Window sheet assembly and method for producing window sheet assembly

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an assembly of window panels and a method for producing the same, and more particularly to a heat insulating glass unit of a multi-window glass. Furthermore, the present invention relates specifically to methods and devices for manufacturing insulated glass units.

[Conventional technology]

【0002】

This application is in connection with US Application No. 09/940967, filed August 28, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

【0003】

This application is also related to US Application No. 09/940970, filed August 28, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

【0004】

In most industrialized countries, windows are an integral part of everyday life. Everywhere people work and live, there are windows. The windows not only guide the sunlight into the building, but also allow the residents of the building to see the outside world. Sunlight is a natural antidepressant and also helps the human body produce vitamin D. Thus, a certain amount of sunlight is essential for good mental and physical health.

【0005】

The temperature range that the human body feels comfortable with is relatively narrow. Unfortunately, the infrared (IR) energy of the sun shining through the windows into the room quickly raises the room temperature to unpleasant levels. Many windows have a low emissivity coating developed to prevent thermal spikes in the room by reflecting a significant amount of the incident infrared energy.

【0006】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

In the northern climate, windows can lose valuable energy when buildings are warmed in winter. As the cost of energy has increased, efforts have been made to provide insulated homes and other buildings that effectively prevent heat loss from leaking to the outside. Many modern buildings are equipped with insulated glass units. Insulated glass units have been developed to reduce the amount of heat lost from windows. Today, three types of insulated glass units are on the market. These three types are often referred to as single glass, double glazing, and triple glazing. Double glazing insulated glass units are the most common. An enclosed space is provided between the two glass windows of these insulated glass units. This enclosed space provides a heat insulating effect, which can be enhanced by filling the space with a heat insulating gas such as argon or krypton. Compared to a single glazing, a double glazing insulated glass unit can reduce the heat loss due to windows by almost half.

【0007】

Many office buildings use insulated glass units with a mirror coating. This coating blocks dazzling light, allowing office workers to work efficiently, even when facing windows. This type of insulated glass unit is sometimes referred to as architectural glass. Mirror coatings in different colors can also be manufactured to meet the demands of the exterior of the building. Examples of colors include gold, green, silver and blue.

【0008】

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention relates to a window board assembly or a multi-window board insulating glass unit. Furthermore, the present invention relates specifically to methods and devices for manufacturing insulated glass units. Insulated glass units are generally defined as having one or more windows facing each other in parallel and having a sealed gas space with a spacer frame between the windows. The spacer frame has a first pair of seals between each surface of the spacer frame and the facing window plate surfaces, and is further outside the outer peripheral surface of the spacer frame between multiple window plates. A second seal or a pair of seals extends to the window. If the insulating glass unit is attached to the frame / sash, an adhesive bead can be placed along the periphery of the glass surface that is attached to the frame / sash. The device and method of using the device is that the edge of the insulating glass unit is coated with adhesive by one or more nozzles, while the device and insulating glass unit equipped with nozzles that apply adhesive beads. It is provided in the form of a separate side arm extending from the side to the side of the window plate that attaches to the frame or sash.

【0009】

One of the assembly methods according to the present invention includes the step of arranging the coating device in close proximity to the first end of the first window plate of the insulating glass unit. The first coating agent may be applied to the inner surface of the first window plate by the coating device, and the second coating agent may be applied to the outer surface of the first window plate. In a convenient embodiment, the first and second coatings are applied substantially simultaneously.

【0010】

In one implementation, the method according to the invention may further include a step of preparing a window sash and integrating the outer surface of the first window plate with the window sash, thereby insulating glass. -The unit is attached to the window sash by the second coating agent. In other implementations, the method according to the invention may further include the step of simultaneously applying a third coating agent to the inner surface of the second window plate of the insulating glass unit. In yet another implementation, the method according to the invention can include the step of simultaneously applying a fourth coating agent to the outer surface of the second window plate.

【0011】

In some implementations according to the invention, the first and second coatings are made of the same material. For example, the first coating and the second coating may both consist of a sealant substance (eg, a silicone sealant). In other implementations, the first and second coatings may consist of different substances.

【0012】

In a convenient implementation, the method according to the invention may include the step of crimping the coating device to the spacers of the insulating glass unit with a preselected force. In a particularly favorable implementation, a pre-selected force may be selected to achieve the desired thickness of the coating.

【0013】

In some implementations of the invention, preselected forces may be provided by a bias mechanism. In some implementations, the bias mechanism may include an air cylinder connected to the slide. In this case, the step of crimping the coating device to the spacer of the insulating glass unit with a preselected force may include the step of maintaining the preselected force in the chamber of the air cylinder.

【0014】

The method according to the present invention may include the step of moving the coating device in association with the insulating glass unit. In some implementations of the method according to the invention, the step of moving the coating device in relation to the insulating glass unit generally aligns the coating device along a first axis parallel to the first end of the first window plate. It may include moving steps. In another implementation of the method according to the invention, the step of moving the coating device in relation to the insulating glass unit moves the coating device along the first axis and further about 90 degrees with respect to the first axis. It may include a step of moving the coating device along a second axis arranged at an angle of. The step of rotating the coating device by a certain angle of rotation may be conveniently inserted between the step of moving the coating device along the first axis and the step of moving the coating device along the second axis. In a particularly convenient implementation, the angle of rotation is about 90 degrees.

【0015】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below, references to the accompanying drawings are provided, the accompanying drawings form part of the detailed description, the accompanying drawings containing specific embodiments of the present invention. It is illustrated. It goes without saying that it is possible to take different examples, and it is understood that changes to its configuration and process can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

【0016】

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heat insulating glass unit of the present invention. Insulated glass units generally consist of two or more glass windows that are spaced apart by spacers. The inner peripheral surfaces of the window plates 10, 10'are joined by spacers 101 to form a sealable inter-window space (or "gas space") 115. This gas space can be provided filled with adiabatic gas to enhance the adiabatic properties of the unit. Alternatively, the gas space may simply be filled with air or evacuated.

