Device and system for connecting a connecting piece for spacers to a spacer

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) comprising a body (2), wherein the body (2) comprises: a front part (3); a rear lateral surface (4), the front part (3) and the rear lateral surface (4) being connected to one another via a first lateral surface (5.1) and a second lateral surface (5.2); and a lower surface (6), which is connected, at a first end (6.1), to the front part (3) and, at a second end (6.2), to the rear lateral surface (4). The front part (3) has, in a first portion (3.1), a receiving part (7), which is designed to receive a connecting piece (30) for spacers, the front part (3) having, in a second portion (3.2), a first finger support surface (8), and the rear lateral surface (4) has a second finger support surface (9). The receiving part (7) has a boundary (11, 11.1) at the end (10) which adjoins the second portion (3.2) of the front part (3), and the boundary (11, 11.2, 11.3), starting from the end (10), extends further into a first lateral region along the first lateral surface (5.1) of the body (2) and into a second lateral region along the second lateral surface (5.2) of the body (2). The invention further relates to a system for automatically arranging spacers relative to a spacer frame and to a method for providing a spacer frame.

Description

[0001] Device and system for connecting a spacer connector to a spacer

[0002] The invention relates to a device, a system and a method for connecting a spacer connector to a spacer.

[0003] In the production of insulating glass units, spacers are used to maintain a predetermined distance between the panes, thus sealing the outer cavity. Furthermore, the spacers provide good thermal insulation, which can be achieved, for example, by making the spacer from a thermoplastic material. One step in the manufacturing process of insulating glass units is the production of a spacer frame from the spacers themselves. Various solutions exist for creating this spacer frame. A common approach involves using additional components to connect the spacers. These additional components are often corner connectors or linear connectors.A corner connector typically joins two spacers at a 90° angle, while a linear connector typically joins spacers at a 180° angle. Using these spacer connectors, a spacer frame, as required for insulating glass units, can be created. The connection between the connector and the spacer is usually done manually in insulating glass manufacturing. For example, the operator presses one leg of a corner connector or a linear connector into a spacer with their hands, applying the necessary compression force primarily with their thumb.

[0004] A major disadvantage of the usual procedure described above is that the operator's thumb could become sore after a while, which could lead to health problems with continued strain.

[0005] US 2008 / 236096 A1 discloses a method for providing an elongated molded part and for inserting the molded part into a hollow profile bar, from which a spacer for insulating glass panes is formed.

[0006] CN 113 954 030 A discloses an auxiliary installation device for temperature sensors. FR 2 988 318 A1 discloses a clamp for removing and reinstalling a car door.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device and a system that facilitates the connection of spacers and connecting pieces for spacers, so that health risks for the operator can be avoided.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1 and by a system according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention are described in the dependent claims. A method according to the invention for providing a spacer frame is described in a further independent claim.

[0009] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a device comprising a body, wherein the body comprises: a front part, a rear surface, wherein the front part and the rear surface are connected to each other via a first side surface and a second side surface, and a lower surface surface connected at a first end to the front part and at a second end to the rear surface, wherein the front part has in a first section a receiving part configured to receive a connecting piece for spacers, the front part has in a second section a first finger support surface, and the rear surface has a second finger support surface, wherein the receiving part has a boundary at an end adjacent to the second section of the front part, and wherein the boundary extends from the end,extends further into a first side region along the first side surface of the body and into a second side region along the second side surface of the body.

[0010] The device according to the invention can be held by the operator's entire hand. The operator's hand encloses the device, allowing for an ergonomic posture. The device according to the invention is designed to receive a connecting piece for spacers. This connecting piece can then be easily inserted into an open end of a spacer. In particular, the device according to the invention is designed such that the compression force required to insert the connecting piece into the spacer no longer needs to be applied locally by the operator's thumb. Instead, the load can be distributed over a larger area of ​​the operator's hand, enabling a more ergonomic workflow and thus avoiding a health risk for the operator.

[0011] According to the invention, the receiving part is configured to accommodate a spacer connector. The spacer connector is not particularly restricted as long as it is suitable for connecting spacers to one another. The spacer connector is a spacer connector for insulating glass units. Preferably, the spacer connector is a corner connector or a linear connector. Commercially available corner connectors and linear connectors for spacers can be used.

