Methods for embedding metal connectors in multilayer laminated glass

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for embedding metal connectors in multilayer laminated glass. The non-edge portion of the laminated glass has an embedded metal component. Since there is no external ventilation channel, this invention uses mesh strips to penetrate the upper and lower holes, allowing the gas around the metal connector to be discharged through the mesh texture during the vacuuming process, thus ensuring a firm bond between the film and the metal connector and preventing the adhesive from coming unglued.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass processing, and in particular to a method for embedding metal connectors inside multilayer laminated glass. Technical Field

[0002] With social development and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the pursuit of unique and perfect designs is increasing. Glass, with its crystal-clear transparency and luxurious elegance, is widely loved. Glass staircases, glass beams, and glass handrails have become indispensable parts of specialty stores and luxury homes. Initially, glass railings were all floor-mounted, with a few titanium components simply used to connect the glass without bearing much force. The Chinese invention patent "Method for Embedding Metal Components in Laminated Glass" discloses several methods for embedding U-shaped metal components in the connecting parts of laminated glass. Because the embedded titanium components are U-shaped, the patent discloses that auxiliary tools are used to insert and maintain the shape of these U-shaped components. Since they are located at the edge of the glass, meaning one end of the titanium component is exposed, the surrounding gas can be completely discharged through vacuuming during the production process, without affecting subsequent lamination and splicing processes.

[0003] To achieve the perfect visual effect and provide people with a wider view and more space, glass railings and beams are now suspended and suspended installations. Relying solely on the strength of the glass itself is insufficient for safety, so titanium components are embedded to enhance their load-bearing capacity. These titanium alloy components also need to be connected to other parts. The embedded titanium components are completely sealed inside the glass, surrounded by glass on all sides. Since the titanium components are relatively large, if air cannot escape properly around them, it will form air bubbles at the interlayer, or the adhesive around the components may be weak, causing separation, affecting the appearance and compromising the performance of the laminated glass. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the needs in the aforementioned fields, this invention provides a method for embedding metal connectors within multilayer laminated glass. This method ensures that gas around the metal connector can be smoothly discharged, the film and the metal connector are firmly bonded, and the metal connector achieves the effect of sharing the stress.

[0005] A method for embedding a metal connector in multi-layer laminated glass, wherein the metal connector is block-shaped with through holes on its surface, the multi-layer laminated glass comprises at least four glass panes connected by an adhesive film, and the metal connector is located inside the intermediate glass layer between the upper and lower glass panes. The method includes the following steps:

[0006] 1) Original glass cutting and grinding: Cut and grind the glass, make holes at the corresponding through holes of the metal connectors on the upper and lower glass sheets, and cut notches at the corresponding metal connectors on the middle glass sheet. Then temper and homogenize the glass.

[0007] 2) Assembly: Lay a vacuum bag cut to the appropriate size for the glass on the table. Stack the bottom glass and the middle glass from bottom to top, with the glass separated by film. Wipe the edges of the glass notch and the surface of the metal connector with adhesive. Place the metal connector into the notch of the middle glass, and stuff the gaps around it with film strips. Secure the entire metal connector in the notch of the glass. Then lay film on the middle layer, stack the top glass on top, and remove the film from the holes of the top and bottom glass so that the holes of the top and bottom glass are aligned and overlapped through the notch.

[0008] 3) Vacuum Packaging: On the assembled glass, use a mesh strip to connect the upper and lower holes. Then, pull at least one end to the edge of the glass and fix it with high-temperature tape so that each layer of the glass film can contact the mesh. Place the silicone plug into the upper and lower glass holes, and then heat-melt the edges of the upper and lower vacuum bags together to form a sealed bag. Leave a vent for evacuation and put it into an autoclave for high-pressure vacuuming.

[0009] 4) High-pressure autoclave forming: Under high temperature and pressure, the metal connectors and glass are firmly bonded together, completing the glass lamination process.

[0010] 5) Remove the mesh strip and silicone plug.

