0105] Figure 6a shows the insulating glass unit 100 before sealing compound 50 has been applied.

[0106] Figure 6bon the other hand, shows how the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface 6 is used in contact with the edges of two adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100, before the sealing compound 50 has been applied in a space between the edges of the two adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the glass panes 101.1, 101.2 adjacent to them. It can be seen that the outlet opening 4 and also the passage opening 7 are located between the two adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100, so that when sealing compound 50 is released from the outlet opening 4, sealing compound 50 flows into the space between the edges of the two adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102 arranged between the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2.1 of the insulating glass unit 100. Furthermore, it can be seen that the sealing compound distribution element 5 is aligned approximately parallel to the sealing compound supply line 2, since the two adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2 are the same size.

[0107] Figure 6cshows how the sealing compound 50 is applied into the space between the edges of the two adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, while the sealing nozzle 1 with the distribution surface is in contact with the edges of the next two adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100, before the sealing compound 50 has been applied in a space between the edges of these next two adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3. It can be seen that the sealing compound distribution element 5 is in comparison to the Figure 6bis inclined by 25° more relative to the sealing compound supply line 2, since the two next adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3 are different sizes. Specifically, the third glass pane 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 is an electrochromic glass pane. This electrochromic, third glass pane 101.3 has a stepped edge. The second edge step 105.2 of the electrochromic, third glass pane 101.3, facing away from the first two glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100, is the same size as the edges of the first two glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100. The first edge step 105.1, facing the first two glass panes 101.1, 101.2 of the insulating glass unit 100, is, however, smaller than the second edge step 105.2. This means that the first edge step 105.1 of the third glass pane 101.3 therefore protrudes less than the spacer frame 102 arranged between the second and third glass panes 101.2, 101.3.2 beyond the edge of the second glass pane 101.2. Electrical connections 106 for applying the voltage to control the electrochromic glass of the third glass pane 101.3 are arranged in the first edge step 105.1. The goal is not to cover these connections 106 with sealing compound 50 when sealing the insulating glass unit 100, so that they remain accessible in the finished insulating glass unit 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 6cAs illustrated, this is made possible by the sealing nozzle 1 according to the invention, since the sealing compound distribution element 5 can be pivoted in the pivot plane 30 within a pivot angle range of at least 15° relative to the sealing compound supply line 2, wherein the distribution surface 6 can be pivoted with the sealing compound distribution element 5. As a result, the sealing compound can also be applied in a controlled manner into the space between the edges of the second and third glass panes 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3, without the electrical connections 106 in the first edge step 105.1 being covered with sealing compound 50. Thus, the sealing nozzle 1 according to the invention can be used very flexibly for sealing insulating glass units 100 with different shapes and dimensions.

[0108] The Figure 6dhow the sealing compound 50 is applied into the space between the edges of the next two adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the next two adjacent glass panes 101.2, 101.3.

[0109] Between the states of the isolation unit 100, which are in the Figures 6b and 6c or 6c and 6d, the sealing compound 50 is in each case carried out with the method according to the invention with the previously described device 40 for sealing an insulating glass unit 100 by applying sealing compound 50, in particular by applying the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and a spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3.

[0110] In the process, the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1, as shown in the Figures 6b6c respectively, brought into contact with the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100. Subsequently, the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 is moved relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 around the entire insulating glass unit 100, while the outlet opening 4 and the passage opening 7 of the sealing nozzle 1 are located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes of the insulating glass unit, wherein, while the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 is in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 is moved, sealing compound 50 is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel 3 of the sealing nozzle 1 and is discharged through the outlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 7 of the sealing nozzle 1 in order to apply the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3, so that the sealing compound 50 applied in this way forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100.

[0111] If the method is carried out as illustrated here with the device 40 according to the invention, the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 is brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and is moved by the drive arrangement 41 in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 relative to the insulating glass unit 100 along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100, while the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and sealing compound 50 is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel 3 of the sealing nozzle 1 and discharged through the outlet opening 4 of the sealing nozzle 1 in order to apply the sealing compound 50 in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 and the spacer frame 102.1, 102.2 of the insulating glass unit 100 arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3. There is also the possibility that the distribution surface 6 of the sealing nozzle 1 is already brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes 101.1, 101.2, 101.3 of the insulating glass unit 100 by the drive arrangement 41.

[0112] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein in conjunction with the figures. Further variants for implementing the invention are readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0113] In summary, it can be stated that a sealing nozzle for applying sealing compound for sealing an insulating glass unit is created, which sealing nozzle can be used flexibly for sealing insulating glass units with different shapes and dimensions, that a device for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound is created, by means of which insulating glass units with different shapes and dimensions can be flexibly sealed, and that a method for sealing an insulating glass unit by applying sealing compound is created, by means of which insulating glass units with different shapes and dimensions can be flexibly sealed.