[0012] A corner connector is suitable for joining the two ends of at least one spacer. The corner connector comprises two connecting legs, designed for insertion into a spacer, a connecting area that joins the two connecting legs, an outer surface, two side surfaces, and an inner surface. In the finished insulating glass unit, the outer surface faces the surroundings, and the inner surface faces the inner cavity between the panes. The side surfaces are those of the corner connector that face the panes of the insulating glass unit. Along the connecting legs, the side surfaces are in contact with the side surfaces of the spacer after insertion. In the connecting area, the corner connector protrudes from the spacers, so that the side surfaces in this area are in contact with the panes.The side surfaces in the connection area are designed so that the outer panes of the insulating glass unit can be attached there using a suitable sealant. The corner connector joins the ends of one or two spacers, which are assembled to form a spacer frame. The two connecting legs are fixed in the spacers. Depending on the desired geometry of the spacer frame, the two connecting legs preferably form different angles to each other, for example, 10° to 170°. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting legs form an angle of 90° to each other. The corner connector is preferably rigid. The angle α between the two connecting legs can then no longer be significantly changed, i.e., by a maximum of 5°, preferably by a maximum of 1°, and most preferably not at all. This design improves the stability of the corner connector.A linear connector is suitable for joining two spacers. The linear connector comprises two connecting legs, designed for insertion into a spacer, a connecting area that joins the two connecting legs, an outer surface, two side surfaces, and an inner surface. In the finished insulating glass unit, the outer surface faces the surroundings, and the inner surface faces the inner cavity between the panes. The side surfaces are those of the linear connector facing the panes of the insulating glass unit. Along the connecting legs, the side surfaces, once inserted into the spacer, are in contact with the side surfaces of the spacer. The connecting area of ​​the linear connector is also preferably enclosed by the spacers, so that it is not visible from the outside. The two connecting legs are fixed within the spacers.The two connecting legs preferably form an angle of 175° to 185°, and particularly preferably 180°, with each other. The linear connector is preferably rigidly designed. This design improves the stability of the linear connector.

[0013] The connector can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process. Preferably, the connector is made of a polymer, as this has low thermal conductivity, leading to improved thermal insulation properties of the edge seal. Particularly preferably, the connector comprises a biocomposite, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitrile, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate (ABS / PC), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), PET / PC, PBT / PC and / or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0014] Commercially available spacers can be used. Preferably, the spacer is a hollow profile spacer. The cavity of the hollow profile spacer can serve to accommodate the connecting piece. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises at least one polymeric base body, including two pane contact surfaces, an inner glazing surface, and an outer surface. The two pane contact surfaces of the spacer are referred to as the first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface. The first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface are the sides of the spacer on which the panes (first pane and second pane) of an insulating glass unit are mounted during installation of the spacer. The first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface are opposite each other and run parallel to each other.The inner surface of the glazing and the outer surface are connected via the first and second pane contact surfaces. The inner surface and the outer surface are at least partially parallel to each other. The inner surface of the glazing is defined as the surface of the polymer base body that, after the spacer is installed in an insulating glass unit, faces the interior of the unit. The inner surface of the glazing lies between the first and second panes of the insulating glass unit. The outer surface of the polymer base body is the side opposite the inner surface of the glazing, facing away from the interior of the insulating glass unit towards an outer seal. With the exception of any optional angled sections, the inner surface and the outer surface are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the spacer, the polymeric base body comprises a thermoplastic polymer. Suitable thermoplastic polymers for the polymeric base body include, for example, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The use of styrene-based thermoplastic polymers as the base material has proven particularly advantageous with regard to the mechanical properties of the polymeric base body. Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) is a particularly suitable thermoplastic polymer. Polybutylene terephthalate has also proven particularly advantageous with regard to the mechanical properties of the polymeric base body.

[0016] The polymeric base of the spacer preferably has a hollow chamber extending along its length. This hollow chamber borders the inner surface of the glazing unit, with the inner surface of the glazing unit located above the hollow chamber and the outer surface of the spacer located below it. "Above" in this context refers to the spacer facing the inner cavity of the insulating glass unit when installed, and "below" refers to the spacer facing away from the inner cavity. The hollow chamber reduces the weight of the spacer compared to a solid spacer and provides space for additional components, such as a desiccant. The connecting legs of the connector can engage in the ends of the hollow chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the device is made of a polymer because it has low thermal conductivity, resulting in a comfortable feel in the operator's hand and also low weight. Particularly preferably, the device comprises a biocomposite, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polybutadiene, polynitrile, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate (ABS / PC), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), PET / PC, PBT / PC and / or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the device is made of metal. Preferably, the metal comprises at least one of the following: iron, copper, chromium, cobalt, nickel, titanium, manganese, zinc, aluminum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium. This allows for a particularly mechanically stable device. Preferably, the device comprises aluminum, as this results in a low weight and advantageous mechanical stability.

