CA1306346C - Multiple glazing - Google Patents
Multiple glazingInfo
- Publication number
- CA1306346C CA1306346C CA000615845A CA615845A CA1306346C CA 1306346 C CA1306346 C CA 1306346C CA 000615845 A CA000615845 A CA 000615845A CA 615845 A CA615845 A CA 615845A CA 1306346 C CA1306346 C CA 1306346C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spacer frame
- curing
- panels
- side portions
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/663—Elements for spacing panes
- E06B3/66309—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit
- E06B3/66342—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit characterised by their sealed connection to the panes
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Securing Of Glass Panes Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
MULTIPLE GLAZING
Abstract of the Disclosure A method of manufacturing a multiple glazing unit which comprises: preparing two transparent panels and assembling a spacer frame. The frame has two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and intended to be located at the outer region of the spacer frame to provide a closed figure of substan-tially uniform thickness. Prior to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, a coating of a curing sealing composition is disposed onto the side portions, the bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame. The coating on the side portion is triangular in section. The curing sealant composition comprises a cold curing poly-urethane, cold curing polysulphide or moisture curing silicone and has a rate of cure and a degree of thixotropy sufficient that the composition retains its shape and ability to bond until the panels are pressed together with the frame. The spacer frame with its coating of sealant is then positioned between the two transparent panels and these are then pressed together.
Abstract of the Disclosure A method of manufacturing a multiple glazing unit which comprises: preparing two transparent panels and assembling a spacer frame. The frame has two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and intended to be located at the outer region of the spacer frame to provide a closed figure of substan-tially uniform thickness. Prior to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, a coating of a curing sealing composition is disposed onto the side portions, the bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame. The coating on the side portion is triangular in section. The curing sealant composition comprises a cold curing poly-urethane, cold curing polysulphide or moisture curing silicone and has a rate of cure and a degree of thixotropy sufficient that the composition retains its shape and ability to bond until the panels are pressed together with the frame. The spacer frame with its coating of sealant is then positioned between the two transparent panels and these are then pressed together.
Description
~r~
MULTI~LE GlAZI~lG
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention This invention is concerned wi~h improvements in or relating to multiple glazing.
Description of the Prior Art In the manufacture of multiple, e.g. double glazing units, it is a practice to insert a spaced frame between tWG glass panes somewhat inset from the edges thereof and to seal the unit by use of a sealant composition inserted between the spacer frame and the edges of the glass panes. Various methods have been proposed for manufacture of double glazing units. For example the sealant may be pumped into the U shaped gap between the spacer frame and the panes, or it may be applied as a preforMed tape. Also using some varieties of sealant compositiors which are to provide a tough impervious seal, it has been a practice to hold the sealed unit under pressure for a period of time during which the sealant composition becomes sufficiently cured so that handling and transport of the units may be effected without damaging the seal.
It has also been a practice to bond the spacer frame to the glass panes using a pressure sensitive adhesive in addition to the sealant composition. Various types of sealant compositions have been employed including for example two pàrt- epoxy polysulphides which can be mixed and pumped into place at room temperature between the panes and allowed to cure at room temperature, thermoplastic tapes for example based on butyl rubber compositions which require heating to soften them and application of pressure to compress them after insertion of the tape between the panes, and cold curing polyurethane compositions which can be mixed and extruded between the panes at room temperature and allowed to cure at room temperature.
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It has also been proposed to employ spacers having a Jreapplied layer of thermoplastic sealant. These require heating after insertion between the panes to cause the sealant to soften, flow and adhere.
Spacer frames used in the manufacture of multiple glazing units normally comprise lengths of hollow metal profile formed or joined to provide a closed figure.
The process of manufacturing a double glazing unit normally involves inter alia preparing the glass panes and spacer, laying the spacer on one pane, laying the second pane onto the spacer and applying the sealing composition. In those cases where a thermoplastic sealant composition is used it is also necessary to heat the composition to soften it and to press the panes together to a desired extent, with consequent risk of irregular sealant flow. In those cases where a fluid sealant composition is extruded into place, it is necessary to hold the assembly of panes and spacer frame in required location while the composition is applied and until the composition has set or cured to an adequate extent. In order to ensure adequate sealing it is not unusual to employ significant quantities of the sealing composition to compensate for irregular extrusion or flow of the composition or for moisture vapor transmission properties of the sealant composition.
