EP1436481B1 - Insulating glazing and the production method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An insulating glazing unit including at least two glass sheets spaced apart by a gas-filled cavity, an insert that serves to keep the two glass sheets apart and that has an internal face facing the gas-filled cavity and an opposed external face, and a sealing with respect to the inside of the glazing unit. The insert includes a substantially flat strip that surrounds a first part of the perimeter of the glazing unit, being pressed by its internal face against the edges of the glass sheets and kept fastened by a fastener, and another strip that surrounds a second part of the perimeter of the glazing unit.

Description

The subject of the invention is an insulating glazing unit and its method of manufacture.

A well-known type of insulating glazing unit comprises two sheets of glass which are spaced apart by a gas strip such as air and which are spaced apart and joined together by means of a spacer frame consisting of hollow metal profiles folded or assembled by corner pieces. The profiles are filled with a molecular sieve which has the role of absorbing the water molecules trapped in the air gap at the time of manufacture of the glazing and which would be likely to condense in cold weather, causing the appearance of mist.

To ensure the tightness of the glazing, the spacer frame is bonded to the glass sheets by a butyl rubber elastomer bead applied directly to the profiles by extrusion through a nozzle. Each corner of the spacer frame is also packed at the corner piece with butyl rubber. Once the glazing is assembled, the elastomeric sealing bead plays a role in temporarily holding the glass sheets. Finally, is injected into the peripheral groove defined by the two glass sheets and the spacer frame a crosslinkable sealant of the polysulfide or polyurethane type which completes the mechanical assembly of the glass sheets. Butyl rubber mainly has the role of sealing the interior of the glazing with water vapor, while the sealant provides a seal with liquid water or solvents.

The manufacture of this glazing requires several different materials including profiles, corner pieces, molecular sieve, organic seals, these materials are not assembled in one and the same operation.

A disadvantage posed by such manufacture is that of the storage of materials. In order to be operational for any new order placed for insulating glazing, many lots of each material must be available, which does not participate in a simple and fast management as to supply and storage of these materials.

In addition, the current number of materials to assemble causes several assembly operations which, although automated, are performed one after the other which significantly penalizes the manufacturing time. Some of these operations also impose interruptions in the production line, which may, in these short dead times, further hamper the production rate.

In addition, the regeneration of the molecular sieve lining the interior of the hollow profiles is impossible with insulating glass currently known because it involves their destruction.

The object of the invention is thus to obviate these drawbacks by proposing an insulating glazing whose choice of materials makes it possible to facilitate the management of their manufacturing flow, to simplify assembly operations and to restore the glazing without destroying it, in particular by replacement of the granular molecular sieve and / or reintroduction of gas.

According to the invention, the insulating glazing unit which comprises at least two glass sheets spaced by a gas blade, an interlayer for spacing the two glass sheets and having an inner face facing the gas blade and an opposite outer face , as well as sealing means vis-à-vis the interior of said glazing, is characterized in that the interlayer comprises a substantially flat profile that surrounds a first portion of the perimeter of the glazing, this portion may be the entire around, being plated by its inner face against the slices of the glass sheets, and held fixed by securing means, and another non-essentially flat profile which surrounds a second portion of the perimeter of the glazing, this second part not being the entire periphery.

This type of profile and its arrangement on the slices of the glazing have the particular advantage of increasing the visibility through the glazing in the parts of its periphery having as a spacer that the substantially flat profile.

There may be partial or even total recovery of said first and second parts of the perimeter of the glazing, provided that the conventional bracing and sealing functions of the interlayer are met. The second portion of the periphery occupied by said other profile does not represent the entire periphery. Indeed, in the case where the other profile is hollow, the major advantage of the invention lies in the advantage of the extreme ease of bonding and takeoff of the substantially flat profile, particularly in order to access the interior of the hollow profile to replace the desiccant molecular sieve it contains; this accessibility is optimal when the hollow section occupies part, but not the entire periphery of the glazing: for example the lower horizontal side, or a fraction only of any rectilinear side. Re-bonding the flat profile after it has been peeled off does not pose a problem with many common material choices.

For another profile in the sense of the invention is meant a non-substantially flat profile, hollow or solid, square section, rectangular or more complex, for example having a lengthwise side substantially corresponding to the thickness of the gas strip.

The glazing unit of the invention comprises at least two sheets of glass, including three or more, spaced from each other, each designating both a monolithic glass sheet and a laminated sheet of glass and plastic.

• ledit autre profilé est plaqué par sa face interne contre les tranches des feuilles de verre, soit directement soit avec interposition, par exemple, dudit profilé sensiblement plat ;
• ledit autre profilé est au moins en partie situé entre les feuilles de verre.

According to two variants which are not mutually exclusive:

• said other section is plated by its inner face against the slices of the glass sheets, either directly or with interposition, for example, said substantially flat profile;
• said other profile is at least partly located between the glass sheets.

• autre profilé plaqué sur les tranches des feuilles de verre et totalement enveloppé par le profilé plat lui-même collé au verre ;
• autre profilé totalement entre les feuilles de verre, sur le côté horizontal inférieur, en appui par gravité sur la face interne du profilé plat, ou avec serrage entre les deux feuilles.

In both cases, the other section can be glued to the glass sheets, either on their slices or on their internal surfaces. However it is also possible that such a bonding is not performed, for example in such configurations as:

• other profile plated on the slices of the glass sheets and completely wrapped by the flat profile itself glued to the glass;
• another profile completely between the glass sheets, on the lower horizontal side, supported by gravity on the inner face of the flat profile, or with clamping between the two sheets.

Advantageously, the other section comprises at least a portion located outside the space defined by the glass sheets and shaped to fit and / or fixing the glazing in the bay for which it is intended. It is thus conceivable that this outer portion of the other profile forms a tongue along the entire length of the profile, and that this tongue can fit tightly into a groove formed in the frame of the bay, which makes unnecessary subsequent fixation by nailing - or equivalent process - a rod, called pareclose, on this part of the perimeter of the glazing.

