CA1328800C - Method and apparatus for the application of anti- lacerative film to curved glass panels - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for the application of anti- lacerative film to curved glass panelsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1328800C CA1328800C CA 612194 CA612194A CA1328800C CA 1328800 C CA1328800 C CA 1328800C CA 612194 CA612194 CA 612194 CA 612194 A CA612194 A CA 612194A CA 1328800 C CA1328800 C CA 1328800C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- film
- platen
- ram
- curved glass
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/18—Handling of layers or the laminate
- B32B38/1866—Handling of layers or the laminate conforming the layers or laminate to a convex or concave profile
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10807—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor
- B32B17/10889—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor shaping the sheets, e.g. by using a mould
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10807—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor
- B32B17/10899—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor by introducing interlayers of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10935—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor by introducing interlayers of synthetic resin as a preformed layer, e.g. formed by extrusion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/10—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using action of vacuum or fluid pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/12—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
- B32B37/1207—Heat-activated adhesive
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/0012—Mechanical treatment, e.g. roughening, deforming, stretching
- B32B2038/0028—Stretching, elongating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2315/00—Other materials containing non-metallic inorganic compounds not provided for in groups B32B2311/00 - B32B2313/04
- B32B2315/08—Glass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/10—Polypropylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2367/00—Polyesters, e.g. PET, i.e. polyethylene terephthalate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/12—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Joining Of Glass To Other Materials (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The invention concerns apparatus and a method for making anti-lacerative window panels. The apparatus comprises a platen having a surface substantially complementary to a concave curved glass planet to be provided with anti-lacerative film and a ram having a working surface having a buffer layer of resiliently deformable material to present more lightly curved surface than that of the glass panel. The glass panel tests on the platen which has a buffer layer of resiliently deformable material and the ram is used to press a film of non-oriented plastics material against the glass to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards the edges of the sheet.
The invention concerns apparatus and a method for making anti-lacerative window panels. The apparatus comprises a platen having a surface substantially complementary to a concave curved glass planet to be provided with anti-lacerative film and a ram having a working surface having a buffer layer of resiliently deformable material to present more lightly curved surface than that of the glass panel. The glass panel tests on the platen which has a buffer layer of resiliently deformable material and the ram is used to press a film of non-oriented plastics material against the glass to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards the edges of the sheet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field o~ the Invention This invention relates to anti-lacerative window panels . especially for automobiles.
Review of the Art It is customary to make some windows, especially windshield for automobiles, from strengthened glass.
, Often toughened glass is used which is glass that has been subjected to a tempering treatment. Although such glass is stronger than untempered glass, it can shatter under some circumstances, for example when a stone hits a car windscreen. When it shatters, it crazes over its surface almost totally obscuring the transparancy. The driver of the car, under these circumstances, cannot see the road and an accident may occur. -.~ .
Laminated glass is made by sandwich laminating a layer of polyvinyl butyral between two pieces of tempered or non-tempered formed glass. Laminated glass has the advantage over toughened glass that, if it shatters, it does no~ completely craze the surface but cracks in . lines. Rarely, if ever is visibility completely lost.
However, laminated glass can splinter and, if the impact is sufficiently severe that the windscreen or other window breaks into pieces, the splinters can cause , 25 severe injuries. Even so, laminated glass windscreens are considered preferable to toughened glass windscreens , ~, ~ ' :' ' ' and are ~andatory in some countries.
More recently it has ~ecome customary to la~inate a film of plastics material onto the inner surface of a windscreen to provide some anti-lacerative properties.
The film has some effect in maintaining the integrity of the windscreen when it splinters so that sharp splinters are not so likely to fall in onto any occupant of the car. Moreover, it may have some effect in dulling the sharp edges and points of discrete splinters in the lC event that they do, indeed, separate from the windscreen.
Such films on the surface of the glass should be free from wrinkles and air bubbles and, for good optical properties, should be formed from non-oriented ~ 15 transparan~ plastics material which may be tinted if ¦ desired. Considerable research is being done as to the 1~ best materials from which to form the film and, ~ -, . . .
currently, polypropylene and polyesters are considered ~ :
I ~ suitable.