Thus, a number and variety of procedural steps, and significant handling of the assembly prior to and during the application and subsequent processing of the sealant are normal in manufacture of multiple glazing units. To some extent, mechanization of work handling and sealant application have heen employed but in some respects such procedures reduce the ability of manu~acturers to produce a wide variety o~ sizes of double glazing units, and in any event render the economic manufacture of mulitiple glazing units less attainable to manufacturers who wish to manufacture a wide range of units in smaller quanities.
~3~
Brief Summary of the Invention We have now found that by use of a spacer frame coated with curable sealant composition prior to insertion between the panes, one may provide a comparatively simple process for manufacture of multiple glazing units especially appropriate to manufacture of units of various sizes in comparatively small quantities, which does not require a significant amount of special heating or work handling machinery.
The invention provides in one of its aspects a spacer frame for use in manufacture of a multiple glazing unit by a process in which the spacer frame is disposed between prepared transparent panels and the panels are pressed together, the spacer frame comprising one or more spacer elements arranged to provide a closed figure of at least substantially uniform thickness and a coating of a curing sealant composition disposed on outer surfaces of the closed figure and of sufficient thickness and distribution to form a moisture resistant seal between the spacer elements and glass panels.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a multiple glazing unit which comprises: preparing two transparent panels and assembling a spacer frame.
The frame has two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and intended to be located at the outer region of the spacer frame to provide a closed figure of substantially uniform thickness. Prior -to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, a coating of a curing sealing composition is disposed onto the side portions, the bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame. The coating on the side portion is -triangular .... . . .
~3~3~
" - 3a -in section. The curing sealant composition comprises a cold curing polyurethane, cold curing polysulphide or moisture curing silicone and has a rate of cure and a degree of thixotropy sufficient that the composition retains its shape and ability to bond until the panels are pressed together with the frame. The spacer frame with its coating of sealant is then positioned between the two transparent panels and these are then pressed together.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a view of the illustrative spacer frame, Figure 2 is a view of two transparent panels and the illustrative spacer frame ready for assembly, and Figure 3 is a view in section on an enlarged scale of a portion of the spacer frame taken on the line III-III of Figure 1.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments A spacer frame according to the invention comprises one or more spacer elements arranged to provide a closed figure of uniform thickness. The shape of the closed figure is chosen in accordance with the shape of the panels with which the spacer frame is intended -to be used. Conveniently, the closed figure is of the same shape as the panels, and its outer dimensions a few millimeters less than the outer dimensions of the panels or of the smaller of them, so that the spacer frame is employed at or near the perimeter of the panels thus to allow maximum visibility through a glazing unit. Conveniently, the spacer frame io .
'~(J6~
~rovided by a series of spacer elements at least o~e o~ ~7hich has a hollow profile and contains a dessicant e~ective to absorb moisture present in the air trapped between the spacer frame and the panels when a unit is assembled. For a square or rectangular unit it is convenient to employ four hollow profiles joined at their ends by corner pieces to provide the closed figure.
Preferably the four profiles are of the same cross sectional area and have two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels, and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and located at the outer region of the spacer frame. ~y this arrangement, the spacer elements are of at least substantially uniform thic~ness, and facilitate assembly of the unit and effective sealing thereof with a minimum of uniform sealing layer between the spacer element and panels and without unsightly seepage of sealant during assembly of the unit. Preferably the spacer frame ha~ a uniform coating o~ sealant composition along the side portions of the spacer elements and this may entirely coat the side, or more preferably extends over the whole perimeter of the side portions and corner connectors to a depth of about two thirds of the height of the side portions. Preferably also the coating extends entirely over the bridging portions and corner connectors. The thickness of the coating is chosen so that adequate sealing is achieved with a minimum amount of sealant composition.