【0017】

Generally, the spacer 101 consists of a metal section or a plastic tube. The tube can be provided in a combination of various cross-sectional shapes. The spacer generally has two generally facing sides, which are suitable for being affixed to the inner peripheral surface of the spaced window slab. Particularly convenient spacer designs are provided in US Pat. Nos. 5,439,716, 5,377,473, 5,679,419, 5,705,010, 5,714,214, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

【0018】

Insulated glass units generally include a primary or "first" seal and a secondary or "second" seal. This is best shown in FIG. 2, where the first seal is indicated by reference number 103 and the second seal is indicated by reference number 105. The first seal can be formed primarily of a non-curable, extrudable, thermoplastic material that is largely impervious to moisture vapors and gases (eg, injected air and any adiabatic gas). The first seal 103 is preferably made of a butyl sealant (eg polyisobutylene). As shown in FIG. 2, the first seal 103 is generally provided between the side surface of the spacer 101 and the opposite inner surface of the window plate. The seal 103 provides the gas space 115 with resistance to the permeability of air and moisture. Similarly, if the gas space 115 is filled with adiabatic gas, the first seal 103 acts to keep the adiabatic gas inside the gas space 115. When assembling the insulating glass unit, the first seal 103 is preferably applied before the second seal 105 is applied. Thus, while the second seal 105 is applied and cured, the first seal 103 keeps the spacer 101 in place, facilitating the assembly of the insulating glass unit.

【0019】

The second seal may be formed using any material as long as it has suitable adhesive properties. For example, the seal may consist of silicone, polysulfide, polyurethane, or any other material that joins the spacer to the window plate. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second seal 105 is applied to the peripheral channel 215 (shown in FIG. 3) formed at the edge of the insulating glass unit. The peripheral channel 215 is constrained by the peripheral inner surfaces 114, 114'of the window plates 10, 10'and the outer surface 102 of the spacer 101. In this way, the spacer 101, along with the first seal 103 and the second seal 105, isolates the internal environment of the gas space 115 from the surrounding environment.

【0020】

The sealant beads are also preferably applied along the outer peripheral surface of at least one window plate of the insulating glass unit before the unit is assembled into a sash or frame. The bead of this sealant may be referred to as "sash glazing" or "sash bead". As best shown in FIG. 4, the sash bead 22 is provided to seal the insulating glass unit 8 to the sash or frame 20. As such, the material used in the sash bead 22 preferably forms a bond between the insulating glass unit 8 and the sash or frame 20.

【0021】

The sash bead 22 and the second seal 105 may be applied in separate steps. This is undesirable for many reasons. For example, performing separate sealant applications would require extra time, unnecessarily inefficientening this type of process. In addition, there is an increased risk of damage to the insulating glass unit. For example, to minimize the risk of damage, it is preferable to reduce the number of treatment steps performed on the insulating glass unit. This risk is likely due to the fragile nature of conventional glass, as well as at least one window plate of each insulating glass unit being treated with a thin film coating 20 (eg, solar control film 40). Is considered to be particularly vulnerable to scratches, so it has to be particularly serious.

【0022】

Thus, the more processing steps the insulating glass unit is subjected to, the greater the risk that the insulating glass unit will be damaged by contact with the sealant applicator or other machine on the assembly line. Become. In addition, the extra machine generally creates the need to apply the end seal 105 and the sash bead 22 separately. Other inefficiencies include the need to monitor multiple coating devices or a single device while multiple coating operations are in progress.

【0023】

In a preferred embodiment, the window plates 10, 10'are made of glass. However, other transparent or translucent materials can also be used. Examples of materials that may be suitable for some applications are acrylic thermoplastics and polycarbonate. In addition, the window slab of the insulating glass unit can be made of opaque material in applications where it is not necessary to see through the window slab.

【0024】

As described above, the window plates 10, 10'are maintained in a spaced relationship by the spacer 101. More specifically, the spacer 101 generally has two opposite sides, which are coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the window slabs 10,10'. Thus, the opposing internal surfaces 14, 14'of the window plates 10, 10', together with the spacer 101, form a sealed gas space (or "inter-window space") 115. As described above, the gas space 115 of the adiabatic glass unit 8 can be an environment filled with adiabatic gas. Generally, an inert gas such as argon is used. These filled inert gases can be advantageously provided as they improve the thermal insulation capacity of the finished unit as compared to the air-filled unit. US Pat. Nos. 5,957,169 and 6,158,483, issued to Trpkovski, teach particularly valuable methods and equipment for filling insulating glass units with insulating gas. The entire contents of each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

【0025】

Perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, the spacer 101 is attached to the window plates 10, 10'by the first seal 103. As mentioned above, the first seal 103 is preferably formed of two beads of a butyl sealant such as polyisobutylene. It should be noted that the spacer 101 does not extend to the end 10E of the window plates 10, 10'. Rather, a small distance is left between the outer surface 102 of the spacer 101 and the end 10E of the window plates 10, 10'. In this way, the end channel 215 is formed, bounded by the outer surface 102 of the spacer 101 and the inner peripheral surfaces 114, 114'of the window plates 10, 10'. This end channel 215 is suitable for receiving the second seal 105, as described below.

【0026】

As mentioned above, the sealant bead is also preferably applied to the outer peripheral surface of at least one window plate of the insulating glass unit. This sealant bead is sometimes referred to as the "sash bead" or "sash glazing". As shown in FIG. 4, the sash bead 22 is suitable for sealing the insulating glass unit 8 to the sash 20, the frame, or any other structure used for similar purposes. Thus, when the insulating glass unit 8 is attached to the sash 20, the insulating glass unit 8 is crimped to the peripheral surface 24 of the sash 22, whereby the sash bead 22 is placed on this surface 24 of the sash 20. Adhere to. The present invention includes a method and apparatus for applying both the sash bead 22 and the second seal 105 in a single operation.