[0019] The device can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process, which are known to those skilled in the art.

[0020] According to the invention, the front part of the device has, in a first section, a receiving part configured to receive a connecting piece for spacers, and in a second section, a first finger support surface. Preferably, the first and second sections of the front part are directly adjacent to one another. This allows the device to be designed compactly, which enables a particularly advantageous ergonomic hand position. The term "front part" refers to the areas of the device body that are visible from a top view of the receiving part and, additionally, from a top view of the fastening part when the removable part is removed, as in one embodiment.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second section of the front part extends beyond the lower surface of the device in a side view. Particularly preferably, the second section of the front part extends at least 18 mm, more preferably at least 21 mm, and even more preferably at least 23 mm, beyond the lower surface of the device in a side view. This provides sufficient space for a finger to rest on the first finger support surface, thus enabling a secure grip on the device in the operator's hand.

[0022] The first finger support surface is not particularly restricted as long as it is suitable for serving as a support surface for a finger. Preferably, the first finger support surface is concave. This means that, in this embodiment, the first finger support surface has an inwardly curved shape relative to the body of the device. This easily ensures a stable support surface for the finger. According to one embodiment, the first finger support surface is adapted for the index finger of an operator. According to another embodiment, the first finger support surface is adapted for the thumb of an operator. The way in which the operator's hand encloses the device according to the invention depends on the type of connector. If a linear connector is used, the thumb is preferably positioned on the first finger support surface, while the other fingers preferably enclose the rear surface.When a corner connector is used, the connecting leg is preferably gripped with at least one spacer during connection, so that the operator's hand position differs for each connecting leg. For connecting the connecting leg that is parallel to the contact surface of the receiving part with a spacer, the thumb is preferably positioned on the first finger support surface, while the remaining fingers preferably enclose the back surface. For connecting the connecting leg that is perpendicular to the contact surface of the receiving part with a spacer, the index finger is preferably positioned on the first finger support surface, while the thumb is preferably positioned on the second finger support surface, and the remaining fingers preferably enclose the lower surface.

[0023] According to the invention, the front part has a receiving part in a first section, which is configured to receive a connecting piece for spacers. Embodiments for the connecting piece and the spacer have already been described above. For the purposes of the invention, "receiving part" here means that the receiving part provides the connecting piece with at least one stable bearing surface. This means that the receiving part has a bearing surface for the connecting piece. Preferably, the connecting piece is fixed in the receiving part. According to the invention, the receiving part has a boundary at one end, which borders the second section of the front part. The connecting piece can rest against an inner surface of the boundary, which faces away from the second section of the front part.This allows for easy spatial separation between the finger on the first finger support surface and the connector, significantly reducing the risk of operator injury. Furthermore, it facilitates secure positioning of the connector within the receiving part. The limit preferably has a height of at least 3 mm, and more preferably at least 4 mm. The height of the limit is determined based on the contact surface for the connector within the receiving part.

[0024] According to the invention, the boundary extends from the end into a first side region along the first side surface of the body and into a second side region along the second side surface of the body. This makes it particularly easy to achieve secure positioning of the connector in the receiving part. Preferably, the boundary along the first side region and along the second side region has a height of at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4 mm. Here, too, the height of the boundary along the first side region and along the second side region is determined from the bearing surface for the connector in the receiving part. In one embodiment, the first side region and the second side region run parallel to each other. This orientation easily ensures a symmetrical arrangement of the connector in the receiving part.

[0025] Preferably, a first flank is arranged on the boundary in the first side region, and a second flank is arranged on the boundary in the second side region. The first and second flanks facilitate the easy attachment of the connecting element to the receiving element. The first and second flanks extend beyond the boundary in the first and second side regions, respectively, from the bearing surface for the connecting element in the receiving element. Preferably, the first and second flanks each have a height of at least 1 mm, and more preferably, at least 2 mm. The height of the first flank is determined from the boundary in the first side region, and the height of the second flank is determined from the boundary in the second side region.In a top view of the receiving part, the first flank preferably covers at least 20% of the boundary in the first side region, and the second flank preferably covers at least 20% of the boundary in the second side region. Such an arrangement of the first and second flanks is entirely sufficient to ensure a very secure fastening of the connector in the receiving part.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving part has at least one projection designed to engage an outer surface of the connecting piece. This projection easily ensures a flat bearing surface for the connecting piece in the receiving part, provided the connecting piece has at least one indentation in its outer surface. The projection is preferably located on the bearing surface of the receiving part.

