EP3699383B1 - Refrigerated chamber unit door - Google Patents

Description

1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of doors for refrigerated enclosure furniture comprising insulating glazed elements. These doors can be used in applications such as refrigerator doors and freezer doors.

2. Prior art solutions

The refrigerated cabinet, also called refrigerated cabinet, used in most commercial premises to offer for sale and/or consumption products which must be kept at temperatures below 10°C, such as foodstuffs, is often fitted with glazed elements which transform it into a refrigerated sales unit. This furniture allows the viewing of the products by the consumer/customer and in particular a self-service use while keeping the products at a determined temperature. The refrigerated cabinet thus represents the last link in the food cold chain before the product ends up in the possession of the consumer. The enhancement of products and in particular foodstuffs is essential but this must not be done to the detriment of the quality of their conservation. In other words, the refrigerated cabinet is used to present and/or display the products in a useful volume at a determined storage temperature (generally below 10°C).

Thus, the exhibition of products and more particularly foodstuffs has a primordial role in the sale of these products. A good display requires in particular good visual access to the products contained in the refrigerated cabinet without having to open it. However, during the exhibition, the refrigerated cabinet must maintain a certain temperature and ensure the preservation of the products which must be cooled or frozen. Thus, the furniture should at least protect the products against thermal aggressions of all kinds, such as the closing and opening of doors. On a technical level, the roles of displaying and preserving products at a determined temperature in refrigerated cabinets are in total contradiction since the consumer must be able to dispose of the products contained in the refrigerated cabinet by benefiting from refrigerated enclosure with a wide opening and brightly lit, and the merchant must ensure the quality of preservation of the products with the imperative of closing or reducing the openings of the cabinets as much as possible, the least possible lighting and more particularly the least thermal exchanges with the atmosphere of the store.

Thus, several solutions have been considered in order to improve the thermal insulation performance of these glazed elements used for refrigerated cabinets, such as the use of multiple glazing. However, the use of such multiple glazings in the doors of refrigerated cabinets, because of their weight, generally requires the use of robust frames. If these glazed elements and in particular their frame perform their mechanical role well, they suffer from a significant spatial and visual clutter. To ensure their mechanical role, the materials used to make the frames are most often of a metallic nature inducing a thermal bridge between the inside and the outside of the refrigerated cabinet. This thermal bridge can lead to the appearance of condensation on the frame and the door on the outside of the refrigerated cabinet.

The patent application US2015151511 discloses a laminated panel comprising at least two sheets of glass which are joined using a transparent mass and/or which becomes transparent after hardening.

The document GB2162228 discloses a double glazing for a display case consisting of two sheets of glass held in a parallel position and spaced apart by spacers arranged between these sheets. The spacers contain a drying material and are formed wholly or partly of transparent resinous material to allow good visibility of the merchandise held in the display case and to prevent the formation of condensation on the interior surfaces of the glass sheets. The document GB2162228 does not deal with the problem of reducing the visual and spatial clutter of the frame associated with double glazing.

The request for patent WO2014009244A1 discloses a refrigerated cabinet door comprising at least two glasses surrounded by frame elements on the horizontal and/or vertical edges. The frame elements generate visual clutter and are also a thermal bridge between the inside and the outside of the refrigerated cabinet.

3. Objects of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, an object of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to provide a refrigerated enclosure cabinet door that can be firmly and easily attached to the refrigerated cabinet.

Another object of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to provide a door for a refrigerated enclosure cabinet which makes it possible to maintain the required temperature inside the refrigerated enclosure cabinet while reducing the energy consumption to ensure effective conservation of the products contained in the refrigerated cabinet.

Another object of the invention is to produce a refrigerated enclosure cabinet door meeting the thermal insulation criteria of these types of cabinets and proposing an embodiment that is easy to implement and economically advantageous. Thus, the use of transparent materials of the polymer type and the elimination of metal frame elements associated with the glazed elements make it possible to offer a high-performance solution from the point of view of thermal insulation.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a door which makes it possible to optimize the role of display of the products contained in the cabinet of the refrigerated enclosure while maintaining energy efficiency. In effect, the use of transparent elements makes it possible to propose a solution without visual interruption which would be due to an opaque vertical joint and/or an opaque vertical frame. The visualization of products intended for sale is therefore improved.

Another object of the invention is to provide a refrigerated enclosure cabinet door meeting the mechanical strength criteria of these types of cabinets. Thus, the mechanical elements allowing in particular the opening of the door are incorporated directly into the glazing and replace the frame elements which surround the known glazing. Another advantage lies in the fact that, from the mechanical point of view, the door for refrigerated enclosure cabinet according to the invention is also capable of withstanding significant mechanical stresses such as several hundred thousand opening/closing cycles. without requiring the use of frame elements present in association with the glazing of a traditional door.

