Composite disc

Abstract

The laminated glass pane (1) comprises two outer glass layers (2A, 2B) which are bonded together by at least one intermediate layer (3) made of plastic or resin. The essential aspect of the invention is that the two outer glass layers (2A, 2B) are formed by a single glass pane (2) which has an arcuate edge (2C) and, in side view, a U-shaped form, wherein the arms forming the two outer glass layers (2A, 2B) are elongated and parallel to each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a composite panel which is used as a construction and building material, in particular for railings, canopies and glazed roofs.

[0002] Methods for edge processing of glass, including laminated glass, are known in the prior art. During processing, the edges of the glass panes are ground or polished. For example, EP1060833B1 discloses a method for finishing window panes in which they are first cut into glass panes of the desired dimensions. The edges of the cut glass panes are then rounded by grinding and subsequently polished. Both the grinding and polishing are carried out using grinding and polishing rollers. The glass pane is moved relative to the fixed, rotating grinding and polishing rollers. The grinding and polishing rollers are arranged parallel to the glass pane.

[0003] Document US20210101245A1 discloses a method for processing the edge of a glass pane that is placed on a worktable such that a portion of it extends beyond the surface of the worktable. Specifically, the edges of the glass pane extend beyond the area of ​​the worktable. During processing, the first edge contacts at least one grinding wheel mounted on a shaft of the first motor, and the other edge contacts at least one grinding wheel mounted on a shaft of the second motor. During edge grinding, a relative motion is generated between the grinding wheels and the glass pane to bevel the first and second edges of the glass pane and obtain a diagonal cut.

[0004] Laminated glass panes are known in the art, consisting of two outer glass layers with intervening plastic layers. These known panes consist of two glass layers bonded together with an intervening layer of plastic film, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Laminated glass panes with an intervening layer of film reinforced with a core are also known. Such a laminated pane consists of an outer glass layer, a plastic film layer (e.g., polyvinyl butyral, PVB), a polycarbonate core layer, a polyvinyl butyral film layer, and an outer glass layer, in that order. Panes of this type meet the requirements of PN-EN ISO 12543:2011 and PN-EN 12150:2002 for safety glass. Such panes exhibit high mechanical strength and offer safety in the event of breakage, as their elements do not splash.Tempered glass is also used as the outer pane in such laminated glass units.

[0005] This type of laminated glass is disclosed, for example, in WO2016196427A1. A laminated glass comprises a first layer of tempered glass and a first layer of polymer, with an intermediate layer provided between the first tempered glass layer and the first polymer layer to bond the tempered glass layer to the polymer layer. The intermediate layer may consist of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or compositions of ionoplastic resin containing copolymers of ethylene or methacrylic acid containing up to 3 wt% metal salts, silicone, polyvinyl butyral, or a combination of one or both of the above. The first tempered glass layer has a surface compressive stress of 250 to 1000 MPa, and the depth of the compressive stress layer is equal to or greater than 40 µm.The first polymer layer consists of a group of materials, including: polysiloxane, polyester, nylon, aliphatic polyamide, semi-aromatic polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylic, acrylonitrile butylstyrene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polyetherketone, poly(1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate), or a combination of one or more of these materials. The first tempered glass layer in this laminated sheet is 0.3 to 1.5 mm thick, the first intermediate layer is 0.2 to 1.4 mm thick, and the first polymer layer is 0.1 to 15 mm thick. Furthermore, the laminated sheet can also be manufactured as a curved sheet. The radius of curvature of this product can be equal to or less than 50 cm.

[0006] The object of the invention is to solve the technical problem of the insufficient durability of laminated glass panes. Known laminated glass panes, including those with machined edges, are exposed to the adverse effects of weathering, particularly the destructive effects of water and moisture. Weathering affects the exposed edges of laminated glass panes. Moisture, water, deposits, and contaminants can accumulate at these edges. Furthermore, the exposed edges of laminated glass panes are subject to intense solar radiation, including UV radiation. Consequently, the edges of laminated glass panes are subject to degradation, leading to damage in the interlayers or core of the laminated glass panes and to progressive delamination over time.

[0007] The invention relates to a laminated glass pane comprising two outer glass layers bonded together by at least one intermediate layer of plastic or resin. The essence of the invention lies in the fact that the two outer glass layers are formed by a single glass pane having an arcuate edge and a U-shaped profile in side view, wherein the legs forming the two outer glass layers are elongated and parallel to each other, and the arcuate edge of the glass pane defines the outer edge of the laminated glass pane.

[0008] Preferably, at least two intermediate layers and a plastic core are provided between the arms of the glass pane, with the core being located between the intermediate layers.

[0009] It is also advantageous for the laminated glass pane to have interlayers consisting of a single sheet of plastic or resin with an arcuate edge and a U-shaped profile in side view, with the arms forming the interlayers being elongated and parallel to each other. The edge of the arcuate interlayer is located at the arcuate edge of the glass pane.

[0010] It is also preferable if the glass pane forming the outer glass layers is tempered.

[0011] The main advantage of the invention is that it eliminates the influence of external factors, including weather conditions, on the selected, often exposed edge of the laminated glass pane. This is possible because a single pane of glass is rolled into an arc-shaped edge and two outer pane layers. This edge consists of a homogeneous material: glass, which forms the outer glass layers of the laminated glass pane. The arc-shaped glass edge protects the inner layers of the laminated glass pane and prevents the accumulation of water and contaminants at any of the edges of the laminated glass pane. Such an edge reduces the adverse effects of solar radiation, including UV radiation, on the edges of the laminated glass panes and thus on the interlayers and cores used within them.This also results in a better appearance of the laminated glass unit, as the use of sealants on selected edges of the laminated glass unit can be avoided. These sealants cannot interact with the materials of the interlayer or core and must be weather-resistant. In practice, this eliminates the risk of delamination at the exposed curved edge of the laminated glass unit. The curved edge of the laminated glass unit can be oriented in any direction, particularly so that it is the edge most exposed to the elements, including water. This is important when the laminated glass units are used in building and construction applications, such as glass roofs or railings. The curved edge of the laminated glass unit can be left exposed, while the other edges of the laminated glass unit can be concealed within fittings.

[0012] Furthermore, the curved glass edge of the laminated pane does not require any processing, such as grinding, to obtain a beveled or other desired shape. The curved glass edge exhibits high aesthetic qualities immediately after manufacturing and is free of sharp corners that could injure users of items made from such panes.

[0013] The invention is illustrated in one embodiment and in a drawing, wherein Fig. 1 shows the layer disc in side view, Fig. 2 the layered disc in the second embodiment in side view, Fig. 3 the composite disc in schematic front view, with the arc-shaped edge marked by a dashed line, Fig. Figure 4 shows the composite disc in a schematic view of an application example. First embodiment

[0014] The composite disc 1 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 3) comprises two outer glass layers 2A, 2B bonded together with an intermediate layer 3 made of a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. This is a film known from the prior art and used for laminated glass units, which are used as windshields for cars, glazed railings, or glass panes. The applied polyvinyl butyral film is elastic and absorbs the impact energy acting on the laminated glass unit 1. If the laminated glass unit 1 is damaged, the polyvinyl butyral film holds the broken pieces in place, thus making products with the laminated glass unit 1 safer in use.

[0015] The outer glass layers 2A, 2B of the laminated glass pane 1 are formed by a single glass pane 2. The glass pane 2 therefore has an arcuate edge 2C and, in side view, a U-shaped profile, with its legs elongated and parallel to each other. The legs of the glass pane 2 form two outer glass layers 2A, 2B of the laminated glass pane 1, while the arcuate edge 2C of this glass pane defines the outer edge of the laminated glass pane 1. The other edges of the laminated glass pane 1 are flat and, in other embodiments, may be machined, e.g., ground or polished.

[0016] The composite disc 1 ( Fig. 4) was used as a component: an external glass roof. The laminated pane 1 was attached to the building in such a way that the outer glass edge 2C is aligned with the slope of the glass roof. Water flowing and dripping from the roof does not accumulate at the glass edge 2C, but always drips or flows downwards. Thus, water or other weather influences do not damage the interlayer at the glass edge. Second embodiment

[0017] The laminated glass pane 1 ( Fig. 2) comprises two outer glass layers 2A, 2B, between which are two intermediate layers 3 and a core 4. The core 4 is located between the intermediate layers 3. The laminated glass pane 1 consists of the following layers: outer glass layer 2A, intermediate layer 3, core 4, intermediate layer 3 and outer glass layer 2B, in this order.

[0018] The intermediate layer 3 consists of thermosetting epoxy resins, which are strong and weather-resistant. The core 4 consists of poly(methyl methacrylate) and is characterized by high transparency and weather resistance. The composite panel 1 with these intermediate layers 3 and the core can be used as a single product that meets high strength requirements and can be employed as a building and interior design element.

[0019] Similar to the first embodiment, the outer glass layers 2A, 2B in the laminated pane 1 are formed by the same glass pane 2, with the difference that the glass pane 2 used has been previously tempered. The glass pane 2 thus has an arc-shaped edge 2C and, in side view, a shape similar to the letter U.

[0020] The laminated glass pane was used as a glass panel forming an exterior railing. The laminated glass pane is mounted vertically, and its outer, curved edge forms the top of the railing. Water or moisture does not collect at this edge but instead runs off the outer layers of glass. This reduces the negative effects of weathering on the intermediate layers and the core, which are located at the most exposed edge of the laminated glass pane. The vertical edges of the laminated glass pane are not as exposed to the effects of water, as gravity causes it to run off them.