Claims

1. A sealing nozzle (1) for applying sealing compound (50) for sealing an insulating glass unit (100), in particular for applying the sealing compound (50) in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and a spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3).2) of the insulating glass unit (100), the sealing nozzle (1) comprising a) a sealing compound supply line (2) with a sealing compound inflow channel (3) for supplying sealing compound (50) through the sealing compound inflow channel (3), wherein the sealing compound supply line (2) has an outlet opening (4), which outlet opening (4) is connected to the sealing compound inflow channel (3) in order to apply the sealing compound (50) for sealing the insulating glass unit (100), in particular for applying the sealing compound (50) into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3).2) the insulating glass unit (100) to allow sealing compound (50) to exit the sealing compound inflow channel (3) through the outlet opening (4); and b) a sealing compound distribution element (5) which can be pivoted relative to the sealing compound supply line (2), the sealing compound distribution element (5) having a distribution surface (6) for distributing sealing compound (50) which has exited the sealing compound inflow channel (3) through the outlet opening (4) and thus for applying the sealing compound (50) for sealing the insulating glass unit (100), in particular for applying the sealing compound (50) into the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3); . characterized in thatthe sealing compound distribution element (5) is pivotable in a pivoting plane (30) within a pivoting angle range of at least 15° relative to the sealing compound supply line (2), wherein the distribution surface (6) is pivotable with the sealing compound distribution element (5).

2. The sealing nozzle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the swivel angle range is at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 40°.

3. The sealing nozzle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing compound distribution element (5) and thus the distribution surface (6) is pivotably mounted on the sealing compound supply line (3) in the pivoting plane (30) within the pivoting angle range relative to the sealing compound supply line (2).

4. The sealing nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe sealing compound distribution element (5) has a passage opening (7) for allowing sealing compound (50) emerging from the outlet opening (4) to pass through in order to apply the sealing compound (50) for sealing the insulating glass unit (100).

5. The sealing nozzle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the passage opening (7) is arranged in the distribution surface (6).

6. The sealing nozzle (1) according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the outlet opening (4) is smaller than the passage opening (7) and the outlet opening (4) is located completely within the passage opening (7) at any pivoting angle of the sealing compound distribution element (5) relative to the sealing compound supply line (2) within the pivoting angle range.

7. The sealing nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatat each position of the distribution surface (6) a normal vector aligned perpendicular to the distribution surface (6) at the respective position is inclined by a maximum of 20°, preferably by a maximum of 10°, to the pivoting plane (30).

8. The sealing nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distribution surface (6) has a length of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 40 mm, measured parallel to the pivoting plane (30) at any point on the distribution surface (6).

9. A device (40) for sealing an insulating glass unit (100) by applying sealing compound (50), the device (40) comprising a) a sealing nozzle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 for applying the sealing compound (50) for sealing the insulating glass unit (100) and b) a drive arrangement (41) for moving the sealing nozzle (1) with the distribution surface (6) of the sealing nozzle (1) in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) relative to the insulating glass unit (100) along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100), while the outlet opening (4) of the sealing nozzle (1) is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and sealing compound (50) is passed through the sealing compound inflow channel (3) of the sealing nozzle (1) and discharged through the outlet opening (4) of the sealing nozzle (1) in order to apply the sealing compound (50) in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3).

10. The device (40) according to claim 9, characterized in thatthe device (40) comprises a holding device (43) for holding the insulating glass unit (100) while the sealing compound (50) is applied, in particular while the sealing compound (50) is applied in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the spacer frame (102.1, 102.2, 102.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3).

11. A method for sealing an insulating glass unit (100) by applying sealing compound (50), in particular with a sealing nozzle (1) according to the invention, in particular by applying the sealing compound (50) in a space between edges of adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and a spacer frame (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100) arranged between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) with the sealing nozzle (1) according to the invention, in that the distribution surface (6) of the sealing nozzle (1) is brought into contact with the edges of adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) relative to the insulating glass unit (100) along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100), in particular while the outlet opening (4) of the sealing nozzle (1) is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100), wherein, while the distribution surface (6) of the sealing nozzle (1) is in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) relative to the insulating glass unit (100) along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100), sealing compound (50) is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel (3) of the sealing nozzle (1) and discharged through the outlet opening (4) of the sealing nozzle (1) in order to Sealing compound (50) in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1,101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the space between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) arranged spacer frames (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in thatthe insulating glass unit (100) is sealed by moving the distribution surface (6) of the sealing nozzle (1) in contact with the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) relative to the insulating glass unit (100) along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) around the entire insulating glass unit (100), while the outlet opening (4) is located between the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and sealing compound (50) is guided through the sealing compound inflow channel (3) of the sealing nozzle (1) and discharged through the outlet opening (4) of the sealing nozzle (1) to seal the sealing compound (50) in the space between the edges of the adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100) and the space between the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) arranged spacer frames (102.1, 102.2) of the insulating glass unit (100), so that the sealing compound (50) applied in this way forms a closed curve around the insulating glass unit (100) along the edges of the respective adjacent glass panes (101.1, 101.2, 101.3) of the insulating glass unit (100).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in thatthe insulating glass unit (100) which is sealed by the method comprises at least two adjacent, different glass panes (101.2, 101.3) and a spacer frame (102.2) arranged therebetween, wherein one of the at least two adjacent, different glass panes (101.2) has a main surface (103), which main surface (103) faces the spacer frame (102.2) arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes (101.2, 101.3) and projects over a distance of at least 10 cm along the edges of the at least two different glass panes (101.2, 101.3) over the spacer frame (102.2) arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes (101.2, 101.3) by at least 3 mm, preferably by at least 4, particularly preferably by at least 5 mm, more than the spacer frame (102.2) arranged between the two adjacent, different glass panes (101.2, 101.3) arranged spacer frame (102,2) facing main surface (104) of the other of the at least two adjacent, differently sized glass panes (101.3).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that one of the at least two adjacent, different glass panes (101.3) is an electrochromic glass pane.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the sealing compound (50) is a polyurethane, silicone, polysulfide and / or a hot melt adhesive.

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