[0027] According to the invention, the rear surface has a second finger support surface. The second finger support surface is not particularly restricted as long as it is suitable for serving as a support surface for a finger. Preferably, the second finger support surface is concave. This means that, in this embodiment, the second finger support surface has an inwardly curved shape relative to the body of the device. This easily ensures a stable support surface for the finger. According to one embodiment, the second finger support surface is adapted for the thumb of an operator.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear surface and the lower surface form an angle of 55° or less, preferably 50° or less, and more preferably 45° or less, when viewed from the side. This allows the operator to grip the device with the palm of their hand in a particularly ergonomic way.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device has rounded corners. This further reduces the risk of injury to the operator.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the body of the device is formed in one piece. This one-piece design allows for particularly easy manufacturing of the device.

[0031] In another embodiment, at least the first section of the front part is arranged on a removable part. According to a further embodiment, at least the first and second sections of the front part are arranged on a removable part. "Removable" here means that the removable part can be connected to, but also separated from, the rest of the device body. In this case, the body is multi-part. That is, if the removable part is present according to one embodiment, the device body comprises the removable part and the rest of the body. The multi-part design allows for easy adaptation of the receiving part to various connecting pieces for spacers. In particular, the width of the connecting piece can be adapted to the spacer being used.If different spacers of varying widths are required for different applications, in the case of the multi-piece embodiment, only the receiving part needs to be replaced, whereas in the one-piece embodiment, the entire body would have to be replaced. Preferably, the removable part is made of the same material as the rest of the device body. This allows for particularly easy manufacturing of the multi-piece embodiment.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the removable part is connected to a fastening element located in the front part of the body. The type of connection is not particularly restricted, as long as it ensures secure attachment of the removable part to the rest of the body. Preferably, the removable part is connected to the fastening element via a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint allows for both secure attachment of the removable part and easy removal, thus enabling its replacement without difficulty.

[0033] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device further comprises a connecting piece for spacers, inserted into the receiving part. The connecting piece mentioned here corresponds to the connecting piece described above. If a corner connector is used as the connecting piece according to one embodiment, preferably one leg of the corner connector is arranged parallel to the bearing surface of the receiving part, while preferably one leg of the corner connector is arranged perpendicular to the bearing surface of the receiving part. If a linear connector is used as the connecting piece according to one embodiment, preferably both legs of the linear connector are arranged parallel to the bearing surface of the receiving part.

[0034] As described above, the receiving part of the device provides the connecting piece with at least one stable bearing surface. Preferably, the connecting piece is further secured within the receiving part. This means that the connecting piece is not only provided with a stable bearing surface, but is also secured within the receiving part. Preferably, the connecting piece for spacers is secured in the receiving part by means of a press fit. The press fit can be provided, for example, by closely matching the width of the bearing surface of the receiving part to the width of the connecting piece. According to a preferred embodiment, the width of the bearing surface is positively interlocked with the width of the connecting piece. Alternatively or additionally, a press fit can be provided between the first flank and the second flank and the connecting piece.This means that, according to this embodiment, the distance between the first flank and the second flank is adapted to the width of the connector. A press fit has the advantage that the connector is securely held in the receiving part and cannot slip during use of the device for connecting the connector with a spacer, thus further reducing the risk of injury to the user.

[0035] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system for the automatic arrangement of spacers to a spacer frame, comprising a feeder for spacers, a feeder for connecting pieces for spacers, a support part with a receiving part which is configured to receive a connecting piece for spacers, wherein the receiving part is detachably attached to the support part, wherein the receiving part has a longitudinal boundary at one end, and wherein the boundary extends, starting from the longitudinal end, further into a first side region and into a second side region of the receiving part.

[0036] The embodiments of the spacer and the connecting piece described above in connection with the device according to the invention also apply in the same way to the system according to the invention.

