Method for assembling insulating panels and apparatus for implementing such method

Abstract

 A method for assembling insulating panels, particularly for multipane glazing units formed by a pair of facing glass panes (V', V") and a spacer element (D) interposed between the panes, comprises the steps of: a) placing a first pane (V') in a substantially vertical position and providing a second pane (V") with a spacer element (D) having at least one side (L, L') in correspondence of each peripheral edge (B, B', B") of the second pane (V"); b) positioning the panes (V', V") in a mutually facing relationship with a predetermined horizontal spacing (R) to define an interior space (3) between the panes (V', V"); c) introducing a substantially inert gas in the interior space (3) by using appropriate supply means (4); d) moving closer and pressing together the first (V') and the second panes (V") with the spacer element (D) interposed therebetween, to close the interior space (3) and form an assembled panel (P); e) withdrawing the assembled panel (P). The gas is introduced with the first (V') and the second panes (V") reciprocally offset in a vertical direction to define a lateral gas supply port (5) for gas filling and allow rapid and uniform filling of the interior space (3).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable to the field of glass processing apparatus and particularly relates to a method for assembling insulating multipane glazing units, and to an apparatus for converging out such method.

Prior art

[0002] Insulating multipane glazing units are known to be made by assembling at least two mutually facing glass panes, which are spaced by a spacer element, to generate a substantially closed inner chamber. In many embodiments, the substantially closed interior chamber is filled with an inert gas whose specific weight is higher than that of air, to prevent any moisture condensation over the inner surfaces of the panes and provide high insulation properties.

[0003] EP-A-0674086 discloses a method for making multipane glazing units, wherein a first glass pane and a spacer are supported in a substantially vertical position, whereas a second pane is positioned in front of the first pane in a slightly inclined position relative to the latter, to define an interior space between the two panes. These panes have lower edges lying at the same height on a sealing member comprising two belt conveyors for the panes and means for introducing gas into the interior space. Thanks to the inclination of the second pane, a gas passage port is formed in the interior space, between a lower portion of the spacer and the lower edge of the second pane. The gas filling means are situated below both panes, between the two conveyor belts, and in front of the lower portion of the spacer. Once the interior has been filled with gas, the second pane is pressed against the spacer to form the assembled panel.

[0004] An apparent drawback of this arrangement is that the gas filling means are positioned in such a manner that gas is forced to follow a tortuous path to reach the interior space. Gas flow is directed against one face of the lower portion of the spacer and is abruptly deviated to avoid the lower portion of the spacer and be introduced in the gas passage port. This implies an unavoidable efficiency loss and may prevent optimal filling of the interior space between panes with gas. Furthermore, such turbulence may cause added noise during the process.

[0005] A further drawback is that the interior space between the panes may be filled with gas in a non optimal manner at the upper edges of the panes. In fact, during gas filling, the second pane is inclined, with an upper edge abutting against the spacer and an appropriately spaced lower edge to form the gas port. By this arrangement, when the second pane is moved closer to the spacer, a gas pumping effect is generated toward the lower edge of the panes. Also, since the gas being used is heavier than air, the pumping effect adds to gravity and increases the risk that the interior space may be only partly filled with gas at the upper edges of the panes, thereby involving a degradation of the performance and insulating properties of the panel.

Summary of the invention

[0006] A primary object of this invention is to obviate the above drawbacks, by providing a cost-effective method for assembling insulating multipane glazing units.

[0007] A particular object is to provide a method that allows full and uniform filling of the interior space of each panel with inert gas.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a method that provides panels having high insulating properties and performance.

[0009] Yet another particular object is to provide a method for assembling panels whose features can remain unchanged with time.

[0010] Another object is to provide an apparatus for assembling insulating panels which assures reliability and allows a relatively high daily output.

[0011] These objects, as well as other objects that will be more apparent hereafter, are fulfilled thanks to a method for assembling insulating panels, particularly for glazing units formed by a pair of mutually facing glass panes and a spacer element interposed between the panes, which, according to claim 1, comprises the steps of: placing a first pane in a substantially vertical position and providing a second pane with a spacer element with a spacer element having at least one side in correspondence of each peripheral edge of the second pane; positioning the panes in a mutually facing relationship with a predetermined horizontal spacing to define an inner gap between the panes; introducing a substantially inert gas in the interior space by using appropriate supply means; moving closer and pressing together the first and the second panes with the spacer element interposed therebetween, to close the interior space and form an assembled panel; withdrawing the assembled panel, characterized in that gas is supplied with the first and second panes reciprocally offset in a vertical direction to define a lateral gas filling port.

