EP1853785B1 - Method for producing spacers for insulating glass panes - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing a molded body and for inserting said molded body into a hollow bar section with a cross-section of a predetermined width and height that remains constant over its length, from which a frame-type spacer for insulating glass panes is subsequently configured, the molded body bridging a gap in said spacer. According to said method, a strand-type semi-finished product with a cross-section that remains constant over its length is provided; the semi-finished product is positioned in relation to a separation tool in such a way that a predefined section of the semi-finished product lies on one side and the remaining section of the semi-finished product lies on the other side of a separation plane of the separation tool and the length of the predefined section that is measured in the longitudinal direction of the semi-finished product is adapted to the inner width of the hollow bar section.

Description

The invention is based on a method for making available an elongated molding and for inserting the molding in a hollow profile rod with a constant over its length cross-section with a given width and height. From the hollow profile bar, a frame-shaped spacer for insulating glass panes is then formed, in which the molded part bridges a gap in the spacer.

It's off, for example EP 0 665 357 A1 or US 5 640 828 A known to bend spacers for insulating glass panes from a single hollow profile bar. After the bending operation, the two ends of the hollow profile bar face each other and must be connected to each other to close the frame-shaped spacer. For this purpose it is known, straight To use connectors which are designed in cross section so that they fit without play in the clear cross-section of the hollow profile bar. The known connectors are bevelled at their ends for easier insertion into the hollow profile bar. So that you can not insert it deeper into the one end of the hollow profile bar than in the other end of the hollow profile bar, the connector in the middle of a rib or other projection, which abuts the edge of the hollow profile bar and thereby limits the insertion depth.

It's off, for example GB1381507 known to produce such connectors as plastic molded parts by injection molding. It is also known to produce such connectors by stamping and bending of sheet metal. They can be inserted by hand into the ends of the hollow profile bars. In manufacturing plants with a higher degree of automation, the prefabricated plug connectors are inserted into the ends of the hollow profile rods by machine. For this one needs a tool, which the

Plug connector for the insertion process in a defined position takes. For this purpose, the connector must be isolated the plug tool and fed in a defined orientation. It's off, for example DE2938481 A1 known to use vibratory conveyor for this purpose.

Two-legged, foldable to an elbow structure and thus produced spacers with a continuous outer wall are in the German patent application DE 10 2005 037 303 A1 disclosed.

Insulating glass panes are manufactured with different distances between the individual panes of glass. Most of the distance is in the range between 6 mm and 30 mm. In a typical insulating glass production line, insulating glass panes with varying formats and varying distances between their glass panes are produced in irregular succession, depending on the order received. Accordingly, you need spacers with different width and accordingly also connectors with correspondingly different width. This has the consequence that you hold on an insulating glass production line connectors with different widths on stock and - in the automated production of frame-shaped spacers - must also provide their own vibrating conveyor for the different connectors. This is complex, especially since the vibratory conveyors need plenty of space, represent a costly investment and are also prone to failure.

To make matters worse, that curved spacers can also be formed from more than one hollow profile bar. Since the hollow profile bars are usually fixed in fixed lengths of e.g. 5 m are made, it is useful for insulating glass panes with a circumference of less than 5 m to avoid waste, to connect the hollow profile bars through connectors endlessly together. Such a compound of hollow profile bars in succession is mandatory if a frame-shaped spacer is to be manufactured for an insulating glass pane whose circumference is greater than the length of a single hollow profile bar.

It is also known to form rectangular spacer frames from hollow section bars by first cutting four hollow section bars in the length required for the four legs of the spacer frame and then connecting these four legs together by right angle elbows which terminate in the ends of two ends abutting one corner of the spacer Hollow section bars are introduced. As in the case of straight connectors you need in this case for insulating glass with different disc spacing different width elbows, for each spacer four pieces that - if they are to be inserted automatically - are also supplied by different vibratory conveyor.

The present invention has for its object to provide a way as straight connectors and / or angle pieces for spacers in insulating glass can be supplied with less effort and introduced into a hollow profile bar.

This object is achieved by a method having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a strand-shaped semifinished product is provided which has a has constant cross-section over its length. The semi-finished product is positioned relative to a cutting tool so that a predetermined distance of the semi-finished on one side and the remaining portion of the semi-finished product on the other side of the cutting tool and measured in the longitudinal direction of the semi-finished length of the predetermined section on the clear width of the hollow profile bar is tuned, in which the molding is to be inserted. The predetermined section of the semifinished product is gripped by means of a mechanical gripper and only then separated from the strand-shaped semifinished product. The molding formed by the separation is inserted without releasing it in the meantime, with a gripper in the hollow profile bar.