【0027】

FIG. 5 shows a coating device 90 according to a typical example of the present invention. The illustrated coating device 90 comprises a coating device body that includes an end block 92, two end nozzles 98, a side block 91, and a side nozzle 95. The coating device 90 is operably connected to at least one sealant source (not shown). In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the end block 92 comprises an end channel 94 that receives a sealant supply from one sealant source (not shown). The end channel 94 may simply be an elongated hole extending through the end block 92.

【0028】

Alternatively, the coating device 90 may be operably connected to two separate sealant sources, which are suitable for sending each sealant to end channel 94 and side channel 93. .. This is preferred, for example, if the end seal 105 and sash bead 22 are made of different materials. However, in the example of FIG. 5, a single sealant source is more suitable for pumping the sealant into the coating device 90. For example, a sealant source (not shown) drain hose (not shown) can be secured to the inlet orifice 86 of the end channel 94. In such a case, the inlet orifice 86 can be provided with an internal thread that allows male and female engagement with the external thread provided on the discharge hose of the sealant source.

【0029】

The sealant source can be adapted to cause a flow of sealant through the coating device using any desired pump system. For example, it is preferable to utilize gear pumps, piston pumps, or some other type of positive displacement pump. Centrifugal pumps may also be suitable in some cases. However, depending on the particular sealant used, it may not be possible to use a centrifugal pump because the sealant flowing through the coating device 90 is too viscous. For example, the viscosity of conventional silicone sealants generally varies from 1 cPs to thousands of cPs. For this reason, it may be preferable to use a positive displacement pump when most conventional silicon is used. For example, conventional internal or external gear pumps are more or less suitable, as will lobe pumps or vane pumps.

【0030】

Continuing with FIG. 5, when the sealant source (not shown) pumps the sealant into the inlet orifice 86, the sealant is pumped into the inlet portion 89 of the end channel 94. The end channel 94 has an intersection, at which point the side channel 93 branches off from the end channel 94. Thus, when the pumped sealant reaches this intersection, some sealant is directed to side channel 93, while the remaining sealant travels further through end channel 94. Become. Therefore, the sealant source will drive two separate streams of sealant through the coating device 90.

【0031】

The first flow of sealant is pumped through end channel 94 towards sealant manifold 96. The end channel 94 is provided with an outlet orifice 87 leading to the sealant manifold 96. In this way, the first stream of sealant is sent to the sealant manifold 96 so that it reaches the exit orifice 87 of the end channel 94. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the sealant manifold 96 has two outlet reeds leading to the first and second end nozzles 98, respectively.

【0032】

As best shown in FIG. 5, the end nozzle 98 is suitable for delivering the sealant to the peripheral channel, or channel 215, of the insulating glass unit. Thus, the outlets of the two end nozzles 98 are conveniently separated at a distance shorter than the peripheral inner surfaces 114, 114'of the window plates 10, 10'. This allows both end nozzles 98 to be easily placed on the peripheral channel of the insulating glass unit 8, or channel 215. With the nozzles 98 arranged in this way, the flow of sealant from the end nozzles 98 fills the peripheral channel 215 of the insulating glass unit 8, thereby constructing the second seal 105. It should be noted that the first seal 103 is optional in some cases. For example, FIG. 5 shows an insulating glass unit 8 without a first seal. Thus, whether or not such an end seal 105 is effectively a "second seal", the coating device 90 can be conveniently used for the construction of this type of end seal 105. Is understood to be.

【0033】

The spacer 101 shown in FIG. 5 is shaped such that two peripheral channels 215 are formed at the ends of the insulating glass unit 8. Thus, the outlets of the end nozzles 98 are each efficiently aligned with these two peripheral channels 215. This allows the sealant to be applied directly to both peripheral channels 215 and also to minimize the amount of excess sealant left on the edges of the insulating glass unit 8.

【0034】

The coating device 90 can also be used to apply the sealant to an insulating glass unit having a single peripheral channel 215. This is probably best understood in Figure 6, where the spacer 101 is shaped so that a single peripheral channel 215 is formed. As described above, the outlets of the end nozzles 98 are efficiently separated so that they are shorter than the inner peripheral surface of the window plate 10. When applying the sealant to a single peripheral channel 215, the end nozzles 98 do not need to be spaced. In fact, if preferred, the coating device 90 may instead include a single end nozzle 98. For example, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the coating device 90 includes only one end nozzle 98. In an embodiment of this form, the sealant manifold 96 can be omitted if desired, and a single end nozzle 98 can simply be formed as an extension of the end channel 94.

【0035】

As mentioned above, the second stream of sealant is pumped through side channel 93 and further towards side nozzle 95. Thus, the sealant is advanced through the side channel 93 until it reaches the side nozzle 95, and then the sealant stream is pumped into this nozzle 95. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the outlet of the side nozzle 95 is suitable for applying the sealant bead 22 on the outer peripheral surface of one of the window plates of the insulating glass unit.

【0036】

During operation, the coating device 90 moves to engage the insulating glass unit 8 and moves over the outer circumference of the insulating glass unit 8 to keep the insulating glass unit 8 stationary during the application process. Can be kept. Alternatively, the insulating glass unit 8 can be operated to keep the coating device 90 stationary while treating all peripheral edges of the insulating glass unit passing through the coating device 90.