[0011] The mesh strips are made of high-temperature resistant nylon.

[0012] The film is SGP film.

[0013] The size of the notch is the sum of the outer dimensions of the metal connector and the thickness of the SGP film, with a tolerance controlled within 0.2mm.

[0014] Before applying the adhesive, the metal connector should first be wiped clean of dust from its surface with a dry cloth and water, then anhydrous ethanol should be sprayed onto the surface of the metal connector, wiped clean with a lint-free cloth, and then the adhesive should be applied.

[0015] The adhesive is 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and the application rate is 20-30 g / m². 2 .

[0016] The lamination process in step 4) includes: a) entering the autoclave and first cold-vacuuming for 2 hours, pressurizing, gradually raising the temperature to 53 degrees and holding for 30 minutes, then raising it to 90 degrees and holding for 1 hour, and then holding it at 120 degrees for 2 hours; b) raising the temperature to 135 degrees in 40 minutes, raising the internal pressure of the autoclave to 1.25 MPa, and holding it at 180 minutes to make the internal film completely liquid; c) then rapidly cooling it down to 90 degrees in 20 minutes, changing the film from liquid to paste, and then slowly cooling it down from 90 degrees to 78 degrees, controlling the temperature at 0.2 degrees per minute, holding it at 78 degrees for 60 minutes, and finally rapidly lowering it from 78 degrees to room temperature. When the temperature drops to 40 degrees, the pressure is released until there is no pressure inside the autoclave.

[0017] The multi-layer laminated glass comprises four glass panes, with two middle glass panes, and the metal connector is embedded within the two middle glass panes.

[0018] Before the metal connector is installed inside the two middle glass pieces, the film between the two middle glass pieces is removed.

[0019] The method for removing the film from the notch and the hole is to use a hot air gun to heat the film along the edge of the notch and the hole to soften the film, and then use a utility knife to cut the film along the edge.

[0020] The metal connector is made of titanium alloy.

[0021] Since the non-edge-mounted metal parts of the laminated glass lack external ventilation channels, this invention uses mesh strips that pass through the upper and lower holes. This allows the gas around the metal connector to escape through the mesh texture during the vacuuming process, ensuring a strong bond between the film and the metal connector and preventing it from coming unglued.

[0022] This invention also uses silicone plugs to seal the holes on the upper and lower glass pieces, which serves two purposes: firstly, to fix the mesh strips, and secondly, to prevent the melted SGP film from overflowing during high temperature and high pressure processes, thus affecting the aesthetics. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the laminar glass forming process of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA in the middle,

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of glass 1 and 4.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view of glass 2 and 3.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view of the method process of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 BB-direction sectional view in the middle,

[0029] The labels are listed below:

[0030] 1-Glass, 2-Glass, 3-Glass, 4-Glass, 5-Titanium component, 6-SGP film, 7-Mesh strip, 8-Hole, 9-Rubber stopper, 10-Laminated glass, 11-Notch. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The mesh strips, silicone stoppers, and various chemical reagents mentioned below are all commercially available.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the laminated glass 10 is configured as follows: 12 ultra-steel homogeneous glass 1 + 1.52 SGP film 6 + 12 ultra-steel homogeneous glass 2 + 3.04 SGP film 6 + 12 ultra-steel homogeneous glass 3 + 1.52 SGP film 6 + 12 ultra-steel homogeneous glass 4. The titanium component 5 is embedded in the cut-out position of the two middle glass pieces. The titanium component 5 has a size of 240mm*240mm*27mm and has 4 connecting holes 8, with a hole size of 22mm.

[0033] Although this invention describes a four-glass laminated process, it is applicable to laminated processes with three or more glass panes and is within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0034] Process steps: such as Figure 1-6 As shown.

[0035] 1. Raw glass cutting and grinding: First, glass sheets 1, 2, 3, and 4 are cut and edge-ground. Glass sheets 1 and 4 are the lower and upper sheets of laminated glass. Drill hole 8 according to the drawing requirements. For glass sheets 2 and 3, cut notches 11 according to the drawing. These four glass sheets are then cut, edge-ground, drilled, and notched, and then tempered and homogenized. See... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown.