[0012] Thanks to this particular sequence of operations, the interior space of each panel may be fully and uniformly filled with gas, thereby and panels with high insulation and transparency properties may be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a few preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a method and an apparatus according to the invention, which are described as non-limiting examples with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a first position;

FIG. 4 is a further top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a second position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a first position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a second position;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a third position;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a fourth position;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a fifth position.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0014] Particularly referring to the above figures, a method for assembling insulating panels P is described, which uses an apparatus generally designated with numeral 1. Particularly, each panel P is preferably a multipane glazing unit, formed by a pair of facing glass panes V', V" and a spacer element D interposed between the panes. The panes V', V" may be substantially flat and have respective inner faces F facing each other and respective outer faces F' turned opposite to each other. The panes are delimited by a plurality of peripheral edges B, B', B" which may include at least one lower edge B', B" associated to each pane V'. V".

[0015] The spacer element D has a plurality of sides L, L' which are designed to be positioned in the proximity of respective peripheral edges B, B', B" of the panes V', V" and to delimit a substantially sealed chamber. Particularly the plurality L, L' includes a lower side L' to be positioned near the lower peripheral edges B', B".

[0016] The process comprises a step a) in which a first pane V' is placed in a substantially vertical position and a second pane V" is provided, together with a spacer element D that is mounted to the inner face F of the second pane V". The latter rests by its lower peripheral edge B" on one or more support members 2 of the apparatus 1.

[0017] In a further step b) the first pane V' and the second pane V" are placed in a mutually facing relationship with a predetermined horizontal spacing R therebetween. Thus, the inner faces F of the panes V' and V" define an interior space 3 which is peripherally delimited by the sides L, L' of the spacer element D.

[0018] The process further comprises a third step c) in which a substantially inert gas is introduced into the interior space 3 by appropriate supply means 4, and a fourth step d) in which the first V' and the second panes V" are moved closer and pressed together with the spacer element D interposed therebetween. The latter step causes the interior space 3 to substantially hermetically sealed, and provides the assembled panel P.

[0019] In a last step e), the assembled panel P is withdrawn from the apparatus 1, which may then start the assembly of another panel P.

[0020] A peculiar characteristic of the invention is that gas filling is effected with the first and the second panes V', V" reciprocally offset in a vertical direction to define a lateral gas filling port 5. This particular arrangement provides effective gas filling and dramatically reduces undesired gas turbulence and consequent localized losses.

[0021] Also, during gas filling, the lower peripheral edge B' of the first pane V' may be positioned above the corresponding lower side L' of the spacer element D. By this arrangement, the supply means 4 may be placed near the lateral port 5 in such position as to be offset and at a higher level relative to the spacer element D. Thanks to this characteristic, the gas that is introduced into the interior space 3 is not forced to follow a tortuous path to avoid the lower side L' and may flow in a regular and uniform manner.

[0022] As shown in the annexed figures, the supply means 4 may include a gas supply conduit 6, appropriately having one or more filling holes 7. In operation, gas filling may be effected with the conduit 6 positioned near the lateral port 5 and above the lower peripheral edge B'' of the second pane V". More in detail, during filling, the holes 7 may be oriented toward the lateral port 5, and be positioned above the lower side L' of the spacer element D and below the lower peripheral edge B' of the first pane V'. Furthermore, for an even more regular and uniform gas filling, the holes 7 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0023] In order to prevent the previously supplied gas from escaping from the interior space 3 as the first and the second panes V', V" are drawn closer, thereby sucking in undesired air in the panel P, the two panes will be moved closer to each other according to the following sequence of steps. Particularly, the lower peripheral edge B" of the first pane V' and the corresponding lower peripheral edge B" of the second pane V" may be first brought at the same height. This step may be performed by raising the second pane V" and/or lowering the first pane V'.

[0024] Then, the first pane V' may be rotated a first time, to cause its lower peripheral edge B' to abut against the corresponding lower side L' of the spacer element D. After this step, the first pane V' will be inclined at an angle A to the second pane V", as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the interior space 3 will be rapidly closed at its bottom, thereby considerably limiting any gas escape, thanks to the fact that the supplied gas is generally heavier than air.

[0025] Then, the first pane V' may be rotated a second time, to cause its upper peripheral edge B to abut against a corresponding upper side L of the spacer element D. Such second rotation will allow to upwardly compress the gas contained in the interior space 3 and to purge from the panel P any air that entered the interior space 3 during the previous steps.

[0026] Suitably, to facilitate full sealing of the interior space 3, the procedure to draw the two panes closer to each other may include a step in which the first pane V' is translated substantially horizontally and transversely to the pane. Such translational motion may be performed before, during or after said first and second rotation of the first pane V'.