【0037】

Once the end nozzle or nozzle 98 is in place within the peripheral channel or channel 215, the sealant source pump system pumps the sealant through the coating device. As mentioned above, this creates two streams of sealant through the coating device 90, one through the end channel 92 and the other through the side channel 91. The sealant traveling through the end channel 92 is applied from the end nozzle or nozzle 98 to the peripheral channel or channel 215 of the insulating glass unit 8. In this way, the end seal 105 is constructed. At the same time, the sealant traveling through the side channel 93 is applied from the side nozzle 95 to one outer peripheral surface of the window plate of the insulating glass unit. While the side nozzle 95 effectively rotates in place, the end nozzle or nozzle 98 must advance the corner, so when the coating device 90 reaches the corner of the insulating glass unit 8, the side nozzle 95 It is preferable to slow down or temporarily stop the flow of sealant from nozzle 95. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this can be achieved with conventional use of valves (not shown) inside the coating device 90.

【0038】

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the sealant coating system 200 according to a typical embodiment of the present invention. The sealant coating system 200 includes a coating device 202 connected to a bias mechanism 246. In a preferred embodiment, the bias mechanism 246 can crimp the coating device 202 to the insulating glass unit with a preselected force. In a preferred method according to the invention, the pre-selected force provided by the bias mechanism may be selected to produce a sealant bead with the required thickness.

【0039】

The bias mechanism 246 can consist of various components that do not deviate from the gist and scope of the present invention. Examples of components that are suitable for some applications include solenoids, air cylinders, motors, and springs. In one embodiment, the bias mechanism 246 consists of an air cylinder connected to the slide. A typical air cylinder that seems appropriate for some applications is commercially available from Compact Air Products in Westminster, South Carolina, USA, which identifies it by number SD228X38. A representative slide that seems appropriate for some applications is commercially available from THK America in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA, which identifies it by number SR25.

【0040】

As shown in FIG. 8, the bias mechanism 246 is connected to the rotary actuator 243. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary actuator 243 can rotate the bias mechanism 246 and the coating device 202 around a rotation axis. Many embodiments of the rotary actuator 243 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Rotating actuators that appear to be suitable for some applications are commercially available from Kollmorgen, Radford, Virginia.

【0041】

The rotary actuator 243 is connected to the gantry 242, which preferably allows the rotary actuator 243, the bias mechanism 246, and the coating device 202 in three-dimensional space to move. Various embodiments of gantry 242 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the gantry 242 can include one or more linear actuators and one or more rotary actuators. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the gantry 242 includes an x-axis linear actuator 244A and a y-axis linear actuator 244B. It is recognized that many embodiments of linear actuators are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Linear actuators, which appear to be suitable for some applications, are commercially available from Lintech, Monrovia, Calif., And Tol-o-matic, Hamel, Minnesota.

【0042】

System 206 further comprises a sealant source 209 in the fluid path to the coating device 202. Various examples of the sealant source 209 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Sealant sources that appear to be suitable for some applications are commercially available from Graco, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

【0043】

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the coating device 202 of FIG. 8 and the assembly 236 including the insulating glass unit 208. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the coating device 202 is located in the first channel 240A of the insulating glass unit 208. The first channel 240A is formed by the inner surface of the first window plate 220, the inner surface of the second window plate 222, and the spacer 206. The coating device 202 may be moved along the longitudinal direction of the first channel 240A by, for example, the gantry 242 of FIG. The first coating agent may be applied to the inner surface of the first window plate 220 while the coating device 202 moves along the first channel 240A. The coating device arm 272 of the coating device 202 may be used to apply the second coating agent to the outer surface 278 of the first window plate 220. For clarity of illustration, the first and second coatings are not shown in FIG. In some methods according to the present invention, the coating device 202 may also apply the sealant coating agent to the inner surface of the second window plate 222 and the surface of the spacer 206.

【0044】

When the coating device 202 reaches the first corner 280 of the insulating glass unit 208, the coating device 202 can be placed in the second channel 240B of the insulating glass unit 208. For example, the coating device 202 may be moved in three-dimensional space by the gantry 242 and / or rotated by the rotary actuator 243.

【0045】

FIG. 10 is an additional perspective view of the assembly 236 of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the coating device 202 is located in the second channel 240B of the insulating glass unit 208. The second channel 240B is formed by the inner surface of the first window plate 220 of the insulating glass unit 208, the inner surface of the second window plate 222, and the spacer 206. In FIG. 10, it is recognized that the coating device 202 has rotated. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the coating device 202 is rotated approximately 90 degrees.

【0046】

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the sealant coating system 300 according to an additional representative example of the present invention. The sealant application system 300 includes an application device 302 connected to a bias mechanism 346 consisting of a slide 382 and an air cylinder assembly 339. Slide 382 includes a base 384 and a saddle 386. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of bearings 388 are arranged between the base 384 and the saddle 386. In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the saddle 386 with respect to the base 384 is guided by bearing 388. In this preferred embodiment, the saddle 386 is free to move along the axis 390. Various embodiments of slide 382 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. A representative slide that seems appropriate for some applications is commercially available from THK America in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA, which identifies it by number SR35.

【0047】

The air cylinder assembly 339 of the bias mechanism 346 includes a piston 396 and a cylinder 394. As shown in FIG. 11, the cylinder 394 and the piston 396 form the chamber 392. The regulator 398 is located in the fluid path of cylinder assembly 336 to chamber 392. The regulator 398 preferably can control the fluid pressure in the chamber 392. The regulator 398 is connected to the supply line 399. In some useful embodiments, supply line 399 is deployed in the fluid path to the compressed air source.

【0048】

In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the saddle 386 of the slide 382 and the piston 396 of the air cylinder assembly 339 are both connected to the coating device 302. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the slide 382 and the air cylinder assembly 339 work together to exert a preselected force on the coating device 302 along the shaft 390. In a preferred embodiment, the magnitude of this force could be preselected by applying the desired pressure to chamber 392 via regulator 398. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure inside the chamber 392 can be selected so that the sealant application system 300 applies a bead of sealant with the desired thickness.

