Lamination of two glass plates by injection molding.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising at least a first glass plate having an inner surface and at least a second glass plate having an inner surface. The assembly further comprises an injection-molded plastic material for laminating the at least first glass plate and the at least second glass plate together. Such an injection-molded plastic material is made from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. The injection-molded plastic material covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the inner surfaces of both the at least first glass plate and the at least second glass plate. The present invention further relates to a method for laminating at least a first glass plate having an inner surface and at least a second glass plate having an inner surface together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of laminated glass sheets. More specifically, the present invention relates to laminates made of at least two glass sheets and a material injected between them. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such laminated glass sheets.

Background Art

[0002] Laminated glass is composed of at least two glass sheets that are joined to each other by at least one intermediate layer to form a permanent bond. The at least one intermediate layer functions to support and hold the glass sheets in order to form a strong and uniform layer even when the laminated glass is broken. Laminated glass has various thicknesses and can be made using different combinations of glasses or coatings in order to impart different qualities such as improved low emissivity or heat insulation.

[0003] Laminated glass is used in a wide range of applications due to its enhanced safety and other beneficial properties. Laminated glass is widely used in automotive windshields. It provides safety by preventing glass from shattering into sharp fragments during a collision, reducing the risk of injury to occupants. Laminated glass also improves the structural integrity of the windshield, protecting occupants in the event of an accident. Laminated glass can also be used in the side and rear windows of a vehicle. Furthermore, laminated glass can be used as an exterior or interior trim element. Exterior trim elements include bumpers, window / door seals, pillars, wheel wells, wheel arches, fenders, headlights, mirror bodies, and roof covers. Such exterior trim elements may be deployable, meaning they can be ejected from the vehicle only when necessary. Vehicle manufacturers use these exterior trim elements to enhance aesthetics, improve functionality, and add flexibility to vehicle design. Interior trim elements are attached to any part of the vehicle's interior to enhance aesthetics or to secure or protect parts of the vehicle's interior. Such interior trim elements may be installed to cover the contours of doors, door handles, dashboards or center consoles (where the center console is a console located between the front passenger seats and which may extend toward the dashboard), seat backs (including the backs of headrests), roofs, armrests, etc. Vehicles refer to (but are not limited to) all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, buses, trams, trains, drones, airplanes, helicopters, etc.

[0004] Laminated glass is used in building windows, doors, and facades. Laminated glass enhances safety by minimizing the risk of injury from broken glass, particularly in high-rise structures or areas exposed to severe weather conditions. It can provide protection against intrusion and help withstand impacts from flying debris or extreme wind loads.

[0005] Furthermore, laminated glass can be designed to provide sound insulation, UV protection, and control solar heat gain. Laminated glass is commonly used in skylights and canopies to provide safety and protection.

[0006] Laminated glass is used in railings, staircases, and balustrades to form safe partitions while maintaining transparency and aesthetic appeal. In hurricane-prone areas, laminated glass is used to reinforce windows and doors. Laminated glass protects against strong winds, flying debris, and changes in atmospheric pressure during storms. Laminated glass can withstand the impact of wind-carried objects, reducing the risk of breakage and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

[0007] Laminated glass is used in security applications where protection against intrusion, vandalism, or ballistic threats is required. Laminated glass can be manufactured with multiple layers of glass and interlayers to increase strength and penetration resistance. Such specialized laminated glass is widely used in banks, government buildings, jewelry stores, and other high-security facilities.

[0008] The interlayer is typically a film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Modern laminated glass is produced by bonding two or more ordinary annealed or tempered glass layers together with such an interlayer.

[0009] The manufacturing process for laminated glass typically involves several steps. The first step is cutting the glass sheets to the desired size and shape. This is typically done using an automated cutting machine or manual scoring and crushing techniques. Next, the glass surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, dust, or contaminants that may affect the bonding process. To ensure a clean surface, the glass is usually washed and dried. Then, a layer of interlayer material, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is placed between the glass sheets. The interlayer is cut to match the size and shape of the glass and is uniformly positioned. The glass sheets and interlayer are carefully aligned and then usually passed through a series of rollers or a vacuum bag system to remove air bubbles. The entire assembly is placed in a dedicated press or autoclave where heat and pressure are applied to bond the layers. The assembly is exposed to heat and pressure. The temperature and pressure applied during this step are specific to the type of interlayer material used. Heat softens the interlayer, and pressure ensures a strong bond between the glass layer and the interlayer. As the interlayer is heated, it becomes tacky and begins to bond with the glass. Heat and pressure are continued until the interlayer is completely attached to the glass surface. This process is known as "lamination." Once bonding is complete, the laminated glass is gradually cooled to stabilize the interlayer and solidify the bond. After cooling, the edges of the laminated glass may be trimmed and polished to obtain a smooth, finished appearance.

[0010] Lamination is typically performed using glass sheets at least 1.6 mm thick, and more commonly 2.1 mm thick, to achieve sufficient rigidity. In fact, since the intermediate layer is usually a very thin film, it is the glass sheets that contribute to the rigidity of the final assembly. This results in a very heavy final assembly. In the automotive industry in particular, increased weight leads to increased CO2 emissions. Therefore, lighter laminated glass sheets are very beneficial, especially in the automotive industry.

[0011] Furthermore, current lamination methods are very complex and typically difficult to automate. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention relates to an assembly. The assembly includes at least a first glass plate having an inner surface. The assembly further includes at least a second glass plate having an inner surface. The assembly further includes an injection-molded plastic material for laminating the at least first glass plate and the at least second glass plate together. Such an injection-molded plastic material is made from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. The injection-molded plastic material covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the inner surfaces of both the at least first glass plate and the at least second glass plate.

[0013] The present invention further relates to a method for laminating at least a first glass plate having an inner surface with at least a second glass plate having an inner surface with each other. This method comprises the following steps, namely: i. The step of preparing at least a first glass plate and at least a second glass plate, ii. The step of arranging at least the inner surface of the first glass plate facing at least the inner surface of the second glass plate in order to form a volume portion, iii. A step of injecting a plastic material into a volume to form a laminate, wherein the plastic material fills at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the volume, and the plastic material is a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Includes.

[0014] The present invention will be further described by example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. These examples are given for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. The drawings are schematic representations and not to scale. The drawings do not limit the present invention in any way. Further advantages will be described by example.

[0015] In this document, any particular embodiment will include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the corresponding embodiment. The same reference numeral is used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar part.

[0016] Where used herein, spatial or directional terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” and “lower” refer to the present invention as shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention may take on various alternative orientations, and therefore such terms should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, all numerical values ​​used in the specification and claims to represent dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, component amounts, reaction conditions, etc., should be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “approximately.” Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical values ​​shown in the following specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the expression “substantially” means within ±10%, preferably within ±5%.

[0017] Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass the start and end values ​​of the range, and all subranges contained therein. For example, a range described as "1 to 10" should be considered to include all subranges between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, i.e., all subranges starting with a minimum value of 1 or greater, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "deposited on" or "applied on" mean deposited or applied, but not necessarily in surface contact. For example, a coating "deposited on" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0018] Where the term “includes” is used in this specification and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article, e.g., “a” or “an” or “the,” is used when referring to a singular noun, it includes the plural form of that noun unless otherwise specified. In this text, “configured to be / set up to be” may be used interchangeably in hardware and software, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable,” “capable,” “modified,” “created,” “possible,” or “designed.” In any case, the expression “a device configured to be” may mean that the device “can be / set up to be” together with other devices or components.

[0019] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily describe an order in any form such as temporal, spatial, sequential, or otherwise. Terms used in this way are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in an order different from the order described or illustrated herein. When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as "coupled (functionally or communicatively) to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component (e.g., the second component) or may be connected to the other component via another component (e.g., a third component).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] Shows an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Shows an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Shows an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 4a-b] Shows an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 5a-b] Shows an example of a method according to the present invention. [Figure 5c-d] Shows an example of a method according to the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 6a-b] Shows embodiments of different steps of a method according to the present invention. [Figure 7a-b] Shows embodiments of different steps of a method according to the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and specific drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto and is limited only by the claims.

[0024] Some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments and do not include other features, but combinations of features of different embodiments are within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, any combination of any of the claimed embodiments may be used in the following claims.

[0025] The present invention proposes an assembly comprising at least a first glass plate having an inner surface and at least a second glass plate having an inner surface. The at least first glass plate and the at least second glass plate have a particularly limited composition. The glass plates may be soda lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, borosilicate glass, etc. Preferably, the glass plates of the present invention are made from soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass.

[0026] The glass sheet according to the present invention may be a glass sheet obtained by the float method, drawing method, rolling method or any other method known in the manufacture of glass sheets starting from a molten glass composition. According to a preferred embodiment, the glass sheet may be a float glass sheet. The term “float glass sheet” is understood to mean a glass sheet formed by the float glass method, which consists of pouring molten glass onto a bath of molten tin under reducing conditions.

[0027] The glass plate can have a thickness of 5.0 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2.1 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.1 mm or less. The glass plate can also have a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, preferably 0.7 mm or more. The thinner the glass plate, the lighter the assembly becomes.

[0028] Furthermore, ultra-thin glass plates, which have a thickness of 2.0 mm or less, can be bent more easily because there are fewer constraints within the glass.

[0029] Another advantage of ultra-thin glass sheets is the potential to reduce the weight of the assembly while still maintaining sufficient rigidity. For example, an assembly made of two 0.7mm glass sheets laminated with a 2.0mm thermoplastic elastomer can achieve a 30% weight reduction compared to current laminated glass sheets commonly produced in the automotive industry, which use two glass sheets of 1.6mm or more, typically 2.1mm thick, and a standard thermoplastic interlayer (not injection-molded).

[0030] The glass plates may have different thicknesses, meaning that at least the first glass plate may have a thickness of, for example, 1.7 mm, and at least the second glass plate may have a thickness of 2.1 mm.

[0031] At least one of the first and second glass plates can be chemically or thermally strengthened or annealed. Tempered glass or toughened glass is glass with higher strength than ordinary glass. To produce chemically strengthened glass, the glass is immersed in an alkali salt solution at 400°C. This causes chemical exchange at the glass surface between ions with smaller radii in the glass and ions with larger radii in the solution. For example, lithium ions in the glass are exchanged for potassium or sodium ions in the solution, and sodium ions in the glass are exchanged for potassium ions in the solution. The difference in the volume of alkali ions creates intercalation stress on the glass surface. To produce thermally strengthened glass, the glass is heated to a high temperature and then rapidly cooled, thus forming a durable outer layer that can easily withstand impact and temperature changes.

[0032] At least one of the first and second glass plates can be curved. The other glass plate is laminated to the curved glass plate via an injection-molded plastic material, so if one glass plate is curved, the other glass plate will also be curved. This may be easier and faster than laminating two curved glass plates separately.

[0033] The assembly further includes an injection-molded plastic material for laminating at least a first glass plate and at least a second glass plate together. The injection-molded plastic material is made from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

[0034] The injection-molded plastic covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the inner surface of at least the first glass plate and at least the second glass plate. The higher the degree of coverage, the stronger the lamination.

[0035] One advantage of covering 100% of the interior is that if the assembly breaks, glass fragments from any of the glass plates will be avoided.

[0036] Injected plastic materials, when measured for a 3mm thick sample in accordance with ISO 13468-1:2019, may have a visible light transmittance (meaning 480nm to 780nm) of at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 80%, and even more preferably at least 90%. Such visible light transmittance allows the assembly to be sufficiently transparent to be seen through. Such transparency can be useful in the case of backlighting, allowing some light source to be seen through the assembly. Such assemblies can also be placed in front of a display.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the injection-molded plastic material is a thermoplastic material. Thermoplastic materials are generally not expensive. Furthermore, because thermoplastic materials are very easy to injection, implementation becomes easier and faster. Such thermoplastic materials may be flexible polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic elastomers, such as thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPS), acrylic thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), copolyester (CPE), or copolyamide (CPA). TPS has a low viscosity range and is attractive in terms of cost. TPU may have better mechanical properties, but it is more expensive and more difficult to process. TPS is widely used for the encapsulation of standard automotive windows and exhibits good adhesion to glass, especially when used with a dedicated primer.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material is at least 10 g / 10 min, preferably at least 30 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 80 g / 10 min, and even more preferably at least 100 g / 10 min, when measured at 2.16 kg and 230°C in accordance with ISO 1133-1:2022. A higher melt flow rate results in higher fluidity of the thermoplastic material. Higher fluidity of the thermoplastic material reduces the number of injection gates required to inject the thermoplastic material. Fewer injection gates result in a more homogeneous injection. Consequently, there are fewer weld lines. A weld line is the line where two flow fronts meet when two or more flow fronts cannot be welded together during the molding process. These lines create locally weak areas in the molded part.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the injection-molded plastic material is a thermosetting material. Thermosetting materials are typically very fluid. Furthermore, thermosetting materials generally exhibit high resistance to temperatures above 100°C.

[0040] Thermosetting materials can be polyurethane-based thermosetting resins, silicone-based thermosetting resins, or ethylene vinyl acetate-based thermosetting resins. Due to their low viscosity, thermosetting materials are easier to injection, and therefore, it is possible to create long parts. The heat resistance of the assembly may also be improved. Furthermore, optical performance may be improved due to the reduction of stresses generated during the process.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the injection-molded plastic material has a haze of 5% or less, preferably 2% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and even more preferably 0.5% or less, when measured with respect to a 3 mm thick sample according to ISO 14782:2021. Such low haze values ​​can be beneficial in applications where high transparency is required, such as typical glazing or camera covers.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the injection-molded plastic material has a haze of at least 5%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 90%, when measured with respect to a 3 mm thick sample according to ISO 13468-1:2019. Such high haze values ​​may be useful in applications where uniform light diffusion is required, such as trim elements with backlighting.

[0043] In preferred embodiments, the thickness of the injection-molded plastic material is 4.0 mm or less, preferably 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 2.5 mm or less. Alternatively, the thickness of the injection-molded plastic material may be 0.8 mm or more, preferably 1.5 mm or more, and more preferably 2.0 mm or more. Such thicknesses allow for easy injection of the material while minimizing the impact on the optical properties of the assembly and ensuring the rigidity of the assembly. Furthermore, the density of the injection-molded plastic material is approximately 1 gr / cm³. 3 Therefore, since it is much lower than glass, it becomes possible to reduce the weight of the assembly.

[0044] Using ultra-thin glass sheets (meaning glass sheets with a thickness of 2.0 mm or less) leads to significant weight reduction and has little impact on the rigidity of the product. The rigidity-to-weight ratio improves.

[0045] The stiffness-to-weight ratio of the assembly can increase depending on the thickness of the glass plate and the thickness and stiffness modulus of the injection-molded plastic material.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method for laminating at least a first glass plate having an inner surface with at least a second glass plate having an inner surface.

[0047] This method includes a first step of preparing at least a first glass plate and at least a second glass plate.

[0048] This method includes a second step of positioning at least one glass plate so that its inner surface faces at least one second glass plate in order to form a volume. Here, "facing" means that at least one inner surface of the first glass plate faces at least one inner surface of the second glass plate.

[0049] This method includes a third step of injecting a plastic material into a volume to form a laminate. The plastic material fills at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the volume. The plastic material is either a thermoplastic or a thermosetting material.

[0050] Such a method makes it possible to reduce the number of steps required to produce laminated glass sheets, and therefore further reduces costs.

[0051] Such methods also allow for greater automation of the method itself compared to currently used lamination methods, and therefore further reduce costs.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the plastic material has a visible light transmittance of at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 80%, and even more preferably at least 90%, when measured with respect to a 3 mm thick sample in accordance with ISO 13468-1:2019.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment in which the plastic material is a thermoplastic material, the method includes a fourth step of cooling the thermoplastic material to a temperature of less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C, and more preferably less than 80°C, in order to form an assembly.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment in which the plastic material is a thermosetting material, the method includes a fourth step of curing the thermosetting material for at least 2 minutes, preferably at least 1 minute, and more preferably at least 50 seconds, in order to form an assembly.

[0055] Cooling or curing ensures that the assembly has sufficient rigidity to allow for removal from the assembly.

[0056] Such methods can be carried out using molds. Molds are typically made from metal, usually aluminum or steel, and are precisely machined to match the characteristics of the product to be produced.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, at least a first glass plate and at least a second glass plate are placed in a mold. The mold may include fixed and movable parts. Thus, at least a portion of both parts and the inner surfaces of at least the first and second glass plates define a volume. At least the first glass plate is provided in one part, and at least the second glass plate is provided in the other part.

[0058] In the case of thermoplastic materials, the thermoplastic material is supplied to a heated barrel and mixed using a helical screw. The molten thermoplastic material is then injected into a volumetric chamber where it cools and hardens. The cooling time can be reduced by using a cooling line that circulates water or oil from an external temperature control unit. Once the thermoplastic material has solidified, the mold is opened and ejector pins can eject the assembly from the mold.

[0059] In the case of thermosetting materials, the material is generally poured into a mold at low pressure. An irreversible curing process then takes place, either by mixing different low-viscosity liquid materials and allowing them to react after mixing, or by heating the materials. After the curing process in the preheated mold, the thermosetting material becomes solid and can then be removed from the mold.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the flow length from the injection gate is 1200 mm or less. The flow length from the injection gate is at least 20 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, and more preferably at least 750 mm. The flow length is defined as the distance the injected material travels from the gate to the end of the flow. Such a long flow length makes it possible to reduce the number of gates in the mold and, therefore, the number of weld lines in the assembly. This reduces the risk of defects such as air traps, optical distortions, and mechanical weaknesses caused by such weld lines.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the step of applying a primer to at least one inner surface of the first glass plate and / or the second glass plate may be performed before the step of injecting the plastic material (step iii). Such a primer may be a silane-based primer. This improves the adhesion of the plastic material to the glass plate by creating a chemical bond between the glass plate and the plastic material.

[0062] Such a primer covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the inner surface of at least the first glass plate and at least the second glass plate.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of at least one of the first glass plate and / or the second glass plate may be treated, for example, by plasma treatment to enhance its adhesion to the plastic material before the third step. Such plasma treatment may consist of plasma-induced graft polymerization. Plasma-induced graft polymerization, also known as plasma grafting or plasma surface modification, allows for the modification of the surface properties of a material through the introduction of polymer chains. This involves exposing the material surface to a low-pressure plasma, which is a partially ionized gas containing highly reactive species such as ions, electrons, and free radicals. During plasma-induced graft polymerization, the plasma species interact with the material surface, causing chemical reactions. These reactions may result in the formation of new covalent bonds between the plasma species and the material surface, or in the generation of reactive moieties on the surface. Subsequently, a monomer solution is applied to the treated surface, and the reactive moieties promote the adhesion and polymerization of monomer molecules, leading to the formation of a graft polymer layer.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first glass plate and / or the second glass plate is curved. When at least the first glass plate is curved, the injection lamination method described above makes it possible to fix at least the second glass plate to at least the first glass plate even if at least the second glass plate is not curved before lamination. Therefore, it becomes possible to have a method that involves only cold bending (without heating the glass plate above 100°C) compared to hot bending (which involves heating the glass plate to at least 500°C), thus reducing energy consumption.

[0065] One advantage of such a method is that it may be possible to work with flat glass sheets that have been coated and / or printed and / or primed and / or plasma-treated before being cold-bent in a mold, and which can then be maintained in a bent state by a lamination method.

[0066] One of the advantages of the present invention compared to classical glass lamination is that it simplifies the process, which in turn leads to lower production costs.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1, an assembly (1) is shown, which includes a first glass plate (10) having an inner surface (11) and a second glass plate (20) having an inner surface (21). The two glass plates (10, 20) are laminated to each other by an injection-molded plastic material (30).

[0068] In this example, the injection-molded plastic material (30) covers 100% of the inner surfaces (11, 21) of both glass plates (10, 20).

[0069] Figure 2 shows another embodiment in which the primer (50) is applied to 100% of the inner surface (11) of the first glass plate (10) and 100% of the inner surface (22) of the second glass plate (20). The primer (50) may be applied to only one of the inner surfaces (11 or 21) of either the first glass plate (10) or the second glass plate (20). Furthermore, the primer (50) may be applied to portions of the inner surfaces (11, 21) of the first glass plate (10) and / or the second glass plate (20).

[0070] In Figure 3, assembly (1) is curved. During the process of creating such assembly (1), both the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) can be curved (for example, by a hot bending process) before the step of injecting the plastic material (30) (step iii).

[0071] Another possibility is to curve only one of the glass plates (10 or 20) (for example, by a hot bending process) before the step of injecting the plastic material (30) (step iii). The other glass plate, which is originally flat, is maintained in a curved configuration by the lamination itself. Thus, this other glass plate is also bent, but this is done by a cold bending process.

[0072] Another possibility is to cold-bend both glass plates (10, 20) by lamination. For example, both glass plates could be held in a curved state by the mold itself. Then, plastic material is injected to maintain the curvature of both glass plates.

[0073] In the above figure, the injection-molded plastic material (30) does not extend beyond the inner surfaces (11, 21) of both glass plates (10, 20). However, such injection-molded plastic material (30) may extend to cover one or both edges of the glass plates (10, 20), as shown in Figure 4a. The injection-molded plastic material (30) may even cover a portion of the surface opposite to one or both inner surfaces (11, 21) of the glass plates (10, 20), as shown in Figure 4b.

[0074] Figures 5a-d schematically illustrate the method according to the present invention in a mold (40) including a fixed portion (41) and a movable portion (42). A first glass plate (10) is provided to the movable portion (42) of the mold (40). This first glass plate (10) can be attached to the movable portion by a suction pump (not shown) or any other means that enables the first glass plate to be maintained on the movable portion. A second glass plate (20) is provided to the fixed portion (41) of the mold (40).

[0075] In some embodiments, both inner surfaces (11, 21) of both glass plates (10, 20) are covered 100% with the primer (50). However, the primer (50) can be applied to only a portion of the inner surfaces (11, 21) of the first and second glass plates (10, 20). The primer (50) can also be applied to only one of the first or second glass plates (10 or 20).

[0076] A volumetric portion (32) is formed between the two glass plates (10, 20) and the mold (40).

[0077] When the mold (40) is closed, the plastic material (31) is injected into the volume section (32), gradually filling the volume section (32) as shown in Figures 5a-c. Any gas present in the volume section (32) is expelled.

[0078] After a cooling step (step iv.) or a curing step (step iv.) depending on the type of plastic material used, the mold (40) can be opened and the assembly (1) can be demolded.

[0079] Figure 6a schematically illustrates different steps of a method for laminating at least a first glass plate (10) having an inner surface (11) and at least a second glass plate (20) having an inner surface (21) to each other. This method consists of the following steps, namely: i. A step of preparing at least a first glass plate (10) and at least a second glass plate (20) (100), ii. In order to form a volume portion (32), the step of arranging at least the inner surface (11) of the first glass plate (10) facing at least the inner surface (21) of the second glass plate (20) (200), iii. A step (300) of injecting a plastic material (31) into a volume section (32) to form a laminate, wherein the plastic material (31) fills at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the volume section (32), and the plastic material (31) is a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Includes.

[0080] Figure 6a further shows that, in order to form the assembly, a step (401) of cooling the thermoplastic material to a temperature of less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C, and more preferably less than 80°C is carried out after step iii. (300).

[0081] Figure 6b shows the same method, but here further shows that a step of curing the thermosetting material for at least 2 minutes, preferably at least 1 minute, and more preferably at least 50 seconds (402) is performed after step iii. (300) in order to form the assembly.

[0082] Figures 7a and 7b show an additional step of applying a primer (500) to at least one inner surface (11, 21) of the first glass plate (10) and / or the second glass plate (20) before the step (300) of injecting the plastic material (31) (step iii). Figure 7a shows that such application of the primer (50) is performed before the step (200) of positioning the glass plates (10, 20) (step ii), and Figure 7b shows that such application of the primer (50) is performed after the step (200) of positioning the glass plates (10, 20) (step ii).

[0083] If this method is carried out in a mold (40), the primer (50) may be applied to at least one inner surface (11, 21) of at least the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) before the glass plates (10, 20) are placed in the mold (40) (200) as shown in Figure 7a.

[0084] The primer (50) may be applied to at least one inner surface (11, 21) of at least the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) after the glass plates (10, 20) have been placed (200) in the mold (40) as shown in Figure 7b. In this case, the application (500) of the primer (50) is carried out inside the mold (40).

[0085] The present invention is illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, but such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not limiting. The preceding description details specific embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be understood that the present invention can be carried out in various ways, regardless of how detailed the foregoing may appear in writing. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. a. At least a first glass plate (10) having an inner surface (11), b. At least a second glass plate (20) having an inner surface (21), c. An injection-molded plastic material (30) for laminating the at least first glass plate (10) and the at least second glass plate (20) together, the injection-molded plastic material (30) being made of a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material, In assembly (1), which includes, The injection-molded plastic material (30) is characterized in that it covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the inner surfaces (11, 21) of both the at least first glass plate (10) and the at least second glass plate (20). Assembly (1).

2. The assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the injection-molded plastic material (30) has a visible light transmittance of at least 40%.

3. The assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic material is a flexible polyvinyl chloride or a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably a thermoplastic olefin elastomer or thermoplastic styrene elastomer or copolyester or copolyamide or acrylic thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane or a mixture thereof.

4. The assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material is at least 10 g / 10 min, preferably at least 30 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 80 g / 10 min, and even more preferably at least 100 g / 10 min.

5. The assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermosetting material is a polyurethane-based thermosetting resin, a silicone-based thermosetting resin, an ethylene vinyl acetate-based thermosetting resin, or a mixture thereof.

6. The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) has a thickness of 5.0 mm or less.

7. The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first glass plate (10') and the second glass plate (20') is curved.

8. The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thickness of the injection-molded plastic material (30) is 4.0 mm or less.

9. A method for laminating at least a first glass plate (10) having an inner surface (11) and at least a second glass plate (20) having an inner surface (21) to each other, comprising the following steps, namely, i. A step (100) of preparing at least the first glass plate (10) and at least the second glass plate (20), ii. In order to form a volume portion (32), the step of arranging the inner surface (11) of at least the first glass plate (10) opposite the inner surface (21) of at least the second glass plate (20) (200), iii. A step (300) of injecting a plastic material (31) into the volume portion (32) to form a laminate, wherein the plastic material (31) fills at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 100% of the volume portion (32), and the plastic material (31) is a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Methods that include...

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the plastic material is a thermoplastic material, and step iv. of cooling the thermoplastic material to a temperature of less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C, more preferably less than 80°C (401) is performed after step iii. (300).

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the plastic material is a thermosetting material, and step iv. (402) is performed after step iii. (300) to cure the thermosetting material for at least 2 minutes, preferably at least 1 minute, more preferably at least 50 seconds, in order to form an assembly.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least first glass plate (10) and the at least second glass plate (20) are arranged in a mold (40) including a fixed portion (41) and a movable portion (42), and at least a portion of both portions (41, 42) and the inner surfaces (11, 21) of the at least first glass plate (10) and the second glass plate (20) define the volume portion (32), the at least first glass plate (10) is provided to one portion and the at least second glass plate (20) is provided to the other portion.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the flow length from the injection gate is 1200 mm or less.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the step of applying a primer (50) to at least one of the inner surfaces (11, 21) of the first glass plate (10) and / or the second glass plate (20) is performed before the step of injecting plastic material (300) (step iii).

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