[0036] 2. Assembly: Lay a vacuum bag cut to the appropriate size for the glass on the table. Place glass 1 on the vacuum bag, then lay down a 1.52 SGP film 6. Place glass 2 on the film, and align the four sides of glass 2 with those of glass 1. Then lay another layer of SGP film 6 on top of glass 2, and place glass 3 on top. Align glass 3 with glass 2. Use a heat gun to heat the SGP film 6 between glass 3 and glass 2 through the notch 11 cut in glass 3 to soften the film. Then use a utility knife to cut along the edge of the notch 11 cut in glass 3 and work it into the SGP film 6. Cut out the SGP with the notch to create the hollow notch 11. Using the same method, cut out the film between glass 2 and glass 1 at the corresponding hole 8. Measure the titanium component, ensuring the dimensional tolerance is within 0.2mm. If it meets the requirements, carefully wipe the titanium component, especially removing any oil stains from the surface. First, wipe away dust with a dry cloth dampened with water, then spray the surface with anhydrous ethanol and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. Simultaneously, apply adhesive to the edges of the glass notch and the surface of the component, ensuring even application. Place the titanium component 5 into the notch 11 of the glass, ensuring the hole 8 of the titanium component 5 aligns with the hole 8 of the glass 1. After inserting the titanium component 5 into the notch 11, use the cut SGP film strips 6 to fill the gaps around the titanium component 5, securing the entire titanium component 5 into the notch 11 of the glass. Check that the tightness of the gaps in the SGP film strips 6 around the component is appropriate. Generally, when making the notch, the size of the titanium component plus the SGP film should be less than 0.2mm from the gap in the notch. Push it in with a little force. Finally, place the SGP film strips 6 on top and then place the upper glass 4 on top, aligning the position of the hole 8. Then, use a hair dryer and a utility knife to remove the SGP film from the hole 8 to complete the glass assembly.

[0037] 3. Vacuum Sealing: On the laminated glass, insert one end of the mesh strip 7 into the glass hole 8, ensuring it passes through the entire inner end face of the hole. This ensures that each of the four glass layers (including the film) is in contact with the mesh. Then, place the silicone plug 9 into the glass hole 8. Pull the other end of the mesh strip 7 to the edge of the glass and secure it with high-temperature tape. This allows the surrounding gas to escape through the mesh texture during the vacuuming process. Next, cover the glass with a vacuum bag, and heat-fuse the edges of the two vacuum bags together to form a sealed bag. Leave one vent for evacuation. Place the bag in an autoclave for high-pressure vacuuming. See [link / details]. Figure 5-6 As shown.

[0038] 4. Autoclave Loading Process: The autoclave is evacuated in stages. First, it is cold-pumped for 2 hours, then gradually heated to 53 degrees Celsius and held for 30 minutes. Next, it is heated to 90 degrees Celsius and held for 1 hour, then to 120 degrees Celsius and held for 2 hours. The temperature is then raised to 135 degrees Celsius over 40 minutes, and the internal pressure of the autoclave reaches 1.25 MPa. This temperature is maintained for 180 minutes to completely liquefy the film. Then, rapid cooling is performed for about 20 minutes until the temperature reaches 90 degrees Celsius, at which point the film changes from liquid to a paste. The temperature is then slowly reduced from 90 degrees Celsius to 78 degrees Celsius, controlled at 0.2 degrees Celsius per minute. To minimize the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the laminated glass, this temperature is maintained at 78 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes. Finally, the temperature is rapidly reduced from 78 degrees Celsius to room temperature, completing the autoclave opening process. During this process, the autoclave is pressurized from the start of heating, reaching a pressure of 1.25 MPa when the temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius. The pressure is released (air release) when the temperature drops to 40 degrees Celsius. Once there is no pressure inside the autoclave, the door is opened and the glass frame is removed, completing the glass lamination process.

[0039] 5. Remove the silicone plug 9 and the mesh strip 7.

[0040] This invention provides multi-layer laminated glass with embedded metal connectors. Gas around the metal connectors can be easily discharged, and the film and metal connectors are firmly bonded together without delamination, resulting in a beautiful and elegant product.

Claims

1. A method for embedding a metal connector within multi-layer laminated glass, wherein the metal connector is block-shaped with through holes on its surface, the multi-layer laminated glass comprises at least four glass panes connected by an interlayer film, and the metal connector is located inside the intermediate glass layer between the upper and lower glass panes, the method comprising the following steps: 1) Original glass cutting and grinding: Cut and grind the glass, make holes at the corresponding through holes of the metal connectors on the upper and lower glass sheets, and cut notches at the corresponding metal connectors on the middle glass sheet. Then temper and homogenize the glass. 2) Assembly: Lay a vacuum bag cut to the appropriate size for the glass on the table. Stack the bottom glass and the middle glass from bottom to top, with the glass separated by film. Wipe the edges of the glass notch and the surface of the metal connector with adhesive. Place the metal connector into the notch of the middle glass, and stuff the gaps around it with film strips. Secure the entire metal connector in the notch of the glass. Then lay film on the middle layer, stack the top glass on top, and remove the film from the holes of the top and bottom glass so that the holes of the top and bottom glass are aligned and overlapped through the notch. 3) Vacuum Packaging: On the assembled glass, use a mesh strip to connect the upper and lower holes. Then, pull at least one end to the edge of the glass and fix it with high-temperature tape so that each layer of the glass film can contact the mesh. Place the silicone plug into the upper and lower glass holes, and then heat-melt the edges of the upper and lower vacuum bags together to form a sealed bag. Leave a vent for evacuation and put it into an autoclave for high-pressure vacuuming. 4) High-pressure autoclave forming: Under high temperature and pressure, the metal connectors and glass are firmly bonded together, completing the glass lamination process. 5) Remove the mesh strip and silicone plug.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mesh strip is made of high-temperature resistant nylon.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the film is SGP film and the metal connector is made of titanium alloy.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the size of the notch is the outer dimensions of the metal connector plus the thickness of the SGP film, and the tolerance is controlled within 0.2 mm.

5. According to the method of claim 1, before applying the adhesive to the metal connector, the surface dust is first wiped off with a dry cloth and water, then anhydrous ethanol is sprayed onto the surface of the metal connector, wiped clean with a lint-free cloth, and then the adhesive is applied.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the adhesive is 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and the application amount is 20-30 g / m². 2 .

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lamination process in step 4) comprises: a) After entering the autoclave, first perform cold evacuation and venting for 2 hours, then pressurize and gradually raise the temperature to 53 degrees Celsius and hold for 30 minutes, then raise it to 90 degrees Celsius and hold for 1 hour, and then hold it at 120 degrees Celsius for 2 hours; b) Raise the temperature to 135 degrees Celsius in 40 minutes, and raise the internal pressure of the autoclave to 1.25 MPa, and hold for 180 minutes to make the film inside completely liquid; c) Then, rapidly cool down the film to 90 degrees Celsius in 20 minutes, changing the film from liquid to paste, and then slowly cool it down from 90 degrees Celsius to 78 degrees Celsius, controlling the temperature at 0.2 degrees Celsius per minute, and hold it at 78 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes. Finally, rapidly lower the temperature from 78 degrees Celsius to room temperature, and depressurize the autoclave when the temperature drops to 40 degrees Celsius until there is no pressure inside.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the multilayer laminated glass comprises four pieces of glass, two of which are intermediate glass layers, and the metal connector is embedded within the two intermediate glass layers.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein before the metal connector is embedded in the two middle glass pieces, the film at the gap between the two middle glass pieces is removed.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method for removing the film from the notch and the film from the hole is to heat the film along the edge of the notch and the hole with a hot air gun to soften the film, and then cut the film along the edge with a utility knife.

Images