【0049】

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the base 384 of the slide 382 and the cylinder 394 of the air cylinder assembly 339 are both connected to the rotary actuator 343. The rotary actuator 343 preferably allows the coating device 302 and the bias mechanism 346 to rotate about a rotation axis. The rotary actuator 343 is connected to the gantry 342. The gantry 342 preferably allows the rotary actuator 343, the bias mechanism 346, and the coating device 302 to be moved in three-dimensional space.

【0050】

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the coating device 302 of the sealant coating system 300 shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, it can be seen that the coating device 302 includes a coating device body 348, a mounting flange 368, and a plate 370. The mounting flange 368 and the coating device body 348 form a cavity 350 ending at the inlet port 352. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the plate 370 and the coating device body 348 form a flow channel 340, which is preferably in the fluid path to the cavity 350 and the inlet port 352. The coating device body 348 also forms a plurality of lumens 326, which are also preferably in the fluid path to the cavity 350 and the inlet port 352 of the coating device 302.

【0051】

In a preferred embodiment, the flow channels 340 and lumen 326 are configured such that the sealant is applied substantially across the width of the surface portion 304 of the coating device 302. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the surface portion 304 of the coating device 302 has a first standard curved surface 354A, a second standard curved surface 354B, a first standard plane 356A, and a second standard plane 356B.

【0052】

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the assembly 336 including the coating device 302 and the bias mechanism 346 of FIG. Assembly 336 also includes the insulating glass unit 308 shown in the cross section of FIG. In the assembly of FIG. 13, the coating device 302 is located in channel 340 of the insulating glass assembly 336. The channel 340 is formed by a spacer 306 inserted between the first window plate 320, the second window plate 322 and the first window plate 320 and the second window plate 322. The sealant bead 356 is inserted between the coating device 302 and the spacer 306.

【0053】

The coating device 302 is connected to the bias mechanism 346 by a plurality of screws 360. The bias mechanism 346 preferably crimps the coating device 302 to the spacer 306 of the insulating glass unit 308 with a force F. In FIG. 13, the force F is represented by an arrow.

【0054】

In a preferred method according to the invention, the sealant 362 is oriented through the lumen 326 and flow channel 340 of the coating device 302 to form the sealant bead 356. The sealant bead 356 preferably applies pressure to the surface portion 304 of the coating device 302. The pressure applied to the surface portion 304 of the coating device 302 is balanced with the force F that crimps the coating device 302 to the spacer 306. Fortunately, there is a relationship between the thickness of the sealant bead 358 and the magnitude of the pressure applied to the surface portion 304 of the coating device 302. Thus, in the method according to the present invention, it is possible to select the force F so that the sealant bead 356 has a desired thickness.

【0055】

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the coating apparatus 402 according to the present invention. The coating device 402 includes a body member 424 that forms a plurality of lumens 426. The body member 424 of the coating device 402 also forms a first cutout 428 that communicates fluidly with one lumen 426. The first cutout 428 allows the sealant to be applied efficiently along the first side surface 430 of the coating device 402. In FIG. 14, it is recognized that the body member 424 forms a second cutout 432 that communicates fluidly with one other lumen 426. The coating device 402 also includes a mounting flange 468 that forms the inlet port 452. The inlet port 452 is preferably in fluid communication with the lumen 426. The second cutout 432 allows the sealant to be applied along the second side surface 434 of the coating device 402.

【0056】

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the assembly 436 equipped with the coating device 402 of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the coating device 402 is used to coat the first bead 466A and the second bead 466B to the insulating glass unit 408. As shown in FIG. 15, the coating device 402 is connected to the bias mechanism 446. In a preferred embodiment, the bias mechanism 446 crimps the coating device 402 to the spacer 406 of the insulating glass unit 408. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the bias force is represented by an arrow. In the assembly of FIG. 15, the surface portion 404 of the coating device 402 is crimped to the spacer 406 by the bias mechanism 446.

【0057】

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the coating apparatus 502 according to the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the coating device 502 includes a body member 524 and a coating device arm 572 fixed to the body member. The main body member 524 includes a mounting flange portion 568. The body member 524 forms a void 550 in fluid communication with the inlet port 552 defined by the mounting flange portion 568 of the body member 524. It is preferred that the applicator arm 572 form a sealant path through which fluid is communicated with the cavity 550 and the inlet port 552. In FIG. 16, it can be seen that the main body member 524 and the coating device arm 572 form a gap 574. In a preferred embodiment, the gap 574 is shaped to receive the window slab of the insulating glass unit.

【0058】

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the assembly 536 including the coating device 502 and the insulating glass unit 508 of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the insulating glass unit 508 is shown in cross section and is inserted between the first window plate 520, the second window plate 522, and the first window plate 520 and the second window plate 522. Includes spacer 506. The insulating glass unit 508 also includes a channel 540 formed by a first window plate 520, a second window plate 522 and a spacer 506. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the main body member 524 of the coating device 502 is arranged so that a part thereof is inserted in the channel 540. In FIG. 17, it can be seen that the coating device arm 572 of the coating device 502 forms the sealant path 576. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator arm 572 and the sealant path 576 are arranged to apply the bead 566 to the outer surface 578 of the first window plate 520 of the insulating glass unit 508.

【0059】

FIG. 18 is a plan view additionally showing an additional assembly 636 including an insulating glass unit 608 and a coating device 602 according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. The coating device 602 of FIG. 18 includes a coating device body 648, a first coating device arm 672A, and a second coating device arm 672B. The first coating device arm 672A forms the first sealant path 676A, and the second coating device arm 672B forms the second sealant path 676B. In a preferred embodiment, the first application device arm 672A and the first sealant path 676A are arranged to apply the first bead 665A to the outer surface of the first window plate 620. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the second coating device arm 672B and the second sealant path 676B are arranged to coat the second bead 665B to the outer surface of the second window plate 622.

