Curing repair resin

Abstract

The present invention provides a curing component that can be used to repair a vehicle windshield, comprising a mounting device for fixing the curing component to the windshield, and a light emitter for emitting light to the repair area. The mounting device is at least 10 cm away from the light emitter, the light emitter is mounted by a rigid arm that cannot deflect or bend, and / or the light is emitted by an LED device and is emitted at a single rated wavelength; and the device emits only at the rated wavelength, except for any bleed wavelengths above and below the rated LED wavelength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for curing a resin for repairing cracks or breaks in a vehicle windshield, including a resin composition for repairing a windshield. Background Art

[0002] Windshields are often damaged due to small projectiles or debris, such as rocks, that deflect from the road and strike the vehicle windshield. The force of these small projectiles or debris can cause cracks, breaks or chips in the windshield. If the damaged area meets certain requirements, such as the break is neither too large nor too deep, the windshield can be repaired rather than replaced. Repairs are cheaper and more convenient for the user.

[0003] It is well known that resin can be injected into the cracked area of ​​a vehicle windshield to fill and repair it. WO2015 / 040073 or EP1227927 discloses manual and automatic devices for repairing windshields using resin. Before injecting the resin, these devices at least partially empty the repair area and then apply pressure to push the resin into the repair area.

[0004] After the resin is injected into the rupture, it is usually cured, which cures the resin from a liquid to a solid, completing the repair process. The repair resin typically includes an oligomer-based material that gives the resin its structure, monomers for adjusting viscosity and providing the desired physical properties of the resin, and a photoinitiator that starts the curing process.

[0005] A photoinitiator is a molecule or compound that generates reactive species, such as free radicals, when exposed to a specific wavelength of light (which may be referred to as an excitation wavelength). The released reactive species then cause the monomers and oligomers in the resin to combine and form larger compounds, causing the liquid resin to become solid.

[0006] The curing process is usually performed by a curing unit positioned over the damaged area of ​​the windshield. The curing unit emits light with an excitation wavelength that is used to initiate the curing of the resin.

[0007] The light needs to have the correct excitation wavelength and excitation intensity to initiate the curing of the specific resin used and to ensure sufficient transmission of light through the windshield. Typically, curing components used to repair windshields use ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 300nm and 350nm. WO2011109602 specifies an LED curing component that is configured to emit two separate wavelengths, a first wavelength of 365nm and a second wavelength of 395nm. The document states that this 395nm wavelength enables the use of the curing component from the inner surface of the windshield, although the document does not disclose the composition of the resin that is actually suitable for use with this wavelength. The resin in the document also appears to be suitable for curing at a wavelength of 365nm.

[0008] If the resin does not cure correctly or adequately, the repair will be of low quality. This may result in the windscreen subsequently needing to be replaced, which is both expensive and inconvenient.

[0009] It is also important to minimize any pressure applied to the repaired (or damaged) area of ​​the windshield during the curing process. Adding pressure will also reduce the quality of the repair.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to improve the resin curing process to enhance the repair quality of vehicle windshields. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for repairing a vehicle windshield, comprising: injecting a resin into a repair area, wherein the resin includes a photoinitiator, the photoinitiator being excited when exposed to light having an excitation wavelength, the excitation wavelength being between 370 nm and 425 nm; and emitting light into the repair area to cure the resin, wherein the light includes light within the excitation wavelength range.

[0012] Thus, the present invention uses a resin containing a photoinitiator that is excited when exposed to light of a longer wavelength than the photoinitiators in known windshield repair resins. That is, light emitted from the curing component is transmitted more deeply into the windshield within the same range as the excitation wavelength of the photoinitiator, while the light still has sufficient energy to cure the resin in a shorter exposure time. Thus, the method of the present invention provides more efficient curing, thereby improving the quality of windshield repair. The light of a higher than normal wavelength selected according to the present invention penetrates the resin at the bottom of the crack or fracture, so that the entire volume of resin in the crack or fracture is cured, rather than preferentially curing only the resin at the uppermost part of the crack or fracture, which usually occurs in traditional curing techniques using lower ultraviolet wavelengths. For example, as described in WO20110962, curing from the outside of the windshield with light of a wavelength of 365nm will not preferentially cure the resin at the bottom of the crack or fracture (i.e., the crack or fracture farthest from the outer surface of the windshield).

[0013] The excitation wavelength is defined as the wavelength that excites the photoinitiator and causes it to release light that initiates the curing of the resin particles. Light having an excitation wavelength in the range of 370 nm to 425 nm can excite the photoinitiator.

[0014] LED light emitters with a single rated excitation wavelength within a specified range are usually used. The so-called rated excitation wavelength, that is, the rating (or technical specification) of the LED refers to a single wavelength (or narrow band wavelength) within the specified range. Of course, there may be bleed-through or trace wavelengths that emit slightly above or below the rated LED excitation wavelength (or narrow band wavelength).

[0015] Optionally at least 80%wt of the resin is unreactive to ultraviolet light. In other words, only 20%wt or less of the resin absorbs ultraviolet light. The wavelength of ultraviolet light is between 310nm and 400nm.

[0016] Alternatively, 1% wt to 5% wt of the resin may be excited when exposed to light having an excitation wavelength.

[0017] In some embodiments, the resin does not include any components other than the photoinitiator that absorb UV light.

[0018] The excitation wavelength can be selected to be between 370 nm and 400 nm.

[0019] Alternatively, the excitation wavelength is between 380 nm and 390 nm. For example, the excitation wavelength may be 385 nm.

[0020] The light intensity irradiated to the repair area should be at least 10mW / cm 2 Alternatively, the light intensity should be at least 15 mW / cm 2 It is important to direct the correct light intensity onto the repair area. To this end, the arm on which the light is mounted is fixed relative to the windscreen support and cannot be deflected.

[0021] Alternatively, at least one LED (light emitting diode) is used to apply light to the repair area. That is, the light source used to cure the resin may include at least one LED. Using LEDs rather than traditional filament or vapor bulbs may be advantageous because LEDs consume less power, do not require warm-up time, and generate less waste heat.

[0022] As desired, the at least one LED is spaced at least 15 mm from the repair area in the vertical direction. For example, the method may include placing the at least one LED at least 15 mm above or below the repair area.

[0023] Alternatively, the at least one LED is spaced less than 10 cm from the repair area in the vertical direction. If the light source is too far from the repair area, the light intensity on the repair area will be reduced, thereby reducing the efficiency of the curing process.

[0024] The diameter of the repair area can be less than or equal to 50 mm. This ensures that the light shining on the windshield has enough exposure area to cover the repair area. In addition, larger repair areas may require the windshield to be replaced rather than repaired.

[0025] Optionally, the step of curing the resin includes directing light into the repair area for a predetermined exposure period of at least 60 seconds.

[0026] Alternatively, the exposure period is predetermined to be 180 seconds. This ensures that the curing of the resin is optimal.

[0027] The method may include automatically ceasing light emission at the end of a predetermined exposure period.

[0028] The method may include an initial step of mounting the cured component to the windscreen using a mounting device that is at least 10 cm away from the center of the repair area. A spacing of at least 10 cm can minimize any pressure applied to the repair area from the mounting device, thereby improving the quality of the repair.

[0029] The curing component is configured to emit light having an excitation wavelength to the repair area.

[0030] If desired, the mounting device may include a suction cup bracket, which allows the cured component to be sucked onto the windshield.

[0031] Alternatively, the suction cup mount may apply less pressure to the windshield than many existing suction cup mounts. For example, the suction cup mount may have a lower hardness value.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method may include mounting the curing component on an interior surface of the windshield. The interior surface is defined as the surface facing the interior of the vehicle (ie, the driver's side of the windshield).

[0033] Optionally, the step of curing the resin includes directing light from the interior surface of the windshield toward the repair area.

[0034] The method may also include applying pressure to the resin injected into the repair area during the curing of the resin. In other words, the method may include applying pressure to the repair area. Pressure may have the advantage of causing the resin to completely fill the repair area. It will also compress any air trapped in the repair area, making it less and less noticeable. This may improve the quality of the cure, thereby improving the repair process.

[0035] The method may include applying pressure to the resin using a device located outside the windscreen. Thus, the device for applying pressure to the resin in the repair area and the curing component may be mounted on opposite sides of the windscreen. This enables two devices to be connected to the repair area at the same time.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a curing component for repairing a vehicle windshield, comprising: a mounting device for fixing the curing component to the windshield; and a light source for emitting light to a repair area, wherein the mounting device is at least 10 cm apart from the light source.

[0037] In use, the light source is typically located above or below the repair area. Therefore, a spacing of at least 10 cm between the light source and the mounting means means that the mounting means is mounted on the windscreen at least 10 cm from the repair area. It has been found that such spacing can minimize any pressure exerted by the mounting means on the repair area. Pressure or force exerted on uncured or partially cured resin can cause the resin to shift. This is undesirable because the resin may not properly fill the repair area, resulting in a lower quality repair.

[0038] Additionally, applying pressure to the repair area can make the damage to the windshield worse and should be avoided.

[0039] The mounting device includes a suction cup bracket as required.

[0040] Alternatively, the light source includes one or more LEDs. For example, the light source may include a row or a plurality of LEDs. LED light emitters are typically used that have a single rated excitation wavelength within a specified range. The so-called rated excitation wavelength, i.e., the rating (or technical specification) of the LED, refers to a single wavelength (or narrowband wavelength) within a specified range. Of course, there may be bleed-through or trace wavelengths that emit slightly above or below the rated LED excitation wavelength (or narrowband wavelength).

[0041] In some embodiments, the mounting device and the light source are connected to a support arm. The support arm may extend in a generally lateral or horizontal direction. In use, the support arm may extend generally parallel to the windscreen.

[0042] As required, the support arm is at least 15 mm vertically spaced from the base of the mounting device. Thus, in use, the support arm can be located at least 15 mm above or below the windscreen. This ensures that the light from the light source covers a sufficient area of ​​the windscreen to cover the repair area.

[0043] Alternatively, the cured component weighs less than 500 grams. A lower weight of the cured component is advantageous because it reduces the pressure exerted on the windshield by the mounting device.

[0044] The curing component may include a timer for determining a predetermined exposure time of the curing component. The predetermined exposure time is the duration of the curing component emitting light. At the end of the predetermined exposure time, the light source may be set to automatically turn off.

[0045] In addition, the curing component may also include a power supply for supplying power to the light source. The power supply may include one or more rechargeable batteries, such as lithium batteries. Alternatively, the power supply may include a mains power interface.

[0046] It will be appreciated that any feature of the first aspect of the invention may also form part of the second aspect of the invention.

[0047] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for repairing a vehicle windshield, the method comprising: injecting resin into a repair area; applying pressure to the resin in the repair area using a device disposed on a first side of the windshield; and curing the resin by emitting light from a second side of the windshield toward the repair area while maintaining the pressure applied to the resin.

[0048] Thus, the present invention allows the resin to be cured while the resin is maintained under pressure. Conventionally, the means for applying pressure or pressure cycling to the resin are removed from the windshield before the curing process is initiated. This allows air to enter the repair area before the resin is cured. Likewise, any pressure or tension applied to the windshield or repair area when the curing means are set or during curing will displace the resin and thus also result in the resin not being able to completely fill the repair area. As a result of the present invention, more light emitted from the curing means is transmitted to penetrate deeper into the windshield within the same activation wavelength range of the photoinitiator, while the light still has sufficient energy to cure the resin within a short exposure time. Within the same range as the excitation wavelength of the photoinitiator, the light emitted from the curing means is more transmitted to deeper locations of the windshield, while the light still has sufficient energy to cure the resin within a shorter exposure time. Thus, the method of the present invention provides more efficient curing, thereby improving the quality of the windshield repair. The higher than normal wavelength light selected in accordance with the present invention penetrates the resin at the bottom of the crack or fracture, causing the entire volume of resin in the crack or fracture to be cured, rather than preferentially curing only the resin at the top of the crack or fracture, which typically occurs with conventional curing techniques using lower ultraviolet wavelengths.

[0049] In contrast, the present invention maintains the pressure applied to the resin until the resin is fully cured (ie, becomes solid). This ensures that the cured resin fills the repair area and compresses any air gaps to minimize their impact, thereby improving the quality of the repair.

[0050] As desired, the first side of the windshield is the exterior of the windshield and the second side of the windshield is the interior of the windshield.

[0051] It should be understood that any feature of the first aspect of the second embodiment of the present invention may also form part of the third aspect of the present invention.

[0052] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a windshield repair resin composition, comprising:

[0053] 30% to 80%wt of acrylate;

[0054] 4% to 25%wt acid;

[0055] 0.5% to 10% by weight of an oxysilane; and

[0056] 1% to 10%wt of UV activated photoinitiator.

[0057] The composition provides the desired resin structure and viscosity while ensuring that the resin cures quickly and efficiently upon activation of the photoinitiator.

[0058] Alternatively, the windshield repair resin composition may include:

[0059] 40% to 70% by weight acrylate;

[0060] 6 to 18% wt acid;

[0061] 1% to 5%wt of oxysilane; and

[0062] 1% to 7% by weight of a UV-activated photoinitiator.

[0063] A given component may constitute 100% of the composition. Alternatively, the remainder of the composition may consist of one or more acceptable fillers or adjuvants / ingredients.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the 1% to 7% by weight UV-activated photoinitiator may comprise more than one type of molecule or compound. The photoinitiator may be naturally occurring or manufactured.

[0065] Alternatively, the photoinitiator is benzyl dimethyl ketal and / or 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone. For the sake of completeness, benzyl dimethyl ketal is also referred to as 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone.

[0066] Alternatively, the photoinitiator excites when exposed to light of a wavelength between 370 nm and 425 nm. The photoinitiator may be applied or designed to excite when exposed to a specific wavelength of light or a specific range of wavelengths, or may be a naturally occurring property of the molecule or compound.

[0067] Alternatively, the photoinitiator is excited when exposed to light between 370 nm and 400 nm, or between 380 nm and 390 nm.

[0068] Alternatively, the resin composition includes 15% to 20% wt of methacrylate. In other words, 30% to 80% wt or 40% to 70% wt of acrylate may include 15% to 20% wt of methacrylate.

[0069] Alternatively, the resin composition comprises 6% to 18% wt of a dicarboxylic acid. In other words, the acid may comprise or consist of a dicarboxylic acid.

[0070] Alternatively, the resin composition comprises:

[0071] 15% to 20%wt 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;

[0072] 25% to 49%wt isobornyl acrylate;

[0073] 1% to 4%wt of maleic acid;

[0074] 5% to 14%wt of sebacic acid;

[0075] 1% to 4%wt of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane; and

[0076] 1% to 5% wt benzyl dimethyl ketal.

[0077] Alternatively, the resin composition comprises:

[0078] 15% to 20%wt 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;

[0079] 25% to 49%wt isobornyl acrylate;

[0080] 1% to 4%wt of maleic acid;

[0081] 5% to 14%wt of sebacic acid;

[0082] 1% to 4%wt of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane; and

[0083] 1% to 5%wt of 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone.

[0084] Alternatively, the resin composition comprises:

[0085] 15% to 20%wt 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;

[0086] 25% to 49%wt isobornyl acrylate;

[0087] 1% to 4%wt of maleic acid;

[0088] 5% to 14%wt of sebacic acid;

[0089] 1% to 4%wt of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane; and

[0090] A mixture of 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone and benzyl dimethyl ketal in an amount of 1% to 5% wt.

[0091] Therefore, the composition may contain 1% to 5%wt of benzyl dimethyl ketal, or 1% to 5%wt of 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone, or 1% to 5%wt of a mixture of 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone and benzyl dimethyl ketal. For example, the composition may contain 1%wt of 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone and 4%wt of benzyl dimethyl ketal.

[0092] The resin composition may contain up to 100% of one or more acceptable adjuvants / ingredients. In other words, the remainder of the composition may consist of acceptable fillers or adjuvants / ingredients.

[0093] The resin composition may not contain any UV-absorbing ingredients other than the photoinitiator. As desired, the resin may not contain any component that absorbs light having the excitation wavelength of the photoinitiator other than the photoinitiator itself.

[0094] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a windshield repair resin composition comprising a photoinitiator, the photoinitiator being excited when exposed to light having an excitation wavelength, wherein the excitation wavelength is between 370 nm and 425 nm.

[0095] The resin composition can only be cured by using light including light with an excitation wavelength between 370nm and 425nm. This excitation wavelength is longer than the excitation wavelength range of known windshield repair resins. This is advantageous because more light with the excitation wavelength is transmitted through the windshield due to the longer wavelength, while the light still has enough energy to cure the resin in a shorter exposure time. Therefore, the resin in the present invention cures more efficiently and thus improves the quality of the windshield repair.

[0096] The resin composition in the fifth aspect of the present invention may include any of the features of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0097] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for repairing a vehicle windshield, comprising:

[0098] a repair resin comprising a photoinitiator that is excited when exposed to light having an excitation wavelength between 370 nm and 425 nm; and

[0099] A curing component is configured to emit light having an excitation wavelength.

[0100] The apparatus may therefore be used to carry out the method of the first aspect of the invention, and provide its associated advantages.

[0101] The curing means may comprise any of the features of the second aspect of the invention.

[0102] The resin composition may be as defined in any embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0104] Figure 1 a graph showing the transmittance of light through a vehicle windshield versus the wavelength of the light;

[0105] Figure 2 A perspective view of a curing component of the present invention is shown;

[0106] Figure 3 shows a side view of a curing component of the present invention;

[0107] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The state of the cured components when opened; and

[0108] Figure 5 Shown in use repairing a vehicle windshield Figure 2 or Figure 3 of cured parts.

[0109] The skilled artisan will appreciate that these drawings are not drawn to scale nor do they accurately depict the relative size of any features. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] Figure 1 shows how the percentage of light transmitted through a vehicle windshield varies with the wavelength of the light. As shown, the longer the wavelength of the light, the more light passes through the windshield. However, as the wavelength of the light (λ) increases, the energy of the light (e) decreases, as shown in the following equation:

[0111]

[0112] Here, h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light.

[0113] The higher the energy of the light, the faster the curing process. To achieve optimal resin curing, there is a balance between ensuring that enough light is transmitted through the windshield and that the curing light has a high enough energy to excite the resin within an acceptable exposure time.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optimal wavelength is 385 nm ± 5 nm. This must also be the excitation wavelength of the photoinitiator used in the corresponding repair resin. Figure 1As shown, almost 90% of the light having this wavelength is transmitted through the windshield of the vehicle. In contrast, for mercury vapor bulbs used in known curing components for windshield repair processes, only about 60% to 70% is transmitted through the windshield.

[0115] Figure 2 An embodiment of a curing unit of the present invention is shown. The curing unit 10 comprises an LED array 11 connected to the underside of a support arm 13. A suction cup bracket 12 is also attached to the support arm 13. The suction cup bracket 12 is used to securely mount the curing unit 10 to a vehicle windscreen.

[0116] A handle 14 is attached to the curing member 10 and is held by the user. This facilitates removal of the suction cup bracket 12 from the windshield after the curing process is completed.

[0117] The LED array 11 includes a plurality of LEDs (not shown), each of which is configured to emit light having a single specific wavelength between 370 nm and 420 nm. The intensity of the light emitted by the LED array is at least 15 mw / cm 2 To ensure that enough windshield area is illuminated as needed from the emitter located above the windshield. LED light emitters with a single rated excitation wavelength within a specified range are usually used. The so-called rated excitation wavelength, that is, the rating (or technical specification) of the LED refers to a single wavelength (or narrow band wavelength) within the specified range. Of course, there may be bleed-through or trace wavelengths that emit slightly above or below the rated LED excitation wavelength (or narrow band wavelength).

[0118] In some embodiments, the wavelength may be between 370 nm and 425 nm, or between 380 nm and 390 nm.

[0119] The curing unit 10 is used to cure the windshield repair resin after the resin is injected into the crack of the windshield. The excitation wavelength of the resin must be within the range of 370nm to 425nm to ensure that the light emitted by the curing unit 10 can properly cure the resin. Figure 1 The reason for selecting this wavelength range is that it provides the best curing effect on the resin by striking a balance between ensuring that sufficient light from the curing part is transmitted through the windshield and the curing light has a high enough energy to excite the resin within an acceptable exposure time.

[0120] After curing, the repair resin should ideally have the same mechanical and optical properties as the windshield itself. As described in the Background section, the repair resin includes a photoinitiator substance that initiates the curing of the other components of the repair resin from a liquid to a solid substance. The photoinitiator must absorb light emitted from the curing part and be excited by the light. The other components of the resin are selected to ensure that they can be cured when the photoinitiator is activated, and when cured, the solid repair resin has the desired mechanical and optical properties.

[0121] The repair resin may include benzyl dimethyl ketal and / or 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenyl acetone as photoinitiators. Curing light in the wavelength range of 370 nm to 400 nm excites these photoinitiators, which corresponds to the wavelength of the LED array 11. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable photoinitiators may be used in the resin. The photoinitiator excitation wavelength matches the single nominal wavelength emitted by the LED emitter.

[0122] The composition of the resin is essentially such that most of the resin will not cure in an enhanced manner at an excitation wavelength of 365 nm or less, but will cure in an enhanced manner at wavelengths between 370 nm and 425 nm. Typically, at least 80% wt of the resin is unresponsive to ultraviolet light, but typically 1% wt to 5% wt of the resin (i.e., the photoinitiator) will activate when exposed to light having the excitation wavelength. In other words, the resin does not actually include any components that absorb the LED emission wavelength, except for the photoinitiator. The resin also does not actually include any components that absorb light having a wavelength of 365 nm or less.

[0123] The resin composition may include: 40% to 70% wt of acrylate; 6% to 18% wt of acid; 1% to 5% wt of oxysilane; and 1% to 7% wt of photoinitiator. The composition provides the desired resin structure and viscosity while ensuring that the resin is quickly and effectively cured after activation of the photoinitiator.

[0124] In some embodiments, the resin composition may include: 15% to 20% wt of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 25% to 49% wt of isobornyl acrylate; 1% to 4% wt of maleic acid; 5% to 14% wt of sebacic acid; 1% to 4% wt of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane; and 1% to 5% wt of a photoinitiator, wherein the photoinitiator is benzyl dimethyl ketal and / or 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethanone.

[0125] A plurality of slots or holes 15 are provided in the upper surface of the support arm 13 above the LED array 11. These slots or holes 15 serve to cool the LED array 11 during operation by allowing waste heat to escape.

[0126] The LED array 11 is located at least 15 mm above the bottom of the suction cup bracket 12. This ensures that the light emitted from the LED array 11 produces a sufficiently large exposure area to cover a typical repair area on a windshield. In this embodiment, the diameter of the exposure area is 50 mm or less.

[0127] After the repair resin is injected into the repair area on the windshield, the curing unit 10 is used. When the user turns on the LED array 11, for example by pressing a start or power button (not shown), the LED array 11 emits light for a predetermined exposure time of 180 seconds. An internal timer device (not shown) controls the predetermined exposure time and automatically turns off the LED array 11 when the predetermined exposure time expires. In other embodiments, the predetermined exposure time can be any duration of 60 seconds or more.

[0128] exist Figure 3 Another example of a curing component 20 is shown in FIG. The curing component 20 includes a light source 21 and a suction cup holder 22, both of which are attached to a support arm 23. The support arm 23 is rigidly fixed relative to the suction cup holder, which is important to ensure a fixed and consistent placement of the LED emitter above the windshield. The support arm 23 extends in a generally lateral or horizontal direction. Therefore, the support arm 23 extends substantially in a direction parallel to the vehicle windshield during use. In essence, it is important to ensure that the LED emitter is in a fixed positional relationship relative to the suction cup holder and cannot be intentionally or accidentally changed.

[0129] The light source 21 is spaced a distance x from the suction cup support 22 along the support arm 23. In this example, the distance x is at least 10 cm. In a specific example, the distance x is 6 inches (15.24 cm). In use, the light source 21 is parallel to the damaged portion of the windshield that needs to be repaired (i.e., the repair area) above or below (see Figure 4 ). The spacing x ensures that the suction cup holder 22 does not exert pressure on the repair area, thereby improving the repair quality.

[0130] The curing unit 20 can be configured to cure a windshield repair resin of any resin composition described in detail above. For example, the curing unit 20 can be used to cure a repair resin having the following composition: 30% to 80% wt of acrylate; 4% to 25% wt of acid; 0.5% to 10% wt of oxysilane; and 1% to 10% wt of ultraviolet activated photoinitiator.

[0131] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The curing unit 20 is placed above the windshield 30, wherein the light source 21 is turned on so that the light 26 can be emitted. The light source 21 is placed above the outer surface of the windshield 30 at a distance y.

[0132] The distance y is selected to ensure that the light 26 is emitted to an exposure area on the windshield 30 that is sufficient to cover the repair area 33. The optimal distance y depends on the characteristics of the light source 21.

[0133] The repair area 33 is located on the windshield and resin is injected into the repair area to repair damage such as cracks or breaks. Typically, its diameter is less than 50mm. Larger damaged areas or breaks usually require replacement of the windshield rather than repair.

[0134] Or, if Figure 5 As shown, the curing components 10, 20 can be placed on the inner surface of the windshield. Figure 5 , the windshield 30 has an outer surface 31 and an inner surface 32. The inner surface 32 is located on the driver's side of the windshield 30.

[0135] Figure 5 The curvature of the center windshield 30 is for illustration purposes only. The windshield may be flat or have any curvature.

[0136] The device 40 is fixed on the outer surface 31 of the windshield, above the repair area 33. The device 40 is used to (or allows the user to) inject resin into the repair area 33 and apply pressure or pressure cycles to the resin. For example, the device 40 can be of the type described in WO2015 / 040073 or EP1227927.

[0137] By mounting the device 40 and the curing components 10, 20 on opposite sides of the windscreen, both devices can be in simultaneous communication with the repair area 33. This allows the resin to cure under pressure.

[0138] In other embodiments, the device 40 may be secured to the interior surface 32 of the windshield and the curing components 10 , 20 may be secured to the exterior surface 31 of the windshield.

Claims

1. A cured component for repairing a vehicle windshield, comprising: a suction cup bracket, the suction cup bracket being used to fix the curing component to the windshield; and a light emitter operable to emit light onto the repair area, wherein: a) the suction cup bracket is at least 10 cm away from the light emitter, the suction cup bracket is the only part of the curing component that contacts the windshield during use, the light emitter and the suction cup bracket are attached to a rigid support arm coupled to the suction cup bracket, the rigid support arm cannot deflect or bend; and b) the light emitter is an LED device and emits at a single nominal wavelength; and the LED device emits only at the nominal wavelength, except for any bleed-through wavelengths above and below the nominal wavelength.

2. The curing component according to claim 1, wherein: The component cannot emit wavelengths at or below 365 nm.

3. The curing component according to claim 1, wherein: The LED device emits light with a wavelength between 370nm and 400nm.

4. The curing component according to claim 3, wherein: The LED device emits light at a wavelength between 380 nm and 390 nm.

5. The curing component according to claim 1, wherein: The LED device includes a plurality of LED lamps.

6. The curing component according to claim 1, wherein: In the vertical direction, the rigid support arm is spaced at least 15 mm above the base of the suction cup bracket.

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