With this method, the invention makes a fundamental departure from the previous approach in the manufacture of frame-shaped spacers for insulating glass panes. The inserted into the hollow profile bar moldings, whether straight connectors or contra-angles, are no longer produced in a single mold technology, delivered in containers, separated by vibrating conveyor, fed, taken and plugged, but they are in place in the operation of an insulating glass manufacturer, in spatial Relation to the facilities with which the insulating glass manufacturer, the spacers are made, formed from a strand-shaped semifinished product with a constant over its length cross-section by cutting individually in the order required for the spacers to be produced. Differently wide and equally high connectors are inventively formed from one and the same strand-shaped semifinished product with the individually desired width by cross-cutting. In a corresponding manner, different width angle pieces for different width, but the same height hollow profile rods, made of one and the same strand-shaped semifinished product in each required widths by cutting.

In this case, the sections to be separated from the semifinished product are previously gripped by means of a mechanical gripper, then separated and then inserted into the hollow profile bar, without the molded part - a straight connector or an angle piece - release in the meantime.

• Die für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren benötigten strangförmigen Halbzeuge lassen sich preiswert herstellen, entweder durch Strangpressen aus Metall, insbesondere aus Aluminium oder aus einer Aluminiumlegierung, oder durch Extrudieren von Kunststoff. Die Verwendung eines strangförmigen Halbzeugs aus Kunststoff wird bevorzugt, weil Kunststoffe preiswerter als Aluminium sind und wegen ihrer verglichen mit Metallen geringeren Wärmeleitfähigkeit Isolierglasscheiben mit einem geringeren Wärmedurchgangswert ermöglichen als das bei Abstandhaltern aus metallischen Hohlprofilstäben der Fall ist. Kunststoffe mit einer Festigkeit, die den typischen Einsatzbedingungen in einer Isolierglasscheibe gerecht wird, sind dem Fachmann bekannt. Geeignet sind z. B. Polyamide, Polyethylen, Polypropylen, Polystyrol, Polykarbonat, Polytretrafluorethylen und Ethylen-Propylen-Terpolymer (EPDM). Diese eignen sich auch für das Extrudieren von Hohlprofilstäben aus Kunststoff. Meistens bestehen Hohlprofilstäbe für Abstandhalter bisher allerdings aus Aluminium oder Stahl, insbesondere Edelstahl.
• Hohlprofilstäbe lassen sich kostengünstig und platzsparender transportieren und bevorraten als in Einzelformtechnik hergestellte Steckverbinder und Winkelstücke.
• Die strangförmigen Halbzeuge können von einem Zulieferer bezogen, aber auch vom Isolierglashersteller selbst produziert werden.
• Das Herstellen der Steckverbinder und Winkelstücke durch Abtrennen von einem vorgefertigten strangförmigen Halbzeug ist sehr kostengünstig, insbesondere auch deswegen, weil unterschiedlich breite Steckverbinder bzw. Winkelstücke aus ein und demselben strangförmigen Halbzeug gebildet werden können.
• Einrichtungen und Aufwendungen zum Bevorraten unterschiedlich breiter gerader Steckverbinder und Winkelstücke entfallen erfindungsgemäß.
• Schwingförderer oder dergleichen Apparaturen zum Vereinzeln und Zuführen unterschiedlich breiter gerader Steckverbinder und Winkelstücke entfallen erfindungsgemäß.
• Die Formteile (gerade Steckverbinder und Winkelstücke) sind von ihrer Herstellung durch Abtrennen vom Halbzeug bis zum Einfügen in den Hohlprofilstab unter positiver maschineller Kontrolle. Zufällige, ungeordnete Bewegungen, die das Ergreifen und Einfügen der Steckverbinder oder Winkelstücke erschweren könnten, lassen sich erfindungsgemäß ausschließen.
• Als weiterer Vorteil ergibt sich daraus, daß sich der Bewegungsablauf vom Ergreifen des vom Halbzeug abzuschneidenden Abschnittes bis zum Einfügen des abgeschnittenen Steckverbinders oder Winkelstückes stark vereinfachen läßt. Sogar für unterschiedlich breite Steckverbinder und Winkelstücke läßt sich der Bewegungsablauf wiederholbar gleich vorbestimmen und ermöglicht hohe Arbeitsgeschwindigkeiten und damit kurze Taktzeiten für das Herstellen von rahmenförmigen Abstandhaltern für Isolierglasscheiben.

This way of working has significant advantages:

• The strand-like semi-finished products required for the method according to the invention can be produced inexpensively, either by extrusion of metal, in particular of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy, or by extrusion of plastic. The use of a strand-shaped semi-finished plastic is preferred because plastics are cheaper than aluminum and because of their compared with metals lower thermal conductivity insulating glass panes with a lower heat transfer value than the case of spacers made of metal hollow profile bars is the case. Plastics with a strength that meets the typical conditions of use in an insulating glass pane, are known in the art. Suitable z. As polyamides, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polytretrafluoroethylene and ethylene-propylene terpolymer (EPDM). These are also suitable for the extrusion of hollow profile rods made of plastic. However, mostly hollow profile bars for spacers are made of aluminum or steel, in particular stainless steel.
• Hollow-section bars can be transported in a cost-effective and space-saving manner and stored as connectors and angle pieces produced in single-forming technology.
• The strand-like semi-finished products can be purchased from a supplier, but also produced by the insulating glass manufacturer.
• The manufacture of the connectors and angle pieces by separating a prefabricated strand-shaped semifinished product is very inexpensive, in particular also because different width connectors or angle pieces can be formed from one and the same strand-shaped semifinished product.
• Facilities and expenses for storing different width straight connectors and angle pieces omitted according to the invention.
• Oscillating conveyor or similar apparatus for separating and supplying different width straight connectors and angle pieces omitted according to the invention.
• The molded parts (straight connectors and angle pieces) are from their production by separation from the semi-finished product to the insertion into the hollow profile bar under positive mechanical control. Random, disorderly movements that could complicate the gripping and insertion of the connectors or elbows can be excluded according to the invention.
• A further advantage results from the fact that the movement can be greatly simplified by gripping the section to be cut off from the semifinished product to the insertion of the cut connector or elbow. Even for different widths connectors and contra-angles, the sequence of movements can be repeatedly determined the same and allows high working speeds and thus short cycle times for the production of frame-shaped spacers for insulating glass panes.

Preferably, the separated from the semi-finished molding is inserted by means of the same gripper in the hollow profile bar, which holds it already during the separation of the semifinished product. This is the apparatus and movement of the simplest way of working. But it is also possible to proceed so that the molded part of the gripper, which holds the molding when separating the semi-finished, passed to a second gripper and is inserted by this in the hollow profile bar. With this procedure, shorter cycle times can be achieved because the processes of separating and inserting into a hollow profile rod can take place side by side in terms of time.

For the concrete shape of the molding, there are numerous variations. It should be ensured that the moldings are inserted without play or largely free of play in the predetermined hollow profile bars and held captive therein, preferably by friction. This can be achieved with suitably dimensioned rigid moldings, but also with moldings, in addition to a sufficient rigidity and dimensional stability and a certain, a restoring force inducing compliance have, for example, flexible lamellae, which are subjected to the insertion of the molding in a hollow profile bar on bending and thereby bring about a frictional engagement with the hollow profile bar. Expediently, the shaped parts will be elongated, possibly angled structures.

Due to their production by cutting a strand-shaped semi-finished product, which has a constant cross-section over its length, the molded parts produced by transverse division of the strand have a longitudinal section which coincides with the cross section of the strand-shaped semi-finished product.

Preferably, the method according to the invention is carried out so that the cutting tool and the hollow profile rod, in which the molded part to be separated is to be inserted, are arranged in a fixed spatial relationship, which is chosen to be consistent for each separating operation and for the subsequent insertion. Furthermore, it is advantageous to arrange the cutting tool so that it has a constant parting plane.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to carry out the method so that the hollow profile bar is arranged parallel to the parting line of the cutting tool, in particular parallel to the predetermined portion of the semi-finished product, which is to be separated, and that the gripper for inserting the molded part in the hollow profile bar exclusively a translatory Movement performs. All of these four measures are intended to facilitate the movement of transferring the moldings from the cutting tool into the hollow section bar, with the fixed spatial relationships representing fixed points or fixed reference points or reference lines for the movement of the gripper which simplify its control, avoiding mispositioning help and promote a quick way of working.

If the molded part is a straight connector which is to be inserted into one end of the hollow profile bar, then the separating tool and the end of the hollow profile bar, in which the shaped part is to be inserted first, are arranged in a fixed spatial position Relationship to each other.

If the molded part is an angle piece, with which two hollow profile bars can be connected to one another via a corner, then the separating tool and at least one of the two hollow profile bars, preferably both hollow profile bars into which the angle piece is to be inserted, are arranged with their ends in a fixed spatial relationship to one another at.

The molded part may also be a two-legged structure, which is foldable from an extended position to an elbow, with which two hollow profile bars can be connected to each other via corner. Foldable elbows are known from the USA by prior use, but prefabricated in single mold technology. If a molded part, which is foldable to an elbow, processed, one preferably moves so that the cutting tool and at least one of the two hollow profile bars are arranged for this purpose with one of its ends in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the hollow profile bar at the locations where a corner of the spacer is to be formed, with a extending over the corner away recess provides for the production of a spacer with curved corners, without the hollow profile bar there completely to sever, that then you insert a molding, which is a zweischenkliges structure and from an extended position to an elbow through the recess into the still elongated hollow profile bar and then forms the corner of the spacer by the hollow profile bar together with the in it located molding bends. In this case, the molding must not secure the cohesion of the corner, but the predetermined angle, which should have the spacer at the corner.

Such two-legged structures which can be folded into an angle piece can likewise be manufactured and processed extremely inexpensively by the method according to the invention.