Preferably, the interlayer has gas and dust-tightness properties, and liquid water.

The sealing means of the substantially flat profile are arranged at least on the outer face, or at least on the inner face of the insert. In the latter case, the outer face of the substantially flat profile advantageously has irregularities capable of ensuring the installation and / or centering and / or fixing of the glazing in the bay for which it is intended. These irregularities may consist of longitudinal striations as obtained by extrusion of thermoplastic or similar process. In this respect reference is made to the request EP-0 745 750 A1 describing (Figures 7 and 8) stepped ridges with one inclined side and the other right, arranged on inclined ramps and designed to fix the glazing in its frame, with simultaneous centering, by simple pressure. Streaks of this type are well within the present embodiment.

The sealing means of the substantially flat profile may consist of a metal coating, preferably of stainless steel or aluminum, which has a thickness of between 2 and 50 microns.

The substantially flat profile may be entirely metallic.

However, according to a preferred embodiment of the interlayer, the substantially flat profile is based on thermoplastic material with or without reinforcing fibers such as cut or continuous glass fibers.

When the profile is made of plastic, there is provided a metal coating to form the sealing means for gas and water vapor as indicated above.

This coating can be both on the outside and on the inside of the side of the gas blade. There are advantages to having it preferably on the inside: a lesser thickness will be necessary since it will not need to withstand external shocks or scratches, the thermal bridge at the periphery of the glazing will be reduced, its bonding particularly it is aluminum is perfectly controlled on the glass regardless of the plastic of the profile used, it can finally promote the electrical connection with electrical elements provided inside the glazing.

According to one characteristic, the interlayer has a linear resistance to buckling of at least 400 N / m. In order to ensure this resistance, the flat profile must have a thickness of at least 0.1 mm when it is entirely made of stainless steel, at least 0.15 mm when it is entirely made of aluminum, and at least 0.25 mm when it is made of thermoplastic material reinforced with reinforcing fibers.

Advantageously, the securing means of the interlayer against the glazing are impermeable to water, they are constituted by a glue-type adhesive which withstands stripping stresses of at least 0.45 MPa.

According to another characteristic, the free ends of the substantially flat profile are assembled to surround all or part of the glazing so that one end covers the other, or one end of said other profile, complementary sealing means being intended to seal lateral sections made open by the covering.

Alternatively, in order to surround the entire glazing, the free ends of the substantially flat profile have complementary shapes adapted to cooperate mutually to achieve their assembly according to an abutment. Adhesive tape or gas and steam-tight glue will preferably be applied to the abutment area.

The insulating glazing may have a complex shape, particularly with curved parts, to which the flat interlayer is perfectly adapted because it can by its flexibility easily marry the curves of the glazing.

According to another characteristic, one and / or the other face of the spacer has formally structured, or integrally attached, functional elements.

Thus, it is possible to conform the profile into specific shapes. It can be formed before rolling by rolling or other suitable means to integrate various elements for a functional purpose. For example, it is possible to structure on the faces of the section studs, indentations or bosses, punctually or continuously, arranged in two parallel bands for example, or staggered, providing for stops in the angles such as punches, streaks or pre-cuts.

The studs may in particular serve as retaining elements for fixing braces installed in the gas strip, these braces having a decorative function.

If these pads are arranged towards the inside of the glazing and according to at least two parallel strips, they can serve as guiding and wedging elements of at least one additional glass sheet for the manufacture of a triple or quadruple glazing. But they can also serve as holding elements of a glass sheet which, thus resting on these elements, allows communication between the different air blades of the glazing. These elements, if they have a function towards the outside of the glazing, can also favor the assembly by interlocking, the wedging, the blocking or the assembly of the glazing in the rabbet of the window or with neighboring windows or walls, or still these elements can constitute a way of cooperation with a rail for a sliding door.

Of course, it is possible to envisage the addition of additional elements to the profile by other means depending on the nature of the profile material, thus by gluing, welding or riveting without modifying the integrity of the profile, even if it means restoring it. if it is modified. Also, by grafting additional parts can be formed inserts further improving the rigidity and inertia of the profile assembling the glazing, or contributing to its implementation, including its mounting in the rabbets.

It will also involve additions of additional materials by plastic pads, by extrusion grooves or contoured sealing lips or decoration.

In addition to these additions, it is quite possible to apply beforehand on the profile anti-corrosion treatment or paint or decorative lacquering, also to stamp or print any markings or information for example to provide a traceability of the glazing manufactured.

The spacer, of substantially flat shape, may have cavities, double walls may constitute or house features, for example breathing tubes (tubes allowing the balancing of pressures between the inside and outside of the glazing without convection) .

• il contient du desséchant, notamment dans une cavité intégrée dans la forme de l'intercalaire ou rapportée sur l'intercalaire ;
• il comprend des moyens de commande, de transmission mécanique, de connexion électrique (fils électriques, éléments conducteurs de chauffage des bords du vitrage, circuits imprimés), la sortie des conducteurs s'effectuant par exemple au niveau de la zone d'aboutement ;
• il intègre un store vénitien installé dans la lame de gaz ;
• il intègre un moyen de mesure du taux d'humidité dans la lame de gaz, afin de prévoir le moment où la restauration du vitrage par démontage, lavage, remontage, régénération du desséchant, est nécessaire.

The interlayer of the invention advantageously comprises one or more of the following functionalities:

• it contains desiccant, especially in a cavity integrated in the form of the interlayer or reported on the insert;
• it comprises control means, mechanical transmission, electrical connection (electrical wires, conductive heating elements, edges of the glazing, printed circuits), the output of the conductors taking place for example at the abutment area;
• it incorporates a venetian blind installed in the gas blade;
• it incorporates a means of measuring the moisture content in the gas strip, to predict the moment when the restoration of the glazing by disassembly, washing, reassembly, regeneration of the desiccant is necessary.