[0037] According to the invention, the system comprises a support element with a receiving element. The embodiments of the receiving element described above in connection with the device according to the invention also apply in the same way to the system according to the invention, with the exception that the receiving element is not part of a body, but rather an independent component. This means that the receiving element of the system according to the invention can correspond to the removable part of the device described above. The support element according to the invention is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to support the receiving element and to detachably fasten it. For example, the support element can be a robot arm configured to fasten and optionally guide the receiving element. Insofar as the robot arm is configured to guide the receiving element, this facilitates the automatic arrangement of spacers to a spacer frame.The attachment of the receiving part to the support part is not particularly restricted. For example, the receiving part and the support part can be connected via a dovetail joint, as described above. In this case, the support part has a fastening element that provides a counterpart for the dovetail joint. According to another embodiment, the receiving part can be attached to the support part with a clamp. According to yet another embodiment, the receiving part can be screwed to the support part.

[0038] According to the invention, the receiving part is detachably attached to the support part. This allows for easy adaptation of the receiving part to different connecting pieces for spacers. In particular, the width of the connecting piece can be adjusted to the spacer being used. If spacers of different widths are required for different applications, it is only necessary to replace the receiving part. According to one embodiment, the replacement of the receiving part can be automated. "Automatic" here means that no operator intervention is required for this step. For example, a reservoir of different receiving parts can be provided for the automated replacement, one of which is selectively connected to the robot arm. The selective selection of the receiving part can be achieved, for example, by computer control, with the computer being connected to the robot arm.

[0039] According to the invention, the receiving part has a longitudinal boundary at one end. "Longitudinal direction" here refers to the direction of the receiving part's longest dimension. The connecting piece can rest against an inner surface of the boundary that faces the receiving part's bearing surface. This facilitates secure positioning of the connecting piece within the receiving part. The boundary preferably has a height of at least 3 mm, and more preferably at least 4 mm. The height of the boundary is determined from the bearing surface for the connecting piece in the receiving part. According to the invention, the boundary extends from the end in the longitudinal direction into a first side region and a second side region of the receiving part. The first side region and the second side region extend along the longitudinal direction of the receiving part.This makes it particularly easy to achieve secure positioning of the connector in the receiving part. Preferably, the boundary along the first side region and along the second side region each has a height of at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4 mm. Here, too, the height of the boundary along the first side region and along the second side region is determined from the bearing surface for the connector in the receiving part. In one embodiment, the first side region and the second side region run parallel to each other. This orientation easily ensures a symmetrical arrangement of the connector in the receiving part.

[0040] Preferably, a first flank is arranged on the boundary in the first side region, and a second flank is arranged on the boundary in the second side region. The first and second flanks facilitate the easy attachment of the connecting element to the receiving element. The first and second flanks extend beyond the boundary in the first and second side regions, respectively, from the bearing surface for the connecting element in the receiving element. Preferably, the first and second flanks each have a height of at least 1 mm, and more preferably, at least 2 mm. The height of the first flank is determined from the boundary in the first side region, and the height of the second flank is determined from the boundary in the second side region.In a top view of the receiving part, the first flank preferably covers at least 20% of the boundary in the first side region, and the second flank preferably covers at least 20% of the boundary in the second side region. Such an arrangement of the first and second flanks is entirely sufficient to ensure a very secure fastening of the connector in the receiving part.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving part has at least one projection designed to engage an outer surface of the connecting piece. This projection ensures a flat bearing surface for the connecting piece within the receiving part, even if the connecting piece has at least one indentation in its outer surface. The projection is preferably located on the bearing surface of the receiving part. According to the invention, the system is for the automatic assembly of spacers into a spacer frame. "Automatic assembly" means that at least the step of connecting the spacer and the connecting piece is performed automatically. This means that no operator intervention is required, at least for this step. Automating this step significantly reduces the health risks for the operator.

[0042] The spacer frame can comprise one or more individual spacers assembled to form a spacer frame. The individual spacers are connected via connecting pieces. The ends of the at least one spacer are joined at at least one point by a spacer connector. Preferably, the spacer frame is rectangular. Most glazing units are manufactured in this shape.

[0043] According to the invention, the system comprises a feeder for spacers and a feeder for connecting pieces for spacers. The feeders are not particularly restricted as long as they are configured to supply the system with spacers or connecting pieces. For example, the feeders can be independent robot arms. According to a further embodiment, the feeders can independently comprise conveyor belts that transport the spacers or connecting pieces toward the receiving part. According to a further embodiment, the feeders can independently comprise reservoirs for the spacers or connecting pieces, from which the robot arm, acting as a support element according to one embodiment, can selectively access the corresponding part.