【0060】

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional plan view of an assembly according to an additional representative embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 19 includes an insulating glass unit 708 and a coating device 702. The coating device 702 of FIG. 19 includes a coating device body 748, a first coating device arm 772A, and a second coating device arm 772B. The first coating device arm 772A forms the first fluid path 776A, and the second coating device arm 772B forms the second fluid path 776B. In a preferred embodiment, the first coating device arm 772A and the first fluid path 776A are arranged to apply the first coating agent 723A to the end surface of the first window plate 720 of the insulating glass unit 708. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the second coating device arm 772B and the second fluid path 776B are arranged to apply the second coating agent 723B to the end surface of the second window plate 722 of the insulating glass unit 708. ..

【0061】

The first coating agent 723A and the second coating agent 723B can be made of various materials that do not deviate from the gist and scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the first window plate 720 and the second window plate 722 are made of glass, and the coating agent is made of glass tempering material. Glass tempering materials that appear to be suitable for some applications are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,374,879 to Roberts et al., The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The name of this US patent is a glass bottle coating composition made from salts of polyamine-matched polyepoxide adducts, epoxy crosslinkers, reactive silanes, surfactants, and natural or synthetic waxes. Is. Thus, coating agents according to the invention can include, for example, epoxy crosslinkers and / or silanes. Other glass tempering materials that may be appropriate for some applications are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,476,692 to Ellis et al., The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The name of this US patent is glass tempering method.

【0062】

In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the coating device 702 is also used to coat the seal 725 to the insulating glass unit 708. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the seal 725 consists of a first sealant bead 766A and a second sealant bead 766B. In some embodiments of the invention, the first coatant 723A and the second coatant 723B can be layered, at least in part, on the first sealant bead 766A and the second sealant bead 766B. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the coating device 702 that applies the seal 725 and the portion of the coating device 702 that applies the first coating material 723A and the second coating agent 723B (that is, the first coating device arm 772A and the second coating device 723B). The applicator arm 772B) may have a correlated blur along the line of movement. In this preferred embodiment, the seal 725 can be applied to a portion of the insulating glass unit 708 at a first point along the line of movement. When the coating device 702 moves along the line of movement, the first coating agent 723A and the second coating agent 723B may be applied, whereby they are at least sealed at the first point along the line of movement. It will cover a part of 725.

【0063】

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the insulating glass unit 808 according to a typical embodiment of the present invention. The insulating glass unit 808 includes a first window plate 820 having a first surface 827, a second surface 829, and an edge 833 extending between the first surface 827 and the second surface 829. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the insulating glass unit 808 also has a first surface 827', a second surface 829', and an edge 833' sandwiched between the first surface 827' and the second surface 829'. It is equipped with 2 window boards 822. In FIG. 20, it can be seen that the spacer 806 is inserted between the second surface 829 of the first window plate 820 and the first surface 827'of the second window plate 822. Furthermore, it can be seen that the insulating glass unit 808 includes a second surface 829 of the first window plate 820, a first surface 827'of the second window plate 822, and a channel 840 formed by the spacer 806.

【0064】

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the assembly 835A including the insulating glass unit 808 of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, assembly 835 includes a seal 825 constructed within channel 840 of insulating glass unit 808. For example, the seal 825 can consist of one or more beads of sealant material. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, it can be seen that the channel 840 is substantially filled by the seal 825.

【0065】

The assembly shown in FIG. 21 also includes a first mask 837 that overlaps a first surface 827 of the first window plate 820. In FIG. 21, a second mask 837'overlaid on the second surface 829 of the second window plate 822 is shown. In FIG. 21, it can be confirmed that the first mask 837 includes the linear relative fragile portion 839. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the linear relative fragile portion 839 is a plurality of perforations. The linear relative fragility 839 preferably separates the first mask 837 into a first part 843 and a second part 845. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, it can be seen that the second portion 845 of the first mask 837 extends between the linear relative fragile portion 839 and the edge 833 of the first window plate 820.

【0066】

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the first mask 837 and the second mask 837'are each made of a sheet of masking material 847. Various examples of the first mask 837 and the second mask 837'are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, the first mask 837 and the second mask 837'can each consist of a plurality of small plates of masking material.

【0067】

The masking material 847 can be fixed to the window plate using, for example, static electricity clinging and / or an adhesive. In some embodiments, the masking material 847 can consist of a substrate and an adhesive covering one side of the substrate. The substrate of masking material 847 can consist of a variety of materials that do not deviate from the gist and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials that may be appropriate for some applications include paper, metal leaf and polymerized films. Examples of polymeric materials that may be suitable for some applications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester. (For example, PET), polyamide and polyimide.

【0068】

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an additional assembly 835B according to the present invention. The assembly 835B of FIG. 22 contains the assembly 835A of FIG. 21 and the coating agent 849. The coating agent 849 can be formed, for example, by spraying a substance to be a coating agent onto the assembly 835A. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, it can be confirmed that the coating agent 849 overlaps the edge 833 of the first window plate 820 and the edge 833'of the second window plate 822. In FIG. 22, it can be confirmed that the coating agent 849 also overlaps and spreads on the seal 825. The coating agent 849 also spreads over the first surface 827 of the first window plate 820. However, in FIG. 22, it can be seen that the first mask 837 is inserted between the first surface 827 of the first window plate 820 and the coating agent 849. In some embodiments of the invention, the coating agent 849 can also be spread over the second surface 829'of the second window plate 822. In these examples, the second mask 837'is preferably inserted between the second surface 829' of the second window plate 822 and the coating agent 849.

