FR3076249A1 - METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR MANUFACTURING MULTIPLE GLAZING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a multiple glazing (14) comprising two outer glass sheets (1, 3) and at least one central glass sheet (2), comprising successive steps in which: - for each of the two main faces ((3), (4)) of the central glass sheet (2), a deformable spacer (4, 4 ') is applied along a peripheral portion (20, 20') of the main face ((3), (4)), by relative movement of the central glass sheet (2) and a spacer applicator device, the application of each deformable spacer (4, 4 ') taking place simultaneously on the two main faces ((3), (4)) of the central glass sheet; - Each outer glass sheet (1, 3) is secured at its periphery (10, 30) with the spacer (4, 4 ') applied to the corresponding main face of the central glass sheet (2).

Description

MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND INSTALLATION

MULTIPLE WINDOWS

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing multiple glazing with at least three glass sheets, comprising two external glass sheets and at least one central glass sheet. The invention also relates to a multiple glazing obtained by this process and to an installation for manufacturing multiple glazing with at least three sheets of glass.

For the manufacture of triple glazing comprising two external glass sheets and a central glass sheet, it is known to move the three glass sheets successively on a conveyor. A first sheet of external glass is conveyed directly into an assembly press. The central glass sheet and the second external glass sheet, before arriving in the assembly press, are each provided with a spacer at their periphery, either passing one after the other in one and the same station. 'spacer application, either by passing through two separate spacer application stations. The spacer applied to each glass sheet can be, in particular, a thermoplastic polymer spacer (called a thermoplastic spacer or TPS) deposited by extrusion on the glass sheet, or a flexible spacer, for example based on silicone foam or polyurethane foam, assembled by gluing with the glass sheet. The three glass sheets are then assembled in the assembly press by pressing the two external glass sheets on either side of the central glass sheet, each spacer being arranged between the central glass sheet and a glass sheet external. An external sealing barrier is also applied around the glazing on the external periphery of each spacer.

In the case of a single spacer application station, the application of the spacers sequentially, on the central glass sheet and then on the second external glass sheet, requires a relatively long cycle time for the manufacture of the triple glazing, which limits productivity. In the case of two separate spacer application stations, the installation for manufacturing triple glazing has a high cost and bulk.

Furthermore, in both cases, there is a risk of offset of the spacers applied, on the one hand to the central glass sheet, and on the other hand to the second external glass sheet, which can harm the aesthetics. and the durability of the triple glazing obtained.

In addition, in both cases, the configuration of the production line can be complex, in particular for synchronizing the conveyor and the spacer applicator device (s). Indeed, for a spacer to be placed over the entire periphery of a glass sheet, it is generally necessary for the conveyor to have a double movement of advancement and retreat, in order to successively present the different sides of the sheet of glass to a spacer applicator device.

It is to these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a method for manufacturing multiple glazings with at least three sheets of glass making it possible to increase productivity, by bringing into play equipment having a cost and a bulk. limited, and guaranteeing good quality glazing, especially in terms of aesthetics and durability.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a method for manufacturing a multiple glazing unit comprising two external glass sheets and at least one central glass sheet, characterized in that it comprises successive stages in which:

- For each of the two main faces of the central glass sheet, a deformable spacer, in particular a thermoplastic polymer spacer or a flexible spacer, is applied progressively along a peripheral part of the main face, by relative displacement of the sheet central glass and a spacer applicator device, the application of or each spacer taking place simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet;

- each outer glass sheet is secured at its periphery with the spacer applied to the corresponding main face of the central glass sheet.

Thanks to the invention, as the application of the deformable spacer (s) takes place simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet, the cycle time for the manufacture of multiple glazing is reduced. This can increase the productivity of the manufacturing line. In addition, as a single spacer application step is to be expected, in a single spacer application station, the cost and size of the production line remain limited, and the configuration of the line can be simplified.

In addition, as the spacer application only concerns the central glass sheet, it is possible, before the glass sheets are assembled, to prepare separately, on the one hand, the central glass sheet in a dedicated station , and on the other hand the external glass sheets. This further contributes to reducing the cycle time for manufacturing multiple glazing units, with also the possibility of reducing the length of the line and therefore the lead time of the glass sheets.

Very advantageously, the application of the deformable spacer (s) simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet also makes it possible to ensure symmetry and reproducibility of the application on either side of the glass sheet. Central. In particular, this makes it possible to avoid geometric shifts between the spacers on either side of the central glass sheet, which improves the quality of the multiple glazing obtained, both in terms of performance, durability and aesthetic.

In the context of the invention, the term “glass sheet” is intended to mean any type of substrate suitable for use in multiple glazing. It can be a sheet of mineral glass, in particular an oxide glass which can be a silicate, borate, sulfate, phosphate, or the like. Alternatively, it may be an organic glass sheet, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.

In addition, within the meaning of the invention, the term “deformable spacer” means that the spacer can be shaped when it is applied to a glass sheet, in particular in such a way that successive parts of the spacer form an angle between them. It is thus possible to apply the spacer gradually along the periphery of a main face of the glass sheet, whatever the shape of the outline of this glass sheet. Preferably, the deformable spacer has substantially stable dimensions after it has been applied to the glass sheet. As examples of deformable spacers, mention may be made, in particular, of spacers made of thermoplastic polymer, such as polyisobutylene, and flexible spacers, for example based on silicone foam or polyurethane foam.

According to one aspect of the invention, during the step of applying a deformable spacer simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet, the central glass sheet is held using a device gripper automaton configured to move the central glass sheet opposite the spacer applicator device.

The step of applying a spacer on the central glass sheet can thus take place outside of a conveyor, provided moreover for moving the glass sheets. This configuration has several advantages. In particular, the application of a spacer outside the conveyor makes it possible to avoid having to reverse the direction of circulation of the conveyor to ensure the application of a spacer over the entire periphery of the central glass sheet. In addition, the application of a spacer outside the conveyor makes it possible to prepare at the same time, on the one hand the central glass sheet which is handled by the automatic gripping device, and on the other hand the external glass sheets which can be processed on the conveyor. This configuration also saves space. The glazing production line can be more compact, which reduces the travel time of the glass sheets.

In an advantageous embodiment, the automatic gripping device is configured to rotate the central glass sheet so as to present the edge of the central glass sheet to the spacer applicator device successively on the different sides of the sheet. of glass. The spacer applicator device can itself be provided mobile in translation to move along the edge of the central glass sheet, on each side which is presented to it.

According to an advantageous characteristic, during the step of applying a deformable spacer simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet, the central glass sheet is in a vertical position. Such a vertical position of the central glass sheet makes it possible to limit the size of the spacer application station, as well as the deformation of the glass sheets, in particular in the case of thin glass.

According to one aspect of the invention, during the step of applying a deformable spacer simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet, the deformable spacer (s) are applied using a device spacer applicator comprising two application members arranged on either side of a carriage, the carriage circulating along the edge of the central glass sheet while the two application members apply the deformable spacer (s) simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet. The presence of the carriage, movable along the edge of the central glass sheet, guarantees a predefined and precise positioning of the two application members on either side of the glass sheet. This arrangement reinforces the symmetry of the application of the spacer (s) on either side of the central glass sheet.

In a particular embodiment, the multiple glazing comprises two deformable spacers each positioned on a respective main face of the central glass sheet, the two spacers being applied simultaneously to the two main faces of the central glass sheet.

According to a first variant of this embodiment, the two deformable spacers are two spacers made of thermoplastic polymer, in particular based on polyisobutylene, which are applied by extrusion simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet.

Advantageously, the two thermoplastic polymer spacers are applied simultaneously using two extrusion tips both connected to the same supply of thermoplastic polymer. Such a common supply of thermoplastic polymer promotes the symmetry of the deposition of the two extruded spacers on either side of the central glass sheet, insofar as the extruded bead has the same chemical composition and the same viscosity during its deposition. two sides of the glass sheet.

According to a second variant of this embodiment, the two deformable spacers are two flexible spacers, in particular based on silicone foam or polyurethane foam, which are applied by gluing simultaneously to the two main faces of the central glass sheet.

In another particular embodiment, the multiple glazing comprises a single deformable spacer which is a flexible spacer, in particular based on silicone foam or polyurethane foam, provided with a groove for receiving the edge of the central glass sheet , the two wings forming the lateral sides of the groove of the single spacer being applied simultaneously along a peripheral part of the two main faces of the central glass sheet, by deployment of the spacer along the edge of the sheet of central glass with its groove engaged around the edge of the central glass sheet.

For a flexible spacer, whether it is a grooved spacer intended to receive the edge of a glass sheet or a spacer intended to be applied to the periphery of a main face of a sheet of glass. glass without overlapping its edge, a suitable material is a polymer foam, in particular a preferred material is silicone foam. The advantages of silicone foam include good durability, minimal degassing, low compression, good resilience, stability at high temperature, flexibility at low temperature, good resistance to ultraviolet. Another advantage is that the silicone foam is permeable to moisture, so that the water vapor can easily reach a desiccant material placed inside the foam, or under the foam.

Preferably, in the context of the invention, the or each deformable spacer of the multiple glazing comprises a desiccant material. This is valid both for a thermoplastic polymer spacer, in particular based on polyisobutylene, and for a flexible spacer, in particular based on silicone foam or polyurethane foam. Advantageously, the desiccant material is added as a filling during the production of the deformable spacer. The desiccant material can be any material capable of ensuring dehydration of the gas present in the cavities of the multiple glazing between the sheets of glass. The desiccant material can in particular be chosen from molecular sieves, silica gel, CaCh, Na ₂ S0 ₄ , activated carbon, zeolites, and / or a mixture of these.

Each cavity of the multiple glazing between the glass sheets can be filled with air. However, preferably, each cavity of the multiple glazing comprises a blade of an insulating gas, which replaces the air between the sheets of glass. Examples of gases used to form the insulating gas layer in each cavity of the multiple glazing include, in particular, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe). Advantageously, the insulating gas blade in each cavity of the multiple glazing comprises at least 90% of a gas having a lower thermal conductivity than that of air. Suitable gases are preferably colorless, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable, insensitive to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

In one embodiment, during the implementation of the multiple glazing manufacturing method according to the invention, the central glass sheet passes through several successive stations which include, from upstream to downstream:

- a central glass sheet washing station;

- a station for applying a deformable spacer along a peripheral part of each main face of the central glass sheet, simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet;

- a station for securing an external glass sheet with a deformable spacer applied to the corresponding main face of the central glass sheet.

Advantageously, each outer glass sheet is secured to the corresponding spacer by pressing.

Preferably, within the framework of the process of the invention, each glass sheet of the multiple glazing is moved in several successive work stations while being substantially vertical, which is advantageous for limiting the space requirement of the installation and the deformation of the glass sheet.

According to an advantageous aspect, during a cycle for manufacturing multiple glazing according to the invention, the different glass sheets of the multiple glazing are received simultaneously in different work stations which are located upstream of the joining of an external glass sheet with the corresponding spacer. This saves cycle time and increases productivity.

The invention also relates to a multiple glazing obtained by the process as described above.

Finally, the subject of the invention is an installation for manufacturing multiple glazing units comprising two external glass sheets and at least one central glass sheet, the installation comprising:

a station for applying a deformable spacer along a peripheral part of each main face of a central glass sheet, simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet,

- At least one station for securing an external glass sheet with a corresponding spacer, located on a main line of the installation, the spacer application station being located upstream of or each station for securing an external glass sheet with a corresponding spacer.

Advantageously, the installation comprises a conveyor configured to move the glass sheets in the successive stations of the main line. The main line of the installation may also include a glass sheet washing station, located upstream of the spacer application station and of the or each station for securing an external glass sheet with a corresponding spacer.

Preferably, the spacer application station is located outside the main line. Compared to a configuration where the spacer application takes place while the central glass sheet is on the conveyor of the main line, this arrangement of the spacer application station outside the main line avoids having to reverse the direction of circulation of the conveyor so that the spacer (s) are placed over the entire periphery of the main faces of the central glass sheet.

According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises an automatic device for gripping a central glass sheet, configured to move the central glass sheet in the spacer application station opposite an applicator device of spacer.

Advantageously, in particular when the spacer application station is located outside the main line, the automatic gripping device is also configured to move the central glass sheet between the main line and the application station d spacer.

In one embodiment, the spacer application station includes an applicator device comprising two application members arranged on either side of a carriage, the carriage being configured to circulate along the edge of a sheet. of glass while the two application members apply the spacer (s) simultaneously to the two main faces of the glass sheet, in particular by extrusion or by bonding.

In one embodiment, the spacer application station comprises an applicator device of a spacer provided with a groove for receiving the edge of a glass sheet, the applicator device comprising an applicator member which ensures a deployment of the spacer along the edge of the glass sheet with its groove engaged around the edge of the glass sheet.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of several embodiments of a method and of an installation for manufacturing multiple glazing units according to the invention, given solely by way of example and made in referring to the attached drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a partial section of a triple glazing according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising two spacers of thermoplastic polymer extruded on either side of the central glass sheet;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the central glass sheet of the triple glazing of Figure 1, provided with two thermoplastic spacers positioned on either side of the central glass sheet, which is an intermediate product in the frame the method of the invention;

- Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device used for the manufacture of the triple glazing of Figure 1, showing the application of the two thermoplastic spacers simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet;

- Figure 4 is a partial schematic view of a triple glazing manufacturing installation of Figure 1, showing the end of the step of applying the two thermoplastic spacers simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet;

- Figure 5 is a partial section similar to Figure 1 for a triple glazing according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising two flexible spacers based on silicone foam positioned on either side of the sheet of central glass;

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the central glass sheet of the triple glazing of Figure 5, provided with two flexible spacers positioned on either side of the central glass sheet, which is an intermediate product in the frame the method of the invention;

- Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device used for the manufacture of the triple glazing of Figure 5, showing the application of the two flexible spacers simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet;

- Figure 8 is a partial schematic view of a triple glazing manufacturing installation of Figure 5, showing the end of the step of applying the two flexible spacers simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet;

- Figure 9 is a partial section similar to Figure 1 for a triple glazing according to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a single flexible spacer based on silicone foam having a groove for receiving the edge of the sheet central glass; and

- Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the central glass sheet of the triple glazing of Figure 9, provided with the single flexible spacer whose groove is engaged on the edge of the central glass sheet, which is a intermediate product in the context of the process of the invention.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain multiple glazings having any number, greater than or equal to three, of glass sheets.

The invention is thus applicable for the manufacture of triple glazing, quadruple glazing, etc.

It is usual to name the different main faces of the glass sheets of multiple glazing by numbers starting from Φ, the number Φ designating the external face of the glass sheet intended to be turned towards the outside of a building .

Thus, for a triple glazing, the external face of the external glass sheet intended to be turned towards the outside of a building bears the number Φ, the internal face of the external glass sheet 1 intended to be turned towards the exterior of a building has the number ®, the side of the inner glass sheet facing the outer glass sheet 1 has the number ®, the side of the inner glass sheet 2 facing the outer glass sheet 3 has the number @, the internal face of the external glass sheet 3 intended to be turned towards the interior of a building bears the number ®, the external face of the external glass sheet 3 intended to be turned towards the interior of a building has the number ®.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a method and an installation for manufacturing a triple glazing 14 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The triple glazing 14 comprises three sheets of glass 1, 2, 3 parallel to each other, which are arranged opposite one another. One of the glass sheets, called the central glass sheet 2, is located between the other two glass sheets, called the external glass sheets 1, 3. The three glass sheets 1, 2, 3 may have different thicknesses. The dimensions (surface, thickness of the glass sheets) are to be chosen according to the desired application of the triple glazing.

The triple glazing 14 comprises two spacer frames 4, 4 ′, which are each fixed between two sheets of glass, respectively the glass sheets 1, 2 and the glass sheets 2, 3, so as to keep them at a distance by forming two cavities 12, 12 '. The cavities 12, 12 'are each filled with insulating gas, which provides good thermal and acoustic insulation to the triple glazing 14. The two cavities 12, 12' can have the same thickness or have different thicknesses, depending on the desired application of triple glazing. Each spacer 4, 4 ’is located between two main faces of the two glass sheets which surround it, at the level of a peripheral part 10, 20, 20’, 30 of these faces. As clearly visible in FIG. 1, the spacer frame 4 is located between the main faces ® and ® of the glass sheets 1, 2, while the spacer frame 4 'is located between the main faces @ and ® of the glass sheets 2 , 3.

The triple glazing 14 also comprises, to hold the glass sheets 1, 2, 3 together and on the spacer frames 4, 4 ', an external sealing barrier 11, 11' applied respectively over the entire outer periphery of the spacer 4 between the two glass sheets 1, 2 and around the entire outer periphery of the spacer 4 'between the two glass sheets 2, 3. The external sealing barrier 11, 11' can be formed, in particular, from '' a resin chosen from polysulphides, polyurethanes, silicones, hot-melt butyls, or hotmelt butyls, and combinations or mixtures thereof. These sealants have good adhesion to the glass sheets and mechanical properties allowing them to maintain the glass components on the spacers.

In this first embodiment, the spacers 4, 4 ′ are two thermoplastic spacers based on polyisobutylene, each comprising a filling of desiccant material 17, for example based on silica gel or a substance of the class of molecular sieves . The manufacture of triple glazing 14 involves the application of two thermoplastic spacers 4, 4 'by extrusion, simultaneously on the two main faces ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2. To do this, an applicator device 7, visible in Figures 3 and 4, is used.

The applicator device 7 comprises a vertical rail 71, on which a carriage 73 is mounted so that it can slide. The carriage 73 comprises a central support 77 and two extrusion heads 72, 74. As clearly visible in FIG. 3, the extrusion heads 72, 74 are positioned on either side of the support 77 by presenting their end caps d extrusion 76, 78 facing each other. Thus, a space E in U, suitable for receiving the peripheral edge of a sheet of glass, is defined between the support 77, which forms the bottom of the space in

U, and the two extrusion tips 76, 78, which define the sides of the U-shaped space.

The support 77 is provided with a roller 79 intended to come into abutment against the edge 21 of a glass sheet 2 whose edge is received in the space E. Thanks to the roller 79, the support 77 is able to circulate the along the edge 21 of the glass sheet 2, the relative movement of the support 77 and of the glass sheet 2 being guided laterally by the presence of the two extrusion tips 76, 78. The circulation of the support 77 along the edge 21 of the glass sheet allows the application by the extrusion tips 76, 78 of two spacers 4, 4 'simultaneously along the periphery of the two main faces Θ, @ of the glass sheet 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the two extrusion tips 76, 78 of the applicator device 7 are both connected to the same supply pipe 75, so that the two extrusion tips 76, 78 are supplied at from the same polyisobutylene tank. This guarantees good deposition symmetry of the two spacers 4, 4 'extruded on either side of the glass sheet 2, insofar as the extruded bead has the same chemical composition and the same viscosity when it is deposited on the two sides of the glass sheet.

Each spacer 4, 4 ′ is applied gradually, along the peripheral part 20, 20 ′ of the corresponding main face Θ, @ of the glass sheet 2, by relative displacement of the glass sheet 2 and of the carriage 73 of the device applicator 7. In particular, in the example shown, this relative displacement results both from a displacement of the glass sheet 2 opposite the applicator device 7, and from a sliding of the carriage 73 vertically along the rail 71 .

The movement of the glass sheet 2 opposite the applicator device 7 is ensured by an automatic gripping device 9, shown in FIG. 4, comprising a multiaxial articulated arm 91, at one end of which is fixed a frame 92 provided with four suction cups 94 for gripping the glass sheet 2. The automatic device 9 is configured to operate a rotation of the glass sheet 2, so as to present the edge of the glass sheet in the space E defined by the carriage 73 of the device applicator 7, successively on the four sides of the glass sheet. The sliding of the carriage 73 along the rail 71 then allows it to circulate along the edge 21 of the glass sheet 2, on each side of the sheet which is presented to it by the automatic device 9, making possible the simultaneous application of the two spacers 4, 4 'by the extrusion tips 76, 78 over the entire contour of the main faces Θ, @ of the glass sheet.

Figures 2 and 3 show an example of geometry of each extruded bead forming a spacer 4, 4 ’, at the junction 41, 41’ between the two ends of the bead. The geometry of the junction 41, 41 'of each spacer 4, 4' shown in the figures guarantees continuity of sealing around the entire periphery of the glazing, it being understood that other junction geometries 41, 41 'are possible for as long as they ensure good sealing of the spacer.

As shown in FIG. 1, each spacer 4, 4 'has two side walls, namely a side wall 43, 43' adjacent to the central glass sheet 2 and a side wall 45, 45 'adjacent to the glass sheet corresponding external 1 or 3. In this first embodiment, the connection between each glass sheet and the adjacent wall of the spacer 4, 4 ′ is ensured directly by adhesion of the extruded polyisobutylene bead to the glass sheet. In practice, the adhesion of each spacer 4, 4 'to the central glass sheet 2 results from the hot extrusion of the polyisobutylene bead on this glass sheet, and the adhesion of each spacer 4, 4' to the external glass sheet 1 or 3 results from pressing the external glass sheet against the spacer while it is still hot.

Figure 4 shows an example of an installation suitable for manufacturing triple glazing 14 as described above. The installation includes:

a station 40 for washing glass sheets 1, 2, 3, at the outlet of which is a station 50 for inspecting glass sheets;

a station 60 for applying the two thermoplastic spacers 4, 4 ′ by extrusion, simultaneously on the two main faces ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2, this spacer application station comprising the applicator device 7 described above ;

- A station 70 for securing a first external glass sheet 3 on the spacer 4 ’, by pressing its main face ® against the side wall 45’ of the spacer 4 ’;

a station 80 for securing a second external glass sheet 1 to the spacer 4, which comprises a press in which the external glass sheet 1 is secured to the spacer 4 by pressing its main face ® against the wall lateral 45 of the spacer, and the two external glass sheets 1,3 are pressed on either side of the spacers 4, 4 ';

a sealing station, not shown, which is situated at the outlet of station 80 and in which the external sealing barrier 11, 11 ′ is applied respectively to the external periphery of the spacer 4 between the glass sheets 1 and 2 and on the outer periphery of the spacer 4 'between the glass sheets 2 and 3.

The installation also includes a conveyor 90, which is configured to move the glass sheets in a vertical position successively in the washing station 40, the inspection station 50, the joining stations 70 and 80, and the sealing station . All the stations served by the conveyor 90 form a main line. In the example shown, the spacer application station 60 is located outside and in parallel with the main line, between the inspection station 50 and the connection station 70. The automatic gripping device 9 described above, which makes it possible to move the central glass sheet 2 opposite the applicator device 7 in the station 60, is also used to move the central glass sheet 2 between the main line and the station 60.

By way of example, the process for manufacturing triple glazing 14 in the installation described above comprises the following steps.

First of all, the conveyor 90 moves a central glass sheet 2, placed vertically on the conveyor, successively in the washing station 40 and in the inspection station 50. Once the inspection has been carried out, the automatic gripping device 9 will look for the central glass sheet 2 in the inspection station 50 and move it to the spacer application station 60, while holding the central glass sheet 2 vertically by means of the suction cups 94.

In the spacer application station 60, the automatic device 9 moves the central glass sheet 2 relative to the applicator device 7, positioning the edge of the sheet in the space E defined by the carriage 73 of the applicator device 7 , and by performing a rotation of the sheet so as to successively present the four sides of the glass sheet 2 to the applicator device. At the same time, the carriage 73 of the applicator device 7 slides vertically along the rail 71 so as to circulate along the edge 21 of the glass sheet 2, on each of the four sides of the sheet presented to it by the automated device. 9.

Thus, in station 60, two thermoplastic spacers 4, 4 ′ are applied simultaneously by the two extrusion tips 76, 78 of the applicator device 7 to the contour of the main faces ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2. During from the step of applying the spacers 4, 4 ′, the central glass sheet 2 is maintained in a vertical position, which makes it possible to limit the size of the spacer application station 60, as well as the deformation of the glass sheet. At the end of this step, the central glass sheet 2 is provided with two spacers 4, 4 ’, each positioned on a respective main face ® or @ of the glass sheet 2, as clearly visible in FIG. 2.

The automated device 9, which holds the central glass sheet 2 provided with its spacers 4, 4 ’, then moves it to the station 70 for securing with a first external glass sheet, where a glass sheet 3 is waiting. In station 70, the glass sheet 3 arranged vertically on the conveyor 90 is secured to the spacer 4 ′ of the central glass sheet 2, which is held vertically opposite the glass sheet 3 by the automatic device 9, by pressing its main face ® against the side wall 45 'of the spacer 4'. The assembly comprising the two glass sheets 2 and 3 secured by means of the spacer 4 'is then moved on the conveyor 90, still in a vertical position of the glass sheets, to the station 80 for securing with a second external glass sheet, where a glass sheet 1, also arranged vertically, is waiting in the press.

In the press, the glass sheet 1 is secured to the spacer 4 of the central glass sheet 2 by pressing its main face <2> against the side wall 45 of the spacer 4, and the two external glass sheets 1 and 3 are pressed on either side of the spacers 4 and 4 '. The filling with insulating gas of the two cavities 12, 12 ’delimited between the glass sheets 1,2, 3 can take place in the press, before the assembly is transferred to a sealing station, not shown in FIG. 4.

In the second embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references. The triple glazing 15 of this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the spacers 5, 5 ′ of the triple glazing are two flexible spacers, based on silicone foam, which are assembled with the glass sheets 1, 2.3 by gluing.

More specifically, each spacer 5, 5 ’comprises a body based on silicone foam, comprising in its mass a filling of desiccant material 17, for example based on silica gel or a substance of the class of molecular sieves. The body of each spacer 5, 5 'is provided, on its wall intended to be directed opposite the cavities 12, 12' of the glazing, with a coating 56, 56 'forming a vapor barrier. The side walls of each spacer 5, 5 ', which include a side wall 53, 53' adjacent to the central glass sheet 2 and a side wall 55, 55 'adjacent to the corresponding external glass sheet 1 or 3, are provided each of a layer 54, 54 ′ of acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, suitable for ensuring the connection between each glass sheet and the adjacent wall of the spacer 5, 5 ′.

The manufacture of the triple glazing 15 of the second embodiment involves the application of the two flexible spacers 5, 5 ′ by bonding, simultaneously on the two main faces ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2. To do this, a applicator device 8, visible in FIGS. 7 and 8, is used. The two spacers 5, 5 'are each obtained by deployment and cutting of a flexible spacer ribbon 18, 18', which is initially wound on itself and around a coil R, R ', as shown on the Figure 8. At the output of the coils R, R ', the ribbons 18, 18' pass through a device D for removing a first removable protective strip (or liner) 19, 19 ', intended to initially protect the layer of adhesive 54, 54 'present on the wall 53, 53' of the spacer intended to be adjacent to the central glass sheet 2.

Similarly to the applicator device 7 of the first embodiment, the applicator device 8 comprises a vertical rail 81, on which a carriage 83 is mounted so that it can slide. The carriage 83 comprises a central support 87 and two application heads 82, 84 positioned on either side of the support 87, which each receive one of the two strips 18, 18 ′ at the outlet of the withdrawal device D. application heads 82, 84 are positioned on either side of the support 87 and include pressure rollers 86, 88 arranged opposite one another. Each application head 82, 84 may advantageously include a device for removing a second removable protective strip (or liner) 19, 19 ′, designed to initially protect the layer of adhesive 54, 54 ′ present on the wall 55 , 55 ′ of the spacer intended to be adjacent to an external glass sheet 1, 3. Here too, a space E in a U, suitable for receiving the peripheral edge of a glass sheet, is defined between the support 87, which forms the bottom of the U-shaped space, and the two pressure rollers 86, 88, which define the sides of the U-shaped space.

The support 87 is provided with a roller 89 allowing it to circulate along the edge 21 of the glass sheet 2, the relative movement of the support 87 and the glass sheet 2 being, in this second embodiment, guided laterally by support legs 85 of the application heads 82, 84, intended to come into abutment against each of the two main faces ®, @ of the glass sheet 2. The pressure roller 86, 88 of each application head 82, 84 forms an applicator member configured to press the flexible spacer tape against the corresponding main face ® or @ of the glass sheet 2, in a direction substantially perpendicular to this main face, so as to activate the bonding of the spacer on the glass by the layer of adhesive 54, 54 'present on the wall 53, 53' of the spacer. The circulation of the support 87 along the edge 21 of the glass sheet allows the application by gluing, using the pressure rollers 86, 88, of the two spacers 5, 5 'simultaneously along the periphery of the two faces. main ®, @ of the glass sheet 2. The simultaneous deposition of the two spacers 5, 5 ′ on the two main faces ®, @ of the glass sheet 2 ensures good symmetry of the spacers on both sides of the glass sheet.

As in the first embodiment, the application of each spacer 5, 5 ', progressively along the peripheral part 20, 20' of the corresponding main face ®, @ of the glass sheet 2, results from both 'A movement of the glass sheet 2 opposite the applicator device 8, obtained using an automatic gripping device 9, and a sliding of the carriage 83 of the applicator device 8 vertically along the rail 81. In this second embodiment, the automatic gripping device 9 is identical to that described above with reference to the first embodiment.

Figures 6 and 7 show an example of geometry of each spacer 5, 5 ’, at the junction 51, 51’ between the two ends of the ribbon forming the spacer. Advantageously, the junction 51, 51 ′ is formed between two bevelled ends of the ribbon, at an angle with the glass sheet 2, so as to guarantee continuity of sealing around the entire periphery of the glazing.

An example of an installation suitable for the production of triple glazing 15 as described above is shown in FIG. 8. As in the first embodiment, the installation comprises a conveyor 90, configured to move the glass sheets 1 , 2, 3 in the successive stations of a main line which successively comprises, from upstream to downstream, a washing station 40, an inspection station 50, a station 70 for securing a first sheet of external glass, a station 80 for securing a second sheet of external glass, and a sealing station. The installation also includes a spacer application station 60, located outside and parallel to the main line, between the inspection station 50 and the connection station 70. The station 60 includes the applicator device 8 described above , allowing the application of the two flexible spacers 5, 5 'by bonding, simultaneously on the two main faces ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2. In this installation, the automatic gripping device 9 is used to move the sheet of central glass 2 opposite the applicator device 8 in the station 60 and for moving the central glass sheet 2 between the main line and the station 60.

The steps of the process for manufacturing a triple glazing unit 15 in the installation of FIG. 8 are deduced directly from the description of the first embodiment, the applicator device 7 being simply replaced by the applicator device 8. In particular, in the spacer application station 60, the automatic device 9 moves the central glass sheet 2 relative to the applicator device 8, by positioning the edge of the sheet in the space E defined by the carriage 83, and by rotating of the sheet so as to present successively the four sides of the glass sheet to the applicator device 8. At the same time, the carriage 83 of the applicator device 8 slides vertically along the rail 81 so as to circulate along the edge 21 of the glass sheet 2, on each of the four sides of the sheet presented to it by the automatic device 9. Two flexible spacers 5, 5 ′ are thus applied simu ltentionally by bonding over the entire contour of the main faces of the central glass sheet 2. At the end of this step, the central glass sheet 2 is provided with two spacers 5, 5 ′, each positioned on a respective main face ®, @ from the glass sheet 2, as clearly visible in FIG. 6.

In the third embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references. The triple glazing 16 of this third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the two flexible spacers 5, 5 'are replaced by a single flexible spacer 6, based on silicone foam, which is provided with a groove 62 for receiving the edge of the central glass sheet 2. In a similar manner to the spacers 5, 5 ′, the flexible spacer 6 comprises a body based on silicone foam, comprising in its mass a filling of desiccant material 17, the body of the spacer 6 being provided, on its wall intended to be directed opposite the cavities 12, 12 ′ of the glazing, with a coating 66 forming a vapor barrier.

In this third embodiment, the side walls 65, 65 ′ of the spacer 6 are each provided with a layer 64 of acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, capable of ensuring the connection between each sheet of external glass 1, 3 and the adjacent wall of the spacer 6. The bottom of the groove 62 is also provided with a layer 68 of pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive making it possible to bond with the central glass sheet 2. The manufacture of the triple glazing 16 of the third embodiment involves the application of the two wings forming the lateral sides of the groove 62 simultaneously along a peripheral part 20, 20 ′ of the two main faces ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2 , by deployment of the spacer 6 along the edge of the central glass sheet 2 with its groove 62 engaged around the edge of the central glass sheet. The wings of the spacer 6 forming the lateral sides of the groove 62 each come to bear against a main face ®, @ of the central glass sheet 2 when the edge of the central glass sheet is received in the groove 62.

The applicator device adapted to this deployment of the spacer 6 has not been shown in the figures, but it is deduced directly from the applicator device 8 of the second embodiment. In particular, the spacer applicator device 6 involves a single flexible groove spacer ribbon, which is initially wound on itself and around a reel R. The flexible groove spacer ribbon, output from the coil R, is received by an application head, which is mounted on a carriage similar to the carriage 83 and which defines a space for receiving the flexible spacer tape with its groove oriented externally to receive the peripheral edge of a sheet of glass

2. Again, the application of the spacer 6, gradually along the peripheral part 20, 20 'of the corresponding main face of the glass sheet 2, by deployment of the spacer along the edge of the sheet of glass with its groove 62 engaged around the edge of the glass sheet, results at the same time from a displacement of the glass sheet 2 opposite the applicator device, obtained using an automatic gripping device 9 , and a sliding of the carriage of the applicator device along a vertical rail.

Advantageously, as illustrated in the previous examples, the method according to the invention can be implemented completely automatically. In addition, the different glass sheets of the multiple glazing can be received simultaneously in different work stations. These two aspects increase productivity and lower the costs of producing multiple glazing.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

In particular, the method according to the invention has been described in the case where it is completely automated, but it is of course possible to implement the invention with partial automation, or even without automation.

The invention can also be implemented for the manufacture of multiple glazing units comprising more than three sheets of glass, the number of spacers, or of grooves in the case of a single grooved spacer, being adapted accordingly.

Furthermore, in the examples shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 7-8, the invention has been illustrated with applicator devices each comprising two application heads. Alternatively, a single application head may be provided, this single head being provided with two application members. In particular, with reference to Figures 3-4 and 7-8, the two application heads 72, 74 and 82, 84 can be replaced by a single head connected to two extrusion tips or two pressure rollers.