It is particularly advantageous, thanks to the invention, to associate undit substantially flat profile to three of the four sides of the glazing, to install one of the aforementioned functionalities by the free side of the glazing, then to stick on it. substantially flat profile.

In one embodiment, the interlayer has at least one hole in order to be able for example to attach a desiccant cartridge, or a gas cartridge so as to fill the space between the glass sheets with gas, also to be able to achieve an equilibrium pressure when the glazing has been manufactured in a place where the atmospheric pressure is different from that of the delivery location, or the hole or holes may allow controlled air circulation between the glass sheets so as to constitute a breathable glazing very useful for example for an oven door. This hole can be made in the substantially flat profile, or in the other profile, or in both, the two holes being advantageously, in the latter case, vis-à-vis one of the other. The hole may be in direct communication with the gas strip, or not (for example when it is a hollow section end section, the sealing is provided by overlapping with a substantially flat profile). The hole can be through or not; thus it can result only from the local absence of the waterproof layer, aluminum or other, but not the underlying layer, possibly permeable to gases.

This hole can be obtained by any suitable means of drilling or by an element attached to the profile provided with a punch by drilling at the indicated location, for example by a previously shaped impression on the profile, or by the positioning exact of the reported element thanks to locating bosses previously shaped on the profile as explained above. The piercing footprint may for example be of the type of that arranged in commercial aluminum drink cans; once the drilling is done, the portion of repoussée material remains attached to the profile.

If the hole has been made for the insertion of the gas, it is then necessary to close it in a sealed manner, for example by a gas-tight strip, which is mechanically fixed against the profile by various means such as using a suitable adhesive and sealing.

Thus, the tape can be glued by one of its faces against the face of the strip intended to be applied against the perforated profile. The ribbon has on its opposite side a non-stick protective film which allows the application of the strip against the profile to change the position of said strip so as to arrange it correctly on the desired location. A tab is provided laterally to the ribbon, it can be pulled to remove the protective film to discover the adhesive that will ensure the bonding of the strip against the profile.

The invention also encompasses a particular glazing unit, in which the edges of said two glass sheets are at least partly offset with respect to each other. It is conceivable that only one side of one of the two sheets protrudes from the corresponding side of the other of the two sheets, the gap space being occupied by said other profile, over the entire length of the side. It is also possible for one of said two sheets of glass to be a laminate whose sheet oriented towards the outside of the glazing is of larger dimensions than the other constituents of the laminate, on the edge of which, on the one hand, as well as on that of the other of said two sheets of glass on the other hand, a substantially flat profile is glued.

Another particular insulating glazing according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that at least one of said two sheets of glass has a through-hole, that the edges of this hole are considered to be part of said first part of the periphery of the glazing. , a substantially flat profile being pressed against and sealingly adhered to these edges. If the through hole is a disk, the flat section is shaped as a tube in which, if necessary, the glazing attachment means to a building structure or the like.

Finally, the fact that the interlayer is arranged on the slices of the glass sheets leaves free the inner peripheral surface of the glass sheets close to the slices, while in the prior art, this surface is occupied by the interlayer. It is thus possible to use this free surface to fix elements for example by gluing, such as decorative braces. When the glazing is incorporated in a window frame, the fixing is invisible because it is at the level of the rabbet of the window, outside the clear view.

• on assemble ledit autre profilé pourvu le cas échéant de ses moyens de solidarisation au vitrage et les deux feuilles de verre , maintenues parallèles et espacées ;
• on met en place la face interne du profilé sensiblement plat pourvu des moyens de solidarisation contre les tranches des feuilles de verre et, le cas échéant, sur la face externe de l'autre profilé ;
• on applique quasi-instantanément lors de la mise en place du profilé sensiblement plat des moyens de pression sur la face externe de celui-ci de façon à assurer son adhésion avec les tranches des feuilles de verre et, le cas échéant, avec l'autre profilé ; et
• on assemble solidairement les deux extrémités du profilé sensiblement plat, soit l'une avec l'autre, soit chacune d'elles avec une extrémité de l'autre profilé.

A first manufacturing method of the invention is characterized in that:

• said other section is provided provided optionally its means of attachment to the glazing and the two glass sheets, kept parallel and spaced apart;
• the inner face of the substantially flat profile is provided provided with fastening means against the slices of the glass sheets and, where appropriate, on the outer face of the other section;
• it is applied almost instantaneously when placing the substantially flat profile of the pressure means on the outer face thereof so as to ensure its adhesion with the slices of the glass sheets and, if necessary, with the other shaped; and
• the two ends of the substantially flat profile are joined together, either with each other or with each end with the other section.

According to one feature, the substantially flat profile is present before its introduction in the form of a wound tape which is intended to be unwound, stretched and cut to the desired length, while the glue-type fastening means are deposited on the ribbon stretching by injection means.

Advantageously, the desiccant is deposited on the stretching tape during the application of the securing means.

According to another feature, the establishment of the substantially flat profile is effected by applying it by compression to a priming point and against the slices of a first side of the glazing, the belting being effected from this point priming and positioning of the ribbon on the corners of the glazing being made for a substantially flat profile based on thermoplastic material by heating its outer face beforehand to help its folding around the corners and marry perfectly their outline .

Preferably, the initiation point is located in a side of the glazing side so as to apply and compress the substantially flat profile simultaneously in two opposite directions, which saves manufacturing time.

Alternatively, the priming point may be located rather at an angle of the glazing.

In an alternative embodiment of the glazing surround, the establishment of the substantially flat profile is effected by applying two ribbons by compression at two points of initiation using means of distribution and compression, and the belting s' performs from these points of initiation by translational movements of the glazing and / or distribution means. This variant allows very advantageously, combined with the profile of the invention, to provide a glazing having a complex shape, in particular with curved parts.

Conveniently, all glazing manufacturing operations can be performed in a chamber filled with the gas to be contained in the glazing. Alternatively, it is possible to envisage a gas supply device which is inserted between the two glass sheets to deliver gas while the glazing surround is performed, and which is removed just before the end of the belting.

• on maintient deux feuilles de verre parallèles et espacées ;
• on met en place la face interne du profilé sensiblement plat pourvu des moyens de solidarisation au verre contre les tranches des feuilles de verre sur la totalité du pourtour du vitrage ;
• on applique quasi-instantanément lors de la mise en place du profilé sensiblement plat des moyens de pression sur sa face externe de manière à assurer son adhésion avec les tranches des feuilles de verre ;
• après ceinturage de la totalité du pourtour du vitrage, on assemble solidairement les deux extrémités du profilé sensiblement plat ;
• on obture de manière étanche un trou présenté par le profilé sensiblement plat au moyen d'undit autre profilé, le trou étant éventuellement foré par le rapprochement du profilé sensiblement plat et de l'autre profilé conformé à cet effet avec un moyen autoforeur, cette opération requérant la mise en oeuvre de moyens d'adhésion dudit autre profilé au profilé sensiblement plat, tels que ruban adhésif, éventuellement associé à une colle injectée.

A second manufacturing method of the invention is characterized in that:

• two parallel and spaced sheets of glass are kept;
• placing the inner face of the substantially flat profile provided with the glass securing means against the slices of the glass sheets on the entire periphery of the glazing;
• it is applied almost instantaneously when placing the substantially flat profile of the pressure means on its outer face so as to ensure its adhesion with the slices of the glass sheets;
• after girdling of the entire periphery of the glazing unit, the two ends of the substantially flat profile are joined together;
• sealing a hole presented by the substantially flat profile by means of said other profile, the hole possibly being drilled by the approximation of the substantially flat profile and the other section formed for this purpose with a self-drilling means, this operation requiring the implementation of adhesion means of said other profile substantially flat profile, such as adhesive tape, optionally associated with an injected glue.

• la figure 1a est une vue en coupe d'un vitrage isolant selon l'invention, sur laquelle le profilé creux n'apparaît pas;
• la figure 1b est une représentation schématique partielle en coupe d'un vitrage isolant selon l'invention, dans lequel le profilé creux est directement collé sur les tranches des feuilles de verre ;
• la figure 1c est une représentation schématique partielle en coupe d'un vitrage isolant selon l'invention, dans lequel le profilé creux est collé sur les tranches des feuilles de verre avec interposition d'un profilé sensiblement plat ;
• la figure 1d est une représentation schématique partielle en coupe d'un vitrage isolant selon l'invention, dans lequel le profilé creux est collé entre les feuilles de verre ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue schématique en élévation du dispositif d'association du profilé sensiblement plat aux feuilles de verre ;
• la figure 3 représente la figure 2 au cours d'une étape du procédé de fabrication ;
• la figure 4 est une vue agrandie de l'assemblage des deux extrémités libres du profilé plat selon l'invention après ceinturage complet du vitrage ;
• les figures 5a à 5c illustrent une variante de réalisation du ceinturage du vitrage, dans une configuration dans laquelle le profilé creux est intégralement situé dans l'espace délimité par les feuilles de verre ;
• la figure 6 montre une courbe traduisant le rapport entre la flèche maximum d'un vitrage usuel de l'art antérieur et la flèche maximum d'un vitrage de l'invention pour une force donnée, en fonction de l'épaisseur de la lame d'air.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1a is a sectional view of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention, on which the hollow profile does not appear;
• Figure 1b is a partial schematic sectional representation of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention, wherein the hollow section is directly bonded to the slices of the glass sheets;
• Figure 1c is a partial schematic sectional representation of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention, wherein the hollow profile is bonded to the edges of the glass sheets with the interposition of a substantially flat profile;
• Figure 1d is a partial schematic sectional representation of an insulating glazing unit according to the invention, in which the hollow section is bonded between the glass sheets;
• Figure 2 illustrates a schematic elevational view of the association device of the substantially flat profile to the glass sheets;
• Figure 3 shows Figure 2 during a step of the manufacturing process;
• Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the assembly of the two free ends of the flat profile according to the invention after complete surround of the glazing;
• Figures 5a to 5c illustrate an alternative embodiment of the glazing surround, in a configuration in which the hollow section is integrally located in the space defined by the glass sheets;
• FIG. 6 shows a curve representing the ratio between the maximum deflection of a conventional glazing of the prior art and the maximum deflection of a glazing unit of the invention for a given force, as a function of the thickness of the glass plate. 'air.

FIG. 1a illustrates a single insulating glazing unit 1 obtained by a manufacturing method which will be described later with regard to its device visible in FIG. 2.

The glazing 1 comprises two sheets of glass 10 and 11 spaced apart by a gas strip 12, an insert 2 which serves to space the two sheets of glass and has the role of ensuring the mechanical maintenance of the entire glazing, as well as sealing means 3 for sealing the glazing with liquid water, solvents and water vapor.

The insert 2 is in the form of a substantially flat profile approximately 1 mm thick and of substantially parallelepiped section. This profile advantageously has a low mechanical inertia, that is to say that it can be easily wound by having a small winding radius of 10 cm for example.

The profile surrounds the perimeter of the glazing. It is arranged in the manner of a ribbon on the slices 10a and 11a of the glass sheets and guarantees the mechanical assembly of the glazing through securing means 4 which ensure its total adhesion to the glass.

The profile is rigid enough to perform the mechanical holding function of the two spaced glass sheets. Its rigidity is defined by the very nature of its constituent material, whose linear buckling resistance must be at least 400 N / m.

Furthermore, the nature of the material of said profile is also chosen so that during the glass manufacturing process, the profile may have sufficient flexibility for the operation of belting the glass slices, in particular during the curling angles.

In a first embodiment, the spacer is entirely metallic, the material chosen being preferably stainless steel or aluminum. During the process, the edges are bent by means of machines well known to those skilled in the art of processing metal materials.

In order to guarantee a minimum linear resistance to buckling of 400N / m, the interlayer must have a thickness of at least 0.1 mm for stainless steel and 0.15 mm for aluminum.

In a second and preferred embodiment of the invention, the interlayer 2 is based on plastic material with or without reinforcement fibers cut or continuous. Thus, a material may be styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) associated with cut glass fibers, sold for example under the name LURAN® by BASF, or polypropylene reinforced with continuous glass fibers, sold under the name TWINTEX® by the company VETROTEX.

It is also possible to make the interlayer from a combination of materials such as plastic and metal to form for example a spacer with a thickness of plastic material secured to a metal thickness.

Note that in the case of a plastic material that is hot melt, the edge of the corners of the glazing made by folding after softening of the material, is performed more easily than with a completely metallic material.

Moreover, with the use of plastic material, it can very advantageously be provided to integrate intrinsically, in part or in full, the desiccant to the profile, which is impossible with metal. The desiccant may be a molecular sieve such as zeolite powder, which may be up to 20% by weight or about 10% by volume. The amount of desiccant is a function of the lifetime that we want to assign to the glazing.

Finally, the plastic material being much less heat-conducting than the metal, the thermal insulation of the entire glazing is only better when the glazing is for example exposed to strong sunlight.

As for the addition of glass fibers to the plastic, this results in a thermal expansion coefficient of the material which is much lower than that of a pure plastic and which becomes close to the glass coefficient, which generates, when a thermal variation of the gas blade, a lower shear force on the securing means 4.

In order to ensure a linear resistance of 400 N / m, the spacer 2 has a thickness of at least 0.2 mm when it is made of thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers.

The width of the spacer 2 is adapted to the total thickness of the glazing which can be multiple by including several glass sheets spaced by gas strips. Advantageously, the interlayer of the invention only requires knowledge of the total width of the glazing and not the separation distances of the glass sheets. Indeed, the separation distances for a multiple glazing may vary, which necessarily entails in the case of the use of spacers according to those of the state of the art to have available for the manufacture of glazing several interleaves for the different separations, and different widths of inserts according to separation distances.

For all glazing, it is therefore simply necessary to have according to the invention a spacer or profile of a single width corresponding to the total glazing regardless of the number of internal insulating separations of the glazing and the width of these separations.

It has been demonstrated that the glazing of the invention with its interlayer disposed on the edges of the glass sheets does not lose rigidity, but on the contrary it is further improved in comparison with a conventional glazing of the prior art presenting its interlayer disposed between the inner faces of the glass sheets.

For the same surface of the glass sheets, the same glass thickness and the same thickness of the air gap, the ratio of the arrows of the glazing of the invention and respectively of a conventional glazing as a function of the thickness has been calculated. of the air knife. For this purpose, is applied to each glazing a given force, is then measured the maximum deflection of each glazing and is then calculated the ratio of the arrows. This ratio equal to the deflection of the usual glazing divided by the deflection of the glazing unit of the invention is always greater than 1, reflecting a better resistance to bending and therefore a better rigidity of the glazing unit of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates this ratio as a function of the air gap, the spacer considered for the insulating glazing unit of the invention being an aluminum profile of 0.5 mm. We see that the ratio is always greater than 1, and is for example 1.5 for a 12 mm air gap.

According to the invention, the insert or profile 2 comprises an inner face 20 and an opposite outer face 21, the inner face 20 being intended to be plated, and maintained, by its edges in the case of a single insulating glazing unit, against the slices 10a and 11a glass sheets through the securing means 4.

The inner face 20 of the profile has in its central portion 22 and facing the gas blade 12 the properties of those of a desiccant which aims to absorb the water molecules that can be trapped in the gas blade . These desiccant properties can result from the nature of the interlayer material, whose composition itself incorporates a molecular sieve. Alternatively, the desiccant element will rather be obtained by a deposit of molecular sieve on the central portion 22 before the introduction of the spacer on the slices of the glazing, as we will see in the following description.

The edges of the inner face 20 are covered with an adhesive which constitutes the securing means 4.

The adhesive is of the glue type; it is impervious to gases, water vapor. Tests carried out in accordance with ASTM 96-63T standard on 1.5 mm thick adhesive samples showed that an adhesive with a water vapor permeability coefficient of 35 g / 24h.m ² such as silicone is suitable. Of course, an adhesive having a permeability coefficient of 4 g / 24h.m ^2, such as polyurethane, or even lower, is more suitable because the seal being further improved, a lesser amount of desiccant is then expected.

The adhesive must also withstand the take-off by liquid water, ultraviolet light as well as traction that can be exerted perpendicularly to the faces of the glazing and commonly called shear stresses, and by the pulls exerted parallel to the force of the weight of the glazing . A satisfactory adhesive must withstand stripping stresses of at least 0.45 MPa.

It will also be judicious to adapt the nature of the adhesive to the environments of use of the glazing; thus the adhesive must for example have a temperature resistance sufficient for the application of glazing to a door of an electric household oven.

Preferably, the adhesive has fast gluing properties, of the order of a few seconds; it is an adhesive which is taken by chemical reaction, whether or not activated by heat or pressure, or is carried out by cooling if the adhesive consists of a hot-melt material of the type hot melt, for example based on polyurethane crosslinkable with the humidity of the air.