[0044] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing a spacer frame, comprising the following steps:

[0045] Provision of the device or system according to the invention,

[0046] Provision of at least one spacer,

[0047] Provision of at least one connector for spacers,

[0048] Arranging a connecting piece for spacers in the receiving part of the device or system according to the invention, and connecting a spacer and the connecting piece. The embodiments described above in connection with the device and system according to the invention also apply equally to the method according to the invention. This also applies to the embodiments of the spacer and the connecting piece described above in connection with the device according to the invention, which also apply equally to the method according to the invention. Furthermore, this also applies to the embodiments of the spacer frame described above in connection with the system according to the invention, which also apply equally to the method according to the invention.

[0049] Individual steps or all steps of the method according to the invention can be repeated as desired. For example, when using a corner connector as a connecting piece, the corner connector can remain in the receiving part during the connection process for connecting both connecting legs with at least one spacer. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the method according to the invention, after connecting a spacer and a first connecting leg of the corner connector, an optional further spacer is provided and connected to a second connecting leg of the corner connector.

[0050] According to the invention, at least one spacer and at least one connecting piece for spacers are provided. The provision is not particularly restricted. The provision of the at least one spacer and the provision of the at least one connecting piece can be carried out independently of each other, either automatically or manually. "Automatic" here means that the step can be carried out without operator intervention. For example, the feeders described above for the system according to the invention can be used. "Manual" here means that the corresponding step is carried out by an operator. Thus, according to one embodiment, the at least one connecting piece can be manually fed by the operator of the device or system according to the invention.According to one embodiment, the at least one spacer can be manually supplied by the operator of the device or system according to the invention.

[0051] According to the invention, the method comprises arranging a connecting piece for spacers in the receiving part. The connecting piece is arranged in the receiving part such that the receiving part provides the connecting piece with at least one stable bearing surface. Preferably, the connecting piece is further secured in the receiving part. This means that the connecting piece is not only provided with a stable bearing surface, but is also secured in the receiving part. The type of securing can be selected as described above for the device or system according to the invention. The arranging step can be performed automatically or manually. "Automatic" here means that the step can be performed without operator intervention.For example, a robot arm can be moved as a support element, according to one embodiment of the system, towards the at least one connecting piece, so that a connecting piece is received in the receiving part. "Manual" here means that the assembly step is performed by an operator.

[0052] According to the invention, the method comprises connecting a spacer and a connector. This step can be repeated depending on the desired spacer frame. The connection preferably involves inserting a connector into a spacer. The connection step can be performed automatically or manually. "Automatic" here means that the step can be performed without operator intervention. For example, according to one embodiment of the system according to the invention, a robot arm can act as a support element, inserting the connector into the spacer, thus creating a connection between the connector and the spacer. "Manual" here means that the connection step is performed by an operator.When the device according to the invention is used in the method according to the invention, the manner in which the device is gripped by hand depends on the type of connector. If a linear connector is used, the thumb is preferably positioned on the first finger support surface, while the remaining fingers preferably grip the rear surface. One leg of the linear connector is preferably connected to the device according to the invention using a spacer. The linear connector can then be removed from the device, and the other leg can be connected to a spacer without the device. If a corner connector is used, the user preferably grips the legs with at least one spacer while connecting them, so that the position of the operator's hand differs for each leg.To connect the plug leg, which is arranged parallel to the contact surface of the receiving part, to a spacer, the thumb is preferably positioned on the first finger contact surface, while the remaining fingers preferably enclose the rear surface. To connect the plug leg, which is arranged perpendicular to the contact surface of the receiving part, to a spacer, the index finger is preferably positioned on the first finger contact surface, while the thumb is preferably positioned on the second finger contact surface and the remaining fingers preferably enclose the lower surface.

[0053] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are purely schematic representations and not to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

[0054] They show:

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of the device according to the invention as shown in Figure 2 in the separated state; Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the removable

[0058] Part that can be used according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0059] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the connection of the removable part with the rest of the body according to one embodiment.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with an inserted corner connector and

