Apparatus for converting tubular blanks into spacer frames of multiple-pane windows

摘要

Apparatus for converting tubular blanks of ductile material into substantially L-shaped bodies which can constitute parts of spacer frames for use between the panes of multiple-pane windows has a clamping unit which can engage a first portion of a blank so as to locate the blank in a predetermined position in which an intermediate portion of the blank is located between the first portion and a second portion. At such time, one side of the intermediate portion is adjacent a roller and the other side of the intermediate portion is adjacent an anvil. A moving unit is then caused to bend the intermediate portion about the anvil while the distance between the roller and the anvil decreases so that those walls of the intermediate portion which are adjacent the roller and the anvil move nearer to each other during transformation of the intermediate portion into an elbow of the thus obtained L-shaped blank. The dimensions of the roller and anvil are selected in such a way that the mutual spacing of sidewalls of the intermediate portion (such sidewalls alternate with the aforementioned walls) remains unchanged and the elbow assumes an I-shaped cross-sectional outline.