【0069】

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of yet another assembly 835C according to the present invention. The assembly 835C can be formed, for example, by removing the second portion 845 of the first mask 837 from the assembly 835B of FIG. In FIG. 23, it can be seen that at least the second part of the second mask 837'has also been removed. In FIG. 23, a part of the first surface 827 of the first window plate 820, the portion surrounded by the outer circumference of the first part 843 of the first mask 837 and the edge 833 of the first window glass 820 is substantially. It can be seen that the coating agent-producing substance is not applied.

【0070】

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the assembly 935A according to an additional representative embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 935 includes mask 937 and insulating glass unit 908. The insulating glass unit 908 includes a first window plate 920 having a first surface 927, a second surface 929, and an edge 933 extending between the first surface 927 and the second surface 929. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the insulating glass unit 908 also has a first surface 927', a second surface 929', and an edge 933' extending between the first surface 927' and the second surface 929'. It is equipped with a second window plate 922 that has.

【0071】

The insulating glass unit 908 of FIG. 24 has a channel 940 formed by a second surface 929 of the first window plate 920 and a first surface 927'of the second window plate 922. In FIG. 24, it is shown that the seal 925 is installed in the channel 940. For example, the seal 925 can consist of one or more beads of sealant material. In the embodiment of FIG. 24, it can be confirmed that the channel 940 is substantially filled with the seal 925.

【0072】

In the embodiment of FIG. 24, the first surface 927 of the first window plate 920 includes a masked portion 953 and a non-masked portion 955. In FIG. 24, the first mask 937 is shown in a state of being overlapped with the mask portion 953 of the first surface 927 of the first window plate 920. Further, in FIG. 24, it can be confirmed that the non-masked portion 955 of the first surface 927 of the first window plate 920 extends between the periphery of the first mask 937 and the edge 933 of the first window plate 920. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly 935A also includes a second mask that overlaps the second surface 929'of the second window plate 922. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the second surface 929'of the second window plate 922 includes a masked portion and a non-masked portion.

【0073】

Figure 25 is the present invention is a perspective view of an additional assembly 935B that Tagau. The assembly 935B of FIG. 25 can be formed, for example, by spraying a coating agent-forming substance onto the assembly 935A of FIG. 24 to form the coating agent 949. In the embodiment of FIG. 25, the coating agent 949 overlaps the edge 933 of the first window plate 920 and the edge 933'of the second window plate 922. In FIG. 25, it can be confirmed that the coating agent 949 also overlaps with the seal 925 and spreads.

【0074】

In FIG. 25, it can be seen that the coating agent 949 spreads over the non-masked portion 955 of the first surface 927 of the first window plate 920. Further, in FIG. 25, it can be seen that the first mask 937 is inserted between the mask portion 953 of the first surface 927 and the coating agent 949. In some embodiments of the invention, the coating agent 949 may also spread over the unmasked portion of the second surface 929'of the second window plate 922. Further, in some embodiments, the second mask is preferably inserted between the mask portion of the second surface 929'of the second window plate 922 and the coating agent 949. In a preferred embodiment, the first mask 937 and the second mask can be selectively removed.

【0075】

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of yet another assembly 935C according to the present invention. The assembly 935C can be formed, for example, by removing the first mask 937 from the assembly 935B of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 26, the coating agent 949 is superimposed on the edge 933 of the first window plate 920 and the edge 933'of the second window plate 922. In FIG. 26, it can be seen that the coating agent 949 overlaps and spreads over a part of the first surface 927 of the first window plate 920. However, it should be noted that the field of view 957 of the first surface 927 of the first window plate 920 is substantially free of the coating agent.

【0076】

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional plan view of the insulating glass unit 1008 according to a typical embodiment of the present invention. Insulated glass unit 1008 comprises a first window plate 1020 having a first surface 1027, a second surface 1029, and an edge 1033 extending between the first surface 1027 and the second surface 1029. In the embodiment of FIG. 27, the insulating glass unit 1008 also has a first surface 1027', a second surface 1029', and an edge 1033' extending between the first surface 1027'and the second surface 1029'. It is equipped with a second window plate 1022. In FIG. 27, it can be seen that the spacer 1006 is inserted between the second surface 1029 of the first window plate 1020 and the first surface 1027'of the second window plate 1022.

【0077】

In the embodiment of FIG. 27, the coating device 1002 is located in the immediate vicinity of the insulating glass unit 1008. In some methods according to the present invention, the coating device 1002 can be used to form the coating agent 1049 on the insulating glass unit 1008. In FIG. 27, the spray 1059 preferably containing the coating agent forming material is shown by the dotted line.

【0078】

In the embodiment of FIG. 27, it can be confirmed that the coating agent 1049 is overlapped with the edge 1033 of the first window plate 1020 and the edge 1033'of the second window plate 1022. In FIG. 27, it can be confirmed that the coating agent 1049 also overlaps with the seal 1025 of the heat insulating glass unit 1008 and spreads. The coating agent 1049 also spreads over at least a portion of the first surface 1027 of the first window plate 1020 and the second surface 1029'of the second window plate 1022.

【0079】

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a representative assembly 1135 including an insulating glass unit 1108, a first mask 1137, and a second mask 1137'. In FIG. 28, it can be confirmed that the first mask 1137 overlaps the first surface 1127 of the first window plate 1120 of the heat insulating glass unit 1108. In FIG. 28, it can also be confirmed that the second mask 1137'overlaps the second surface 1129' of the second window plate 1122 of the insulating glass unit 1108.

【0080】

In the embodiment of FIG. 28, the coating device 1102 is located in the immediate vicinity of the assembly 1135. In some methods according to the present invention, the coating device 1102 may be used to form the coating agent 1149 on the insulating glass unit 1108. In FIG. 28, the spray 1159 preferably containing the coating agent forming material is shown by the dotted line.