!~ 20 Whatever plastics material is used, a problem exists in . .
applying it to curved glass surfaces such as are used in : many car windscreens and side screens. It has not heretofore been found possible to laminate the film to ~ the glass in any way other than manually and - -¦ ~5 individually for each piece of curved glass. The ~-l~ operation has called for par~icular skill and care but, :: .-~ 2 ,: ' ' "
'~
132~800 even so many of the resulting glass-film laminates have had to be rejected due to wrinkles, air bubbles or poor optical characteristics. The commercial products have, as a result of both the skilled manual labour and the number of reiects, been very ex~ensive.
A somewhat similar problem has existed in connection with coated lenses for spectacles. It has, however, not been nearly so acute since it is possible to dip spectacle lenses for coating. This is not possible for 1~ car windows since the coating is required on the interior surface only.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of this invention to provide an apparatus and method for laminating plastics material ilm onto curved surfaces with a view to mitigating the present difficultLes in providing acceptable products.
Accordingly, the invention provides apparatus for laminating a film of non-oriented plastics material onto ~3 the surface of a curved glass sheet having both concave and complementary convex surfaces comprising; a platen, the platen having a surface substantially compLementary to said convex surface and generally horizontal comprising a first liner of support material for said :, ~
sheet lining the platen surface; a ram having a ' 25 resiliently deformable buffer layer to provide a ~ -'-~` 3 ' ' ~.-'':
i deformable working surface which, before contact with said sheet, is generally complementary to said concave surfacve of said sheet and being more tightly curved than said concave surface;
~ 5 clamp means around the platen adapted to hold ¦ substantially horizontal a film of plastics material adapted to adhere to said concave surface between the ram and the platen;
means to move the ram towards the platen to carry said film under tension to contact a sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towardfs edges of the sheet;
the clamping means adapted to tension the film such that stretching of the film to contact the sheet is in the same proportion for all radiating shortest ~ stances l from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping ¦~ means; and means to adhere the film contacting the film contacting the sheet to the sheet.
~ 20 Suitably, alternate platens and rams for differently j~ curved glass sheets are provided.
i Also provided is a method of laminating a film of non-oriented plastics material onto the surface of a curved '. glass sheet having both concave and complementary convex surfaces comprising; locating the curved glass sheet on a platen, the platen having a generally horizontal l~ surface substantially complementary to said convex :~;; 4 ,!, .
surface and having a first buffer layer of resiliently deformable material lining the platen surface; locating a film of plastics materiaL adapted to adhere to said concave surface substantially horizontally above the curved glass sheet and tensioning the film in clamping means; stretching of the film towards the deepest portion of the sheet in the same proportion of stretch for all radiating shortest distances from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping means, the stretching being accomplished by moving a ram downwardly from a first position above the film, the ram having a - generally horizontal working surface provided with a second buffer layer of resiliently deformable material ~ and being generally complementary to said concave ci 15 surface and being more tightly curved than said concave surface, the ram carrying the film under tension downwardly to first contact the curved glass sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progresslvely increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards the edges of the sheet; and adhering the film contacting the sheet to the sheet.
~ Although a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive .J may be used to laminate the f~lm to the sheet, it is suitable to use a heat sensitive adhesive. The use of is~ 25 polyvinyl butyral as the film material ~tself may be .~ being considered. The film may be pre-heated, for example, before it is stretched downwardly toward the sheet or it may be heated while in contact with the , .. .
sheet. In this latter case the platen may be heated, for example by heating elements in a bed carrying it.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by 1 5 way of example with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic vertical section through an apparatus of the invention with the ram raised;
Figure 2 is a similar section with the ram lowered; and ~ Figure 3 is a plan view of a sheet showing some clamping ^~ 10 devices.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the drawings, a sheet of curved glass 10 is located on a platen 12 having a concave surface 14 lined with a liner 16 of support material, such as rubber, rubberlike materials, felts, etc. which will stand up to amounts of heat used in adhering plastics material film to the . ...
curved glass sheet as will be described hereafter.