[0061] Figure 1 – a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with an inserted linear connector.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in a side view of the first side surface 5.1 of the device 1. The device 1 comprises a body 2, wherein the body 2 comprises: a front part 3, a rear surface 4, wherein the front part 3 and the rear surface 4 are connected to each other via a first side surface 5.1 and a second side surface 5.2 (not shown in Figure 1), and a lower surface 6, which is connected at a first end 6.1 to the front part 3 and at a second end 6.2 to the rear surface 4, wherein the front part 3 has in a first section 3.1 a receiving part 7 which is configured to receive a connecting piece for spacers, the front part 3 has in a second section 3.2 a first finger support surface 8, and the rear surface 4 has a second finger support surface 9. The second section 3.Section 2 of the front part 3 extends at least 18 mm beyond the lower surface 6 of the device 1 in the side view. This provides sufficient space for a finger to rest on the first finger support surface, enabling a secure grip on the device 1 in the operator's hand. The first section 3.1 and the second section 3.2 of the front part are directly adjacent to each other. This allows the device 1 to be designed compactly, enabling a particularly ergonomic hand position. The first section 3.1 and the second section 3.2 of the front part 3 are arranged on a removable part 14. According to an alternative embodiment, not shown here, the body 2 can be formed in one piece.

[0063] The rear surface 4 and the lower surface 6 form an angle of 55° or less with respect to the device 1 when viewed from the side. This allows the operator to grip the device 1 with their hand in a particularly ergonomic way.

[0064] The receiving part 7 has a boundary at one end, which borders the second section 3.2 of the front part 3. From this end, the boundary extends into a first side region along the first side surface 5.1 of the body 2 and into a second side region 5.2 along the second side surface of the body 2 (not shown in Figure 1). A first flank 12.1 is arranged on the boundary in the first side region, and a second flank 12.2 is arranged on the boundary in the second side region (not shown in Figure 1).

[0065] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in a side view of the first side surface 5.1 of the device 1. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in that the second finger support surface 9 is concave. This easily ensures a stable support surface for the finger. In addition, Figure 2 shows a section line AA', which is used to illustrate the embodiment according to Figure 5.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention as shown in Figure 2 in the separated state. The first section 3.1 and the second section 3.2 of the front part 3 are arranged on a removable part 14. The multi-part embodiment allows easy adaptation of the receiving part 7 to various connecting pieces for spacers. In particular, the width of the connecting piece can be easily adapted to the spacer to be used.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the removable part 14, which can be used according to one embodiment of the invention. The receiving part 7 has a limit 11, 11.1 at one end 10, which borders the second section 3.2 of the front part 3. This easily creates a spatial distance between the finger on the first finger support surface 8 and the connecting piece, significantly reducing the risk of injury to the operator. Furthermore, it easily facilitates secure positioning of the connecting piece in the receiving part 7. The limit 11 has a height of at least 3 mm.

[0068] The boundary 11, 11.2, 11.3 extends from the end 10 into a first side region along the first side surface 5.1 of the body 2 and into a second side region 5.2 along the second side surface 5.2 of the body 2. This makes it particularly easy to achieve secure positioning of the connector in the receiving part 7. The boundary 11.2, 11.3 has a height of at least 3 mm along both the first and second side regions.

[0069] On the boundary 11.2, a first flank 12.1 is arranged in the first side region, and on the boundary 11.3, a second flank 12.2 is arranged in the second side region. The connecting part can be easily attached to the receiving part 7 by means of the first flank 12.1 and the second flank 12.2. The first flank 12.1 and the second flank 12.2 each have a height of at least 1 mm.

[0070] The receiving part 7 has two protrusions 13 designed to engage an outer surface of the connector. These protrusions 13 easily ensure a flat support for the connector, provided the connector has at least two indentations in its outer surface.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the connection of the removable part 14 to the rest of the body according to an embodiment of the present invention along the cross-section AA' as shown in Figure 2. The removable part 14 is connected to a fastening element 15, which is arranged in the front part 3 of the body 2, via a dovetail joint 16. The dovetail joint 16 allows, on the one hand, a secure fastening of the removable part 14 and, on the other hand, its easy removal, so that replacement of the removable part 14 is easily possible.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention with an inserted connecting piece 30 for spacers. The embodiment shown differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 in that a connecting piece 30 for spacers is inserted in the device 1. The connecting piece 30 is a corner connector 30.1. One leg of the corner connector 30.1 is arranged parallel to the bearing surface of the receiving part 7, while another leg of the corner connector 30.1 is arranged perpendicular to the bearing surface of the receiving part 7. To connect the leg that is arranged parallel to the bearing surface of the receiving part 7 to a spacer, the thumb is preferably positioned on the first finger support surface 8, while the other fingers preferably enclose the rear surface 4.For connecting the plug leg, which is arranged perpendicular to the support surface of the receiving part 7, with a spacer, the index finger is preferably arranged on the first finger support surface 8, while the thumb is preferably arranged on the second finger support surface 9 and the remaining fingers preferably enclose the lower surface surface 6.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention with an inserted connecting piece 30 for spacers. The embodiment shown differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 in that a connecting piece 30 for spacers is inserted in the device 1. The connecting piece 30 is a linear connector 30.2. Both connecting legs of the linear connector 30.2 are arranged parallel to the support surface of the receiving part 7. Preferably, the thumb is positioned on the first finger support surface 8, while the remaining fingers preferably enclose the rear surface 4. List of reference numerals:

[0074] 1 Device

[0075] 2 bodies

[0076] 3 Front part

[0077] 3.1 First section of the front part

[0078] 3.2 Second section of the front part

[0079] 4 Back surface

[0080] 5.1 First side surface

[0081] 5.2 second side surface

[0082] 6 lower surface

[0083] 6.1 First end of the lower surface

[0084] 6.2 Second end of the lower surface

[0085] 7 Recording section

[0086] 8 first finger resting area

[0087] 9 second finger resting area

[0088] 10 End of the recording section

[0089] 11 Limitation

[0090] 11.1 Limitation at the end of the recording section

[0091] 11.2 Limitation in a first page area

[0092] 11.3 Limitation in a second page area

[0093] 12.1 first flank

[0094] 12.2 second flank

[0095] 13 Survey

[0096] 14 removable parts

[0097] 15 Mounting part

[0098] 16 Dovetail joint

[0099] 30 connector

[0100] 30.1 Corner connectors

[0101] 30.2 linear connector

[0102] AA' Intersection line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) comprising a body (2), wherein the body (2) comprises: a front part (3), a rear surface (4), wherein the front part (3) and the rear surface (4) are connected to each other via a first side surface (5.1) and a second side surface (5.2), and a lower surface surface (6) which is connected at a first end (6.1) to the front part (3) and at a second end (6.2) to the rear surface (4), wherein the front part (3) has in a first section (3.1) a receiving part (7) which is configured to receive a connecting piece (30) for spacers, the front part (3) has in a second section (3.2) a first finger support surface (8), and the rear surface (4) has a second finger support surface (9), wherein the receiving part (7) has at an end (10) which borders the second section (3.2) of the front part (3) a boundary (11, 11.1), and wherein the limit (11 , 11.2, 11.3), starting from the end (10), extends further into a first side region along the first side surface (5.1) of the body (2) and into a second side region along the second side surface (5.2) of the body (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting piece (30) for spacers is a corner connector (30.1) or a linear connector (30.2).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second finger support surface (9) is concave.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second section (3.2) of the front part (3) extends in a side view of the device (1) beyond the lower surface (6) by at least 18 mm.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a first flank (12.1) is arranged on the boundary (11.2) in the first side region and a second flank (12.2) is arranged on the boundary (11.3) in the second side region.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receiving part (7) has at least one projection (13) which is configured to engage an outer surface of the connecting piece (30).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body (2) is formed in one piece.

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least the first section (3.1) of the front part (3) is arranged on a removable part (14).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the removable part (14) is connected to a fastening part (15) arranged in the front part (3) of the body (2) via a dovetail joint (16).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a connecting piece (30) for spacers, inserted into the receiving part (7).

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting piece (30) for spacers is fastened in the receiving part (7) by means of a press connection.

12. System for the automatic arrangement of spacers to a spacer frame, comprising a spacer feeder, a spacer connector feeder (30), a support part with a receiving part (7) configured to receive a spacer connector (30), wherein the receiving part (7) is detachably attached to the support part, wherein the receiving part (7) has a longitudinal boundary (11, 11.1) at one end (10), and wherein the boundary (11, 11.2, 11.3) extends longitudinally from the end (10) into a first side region and a second side region of the receiving part (7).

13. System for the automatic arrangement of spacers into a spacer frame according to claim 12, wherein on the boundary (11.2) in the first side area a first flank (12.1) is arranged and on the boundary (11.3) a second flank (12.2) is arranged in the second side area.

14. System for automatically arranging spacers into a spacer frame according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the receiving part (7) has at least one protrusion (13) which is configured to engage an outer surface of the connecting piece (30).

15. Procedure for providing a spacer frame, comprising the following steps: Provision of the device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or of the system according to one of claims 12 to 14, provision of at least one spacer, Providing at least one connecting piece (30) for spacers, arranging a connecting piece (30) for spacers in the receiving part (7) of the device (1) or the system, and Connecting a spacer and the connector (30).

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