Preferably the coating on the side surfaces of the spacer element is somewhat triangular in section so that during assembly with the panels, line contact is first established between the sealant composition and panels as they are brought together and before the composition is deformed hy assembly pressure. If desired, an adhesion promoter or primer composition may be applied to the spacer element prior to application of sealant composition thereto. The sealant composition is mixed and applied to the spacer element in any suitable manner for example by extrusion onto the spacer element throu~h a nozzle of appropriate configuration. It is hi~hly preferred that the sealant com~osition is applied to the spacer elements after they have been assembled to provide the closed figure in order to minimize clean-up and touch-up operations.
~3~
~ spacer ~rame according to the invention has a ~oating oE a curing sealant comDosition intended to provide a moisture proof seal between the transparent panels (whic~ are pre~erabl~ of glass) and the spacer elements. A curing sealant composition is used with a view to ~roviding a sealed glazing unit of performance comparable with other high quality units. While double glazing units made by use of thermoplastic sealant compositions have been proposed, we have found that curing sealant compositions yield seals which develop strengt'n and tenacity to provide units which retain their beneficial properties for substantial periods of time. Suitable curing sealant compositions include those based on cold curing polyurethanes, cold curing polysulphides and moisture curing silicones. The sealant composition selected for use according to the invention has a suitable blend of properties including appropriate flow characteristics at the time of application to the spacer element, ability to retain desired stability of configuration after application until assembly of the unit and appropriate curing speed as well as satis~actory adhesion, sealing and flexibility characteristics when cured.
Many curing compositions commence to cure as soon as the appropriate parts are mixed together, and continue to do so over a period from several seconds to many hours. The properties of viscosity and ability to be extruded and also the ability to form an adhesive bond by exertion of pressure alone generally decrease as curing proceeds. It is important therefore to select a curing sealant composition which cures at a rate compatible with the speed of production of spacer frames and multiple glazing units using the spacer frame. It is envisaged that periods of from a few seconds to a matter of hours or even longer may elapse between extrusion of the composition onto the spacer element and assembly of the unit. It is also important to select a composition which can be extruded onto the spacer element in the desired configuration and which will retain the configuration to a required extent while the composition remains in a somewhat flowable bond forming condition prior to assembly of the unit.
Desirably the composition has a degree of thixotrop~ greater than is normally demonstrated by double glazing sealants. This may be achieved by incorporation of thixotropic fillers e.g. carbon black, calcium carbonate, fused silica into the comnosition. It is important to select a sealing composition having adequate adhesion to the spacer element and transparent panel, if necessarv in conjunction with an adhesion promoter or primer, and ade~uate sealing properties. Sealing properties are frequently assessed in terms of Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate and other tests for flexibility and cohesion standard in the insulating glazing industry.
In order to manufacture a double glazing unit using a spacer frame according to the invention, two transparent panels of required slze are prapared for exarnple by washing, and if necessary coated at their periphery with a primer. The panels may be single panels or double or multiple glazing panels and are preEerably of glass. The spacer frame prepared as aforesaid is placed on one of the panels with its periphery adjacent to and slightly within the perimeter of the first panel. The second panel is then placed onto the exposed surface oE the spacer frame in appropriate location. Pressure is then exerted on the assembly to a controlled extent sufficient to ensure both panels and sealant composition are in adhesive engagement throughout the length of the spacer elements on both sides thereof i.e. the sealant composition is subjected to squashing suEficient to cause it to assume conformity with the surfaces of the panels. The units thus assembled are stored in their bonded configuration for a time sufficient to ensure that adhesion between spacer frame and panels is suEficient to ~ermit handling of the unit. This storing may conveniently be done by stacking units one on top of the other and storing them for a time appropriate to the degree of cure of the sealant composition. Alternatively the individual units may be clamped for an appropriate period.
7 ~L3~3~
, We prefer to employ a spacer frame according to the invention which incorporates on its side portions a coating o~ pressure sensitive adhesive composition. Conveniently this may be provided by a stripe of a butyl rubber based hot melt applied to the spacer element before or after extrusion of the coating of sealant composition. The adhsive composition is selected and used in a quantity with a view to providing sufficient adhesion to permit handling of the unit while the sealant composition continues to cure.