[0021] Various materials can be used for the intermediate layers and the core, depending on the requirements for the application of the composite disc or the defined customer requirements. Third embodiment

[0022] The laminated glass pane comprises two outer glass layers bonded to two intermediate layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film, with a polypropylene core between them. The laminated glass pane has the following layers: outer glass layer, intermediate layer, core, intermediate layer, and outer glass layer, in that order.

[0023] As in the previous embodiments, the outer glass layers of the laminated glass unit are formed by a single glass pane. The glass pane therefore has an arcuate edge and, in side view, a U-shaped form, with the legs being elongated and parallel to each other. The legs of the glass pane form two outer glass layers of the laminated glass unit, while the arcuate edge of this glass pane defines the outer edge of the laminated glass unit.

[0024] The interlayer film is manufactured similarly to the outer glass panes. It consists of a single sheet of polyvinyl butyral film with an arcuate edge and a U-shaped profile, with elongated, parallel arms forming the interlayer. The arcuate edge of the interlayer aligns with the arcuate edge of the glass pane. Alternatively, the interlayers can be manufactured from individual sheets of film.

[0025] In particular, plastics or resins can be used as material for the intermediate layer 3 in the composite discs 1: - Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) films, which are elastic and have an excellent ability to absorb impact energy. If the laminated glass pane is damaged, the PVB film can hold the broken elements in place, thus increasing safety; - Films made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which are transparent and durable and preserve the extremely high clarity of the layer disc; - Films made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that are elastic, weather and UV resistant and designed for use in architecture; - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films that are highly transparent, weather-resistant and designed for applications with lower strength and safety requirements; - Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) films with precipitated resin and films with ionoplast polymer technology, available under the trade name SentryGlas. Additional resin layers provide better properties for laminated glass panes, including increased stiffness and protection against ultraviolet radiation; - unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), which are cheap and have good mechanical properties, but are also sensitive to weathering; - thermosetting epoxy resins that are strong and weather-resistant and are used for products with high strength requirements, such as structural components; - Polyurethane resins that are elastic and impact-resistant and are used wherever a certain degree of elasticity or impact resistance is required, e.g. in the automotive industry or furniture manufacturing; - Silicone resins that are elastic, high-temperature resistant, and have excellent non-stick properties. They are intended for the production of molds from various materials, including resins, plaster, or metal; - Acrylic resins that are transparent and resistant to ultraviolet radiation, have excellent optical properties and are used to manufacture optical shields; - Phenolic resins, which have very good insulating properties and mechanical strength and are frequently used in the electronics and electrical engineering industries.

[0026] The following materials can be used as core 4: - Polycarbonate (PC), which is lightweight, strong, impact-resistant, and highly transparent. It can be used in areas where mechanical strength is required, e.g., in protective shields, car windows, or roofs; - Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic glass or Plexiglas, is characterized by high transparency and good weather resistance. It is used for shop windows, optical screens, furniture, decorative elements, and in art. - High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These polyethylenes are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them attractive for the chemical and food industries; - Polypropylene (PP), which is lightweight and has good chemical resistance. It is used for the production of layered panels used as interior trim; - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is durable and can be used in construction; - glass fiber reinforced polyesters (GFRP), which are useful in applications requiring mechanical strength, e.g. in construction; - Polyurethanes (PU), which are used in the furniture industry for layered panels; - Thermoplastic films used in applications where transparency and protection against external influences are important; - other engineering thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS) or polyoxymethylene (POM). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1060833B1

[0002] US 20210101245A1

[0003] WO 2016196427A1

[0005] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] PN-EN ISO 12543:2011

[0004] PN-EN 12150:2002

[0004]

Claims

[1] Laminated pane comprising two outer layers of glass bonded together by at least one intermediate layer of plastic or resin, characterized by in that the two outer glass layers (2A, 2B) are formed by a single glass pane (2) having an arcuate edge (2C) and, in a side view, a shape similar to the letter U, the arms forming the two outer glass layers (2A, 2B) being elongated and parallel to one another, the arcuate edge of the glass pane (2) delimiting an edge of the composite pane (1). [2] Disc according to claim 1, characterized by that at least two intermediate layers (3) and a plastic core (4) are provided between the arms of the glass pane (2), the core (4) being located between the intermediate layers (3). [3] Disc according to claim 2, characterized byin that the intermediate layers (3) consist of a single plastic or resin layer having an arcuate edge and, in side view, a shape similar to the letter U, the arms forming the intermediate layers (3) being elongated and parallel to one another, the arcuate edge of the intermediate layer being fixed in place by the arcuate edge (2C) of the glass sheet (2). [4] Disc according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the glass pane (2) forming the outer glass layers (2A, 2B) is tempered.

Images