Device and method for manufacturing a multi-pane glass unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit. The apparatus includes: a first plate configured to hold a first glass panel; a second plate configured to hold a second glass panel such that the second glass panel faces the first glass panel; and a conveyor including a first portion configured to convey the first glass panel onto the first plate and a second portion configured to convey the second glass panel onto the second plate.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0170213, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 18, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] 1. Field

[0004] One or more embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit. More particularly, one or more embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for attaching glass plates to each other.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Multi-panel glass including a plurality of glass plates can be effective for insulation, soundproofing, and / or preventing condensation. Such multi-panel glass can be used for windows of buildings, transportation vehicles such as cars or trains, or electronic devices such as refrigerators or freezers. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] One or more embodiments include an apparatus and method for manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit.

[0008] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the following description, will be partially apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented in the disclosure.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus for manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit includes: a first plate configured to hold a first glass plate; a second plate configured to hold a second glass plate such that the second glass plate faces the first glass plate; and a conveyor including a first portion configured to transfer the first glass plate onto the first plate and a second portion configured to transfer the second glass plate onto the second plate, wherein the conveyor is further configured to position an edge surface of the second glass plate adjacent to the second portion of the conveyor higher than an edge surface of the first glass plate adjacent to the first portion of the conveyor in a first direction, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate is further configured to be movable in a second direction not parallel to the first direction such that the second glass plate is attached to the first glass plate.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the second portion of the conveyor may be configured to transfer the second glass plate onto the second plate after the first glass plate is held on the first plate.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the second plate may be further configured to release the second glass plate after the second glass plate is attached to the first glass plate, the first portion of the conveyor may be further configured to convey a third glass plate onto the second plate after the second plate releases the second glass plate, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate may be further configured to be movable along the second direction such that the third glass plate is attached to the second glass plate.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the first portion of the conveyor may be further configured to convey a multi-plate glass unit including the first glass plate, the second glass plate attached to the first glass plate, and the third glass plate attached to the second glass plate after the third glass plate is attached to the second glass plate.

[0013] According to some embodiments, when the first plate holds the first glass plate, the main surface of the first glass plate may adhere to the first plate, and when the second plate holds the second glass plate, the main surface of the second glass plate may adhere to the second plate.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus for manufacturing a multi-plate glass unit, the apparatus comprising: a first plate configured to be movable along a first direction; a second plate spaced from the first plate along the first direction; and a conveyor running along a second direction not parallel to the first direction and passing under a space between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the conveyor includes a belt, the belt includes a first portion and a second portion running parallel to each other along the second direction, and the height of the top surface of the first portion of the belt in the vertical direction is different from the height of the top surface of the second portion of the belt in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the first portion of the belt may be different from the thickness of the second portion of the belt.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of the belt may run at the same speed along the second direction.

[0017] According to some embodiments, each of the first plate and the second plate may be configured to temporarily hold and release a glass plate.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the belt can be configured to be movable along the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction, such that the first portion of the belt passes under the space between the first sheet and the second sheet, or the second portion of the belt passes under the space between the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, a method of manufacturing a multi-pane glass unit, the method comprising: conveying a first glass sheet onto a first sheet by using a first portion of a conveyor; holding the first glass sheet on the first sheet; conveying a second glass sheet onto a second sheet by using a second portion of the conveyor; holding the second glass sheet on the second sheet; attaching the second glass sheet to the first glass sheet by moving at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet in a first direction; separating the second sheet from the second glass sheet; conveying a third glass sheet onto the second sheet by using the first portion of the conveyor belt; holding the third glass sheet on the second sheet; and attaching the third glass sheet to the second glass sheet by moving at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet in the first direction, wherein the conveyor is configured to position an edge surface of the second glass sheet adjacent to the conveyor higher in a second direction than an edge surface of the first glass sheet adjacent to the conveyor and an edge surface of the third glass sheet adjacent to the conveyor.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the second glass sheet can be less than the thickness of the first glass sheet and the thickness of the third glass sheet.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the second glass sheet can be from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the second glass sheet may not undergo a strengthening process.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the area of the second glass sheet can be less than the area of the first glass sheet and the area of the third glass sheet.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the perimeter of the second glass sheet can be offset inwards relative to the perimeter of the first glass sheet and the perimeter of the third glass sheet.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise: moving the conveyor in a direction opposite to the first direction after conveying the first glass sheet and before conveying the second glass sheet; and moving the conveyor in the first direction after conveying the second glass sheet and before conveying the third glass sheet.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the method may further include: attaching a first spacer to the second glass plate before transferring the second glass plate onto the second sheet; and attaching a second spacer to the third glass plate before transferring the third glass plate onto the second sheet, wherein when the second glass plate is attached to the first glass plate, the second glass plate may be attached to the first glass plate through the first spacer, and when the third glass plate is attached to the second glass plate, the third glass plate may be attached to the second glass plate through the second spacer.

[0027] According to some embodiments, a part of the first spacer and a part of the second spacer may protrude beyond the perimeter of the second glass plate.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the part of the first spacer may contact the part of the second spacer.

[0029] According to some embodiments, at least one of the part of the first spacer and the part of the second spacer may contact the edge surface of the second glass plate.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the perimeters of the first spacer and the second spacer may be offset inward relative to the perimeters of the first glass plate and the third glass plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1A is a plan view of a multi-plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the Figure 1A multi-plate glass unit taken along line B1-B1';

[0034] Figure 1C is Figure 1B an enlarged view of region C1 of

[0035] Figure 2A is a plan view of a multi-plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the Figure 2A multi-plate glass unit taken along line B2-B2';

[0037] Figure 2C is Figure 2BAn enlarged view of region C2;

[0038] Figure 3 is a plan view of a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross - sectional view of a multi - plate glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5A is a plan view of a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5B is taken along line B5 - B5'; Figure 5A a cross - sectional view of the multi - plate glass unit;

[0042] Figure 5C is Figure 5B an enlarged view of region C5;

[0043] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a side view of an apparatus for manufacturing a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figures 7A to 7S is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 8 is a side view showing one of the operations of a method of manufacturing a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 9 is a side view showing one of the operations of a method of manufacturing a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 10 is a side view showing one of the operations of a method of manufacturing a multi - plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figures 11A to 11F respectively show the simulation results of the temperature distribution when the first case to the sixth case are exposed to sunlight. Detailed Description

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be modified in many different forms, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described below. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be interpreted as being provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In this specification, the same reference numerals can represent the same elements. In addition, various elements and regions in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or distances drawn in the drawings.

[0050] Figure 1A is a plan view of a multi-plate glass unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is taken along line B1 - B1' Figure 1A of the cross-sectional view of the multi-plate glass unit 100. Figure 1C is Figure 1B an enlarged view of region C1.

[0051] Referring Figures 1A to 1C , the multi-plate glass unit 100 may include a plurality of glass plates. For example, the multi-plate glass unit 100 may include a first glass plate 110, a second glass plate 120, and a third glass plate 130. Each of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 may be referred to as an outer glass plate, and the second glass plate 120 located between the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 may be referred to as an inner glass plate. According to some embodiments, the multi-plate glass unit 100 may include more than three glass plates. In other words, the multi-plate glass unit 100 may include a plurality of second glass plates 120 located between two outer glass plates, namely the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130. As the number of second glass plates 120 included in the multi-plate glass unit 100 increases, the insulation and / or sound insulation characteristics of the multi-plate glass unit 100 may be improved.

[0052] The first glass plate 110 may include two main surfaces facing each other, namely a first main surface 110M1 and a second main surface 110M2, and a periphery surrounding the first main surface 110M1 and the second main surface 110M2. The periphery of the first glass plate 110 may include at least one edge surface between the first main surface 110M1 and the second main surface 110M2. For example, each of the first main surface 110M1 and the second main surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 may be rectangular, and the periphery of the first glass plate 110 may include a first edge surface 110E1 to a fourth edge surface 110E4. According to another embodiment, each of the first main surface 110M1 and the second main surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 may have a shape other than rectangular, and the number of edge surfaces forming the periphery of the first glass plate 110 may be less than or more than four. According to some embodiments, the first main surface 110M1 and the second main surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 may be substantially parallel to each other. According to another embodiment, the first main surface 110M1 and the second main surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 may not be substantially parallel to each other.

[0053] Similarly, the third glass plate 130 may include two main surfaces facing each other, namely a first main surface 130M1 and a second main surface 130M2, and a periphery surrounding the first main surface 130M1 and the second main surface 130M2. The periphery of the third glass plate 130 may include at least one edge surface between the first main surface 130M1 and the second main surface 130M2. For example, each of the first main surface 130M1 and the second main surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 may be rectangular, and the periphery of the third glass plate 130 may include a first edge surface 130E1 to a fourth edge surface 130E4. According to another embodiment, each of the first main surface 130M1 and the second main surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 may have a shape other than rectangular, and the number of edge surfaces forming the periphery of the third glass plate 130 may be less than or more than four. According to some embodiments, the first main surface 130M1 and the second main surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 may be substantially parallel. According to another embodiment, the first main surface 130M1 and the second main surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 may not be substantially parallel to each other.

[0054] The second glass plate 120 may include two main surfaces facing each other, namely a first main surface 120M1 and a second main surface 120M2, and a periphery surrounding the first main surface 120M1 and the second main surface 120M2. The periphery of the second glass plate 120 may include at least one edge surface between the first main surface 120M1 and the second main surface 120M2 For example, each of the first major surface 120M1 and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may be rectangular, and the periphery of the second glass plate 120 may include a first edge surface 120E1 to a fourth edge surface 120E4. According to another embodiment, each of the first major surface 120M1 and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may have a shape other than rectangular, and the number of edge surfaces forming the periphery of the second glass plate 120 may be less than or more than four. According to some embodiments, the first major surface 120M1 and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may be substantially parallel to each other. According to another embodiment, the first major surface 120M1 and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may not be substantially parallel to each other.

[0055] The first major surface 120M1 of the second glass plate 120 may face the second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110, and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may face the first major surface 130M1 of the third glass plate 130. According to some embodiments, the first major surface 120M1 of the second glass plate 120 may be substantially parallel to the second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110, and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may be substantially parallel to the first major surface 130M1 of the third glass plate 130. According to another embodiment, the first major surface 120M1 of the second glass plate 120 may not be substantially parallel to the second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110, and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may not be substantially parallel to the first major surface 130M1 of the third glass plate 130.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the thickness t1 of the first glass plate 110 between the first major surface 110M1 and the second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 and the thickness t3 of the third glass plate 130 between the first major surface 130M1 and the second major surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 may each be from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. According to some embodiments, the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 between the first major surface 120M1 and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 may be less than the thickness t1 of the first glass plate 110 and the thickness t3 of the third glass plate 130. For example, the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm. As the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 decreases, the weight of the multi-plate glass unit 100 may decrease and the light transmittance may increase. For example, when the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 is about 1 / 10 of the thickness t1 of the first glass plate 110 and the thickness t3 of the third glass plate 130, the weight of the multi-plate glass unit 100 may be reduced by about 30% compared to the case where the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 is equal to the thickness t1 of the first glass plate 110 and the thickness t3 of the third glass plate 130. However, when the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 is too small, it may be difficult to handle the second glass plate 120. In particular, when the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 is less than about 1.0 mm, a strengthening process such as thermal strengthening or chemical strengthening is not possible. According to some embodiments, the second glass plate 120 may not undergo a strengthening process such as thermal strengthening or chemical strengthening. Thus, in such a case, the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 may be about 1.0 mm or less. However, when the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 is less than about 0.2 mm, the handling of the second glass plate 120 may be difficult and thus the manufacture of the multi-plate glass unit 100 may be difficult. Accordingly, the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 may be about 0.2 mm or greater.

[0057] When the thickness t2 of the second glass plate 120 is less than the thickness tl of the first glass plate 110 and the thickness t3 of the third glass plate 130, the second glass plate 120 may be more susceptible to damage caused by physical contact and / or impact than the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130. In this case, in order to protect the second glass plate 120 from physical contact and / or impact, the periphery of the second glass plate 120 may be offset inward relative to the peripheries of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130. For example, the first edge surface 120E1 of the second glass plate 120 may be offset inward (in the -Z direction) relative to the first edge surface 110E1 of the first glass plate 110 and the first edge surface 130E1 of the third glass plate 130. The second edge surface 120E2 of the second glass plate 120 may be offset inward (in the +X direction) relative to the second edge surface 110E2 of the first glass plate 110 and the second edge surface 130E2 of the third glass plate 130. The third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120 may be offset inward (in the +Z direction) relative to the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130. The fourth edge surface 120E4 of the second glass plate 120 may be offset inward (in the -X direction) relative to the fourth edge surface 110E4 of the first glass plate 110 and the fourth edge surface 130E4 of the third glass plate 130.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the distance D1 by which the first edge surface 120E1 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the -Z direction) relative to the first edge surface 110E1 of the first glass plate 110 and the first edge surface 130E1 of the third glass plate 130, the distance D2 by which the second edge surface 120E2 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the +X direction) relative to the second edge surface 110E2 of the first glass plate 110 and the second edge surface 130E2 of the third glass plate 130, the distance D3 by which the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the +Z direction) relative to the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130, and the distance D4 by which the fourth edge surface 120E4 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the -X direction) relative to the fourth edge surface 110E4 of the first glass plate 110 and the fourth edge surface 130E4 of the third glass plate 130 may be substantially the same. According to another embodiment, at least one pair of the distance D1 by which the first edge surface 120E1 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the -Z direction) relative to the first edge surface 110E1 of the first glass plate 110 and the first edge surface 130E1 of the third glass plate 130, the distance D2 by which the second edge surface 120E2 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the +X direction) relative to the second edge surface 110E2 of the first glass plate 110 and the second edge surface 130E2 of the third glass plate 130, the distance D3 by which the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the +Z direction) relative to the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130, and the distance D4 by which the fourth edge surface 120E4 of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward (in the -X direction) relative to the fourth edge surface 110E4 of the first glass plate 110 and the fourth edge surface 130E4 of the third glass plate 130 may be substantially different from each other. Each of the distances D1 to D4 may be from about 0.1 mm to about 100 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the area of the second glass plate 120 (e.g., the area of each of the first major surface 120M1 and the second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120) may be less than the area of the first glass plate 110 (e.g., the area of each of the first major surface 110M1 and the second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110) and the area of the third glass plate 130 (e.g., the area of each of the first major surface 130M1 and the second major surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130). According to some embodiments, the length of the second glass plate 120 in the Z direction may be less than the length of the first glass plate 110 in the Z direction and the length of the third glass plate 130 in the Z direction, and the width of the second glass plate 120 in the X direction may be less than the width of the first glass plate 110 in the X direction and the width of the third glass plate 130 in the X direction.

[0060] Each of the first glass plate 110, the second glass plate 120, and the third glass plate 130 may comprise any glass material, such as soda-lime, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate-aluminosilicate glass, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 may each comprise soda-lime glass commonly used for windows, and the second glass plate 120 may comprise borosilicate-aluminosilicate glass. The second glass plate 120 may be, for example, Eagle manufactured by Corning Incorporated Table 1 below shows an exemplary composition of soda-lime glass, and Table 2 below shows an exemplary composition of borosilicate-aluminosilicate glass.

[0061] Table 1

[0062] Composition (wt%) <![CDATA[SiO 2 > 72 to 74 <![CDATA[Sodium 2 O]]> 13 to 14 CaO 9 to 11 <![CDATA[Al 2 O 3 > 1.0 to 2.0 <![CDATA[K 2 O]]> 0.01 to 0.3 MgO 0.01 to 4.0 <![CDATA[Fe 2 O 2 > 0.01 to 0.2 TiO2 0.01 to 0.1

[0063] Table 2

[0064] Composition (wt%) <![CDATA[SiO 2 > 55 to 65 <![CDATA[Al 2 O 3 > 15 to 20 <![CDATA[B 2 O 3 > 5 to 15 MgO 0.1 to 5 CaO 1 to 10 SrO 0.5 to 8.0 BaO 0.01 to 0.5

[0065] When the second glass plate 120 comprises borosilicate-aluminosilicate glass, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the borosilicate-aluminosilicate glass (e.g., about 3×10 -6 / °C to about 4×10 -6 / °C) may be less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of soda-lime glass (e.g., about 9×10 -6 / °C to about 1×10 -5 / °C), even when the second glass plate 120 does not undergo a strengthening process due to the small thickness of the second glass plate 120 (e.g., 1.0 mm or less), and thus the thermal stress of the second glass plate 120 caused by the temperature difference in the second glass plate 120 may be reduced. Therefore, thermal damage caused by the temperature difference in the second glass plate 120 is less likely to occur.

[0066] When the thickness and / or composition of the second glass plate 120 is different from the thickness and / or composition of each of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130, the solar transmittance of the second glass plate 120 can be greater than the solar transmittance of the first glass plate 110 and the solar transmittance of the third glass plate 130. For example, the solar transmittance of the second glass plate 120 can be 90% to 95%, while the solar transmittance of each of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 can be about 75% to about 85%. Therefore, compared with the case where the second glass plate 120 has the same thickness and composition as the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130, the light transmittance of the multi-plate glass unit 100 can be increased.

[0067] In addition, when the thickness and / or composition of the second glass plate 120 is different from the thickness and / or composition of each of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130, the solar absorptance of the second glass plate 120 can be less than the solar absorptance of the first glass plate 110 and the solar absorptance of the third glass plate 130. For example, the solar absorptance of the second glass plate 120 can be about 0.1% to about 1.0%, while the solar absorptance of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 can be about 5.0% to about 15.0%. In this specification, the NFRC 100-2010 standard is used for the solar spectrum. When the solar absorptance of the second glass plate 120 is small, the temperature rise of the second glass plate 120 when the second glass plate 120 is exposed to sunlight is not large, and thus the risk of thermal breakage of the second glass plate 120 can be low.

[0068] In addition, when the composition of the second glass plate 120 is different from the composition of each of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130, the density of the second glass plate 120 can be less than the density of the first glass plate 110 and the density of the third glass plate 130. For example, the density of the second glass plate 120 containing borosilicate glass can be about 2.3 g / cm 3 to about 2.5 g / cm 3 , and the density of the first glass plate 110 and the density of the third glass plate 130 (the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 contain soda-lime glass) can be about 2.5 g / cm 3 to about 2.6 g / cm 3 . When the density of the second glass plate 120 is small, the weight of the second glass plate 120 can be small, and thus the weight of the multi-plate glass unit 100 can be small.

[0069] The multi-panel glass unit 100 may further include a plurality of spacers, namely a first spacer 140 and a second spacer 150, which separate the plurality of glass plates (i.e., the first glass plate 110 to the third glass plate 130). The first glass plate 110 and the second glass plate 120 may be spaced apart from each other by the first spacer 140. In other words, the first spacer 140 may be located between the first glass plate 110 and the second glass plate 120. The third glass plate 130 and the second glass plate 120 may be spaced apart from each other by the second spacer 150. In other words, the second spacer 150 may be located between the third glass plate 130 and the second glass plate 120. The first spacer 140 and the second spacer 150 may comprise materials such as metals such as aluminum or plastic composites such as warm edge spacers. Each of the spaces between the first glass plate 110 and the second glass plate 120 and between the second glass plate 120 and the third glass plate 130 may be filled with air, an inert gas, or a combination thereof.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the first spacer 140 and the second spacer 150 may not protrude beyond the perimeter of the second glass plate 120. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the perimeter 140E of the first spacer 140 and the perimeter 150E of the second spacer 150 may be offset inwardly relative to the perimeter of the second glass plate 120. For example, the perimeter 140E of the first spacer 140 and the perimeter 150E of the second spacer 150 may be offset inwardly (in the -Z direction) relative to the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120.

[0071] Figure 2A is a plan view of a multi-panel glass unit 100A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is taken along line B2 - B2' Figure 2A of the multi-panel glass unit 100A. Figure 2C is Figure 2B an enlarged view of region C2 of Figures 1A to 1C The differences between the multi-panel glass unit 100 shown below and Figures 2A to 2C the multi-panel glass unit 100A shown will be described.

[0072] Reference Figures 2A to 2C, a part of the first spacer 140A and a part of the second spacer 150A may protrude beyond the periphery of the second glass plate 120. In other words, the periphery 140AE of the first spacer 140A and the periphery 150AE of the second spacer 150A may be offset outward relative to the periphery of the second glass plate 120. For example, the periphery 140AE of the first spacer 140A and the periphery 150AE of the second spacer 150A may be offset outward (in the -Z direction) relative to the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120. Since this part of the first spacer 140A and this part of the second spacer 150A protrude beyond the periphery of the second glass plate 120, the first spacer 140A and the second spacer 150A can further protect the second glass plate 120 from damage caused by physical contact and / or impact. Therefore, the multi-panel glass unit 100A can have further improved durability.

[0073] However, like Figures 1A to 1C the multi-panel glass unit 100 shown, the first spacer 140A and the second spacer 150A can still be offset inward relative to the periphery of the first glass plate 110 and the periphery of the third glass plate 130. For example, the periphery 140AE of the first spacer 140A and the periphery 150AE of the second spacer 150A can be offset inward (in the +Z direction) relative to the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130. This part of the first spacer 140A and this part of the second spacer 150A that protrude beyond the periphery of the second glass plate 120 can be spaced apart from each other.

[0074] Figure 3 is a plan view of a multi-panel glass unit 100B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The differences between the multi-panel glass unit 100A shown below and Figures 2A to 2C the multi-panel glass unit 100B shown Figure 3 will be described below.

[0075] Referring to Figure 3 , a part of the periphery 140BE of the first spacer 140B and a part of the periphery 150BE of the second spacer 150B can be offset outward relative to the periphery of the second glass plate 120, while the remaining part of the periphery 140BE of the first spacer 140B and the remaining part of the periphery 150BE of the second spacer 150B can be offset inward relative to the periphery of the second glass plate 120.

[0076] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a multi-panel glass unit 100C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The differences between the multi-panel glass unit 100A shown below and Figures 2A to 2C the multi-panel glass unit 100C shown Figure 4 will be described below.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 , portions of the first spacer 140C and the second spacer 150C that protrude beyond the perimeter of the second glass plate 120 may contact each other. According to some embodiments, this portion of the first spacer 140C and this portion of the second spacer 150C that protrude beyond the perimeter of the second glass plate 120 may contact the perimeter of the second glass plate 120. For example, at least one of the first spacer 140C and the second spacer 150C may contact the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120. Because the perimeter of the second glass plate 120 can be protected by the first spacer 140C and the second spacer 150C, the first spacer 140C and the second spacer 150C can further protect the second glass plate 120 from damage caused by physical contact and / or impact. Thus, the multi-plate glass unit 100C can have further improved durability.

[0078] Figure 5A is a plan view of a multi-plate glass unit 100D according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B is taken along line B5-B5' Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the multi-plate glass unit 100D. Figure 5C is Figure 5B an enlarged view of region C5. The differences between the multi-plate glass unit 100A shown below Figures 2A to 2C and the multi-plate glass unit 100D shown Figures 5A to 5C will be described below.

[0079] Reference Figures 5A to 5C , the perimeter 140DE of the first spacer 140D and the perimeter 150DE of the second spacer 150D may not be offset inward relative to the perimeter of the first glass plate 110 and the perimeter of the third glass plate 130. According to some embodiments, the perimeter 140DE of the first spacer 140D and the perimeter 150DE of the second spacer 150D may be aligned with the perimeter of the first glass plate 110 and the perimeter of the third glass plate 130 in the Y direction. However, a portion of the first spacer 140D and a portion of the second spacer 150D may still protrude beyond the perimeter of the second glass plate 120, and the perimeter of the second glass plate 120 may be offset inward relative to the perimeter of the first glass plate 110 and the perimeter of the third glass plate 130.

[0080] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a side view of an apparatus 200 for manufacturing a multi-plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the apparatus 200 may include a first plate 210, a second plate 220, and a conveyor 230. The first plate 210 may include a surface 210M perpendicular to the Y direction, and the second plate 220 may include a surface 220M perpendicular to the Y direction. According to some embodiments, the surface 210M of the first plate 210 and the surface 220M of the second plate 220 may not be exactly parallel to the direction of gravity, but may form an angle of, for example, about 1° to about 15° with the direction of gravity, such that the glass plate conveyed onto the second plate 220 does not fall off. In other words, the direction of gravity may form an angle of about 1° to about 15° with the Z direction. The second plate 220 may be spaced apart from the first plate 210 in the Y direction such that the surface 220M of the second plate 220 faces the surface 210M of the first plate 210. The first plate 210 may be configured to temporarily hold and release the glass plate on the surface 210M of the first plate 210, and the second plate 220 may be configured to temporarily hold and release the glass plate on the surface 220M of the second plate 220. For example, the surface 210M of the first plate 210 and the surface 220M of the second plate 220 may include holes provided with a pressure below atmospheric pressure. At least one of the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 may be configured to be movable in the Y direction. For example, the second plate 220 may be fixed, and the first plate 210 may be configured to be movable in the Y direction.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 may pass under the space between the first plate 210 and the second plate 220. The conveyor 230 may operate in the X direction. In other words, the conveyor 230 may be configured to convey the glass plate on the conveyor 230 in the X direction. According to another embodiment, the conveyor 230 may pass above the space between the first plate 210 and the second plate 220. The glass plate may be suspended on the conveyor 230. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the conveyor 230 may be configured such that the edge surface of the second glass plate to be conveyed by the second portion P2 of the conveyor 230 is positioned higher than the edge surface of the first glass plate conveyed by the first portion P1 of the conveyor 230. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the conveyor 230 may be configured such that the perimeter of the second glass plate conveyed by the second portion P2 of the conveyor 230 is offset inward relative to the perimeter of the first glass plate conveyed by the first portion P1 of the conveyor 230. According to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 may move in the Z direction, -Z direction, Y direction, and -Y direction.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 can be a belt conveyor. In other words, the conveyor 230 can include a belt 231 and a plurality of pulleys 232 configured to circulate the belt 231. However, according to another embodiment, the conveyor 230 can be a roller conveyor, a wheel conveyor, or any other type of conveyor. According to some embodiments, some of the pulleys 232 (e.g., the pulleys at the front and rear ends of the conveyor 230) can drive the belt 231, and the remaining pulleys 232 (e.g., the intermediate pulleys in an idling state) can support the belt 231. The belt 231 can include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can operate parallel to each other in the X direction. According to some embodiments, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can operate at the same speed in the X direction through a common pulley 232. The top surface U1 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 and the top surface U2 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can be at different heights in the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the top surface U2 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can be positioned higher than the top surface U1 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 in the vertical direction (Z direction). In other words, the top surface U2 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can be offset in the Z direction relative to the top surface U1 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231. The distance D5 by which the top surface U2 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231 is offset in the Z direction relative to the top surface U1 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 100 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. According to some embodiments, the top surface U2 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can be offset relative to the top surface U1 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 by using a belt 231 in which the thickness t4 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 is different from the thickness t5 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231. For example, the thickness t4 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 can be less than the thickness t5 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231. The difference between the thickness t4 of the first portion P1 of the belt 231 and the thickness t5 of the second portion P2 of the belt 231 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 100 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0084] Figures 7A to 7S is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B, the first glass plate 110 can be loaded onto the first part P1 of the conveyor 230, and the first glass plate 110 can be transferred onto the second sheet 220 by using the first part P1 of the conveyor 230. According to some embodiments, the height of the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be aligned with the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the conveyor belt 230. The first glass plate 110 can be held on the second sheet 220. The second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 can be adhered to the surface 220M of the second sheet 220.

[0086] Reference Figure 7C , according to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 can be moved downward (-Z direction) such that the first glass plate 110 is separated from the conveyor 230 in the Z direction. According to another embodiment, the downward (-Z direction) movement of the conveyor 230 can be omitted. According to another embodiment, the conveyor 230 may not move, but the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220 can be moved upward (Z direction).

[0087] Reference Figure 7D , the first sheet 210 can be moved in the Y direction. The first sheet 210 can hold the first glass plate 110. The first major surface 110M1 of the first glass plate 110 can be adhered to the surface 210M of the first sheet 210.

[0088] Reference Figure 7E , the second sheet 220 can release the first glass plate 110. The first sheet 210 can return to its original position by moving in the direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (-Y direction). The second major surface 110M2 of the first glass plate 110 can be separated from the surface 220M of the second sheet 220. Summary Figures 7A to 7E For the operations shown, the first glass plate 110 can be transferred from the first part P1 of the conveyor 230 to the first sheet 210 by the second sheet 220. According to another embodiment, the first glass plate 110 can be directly transferred onto the first sheet 210 without using the second sheet 220.

[0089] Reference Figure 7F , the conveyor 230 can be moved in the direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (-Y direction) such that the second part P2 of the belt 231 passes under the space between the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220.

[0090] Reference Figure 7G and Figure 7H, the first spacer 140 can be adhered to the first major surface 120M1 of the second glass plate 120. According to some embodiments, the first spacer 140 can be adhered to the second glass plate 120 such that the periphery 140E of the first spacer 140 is offset inward relative to the periphery of the second glass plate 120.

[0091] The second glass plate 120 to which the first spacer 140 is adhered can be loaded on the second part P2 of the conveyor 230, and the second glass plate 120 can be transferred onto the second sheet 220 by using the second part P2 of the conveyor 230. According to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 can move upward (Z direction) such that the height of the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is aligned with the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the conveyor 230. According to some embodiments, the height of the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120 in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be aligned with the top surface U2 of the second part P2 of the conveyor 230. Since the top surface U2 of the second part P2 of the conveyor 230 is offset in the Z direction relative to the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the conveyor 230, the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120 adjacent to the second part P2 of the conveyor 230 can be positioned higher than the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 adjacent to the first part P1 of the conveyor 230 in the Z direction. The distance D5 by which the top surface U2 of the second part P2 of the conveyor 230 is offset relative to the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the conveyor 230 can be adjusted such that the periphery of the second glass plate 120 is offset inward relative to the periphery of the first glass plate 110. The second glass plate 120 can be held on the second sheet 220 such that the first major surface 120M1 of the second glass plate 120 to which the first spacer 140 is adhered faces the first glass plate 110. The second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 can be adhered to the surface 220M of the second sheet 220.

[0092] Reference Figure 7I , according to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 can move downward (-Z direction) such that the first glass plate 110 and the second glass plate 120 are separated from the conveyor 230 in the Z direction. According to another embodiment, the downward (-Z direction) movement of the conveyor 230 can be omitted. According to another embodiment, the conveyor 230 may not move, but the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220 can move upward (Z direction).

[0093] Reference Figure 7J , at least one of the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220 can be moved such that the first glass plate 110 is adhered to the second glass plate 120 through the first spacer 140. For example, the first sheet 210 can be moved in the Y direction.

[0094] Reference Figure 7K The second plate 220 can release the second glass plate 120. The first plate 210 can return to its original position by moving in a direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (-Y direction). The second major surface 120M2 of the second glass plate 120 can be separated from the surface 220M of the second plate 220. According to some embodiments, an additional second glass plate (not shown) to which an additional spacer (not shown) is adhered can be conveyed onto the second plate 220 by the second part P2 of the conveyor 230, the additional second glass plate can be held on the second plate 220, at least one of the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 (e.g., the first plate 210) can move in the Y direction such that the second glass plate 120 is adhered to the additional second glass plate by the additional spacer, the second plate 220 can release the additional second glass plate, and the first plate 210 can move in a direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (-Y direction) to return to its original position.

[0095] Reference Figure 7L The conveyor 230 can move in the Y direction such that the first part P1 of the belt 231 passes under the space between the first plate 210 and the second plate 220.

[0096] Reference Figure 7M and Figure 7N A second spacer 150 can be adhered to the first major surface 130M1 of the third glass plate 130. According to some embodiments, the second spacer 150 can be adhered to the third glass plate 130 such that the perimeter 150E of the second spacer 150 is offset inwards relative to the perimeters of the third glass plate 130 and the second glass plate 120.

[0097] The third glass plate 130 to which the second spacer 150 is attached can be loaded on the first part P1 of the conveyor 230, and the third glass plate 130 can be transferred onto the second sheet 220 by using the first part P1 of the conveyor 230. According to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 can move upward (Z direction) such that the height of the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is aligned with the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the conveyor 230. According to some embodiments, the height of the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be aligned with the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the conveyor 230. Thus, the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130 can be aligned at the same height in the Z direction, and the third edge surface 120E3 of the second glass plate 120 can be aligned at a height higher than the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the third edge surface 130E3 of the third glass plate 130 in the Z direction. The perimeter of the second glass plate 120 can be offset inward relative to the perimeters of the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130.

[0098] The third glass plate 130 can be held on the second sheet 220 such that the first major surface 130M1 of the third glass plate 130 to which the second spacer 150 is attached faces the second glass plate 120. The second major surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 can be adhered to the surface 220M of the second sheet 220.

[0099] Reference Figure 7O , according to some embodiments, the conveyor 230 can move downward (-Z direction) such that the first glass plate 110 and the third glass plate 130 are separated from the conveyor 230 in the Z direction. According to another embodiment, the downward (-Z direction) movement of the conveyor 230 can be omitted. According to another embodiment, the conveyor 230 may not move, but the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220 can move upward (Z direction).

[0100] Reference Figure 7P , at least one of the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220 can be moved such that the second glass plate 120 is adhered to the third glass plate 130 through the second spacer 150. For example, the first sheet 210 can move in the Y direction.

[0101] Reference Figure 7Q , the second sheet 220 can release the third glass plate 130. The first sheet 210 can return to its original position by moving in the direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (-Y direction). The second major surface 130M2 of the third glass plate 130 can be separated from the surface 220M of the second sheet 220. In this way, it can be easily manufacturedFigures 1A to 1C The multi-panel glass unit 100 shown.

[0102] Reference Figures 7R to 7S , the transporter 230 can be moved upward (in the Z direction) so that the multi-panel glass unit 100 is loaded onto the first part P1 of the transporter 230. The first plate 210 can release the multi-panel glass unit 100 onto the first part P1 of the transporter 230. The first major surface 110M1 of the first glass plate 110 can be separated from the surface 210M of the first plate 210. The first part P1 of the transporter 230 can transport the multi-panel glass unit 100 in the X direction.

[0103] Figure 8 is a side view showing one of the operations of a method for manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operations shown below will be described Figure 7H between the operations shown and Figure 8 the operations shown.

[0104] Reference Figure 8 , the first spacer 140A can be adhered to the second glass plate 120 such that the perimeter 140AE of the first spacer 140A is offset outward relative to the perimeter of the second glass plate 120. The height of the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be aligned with the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the transporter 230, and the height of the perimeter 140AE of the first spacer 140A in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be aligned with the top surface U2 of the second part P2 of the transporter 230. Since the top surface U2 of the second part P2 of the transporter 230 is offset in the Z direction relative to the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the transporter 230, the perimeter 140AE of the first spacer 140 can be positioned higher in the Z direction than the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 adjacent to the first part P1 of the transporter 230. The distance D5 by which the top surface U2 of the second part P2 of the transporter 230 is offset relative to the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the transporter 230 can be adjusted such that the perimeter 140AE of the first spacer 140A is offset inward relative to the perimeter of the first glass plate 110. By replacing the Figure 7H operation shown with Figure 8 the operation shown, the multi-panel glass unit 100A of Figures 2A to 2C , the multi-panel glass unit 100B of Figure 3 or the multi-panel glass unit 100C of Figure 4 can be manufactured.

[0105] Figure 9 is a side view showing one of the operations of a method for manufacturing a multi-panel glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operations shown below will be described Figure 8 between the operations shown and Figure 9Differences between the operations shown.

[0106] Reference Figure 9 , the second glass plate 120 to which the first spacer 140D is attached can be transported through the first part P1 of the transporter 230. The height of the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and the height of the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be aligned with the top surface U1 of the first part P1 of the transporter 230. Thus, the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D can be at the same height in the Z direction. In other words, the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D can be aligned with the periphery of the first glass plate 110 in the Y direction. However, since the first spacer 140D is adhered to the second glass plate 120 such that the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D is offset outward relative to the periphery of the second glass plate 120, the periphery of the second glass plate 120 can still be offset inward relative to the periphery of the first glass plate 110. By replacing Figure 8 the operation shown with Figure 9 the operation shown, a Figures 5A to 5C multi-plate glass unit 100D can be manufactured.

[0107] Figure 10 is a side view showing one of the operations of a method for manufacturing a multi-plate glass unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The differences between the operation shown in Figure 9 and the operation shown in Figure 10 will be described below.

[0108] Reference Figure 10 , a Figures 5A to 5C multi-plate glass unit 100D can be manufactured by using an apparatus 200A for manufacturing a multi-plate glass unit. The height of the belt 231A of the transporter 230A of the apparatus 200A in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be substantially consistent. For example, the thickness tb of the belt 231A can be substantially consistent. In other words, the belt 231A of the transporter 230A of the apparatus 200A does not include Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe second part P2 of the belt 231 of the conveyor 230 of the device 200 shown. The conveyor 230A may be movable in the Z direction but not in the Y direction. The height of the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and the height of the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D in the vertical direction (Z direction) may be aligned with the top surface UA of the conveyor 230A. Thus, the third edge surface 110E3 of the first glass plate 110 and the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D may be at the same height in the Z direction. In other words, the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D may be aligned with the periphery of the first glass plate 110 in the Y direction. However, since the first spacer 140D is adhered to the second glass plate 120 such that the periphery 140DE of the first spacer 140D is offset outward relative to the periphery of the second glass plate 120, the periphery of the second glass plate 120 may still be offset inward relative to the periphery of the first glass plate 110.

[0109] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below by using six cases organized in Table 3 below.

[0110] Table 3

[0111]

[0112] Table 4 below shows the simulation results of the solar transmittance and visible light transmittance of the first case to the sixth case.

[0113] Table 4

[0114] Solar transmittance (%) Visible light transmittance (%) First case (First example) 62.7 74.9 Second case (First comparative example) 56.4 72.8 Third case (Second comparative example) 62.3 74.2 Fourth case (Second example) 58.5 69.9 Fifth case (Third comparative example) 47.6 66.1 Sixth case (Fourth comparative example) 57.5 68.5

[0115] Referring to Table 4, the first case (the first example) has a higher solar transmittance and visible light transmittance compared to the second case (the first comparative example) and the third case (the second comparative example), and the fourth case (the second example) has a higher solar transmittance and visible light transmittance compared to the fifth case (the third comparative example) and the sixth case (the fourth comparative example). In other words, it can be determined that: by using a thin borosilicate glass plate instead of the existing thick soda-lime glass plate as the second glass plate, the multi-plate glass unit according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has an increased solar transmittance and visible light transmittance. Therefore, the multi-plate glass unit according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be more transparent.

[0116] Figures 11A to 11F The simulation results of the temperature distribution of the first case to the sixth case when exposed to sunlight are shown respectively.

[0117] Reference Figures 11A to 11F, in the first case (first example), the temperature of the inner glass plate (second glass plate) 120 is lower than that in the second case (first comparative example) and the third case (second comparative example), and in the fourth case (second example), the temperatures of the inner glass plates 121 and 122 are lower than those in the fifth case (third comparative example) and the sixth case (fourth comparative example). In other words, when the multi-plate glass unit according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is exposed to sunlight, the temperature rise of the second glass plate is low, and thus it is less likely for the second glass plate to undergo thermal breakage.

[0118] Table 5 below shows the temperature differences between the center and the edge of the second glass plate in the first case to the third case and the simulation results of the maximum principal stress formed in the second glass plate due to the temperature differences.

[0119] Table 5

[0120] Temperature difference (°C) Maximum principal stress (MPa) First case (First example) 1.76 0.441 Second case (First comparative example) 6.54 3.74 Third case (Second comparative example) 2.34 1.33

[0121] Referring to Table 5, the temperature difference and the maximum principal stress in the first case (first example) are smaller than those in the second case (first comparative example) and the third case (second comparative example). Therefore, the risk of thermal breakage in the first case (first example) is lower than that in the second case (first comparative example) and the third case (second comparative example). In other words, the multi-plate glass unit according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has a low risk of thermal breakage by using a thin borosilicate glass sheet instead of a thick soda-lime glass sheet as the second glass sheet.

[0122] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, but rather to describe the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope thereof should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-pane glass unit, the apparatus comprising: a first plate configured to hold a first glass pane; a second plate configured to hold a second glass pane such that the second glass pane faces the first glass pane; and a conveyor including a first portion configured to convey the first glass pane onto the first plate and a second portion configured to convey the second glass pane onto the second plate, wherein the conveyor is further configured to position an edge surface of the second glass pane adjacent to the second portion of the conveyor higher in a first direction than an edge surface of the first glass pane adjacent to the first portion of the conveyor, at least one of the first plate and the second plate is further configured to be movable in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction such that the second glass pane is attached to the first glass pane, and the first portion and the second portion are different regions of the conveyor in the second direction.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the conveyor is configured to convey the second glass pane onto the second plate after the first glass pane is held on the first plate.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second plate is further configured to release the second glass pane after the second glass pane is attached to the first glass pane, the first portion of the conveyor is further configured to convey a third glass pane onto the second plate after the second plate releases the second glass pane, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate is further configured to be movable in the second direction such that the third glass pane is attached to the second glass pane.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first portion of the conveyor is further configured to convey a multi-pane glass unit including the first glass pane, the second glass pane attached to the first glass pane, and the third glass pane attached to the second glass pane after the third glass pane is attached to the second glass pane.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first plate holds the first glass pane, a main surface of the first glass pane adheres to the first plate, and when the second plate holds the second glass pane, a main surface of the second glass pane adheres to the second plate.

6. An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-pane glass unit, the apparatus comprising: a first plate configured to be movable in a first direction; a second plate spaced from the first plate in the first direction; and a conveyor running in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction and passing beneath a space between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the conveyor includes a belt, the belt including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being different regions of the belt in the first direction of the belt, the first portion and the second portion running parallel in the second direction, and a height of a top surface of the first portion of the belt in a vertical direction being different from a height of a top surface of the second portion of the belt in the vertical direction.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a thickness of the first portion of the belt is different from a thickness of the second portion of the belt.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the belt run at the same speed in the second direction.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each of the first sheet and the second sheet is configured to temporarily hold and release a glass plate.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the belt is configured to be movable in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction such that the first portion of the belt passes under a space between the first sheet and the second sheet, or the second portion of the belt passes under the space between the first sheet and the second sheet.

11. A method of manufacturing a multi-sheet glass unit, the method comprising: conveying a first glass plate onto a first sheet by using a first portion of a conveyor; holding the first glass plate on the first sheet; conveying a second glass plate onto a second sheet by using a second portion of the conveyor; holding the second glass plate on the second sheet; attaching the second glass plate to the first glass plate by moving at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet in a first direction; separating the second sheet from the second glass plate; conveying a third glass plate onto the second sheet by using the first portion of the conveyor; holding the third glass plate on the second sheet; and attaching the third glass plate to the second glass plate by moving at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet in the first direction, wherein the conveyor is configured to position an edge surface of the second glass plate adjacent to the conveyor higher in a second direction not parallel to the first direction than an edge surface of the first glass plate adjacent to the conveyor and an edge surface of the third glass plate adjacent to the conveyor, and the first portion and the second portion are different regions of the conveyor in the first direction.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a thickness of the second glass plate is less than a thickness of the first glass plate and a thickness of the third glass plate.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the thickness of the second glass plate is from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second glass plate does not undergo a strengthening process.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the periphery of the second glass plate is offset inward relative to the periphery of the first glass plate and the periphery of the third glass plate.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: after conveying the first glass plate and before conveying the second glass plate, moving the conveyor in a direction opposite to the first direction; and after conveying the second glass plate and before conveying the third glass plate, moving the conveyor in the first direction.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: before conveying the second glass plate onto the second sheet, attaching a first spacer to the second glass plate; and before conveying the third glass plate onto the second sheet, attaching a second spacer to the third glass plate, wherein when the second glass plate is attached to the first glass plate, the second glass plate is attached to the first glass plate through the first spacer, and when the third glass plate is attached to the second glass plate, the third glass plate is attached to the second glass plate through the second spacer.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein a part of the first spacer and a part of the second spacer protrude beyond the periphery of the second glass plate.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the part of the first spacer contacts the part of the second spacer.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the part of the first spacer and the part of the second spacer contacts the edge surface of the second glass plate.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein the periphery of the first spacer and the periphery of the second spacer are offset inward relative to the periphery of the first glass plate and the periphery of the third glass plate.

Images