Method for reinforcing glass openings and products formed therefrom

Abstract

To provide a glass laminate material capable of supporting an opening.SOLUTION: A glass product of the present invention has a glazing 12 having at least one glass plate, an opening 14 extending through at least a part of the glazing, a first bush extending through the opening, and an adhesive provided between an edge of the opening and an outer edge of the first bush, and it is characterized in that in the glazing around the opening of the glazing, compressive stress is formed by the contraction of the first bush.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[0001] Description of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 1.119(b) or the equivalent legislation of any other country to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 715,496, entitled "Method for Reinforcing a Glass Opening and Products Formed Therefrom," filed August 7, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 795,713, entitled "Method for Reinforcing a Glass Opening and Products Formed Therefrom," filed January 23, 2019, the contents of each of which applications are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Technical Field]

[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to glassware having an opening that exhibits compressive forces at the opening. [Background technology]

[0004] Glass can break under certain tensile stresses. When an opening is formed in a glass sheet or laminated glass, the glass can become weakened. Weakened glass can break more easily and may not be able to withstand high tensile stresses. Glass sheets with openings can be tempered to provide toughened sheets of glass. Glass tempering is a thermal or chemical process that provides toughened glass sheets with permanent residual internal tension and surface compression. Any openings or shaping of the glass is done before thermal tempering, since thermally tempered glass cannot be cut after the glass tempering process. Tempered glass is difficult to break due to the permanent residual surface compression, but damage to any part of the glass can result in damage to the entire glass sheet.

[0005] Laminated glass can provide more impact protection in a glass material and can have a variety of functions. Multiple glass panes may be combined using various functional interlayer materials. The interlayer material can function to provide reflective or absorbing benefits to the glass laminate, or to provide switchable functionality. Laminated glass may be more desirable than tempered glass where impact is anticipated. Laminated glass can include at least two glass panes with an interlayer between the panes. The interlayer can include, but is not limited to, a polymer sheet including polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or an ionomer material.

[0006] Providing an opening in a glass sheet or laminated glass sheet can be desirable for various vehicle and architectural applications. However, forming a hole in the glass sheet weakens the glass at the opening. Strengthening glass for various applications is not always desirable or possible. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a laminated glazing material that can support an opening. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to a glass product comprising: glazing having at least one glass pane; an opening extending through at least a portion of the glazing; a bushing extending through the opening; and an adhesive disposed between an edge of the opening and an outer edge of the bushing, wherein application of a mechanical force to the bushing causes the outer edge of the bushing to expand; and removal of the mechanical force from the bushing causes the bushing to reduce in size from the expanded state, creating a radially inward compressive stress in the glazing around the opening in the glazing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the glazing comprises a first glass plate, a second glass plate facing the first glass plate, and an interlayer formed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. The thickness of at least one of the first glass plate and the second glass plate is preferably 0.1 to 12 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 5.0 mm, and even more preferably 0.4 to 2.3 mm.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the bushing is under tension. The bushing may have a diameter smaller than the original diameter of the opening. The adhesive may be thermally or chemically cured or cured from ultraviolet light. The bushing may be formed from a metal or metal alloy, preferably aluminum or its alloys.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the bushing comprises a flange and a body, the flange extending outwardly of the opening against an outer surface of the glazing, and the body of the bushing extending through the opening.

[0011] Further embodiments include an edge of the opening having a roughness (Ra) of less than 2.5 μm. In further embodiments, a seal may be provided at the opening and may be attached to a bushing. In some embodiments, the glass product may include another bushing.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a glass product includes glazing having at least one glass pane, an opening extending through the glazing, and a stress-generating member extending through the opening and contacting an edge of the opening. Applying a mechanical force to the stress-generating member expands the outer edge of the stress-generating member, and removing the mechanical force from the stress-generating member causes the stress-generating member to reduce in size from the expanded state, generating compressive stress in the glazing around the opening. In a further embodiment, the stress-generating member is made of a resin, and the resin reduces in size when cured. The glazing can include a first glass pane, a second glass pane facing the first glass pane, and an interlayer formed between the first and second glass panes. In some embodiments, the resin can be thermally, chemically, or ultraviolet-cured. The opening Department The edges may have a surface roughness of less than 2.5 μm. Further embodiments may include a sealant disposed through the opening.

[0013] The disclosure generally features a method for creating compressive stress in an opening in glazing, comprising: disposing at least one bushing extending through an opening with an adhesive disposed on an outer edge of the bushing; applying a mechanical force to expand the outer edge of the bushing at a rate greater than the expansion of the glazing to place the bushing in an expanded state; curing the adhesive between the bushing and the opening to bond the bushing to an edge of the opening; and removing the mechanical force to contract the bushing from the expanded state while the adhesive remains bonded to the outer edge of the bushing and the edge of the opening, creating compressive stress in the glazing around the opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the glazing is non-expanding. The adhesive may be cured by ultraviolet light, heat, or chemical curing in some embodiments. In some embodiments, expanding the outer edge of the bushing comprises heating the bushing, and reducing the size of the bushing from the expanded state comprises allowing the bushing to cool. The adhesive may be heat cured.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the bushing is expanded by applying a mechanical force to the bushing and decreases in size from the expanded state when the mechanical force is removed from the bushing, hi an additional embodiment, the adhesive is cured using ultraviolet light, heat, or chemical curing before the mechanical force is removed from the bushing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the adhesive has an outer diameter equal to the diameter of the opening when the bushing is in an expanded state.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the method for forming compressive stress in an opening in a glazing further includes disposing a stress-generating member at an edge of the opening in the glazing and curing the stress-generating member at the edge of the opening, wherein the stress-generating member reduces in size and remains attached to the edge of the opening in the glass substrate to form a compressive stress in the glazing around the opening. In some embodiments, the stress-generating member can be cured thermally, chemically, or by ultraviolet light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, illustrate one or more exemplary aspects of the disclosure and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations thereof.

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a glassware having an opening. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary glassware having an opening with adhesive and bushing therein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an opening with adhesive and a bushing where the opening is under compressive stress, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of a flanged bushing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the flanged bushing shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the opening of the glassware in an unfolded state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of a glassware opening in a contracted state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of a glassware opening according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a glassware product according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a glassware product according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a glass pane with an aluminum bushing and adhesive in the glass opening. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a piece of glass with an opening under compressive stress in front of a polarizing wall. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a piece of glass with an opening under compressive stress in front of a polarizing wall. [Figure 14a] FIG. 14a shows stress meter measurements of a glass opening in flat glass with a bushing to reinforce the glass opening. [Figure 14b] FIG. 14b shows stress meter measurements of a glass opening in flat glass with a bushing to reinforce the glass opening. [Figure 15a] FIG. 15a shows a stress meter measurement of a glass opening in bent glass prior to reinforcement of the glass opening. [Figure 15b]FIG. 15b shows stress meter measurements of a glass opening in bent glass prior to reinforcement of the glass opening. [Figure 16a] FIG. 16a shows stress meter measurements of a glass opening in bent glass with a bushing to reinforce the glass opening. [Figure 16b] FIG. 16b shows stress meter measurements of a glass opening in bent glass with a bushing to reinforce the glass opening. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a glass opening in a glass product equipped with a wiper device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a glass opening in a glass product according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a glass opening in a glass product according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a glass opening in a glass product according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 illustrates a manufacturing process for a glass product having a strengthened opening according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a manufacturing process for a glass product having a strengthened opening according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0020] The present invention provides glass articles having compressive stresses that strengthen an opening through at least a portion of the glass article, and methods for making such glass articles. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent in some or all examples that any aspect can be practiced as described below without adopting the specific design details described below.

[0021] Forming an opening in a glass sheet can weaken the glass around the opening, which can cause the glass to crack. Mechanical stress can further create a risk of glass breakage when a mechanical feature moves through or within the glass opening. Openings in glass can be desirable for a variety of applications, including holes for placing wipers in automobile windows, openings for mounting side windows in vehicle doors, openings for antennas or cameras, openings for mounting luggage rails on sunroofs, openings for placing handles on glass doors, and openings for connecting electrical devices, including inside glass laminates. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen glass products with openings.

[0022] Compressive stress can be introduced into glass panes to improve glass strength. Glass products having tempered openings and methods for introducing compressive stress into openings in glass products are described herein. As used herein, "glass product" can include glazing and any other assembled parts. Glazing can include a single glass pane or multiple glass panes laminated together. Glazing can include, for example, a first glass pane, a second glass pane facing the first glass pane, and an interlayer formed between the first and second glass panes. The glass product material can be any inorganic or organic glass, including, but not limited to, soda-lime-silica glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, silica glass, and acrylic glass. The glass used in such products can be of any thickness. Preferably, glass panes with openings of approximately 0.1-12 mm thickness can be tempered using the disclosed methods. The glass pane thickness is more preferably 0.3-5.0 mm, and even more preferably 0.4-2.3 mm. In laminated glass products having multiple glass panes, the glass panes may have the same or different thicknesses. Glass panes having tempered openings as disclosed herein may be flat or curved. Where additional reinforcement is desired, the glass panes having tempered openings may comprise tempered or non-tempered glass. In some embodiments, the tempered openings may be formed prior to tempering the glass.