The invention also aims to be able to be implemented on refrigerated cabinets already in service in order to enable them to meet the current energy efficiency criteria of this type of cabinet via an easy and economically advantageous implementation of the invention.

4. Disclosure of Invention

1. a. au moins un vitrage multiple isolant constitué d'au moins une première et une seconde feuille de verre associées l'une à l'autre par l'intermédiaire d'un cadre intercalaire qui les maintient à une certaine distance l'une de l'autre, ledit cadre s'étendant le long des bords horizontaux et verticaux du vitrage,
2. b. entre lesdites au moins deux feuilles de verre, au moins un espace interne, comprenant une lame d'un gaz isolant, fermé par au moins un premier et un second joints périphériques sur les bords horizontaux et au moins un joint périphérique sur les bords verticaux, lesdits joints périphériques étant disposés autour dudit espace interne,

• le cadre intercalaire comprenant au moins deux espaceurs verticaux et au moins deux espaceurs horizontaux,
• au moins un espaceur vertical étant réalisé en résine transparente,
• au moins un joint périphérique vertical étant transparent,
• les espaceurs horizontaux étant composés d'au moins un profilé,
• selon laquelle
  1. a) les espaceurs sont reliés entre eux pour former ledit cadre intercalaire,
  2. b) au moins un système de fixation solidarisant la porte avec le meuble d'enceinte est au moins partiellement inséré dans un moins un joint périphérique horizontal,
  3. c) la porte comprend un renforcement, solidaire du système de fixation et inséré au moins partiellement dans au moins un joint périphérique horizontal,
  4. d) le cadre intercalaire les joints périphériques et le renforcement remplacent le châssis d'une porte traditionnelle et remplissent ses fonctions.

The invention relates to a refrigerated enclosure cabinet door comprising:

1. To. at least one insulating multiple glazing consisting of at least a first and a second pane of glass associated with each other via an intermediate frame which keeps them at a certain distance from each other , said frame extending along the horizontal and vertical edges of the glazing,
2. b. between said at least two sheets of glass, at least one space internal, comprising a blade of insulating gas, closed by at least a first and a second peripheral seal on the horizontal edges and at least one peripheral seal on the vertical edges, the said peripheral seals being placed around the said internal space,

• the intermediate frame comprising at least two vertical spacers and at least two horizontal spacers,
• at least one vertical spacer being made of transparent resin,
• at least one vertical peripheral joint being transparent,
• the horizontal spacers being composed of at least one profile,
• according to which
  1. a) the spacers are interconnected to form said spacer frame,
  2. b) at least one fastening system securing the door to the enclosure furniture is at least partially inserted in at least one horizontal peripheral joint,
  3. c) the door comprises a reinforcement, integral with the fixing system and inserted at least partially into at least one horizontal peripheral joint,
  4. d) the spacer frame, the peripheral seals and the reinforcement replace the frame of a traditional door and fulfill its functions.

The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation and association of an intermediate frame, peripheral seals and reinforcement making it possible to dispense with the frame element of traditional doors and to fulfill their functions which are : possible opening and maintenance of the glazing.

According to the invention, the term door is intended to designate a system for opening/closing the cabinet and, by extension, the opening part of the cabinet only. The system can indifferently comprise a movement of the rotational or rectilinear type or a combination of the two.

A traditional door is a door comprising a frame and a glazing. The frame encompasses all or part of the periphery of the glazing, it consists of frame elements ensuring the functions of opening, holding and supporting the glazing.

The refrigerated enclosure designates a closed space delimited in part by the door and in which there is a temperature lower than the temperature of the environment around the cabinet.

By multiple glazing is meant glazing comprising at least two sheets of glass. Preferably, the multiple glazing is double glazing or triple glazing. More preferably, it is double glazing comprising two sheets of glass.

The glass of the glazing sheets is a glass of the category of soda-silico-lime glasses well known in window applications. The thickness of the glass sheets is generally in the range from 0.5 to 15 mm. In the case of triple glazing, the central sheet is generally less thick than the other two.

By insulating multiple glazing, we mean multiple glazing limiting heat exchange between the refrigerated enclosure and the atmosphere around the cabinet

According to the invention, the glass sheets are associated with each other via an intermediate frame. The spacer frame refers to a rigid element arranged between the sheets of glass, which keeps them at a certain distance and which extends along the horizontal and vertical edges of the glazing. The framework spacer also has the function of contributing to the stiffening of the door. The intermediate frame according to the door according to the invention has the shape of a quadrilateral, preferably a parallelogram. Even more preferably, the quadrilateral is a rectangle or a square.

The adjectives vertical and horizontal are intended to denote locations close to opposite edges, that is to say non-contiguous edges of the frame and/or of the glazing and which face each other.

According to the invention, the door comprises between the glass sheets, an internal space. The internal space is bordered by the spacer frame and filled with a gas layer. The gas in the internal space is an inert gas capable of thermally insulating the glazing. A suitable inert gas is chosen for its lack of toxicity for living beings, corrosive nature with respect to the glazing, flammable nature and sensitivity to UV radiation. Such a gas is generally chosen from air, argon, xenon, krypton and their mixtures. Most often, air, argon or a mixture of air and argon will be used.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the internal space comprises a layer of an insulating gas comprising at least 85% argon.

In the door according to the invention, peripheral seals are seals arranged around the internal space, provide sealing and contribute to the mechanical strength of the door. At least a first and a second peripheral seal are located on the horizontal edges of the door. The first of these two joints is always a double joint connecting the horizontal spacer to each sheet of glass. Likewise, at least one peripheral seal is located on the vertical edges. This last joint is also a double joint connecting the vertical spacer to each sheet of glass.

At least one vertical spacer of the spacer frame is formed from a transparent resin. The term transparent denotes a property illustrating the percentage T _L (light transmission) of visible light transmitted to through the glazing in the visible spectrum by at least 1%. Preferably, transparent refers to a property of T _L of at least 10%. Ideally, transparent means a T _L of at least 50%.

At least one peripheral seal on at least one vertical edge is also transparent.

The horizontal spacers are composed of at least one section. By profile is meant an object of elongated shape and constant section. The profile is generally made of metal, polymer, ceramic or composite material (combination of at least two different materials). The profile is preferably a solid profile and is composed mainly of a polymer matrix. Desiccant material can be integrated into the polymer matrix. An example of such a desiccant polymer is a polymer comprising an integrated molecular sieve.

It is also possible to use hollow sections. In this case, the desiccant material fills, at least partially, the hollow space. Examples of desiccants capable of filling the hollow space are silica gels and molecular sieves.

In the door according to the invention, the spacer frame is composed of at least two vertical spacers and at least two horizontal spacers.

At least one fastening system secures the door according to the invention with the refrigerated enclosure cabinet and is at least partially inserted into at least one horizontal peripheral joint. The fastening system is a device that allows the connection of the door with the enclosure furniture.

According to the invention, the fixing system is composed of at least one screw with a different function from that of the spacer frame described below. According to a particular mode of the invention, the fastening system is composed of two screws, a plate equipped with a pivot and drilled with two holes in which the two screws. Preferably, the fastening system also comprises a self-closing system and a system limiting the opening of the door.

The door comprises a reinforcement, integral with the fastening system and inserted at least partially into at least one horizontal peripheral joint. Reinforcement means a mechanical element whose function is to take up at least part of the mechanical stresses induced by the weight of the door and the forces of opening and closing the latter. The reinforcement of the door according to the invention is generally in the form of a profile, distinct from the profile used for the horizontal spacers. The section of this profile can generally be U-shaped or L-shaped. The material of the profile can be a metal, a polymer or a composite material. Examples of fastening are screws, clips, welds, gluing and pressure closure systems.

In the door according to the invention, the intermediate frame, the peripheral seals and the reinforcement replace the frame of traditional doors and also fulfill its functions.

According to a first particular embodiment of the invention, the vertical spacers of the intermediate frame of the door are connected to the horizontal spacers by means of a stiffening element. In general, by stiffening element, it is necessary to understand the association of at least one metallic, polymeric, ceramic or composite material part with a pressure device, an adhesive, a dowel, a screw, or any other means. providing the connection between said spacers. In certain variants of this first embodiment, the stiffening element comprises the association of a metallic, polymeric, ceramic or composite material part with a means ensuring the connection with the spacers. In other variants of this first embodiment, the stiffening element comprises the combination of a metal, polymer, ceramic or composite material part with several means ensuring the connection with the spacers.

The adhesive can be selected from crosslinkable acrylic polymer glues, crosslinkable epoxy glues, double-sided acrylic polymer adhesive tapes and polyisobutylene-based adhesives. The screw can be made of steel, zinc-plated steel, stainless steel or bronze. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stiffening element is formed of a profile of a nature and/or of a shape different from the horizontal spacer. Yet another variant consists in combining the horizontal spacer with sections of sections arranged in a discontinuous manner forming studs which make up the stiffening element.

According to a variant of this first embodiment, the stiffening element is composed of at least one part which is secured with at least one reinforcement. By the term secured, is meant to designate an assembly which does not allow any degree of freedom between the two parts. Examples of fastening are screws, clips, welds, gluing and pressure closure systems. Preferably, the connection will be made using screws or adhesives.

According to this variant of the first embodiment, the reinforcement can even extend along the horizontal spacer and itself serve as a stiffening element. The reinforcement is then a profile of square or rectangular section which is secured to the horizontal spacer by gluing, a pressure system, a weld, a clip or any other element allowing this securing.

According to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the stiffening element is in contact with at least the second horizontal peripheral joint. Depending on the concrete form adopted for the stiffening element, the bringing into contact is carried out on only part or on the whole of the external surface of this element. For example, in the case of a profile of square or rectangular section, the latter may be completely immersed in the second horizontal peripheral joint.

• un élément de rigidification,
• un espaceur horizontal.

According to a second particular embodiment of the invention, compatible with the first embodiment, the fastening system emerges from the horizontal peripheral joint and extends into at least one of the following parts:

• a stiffening element,
• a horizontal spacer.

Preferably, a second screw forming part of the fixing system, crosses the second horizontal peripheral joint as well as the reinforcement, and extends into the stiffening element having a suitable shape for receiving the screw.

According to another embodiment of the invention compatible with the previous ones, the second horizontal peripheral joint is a mastic with a structural function, such as silicone, polyurethane (PU), polysulphides, modified silicone (MS-Polymer). These sealants have very good mechanical strength in addition to their water and air tightness properties and adhesion to glass. This second peripheral joint is also called sealing joint. By structural function, we mean the ability to transfer the mechanical stresses linked in particular to the weight of the glass sheets, to the stresses of thermal expansion as well as to the opening-closing movements.

According to an advantageous implementation of the invention, the transparent spacer is formed from a transparent resin that is rigid at room temperature comprising a polymer chosen from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a polycarbonate (PC), a polystyrene ( PS), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyamide (PA), a polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), their copolymers or a mixture of these compounds. Preferably, the transparent spacer is formed from PMMA or polycarbonate because of their high transparency and ease of processing. The term polymer here covers both polymers and copolymers.

By the term rigid resin at room temperature is meant a resin which has, at room temperature, a longitudinal modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) greater than 1.0 GPa and preferably greater than 1.5 GPa. Most preferably, the rigid resin exhibits a Young's modulus greater than 2.0 GPa.

According to the invention, the transparent vertical peripheral seal is formed from a flexible transparent adhesive resin at room temperature chosen from an adhesive based on polyisobutylene, a double-sided tape made of acrylic polymer, rubber or silicone more commonly known as the designation “double-sided sticky tape of the “pressure sensitive adhesive” (PSA) or “transfer tape” type.

The combination of rigid vertical spacers and a flexible seal makes it possible to obtain a door capable of withstanding repeated mechanical stresses such as several hundred thousand opening/closing cycles.

Alternatively to this flexible transparent resin, it is also possible to use a crosslinkable adhesive of the acrylic or epoxy type. In this case, the implementation is done in liquid or pasty form and the adhesive is crosslinked in situ between the glass sheet and the vertical spacer.

By crosslinking is meant the fact of forming in situ a three-dimensional network of polymer chains under the action of ultraviolet radiation, humidity or a hardener. These materials, in addition to being transparent, have a good performance in terms of impermeability to water vapor and gases and also have good adhesion to glass while resisting ultraviolet rays.

Preferably, the transparent vertical peripheral seal is formed from a flexible transparent adhesive resin at room temperature as described above.

The first horizontal peripheral seal consists of a sealant based on polyisobutylene more commonly called butyl or a double-sided strip of acrylic polymer, rubber or silicone, or a combination of the two. This type of seal is particularly effective in terms of water vapor and gas tightness.

The use of multiple insulating glazing optimizes the energy efficiency of the refrigerated cabinet. Thermal insulation is usually determined by the overall performance of a glazed element in multiple glazing, defined by Ug, the heat transfer coefficient of the glazing (calculated according to standard EN673 and ISO10292). By heat transfer coefficient Ug is meant the quantity of heat passing through the glazing, in steady state, per unit area, for a difference of one degree Celsius between the environments, for example exterior and interior. Several factors can improve this coefficient Ug, for example, layers of the low emissivity type deposited on the glass sheets and, preferably, on their inner faces, that is to say the faces in contact with the layer of gas. Another factor is the nature of the insulating gas. For example, the glass sheets used can be coated with one or more metal layers, for example, TopN ^® or TopN+T ^® layers (registered trademarks of AGC). TopN+T ^® layers are preferred. According to an advantageous implementation of the invention, compatible with all the preceding implementations, the insulating glazing has a heat transfer coefficient Ug of at least 0.3, preferably of at least 0.6 and of most preferably at least 1.0 W/m ² . The heat transfer coefficient Ug is generally at most 1.8 W/m ² .

• le joint transparent et l'espaceur vertical,
• le joint transparent et la feuille de verre

According to another particular implementation of the invention, which is also compatible with the previous implementations, a primer layer is placed at least between:

• the transparent seal and the vertical spacer,
• the transparent seal and the glass sheet

Preferably, a layer of primer is placed both between the transparent seal and the vertical spacer and between the transparent seal and the glass sheet.

The term "primer layer" is intended to designate a layer of an organic product which adheres well to the peripheral seal and which has selective adhesive properties with respect to the glass or transparent resin from which the spacer is made. . Examples of such primers are based on compounds from the silane family and compounds from the acrylic resin family. By good adhesion, we mean an adhesion which requires a positive tearing force to separate the two assembled parts and in which the rupture of the two parts together is cohesive, as described in standard EN1279 part 4.

A primer which has given excellent results is the VHB AP115 ^® primer from the company 3M.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, also compatible with the previous embodiments, the reinforcement may be a closed or open section section U-shaped or L-shaped, rectangular or curved, which is inserted, at least in part , in the second peripheral seal. Preferably, the profile has a U-shaped or L-shaped section. The profile can be made of steel, stainless steel or a polymer material. Preferably, the profile is made of stainless steel for its excellent rigidity and the absence of any corrosion. It is generally the same length as the horizontal spacer. It is at least partially inserted into the second peripheral seal and rests on this horizontal spacer.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, still compatible with the other modes, the insulating glazing comprises at least a first and a second glass sheets associated via the intermediate frame, said sheets being of different sizes and therefore being able to be staggered over part or all of the periphery of the glazing. We then speak of asymmetrical or offset glazing. This difference in size between the first and second sheet of glass has the advantage of facilitating the insertion of a reinforcement and a fastening system. The interest here is to also allow translational opening/closing systems (sliding doors). Another advantage of this particular embodiment of the invention is to allow the placement of a heating network which could be deposited on the offset part of the glass in order to avoid the appearance of condensation at the edge of the glazing.

Advantageously, the invention also relates to a door as claimed, of which at least one sheet of glass is partially covered with a decorative layer chosen from among ceramic inks and organic inks. Preferably, the decorative layer is an opaque ceramic ink, more commonly called enamel, which masks the interlayer frame as well as the peripheral joints. Generally, the enamel is applied by screen printing on one of the faces of at least one sheet of glass. Preferably, the enamel layer is applied to the glass sheet which is directed towards the outside of the refrigerated cabinet.

Even more advantageously, the fastening system is masked by the decorative layer deposited on the glass sheet.

Most advantageously, a layer of enamel is deposited on the offset surface of the glazing and makes it possible to hide the fastening system from the view of an outside observer.

In the door according to the invention, it is possible, for safety reasons, for the glass sheets to be tempered glass sheets or laminated glass sheets. The latter comprise a stack of at least one sheet of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) plastic material sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Such stacks of laminated glasses are presented with total thicknesses of glass (not including the thickness of the sheet(s) of PVB) ranging from 4 mm up to and including 24 mm.

According to an advantageous implementation of the invention, the stiffening element has the shape of a profile extending over the entire length of at least one horizontal spacer. Preferably, the stiffening element is a section square or rectangular in section. More preferably, it is adhered to the horizontal spacer using double-sided acrylic adhesive tape.

In another embodiment of the invention, still compatible with the other modes, the horizontal spacer can be a profile made up of two chambers. The first chamber borders the internal space of the glazing and the second chamber is in contact with the second peripheral seal and plays the role of reinforcement. More preferably, the second chamber can be hollow and of comparable section to the first chamber. Most preferably, the first chamber may also be hollow and contain the desiccant material.

1. a. le joint périphérique vertical transparent;
2. b. l'espaceur vertical transparent;
3. c. les deux feuilles de verre.

In order to further improve the sealing of the door, a second transparent vertical peripheral seal can advantageously be added so that it is contiguous to the following elements:

1. To. the transparent vertical peripheral joint;
2. b. the transparent vertical spacer;
3. vs. the two sheets of glass.

The nature of this second seal is preferably chosen from the same materials as those of the transparent vertical peripheral seal already described above. However, it is important that the material of each of the two joints is of a different nature.

5. List of Figures

• La figure 1 illustre le meuble d'enceinte réfrigérée (2) comprenant des portes (1) conformes à l'invention.
• La figure 2 illustre schématiquement la porte (1) de meuble d'enceinte réfrigérée (2) comprenant un vitrage multiple isolant (3), le cadre intercalaire (6) associé et le système de fixation (13) de la porte (1) selon l'invention.
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon AA dans le bord vertical d'un vitrage multiple de la porte de la figure 2. Cette vue en coupe représente les éléments suivants : les feuilles de verre (4, 5), l'espace interne (7), le double joint périphérique vertical transparent (10) et l'espaceur vertical transparent (11).
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe selon BB dans un bord horizontal d'un vitrage multiple de la porte de la figure 2. Cette vue en coupe représente les éléments suivants : les feuilles de verre (4, 5), l'espace interne (7), le premier joint périphérique horizontal (8), le deuxième joint périphérique horizontal (9), l'espaceur horizontal (12), le renforcement (14) et l'élément de rigidification (15) qui est ici un profilé de section rectangulaire.
• La figure 5 illustre le cadre intercalaire (6) du vitrage de la porte selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention. La figure reprend les éléments suivants : les espaceurs verticaux transparents (11), les espaceur horizontaux (12), les éléments de rigidification (15) et les vis (17) faisant le lien entre les espaceurs verticaux transparents (11) et les éléments de rigidification (15).
• La figure 6 illustre le cadre intercalaire (6) selon un autre mode de réalisation du vitrage de la porte selon l'invention. La figure reprend les éléments suivants : les espaceurs verticaux transparents (11), les espaceurs horizontaux (12), les éléments de rigidification (15) et les renforcements (14). Dans ce mode de réalisation, les éléments de rigidification (15) sont reliés aux espaceurs verticaux (11) au moyen d'un mastic à base de polyisobutylène. Il est aussi possible d'ajouter des vis (non représentées sur la figure) pour parfaire la liaison.
• La figure 7 illustre le même cadre intercalaire selon encore un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention. La figure reprend les éléments suivants : les espaceurs verticaux transparents (11), les espaceurs horizontaux (12), les éléments de rigidification (15) tenant également le rôle de renforcements (14) et les vis (17) faisant le lien entre les espaceurs verticaux transparents (11) et les éléments de rigidification et de renforcements (15, 14).
• La figure 8 illustre une vue de face d'une feuille (4) ou (5) de verre avec une couche décorative en émail (16) selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention.
• La figure 9 est une figure analogue à la figure 3 où un deuxième joint périphérique vertical transparent (18) surmonte le premier joint (10). Cette figure est une vue en coupe selon AA dans le bord vertical de la porte de la figure 2 .On distingue que ce joint (18) est contigu au premier double joint (10) et aussi à l'espaceur vertical transparent (11) et aux deux feuilles de verre (4, 5).

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

• There figure 1 illustrates the refrigerated enclosure cabinet (2) comprising doors (1) according to the invention.
• There picture 2 schematically illustrates the door (1) of the refrigerated enclosure cabinet (2) comprising multiple insulating glazing (3), the associated spacer frame (6) and the fastening system (13) of the door (1) according to the invention .
• There picture 3 is a sectional view along AA in the vertical edge of a multiple glazing of the door of the figure 2 . This sectional view shows the following elements: the glass sheets (4, 5), the internal space (7), the double transparent vertical peripheral seal (10) and the transparent vertical spacer (11).
• There figure 4 is a sectional view according to BB in a horizontal edge of a multiple glazing of the door of the figure 2 . This sectional view shows the following elements: the glass sheets (4, 5), the internal space (7), the first horizontal peripheral seal (8), the second horizontal peripheral seal (9), the horizontal spacer ( 12), the reinforcement (14) and the stiffening element (15) which here is a profile of rectangular section.
• There figure 5 illustrates the spacer frame (6) of the door glazing according to one embodiment of the invention. The figure shows the following elements: the transparent vertical spacers (11), the horizontal spacers (12), the stiffening elements (15) and the screws (17) making the connection between the transparent vertical spacers (11) and the stiffening (15).
• There figure 6 illustrates the spacer frame (6) according to another embodiment of the door glazing according to the invention. The figure shows the following elements: the transparent vertical spacers (11), the horizontal spacers (12), the stiffening elements (15) and the reinforcements (14). In this embodiment, the stiffening elements (15) are connected to the vertical spacers (11) by means of a mastic based on polyisobutylene. It is also possible to add screws (not shown in the figure) to complete the connection.
• There figure 7 illustrates the same spacer frame according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The figure shows the following elements: the transparent vertical spacers (11), the horizontal spacers (12), the stiffening elements (15) also acting as reinforcements (14) and the screws (17) making the connection between the spacers transparent verticals (11) and the stiffening and reinforcing elements (15, 14).
• There figure 8 illustrates a front view of a sheet (4) or (5) of glass with a decorative enamel layer (16) according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• There figure 9 is a figure analogous to picture 3 wherein a second transparent vertical peripheral seal (18) overcomes the first seal (10). This figure is a sectional view along AA in the vertical edge of the door of the figure 2 .We distinguish that this joint (18) is contiguous to the first double joint (10) and also to the transparent vertical spacer (11) and to the two sheets of glass (4, 5).

6. Description of embodiments of the invention Example 1:

A door (1) has been produced according to the invention, which can be mounted on the refrigerated cabinet (2).

The door (1) is a double glazing (3) comprising a first (4) and a second (5) glass sheet of the soda-silico-lime type of dimensions 1700 mm×600 mm and each having a thickness of 4 mm. The glass sheets (4) and (5) were then tempered.

These glass sheets (4, 5) have been associated via an intermediate frame (6) which keeps them at a certain distance from each other. The spacer frame (6) was formed of two horizontal spacers (12) Super Spacer ^® from the firm Edgetech and two transparent vertical spacers (11) in PMMA as illustrated in figure 5 . The dimensioning of the horizontal spacers (12) is as follows: length 580 mm x thickness 14 mm x height 7 mm. The dimensioning of the vertical spacers (11) is as follows: length 1700 mm x thickness 12 mm x height 10 mm. The desiccant material is integrated into the matrix of the Super Spacer ^® spacer.

At each glass sheet (4, 5)/horizontal spacer (12) interface, a polyisobutylene bead, 1 mm thick, has been placed over the entire length of the horizontal spacers (12) as shown in figure 4 . This polyisobutylene bead acts as the first double horizontal peripheral seal (8). Similarly, at each glass sheet (4, 5)/transparent vertical spacer (11) interface, a seal in the form of double-sided 3M VHB ^® acrylic adhesive tape 4918 2 mm thick and 10 mm high was deposited over the entire length of the vertical spacers (11) as shown in the picture 3 . In order to increase the adhesion between the acrylic adhesive and the glass sheet, a 3M ^® AP 115 silane type primer was deposited at each interface.

Two polymer profiles, used as stiffening elements (15), were glued to the upper part of each horizontal spacer (12) (see figure 5 ) using a 1 mm thick 3M VHB ^® double-sided acrylic adhesive tape. The dimensioning of each profile was as follows: length 580 mm, thickness 8 mm, height 8 mm. The distance between the end of the transparent vertical spacers (11) and the upper edge of the stiffening element (15) was 10 mm. As shown in figure 5 , the screws (17) form the link between the transparent vertical spacers (11) and the stiffening elements (15).

Between the two sheets of glass (4, 5), an internal space (7) comprising a layer of an argon-type insulating gas is closed by the spacer frame (6). The Argon concentration is 85%.

As illustrated by figure 4 , a second horizontal peripheral seal (9), silicone Dow Corning ^® 3362 (called in the following text “silicone seal”), was placed along the horizontal edges, and is contiguous to the horizontal spacers (12), to the first seal horizontal device (8) and the two sheets of glass (4, 5). The stiffening element (15) was also immersed in the silicone joint (9).

As also illustrated by the figure 4 , a U-section, having the role of reinforcement (14), is inserted into the silicone seal (9). The reinforcement (14) is made of stainless steel and extends along the horizontal spacer (12). A fixing system (13) has been partially inserted in the second horizontal peripheral joint (9) as well as in the reinforcement (14). The fixing system (13) was made up of the following elements: two screws 5 mm in diameter, and a pivot piece adjacent to the silicone seal (9) and equipped with two holes where the two screws were inserted . The screws are also inserted into the silicone seal (9) and the U-profile (14). This fastening system (13) made it possible to secure the door (1) to the refrigerated cabinet (2).

Example 2: Effect of a primer Materials :

• Rectangular plates of soda-silico-calcium float glass 4 mm thick and 65 mm x 25 mm in size.
• Tape 3M VHB ^® double-sided 4918 transparent type manufactured by the firm 3M
• 3M ^® AP 115 transparent primer of the silane type marketed by the firm 3M

Specimens with primer:

Two specimens are produced, each from two rectangular plates of silico-sodo-lime float glass, one of which has been coated beforehand (on one side) with a low-emissivity layer TopN+T.

One of the two faces of the non-pre-coated wafer and the pre-coated face of the second wafer are cleaned with isopropanol. The primer is then applied to the cleaned surfaces under a controlled atmosphere at a temperature of 25°C and 50% relative humidity (RH). The primer dries for 2 to 3 minutes before applying a 25 x 10 mm strip of tape transversely to one of the glass slabs so as to cover its entire width in the central position of the slab, avoiding the formation and trapping of any air bubble between the tape and the glass plate. The second glass plate is then glued in its central position to the other face of the tape already glued to the first glass plate so that the glass plates form between them an angle of 90°. A glass/low-e layer/primer/double-sided tape/primer/glass stack was thus produced.

Reference specimens:

Two reference specimens were produced in a similar manner, omitting the primer application step. A glass/low-e layer/double-sided tape/glass stack was thus produced.

Assessment

A reference specimen and a specimen with primer were placed for 336 hours in a chamber under a controlled atmosphere at a temperature of 70° C. and 100% RH.

A reference specimen and a specimen with primer were not subjected to this conditioning.

The 4 test specimens were then subjected to a mechanical test consisting in tensing the two glass plates of each test specimen. The test was carried out under a controlled atmosphere at a temperature of 25°C and 50% RH. Traction was exerted in a direction perpendicular to the surface of each of the 2 sheets of glass and the tensile force necessary to cause tearing and complete separation of the two wafers was measured.