Claims (20)

1. Method for manufacturing multiple glazing (14; 15; 16) comprising two external glass sheets (1, 3) and at least one central glass sheet (2), characterized in that it comprises successive stages in which : - for each of the two main faces (@, ®) of the central glass sheet (2), a deformable spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6), in particular a thermoplastic polymer spacer or a flexible spacer, is applied along a peripheral part (20, 20 ') of the main face (®, ®), by relative displacement of the central glass sheet (2) and of a spacer applicator device (7; 8 ), the application of or each deformable spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) taking place simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet; - each external glass sheet (1, 3) is secured at its periphery (10, 30) with the spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) applied to the corresponding main face of the central glass sheet (2). 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the step of applying a deformable spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ® ) of the central glass sheet (2), the central glass sheet (2) is held by means of an automatic gripping device (9) configured to move the central glass sheet opposite the applicator device. spacer (7; 8). 3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during the step of applying a deformable spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet (2), the central glass sheet (2) is in a vertical position. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during the step of applying a deformable spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet (2), the deformable spacer (s) (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) are applied using a spacer applicator device (7; 8) comprising two application members (76, 78; 86, 88) arranged on either side of a carriage (73; 83), the carriage (73; 83) circulating along the edge (21) of the central glass sheet (2) while the two application members (76, 78; 86, 88) apply the deformable spacer or spacers simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that two deformable spacers (4, 4 '; 5, 5') are applied simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the glass sheet central (2) for manufacturing multiple glazing (14; 15) comprising two spacers each positioned on a respective main face (®, ®) of the central glass sheet (2). 6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the two deformable spacers (4, 4 ') are two spacers made of thermoplastic polymer, in particular based on polyisobutylene, applied by extrusion simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet (2). 7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the two thermoplastic polymer spacers (4, 4 ') are applied simultaneously using two extrusion tips (76, 78) both connected to the same supply (75) in thermoplastic polymer. 8. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the two deformable spacers (5, 5 ’) are two flexible spacers applied by bonding simultaneously on the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet (2). 9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a single deformable spacer (6) is applied along the edge of the central glass sheet (2), so as to produce multiple glazing ( 16) comprising a single deformable spacer (6), the single deformable spacer (6) being a flexible spacer provided with a groove (62) for receiving the edge of the central glass sheet (2), the two wings forming the lateral sides of the groove (62) of the single spacer (6) being applied simultaneously along a peripheral part (20, 20 ') of the two main faces (®, ®) of the central glass sheet (2) , by deployment of the spacer along the edge of the central glass sheet with its groove (62) engaged around the edge of the central glass sheet. 10. Method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the or each flexible spacer (5, 5 '; 6) is based on polymer foam, in particular based on silicone foam or polyurethane foam . 11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each deformable spacer (4, 4 ’; 5, 5’; 6) comprises a filling of desiccant material (17). 12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each external glass sheet (1,3) is secured to the corresponding spacer (4, 4 ’; 5, 5’; 6) by pressing. 13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each glass sheet (1, 2, 3) of the multiple glazing (14; 15; 16) is moved in several successive workstations being substantially vertical. 14. Multiple glazing (14; 15; 16) obtained by the method of any one of the preceding claims. 15. Installation for manufacturing multiple glazing units (14; 15; 16) comprising two external glass sheets (1, 3) and at least one central glass sheet (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a station (60) for applying a deformable spacer (4, 4 '; 5, 5'; 6) along a peripheral part (20, 20 ') of each main face (@, ®) d 'a central glass sheet (2), simultaneously on the two main faces of the central glass sheet, - At least one station (70, 80) for securing an external glass sheet (1, 3) with a corresponding spacer, located on a main line of the installation, the spacer application station (60) being located upstream of or each station (70, 80) for securing an external glass sheet with a corresponding spacer. 16. Installation according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a conveyor (90) configured to move the glass sheets (1,2, 3) in the successive stations (40, 50, 70, 80) of the line main. 17. Installation according to any one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that it comprises an automatic gripping device (9) of a central glass sheet (2), configured to move the central glass sheet in the spacer application station (60) opposite a spacer applicator device (7; 8). 18. Installation according to claim 17, characterized in that the station (60) for applying the spacer is located outside the main line and the automatic gripping device (9) is configured to move the central glass sheet ( 2) between the main line and the spacer application station (60). 19. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the spacer application station (60) comprises a spacer applicator device (7; 8) comprising two application members (76, 78; 86, 88) arranged on either side of a carriage (73; 83), the carriage (73; 83) being configured to circulate along the edge (21) of a sheet of glass while the two application members (76, 78; 86, 88) apply the deformable spacer or spacers simultaneously on the two main faces (@, ®) of the glass sheet. 20. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the spacer application station (60) comprises a spacer applicator device (6) provided with a receiving groove (62) from the edge of a glass sheet, the applicator device comprising an application head which deploys the spacer along the edge of the glass sheet with its groove (62) engaged around the edge of the sheet of glass glass.