【0081】

In the embodiment of FIG. 28, it can be confirmed that the coating agent 1149 overlaps the edge 1133 of the first window plate 1120 and the edge 1133'of the second window plate 1122. In FIG. 28, it can also be confirmed that the coating agent 1149 overlaps with the seal 1125 of the insulating glass unit 1108 and spreads. The coating agent 1149 also spreads over at least a portion of the first mask 1137 and the second mask 1137'. In FIG. 28, it can be seen that the first mask 1137 is inserted between the first surface 1127 of the first window plate 1120 and the coating agent 1149. In FIG. 28, it can be seen that the second mask 1137'is inserted between the second surface 1129' of the second window plate 1122 and the coating agent 1149.

【0082】

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an additional representative assembly 1235, including insulating glass unit 1208, first mask 1237 and second mask 1237'. In FIG. 29, it can be confirmed that the first mask 1237 overlaps the mask portion 1253 of the first surface 1227 of the first window plate 1220 of the heat insulating glass unit 1208. It can be seen that the unmasked portion 1255 of the first surface 1227 of the first window plate 1220 extends between the periphery of the first mask 1237 and the edge 1233 of the first window plate 1220. In FIG. 29, it is also found that the second mask 1237'overlaps the mask portion 1253' on the second surface 1229' of the second window plate 1222 of the insulating glass unit 1208. It can be seen that the unmasked portion 1255'of the second surface 1229'of the second window plate 1222 extends between the periphery of the second mask 1237' and the edge 1233' of the second window plate 1222.

【0083】

In the embodiment of FIG. 29, the coating device 1202 is located in the immediate vicinity of the assembly 1235. In some methods according to the invention, the coating device 1202 may be used to form the coating agent 1249 on the insulating glass unit 1208. In FIG. 29, the spray 1259 preferably containing the coating agent forming material is shown by the dotted line.

【0084】

In FIG. 29, it can be seen that the coating agent 1249 overlaps and spreads over the unmasked portion 1255 of the first surface 1227 of the first window plate 1220. Further, in FIG. 29, it can be seen that the first mask 1237 is inserted between the mask portion 1253 of the first surface 1227 and the coating agent 1249.

【0085】

In FIG. 29, it can be seen that the coating agent 1249 overlaps with the non-masked portion 1255'of the second surface 1229'of the second window plate 1222. Further, in FIG. 29, it can be seen that the second mask 1237'is inserted between the mask portion 1253' on the second surface 1229' and the coating agent 1249.

【0086】

Several forms of the invention have been shown and described, but other forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It goes without saying that the examples shown in the figures and described above are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow. No.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a perspective view of a heat insulating glass unit.

[Figure 2]

It is sectional drawing of the end part of the heat insulating glass unit after the application of the 1st and 2nd seals.

[Fig. 3]

It is sectional drawing of the end part of the heat insulating glass unit after the 1st seal application and before the 2nd seal application.

[Fig. 4]

It is sectional drawing of the heat insulating glass unit after application of 1st and 2nd seals, and glass attachment to a sash.

[Fig. 5]

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention showing the application of a second seal and the attachment of glass to a sash.

[Fig. 6]

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another device of the invention showing the application of a second seal and the attachment of glass to a sash.

[Fig. 7]

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another device of the invention showing the application of a second seal and the attachment of glass to a sash.

[Fig. 8]

It is a block diagram of the sealant application system according to the typical example of this invention.

[Fig. 9]

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an assembly including a coating device and a heat insulating glass unit of FIG.

[Fig. 10]

It is an additional perspective view of the assembly of FIG.

[Fig. 11]

It is a block diagram of the sealant application system according to the additional typical example of this invention.

[Fig. 12]

It is a perspective view of the coating apparatus of the sealant coating system of FIG.

[Fig. 13]

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an assembly including a coating apparatus and the bias mechanism of FIG.

[Fig. 14]

It is a perspective view of the additional Example of the coating apparatus according to this invention.

[Fig. 15]

It is a top view of the assembly including the coating apparatus of FIG.

[Fig. 16]

It is a perspective view of the additional Example of the coating apparatus according to this invention.

[Fig. 17]

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an assembly including a coating device and a heat insulating glass unit of FIG.

[Fig. 18]

FIG. 5 is a plan view additionally showing an assembly including an insulating glass unit and a coating device according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 19]

It is sectional drawing of the assembly according to the additional typical example of this invention.

[Fig. 20]

It is a perspective view of the heat insulating glass unit according to the typical example of this invention.

[Fig. 21]

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including the insulating glass unit of FIG.

[Fig. 22]

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an additional assembly according to the present invention.

[Fig. 23]

It is a perspective view of still another assembly according to this invention.

[Fig. 24]

It is a perspective view of the assembly according to the additional representative example of this invention.

[Fig. 25]

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an additional assembly according to the present invention.

[Fig. 26]

It is a perspective view of still another assembly according to this invention.

[Fig. 27]

It is sectional drawing of the heat insulating glass unit according to the typical example of this invention.

[Fig. 28]

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a typical assembly including an insulating glass unit, a first mask, and a second mask.

[Fig. 29]

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an additional representative assembly, including an insulating glass unit, a first mask, and a second mask.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 ... Insulated glass unit, 10 ... Window board, 10'... Window board, 20 ... Frame, 22 ... Sash bead, 88 ... Entrance orifice, 90 ... Painted Equipment, 92 ... End Block, 93 ... Side Channel, 94 ... End Channel, 98 ... End Nozzle, 101 ... Spacer, 102 ... External Surface, 103 .. .1st seal, 105 ... 2nd seal, 115 ... space.