~ The convex surface 18 of the sheet 10 rests on the ., ~ .
liner 16. The curvature of the concave surface 14 of platen 12 is formed to correspond to the curvature of the curved glass sheet 10. Conveniently, the platen 12 JI is removably locatable in bed 20 so that alternate platens may be used, each contoured indivdually to fit l~ different glass sheets having different curves.
^j~ 25 A ram 30 Ls adapted to cooperate with platen 12 and has a surface 31 generally corresponding to the s,hape of .~ , . . .
`` ~328800 concave surface 16 of platen 12 and the shape of the curved glass sheet 10. The surface 31 of ram 30 is, however, lined with buffer layer 34 of resiliently deformable ma~erial. The buffer layer 34 is so shaped S that its lower surface 32 constitutes a working surface of the combined ram 30 and buffer lay 34 which is more tightly curved than the curved glass sheet so that, if it were rigid, it would, when located in the concavity of curved glass sheet 10, only touch the deepest part of I lO the sheet with its lowermost part.
However, buffer layer 34 is deformable, formed for example from soft rubber or rubber-like material or from an air bag or similar device. Thus, when ram 30 is moved down to bear against the curved sheet 10, firstly the working surface 32 of buffer layer 34 will contact the deepest part of the sheet, and the further descent of ram 30 will cause deformation of the buffer layer 34 in the first contacted region 36 permitting gradual and progressive contact of further regions of the buffer ~, 20 layer radiating outwardly to the edges of the sheet.
Clamping devices 40 are arranged above and about the periphe~y of platen 12 to hold a film 42 of non-oriented plastics material horizontally interposed between ram 30 in a raised position (see Figure 1) and the curved glass sheet 10. When tbe ram 30 is moved downwardly it carries ; with it film 42 to stretch it and bring it into contact i~ with the curved glass sheet 10 first at the deepest part ~ 7 f ~ . "; '. ',. ~
~' ';: ' 1328~00 and then gradually and progrzssively outwardly therefrom to the edges of the sheet 10.
Sufficient clamping devices 40 are located about the platen 12 to substantially hold the film horizontal without waves or wrinkles. The degree of tension imposed on the film in different directions is such that, on stretching towards the sheet 10, the proportion of stretch is the same in every direction. For example, referring to Figure 3, where X indicates the deepest part of sheet 10, it can be seen that the distances L
are considerably greater than the distances L . However, the clampLng devices 40 are arranged to hold the film 42 I such that the percentage stretch in each of the ¦ distances L and L is the same when the film 42 is in contact with the sheet 10.
Figure 3, for simplicity, shows only two pairs of opposed clamping devices 40. It will be appreciated, that in practice a very much greater number will be necessary.
The arrangement by whLch the film 42 contacts sheet 10 at its deepest part and thereafter spreads gradually and progresslvely towards the edges of the sheet is intended ~' for the purpose of minimising or eliminating air bubbles J~ between the film and the sheet. The arran8ement of the l~ 25 clamping devices such that the percentage of strtch is the same in all directions from the deepest part of the sheet is intended to minimise or eliminate wrinkles in , ~ . .
'J~ ' ` ' "
~ :
the film on the sheet.
Once in contact with the sheet 10, the film 42 may be laminated to it by any suitable means. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bed 20 carrying platen 12 is S provided with heating elements 44 by which the sheet 10 may be heated to bond the film thereto. In this case the film may suitably be polypropylene or a polyester coated with a suitable heat sensitive adhesive on the side , which is to contact the sheet 10. Alternatively the film may be preheated.
In practice, the sheet 10 is seated on the buffer layer ~, 16 of a suitably configured platen 12. A similarly suitably configured ram 30 is mounted on a head (not shown) for reciprocal up ant down movement. A film 42 is located horizontally between the ram 30 and the sheet 10 ¦~ in clamping devices 40. By location of the clamping ~t,~ devices 40 and adjustment of tension in the film 42, the ,, .
film is adjusted that the percentage stretch in all diréctions from the deepest part of the sheet 10 will be ~ - -the same.
i The ram 30 is moved downwardly to contact the film 42 : , .
and carry it downwardly to contact first the deepest part of sheet 12 and then to gradually and progressively , continue to contact the sheet towards the edges. When all the sheet 10 is in contact with film 42, heat may be applied from heating elements 44 in the bed 20 or preferably from heating elements 45 in the ram 30 or by ~, , .
., ~
~,' - ':
~328800 other means to laminate the film to the sheet.
Thereafter, the ram 30 may be lifted and the laminated curved sheet of glass, for example. a car windscreen or side screen, may be removed from the platen.
If the next sheet of glass to be laminated is a different shape, then the platen mày be changed for one suitable or the des-red p~rpose.
1`
,,~
: ' . ' -' 10 , , .
Field o~ the Invention This invention relates to anti-lacerative window panels . especially for automobiles.
Review of the Art It is customary to make some windows, especially windshield for automobiles, from strengthened glass.
, Often toughened glass is used which is glass that has been subjected to a tempering treatment. Although such glass is stronger than untempered glass, it can shatter under some circumstances, for example when a stone hits a car windscreen. When it shatters, it crazes over its surface almost totally obscuring the transparancy. The driver of the car, under these circumstances, cannot see the road and an accident may occur. -.~ .
Laminated glass is made by sandwich laminating a layer of polyvinyl butyral between two pieces of tempered or non-tempered formed glass. Laminated glass has the advantage over toughened glass that, if it shatters, it does no~ completely craze the surface but cracks in . lines. Rarely, if ever is visibility completely lost.
However, laminated glass can splinter and, if the impact is sufficiently severe that the windscreen or other window breaks into pieces, the splinters can cause , 25 severe injuries. Even so, laminated glass windscreens are considered preferable to toughened glass windscreens , ~, ~ ' :' ' ' and are ~andatory in some countries.
More recently it has ~ecome customary to la~inate a film of plastics material onto the inner surface of a windscreen to provide some anti-lacerative properties.
The film has some effect in maintaining the integrity of the windscreen when it splinters so that sharp splinters are not so likely to fall in onto any occupant of the car. Moreover, it may have some effect in dulling the sharp edges and points of discrete splinters in the lC event that they do, indeed, separate from the windscreen.
Such films on the surface of the glass should be free from wrinkles and air bubbles and, for good optical properties, should be formed from non-oriented ~ 15 transparan~ plastics material which may be tinted if ¦ desired. Considerable research is being done as to the 1~ best materials from which to form the film and, ~ -, . . .
currently, polypropylene and polyesters are considered ~ :
I ~ suitable.
!~ 20 Whatever plastics material is used, a problem exists in . .
applying it to curved glass surfaces such as are used in : many car windscreens and side screens. It has not heretofore been found possible to laminate the film to ~ the glass in any way other than manually and - -¦ ~5 individually for each piece of curved glass. The ~-l~ operation has called for par~icular skill and care but, :: .-~ 2 ,: ' ' "
'~
132~800 even so many of the resulting glass-film laminates have had to be rejected due to wrinkles, air bubbles or poor optical characteristics. The commercial products have, as a result of both the skilled manual labour and the number of reiects, been very ex~ensive.
A somewhat similar problem has existed in connection with coated lenses for spectacles. It has, however, not been nearly so acute since it is possible to dip spectacle lenses for coating. This is not possible for 1~ car windows since the coating is required on the interior surface only.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of this invention to provide an apparatus and method for laminating plastics material ilm onto curved surfaces with a view to mitigating the present difficultLes in providing acceptable products.
Accordingly, the invention provides apparatus for laminating a film of non-oriented plastics material onto ~3 the surface of a curved glass sheet having both concave and complementary convex surfaces comprising; a platen, the platen having a surface substantially compLementary to said convex surface and generally horizontal comprising a first liner of support material for said :, ~
sheet lining the platen surface; a ram having a ' 25 resiliently deformable buffer layer to provide a ~ -'-~` 3 ' ' ~.-'':
i deformable working surface which, before contact with said sheet, is generally complementary to said concave surfacve of said sheet and being more tightly curved than said concave surface;
~ 5 clamp means around the platen adapted to hold ¦ substantially horizontal a film of plastics material adapted to adhere to said concave surface between the ram and the platen;
means to move the ram towards the platen to carry said film under tension to contact a sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towardfs edges of the sheet;
the clamping means adapted to tension the film such that stretching of the film to contact the sheet is in the same proportion for all radiating shortest ~ stances l from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping ¦~ means; and means to adhere the film contacting the film contacting the sheet to the sheet.
~ 20 Suitably, alternate platens and rams for differently j~ curved glass sheets are provided.
i Also provided is a method of laminating a film of non-oriented plastics material onto the surface of a curved '. glass sheet having both concave and complementary convex surfaces comprising; locating the curved glass sheet on a platen, the platen having a generally horizontal l~ surface substantially complementary to said convex :~;; 4 ,!, .
surface and having a first buffer layer of resiliently deformable material lining the platen surface; locating a film of plastics materiaL adapted to adhere to said concave surface substantially horizontally above the curved glass sheet and tensioning the film in clamping means; stretching of the film towards the deepest portion of the sheet in the same proportion of stretch for all radiating shortest distances from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping means, the stretching being accomplished by moving a ram downwardly from a first position above the film, the ram having a - generally horizontal working surface provided with a second buffer layer of resiliently deformable material ~ and being generally complementary to said concave ci 15 surface and being more tightly curved than said concave surface, the ram carrying the film under tension downwardly to first contact the curved glass sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progresslvely increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards the edges of the sheet; and adhering the film contacting the sheet to the sheet.
~ Although a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive .J may be used to laminate the f~lm to the sheet, it is suitable to use a heat sensitive adhesive. The use of is~ 25 polyvinyl butyral as the film material ~tself may be .~ being considered. The film may be pre-heated, for example, before it is stretched downwardly toward the sheet or it may be heated while in contact with the , .. .
sheet. In this latter case the platen may be heated, for example by heating elements in a bed carrying it.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by 1 5 way of example with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic vertical section through an apparatus of the invention with the ram raised;
Figure 2 is a similar section with the ram lowered; and ~ Figure 3 is a plan view of a sheet showing some clamping ^~ 10 devices.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the drawings, a sheet of curved glass 10 is located on a platen 12 having a concave surface 14 lined with a liner 16 of support material, such as rubber, rubberlike materials, felts, etc. which will stand up to amounts of heat used in adhering plastics material film to the . ...
curved glass sheet as will be described hereafter.
~ The convex surface 18 of the sheet 10 rests on the ., ~ .
liner 16. The curvature of the concave surface 14 of platen 12 is formed to correspond to the curvature of the curved glass sheet 10. Conveniently, the platen 12 JI is removably locatable in bed 20 so that alternate platens may be used, each contoured indivdually to fit l~ different glass sheets having different curves.
^j~ 25 A ram 30 Ls adapted to cooperate with platen 12 and has a surface 31 generally corresponding to the s,hape of .~ , . . .
`` ~328800 concave surface 16 of platen 12 and the shape of the curved glass sheet 10. The surface 31 of ram 30 is, however, lined with buffer layer 34 of resiliently deformable ma~erial. The buffer layer 34 is so shaped S that its lower surface 32 constitutes a working surface of the combined ram 30 and buffer lay 34 which is more tightly curved than the curved glass sheet so that, if it were rigid, it would, when located in the concavity of curved glass sheet 10, only touch the deepest part of I lO the sheet with its lowermost part.
However, buffer layer 34 is deformable, formed for example from soft rubber or rubber-like material or from an air bag or similar device. Thus, when ram 30 is moved down to bear against the curved sheet 10, firstly the working surface 32 of buffer layer 34 will contact the deepest part of the sheet, and the further descent of ram 30 will cause deformation of the buffer layer 34 in the first contacted region 36 permitting gradual and progressive contact of further regions of the buffer ~, 20 layer radiating outwardly to the edges of the sheet.
Clamping devices 40 are arranged above and about the periphe~y of platen 12 to hold a film 42 of non-oriented plastics material horizontally interposed between ram 30 in a raised position (see Figure 1) and the curved glass sheet 10. When tbe ram 30 is moved downwardly it carries ; with it film 42 to stretch it and bring it into contact i~ with the curved glass sheet 10 first at the deepest part ~ 7 f ~ . "; '. ',. ~
~' ';: ' 1328~00 and then gradually and progrzssively outwardly therefrom to the edges of the sheet 10.
Sufficient clamping devices 40 are located about the platen 12 to substantially hold the film horizontal without waves or wrinkles. The degree of tension imposed on the film in different directions is such that, on stretching towards the sheet 10, the proportion of stretch is the same in every direction. For example, referring to Figure 3, where X indicates the deepest part of sheet 10, it can be seen that the distances L
are considerably greater than the distances L . However, the clampLng devices 40 are arranged to hold the film 42 I such that the percentage stretch in each of the ¦ distances L and L is the same when the film 42 is in contact with the sheet 10.
Figure 3, for simplicity, shows only two pairs of opposed clamping devices 40. It will be appreciated, that in practice a very much greater number will be necessary.
The arrangement by whLch the film 42 contacts sheet 10 at its deepest part and thereafter spreads gradually and progresslvely towards the edges of the sheet is intended ~' for the purpose of minimising or eliminating air bubbles J~ between the film and the sheet. The arran8ement of the l~ 25 clamping devices such that the percentage of strtch is the same in all directions from the deepest part of the sheet is intended to minimise or eliminate wrinkles in , ~ . .
'J~ ' ` ' "
~ :
the film on the sheet.
Once in contact with the sheet 10, the film 42 may be laminated to it by any suitable means. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bed 20 carrying platen 12 is S provided with heating elements 44 by which the sheet 10 may be heated to bond the film thereto. In this case the film may suitably be polypropylene or a polyester coated with a suitable heat sensitive adhesive on the side , which is to contact the sheet 10. Alternatively the film may be preheated.
In practice, the sheet 10 is seated on the buffer layer ~, 16 of a suitably configured platen 12. A similarly suitably configured ram 30 is mounted on a head (not shown) for reciprocal up ant down movement. A film 42 is located horizontally between the ram 30 and the sheet 10 ¦~ in clamping devices 40. By location of the clamping ~t,~ devices 40 and adjustment of tension in the film 42, the ,, .
film is adjusted that the percentage stretch in all diréctions from the deepest part of the sheet 10 will be ~ - -the same.
i The ram 30 is moved downwardly to contact the film 42 : , .
and carry it downwardly to contact first the deepest part of sheet 12 and then to gradually and progressively , continue to contact the sheet towards the edges. When all the sheet 10 is in contact with film 42, heat may be applied from heating elements 44 in the bed 20 or preferably from heating elements 45 in the ram 30 or by ~, , .
., ~
~,' - ':
~328800 other means to laminate the film to the sheet.
Thereafter, the ram 30 may be lifted and the laminated curved sheet of glass, for example. a car windscreen or side screen, may be removed from the platen.
If the next sheet of glass to be laminated is a different shape, then the platen mày be changed for one suitable or the des-red p~rpose.
1`
,,~
: ' . ' -' 10 , , .
Claims (13)
1. Apparatus for laminating a film of non-oriented plastics material onto the surface of a curved glass sheet having both concave and complementary convex surfaces comprising;
a platen, the platen having a surface substantially complementary to said convex surface and generally horizontal;
a first liner of support material for said sheet lining the platen surface;
a ram having a resiliently deformable buffer layer to provide a deformable working surface which, before contact with said sheet, is generally complementary to said concave surface of said sheet and being more tightly curved than said concave surface;
clamp means around the platen adapted to hold substantially horizontal a film of plastics material adapted to adhere to said concave surface between the ram and the platen;
means to move the ram towards the platen to carry said film under tension to contact a sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards edges of the sheet;
the clamping means adapted to tension the film such that stretching of the film to contact the sheet is in the same proportion for all radiating shortest distances from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping means; and means to adhere the film contacting the sheet to the sheet .
a platen, the platen having a surface substantially complementary to said convex surface and generally horizontal;
a first liner of support material for said sheet lining the platen surface;
a ram having a resiliently deformable buffer layer to provide a deformable working surface which, before contact with said sheet, is generally complementary to said concave surface of said sheet and being more tightly curved than said concave surface;
clamp means around the platen adapted to hold substantially horizontal a film of plastics material adapted to adhere to said concave surface between the ram and the platen;
means to move the ram towards the platen to carry said film under tension to contact a sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards edges of the sheet;
the clamping means adapted to tension the film such that stretching of the film to contact the sheet is in the same proportion for all radiating shortest distances from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping means; and means to adhere the film contacting the sheet to the sheet .
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the means to adhere the film to the sheet comprises heating means for the film.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the heating means is adapted to preheat the film.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the heating means is adapted to heat the film in contact with the sheet.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the platen is carried on a bed.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the heating means is included in the bed.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which alternate platens for differently curved glass sheets are provided.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the buffer layer comprises an air bag.
9. A method of laminating a film of non-oriented plastics material onto the surface of a curved glass sheet having both concave and complementary convex surfaces comprising;
locating the curved glass sheet on a platen, the platen having a generally horizontal surface substantially complementary to said convex surface and having a liner lining the platen surface;
locating a film of plastics material adapted to adhere to said concave surface substantially horizontally above the curved glass sheet and tensioning the film in clamping means;
stretching of the film towards the deepest portion of the sheet in the same proportion of stretch for all radiating shortest distances from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping means, the stretching being accomplished by movement of a ram having a buffer layer of resiliently deformable material and being generally complementary to said concave surface and being more tightly curved than said concave surface, provided with a second downward movement of the ram carrying the film under tension downwardly to first contact the curved glass sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards edges of the sheet; and adhering the film contacting the sheet to the sheet.
locating the curved glass sheet on a platen, the platen having a generally horizontal surface substantially complementary to said convex surface and having a liner lining the platen surface;
locating a film of plastics material adapted to adhere to said concave surface substantially horizontally above the curved glass sheet and tensioning the film in clamping means;
stretching of the film towards the deepest portion of the sheet in the same proportion of stretch for all radiating shortest distances from said deepest part of said sheet to the clamping means, the stretching being accomplished by movement of a ram having a buffer layer of resiliently deformable material and being generally complementary to said concave surface and being more tightly curved than said concave surface, provided with a second downward movement of the ram carrying the film under tension downwardly to first contact the curved glass sheet located on the platen first in its deepest region and to progressively increase the area contacted from said deepest part towards edges of the sheet; and adhering the film contacting the sheet to the sheet.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9, in which film is adhered to the sheet by heating.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, in which the heating is preheating of the film.
12. A method as claimed in claim 10, in which the film in contact with the sheet is heated.
13
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 612194 CA1328800C (en) | 1989-09-20 | 1989-09-20 | Method and apparatus for the application of anti- lacerative film to curved glass panels |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 612194 CA1328800C (en) | 1989-09-20 | 1989-09-20 | Method and apparatus for the application of anti- lacerative film to curved glass panels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1328800C true CA1328800C (en) | 1994-04-26 |
Family
ID=4140635
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 612194 Expired - Fee Related CA1328800C (en) | 1989-09-20 | 1989-09-20 | Method and apparatus for the application of anti- lacerative film to curved glass panels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1328800C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112848590A (en) * | 2021-01-15 | 2021-05-28 | 芜湖夏鑫新型材料科技有限公司 | PE protection film that self-adhesion application effect is excellent |
| WO2021105879A1 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2021-06-03 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | System and method for laminating an optical film to a windshield |
-
1989
- 1989-09-20 CA CA 612194 patent/CA1328800C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2021105879A1 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2021-06-03 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | System and method for laminating an optical film to a windshield |
| CN112848590A (en) * | 2021-01-15 | 2021-05-28 | 芜湖夏鑫新型材料科技有限公司 | PE protection film that self-adhesion application effect is excellent |
| CN112848590B (en) * | 2021-01-15 | 2023-03-10 | 芜湖夏鑫新型材料科技有限公司 | PE protection film that self-adhesion application effect is excellent |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |