Vacuum-insulated multi-layer glass panel

Abstract

This vacuum multilayered glass panel 10 comprises a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, a sealing part which forms a vacuum-sealed gap 13 between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and a plurality of columns 16 which are disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. The column 16 has abutting surfaces 21 which abut on the facing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and non-contact portions 23 which are formed around the abutting surfaces 21 and separated from the facing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. The non-contact portions 23 are configured so that, when the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12 facing thereto is deformed by the application of a first external force, then the non-contact portions 23 can at least partially abut on the deformed first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum multi-layer glass panel.

Background Art

[0002] A vacuum multi-layer glass panel includes a pair of glass plates and a plurality of columns disposed between the pair of glass plates, and has a void portion provided with columns interposed between the pair of glass plates, and the void portion is configured to be in a reduced pressure state. When a temperature difference occurs between the pair of glass plates, part of the heat moves from one glass plate to the other glass plate through the columns. Such heat transfer is preferably minimized in order to enhance the heat insulation performance of the vacuum multi-layer glass panel. That is, it is preferable that the heat transfer coefficient (U-value) is low in the vacuum multi-layer glass panel. The heat transfer coefficient of the vacuum multi-layer glass panel is proportional to the contact area between the pair of glass plates and the columns.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a vacuum multi-layer glass panel using a cylinder with a diameter of 600 μm or less as the column. Thus, in the case of a vacuum multi-layer glass panel with a small diameter of the column, the heat transfer coefficient can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When one glass plate of a reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel receives an external force such as impact, it may deform toward the other glass plate, and if the external force is large, the glass plate may be damaged. In order to suppress the deformation of the glass plate due to the external force, it is conceivable to increase the contact area with the glass plate of the column body. In that case, however, the heat transfer coefficient increases as the contact area between the pair of glass plates and the column body increases. Although the vacuum multilayer glass panel of Patent Document 1 can reduce the heat transfer coefficient because the diameter of the column body is small, there is a possibility that the strength against external forces such as impact is not sufficient. In addition, since the column body of the vacuum multilayer glass panel of Patent Document 1 is a cylinder, when the glass plate is deformed, the deformed glass plate abuts on the peripheral corner portion which is the boundary between the top surface or the bottom surface and the side surface of the column body. The angle formed by the corner portion is 90 degrees. When the corner portion of the column body presses against the deformed glass plate due to an external force, the stress of the deformed glass plate concentrates at the portion where the corner portion is pressed, so that the deformed glass plate receiving the external force is likely to be damaged.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, there is a demand for a reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel that can suppress the breakage of the glass plate receiving an external force while keeping the heat transfer coefficient low.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to the present invention includes a first glass plate, a second glass plate disposed opposite to the first glass plate, and a sealing portion provided on the entire outer periphery of the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and forming a void portion sealed in a reduced-pressure state between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a plurality of column bodies disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. The column body Each end face in the axial direction has a contact surface that abuts on the opposing surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a non-contact portion provided around the contact surface and separated from the opposing surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate said The non-contact portion is configured such that at least a part of the deformed first glass plate or the second glass plate can abut on the deformed first glass plate or the second glass plate when the opposing first glass plate or the second glass plate receives a first external force.

[0008] According to this configuration, the column body has a contact surface that contacts the opposing surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a non-contact portion provided around the contact surface. Thereby, the column body can reduce the contact area with the first glass plate and the second glass plate. As a result, the heat transfer rate can be lowered in the evacuated multi-layer glass panel.

[0009] Further, the column body is configured such that at least a part of the non-contact portion is spaced apart from the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and can contact the first glass plate or the second glass plate deformed by receiving a first external force. Here, the first external force is an external force that can deform the first glass plate or the second glass plate and cause it to contact the non-contact portion of the column body. Thereby, the glass plate deformed by receiving the first external force contacts the non-contact portion around the contact surface of the column body, so that the acting stress is dispersed. As a result, the evacuated multi-layer glass panel can increase the impact strength and suppress breakage of the glass plate.

[0010] Another characteristic configuration is that the contactable configuration means that when the first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by receiving a second external force, the deformed first glass plate or the second glass plate contacts the non-contact portion before contacting the opposing first glass plate or the second glass plate.

[0011] According to this configuration, the first glass plate or the second glass plate deformed by receiving the second external force comes into contact with the non-contact portion of the column body before contacting the opposing first glass plate or the second glass plate. Here, the second external force is an external force that can deform the first glass plate or the second glass plate and cause it to contact the opposing first glass plate or the second glass plate. Thereby, the glass plate deformed by receiving the second external force can support while dispersing the stress by surely contacting the non-contact portion before contacting the opposing glass plate. As a result, the evacuated multi-layer glass panel can suppress breakage of the glass plate.

[0012] Another characteristic configuration is that the column body further has a non-contact surface that continuously extends outward from the periphery of the contact surface and gradually separates from the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate as it approaches the outer periphery. said The non-contact portion is located at a point on the non-contact surface.

[0013] According to this configuration, when the glass plate deformed by an external force abuts against the non-contact portion on the non-contact surface that continuously extends from the periphery of the contact surface of the column body, the acting stress is dispersed. As a result, the vacuum double-layer glass panel can enhance the impact strength and suppress the breakage of the glass plate.

[0014] Another characteristic configuration is that the column body further has a non-contact surface that continuously extends outward from the periphery of the contact surface and gradually separates from the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate as it approaches the outer periphery. The non-contact portion is located at a point that is a part of the non-contact surface.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the glass plate deformed by an external force abuts against the non-contact portion that is a part of the non-contact surface that continuously extends from the periphery of the contact surface of the column body, the acting stress is dispersed. As a result, the vacuum double-layer glass panel can enhance the impact strength and suppress the breakage of the glass plate.

[0016] Another characteristic configuration is that in the column body, the gradient angle formed between the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and the non-contact surface is set to an angle at which at least a part of the non-contact surface can abut against the first glass plate or the second glass plate deformed when the first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by the first external force.

[0017] According to this configuration, since the gradient angle formed between the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and the non-contact surface is set to an angle at which at least a part of the non-contact surface can abut against the deformed first glass plate or the second glass plate, the deformed glass plate can be properly abutted against the non-contact surface of the column body.

[0018] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the gradient angle of the column body is set to less than 65 degrees.

[0019] When the first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by receiving a first external force, the deformed part of the glass plate will deform within an acute angle range from the opposing surface before deformation in the glass plate while being supported by the column body. Therefore, as in this configuration, by making the gradient angle formed between the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and the non-contact surface in the column body less than 65 degrees, the deformed glass plate can be made to contact the non-contact surface of the column body.

[0020] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the gradient angle of the column body is set to 0.4 degrees or more.

[0021] In the column body, the minimum angle of the gradient angle formed between the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and the non-contact surface is set based on the gradient angle in the normal stationary state formed between the opposing surface of the glass plate in contact with the column body and the opposing surface of the glass plate around the column body when only atmospheric pressure is applied to the first glass plate or the second glass plate. The initial gradient angle is affected by the material and thickness of the glass plate, the material, size, and shape of the column body, etc., but is generally smaller than 0.4 degrees. Therefore, in this configuration, the gradient angle formed between the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and the non-contact surface is set to 0.4 degrees or more. Thereby, when the first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by receiving a first external force, it can be made to contact the non-contact surface.

[0022] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the contact surface of the column body is formed in a spherical crown shape.

[0023] As in this configuration, when the contact surface of the column body is formed in a spherical crown shape, the pressing force on the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate by the contact surface increases, so the movement of the column body from the installed position between the first glass plate and the second glass plate is suppressed.

[0024] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the contact surface of the column body is formed in a planar shape.

[0025] With the present configuration, when the contact surface of the column body is formed in a planar shape, the contact surface comes into surface contact evenly with the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate. Therefore, it is difficult for the column body to topple between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and it is easy to maintain the posture.

[0026] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the non-contact portion of the column body is formed linearly toward the outer peripheral edge.

[0027] With the present configuration, when the non-contact portion of the column body is formed linearly toward the outer peripheral edge, the column body can easily set an inclination (gradient angle) for the deformed first glass plate or second glass plate to contact on the non-contact surface.

[0028] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the contact surface and the non-contact portion of the column body are formed in a spherical crown shape with the same radius as a whole.

[0029] With the present configuration, when the contact surface and the non-contact portion of the column body are in a spherical crown shape with the same radius as a whole, the contact surface and the non-contact portion are smoothly continuous. Therefore, it is easy to contact along the deformed first glass plate or second glass plate of the non-contact portion. In addition, the spherical crown portion of the column body is easy to be detached from the mold when, for example, the column body is molded using a mold. Therefore, the column body can also be molded at low cost.

[0030] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the radii of curvature of the contact surface and the non-contact portion are 0.3 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0031] According to the present configuration, by setting the radii of curvature of the contact surface and the non-contact portion within a predetermined range, the contact surface and the non-contact portion can be easily formed in the column body.

[0032] As another characteristic configuration, the first external force is such that in a ball-drop test where cylinders with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a height of 0.2 mm of the contact surface are scattered at intervals of 20 mm between the first glass plate and the second glass plate (both 350 mm × 350 mm and a plate thickness of 3.1 mm), and a 1 kg ball is dropped from above the first glass plate at the central position of the first glass plate and at the central position between adjacent cylinders, it is preferably the force when the upper limit height of the ball at which the first glass plate does not break is 100 mm.

[0033] According to this configuration, a vacuum double-glazed panel with high impact strength can be formed.

[0034] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the heat transfer coefficient is 1.5 W / m2K or less.

[0035] With the configuration as described above, since the heat transfer coefficient is 1.5 W / m2K or less, a vacuum double-glazed panel with high heat insulation can be obtained.

[0036] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the maximum diameter of the region of the cylinder facing the first glass plate and the second glass plate is 100 micrometers or more and 1000 micrometers or less.

[0037] Even if the contact surface of the cylinder with the first glass plate and the second glass plate is made small, if the maximum diameter of the region of the cylinder facing the first glass plate and the second glass plate becomes large, the amount of heat that can be accumulated in the cylinder increases, and thus the heat flow rate between the glass plate and the cylinder increases. Therefore, in this configuration, the maximum diameter of the region of the cylinder facing the first glass plate and the second glass plate is set to 100 micrometers or more and 1000 micrometers or less. As a result, the cylinder is downsized as a whole, and an increase in the heat flow rate between the glass plate and the cylinder can be suppressed.

[0038] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the maximum diameter of the contact surface is larger than 100 micrometers.

[0039] When the maximum diameter of the contact surface is larger than 100 micrometers as in this configuration, the columnar body can ensure the contact area between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. Thereby, the columnar body can be stably held between the first glass plate and the second glass plate.

[0040] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the length of the columnar body in the direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate is 50 micrometers or more and 500 micrometers or less.

[0041] When the length of the columnar body in the direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate is 50 micrometers or more and 500 micrometers or less as in this configuration, since the columnar body is miniaturized, an increase in the heat flow rate between the glass plate and the columnar body can be suppressed.

[0042] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the compressive strength of the columnar body is 200 MPa or more.

[0043] When the compressive strength of the columnar body is 200 MPa or more as in this configuration, the columnar body can surely maintain the distance between the first glass plate and the second glass plate without undergoing compressive deformation.

[0044] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the columnar body contains zirconia.

[0045] When the columnar body contains zirconia as in this configuration, the thermal conductivity can be easily reduced, and the heat resistance and strength of the columnar body can be easily increased.

[0046] As another characteristic configuration, it is preferable that the shape of the columnar body in a view in the direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate is any one of a circular shape including an ellipse and an oblong, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and a polygonal shape with five or more sides.

[0047] According to this configuration, since the column body can be formed in various shapes, the shape of the column body can be freely selected in consideration of the type of glass plate and the visibility from the outside of the vacuum double-glazed panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048]

Figure 1

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Figure 17

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Figure 20

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum multilayer glass panel 10 includes a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12 disposed opposite to the first glass plate 11, a sealing portion 14 provided on the entire outer periphery of the outer edges of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and a plurality of column bodies 16 disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. The vacuum multilayer glass panel 10 (hereinafter abbreviated as "glass panel") is an example of a reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel.

[0051] The glass panel 10 forms a gap portion 13 with a predetermined interval between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and is formed by sealing the gap portion 13 in a vacuum state by the sealing portion 14. In order to form the gap portion 13, the column bodies 16 are interposed between the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 of the glass plates 11 and 12, and the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 are held at a predetermined interval, and the sealing portion 14 is formed over the entire outer periphery of the glass plates 11 and 12. The sealing portion 14 is constituted by a sealing material or the like. To make the gap portion 13 in a vacuum state, after the outer peripheral portion is sealed by the sealing portion 14, for example, suction and exhaust are performed from a suction port (not shown) provided in the first glass plate 11. After suction of the suction port, it is fused and sealed with a low melting point glass or the like. Note that in the reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel, the gap portion 13 is sealed in a state of being reduced in pressure compared to the atmospheric pressure.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on both sides of the top surface and the bottom surface of the column body 16, when viewed along the central axis X, there are a circular contact surface 21 centered on the central axis X and an annular non-contact portion 23 provided around the contact surface 21. In this embodiment, the non-contact portion 23 is constituted by a non-contact surface 22. The contact surfaces 21, 21 on both sides of the column body 16 are respectively in contact with the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the glass plates 11, 12. The non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) is separated from the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12. The non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) continuously extends outward from the peripheral edge of the contact surface 21 and gradually separates from the opposing first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 as it approaches the outer peripheral edge 19 of the column body 16.

[0053] The non-contact surface 22 is integrally connected to the contact surface 21 over the entire circumference around the central axis X of the column body 16, and the column body 16 is formed in a disc shape. In this way, by the column body 16 having the non-contact surface 22 located at the peripheral edge of the contact surface 21, the contact area R1 of the contact surface 21 can be reduced. Thereby, the heat transfer coefficient in the glass panel 10 can be lowered.

[0054] In this embodiment, the column body 16 has a contact surface 21 and a non-contact surface 22 facing the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, which are formed in a spherical crown shape with the same radius as a whole. When the contact surface 21 of the column body 16 is formed in a spherical crown shape, the pressing force of the contact surface 21 on the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 increases, so that the column body 16 is easily held in position between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Further, when the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 are in a spherical crown shape with the same radius as a whole, the non-contact surface 22 easily comes into contact along the deformed first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12. Further, the spherical crown portion of the column body 16 is easily detached from the mold when the column body 16 is molded using, for example, a mold. Therefore, the column body 16 can be molded at low cost. In the column body 16, the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) are in a spherical crown shape with a curvature radius of 0.3 mm or more and 20 mm or less. In this way, by setting the curvature radii of the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) within a predetermined range, the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) can be easily formed in the column body 16.

[0055] The glass panel 10 has a heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of 1.5 W / m2K or less. If the heat transfer coefficient of the glass panel 10 is 1.5 W / m2K or less, the glass panel 10 has sufficient heat insulation properties. Here, the "heat transfer coefficient (U-value)" is a value measured in accordance with "ISO 19916-1:2018 Glass in building - Vacuum insulating glass - Part 1".

[0056] The glass panel 10 shown in FIG. 5 is in a normal state, and only the contact surface 21 (contact region R1) of the column body 16 contacts the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Since the column body 16 has a higher Young's modulus than the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, when the column body 16 is pressed, the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 are deformed so as to be recessed.

[0057] The glass panel 10 shown in Fig. 6 is in a state where the first glass plate 11 has received an external force and the opposing surface 17 in contact with the column body 16 is deformed. When the first glass plate 11 is deformed in this way, in addition to the contact surface 21, the inner surface 22A, which is a part of the non-contact surface 22, comes into contact with the opposing surface 17, and the contact area R1 is expanded to the contact area R2. As a result, only the outer surface 22B of the non-contact surface 22 other than the inner surface 22A is non-contact with the opposing surface 17. Specifically, when the contact area R1 is expanded to the contact area R2, the deflection generated on the opposing surface 17 of the first glass plate 11 is supported by the contact surface 21 and the inner surface 22A of the non-contact surface 22.

[0058] In this way, the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) is configured such that at least a part thereof can come into contact with the deformed first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 when the opposing first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 is deformed by receiving a first external force. Here, the first external force is an external force that can deform the first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 and cause it to contact the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) of the column body 16.

[0059] The non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) being configured such that at least a part thereof can come into contact with the deformed first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 means that when the first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 is deformed by receiving a second external force, the deformed first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 comes into contact with the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) before coming into contact with the opposing first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12. Here, the second external force is an external force that can deform the first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 and cause it to contact the opposing first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12.

[0060] In this way, the first glass plate 11 deformed by receiving the first external force or the second external force comes into contact with the non-contact surface 22 that continuously extends from the periphery of the contact surface 21 of the column body 16. As the contact area increases, and unlike the invention of Patent Document 1, the corners are not pressed, so the stress acting on the first glass plate 11 is dispersed. As a result, the glass panel 10 can have increased impact strength and can suppress breakage of the first glass plate 11 that has received an external force such as an impact.

[0061] A gradient angle α1 is set between the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12 and the non-contact surface 22 in the column body 16. The gradient angle α1 is an angle at which at least a part of the non-contact surface 22 can come into contact with the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12 deformed when the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12 facing the non-contact surface 22 receives the first external force, and is an angle formed between a tangent line passing through the boundary between the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 and the opposing surface 17 or the opposing surface 18. By appropriately setting the gradient angle α1 in the column body 16, the deformed first glass plate 11 or second glass plate 12 can be brought into contact with the non-contact surface 22 of the column body 16.

[0062] The gradient angle α1 is set based on the gradient angle α shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the first glass plate 11 is deformed with respect to the columnar column body 31. In this case, the gradient angle α is an angle formed between the deformed opposing surface 17A and the non-deformed opposing surface 17B in the first glass plate 11 when the first glass plate 11 receives the first external force. In FIG. 7, the non-deformed opposing surface 17B is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the deformed opposing surface 17A is shown by a solid line. The gradient angle α can be increased until the first glass plate 11 cracks. The maximum value of the gradient angle α varies depending on the materials and thicknesses of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, the material, size, and shape of the column body 16, etc. The gradient angle α1 is set to be less than 65 degrees, preferably less than 55 degrees, and more preferably less than 40 degrees, for example, when the maximum value of the gradient angle α is 65 degrees. By setting the gradient angle α1 of the column body 16 to less than 65 degrees, it becomes possible to bring the deformed glass plates 11, 12 into contact with the non-contact surface 22 of the column body 16.

[0063] The minimum angle of the gradient angle α1 is set based on the gradient angle α0 in the normal stationary state formed between the opposing surface 17 of the first glass plate 11 in contact with the column body 16 and the opposing surface 17 of the first glass plate 11 around the column body 16 when only atmospheric pressure is applied to the first glass plate 11 shown in FIG. 7. The gradient angle α0 is affected by the materials and thicknesses of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, the material, size, shape, etc. of the column body 16, but is generally smaller than 0.4 degrees. Therefore, the gradient angle α1 can be set to 0.4 degrees or more. Thereby, when the glass plates 11 and 12 are deformed by receiving the first external force, they can be brought into contact with the non-contact surface 22.

[0064] The column body 16 is formed of a ceramic such as alumina or zirconia. The column body 16 may contain a nanoparticle filler such as zirconia. By including zirconia in the column body 16, it is possible to easily increase the low thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and strength in the column body 16. Examples of the material of the column body 16 include ceramic nanoparticles (Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2, SiC, Si3N4, and combinations thereof), ceramic precursors such as SSQ and polysilazane, sintered ceramics (Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2, SiC, Si3N4, zircon, steatite, cordierite, aluminum titanate, etc.), glass (silica, soda lime, borosilicate, etc.), glass ceramics (crystallized glass), glass frit, glass beads or glass bubbles, metals (SUS304, SUS430, SUS410, iron, nickel, etc.), resins (polyimide, polyamide, PEEK, PTFE, etc.), and combinations thereof. The column body 16 of the present embodiment is formed of a material having a higher strength than the glass plates 11 and 12. Therefore, even when the glass plates 11 and 12 are deformed, the column body 16 can maintain its shape constant.

[0065] The maximum diameter W1 (Fig. 3) of the region of the column 16 facing the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 is set to be 100 micrometers or more and 1000 micrometers or less. Even if the contact surface 21 of the column 16 with the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 is reduced, when the maximum diameter W1 of the region facing the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 increases, the amount of heat that can be accumulated in the column 16 increases, so the heat flow rate between the glass plates 11, 12 and the column 16 increases. When the maximum diameter W1 of the column 16 is 100 micrometers or more and 1000 micrometers or less, the column 16 is miniaturized as a whole, so an increase in the heat flow rate between the glass plates 11, 12 and the column 16 can be suppressed. However, the maximum diameter W2 of the contact surface 21 is preferably larger than 100 micrometers for stably supporting the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12.

[0066] In the column 16, the overall height (thickness) H1, which is the length in the direction perpendicular to the opposing surfaces 17, 18 (plate surfaces) of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, is set to be 50 micrometers or more and 500 micrometers or less. The height (thickness) H2 of the outer peripheral edge 19 of the column 16 is appropriately set based on the gradient angle α1.

[0067] The compressive strength of the column 16 is 200 MPa or more. Thereby, the column 16 can surely maintain the interval between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 without undergoing compressive deformation in the glass panel 10.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the glass panel 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The same members as those in the first embodiment are given the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the column body 16 has a contact surface 21 formed in a planar shape and a linear non-contact portion 23 extending from the periphery of the contact surface 21 toward the outer peripheral edge 19 of the column body 16. In this embodiment, the non-contact portion 23 is constituted by a non-contact surface 22. As shown in FIG. 9, in the glass panel 10, the column body 16 is disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12.

[0070] When the contact surface 21 of the column body 16 is formed in a planar shape, the contact surface 21 is in surface contact with the opposing surfaces 17 and 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 evenly. Therefore, the column body 16 is less likely to topple between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 and is more likely to maintain its posture. Further, when the non-contact surface 22 (non-contact portion 23) of the column body 16 is formed linearly toward the outer peripheral edge 19, it becomes easier to set the gradient angle α2 of the column body 16. Note that the boundary portion 24 between the planar contact surface 21 and the linear non-contact surface 22 becomes a corner portion, and there is a possibility that the stress of the deformed glass plates 11 and 12 concentrates at the corner portion. Therefore, it is preferable that the boundary portion 24 is formed in an R shape.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, a predetermined gradient angle α2 is set for the column body 16. In the column body 16 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the non-contact surface 22 on the side of the first glass plate 11 and the non-contact surface 22 on the side of the second glass plate 12 intersect at the outer peripheral edge 19. That is, there is no thickness (corresponding to the thickness H2 of the first embodiment) at the outer peripheral edge 19 of the column body 16. Therefore, if the maximum diameter W2 of the contact surface 21 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the gradient angle α2 is larger than the gradient angle α2 of the first embodiment. In the glass panel 10 shown in FIG. 9, when the first glass plate 11 is deformed by receiving an impact from, for example, the first glass plate 11, the deformed first glass plate 11 can be brought into contact with the non-contact surface 22. Specifically, the deflection generated on the opposing surface 17 of the first glass plate 11 can also be supported by the non-contact surface 22. Thereby, the non-contact surface 22 can disperse and absorb the impact received by the first glass plate 11. As a result, the impact strength of the glass panel 10 can be increased.

