AUTOMATED SPACER FRAME FABRICATION AND METHOD

摘要

Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated front succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.

主权项

1. Apparatus for fabricating spacer frames from strip stork of different material for use in an insulating glass unit, said apparatus including multiple work stations for treating an elongated metal strip as the strip moves through successive work stations comprising:
a) a corner forming station having a punch drive for moving a die into engagement with a flat surface of the metal slit at controlled locations along a length of said strip to on corner locations that facilitate bending of the metal strip into a closed mufti-sided structure having an adjustable stop with multiple stop surfaces for limiting, movement of the die to a controlled amount that depends on a type of material of the strip stock passing through the corner forming station; b) a forming station for forming a spacer frame having side walls to which an adhesive is applied during fabrication of an insulated glass unit; c) a severing station for separating a lead spacer frame from subsequent spacer frames after the lead frame has moved through the notching and forming stations; and d) a control station having a for adjusting energy transferred during engagement between the die and the metal strip at the corner forming station based upon the material of the strip stock passing through the successive work stations by rotating a selected one of the multiple stop surfaces into an engagement position.