The results obtained are shown in Table 1: Chart 1 Test tube Breakout force (N) Without conditioning With packaging reference > 30 0 (adhesive failure) with primer > 30 > 20

The rupture is of the cohesive type inside the material of the tape, except in the case of the sample without primer having undergone conditioning. The latter presents a phenomenon of delamination of the adhesive from the conditioning phase and gives rise to an adhesive rupture at the glass interface coated with the low-e/tape layer.

The test piece produced according to the particular variant of the invention has an increased resistance to aging performance compared to a reference test piece.

Claims (21)

1. Door (1) of a refrigerated chamber cabinet (2) comprising:

   a. at least one insulating multiple glazing (3) formed of at least one first glass sheet (4) and one second glass sheet (5) which are joined together by means of a spacer frame (6) which holds them at a certain distance from one another, said frame (6) extending along the horizontal and vertical edges of the glazing,

   b. between said at least two glass sheets, at least one internal space (7) comprising an insulating gas layer, that is closed by at least one first peripheral seal (8) and one second peripheral seal (9) on the horizontal edges and at least one peripheral seal (10) on the vertical edges, said peripheral seals being positioned around said internal space (7),

   the spacer frame (6) comprising at least two vertical spacers (11) and at least two horizontal spacers (12), at least one vertical spacer (11) being made of transparent resin,

   at least one vertical peripheral seal (10) being transparent,

   the horizontal spacers (12) being composed of at least one profile,

   the spacers (11, 12) are connected together in order to form said spacer frame (6),

   characterized in that

   a) at least one fastening system (13) attaching the door (1) to the chamber cabinet (2) is at least partially inserted in at least one horizontal peripheral seal (9),

   b) the door (1) comprises a reinforcement (14), attached to the fastening system, different from the profile used for the horizontal spacers (12),

   c) the spacer frame (6), the peripheral seals (8, 9, 10) and the reinforcement (14) replace the framework of a traditional door and fulfil its functions.
2. Door (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcement (14) is inserted at least partially in at least one horizontal peripheral seal (9).
3. Door (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reinforcement (14) is in the form of a profile having a U-shaped or L-shaped cross section.
4. Door (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reinforcement (14) is in the form of a profile made of metal, of polymer or a composite material.
5. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical spacers (11) are connected to the horizontal spacers (12) by means of at least one stiffening element (15).
6. Door (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stiffening element (15) is attached to at least one reinforcement (14).
7. Door (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcement (14) and the stiffening element (15) are one and the same.
8. Door (1) according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the stiffening element (15) is in contact with at least the second horizontal peripheral seal (9).
9. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening system (13) extends into at least one of the following parts:

   a. a stiffening element (15),

   b. a horizontal spacer (12).
10. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent resin comprises a polymethyl methacrylate, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyamide, a polyetherimide, a polyethylene terephthalate, a styreneacrylonitrile copolymer, copolymers thereof or a mixture of these compounds.
11. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent vertical peripheral seal (10) is chosen from:

    a. a double-sided tape:

    i. made of acrylic polymer,

    ii. made of rubber,

    iii. made of silicone,

    b. a polyisobutylene-based adhesive,

    c. an adhesive of crosslinkable acrylic or crosslinkable epoxy type.
12. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening system (13) is formed of at least one screw.
13. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the glazing (3) has a heat transfer coefficient Ug ranging from 0.3 to 1.8 W/m².
14. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a primer layer is positioned between at least:

    a. the transparent seal (10) and the vertical spacer (11),

    b. the transparent seal (10) and the glass sheet (4, 5) .
15. Door (1) according to any one of Claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the stiffening element (15) is connected to the vertical spacers (11) and/or horizontal spacers (12) by at least one of the following elements:

    a. a screw (17) made of steel, of zinc-coated steel, of stainless steel or of bronze,

    b. an adhesive selected from polyisobutylene-based mastics, crosslinkable acrylic polymer glues, crosslinkable epoxy glues, double-sided adhesive tapes made of acrylic polymer.
16. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the glass sheets is stepped relative to the other glass sheet.
17. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one glass sheet (4, 5) is partially covered with a decorative layer (16) chosen from ceramic inks and organic inks.
18. Door (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening system (13) is masked by the decorative layer (16) deposited on the glass sheet (4, 5).
19. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the glass sheets (4, 5) are tempered and/or laminated.
20. Door (1) according to any one of Claims 5 to 19, characterized in that the stiffening element (15) has a form of a profile extending over the entire length of at least one horizontal spacer (12).
21. Door (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second transparent vertical peripheral seal (18) is contiguous with the following elements:

    a. the transparent vertical peripheral seal (10);

    b. the transparent vertical spacer (11);

    c. the two glass sheets (4, 5).

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