The invention provides in another of its aspects a method of making a multiple glazing unit comprising using two prepared transparent panels, and a spacer frame according to the invention described above, positioning the spacer frame between said two transparent panels, and then pressing the panels together with the spacer frame between them to ensure conformity of t'ne coating of curing sealant composition with the panels, thereby forming a moisture proof seal.
The present invention thus provides through the use of a spacer frame bearing a curing sealant a method of making double glazing units which is flexible as to the size of units which may be made, and inexpensive in that a limited amount of sophisticated equipment is required.
The invention will be more readily understood if reference is made to the f~llowing description together with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate in further detail the invention by way of example and are not to be regarded in any way as limiting.
Figure 1 shows a spacer frame (9) made from four hollow profiles (10) joined at their ends by corner pieces (1~), as is common practice in the double glazing industry. As described above, the frame is coated with a curing sealant (1~) and contains in addition a pressure sensitive adhesive ~11) which is often used in the manufacture of double glazing units to facil~tatG moun:ing and t^ serve as a water barrier.
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Figure 2 shows schematically the construction o~ a double glazing unit from a coated spacer frame (9) and t~10 glass panes (13).
~ s shown in Figure 3, the curing sealant (12) is coated on three sides of hollow profile (10). Following assembly of the two glass panes (l3) and the coated spacer frame (9), the double glazing unit is made by pressing the two glass panes (13) onto the curing sealant to form a tight seal. The use of the pressure sensitive adhesive may be avoided if a curing sealant with low moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) is used, such, for example, as certain polyurethane sealants based on hydroxyl group bearing polybutadienes. Its use is, howevsr, indispensible if curing sealants with high MVTR are used, as e.g~ one-part, cold-curing silicone sealants.
This application is a division of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 501,139 filed February 5, 1985.
MULTI~LE GlAZI~lG
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention This invention is concerned wi~h improvements in or relating to multiple glazing.
Description of the Prior Art In the manufacture of multiple, e.g. double glazing units, it is a practice to insert a spaced frame between tWG glass panes somewhat inset from the edges thereof and to seal the unit by use of a sealant composition inserted between the spacer frame and the edges of the glass panes. Various methods have been proposed for manufacture of double glazing units. For example the sealant may be pumped into the U shaped gap between the spacer frame and the panes, or it may be applied as a preforMed tape. Also using some varieties of sealant compositiors which are to provide a tough impervious seal, it has been a practice to hold the sealed unit under pressure for a period of time during which the sealant composition becomes sufficiently cured so that handling and transport of the units may be effected without damaging the seal.
It has also been a practice to bond the spacer frame to the glass panes using a pressure sensitive adhesive in addition to the sealant composition. Various types of sealant compositions have been employed including for example two pàrt- epoxy polysulphides which can be mixed and pumped into place at room temperature between the panes and allowed to cure at room temperature, thermoplastic tapes for example based on butyl rubber compositions which require heating to soften them and application of pressure to compress them after insertion of the tape between the panes, and cold curing polyurethane compositions which can be mixed and extruded between the panes at room temperature and allowed to cure at room temperature.
q~' '~ .
3r~
It has also been proposed to employ spacers having a Jreapplied layer of thermoplastic sealant. These require heating after insertion between the panes to cause the sealant to soften, flow and adhere.
Spacer frames used in the manufacture of multiple glazing units normally comprise lengths of hollow metal profile formed or joined to provide a closed figure.
The process of manufacturing a double glazing unit normally involves inter alia preparing the glass panes and spacer, laying the spacer on one pane, laying the second pane onto the spacer and applying the sealing composition. In those cases where a thermoplastic sealant composition is used it is also necessary to heat the composition to soften it and to press the panes together to a desired extent, with consequent risk of irregular sealant flow. In those cases where a fluid sealant composition is extruded into place, it is necessary to hold the assembly of panes and spacer frame in required location while the composition is applied and until the composition has set or cured to an adequate extent. In order to ensure adequate sealing it is not unusual to employ significant quantities of the sealing composition to compensate for irregular extrusion or flow of the composition or for moisture vapor transmission properties of the sealant composition.