[0072] [Drop Ball Test] For the glass panels of Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 shown below, the following ball-drop test was conducted to confirm the impact strength. In the ball-drop test, cylinders 16' with a height of 0.2 mm were scattered at 20-mm intervals between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 (both 350 mm × 350 mm and a plate thickness of 3.1 mm). With the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 10, a 1-kg ball was dropped from above the first glass plate 11 at the central position of the first glass plate 11 and at the central position S (see FIG. 11) between adjacent cylinders 16'. In Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2, the glass plates 11 and 12 are common, and only the cylinders are different. However, among the glass plates 11 and 12, the first glass plate 11 is Low-E glass, and a Low-E film (not shown) is laminated on the entire second surface (the surface facing the second glass plate 12) of the first glass plate 11. Note that FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the ball-drop test, and a cylindrical cylinder 16' is shown as an example of the cylinder. Incidentally, the shape of the cylinder in Comparative Example 1 shown below is the same as the cylinder 16' shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0073] [Example 1] In the glass panel of Example 1, the following cylinder 16 is arranged between the above-mentioned first glass plate 11 and second glass plate 12. The cylinder 16 used in the example has the same shape as the cylinder 16 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The overall diameter (maximum diameter W1) is 0.5 mm, the diameter of the contact surface 21 (maximum diameter W2) is 0.2 mm, and the non-contact surface 22 exists around the contact surface 21 with a width of 0.15 mm. Also, the height H1 of the cylinder 16 is 0.2 mm, and the height (thickness) H2 of the outer peripheral edge 19 of the cylinder 16 is 0.16 mm. The radii of curvature of the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 are 1.2 mm, and the gradient angle α1 is 5 degrees.

[0074] [Example 2] In the glass panel of Example 2, the following column body 16 is disposed between the above-mentioned first glass plate 11 and second glass plate 12. The column body 16 used in Example 2 has the same shape as the column body 16 shown in FIG. 8, with an overall diameter (maximum diameter W1) of 0.5 mm and a diameter (maximum diameter W2) of the contact surface 21 of 0.42 mm. Further, the height (thickness) H1 of the column body 16 is 0.2 mm. In the column body of Example 2, the gradient angle α2 formed between the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12 and the non-contact surface 22 is 52 degrees.

[0075] [Comparative Example 1] In the glass panel of Comparative Example 1, the following column body is disposed between the above-mentioned first glass plate 11 and second glass plate 12. The column body (column body 16') used in Comparative Example 1 is a cylinder with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a thickness (height) of 0.2 mm. That is, the contact surface of the column body in Comparative Example 1 that contacts the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 is the same size as in Example 1. In Comparative Example 1, since the column body 16' is a cylinder, the gradient angle is 90 degrees.

[0076] [Comparative Example 2] In the glass panel of Comparative Example 2, the following column body is disposed between the above-mentioned first glass plate 11 and second glass plate 12. The column body used in Comparative Example 2 has the same shape as the column body 16 shown in FIG. 8, and the gradient angle is different from that of the column body in Example 2. In the column body of Comparative Example 2, the gradient angle α2 is 68 degrees. Therefore, the diameter of the contact surface of the column body in Comparative Example 2 is the same as that in Example 2, which is 0.42 mm, and the overall diameter is also approximately (about 0.5 mm) the diameter of the column body in Example 2. Also, the height (thickness) of the column body 16 is 0.2 mm.

[0077] [Results of the ball drop test 1] In the ball drop test, the upper limit height of the ball at which the first glass plate 11 does not break is defined as the ball drop clearance height. For Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 where the diameters of the contact surfaces are both 0.2 mm, the ball drop clearance heights are compared. Here, the average value of 15 ball drop tests is used as the ball drop clearance height to be compared. In Example 1, the maximum value of the ball drop clearance height is 203 mm, the minimum value is 109 mm, and the ball drop clearance height (average value) is 152 mm. In Example 1, the variation in the ball drop clearance height was nearly 100 mm, but the ball drop clearance height was 100 mm or more in all the ball drop tests. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the maximum value of the ball drop clearance height is 58 mm, the minimum value is 32 mm, and the ball drop clearance height (average value) is 44 mm. In Comparative Example 1, the variation in the ball drop clearance height was less than 30 mm, but the ball drop clearance height was much less than 100 mm in all the ball drop tests.

[0078] Thus, it was proven that the glass panel of Example 1 in which the column body has the non-contact surface 22 has a higher impact strength than the glass panel of Comparative Example 1 in which the column body does not have the non-contact surface 22.

[0079] [Results of the ball drop test 2] For Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 where the diameters of the contact surfaces are both 0.42 mm, the ball drop clearance heights are compared. Again, the average value of 15 ball drop tests is used as the ball drop clearance height to be compared. In Example 2, the maximum value of the ball drop clearance height is 312 mm, the minimum value is 185 mm, and the ball drop clearance height (average value) is 230 mm. In Example 2, the variation in the ball drop clearance height was nearly 130 mm, but the ball drop clearance height was 100 mm or more in all the ball drop tests. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 2, the maximum value of the ball clearance height is 292 mm, the minimum value is 73 mm, and the ball drop clearance height (average value) is 203 mm. In Comparative Example 2, the variation in the ball drop clearance height was as large as 219 mm, and the ball drop clearance height was less than 100 mm in the ball drop test.

[0080] As described above, it was proven that the glass panel of Example 2 in which the gradient angle α2 of the columnar body was set to less than 65 degrees had a higher impact strength than the glass panel of Comparative Example 2 in which the gradient angle of the columnar body was set to more than 65 degrees.

[0081] Here, when the first external force is the force when the drop ball clearance height is 100 mm in the above drop ball test, the glass panels 10 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can set the gradient angles α1 and α2 to appropriate angles to make the drop ball clearance height of the above drop ball test 100 mm or more. Thereby, a glass panel 10 with high impact strength can be configured.

[0082] When the heat transfer coefficient (U value) of the glass panels of Example 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 and 2 was measured, in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the U value was 0.5 W / m2K, and in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, the U value was 0.9 W / m2K. Here, in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the diameter of the contact surface 21 of the columnar bodies 16, 16' was 0.2 mm, and in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, the diameter of the contact surface 21 of the columnar bodies 16, 16' was 0.42 mm. From the above, it can be understood that the heat transfer coefficient (U value) of the glass panel increases in proportion to the diameter (area) of the contact surface 21 of the columnar bodies 16, 16'.

[0083] [Other Embodiments] In the glass panel 10, the columnar body 16 is not limited to the shape shown in the above embodiment, and may have the following shapes. (1) As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the column body 16 may be provided with a convex non-contact portion 23 on the non-contact surface 22. As shown in FIG. 13, the convex non-contact portion 23 may be provided over the entire circumference around the central axis X on the non-contact surface 22. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, a plurality of convex non-contact portions 23 may be dispersedly arranged around the central axis X of the non-contact surface 22. In FIG. 14, four convex non-contact portions 23 are arranged in four directions, and in FIGS. 15 and 16, eight convex non-contact portions 23 are arranged in eight directions. The number of convex non-contact portions 23 arranged on the non-contact surface 22 is not particularly limited and may be one or two or more. The convex non-contact portion 23 may be circular in a plan view of the column body 16 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, or may have a shape such as a linear shape extending radially as shown in FIG. 16. In this way, by providing the non-contact portion 23 on a part of the non-contact surface 22, the overall volume of the column body 16 can be reduced. The heat transfer coefficient (U value) of the column body 16 is proportional to the volume of the column body 16. Therefore, by forming the column body 16 into the shape shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the column body 16 can suppress the heat transfer coefficient (U value). Further, by reducing the volume of the column body 16, the material cost of the column body 16 can also be suppressed.

[0084] (2) In the above first embodiment, an example is shown in which in the column body 16, the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 are formed in a spherical crown shape, and the side surfaces perpendicular to the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 are composed of flat surfaces. As shown in FIG. 17, the column body 16 may be entirely formed of a curved surface including the side surfaces, not limited to the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22. As a result, since there is no flat surface on the side surface of the column body 16, it is not held in a posture where the side surface contacts the first glass plate 11 or the second glass plate 12. Therefore, the column body 16 is easier to arrange on the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. In the column body 16 shown in FIG. 17, an example is shown in which a convex non-contact portion 23 is provided on the non-contact surface 22, but the non-contact surface 22 may be entirely a non-contact portion 23 without having the convex non-contact portion 23.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 18, the column body 16 may have a groove portion 25 formed on the non-contact surface 22, or may have a shape having a contact surface 21 and a non-contact portion 23 with the groove portion 25 interposed therebetween. In this way, by providing the groove portion 25 on the non-contact surface 22, the overall volume of the column body 16 can be reduced. Thereby, the column body 16 can suppress the heat transfer coefficient (U value), and the material cost of the column body 16 can also be suppressed. As shown in Fig. 19, in the column body 16, the non-contact portion 23 may be constituted by a flat surface along the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the glass plates 11, 12 on the non-contact surface 22. When the non-contact portion 23 is a flat surface, the deformed glass plates 11, 12 are supported by the flat surface of the non-contact portion 23, so that the impact strength of the glass panel 10 can be increased. Further, as shown in Fig. 20, in the column body 16, the non-contact portion 23 may be disposed on the outer peripheral side of the non-contact surface 22 and may be constituted by a protrusion protruding toward the opposing surfaces 17, 18 of the glass plates 11, 12.

[0086] (3) In the above embodiment, an example in which the shape of the column body 16 in plan view (view in a direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces (opposing surfaces 17, 18) of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12) is circular and octagonal is shown. The shape of the column body 16 in plan view may be any of other circular shapes including ellipses and oblongs, rectangular shapes, triangular shapes, and polygonal shapes with five or more sides (for example, the octagonal shape shown in Fig. 16).

[0087] (4) In the above embodiment, an example in which the column body 16 includes a non-contact surface 22 facing the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 is shown. However, the column body 16 may be configured such that the contact surface 21 and the non-contact surface 22 face one of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and only the contact surface 21 faces the other of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the non-contact portion 23 facing the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 is provided on the non-contact surface 22 or a part of the non-contact surface 22 in the column body 16 is shown. However, the non-contact portion 23 may be provided only on one of the non-contact surfaces 22 facing the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12.

[0088] (5) In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a thickness region (thickness H2) is provided on the outer peripheral edge 19 of the column body 16. In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the column body 16 does not have a thickness region on the outer peripheral edge 19. Instead, the column body 16 in the first embodiment may be configured such that no thickness region exists on the outer peripheral edge 19, or the column body 16 in the second embodiment may be configured such that a thickness region exists on the outer peripheral edge 19. have An example in which a thickness region is provided on the outer peripheral edge 19 of the column body 16 was shown in the first embodiment, and an example in which the column body 16 does not have a thickness region on the outer peripheral edge 19 was shown in the second embodiment. Instead, the column body 16 in the first embodiment may be configured such that no thickness region exists on the outer peripheral edge 19, or the column body 16 in the second embodiment may be configured such that a thickness region exists on the outer peripheral edge 19.

Industrial Applicability

[0089] The present invention can be applied to various vacuum multi-layer glass panels.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 10: Vacuum multi-layer glass panel (vacuum-reduced multi-layer glass panel) 11: First glass plate 12: Second glass plate 13: Gap 14: Sealed portion 16: Column body 17, 18: Opposing surfaces 19: Outer peripheral edge 21: Contact surface 22: Non-contact surface 22A1: Inner surface 22A2: Outer surface 23: Non-contact portion W1: Maximum diameter of the column body W2: Maximum diameter of the contact surface H1: Overall height H2: Outer peripheral edge height X: Central axis α, α1, α2: Gradient angles

Claims

1. a first glass plate; a second glass plate disposed opposite to the first glass plate; a sealing portion provided on the entire outer periphery of the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and forming a void portion sealed in a reduced pressure state between the first glass plate and the second glass plate; a plurality of column bodies disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, each end surface in the axial direction of the column body having a contact surface that contacts the opposing surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a non-contact portion provided around the contact surface and spaced apart from the opposing surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate; the non-contact portion is configured such that at least a part thereof can contact the deformed first glass plate or the second glass plate when the opposing first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by receiving a first external force, a reduced pressure multi-layer glass panel.

2. The "configured to be able to contact" means that when the first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by receiving a second external force, the deformed first glass plate or the second glass plate contacts the non-contact portion before contacting the opposing first glass plate or the second glass plate. The reduced pressure multi-layer glass panel according to Claim 1.

3. The column body further has a non-contact surface that continuously extends outward from the periphery of the contact surface and gradually separates from the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate as it approaches the outer peripheral edge. The non-contact portion is on the non-contact surface. The reduced pressure multi-layer glass panel according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The column body further has a non-contact surface that continuously extends outward from the periphery of the contact surface and gradually separates from the opposing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate as it approaches the outer peripheral edge. The non-contact portion is a part of the non-contact surface. The reduced pressure multi-layer glass panel according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. In the column body, the gradient angle formed between the facing surface of the first glass plate or the second glass plate and the non-contact surface is set to an angle at which at least a part of the non-contact surface can contact the first glass plate or the second glass plate deformed when the first glass plate or the second glass plate is deformed by receiving the first external force. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The column body, wherein the gradient angle is set to be less than 65 degrees. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to claim 5.

7. The column body, wherein the gradient angle is set to be 0.4 degrees or more. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The column body, wherein the contact surface is formed in a spherical crown shape. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The column body, wherein the contact surface is formed in a planar shape. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The column body, wherein the non-contact portion is formed linearly toward the outer peripheral edge. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The column body, wherein the contact surface and the non-contact portion are formed in a spherical crown shape with the same radius as a whole. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The reduced-pressure multilayer glass panel according to claim 11, wherein the radius of curvature of the contact surface and the non-contact portion is 0.3 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

13. The first external force is the force when, in a ball-drop test where cylinders with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a height of 0.2 mm of the contact surface are scattered at 20 mm intervals between the first glass plate and the second glass plate (both 350 mm × 350 mm and a plate thickness of 3.1 mm), and a 1 kg ball is dropped from above the first glass plate at the central position of the first glass plate and at the central position between adjacent cylinders, the upper limit height of the ball at which the first glass plate does not break is 100 mm, for the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, having a heat transfer coefficient of 1.5 W / m2K or less.

15. The cylinder of the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, having a maximum diameter in the region facing the first glass plate and the second glass plate of 100 micrometers or more and 1000 micrometers or less.

16. The cylinder of the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 15, having a maximum diameter of the contact surface larger than 100 micrometers.

17. The cylinder of the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, having a length in the direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate of 50 micrometers or more and 500 micrometers or less.

18. The cylinder of the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17, having a compressive strength of 200 MPa or more.

19. The cylinder of the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18, containing zirconia.

20. The cylinder of the vacuum double-layer glass panel according to any one of claims 1 to 19, having a shape in a direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first glass plate and the second glass plate that is any of a circular shape including an ellipse and an oblong, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or a polygonal shape with five or more sides.

Images