[0027] In operation, positioning of the first pane V' may include the step of feeding the pane over a plurality of rollers 8 until its lateral peripheral edge B reaches an end 9 of the apparatus 1. Then, the first pane V' may be raised by the support members 2 and locked on a movable structure 10 of the apparatus 1. Once it has been locked, the first pane V' may be carried away transversely, to allow the second pane V" to be fed over the same rollers 8, with the spacer element D. When the second pane V" is substantially in front of the first pane V', the same support members 2 may raise the second pane V" to place it in a vertically offset position relative to the first pane V'.

[0028] Also, the same support members 2 may be also used to raise the second pane V" as the panes V', V" are moved closer to each other, as described above, and to further lower the assembled panel P until it contacts the rollers 8 to be fed thereon for easier withdrawal.

[0029] As shown in the drawings, the first and second panes V', V" may be substantially parallel or slightly inclined to each other. Furthermore, during gas filling, lateral sealing members 11, 11' are moved closer to the corresponding lateral peripheral edges B of the panes V', V", to laterally contain the gas.

[0030] The above described method for assembling insulating panels P may be implemented by using an apparatus 1 that comprises a movable structure 10 adapted to support a first pane V' in a substantially vertical position and a stationary structure 12 adapted to support a second pane V" as well as a spacer element D substantially facing the first pane V', to define an interior space 3 between the panes V', V". The apparatus 1 further comprises means 4 for supplying a substantially inert gas into the interior space 3, and first actuator means 13 adapted to move closer and press together the first and the second panes V', V" with the spacer element D interposed therebetween to close the interior space 3 and form an assembled panel P.

[0031] A peculiar characteristic of the inventive apparatus 1 is that it has second actuator means 14, adapted to vertically translate the first pane V' and/or the second pane V" to offset the panes in the vertical direction and define a lateral gas filling port 5.

[0032] As shown in the accompanying figures, the second actuator means 14 may act on the second pane V" and may particularly include at least one pushing mechanism 15 acting on one or more support members 2 of a lower peripheral edge B" of the second pane V". The pushing mechanism 15 may cause the support members 2 to be vertically displaced and accordingly, the second pane V" to slide relative to the stationary structure 12.

[0033] To operate the pushing mechanism 15, the second actuator means 14 may include at least one pneumatic cylinder 16 or, alternatively, an oil hydraulic cylinder or an electric motor. Similarly, the first actuator means 13 may also include pneumatic cylinders 17, 17' or oil hydraulic cylinders or electric motors.

[0034] Particularly, at least one pneumatic cylinder 17 and a plurality of rods 18 may be used, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, to move the movable structure 10 and the first pane V' apart from or closer to the stationary structure 12 and to the second pane V" by a translational motion. Also, further pneumatic cylinders 17' may be provided to rotate the movable structure 10 and the first pane V' relative to the stationary structure 12 and to the second pane V" as described above.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the supply means 4 may be integral with the movable structure 10 and located below a lower peripheral edge B' of the first pane V' and in the proximity thereof. Thanks to this particular arrangement, the supply means 4 may be offset from the spacer element D to prevent any turbulence during gas filling.

[0036] Particularly, the supply means 4 may include a supply conduit 6, having one or more holes 7 for filling the interior space 5 with gas. During gas filling, the supply conduit 6 and the holes 7 may be positioned near the lateral port 5 and above the lower peripheral edge B" of the second pane V". Particularly, the holes 7 may be positioned above the lower side L' of the spacer element D and below the lower peripheral edge B' of the first pane V'.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the holes 7 may be inclined to a horizontal direction at a predetermined angle, preferably of 0° to 80°.

[0038] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 may further include lateral sealing members 11, 11' and at least one lower sealing member 19 to prevent the gas that was supplied into the interior space 3 from escaping from the sides and the bottom. The lateral sealing members 11, 11' may be of the movable type, and be moved closer to the lateral peripheral edges B of the panes V', V" during gas filling, as shown in FIGS. 3-6.

[0039] Particularly, a lateral sealing member 11 may be mounted outside the apparatus 1 and be movable from an operating position near a lateral peripheral edge B of the panes V', V"" and an idle position, adapted to allow free motion of the panes. Fig. 5 shows the lateral sealing member 11 in its idle position, whereas FIG. 6 shows it in its operating position. Furthermore, another lateral sealing member 11' may be linked in a substantially vertical position to a horizontally sliding carriage 20. The horizontal motion of the carriage 20 allows to position the lateral sealing member 11' near the other lateral peripheral edge B of the panes V', V", regardless of the size of the latter.

[0040] Suitably, the movable structure 10 may be equipped with suction cup means 21 to selectively lock the first pane V' during certain steps of the above method. Also, to maintain the second pane V" adherent to the stationary structure 12, the latter may be inclined at an angle (not shown in the drawings) to the vertical, so that the desired position of the second pane V" may be maintained by gravity only.

[0041] As is apparent from the above disclosure, the method and apparatus of this invention fulfill the proposed objects, and particularly the lateral port obtained by the mutual offset of the panes assists gas filling and provides panels with excellent insulation properties.

[0042] The method and apparatus of this invention are susceptible to a number of changes or variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention.

[0043] While the method and apparatus have been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Claims

1. A method for assembling insulating panels, particularly for multipane glazing units formed by a pair of reciprocally facing glass panes (V', V") and a spacer element (D) interposed between said panes, comprising the following steps:

a) placing a first pane (V') in a substantially vertical position and providing a second pane (V") with a spacer element (D) having at least one side (L, L') in correspondence of each peripheral edge (B, B', B") of said second pane (V");

b) positioning said panes (V', V") in a mutually facing relationship with a predetermined horizontal spacing (R) to define an interior space (3) between the panes (V', V");

c) introducing a substantially inert gas in said interior space (3) by using appropriate supply means (4);

d) moving closer and pressing together said first (V') and said second panes (V") with said spacer element (D) interposed therebetween, to close said interior space (3) and form an assembled panel (P);

e) withdrawing the assembled panel (P),

   characterized in that gas filling is effected with said first (V') and said second pane (V") reciprocally offset in a vertically direction to define a lateral gas filling port (5).

2. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, during gas filling, the lower peripheral edge (B') of said first pane (V') is located above the corresponding lower side (L') of said spacer element (D), so that said supply means (4) are offset relative to said spacer element (D) to prevent any turbulence during gas filling.

3. Method as claimed in claim 2 characterized in that said moving step comprises raising of said second pane (V") and/or lowering of said first pane (V').

4. Method as claimed in claim 2 characterized in that said moving step comprises a first rotation of said first pane (V') by a predetermined angle, to bring said lower peripheral edge (B') of said first pane (V') against the corresponding lower side (L') of said spacer element (D).

5. Method as claimed in claim 4 characterized in that said moving step comprises a second rotation of said first pane (V'), to bring its upper peripheral edge (B) against a corresponding upper side (L) of said spacer element (D), to upwardly compress the gas contained in said interior space (3) and to close this latter space.

6. Method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said moving step comprises a substantially horizontal translation of said first pane (V').

7. Method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said supply means (4) comprise a gas supply conduit (6), the gas filling step being effected with said conduit (6) located proximate to said lateral port (5) and above a lower peripheral edge (B") of said second pane (V").

8. Method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said supply conduit (6) has one or more gas filling holes (7), the gas filling step being effected with said holes (7) oriented toward said lateral port (5), positioned above the lower side (L') of said spacer element (D) and below the lower peripheral edge (B') of said first pane (V').

9. Method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, during the gas filling step, lateral sealing members (11, 11') are moved closer to corresponding lateral peripheral edges (B) of said panes (V', V"), to laterally contain the gas.

10. An apparatus for assembling insulating multipane glazing panels, suitable to carry out the method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a movable structure (10) for supporting a first pane (V') in a substantially vertical position, a stationary structure (12) for supporting a second pane (V"), equipped with a spacer element (D) and substantially facing the first pane (V') so as to define an interior space (3) between the panes (V', V"), means (4) for supplying a substantially inert gas into said interior space (3), first actuator means (13); for moving closer and pressing together said first and said second panes (V', V") with said spacer element (D) interposed therebetween to close the interior space (3) and form an assembled panel (P), characterized by comprising second actuator means (14), for vertically move said first pane (V') and/or said second pane (V") so as to offset the panes in a vertical direction and define a lateral gas filling port (5).

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said second actuator means (14) comprise at least one pushing mechanism (15) acting on one or more support members (2) of a lower peripheral edge (B") of said second pane (V") to cause them to slide relative to said stationary structure (12).

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said gas supply means (4) are integral with said movable structure (10).

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, said gas supply means (4) are located below a lower peripheral edge (B') of the first pane (V') and proximate to the same, so as to be offset from said spacer element (D) to prevent any turbulence during gas filling.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that said supply means (4) comprise at least one gas supply conduit (6), which may be located in proximity of said lateral port (5) and above a lower peripheral edge (B") of said second pane (V") during gas filling.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that said supply conduit (6) comprises one or more gas filling holes (7), which may be located above the lower side (L') of said spacer element (D) and below the lower peripheral edge (B') of said first pane (V') during gas filling.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that said filling holes (7) are inclined at a predetermined angle to the horizontal.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized by comprising side sealing members (11, 11') which, upon gas filling, may be moved closer to the lateral peripheral edges (B) of said panes (V', V"), to laterally contain the gas.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized by comprising at least one lower sealing member (19) to contain underneath the gas filled in by said supply means (4).

Drawing