[0023] A glazing product 10 for use in a vehicle is shown in FIG. 1. The glazing product 10 includes an opening 14 extending through a glazing 12. The opening 14 near the bottom of the glazing 12 can be used for a wiper mechanism extending through the opening 14. The opening 14 can be formed in any suitable location within the glazing 12, including additional uses such as luggage racks and handles. Additionally, some glazings 12 can include multiple openings 14. The openings 14 can be formed by a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, mechanical drilling, water jet drilling, chemical etching, and laser drilling. The openings in the glazing 12 can be of various sizes and shapes, including, but not limited to, circular or oval.

[0024] The edges of the opening 14 may be formed to provide minimal roughness to the opening edge. A lower surface roughness at the opening 14 can improve the glass's resistance to crack formation. Rough edges can contain stress concentrations that can lead to glass breakage. Smoother edges reduce stress concentrations and improve crack resistance. The opening edge preferably has a roughness (Ra) of less than 2.5 μm, more preferably less than 2 μm, and even more preferably less than 1.5 μm. The surface roughness, measured according to ISO Standard 1356-1 at a cutoff wavelength λc, is 2.5 μm, and λs is 2.5 μm. To minimize the roughness of the opening edge, chemical etching or laser drilling methods for forming the opening are preferred. Mechanical drilling, with or without additional finishing such as polishing, can also produce smooth openings. When an opening 14 is formed through glass article 10, the edge of opening 14 includes the inner surface of the opening between first surface 12f of glazing 12 and second surface 12b of glazing 12.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a glazing 12 having an opening 14 with a bushing 16 and adhesive 18 within the opening 14. The bushing 16 used may be any material capable of expanding and contracting, i.e., may be configured to expand and contract. The bushing 16 has an original diameter smaller than the original diameter of the opening 14, where the "original diameter" of the bushing is the outer diameter of the bushing before expansion. The "original outer diameter of the adhesive" is the outer diameter of the adhesive 18 before expansion and hardening. The "original diameter of the opening" is the diameter of the opening 14 when it is cut into the glass before reinforcement. In some embodiments, the adhesive 18 can have a thickness less than half the difference in diameter between the bushing 16 and the opening 14.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bushing 16 can include a flange 22 that extends from the opening 14a and along the glazing 12 when the bushing 16 is placed in the opening 14a. FIG. 4 shows the bushing 16 with the flange 22 when viewed from the bottom, and FIG. 5 shows the bushing 16 with the flange 22 when viewed from the side. The bushing 16 can include a flange 22 that extends along the outer surface of the first glass sheet or the outer surface of the second glass sheet when placed in the opening 14. The outer periphery of the flange 22 is larger than the outer periphery of the bushing body portion 24, which extends through the opening 14 formed in the glazing 12 and is larger than the periphery of the opening 14. The flange 22 can aid in aligning the bushing 16 within the opening 14 before the adhesive 18 is cured. The thickness of the bushing 16 depends on the bushing material. A weaker material may require a thicker bushing 16, while a stronger material allows for a thinner bushing 16. The bushing 16 must be strong enough to support the compressive force of the glazing 12 in the opening 14. The bushing 16 may be made of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, metal or plastic. Usable metals include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, steel, tin, zinc, lead, titanium, and iron. In other embodiments, the bushing 16 may be made from an alloy of any suitable metal, including aluminum, copper, steel, tin, and the like. The material of the bushing 16 may be selected for a specific Young's modulus and / or thermal expansion coefficient based on the glass sheet material and the adhesive 18 used. In some embodiments, the bushing 16 may be formed in a ring or cylindrical shape. Preferably, the bushing 16 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the opening 14. The bushing 16 may also include a narrow slit or slits extending substantially through the thickness or diagonal of the glazing, which can aid in expansion and contraction. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bushing may be comprised of multiple interconnected bodies. In certain embodiments, there may be multiple bushings 16 within the opening 14 , for example, bushings 16 may be positioned through the opening 14 from either side of the glazing 12 .

[0027] The methods described herein for introducing compressive stress into the openings 14 in the glazing 12 can be used in any glass product, including, but not limited to, individual glass panes or glass laminates. When more than one glass pane is used in a glass laminate, the openings can be cut in the glass panes before or after lamination. The openings 14 can also be formed through flat glass or bent glass. In some embodiments involving laminated glazing 12, the openings 14 are formed before lamination, and the openings 14 can be cut into the glass panes to be laminated, or the glass pane openings can be cut separately in each glass pane. If the openings 14 are cut into the glass panes individually before the panes are laminated, the openings may not align perfectly. Bushings 16 can be used on each side of the laminated glass product to provide separate compressive strength to each pane in the laminate, i.e., more than one bushing 16 can be used for the openings 14. In further embodiments, the opening 14 may be formed in an already laminated glazing 12 in a laminated glass 12 , and the opening 14 may be used with one or more bushings 16 .

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an opening 14 having a compressive stress formed by adhesive 18 disposed between the opening 14 and bushing 16. In some embodiments, the bushing 16 can expand due to adhesive 18 disposed between the bushing 16 and the opening 14, adhering the bushing 16 to the opening 14. Methods used to expand the bushing 16 can include, but are not limited to, thermal and / or mechanical forces. In the case of a thermally expandable bushing 16, the bushing 16 has a thermal expansion coefficient greater than that of the glazing 12. Thus, upon heating, the bushing 16 expands at a faster rate than the glazing 12, and the outer edge of the bushing 16 within the opening 14 can be bonded to the edge of the opening 14 in an expanded state. Heat treatment can be applied to the entire glass 12 or locally to the bushing 16. The bushing 16 can be substantially the same shape as the opening so that the bushing 16 is bonded to the entire edge of the opening 14 in an expanded state. In some embodiments, it is preferable to form a uniform bond around the edge of the opening 14, allowing for uniform compression of the glazing around the opening in a contracted state. Preferably, the adhesive 18 between the bushing 16 and the opening 14 is heat-cured while the bushing 16 is in an expanded state. The bushing 16 can then be cooled to place the bushing 16 in a contracted state. The bushing 16 may remain attached to the edge of the opening, creating a compressive stress in the glazing around the opening 14. In this manner, the glazing 12 is strengthened at the opening 14. When the bushing 16 is in an expanded state, the adhesive 18 can be compressed between the edge of the opening 14 and the bushing 16. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the adhesive 18 may remain compressed after the bushing 16 is in a contracted state. The temperature difference between the heated and cooled states is not limited and may be 50 K or more and 80 K or less, or 100 K or more. The temperature difference may depend on the thermal expansion coefficients and Young's moduli of the bushing and glass, and the desired compressive stress to be created.

[0029] 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of an opening 14 formed in a glazing 12 and its vicinity, with FIG. 6 showing a bushing 16 in an expanded state and FIG. 7 showing the bushing 16 in a contracted state. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the glazing 12 is formed of a first glass sheet 26, a second glass sheet 28 opposing the first glass sheet 26, and an interlayer 30 formed between the first glass sheet 26 and the second glass sheet 28. The interlayer 30 can be made of any suitable material, including a polymer sheet such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or an ionomer material. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the illustrated bushing 16 has a flange 22 extending from the edge of the opening 142 onto the first surface of the first glass sheet 26. In some embodiments, the flange may be positioned to extend onto the outer surface of the second glass sheet. In the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 6, the bushing 16 has an outer diameter D B1 and the opening 14 has an inner diameter D E1 To reach the expanded state, in some embodiments, bushing 16 has an outer diameter D B1 is heated or mechanically expanded to an outer diameter D greater than the original outer diameter of bushing 16. B1 The outer diameter D B1 is made larger than the original outer diameter of bushing 16. When bushing 16 is in the expanded state, in some embodiments, the inner diameter D of opening 14 E1 is larger than the original inner diameter of the opening 14. The inner diameter D of the opening 14 E1 The inner diameter of the bushing 16 may be the same as or larger than the original inner diameter of the opening 14 when the bushing 16 is in an expanded state. The bushing 16 has a larger expansion ratio than the glazing 12 that forms the opening 14, and the adhesive 18 is subjected to a compressive force from the outer peripheral wall or periphery of the bushing body 24.

[0030] Prior to applying heat or mechanical force, the adhesive 18 disposed between the bushing 16 and the edge of the opening 14 may be suitably cured by heating, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or any other suitable means. After the adhesive 18 has cured, the heat or mechanical force used to expand the bushing 16 may be removed. Once the heat or mechanical force is removed, the bushing 16 expands to a smaller outer diameter D B2 and the opening 14 in the glazing 12 can be gradually reduced to have an inner diameter D E2 The outer diameter D of the bushing 16 in its contracted state can be reduced. B2 is the outer diameter D of the bushing 16 in the expanded state B1 The inner diameter D of the opening 14 in the contracted state is smaller than E2 is the inner diameter D of the opening 14 in the expanded state E1 The adhesive 18 may have a thermal expansion coefficient equal to or greater than that of the bushing 16. As the bushing 16 shrinks after the adhesive 18 hardens, the adhesive 18 is pulled radially inward of the opening 14, exerting an inward force on the edges of the opening 14 and creating compressive stress in the glass surrounding the opening 14. The adhesive 18 may reduce in size (based on the inner diameter of the adhesive 18) upon hardening and removal of heat or mechanical force. Preferably, the adhesive 18 has a thermal expansion coefficient equal to or greater than that of the bushing 16. Examples of adhesives 18 include, but are not limited to, epoxy or polyurethane. The adhesive 18 used may have a Young's modulus similar to that of the bushing 16. By maintaining the opening edges bonded to the bushing 16 after the bushing 16 reduces in size, the adhesive 18 may have sufficient strength to maintain compressive stress in the glass.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bushing 16 is thermally expanded and the adhesive is thermally cured, but the expansion of the bushing 16 and the curing of the adhesive 18 may occur in an autoclave. An autoclave may be used to manufacture glass laminates, which, if the glazing 12 is laminated glass, may occur simultaneously with the thermal expansion of the bushing 16 and the curing of the adhesive 18. In further embodiments, the thermal expansion and / or curing may be induced by applying heat to the bushing 16 and / or adhesive 18.

[0032] 8-10 illustrate further embodiments of glass products according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a glass product 33 having a glass sheet 32 ​​as glazing. The glass sheet 32 ​​may have a cylindrical opening 31 into which a bushing 36 can be inserted. An adhesive 34 may be interposed between the outer periphery of the bushing 36 and the inner periphery of the opening 31. The adhesive 34 may be disposed around the outer periphery of the bushing 36 before placing the bushing 36 in the opening 31. In some embodiments, the adhesive 34 may be disposed around the edge of the opening 31 before placing the bushing 36 in the opening 31. The bushing 36 expands and then contracts, creating compressive stress in the glass around the edge of the opening in the single glass sheet 32. Because compressive stress is formed in the glass around the edge of the opening in the single glass sheet 32, the glass product 33 can have a durable structure, particularly around the edge of the opening 31.

[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a glass product 37 including a first glass sheet 38, a second glass sheet 42 facing the first glass sheet 38, and an interlayer 40 formed between the first glass sheet 38 and the second glass sheet 42. The opening 44 may be formed through the second glass sheet 42 so that the opening 44 does not extend all the way through the first glass sheet 38. In some embodiments, the interlayer 40 may also be free of openings or holes. The opening 44 is preferably formed in the second glass sheet 42 before laminating the first glass sheet 38 and the second glass sheet 42. A bushing 46 may be placed within the opening 44, and an adhesive 48 may be provided between the outer periphery of the bushing 46 and the inner periphery of the opening 44. The bushing 46 expands and then contracts to create a compressive stress in the glass around the edge of the opening in the second glass sheet 42. As the diameter of bushing 46 is reduced, the perimeter of the opening in second glass pane 42, which is attached to bushing 46 by adhesive 48, is reduced, compressing the glass at the edge of the opening. This allows second glass pane 42 to be configured with added strength around opening 44 due to compression.

[0034] FIG. 10 further illustrates an embodiment of a glass product 51 having substantially the same glass structure as the glass product 37 shown in FIG. 9 . The glass product 51 may include glazing including a first glass sheet 50, a second glass sheet 54 opposing the first glass sheet 50, and an interlayer 52 formed between the first glass sheet 50 and the second glass sheet 54. An opening 55 may be formed through the second glass sheet 54 such that the opening 55 does not extend through the first glass sheet 50. The interlayer 52 may include an opening aligned with the opening 55 in the second glass sheet 54, or in certain embodiments, the interlayer 52 may be without an opening. A bushing 56 is disposed within the opening 55, and an adhesive 57 is disposed between the outer periphery of the bushing 56 and the inner periphery of the opening 55. As shown in FIG. 10 , an electronic connection 58 may be provided within the glass product 51. The electronic connections 58 may be used, for example, to provide power to various features, including electronic displays, organic light-emitting devices including coating layers, and heatable wires for defrosting wiper retention areas. The electronic connections 58 may include a connector, such as a wire or cable 60, that can be connected to a power source and extend through the opening 55 around the inner periphery of the bushing 62. Although the thickness of the connector causes the electronic connections 58 to exert force on the glass surrounding the bushing 56, compressive stresses formed in the opening 55 of the second glass pane 54 strengthen the second glass pane 54, significantly reducing the likelihood of cracking the glass product 51. The electronic connections 58 may be positioned between the second glass pane 54 and the interlayer 52 or between the first glass pane 50 and the interlayer 52. Furthermore, the electronic devices 58 may be positioned between interlayers in a laminated glass product with two or more interlayers. In some embodiments, the electronic connectors 58 may be disposed within the opening 55. The opening 55 may be of any suitable size to provide an electrical connection to a power source.

[0035] In some embodiments, a mechanical force can be used to expand the bushing 16 within the opening. Mechanical force can be used to expand the bushing 16 toward the edge of the opening 14. The bushing 16 can be flat or have a three-dimensional shape along its inner periphery. The bushing 16 can include a threaded profile on its inner periphery so that mechanical expansion of the bushing 16 can utilize the threaded profile. The adhesive 18 can be provided as a layer disposed around the outer periphery of the bushing 16 and can expand with the bushing 16 under mechanical force to an expanded state. In the expanded state, the diameter of the adhesive 18 can be substantially equal to the diameter of the opening. The adhesive 18 can be cured in the expanded state of the bushing 16 to bond the bushing 16 to the opening 14. The adhesive 18 in this case can be cured by any suitable means, including thermal, chemical, or UV radiation treatment. When the mechanical force is removed, the bushing 16 and adhesive 18 can be reduced in size. The bushing 16 can remain adhered to the edge of the opening 14, creating compressive stress in the glass at the opening 14. This strengthens the glass at the opening 14. The mechanical expansion of the bushing 16 can be performed within an opening in an individual glass pane or in a laminated glass product.

[0036] For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the example includes a 3.15 mm thick soda-lime-silica glass plate 70 with an opening 72 measuring 2.68 mm in diameter, as disclosed herein. As disclosed herein, the glass plate can have any suitable thickness, whether used as an individual glass plate or as part of a laminate. An aluminum bushing 74 with an original outer diameter of 25 mm was placed within the opening 72 of the glass plate. As shown in FIG. 11, the diameter of the inner aluminum bushing is 22 mm. The preferred inner diameter of the bushing 74 may depend on the intended use of the opening. The size of the opening 72 and the bushing 74 used therewith are not limited and can be any suitable size, larger or smaller than the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. A two-component epoxy resin adhesive was placed between the aluminum bushing 74 and the glass opening 72. The bushing 74 and adhesive, along with the glass 70 surrounding the opening 72, were heated to 140°C. The adhesive expanded to the diameter of the opening 72, and the adhesive was allowed to harden at this temperature. Upon cooling, the bushing 74 reduces in size but remains attached to the opening 72. Figures 12 and 13 show the stress in the tempered opening of the glass against the polarizing wall after cooling. Figure 13 shows the glass plate of Figure 12 rotated 90 degrees to reveal the presence of compression around the entire opening. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the white ring 76 indicates the adhesive formed between the glass opening edge and the bushing 74. A layer of compressive stress was visible in each of Figures 12 and 13 around the entire bushing.

[0037] Figures 14a and 14b show measurements using the Edge Master 2 stress meter (Stress Photonics, Inc.) verifying the findings in the polarizer wall of the flat glass sample shown in Figure 11. As measured by the Edge Master 2, compressive stress formed along the edge of the opening Op1. The compressive stress was found between the bushing Bu1 and the glazing perimeter Eg1. More specifically, as shown in Figure 14a, the area between the glass perimeter Eg1 and the bushing Bu1 experienced compressive stress, which is shown as the relatively white area Ac1 in Figure 14a. This relatively white area Ac1 is shown in Figure 14b as the area outside the bushing Bu1 with stresses measured below zero. The formation of the relatively white area Ac1 around the perimeter of the opening Op1 results in a glass product with higher resistance to cracking around the opening Op1.

[0038] Figures 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b show additional glass product samples including bent glass sheets, where Figures 15a, 15b include stress measurements for a bent glass sheet with an opening Op2 without reinforcement, and Figures 16a, 16b include stress measurements for a bent glass sheet with an opening Op3 after being reinforced with a bushing Bu3 as disclosed herein.

[0039] Figures 15a and 15b show stress measurements on a bent glass pane with an opening Op2 cut through the pane without any reinforcement at the opening Op2. When the pane at the opening is unstrengthened, the pane between the opening Op2 and the glass perimeter Eg2 is in tension, as shown in Figure 15b, indicating that the area Ar2 between the opening Op2 and the glass perimeter Eg2 has a measured stress greater than zero. The area Ac2 near the glass perimeter Eg2 has a slight compression, as shown.

[0040] After the glass substrate was reinforced, the stress level changed significantly. Figures 16a and 16b show the compressive stress at the opening Op3 of the bent glass with a bushing reinforcement. The stress at the opening Op3 of the glass plate was measured using an Edge Master 2 stress meter. The reinforcement caused the glass substrate around the opening Op3 to compress, with the measured stress in the area Ac3 between the opening Op3 and the periphery Eg3 being less than zero. The relatively white area Ac3 near the bushing Bu3 is considered to be a region under compressive stress, whereas the relatively black area Ar3 between the relatively white areas Ac3 and Ac4 was under strong tension without reinforcement, but is now slightly tensioned and close to compressive after reinforcement. Comparison with the measured stress levels indicates that compressive stress was formed in the glass substrate around the bushing Bu3 when the tempering method was applied. This means that reinforced glass products are more resistant to cracking at the opening than glass products without reinforcement.

[0041] The glass products described above can be manufactured by any suitable means. For example, a glass product can be manufactured as follows: First, glazing can be prepared for manufacturing the glass product. The glass product can be manufactured from glazing in the form of a single glass pane, laminated glass, or any other suitable glazing. The apertures can be formed by any suitable means, such as drilling or chemically etching the glazing to form an aperture through all or a portion of the glazing. The apertures can be any suitable shape, such as circular or oval. Rectangular or any other polygonal apertures can also be used as apertures. In some embodiments involving laminated glass, apertures can be formed in one or more glass panes prior to lamination. In such laminated glazing, the apertures can extend through all or a portion of the glazing, where at least one glass pane does not include an aperture.

[0042] If the opening is circular, after forming the opening in the glazing, a circular bushing having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening is placed within the opening, and an adhesive is applied to the outer periphery of the bushing. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the edge of the opening or to the gap between the outer periphery of the bushing and the inner wall of the opening, or the gap may be filled with adhesive. The bushing can be expanded by applying heat or mechanical force. Heat can be applied by a heat source, such as an electric heater, to the interior of the bushing. To uniformly expand the bushing circumferentially, the heat source may be cylindrical so that the inner periphery of the bushing is uniformly heated. In some embodiments, the heat source may surround the entire glass product or apply heat locally to the bushing from one or both sides. If mechanical force is used to expand the diameter of the bushing, a cylindrical device that gradually increases its diameter can be used. In some embodiments, a device that can simultaneously apply heat and mechanical force is useful for expanding the bushing. The adhesive can then be cured by any suitable means, including heating if the adhesive is thermosetting. Some adhesives can be cured by mixing components including a curing agent. When an ultraviolet curable resin is used, the ultraviolet curable resin may be cured by irradiating it with ultraviolet light.

[0043] After the bushing is expanded and the adhesive is cured, the bushing can be compacted. If the expansion is achieved by heating, the bushing can contract when it returns to room temperature. Alternatively, if the bushing is expanded by mechanical force, the application of such force can be removed to reduce the size of the bushing.

[0044] When the bushing reduces in size, compressive stresses are created around the opening in the glazing, strengthening the glass around the opening and thereby reducing the risk of cracking.

[0045] In some embodiments, a seal can be provided to interact with an opening, e.g., a device extending through the opening. In FIG. 17 , a seal 82 is shown around an opening 80. The opening 80 is formed in a glazing 84 that includes a first glass pane 86, a second glass pane 88 facing the first glass pane 86, and an interlayer 90 formed between the first and second glass panes 86 and 88. A bushing 98 may be provided within the opening 80 via an adhesive 99. In some embodiments, the glazing may be a single pane. A wiper mechanism 92, which wipes the surface of the window glass 84, is provided with a shaft 96 for the wiper mechanism 92 penetrating the seal 82. The seal 82, in certain embodiments, is made of a rubber material. The seal 82 can further protect the glazing around the opening by preventing damage from impact or unwanted force.

[0046] The seal may be any material, including synthetic or natural rubber or other polymeric materials. If the seal is rubber, it may comprise vulcanized rubber. The seal may be formed in a bushing, attached to a bushing, or used in the assemblies described herein that include a bushing. The seal may also be used in the assemblies described herein without a bushing.

[0047] In another embodiment, compression can be created in the glass opening without a bushing. A shrinking material that reduces in size after hardening may be placed along the opening edge and allowed to harden in place along the opening edge. The shrinking material preferably reduces in size as it hardens. The shrinking material may include, but is not limited to, polyurethane. After hardening, the shrinking material remains attached to the glass opening edge and reduces in size, creating a compressive stress in the glass opening. The shrinking material has tension in its hardened, reduced-size state. A seal may also be used in the opening to form a seal with a feature that extends through the opening. Preferably, the shrinking material adheres to the edge of the glass opening. Figure 18 illustrates such a shrinking material reinforcing an opening in glazing.

[0048] FIG. 18 shows a glazing 100 having an opening 102 extending therethrough. A stress-generating member 104 made of a shrinking material extends through the opening 102 and contacts the edge of the opening 102, generating a compressive stress at the edge of the opening 102 in the glazing 100. The stress-generating member 104 may be made from a resin compound that reduces in size after being bonded to the edge of the opening 102 in the glazing 100. As the stress-generating member 104 shrinks, a compressive stress is generated at the edge of the opening 102, strengthening the glazing 100 at the opening 102. In some embodiments, the glazing 100 may be a single pane of glass or laminated glass, as shown in FIG. 19, and in some further embodiments, a single pane of glass may also be used in laminated glass.

[0049] FIG. 19 shows a glazing having a first glass sheet 106, a second glass sheet 110 facing the first glass sheet 106, and an interlayer 108 formed between the first glass sheet 106 and the second glass sheet 110. An opening 114 is formed through the glazing, and a stress-generating member 112 is provided on the inner wall of the opening 114. The stress-generating member 112 is made of a resin compound that shrinks in size after adhering to the inner wall of the opening 114 in the glazing. As the stress-generating member 112 shrinks, compressive stress is generated in the glazing around the opening 114, providing strength to the glazing around the opening 114 and strengthening the glazing. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the opening may be formed only through the second glass sheet, such that the glazing is suitable for connecting electronic devices, such as organic light-emitting devices or heatable printing or coatings, as described above.

[0050] FIG. 20 illustrates a glass product according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 20 illustrates glazing having an opening 114 extending therethrough. The glazing can include a single pane of glass or laminated glass. In some embodiments, a single pane of glass may also be used in laminated glass. As shown in FIG. 20, stress-generating members 113 can extend along one or more of the outer glazing surfaces, along the edges of the opening 114.

[0051] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIG. 21, a manufacturing process for a glass product having a strengthened opening can include the following steps.

[0052] Step 2102 includes forming at least one opening in the glazing. The glazing can include a single pane of glass or laminated panes of glass. If the glazing is a laminated pane of glass, the opening may be formed before or after lamination. Step 2104 includes placing at least one bushing extending through the opening, with adhesive on an outer edge of the bushing. Step 2106 includes expanding the bushing with an external force. The external force can include any suitable means, including heat or mechanical expansion. Step 2108 includes curing the adhesive between the bushing and the opening in the glazing. Step 2110 includes removing the external force from the bushing such that the bushing reduces in size, creating compression of the glazing around the opening.

[0053] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIG. 22, a manufacturing process for a glass product having a strengthened opening can include the following steps.

[0054] Step 2202 includes forming at least one opening in the glazing. Step 2204 includes disposing at least one stress-generating member within the opening. Step 2206 includes curing the stress-generating member such that the stress-generating member reduces in size, creating a compressive stress in the glazing around the opening.

[0055] The above description of the present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the common principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above description in connection with the drawings describes embodiments and does not represent the only examples that may be practiced or are within the scope of the claims.

[0056] Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and / or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and / or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and / or embodiment unless stated otherwise. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A method for creating compressive stress in an opening in glazing, comprising: placing at least one bushing extending through the opening and disposing adhesive on an outer edge of the bushing; applying a mechanical force to the bushing to expand an outer edge of the bushing at a rate greater than any expansion of the glazing to place the bushing in an expanded state; curing the adhesive between the bushing and the opening to adhere the bushing to the edge of the opening; removing the mechanical force from the bushing, causing the bushing to decrease in size from the expanded state; the adhesive remains adhered to the outer edge of the bushing and the edge of the opening; 10. A method for creating compressive stresses in an opening in glazing, comprising creating radially inward compressive stresses in the glazing around the opening.

2. 10. A method for creating compressive stress in an opening in a glazing of claim 1, wherein the glazing does not expand.

3. 10. The method of claim 1 for creating a compressive stress in a glazing opening, wherein the adhesive is thermally, chemically, or ultraviolet cured.

4. 2. A method for creating compressive stress in a glazing opening of claim 1, wherein expanding the outer edge of the bushing includes heating the bushing, and reducing the size of the bushing from the expanded state includes cooling the bushing.

5. 2. A method for creating compressive stress in a glazing opening according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive is heat cured.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is cured using ultraviolet light, heat curing, or chemical curing before the mechanical force is removed from the bushing.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive has an outer diameter equal to the diameter of the opening when the bushing is in the expanded state.

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