The outer face 21 of the interlayer made of reinforced plastic material is covered with a metallic protective coating 21a of the type of aluminum or stainless steel strip having a thickness of, for example, between 2 and 50 μm, this coating constituting the means for sealing 3. In addition to its sealing role, the strip, particularly when made of stainless steel, effectively protects the profile against abrasion, for example during its handling or transport. Finally, it promotes the exchange of heat with the thermoplastic material when it comes to soften the latter during the manufacturing process.

Alternatively, the metal coating 21a could be large enough to cover the outer face 21 and be folded over the edges of the inner face 20.

The figures given above on the thickness of the interlayer according to the nature of the material or materials used are provided for a buckling resistance of 400 N / m linear, which is a classic value for glazing of the most common dimensions, namely 1.20 m by 0.50 m. However, to widen the use to glazing of larger dimensions and / or glazing subjected to extreme conditions of stress, it will be preferable to design glazings whose the interlayer is capable of withstanding a force of 5700 N per linear meter. In order to achieve such a buckling resistance, we give below a table indicating the safety factor established with respect to the reference of 5700 N / m as a function of the corresponding thicknesses to give to the interlayer of the invention according to the type of material. Safety coeficient Acrylonitrile Styrene (SAN) Aluminum Stainless steel 1 0.50 mm 0.25 mm 0.20 mm 3 0.75 mm 0.40 mm 0.30 mm 4.5 0.90 mm 0.45 mm 0.35 mm

The integration of the hollow profile insulating glazing of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1b to 1d.

With reference to FIG. 1b, the hollow section 30 is bonded by the securing means 5 to the slices of the glass sheets 10 and 11. Thus, the inner face 20 of the spacer is a delimitation of the gas strip 12, so that the desiccant molecular sieve contained in the hollow profile and not shown is active vis-à-vis the gas blade, through communications 31 -housing, porosity, ...- formed in the inner face 20. If necessary, these communications 31 with the gas strip are released by local removal of a possible sealing layer which would be provided with the profile 30. The communications 31 are smaller than those of the desiccant, frequently in the form of granules, so to retain them in the hollow section 30.

The securing means 5 ensure the required seal between the gas strip 12 and the outside atmosphere.

The hollow section is disposed on all or part of a rectilinear side of the insulating glazing, in a single section or in several sections of a length indicative of 10 to 15 cm. The hollow section is optionally sealed with a hot-melt material with low moisture transmission, such as polyurethane.

A substantially flat profile not shown in Figure 1b is bonded to each of the two end sections of the hollow profile 30, which it thus sealingly closes, possibly in combination with the hot melt material low moisture transmission aforementioned.

The flat profile 2 (see FIG. 1a) comprises sealing means, constituted as described above, of an aluminum foil 3, which may be oriented towards the inside of the glazing, the glue 4 being chosen to bond the aluminum to the hollow profile 30 but also to the slices of the glass sheets. This orientation of the sealing means 3 has the advantage of making it possible to conform the external face of the flat profile 2, for example made of plastic, with grooves for fixing the glazing as described in the application EP-745 750 A1 , especially by extrusion.

The situation of the hollow profile 30 at least partly outside the space delimited by the glass sheets makes it possible to use it in the assembly of the glazing, by insertion into a groove formed in the frame of the bay, without which an additional step of fixing a glazing is necessary. This is also the advantage presented by the embodiment shown in FIG. 1c, to which reference is now made.

According to this embodiment, a substantially flat profile 2 provided with its sealing means 3 facing outward surrounds all the periphery of the insulating glass, being adhered to the slices of the glass sheets by the glue 4. The flat profile 2 presents a hole 6 which, for example, could be cut after securing the flat profile to the glass sheets, and possibly after a certain period of use of the glazing resulting therefrom. A hollow profile 30 has therefore here been subsequently bonded to the flat profile 2 by the glue 5. The molecular sieve contained in the hollow of the profile 30 is active vis-à-vis the gas plate 12, with which it communicates through the pores or holes 31 formed in the inner wall 20 of the profile 30 and through the hole 6.

The hollow profile 30 can here also be plugged at its ends with a hot melt material with low moisture transmission. Additional sealing means not shown are conveniently used between the flat profile 2 and the hollow profile 30: adhesive tape, injection of materials suitable for closing open side cover sections (see above). These additional means are removable, so that the regeneration of the molecular sieve of the profile 30, possibly after a long period of use of several years, is particularly simplified by the measures of the invention.

In Figure 1d is shown a variant in which a hollow section 30 is installed integrally in the space defined by two sheets of glass 10 and 11 of an insulating glass, by bonding with a material 5 'able to provide the required seal between the gas slide and the outside atmosphere but on a only part of the periphery of the glazing, preferably on part or all of a rectilinear side of the glazing. A substantially flat non-visible profile covers and is bonded at least on each of the two end sections of the hollow profile 30, so as to ensure or at least contribute to the required seal between the cavity of the hollow profile 30 and the external atmosphere . It suffices to take off a sufficient portion of the flat profile 2 to clear one end of the hollow section 30 to replace the used desiccant it contains, then to re-stick.

The manufacturing method will now be described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the invention using a substantially flat profile based on reinforced thermoplastic material. This description obscures the integration with the insulating glazing of the hollow profile, described above; this integration is anterior (variants according to FIGS. 1b and 1d) or posterior (variant of FIG. 1c) to the assembly of the flat profile.

The glass sheets 10 and 11 are conveyed edge by usual means to a chamber that can enclose the gas to be introduced into the glazing.

The glass sheets 10 and 11 are held at the desired spacing by means of suction pads disposed on the outer faces of the glazing and controlled by pneumatic cylinders.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the manufacturing device of the glazing enclosed in the chamber C.

A coil 50 constitutes the store of the section 2 which is unwound and stretched, using a non-visible stretching device, in the form of a ribbon which is cut to a length equivalent to the perimeter of the glazing, the width of the ribbon corresponding to the total thickness of the glazing.

As soon as the profile is flattened, the adhesive 4 is deposited using injection means 51, such as a nozzle, on the internal face 20 of the ribbon intended to be applied to the edge of the glazing. In this case, the ribbon comprises the desiccant inherently on its inner side, the desiccant having been incorporated as a powder or granules to the reinforced thermoplastic material during the manufacture of the profile.

However, when it comes to adding the desiccant subsequently to the manufacture of the profile, it is preferable to set up the desiccant and the adhesive during a single operation with the aid of three injection nozzles two lateral nozzles aiming at the edges of the tape for the deposition of the adhesive in order to be facing the slices of the glazing and a central nozzle injecting the desiccant on the central portion 22 of the tape in order to be vis-à-vis -vis the gas blade.

It is also possible to envisage an adhesive which has been deposited during the manufacture of the profile and which is protected until its use, corresponding here until the application of the profile against the glazing.

At least one pressure roller 54 controlled by a not shown articulated arm performs the application and compression of the ribbon 2 against the edge of the glazing 1 over its entire perimeter. To save time in the operation of belting, it will preferably be provided two rollers 54 which will be driven in two opposite directions and will simultaneously flank two halves of the perimeter.

Heating means 55 such as two heating wire resistors are provided for heating the profile before folding and its application at the corners of the glazing.

The operation of the device is as follows.

The two sheets of glass 10, 11 kept apart are positioned fixed in the center of the chamber C.

Under the glazing is unrolled, stretched and cut the profile or ribbon 2 which comprises the desiccant and the securing means 4.

The two pressure rollers 54 are brought into contact with the tape to apply it to a midpoint of the lower horizontal side of the glazing. Once the ribbon pressed against the wafer of the glazing, the curling is initiated at this midpoint which thus ensures the power of the ribbon.

The rollers 54 then progress in opposite directions to the lower left 13 and right 14 corners of the glazing.

Before approaching the turning of the two corners 13 and 14, the rollers 54 are stopped momentarily while the heating son 55 are disposed downstream of the rollers, close and opposite the metal strip 21 has the profile for heating the thermoplastic material intended for be applied against the corners (Figure 3).

After softening the profile, the pressure rollers 54 are again put into operation to fold the profile and properly border the corners 13 and 14 of the glazing. Then the pebbles continue to run around the glazing to the upper corners 15 and 16 of the glazing where the heating operation of the profile is reiterated by means of the heating wires 55.

Once the upper corners of the glazing belted, the pinch rollers 54 end to border the last side of the glazing. At the approach of the middle of the latter side, one of the rollers is stopped while the other roller continues to crush the section until the free end 23 of the profile associated with the roller in operation covers the other end 24 of the profiled section (FIG. 4). The belting operation is then completed, the pressure rollers 54 are released from the glazing.

To confirm the fastening of the two ends 23 and 24 of the ribbon and especially to seal the two open lateral sections 25 of the ribbon which are due to the covering of the ends, complementary sealing means such as glue are injected so as to close off said sections 25.

An unillustrated assembly variant of the two ends of the ribbon may consist not in covering them but in abutting them to one another when they comprise complementary shapes adapted to cooperate mutually, in the manner of a tenon and of a mortise. To ensure complete watertightness, glue or water and vapor-tight adhesive tape, such as stainless steel tape, will be added to the butting area.

If the junction of the two ends of the ribbon, whether by overlap or abutment, is performed on one side of the glazing, it is also possible to alternatively make this junction at an angle of the glazing.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment of the method, one can provide two heads 56a, 56b distribution ribbon 2, respectively a fixed and a vertically movable, each associated with a pressure roller 54, the glazing being adapted to be translated horizontally.

Referring to Figure 5a, the glazing entered in the chamber C which is not illustrated here, is disposed between the position ① corresponding to the front of the glazing and the position ② corresponding to the rear of the glazing. Initially, the movable head 56b starts at a lower angle of the glazing corresponding to the position ①, and is actuated upwards to follow the vertical front side of the glazing. Once arrived at the upper corner, the head 56b rotates 90 ° and is immobilized, the two heads being then vis-à-vis. The glazing is then translated from left to right, that is to say that the rear of the glazing goes from the position ② to the position ①, so as simultaneously perform the belting of the horizontal sides of the glazing by respectively each of the heads (Figure 5b). Finally, the rear of the glazing is immobilized in position ①, and the vertical side is surrounded by the movable head having rotated 90 ° to the upper corner of the glazing to descend to the lower angle (Figure 5c). The fastening of the two ribbons is then performed in the lower corners of the glazing by overlapping or abutment.

This combination of translational movement of the glazing and at least one ribbon dispensing head saves time to surround the glazing.

In addition, this combination of movements and the use of the profile of the invention makes it possible to encircle complex shapes of glazing which have, for example, curved edges with concave and / or convex shapes.

Another variant of filling the gas to be contained in the glazing can be envisaged. Instead of having a chamber filled with gas, there is provided a gas supply device such as a pipe which is inserted between the two glasses and which delivers gas as the edges of the glazing are girdled and sealed. The device is removed just before closing the last side of the glazing.

The profile of the invention has a generally flat and parallelepipedal shape, nevertheless alternative embodiments are possible. It may for example be envisaged to provide the inner face 20 of the profile opposite to that comprising the metal coating, centering and positioning means such as longitudinal projections or lugs regularly distributed along two longitudinal lines spaced by a width equivalent to the separation of the two glass sheets so as to guide and properly position the profile against the edge of the glazing, the projections or lugs inserting inside the glazing and being pressed against the inner walls.

Claims (32)

1. An insulating glazing unit, comprising two glass sheets (10, 11) spaced apart by a gas-filled cavity (12), an insert (2) that serves to keep the two glass sheets apart and has an internal face (20) facing the gas-filled cavity and an opposed external face (21), and means (3) for sealing with respect to the inside of the glazing unit, characterized in that the insert (2) comprises a substantially flat strip which surrounds a first part of the perimeter of the glazing unit, this part being able to be the totality of the perimeter, being pressed via its internal face (20) against the edges (10a, 11a) of the glass sheets and kept fastened by fastening means (4), and another non essentially flat strip which surrounds a second part of the perimeter of the glazing unit, this second part being not the totality of the perimeter of the glazing unit.
2. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said other strip is pressed via its internal face (20) against the edges (10a, 11a) of the glass sheets.
3. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said other strip is at least partly located between the glass sheets (10, 11).
4. The glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said other strip comprises at least a part which lies outside the space bounded by the glass sheets (10, 11) and has a shape especially suitable for fitting and/or fastening the glazing unit in the opening for which it is intended.
5. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (2) possesses properties whereby it seals against gases and dust and against liquid water.
6. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (3) of said substantially flat strip are placed at least on the external face (21) of the insert.
7. The insulating glazing unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sealing means (3) of said substantially flat strip are placed at least on the internal face (20) of the insert.
8. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the external face (21) of said substantially flat strip has irregularities capable of setting and/or centering and/or fastening the glazing unit in the opening for which it is intended.
9. The glazing unit as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said irregularities consist of longitudinal striations such as those obtained by the extrusions of a thermoplastic or a similar process.
10. The glazing unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that either or both of the faces (20, 21) of the insert has/have longitudinal elements structured by forming or securely attached.
11. The glazing unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that part of the insert has undergone a painting or lacquering anticorrosion treatment or a printing-based marking treatment.
12. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (3) of the substantialy flat strip consists of a metal coating (21a).
13. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said substantially flat strip is made entirely of metal, especially stainless steel with a thickness of at least 0.10 mm, or of aluminum with a thickness of at least 0.15 mm, or is made of a thermoplastic that includes, if necessary, reinforcing fibers, especially continuous or chopped glass fibers, its thickness being in this case at least 0.2 mm.
14. The insulating glazing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said substantially flat strip has a linear buckling strength of at least 400 N/m.
15. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (4) are impermeable to water vapor and to gases.
16. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (4) consist of an adhesive.
17. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the adhesive has a tear strength of at least 0.45 MPa.
18. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said substantially flat strip has two free ends (23, 24) which are joined together in order to surround all or part of the glazing unit so that one of the ends overlaps the other, or one end of said other strip, supplementary sealing means being provided in order to seal off lateral sections (25) left open by the overlap.
19. The insulating glazing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said substantially flat strip has two free ends (23, 24) of complementary shapes suitable for mutually cooperating in order to result in their abutment so as to go around the entire glazing unit.
20. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that an adhesive tape, or adhesive, impermeable to gases and to water vapor, is applied to the abutment region.
21. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a complex shape, in particular with curved parts.
22. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (2) contains a desiccant and/or includes control, electrical-connection and mechanical-transmission means and/or incorporates a venetian blind installed in the gas-filled cavity and/or a means of measuring the moisture content and/or serves for fastening cross members installed in the gas-filled cavity.
23. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (2) has at least one hole.
24. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edges of the said two glass sheets are at least partly offset with respect to each other.
25. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said two glass sheets includes a through-hole and in that the edges of this hole are considered as forming part of said first part of the perimeter of the glazing unit, a substantially flat strip being pressed against and adhesively bonded in a leaktight manner to these edges.
26. A process for manufacturing an insulating glazing unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that:

    - said other strip provided as the case may be with its, means (5; 5') for fastening to the glazing unit is joined to two glass sheets (10, 11), and the kept parallel and spaced apart, are assembled;

    - the internal face (20) of the substantially flat strip provided with the fastening means (4) is placed against the edges (10a, 11a) of the glass sheets and, as the case may be, on the external face (21) of the other strip;

    - during the step of placing the substantially flat strip, pressure means (54) are applied almost instantaneously on the external face (21) of the latter so as to ensure that it adheres to the edges of the glass sheets and, as the case may be, to the other strip; and

    - the two ends (23, 24) of the substantially flat strip are securely joined, either one end to the other, or each of the ends to one end of the other strip.
27. The process for manufacturing an insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the substantially flat strip before being put into place is in the form of a wound tape (50) intended to be unwound, stretched and cut to the desired length, whereas the adhesive type fastening means (4) are deposited by injection means onto the tape being stretched.
28. The process for manufacturing an insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that desiccant is deposited onto the tape being stretched, during application of the fastening means (4) .
29. The process for manufacturing an insulating glazing unit as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that a gas feed device is provided, inserted between the two glass sheets, in order to deliver gas, while the glazing unit is undergoing the surrounding operation, and said device is removed just before the end of the surrounding operation.
30. The process for manufacturing an insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that:

    - the two glass sheets are kept parallel and spaced apart;

    - the internal face (20) of the substantially flat strip, provided with the means (4) for fastening it against the edges (10a, 11a) of the glass sheets, is placed around the entire perimeter of the glazing unit;

    - while the substantially flat strip is being put in place, pressure means (54) are applied almost instantaneously on its external face (21) so as to ensure that it adheres to the edges of the glass sheets;

    - after the entire glazing unit has been surrounded, the two ends (23, 24) of the substantially flat strip are securely joined together;

    - a hole (6) in the substantially flat strip is sealed off by means of a said other strip (30), the hole (6) possibly being drilled by the coming-together of the substantially flat strip and of the other strip shaped for this purpose.
31. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substantially flat strip is with an approximately parallelepipedal shape, and possibly has functional elements structured by forming or securely attached.
32. The insulating glazing unit as claimed in claim 31, characterized in that the strip includes, on one of its main faces (20), means for centering and positioning the insert on the glazing unit.

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