Thus, a number and variety of procedural steps, and significant handling of the assembly prior to and during the application and subsequent processing of the sealant are normal in manufacture of multiple glazing units. To some extent, mechanization of work handling and sealant application have heen employed but in some respects such procedures reduce the ability of manu~acturers to produce a wide variety o~ sizes of double glazing units, and in any event render the economic manufacture of mulitiple glazing units less attainable to manufacturers who wish to manufacture a wide range of units in smaller quanities.
~3~
Brief Summary of the Invention We have now found that by use of a spacer frame coated with curable sealant composition prior to insertion between the panes, one may provide a comparatively simple process for manufacture of multiple glazing units especially appropriate to manufacture of units of various sizes in comparatively small quantities, which does not require a significant amount of special heating or work handling machinery.
The invention provides in one of its aspects a spacer frame for use in manufacture of a multiple glazing unit by a process in which the spacer frame is disposed between prepared transparent panels and the panels are pressed together, the spacer frame comprising one or more spacer elements arranged to provide a closed figure of at least substantially uniform thickness and a coating of a curing sealant composition disposed on outer surfaces of the closed figure and of sufficient thickness and distribution to form a moisture resistant seal between the spacer elements and glass panels.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a multiple glazing unit which comprises: preparing two transparent panels and assembling a spacer frame.
The frame has two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and intended to be located at the outer region of the spacer frame to provide a closed figure of substantially uniform thickness. Prior -to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, a coating of a curing sealing composition is disposed onto the side portions, the bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame. The coating on the side portion is -triangular .... . . .
~3~3~
" - 3a -in section. The curing sealant composition comprises a cold curing polyurethane, cold curing polysulphide or moisture curing silicone and has a rate of cure and a degree of thixotropy sufficient that the composition retains its shape and ability to bond until the panels are pressed together with the frame. The spacer frame with its coating of sealant is then positioned between the two transparent panels and these are then pressed together.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a view of the illustrative spacer frame, Figure 2 is a view of two transparent panels and the illustrative spacer frame ready for assembly, and Figure 3 is a view in section on an enlarged scale of a portion of the spacer frame taken on the line III-III of Figure 1.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments A spacer frame according to the invention comprises one or more spacer elements arranged to provide a closed figure of uniform thickness. The shape of the closed figure is chosen in accordance with the shape of the panels with which the spacer frame is intended -to be used. Conveniently, the closed figure is of the same shape as the panels, and its outer dimensions a few millimeters less than the outer dimensions of the panels or of the smaller of them, so that the spacer frame is employed at or near the perimeter of the panels thus to allow maximum visibility through a glazing unit. Conveniently, the spacer frame io .
'~(J6~
~rovided by a series of spacer elements at least o~e o~ ~7hich has a hollow profile and contains a dessicant e~ective to absorb moisture present in the air trapped between the spacer frame and the panels when a unit is assembled. For a square or rectangular unit it is convenient to employ four hollow profiles joined at their ends by corner pieces to provide the closed figure.
Preferably the four profiles are of the same cross sectional area and have two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels, and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and located at the outer region of the spacer frame. ~y this arrangement, the spacer elements are of at least substantially uniform thic~ness, and facilitate assembly of the unit and effective sealing thereof with a minimum of uniform sealing layer between the spacer element and panels and without unsightly seepage of sealant during assembly of the unit. Preferably the spacer frame ha~ a uniform coating o~ sealant composition along the side portions of the spacer elements and this may entirely coat the side, or more preferably extends over the whole perimeter of the side portions and corner connectors to a depth of about two thirds of the height of the side portions. Preferably also the coating extends entirely over the bridging portions and corner connectors. The thickness of the coating is chosen so that adequate sealing is achieved with a minimum amount of sealant composition.
Preferably the coating on the side surfaces of the spacer element is somewhat triangular in section so that during assembly with the panels, line contact is first established between the sealant composition and panels as they are brought together and before the composition is deformed hy assembly pressure. If desired, an adhesion promoter or primer composition may be applied to the spacer element prior to application of sealant composition thereto. The sealant composition is mixed and applied to the spacer element in any suitable manner for example by extrusion onto the spacer element throu~h a nozzle of appropriate configuration. It is hi~hly preferred that the sealant com~osition is applied to the spacer elements after they have been assembled to provide the closed figure in order to minimize clean-up and touch-up operations.