For the insertion of such a foldable molded part in a hollow profile bar, which is provided to form a curved corner with a recess, the method is preferably carried out so that the cutting tool and the respective recess in the hollow profile rod, in which the durable molded part is to be inserted in be arranged in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

To form such a spacer with bent corners that are stabilized by a foldable elbow, the hollow profile rod preferably has an outer wall which forms the outside of the spacer and remains untouched in the formation of the recess. The recess should rather extend at the point provided for the corner from the outer wall opposite the inner wall of the hollow profile rod, starting in the two flanks of the hollow profile bar, which later face the glass panes of the insulating glass, toward the outer wall, without severing them. In addition, to the point provided for the corner, the recess on the later inner side of the spacer on both sides of the corner provided for the point to extend, to an overall length which is smaller than the length of the foldable molding, so that this after the Insertion in the hollow profile bar captive caught in it.

The semi-finished product is preferably cut between counter-movable cutting edges of the cutting tool. This has the advantage that its tendency to shift during the cutting process is low, which in turn facilitates gripping in the gripper. The cutting edges can be movable knives act. But it is also possible to cut the semifinished product by means of a rotating cutting tool, in particular to saw, which comes in particular for metallic semi-finished products and for angular semi-finished products in question.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Like and corresponding parts are designated in the various embodiments with corresponding reference numerals.

Figur 1

zeigt in einer Schrägansicht ein Trennwerkzeug, welchem ein strangförmiges Halbzeug zugeführt wird, und einen Greifer zum Handhaben eines vom Halbzeug abgetrennten geraden Steckverb- inders,

Figur 2

zeigt in einer Schrägansicht einen Hohlprofilstab, welchem der Steckverbinder zugeführt wird,

Figur 3

zeigt in einer Schrägansicht den Hohlprofilstab aus Figur 2 mit ein- gefügtem Steckverbinder,

Figur 4

zeigt den Hohlprofilstab aus Figur 3 vor dem Verbinden mit einem zweiten Hohlprofilstab,

Figur 5

zeigt das Trennwerkzeug aus Figur 1 in einer Vorderansicht,

Figur 6

zeigt das Trennwerkzeug aus Figur 5 in einer Draufsicht,

Figur 7

zeigt das Trennwerkzeug in einem Vertikalschnitt A-A in seiner Stel- lung vor einem Trennvorgang,

Figur 8

zeigt das Trennwerkzeug in einem Vertikalschnitt wie in Figur 7 je- doch nach dem Trennvorgang,

Figur 9

zeigt eine erste Abwandlung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit einem abgewandelten Trennwerkzeug und mit einem abgewandel- ten Halbzeug zum Herstellen von zu einem Winkelstück faltbaren Formteilen in einer Schrägansicht,

Figur 10

zeigt in einer Schrägansicht einen Hohlprofilstab mit einer Ausneh- mung zum Aufnehmen eines solchen faltbaren Formteils, die

Figuren 11 bis 14

zeigen aufeinanderfolgende Phasen des Einfügens eines sol- chen Formteils in den Hohlprofilstab,

Figur 15

zeigt einen Längsschnitt durch den Bereich einer Ecke nach dem Biegen oder Falten des Hohlprofilstabes und des in ihn eingefügten Formteils,

Figur 16

zeigt eine zweite Abwandlung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit einem Trennwerkzeug, mit einem strangförmigen Halbzeug wie in Figur 9 und mit Fingern eines abgewandelten Greifers, und die

Figuren 17 bis 22

zeigen aufeinanderfolgende Phasen des Überführens und Ein- fügens des faltbaren Formteils in einen Hohlprofilstab.

With reference to the description of the drawings, further advantages of the invention will become apparent.

FIG. 1

shows in an oblique view a cutting tool, to which a strand-shaped semifinished product is fed, and a gripper for handling a straight connector element separated from the semifinished product,

FIG. 2

shows in an oblique view a hollow profile rod to which the connector is supplied,

FIG. 3

shows in an oblique view of the hollow profile rod FIG. 2 with plug-in connector,

FIG. 4

shows the hollow profile bar FIG. 3 before connecting to a second hollow profile bar,

FIG. 5

shows the cutting tool FIG. 1 in a front view,

FIG. 6

shows the cutting tool FIG. 5 in a plan view,

FIG. 7

shows the cutting tool in a vertical section AA in its position before a separation process,

FIG. 8

shows the cutting tool in a vertical section as in FIG. 7 JE but after the separation process,

FIG. 9

shows a first modification of the method according to the invention with a modified parting tool and with a modified semi-finished product for producing shaped parts which can be folded into an angle piece in an oblique view,

FIG. 10

shows in an oblique view a hollow profile rod with a recess for receiving such a foldable molding, the

FIGS. 11 to 14

show successive phases of the insertion of such a molded part into the hollow profile rod,

FIG. 15

shows a longitudinal section through the region of a corner after bending or folding of the hollow profile rod and the molded part inserted into it,

FIG. 16

shows a second modification of the method according to the invention with a cutting tool, with a rope-shaped semi-finished product as in FIG. 9 and with fingers of a modified gripper, and the

FIGS. 17 to 22

show successive phases of transferring and inserting the foldable molded part into a hollow profile rod.

FIG. 1 shows a cutting tool 1 with a stand 2, in which two mutually parallel blade holders 3 and 4 are mounted in opposite directions displaceable parallel to each other. The structure of the separating tool 1 is in detail in the FIGS. 5 to 8 shown. The first knife holder 3 carries a first knife 5. The second knife holder 4 carries a second knife 6. The two blades 7 of the blades slide past each other during the separation process and define a parting plane 8.

In the stator 2 is a perpendicular to the parting plane 8 extending shaft 9 is supported, on which an eccentric lever 10 is fixed, which is pivotable by a pressure medium cylinder 11 back and forth. On the eccentric lever 10, two rollers 12 and 13 are attached. The rollers 12 and 13 are freely rotatable about axes which are parallel to the shaft 9 and arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of the shaft 9. The first roller 12 is arranged in a cutout 14 of the first knife holder 3. The second roller 13 is mounted in a cutout 15 of the second knife holder 4. The two cutouts 14 and 15 are the diameter of the rollers 12 and 13 adapted slots, which serve to guide the rollers 12 and 13. By pressing the pressure cylinder 11, the rollers 12 and 13 move due to their eccentric bearing in opposite directions up or down, thereby causing an opposite movement of the blades 5 and 6 between the in FIG. 7 illustrated position in which the arrangement of the blades 5 and 6 is open, and in FIG. 8 shown position in which the arrangement of the blades 5 and 6 is closed and a separation process is completed.

The cutting tool 1 is perpendicular to the parting plane 8, a strand-shaped semifinished product 16 is supplied, in which it is in the example of FIG. 1 is an extruded plastic profile, which consists of a plate 17, on which on both sides of a centrally located web 18, which crosses the plate 17 at a right angle, a series of fins 19 is provided which in this way obliquely to the plate 17th run that their free ends are directed obliquely in the direction of the web 18.

By a pair of pliers with two jaws 20, 21 whose mutual distance is variable and which are movable back and forth at right angles to the parting plane 8, the semifinished product 16 can be gradually moved and fed to the cutting tool 1. The cutting tool 1 can separate from the semi-finished 16 16 different widths shaped parts 22, of which three examples in FIG. 1 are shown. The semifinished product 16 is advanced by means of the jaws 20 and 21 until a portion 16a corresponding to the desired width of the molding 22 projects beyond the parting plane 8, see FIG. 1 ,

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 it is in the molding 22 to a straight connector for hollow profile rods 23. For transferring such a connector, a gripper 24 is provided which has two jaws 25 and 26. An actuator for the gripper 24 is not shown, since it is known per se to those skilled in the art. The gripper 24 is displaceable on the one hand in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane 8. This direction is shown by an arrow 27. In addition, the gripper 24 is displaceable in a direction parallel to the parting plane 8 and parallel to the plate 17 of the semi-finished product 16; this direction is shown by an arrow 28. The two directions of movement are sufficient to transfer a connector from the cutting tool 1 in a hollow profile rod 23 when it is in a matched to the cutting tool 1 reference position, in which the hollow profile rod 23 parallel to the parting plane 8 and parallel to the cutting edges 7 of the knife 5 and 6 and in the amount of semifinished product 16 is located.

The gripper 24 already grips the section 16a of the semifinished product 16 protruding beyond the parting plane 8 before it is cut off. The gripper 24 holds the portion 16a during the cutting process. This is easily possible because the blades 5 and 6 move in opposite directions and perpendicular to the plate 17 of the semi-finished product 16, so that the cutting process is virtually no tendency to shift the portion 16 a. If the portion 16 a is cut off, and thereby formed the connector, the gripper 24 removes it from the cutting tool 1 in the direction of arrow 27 until it is in alignment with the hollow profile rod 23, see FIG. 2 , Then, the gripper 24 moves in the direction of the arrow 28 - see FIG. 3 - And puts the connector in the hollow section bar 23 until the web 18 abuts the edge of the hollow profile rod 23. The hollow profile rod 23 is set for this purpose in its predetermined position, for example, clamped or positioned against a stop.

During this insertion process, the semifinished product 16 is already advanced a bit further by the pliers with the jaws 20 and 21 to the separating cut for to prepare the next molded part 22. The gripper 24 opens, moves against the direction of the arrows 28 and 27 back to the cutting tool 1 and there takes the meanwhile positioned next section 16a of the semifinished product 16. During which may be on the protruding from the hollow section rod 23 portion of the connector, the end of another hollow profile bar 23a be plugged as it is in FIG. 4 is shown.

It is advantageous that the connector is always in a defined position; he is never left to himself. This allows the process to be carried out at high speed and with high precision. The gripper 24 moves, regardless of the width of the connector, only consistent paths. It can be based on the same reference lines despite different width plug connector: As a first reference line 31, the center line between the two cutting edges 7 and 8 is suitable. As a second reference line 32 is a longitudinal edge of the forcibly positioned and supplied semi-finished product 16, for example, in FIG 1 illustrated left edge of the semifinished product 16, on which the left edge of the jaws 25 and 26 of the gripper 24 can be aligned, or the web 18. A third reference line 33 determines the altitude of the hollow section bar 23 and a fourth reference line 34 defines the situation the end of the hollow section rod 23, in which the connector is to be inserted.

The in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown procedure is not mandatory. For example, the altitude (reference line 33) of the hollow section bar 23 can be chosen differently. The gripper 24 must then additionally be able to perform a movement in a direction perpendicular to the arrow 27 and perpendicular to the arrow 28. It is also possible to perform with the gripper 24 only a reciprocating movement in the direction of the arrow 27 and to perform the connector by moving the hollow profile rod 23 against the gripper 24.

Of course - depending on the application - on the in FIG. 4 from the hollow section bar 23 still protruding connector not only the end of another hollow profile bar 23a are plugged, but also the other end of the hollow profile rod 23 when it is formed by bending a frame.

That in the FIGS. 9 to 15 illustrated embodiment differs from that in the FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrated embodiment in that the semi-finished product 16 has a different cross-sectional shape that the cutting tool 1 does not work with two mutually displaceable blades 5, 6, but with a rotating blade 35, which may be formed in particular as a saw blade. For collecting chips, which occur during separation, a collecting device 36 is provided under the cutting disk 35, in which the cutting disk 35 is partially immersed. Any support and guide means for the semifinished product 16, which may be arranged between the pliers with the jaws 20 and 21 on one side and the cutting tool 1 on the other side are in FIG. 9 as well as in FIG. 1 omitted for clarity.

The gripper 24 is constructed similarly as in the example of FIG. 1 , However, is additionally pivotable about an axis 37 which is perpendicular to the cutting wheel 35 and thus perpendicular to the parting plane 8.

The strand-shaped semi-finished product 16 has in cross-section two equally long legs 38 and 39, which are connected by a foil joint 40. The two legs 38 and 39 have on one side flexible blades 41, which protrude a little above the foil joint 40. The side facing away from the slats 41 of the legs 38 and 39 is - apart from an insertion bevel 42 at the tips of the legs 38, 39 - flat and extends in the extended position of the legs 38, 39 parallel to the outside of the film hinge 40th

On the side facing away from the film hinge 40 side of the legs 38 and 39, a stop 43 and 44 is formed by the height of the legs 38 and 39 is increased stepwise approximately to the thickness of the wall of the hollow profile bar 23 in the vicinity of the foil joint 40.

The leg 39 has in the vicinity of the foil joint 40 a recess 45 which is open on its side facing the opposite leg 38. The leg 38 in the vicinity of the foil hinge 40 has a hook 46 which points in the direction of the tip of the leg 38. The hook 46 is the recess 45 in the other leg 39 opposite. The hook 46 is formed and arranged so that it engages in the opposite recess 45 when the two legs 38 and 39 are pivoted about the foil joint 40. By the positive engagement of the hook 46 in the recess 45, the two legs 38 and 39 are fixed at a right angle at this angle.

Of this semi-finished product 16, as described in the first embodiment, as required different sized moldings 22 are cut off and held by the gripper 24 during the cutting process. These moldings 22 are now not intended to insert them into the end of a hollow profile rod 23, but to insert them into a recess 47 of the hollow profile rod 23, which in FIG. 10 is shown. The hollow profile bar 23 has an outer wall 48, two flanks 49 and an inner wall 50 parallel to the outer wall 48. At one location of the hollow profile bar 23 at which a corner is to be formed, it is provided with the recess 47 extending from the inner wall 50 to extends into the flanks 49. In the flanks 49 there are two mutually congruent opposing parts of the recess 47, which have the shape of a rectangular miter cut, the top of which is equal to the inside of the outer wall 48 and determines the position of a bending axis around which the corner is to bend. On both sides of the miter cuts in the flanks 49, the inner wall 50 is removed over a predetermined length in its entire width, this length being distributed uniformly on both sides of the miter cut.

To insert the held by the gripper 24 molding 22 in the recess 47, the gripper 24 is first in the direction of arrow 27 of the cutting disk 35th removed until the molding 22 is located exactly above the recess 47 of the positioned in a predetermined reference position hollow profile rod 23. Then, the gripper 24 is pivoted about its axis 37, whereby the leg 39 dips into the recess 47 until it comes to lie flat therein, as in FIG. 11 shown. If necessary, the gripper 24 for this purpose can still be approximated perpendicular to the direction of the arrows 27 and 28 of the hollow profile rod 23.

For clarity, the gripper 24 is in FIG. 11 not shown. Starting from the position in FIG. 11 the gripper 24 is moved in the direction of arrow 28, whereby the molded part 22 is displaced to the stop at the edge of the recess 47 in the hollow profile rod 23, as in FIG. 12 shown. The gripper 24 then releases from the leg 38 of the molding 22, whereupon it under the action of a restoring force originating from the film hinge 40 automatically pivots into the recess 47 and the in FIG. 13 position shown assumes. Should the restoring force of the foil joint 40 not be sufficient for this, the leg 38 can additionally be acted upon by a ram, not shown, in order to press it into the recess 47.

By an obliquely coming from above plunger 51, the molding 22 is now moved in the recess 47 to center it. For this purpose, the stop 43 is provided: If it strikes the edge of the recess 47, the molded part 22 is centered, as in FIG. 14 shown. In this position, both legs 38 and 39 lie with their ends under the inner wall 50, so that the molded part 22 is caught captive. The hollow profile rod 23 can now be transferred to another working position, in which it is bent at the location at which the miter cuts of the recess 47, folding the molding 22 to a corner. In the 90 ° position, the two legs 38 and 39 of the molding 22 lock automatically and thereby stabilize the corner, which advantageously has a continuous outer wall 48.

That in the FIGS. 16 to 22 illustrated third embodiment differs from the in the FIGS. 9 to 15 illustrated second embodiment in that the gripper has not only two jaws, but three jaws 52, 53 and 54, which are formed in the present case as cylindrical rods or fingers. The three jaws 52, 53, 54 are arranged parallel to each other so that a central jaw 52 is movable perpendicular to a plane spanned by the two outer jaws 53 and 54, between a first position in which the middle jaw 52 below this Plane is located, and a second position in which the middle jaw 52 is above this plane spanned by the two outer jaws 53, 54 level.

The main body of the gripper, which carries the jaws 52, 53 and 54 and their actuators is not shown for reasons of clarity.

The portion 16a to be cut off from the semifinished product 16 is first grasped by the jaws 52 to 54 so that the two outer jaws 53 and 54 engage the upper side of the legs 38 and 39, while the middle jaw 52 engages the foil hinge 40 from below , After the separation of the molding 22, the gripper moves first perpendicular to the blade 35 in the direction of arrow 27 away from this until the molding 22 is located directly above the recess 47 of a located in a predetermined reference position hollow profile rod 23, wherein the reference position is selected so that the middle jaw 52 is perpendicular to the miter cuts of the recess 47, see FIG. 17 , Now, the molding 22 is bent at its foil joint 40 around the middle jaw 52 around by the middle jaw 52 raised relative to the outer jaws 53 and 54 or the outer jaws 53 and 54 are lowered relative to the middle jaw 52, see FIG. 17 , Subsequently, the gripper is moved perpendicular to the direction of the arrow 27 down, whereby the ends of the legs 38 and 39 dip into the recess 47, as shown in FIG FIG. 18 in oblique view and in FIG. 19 is shown in a longitudinal section through the hollow section bar 23. Now comes from above a plunger 55 and sits on the foil joint 40. Then give the jaws 52, 53 and 54, the molding 22 free and the plunger 55 abuts the molding 22 completely into the recess 47 into it, until the foil joint 40 of the outer wall 48 of the hollow profile rod 23 rests and the molded part 22 has taken a stretched position in which it is captively caught in the hollow section bar 23, as shown in the FIGS. 20 to 22 is shown. The hollow profile rod 23 can now be bent and the molded part 22 thereby folded into an elbow, which - as in FIG. 15 shown - the corner stabilized.

With a cutting disc 35, as in the Figures 9 and 16 is shown, it is also possible to cut an angled semi-finished product, from which rigid angle pieces can be obtained, with which individual hollow profile bars 23, 23a can be assembled to form a rectangular frame. The processes of cross-dividing, transferring and inserting such an angle piece to put this with one of its two legs in one end of a hollow profile rod 23, 23 a, extend analogously to the description of the first embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

parting tool

2

stand

3

knife holder

4

knife holder

5

first knife

6

second knife

7

To cut

8th

parting plane

9

wave

10

Cam

11

Pressure cylinder

12

first role

13

second role

14

neckline

15

neckline

16

Workpiece

16a

Section of the semi-finished product

17

plate

18

web

19

slats

20

to bake

21

to bake

22

molding

23

Hollow-section bar

23a

Hollow-section bar

24

grab

25

to bake

26

to bake

27

Arrow in the direction perpendicular to the parting plane

28

Arrow in the direction parallel to the dividing plane

31

first reference line

32

second reference line

33

third reference line

34

fourth reference line

35

cutting wheel

36

recording device

37

axis

38

leg

39

leg

40

foil hinge

41

slats

42

chamfer

43

attack

44

attack

45

recess

46

hook

47

Recess in the hollow profile rod

48

outer wall

49

flanks

50

inner wall

51

tappet

52

middle cheek

53

outer cheek

54

outer cheek

55

tappet

Claims (20)

1. Method for providing a shaped piece (22) and for inserting the shaped piece (22) into a hollow section bar (23) having a cross-section of predetermined width and height that remains constant over its length, from which bar is then formed a frame-type spacer for insulating glass panes, the shaped piece (22) bridging an opening in the spacer, comprising the steps of