~3~
~ spacer ~rame according to the invention has a ~oating oE a curing sealant comDosition intended to provide a moisture proof seal between the transparent panels (whic~ are pre~erabl~ of glass) and the spacer elements. A curing sealant composition is used with a view to ~roviding a sealed glazing unit of performance comparable with other high quality units. While double glazing units made by use of thermoplastic sealant compositions have been proposed, we have found that curing sealant compositions yield seals which develop strengt'n and tenacity to provide units which retain their beneficial properties for substantial periods of time. Suitable curing sealant compositions include those based on cold curing polyurethanes, cold curing polysulphides and moisture curing silicones. The sealant composition selected for use according to the invention has a suitable blend of properties including appropriate flow characteristics at the time of application to the spacer element, ability to retain desired stability of configuration after application until assembly of the unit and appropriate curing speed as well as satis~actory adhesion, sealing and flexibility characteristics when cured.
Many curing compositions commence to cure as soon as the appropriate parts are mixed together, and continue to do so over a period from several seconds to many hours. The properties of viscosity and ability to be extruded and also the ability to form an adhesive bond by exertion of pressure alone generally decrease as curing proceeds. It is important therefore to select a curing sealant composition which cures at a rate compatible with the speed of production of spacer frames and multiple glazing units using the spacer frame. It is envisaged that periods of from a few seconds to a matter of hours or even longer may elapse between extrusion of the composition onto the spacer element and assembly of the unit. It is also important to select a composition which can be extruded onto the spacer element in the desired configuration and which will retain the configuration to a required extent while the composition remains in a somewhat flowable bond forming condition prior to assembly of the unit.
Desirably the composition has a degree of thixotrop~ greater than is normally demonstrated by double glazing sealants. This may be achieved by incorporation of thixotropic fillers e.g. carbon black, calcium carbonate, fused silica into the comnosition. It is important to select a sealing composition having adequate adhesion to the spacer element and transparent panel, if necessarv in conjunction with an adhesion promoter or primer, and ade~uate sealing properties. Sealing properties are frequently assessed in terms of Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate and other tests for flexibility and cohesion standard in the insulating glazing industry.
In order to manufacture a double glazing unit using a spacer frame according to the invention, two transparent panels of required slze are prapared for exarnple by washing, and if necessary coated at their periphery with a primer. The panels may be single panels or double or multiple glazing panels and are preEerably of glass. The spacer frame prepared as aforesaid is placed on one of the panels with its periphery adjacent to and slightly within the perimeter of the first panel. The second panel is then placed onto the exposed surface oE the spacer frame in appropriate location. Pressure is then exerted on the assembly to a controlled extent sufficient to ensure both panels and sealant composition are in adhesive engagement throughout the length of the spacer elements on both sides thereof i.e. the sealant composition is subjected to squashing suEficient to cause it to assume conformity with the surfaces of the panels. The units thus assembled are stored in their bonded configuration for a time sufficient to ensure that adhesion between spacer frame and panels is suEficient to ~ermit handling of the unit. This storing may conveniently be done by stacking units one on top of the other and storing them for a time appropriate to the degree of cure of the sealant composition. Alternatively the individual units may be clamped for an appropriate period.
7 ~L3~3~
, We prefer to employ a spacer frame according to the invention which incorporates on its side portions a coating o~ pressure sensitive adhesive composition. Conveniently this may be provided by a stripe of a butyl rubber based hot melt applied to the spacer element before or after extrusion of the coating of sealant composition. The adhsive composition is selected and used in a quantity with a view to providing sufficient adhesion to permit handling of the unit while the sealant composition continues to cure.
The invention provides in another of its aspects a method of making a multiple glazing unit comprising using two prepared transparent panels, and a spacer frame according to the invention described above, positioning the spacer frame between said two transparent panels, and then pressing the panels together with the spacer frame between them to ensure conformity of t'ne coating of curing sealant composition with the panels, thereby forming a moisture proof seal.
The present invention thus provides through the use of a spacer frame bearing a curing sealant a method of making double glazing units which is flexible as to the size of units which may be made, and inexpensive in that a limited amount of sophisticated equipment is required.
The invention will be more readily understood if reference is made to the f~llowing description together with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate in further detail the invention by way of example and are not to be regarded in any way as limiting.
Figure 1 shows a spacer frame (9) made from four hollow profiles (10) joined at their ends by corner pieces (1~), as is common practice in the double glazing industry. As described above, the frame is coated with a curing sealant (1~) and contains in addition a pressure sensitive adhesive ~11) which is often used in the manufacture of double glazing units to facil~tatG moun:ing and t^ serve as a water barrier.
f~
Figure 2 shows schematically the construction o~ a double glazing unit from a coated spacer frame (9) and t~10 glass panes (13).
~ s shown in Figure 3, the curing sealant (12) is coated on three sides of hollow profile (10). Following assembly of the two glass panes (l3) and the coated spacer frame (9), the double glazing unit is made by pressing the two glass panes (13) onto the curing sealant to form a tight seal. The use of the pressure sensitive adhesive may be avoided if a curing sealant with low moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) is used, such, for example, as certain polyurethane sealants based on hydroxyl group bearing polybutadienes. Its use is, howevsr, indispensible if curing sealants with high MVTR are used, as e.g~ one-part, cold-curing silicone sealants.
This application is a division of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 501,139 filed February 5, 1985.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:-1. A method of manufacturing a multiple glazing unit which comprises:
a. preparing two transparent panels;
b. assembling a spacer frame having two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and intended to be located at the outer region of the spacer frame to provide a closed figure of substan-tially uniform thickness;
c. prior to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, extruding onto the side portions, bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame a coating of a curing sealing composition, the coating on the side portion being triangular in section, wherein said curing sealant composition comprises a cold curing poly-urethane, cold curing polysulphide or moisture curing silicone and has a rate of cure and a degree of thixotropy sufficient that the composition retains its shape and ability to bond until the panels are pressed together with the frame;
d. positioning the coated spacer frame between the two transparent panels and pressing together.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said spacer frame comprises four hollow profiles joined at their ends by corner pieces or welding.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said spacer frame is assembled from hollow profile comprising bent corners.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said spacer frame comprises at least one hollow profile containing dessicant.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein prior to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, a stripe of butyl rubber based hot melt is applied to the side portions of the spacer frame.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein simultaneously to extruding said curing sealant to the side portions, bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame, a stripe of butyl rubber based hot melt is extruded onto the side portions of the spacer frame.
a. preparing two transparent panels;
b. assembling a spacer frame having two parallel side portions intended to be located in juxtaposed relation and parallel with the panels and a bridging portion extending between the side portions and intended to be located at the outer region of the spacer frame to provide a closed figure of substan-tially uniform thickness;
c. prior to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, extruding onto the side portions, bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame a coating of a curing sealing composition, the coating on the side portion being triangular in section, wherein said curing sealant composition comprises a cold curing poly-urethane, cold curing polysulphide or moisture curing silicone and has a rate of cure and a degree of thixotropy sufficient that the composition retains its shape and ability to bond until the panels are pressed together with the frame;