   - providing an extrusion-like semi-finished product (16) having a cross-section that remains constant over its length;

   - positioning the semi-finished product (16) relative to a separation tool (1) so that a predefined section of the semi-finished product (16a) lies on one side and the remaining section of the semi-finished product (16) lies on the other side of a separation plane (8) of the separation tool (1) and the length of the predefined section (16a), measured in the longitudinal direction of the semi-finished product (16), is adapted to the clear width of the hollow section bar (23);

   - seizing the predefined section (16a) of the semi-finished product (16) by means of a mechanized gripper (24);

   - forming the shaped piece (22) by separating the predefined section (16a), while it is held by the gripper, from the semi-finished product (16); and

   - inserting the shaped piece (22), while it is still gripped, into the hollow section bar (23), the shaped piece (22) being permanently gripped between its formation and its insertion.
2. The method as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the shaped piece (22) is inserted into the hollow section bar (23) using the same gripper (24) by which it is seized during separation from the semi-finished product (16).
3. The method as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the shaped piece (22) is transferred by the gripper (24) that holds the shaped piece (22) during separation from the semi-finished product (16) to a second gripper by which it is then fitted in the hollow section bar (23).
4. The method as defined in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped piece (22) has a predefined oblong shape and a longitudinal section that fits into the cross-section of the semi-finished product (16).
5. The method as defined in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the semi-finished product (16) is made from a metal, especially from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, by extruding.
6. The method as defined in any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the semi-finished product (16) is extruded from a plastic material.
7. The method as defined in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation tool (1) and the hollow section bar (23) are arranged in a predefined firm spatial relation one to the other
8. The method as defined in Claim 7, characterized in that the separation tool (1) is arranged so as to have a constant separation plane (8).
9. The method as defined in Claim 7 or Claim 8, characterized in that the hollow section bar (23) is arranged in parallel to the separation plane (8) of the separation tool (1).
10. The method as defined in Claim 9, characterized in that the hollow section bar (23) is arranged in parallel to the predefined section (16a) of the semi-finished product (16) and that the gripper (24) performs a translational movement in a direction, which is perpendicular to the separation plane (8) and parallel to the separation plane (8), only.
11. The method as defined in Claim 10, characterized in that the gripper (24) also performs a swinging movement about an axis (37) perpendicular to the separation plane (8).
12. The method as defined in Claim 9 or Claim 10, characterized in that the hollow section bar (23) is arranged in parallel to the predefined section (16a) of the semi-finished product (16) and that the gripper (24) performs exclusively a translational movement for inserting the shaped piece (22).
13. The method as defined in any of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the shaped piece (22) is a straight connector and that the separation tool (1) and one end of the hollow section bar (23) are arranged in firm spatial relation one to the other.
14. The method as defined in any of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the shaped piece is an angle piece intended for connecting two hollow section bars (23, 23a) at an angle to form a corner and that the separation tool (1) and one of the ends of at least one of the two hollow section bars (23, 23a) are arranged in a firm spatial relation one to the other.
15. The method as defined in any of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the shaped piece (22) is a two-leg structure that can be folded from a straight condition to an angle piece by means of which two hollow section bars (23, 23a) are connected one with the other at an angle to form a corner and that the separation tool (1) and one of the ends of at least one of the two hollow section bars (23, 23a) are arranged for that purpose in firm spatial relation one relative to the other.
16. The method as defined in any of Claims 7 to 12, characterized by the steps of

    - providing the hollow section bar (23) at locations where a corner of the spacer is to be formed with a cutout (47) that extends over the corner;

    - introducing a shaped piece (22), which is configured as a two-leg structure and which can be folded from a straight condition to an angle piece, through the cutout (47) into the hollow section bar (23); and

    - forming the corner of the spacer by bending or folding the hollow section bar (23) together with the shaped piece (22) contained in it.
17. The method as defined in Claim 16, characterized in that the separation tool (1) and the respective cutout (47) of the hollow section bar (23) are arranged in firm spatial relation one relative to the other.
18. The method as defined in Claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the hollow section bar (23) comprises
    an outer wall (48) that forms the outside of the spacer;
    an inner wall (50) opposite the outer wall (48) that forms the inside of the spacer;
    and two flanks (49) that connect the outer wall (48) and the inner wall (50) of the spacer one with the other;
    and that on the one hand the cutout (47) extends, at the location envisaged for forming the corner, from the inner wall (50) opposite the outer wall (48) along the flanks (49) towards the outer wall (48) without cutting through the latter;
    and on the other hand the cutout (47) extends, on both sides of the location envisaged for forming the corner, on the inner wall (50), over a total length smaller than the length of the foldable shaped piece (22).
19. The method as defined in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the semi-finished product (16) is cut between cutting edges (7) of the separation tool (1) that can be moved in opposite directions.
20. The method as defined in any of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the semi-finished product (16) is cut, especially sawn, using a rotating cutting tool (35).

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