d. positioning the coated spacer frame between the two transparent panels and pressing together.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said spacer frame comprises four hollow profiles joined at their ends by corner pieces or welding.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said spacer frame is assembled from hollow profile comprising bent corners.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said spacer frame comprises at least one hollow profile containing dessicant.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein prior to positioning the assembled spacer frame between the two transparent panels, a stripe of butyl rubber based hot melt is applied to the side portions of the spacer frame.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein simultaneously to extruding said curing sealant to the side portions, bridging portions and corner pieces of the spacer frame, a stripe of butyl rubber based hot melt is extruded onto the side portions of the spacer frame.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8502959 | 1985-02-06 | ||
| GB858502959A GB8502959D0 (en) | 1985-02-06 | 1985-02-06 | Multiple glazing |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000501139A Division CA1287999C (en) | 1985-02-06 | 1986-02-05 | Multiple glazing |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1306346C true CA1306346C (en) | 1992-08-18 |
Family
ID=10574019
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000501139A Expired - Fee Related CA1287999C (en) | 1985-02-06 | 1986-02-05 | Multiple glazing |
| CA000615845A Expired - Fee Related CA1306346C (en) | 1985-02-06 | 1990-08-21 | Multiple glazing |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000501139A Expired - Fee Related CA1287999C (en) | 1985-02-06 | 1986-02-05 | Multiple glazing |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0192363A1 (en) |
| CA (2) | CA1287999C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB8502959D0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2594479B1 (en) * | 1986-02-20 | 1991-05-31 | Saint Gobain Vitrage | MULTIPLE GLAZING, PROCESS FOR OBTAINING THE SAME, AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD |
| EP0286136A1 (en) * | 1987-04-08 | 1988-10-12 | T-Seal Enterprises, Inc. | Method and apparatus for constructing insulating glass units |
| US5088258A (en) * | 1990-09-07 | 1992-02-18 | Weather Shield Mfg., Inc. | Thermal broken glass spacer |
| GB9223778D0 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1993-01-06 | Ukae Limited | Insulated glass units |
| US7132059B2 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2006-11-07 | H.B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc. | Ambient applied desiccant matrix composition |
| WO2006025953A1 (en) * | 2004-08-31 | 2006-03-09 | Dow Corning Corporation | Products having reduced permeability and methods for the preparation and use of the products |
| GB2432871B (en) * | 2005-11-21 | 2010-04-07 | Denis Augustine Carey | A Process for Producing Double Glazed Glass Panels |
| US20100139193A1 (en) * | 2008-12-09 | 2010-06-10 | Goldberg Michael J | Nonmetallic ultra-low permeability butyl tape for use as the final seal in insulated glass units |
| CN110388169A (en) * | 2018-04-16 | 2019-10-29 | 盘锦窗利来中空玻璃材料有限公司 | The compound spacer bar of hollow glass |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3280523A (en) * | 1964-01-08 | 1966-10-25 | Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co | Multiple glazing unit |
| LU65310A1 (en) * | 1972-05-08 | 1973-11-22 | ||
| DK138910B (en) * | 1973-05-23 | 1978-11-13 | Scanglas As | Thermovindue. |
| US4153594A (en) * | 1976-04-08 | 1979-05-08 | Wilson Jr Floyd | Insulated glass and sealant therefore |
| US4193236A (en) * | 1978-01-30 | 1980-03-18 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Multiple glazed unit having an adhesive cleat |
| GB2023209A (en) * | 1978-04-05 | 1979-12-28 | Bostik Ltd | Spacer means |
| IT7921297V0 (en) * | 1979-04-06 | 1979-04-06 | F A S Italiana Fabbrica Adesiv | SPACER PROFILE FOR DOUBLE GLASS WINDOWS, PROVIDED WITH SEALING GASKETS. |
| GB2064631A (en) * | 1979-12-03 | 1981-06-17 | Bayer F | Sealing Profile |
| DE3131677A1 (en) * | 1981-08-11 | 1983-02-24 | Perennatorwerk Alfred Hagen Gmbh, 6200 Wiesbaden | Adhesive bond to wall parts |
| DE3200430A1 (en) * | 1982-01-09 | 1983-07-21 | Bayer Ag | USE OF SINGLE OR MULTI-COMPONENT SYSTEMS AS OR FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOSITIONS FOR GLASS CONSTRUCTIONS |
-
1985
- 1985-02-06 GB GB858502959A patent/GB8502959D0/en active Pending
-
1986
- 1986-01-30 EP EP86300621A patent/EP0192363A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1986-02-05 CA CA000501139A patent/CA1287999C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1990
- 1990-08-21 CA CA000615845A patent/CA1306346C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0192363A1 (en) | 1986-08-27 |
| GB8502959D0 (en) | 1985-03-06 |
| CA1287999C (en) | 1991-08-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |