DE102021202298B3 - Process for manufacturing a laminated glass pane for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles. It is envisaged that an alternative method of manufacturing a laminated glazing for vehicles (12) will be provided. In addition to applying a masking unit (22) to the outer pane (32), a masking mask (30) is temporarily positioned at another point on the laminated glass pane during the process. This masking mask (30) can be arranged reversibly and offers protection against external influences in the area where it is positioned during different production steps. This masking mask (30) is then removed and thus not only offers a user greater flexibility, but also a cost-effective application that is easy to implement.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles.

Vehicles often have different types of laminated glass panes. Depending on the installation position, these laminated glass panes are intended for a specific purpose. For example, the windshield, which is usually provided as a separate laminated glass pane, protects the occupants of a vehicle from external influences such as the wind, dirt and the effects of the weather.

Internal components of the vehicle are sometimes attached directly to the inside of such a windshield. In addition to the classic rear-view mirror in a simple version, these are now also the respective components of various vehicle assistance systems. For example, in addition to the rear-view mirror, camera systems are also attached to the inside of the windshield. Since laminated glass panes are made up of several panes, the optical properties must be appropriate, especially for camera systems, so that objects outside the vehicle can also be adequately captured through the panes. The respective refractive powers (refractive values) of the individual panes must be matched to one another in such a way that the panes do not produce excessive distortions or, ideally, no distortions that lead to an incorrect image in the camera system.

In the production of laminated glass panes, which are then used as windshields for vehicles, initial approaches are already known to protect the respective panes during the individual process steps. In heat treatment steps in particular, initial approaches are known which provide a protective mechanism for selected areas of the pane to be protected, so that a desired quality is produced in this area, for example for sensors or the like.

That's from the pamphlet WO 2020/165232 A1 an automotive glazing with superior optical quality as known. One object is to provide automotive glazing with superior optical quality. Another object is to provide a method for reducing optical distortion in a glazing comprising a fusion mask. This is achieved by applying a washable protective layer over a visible surface prior to a heat process step. This protective layer is then removed in a washing step.

Permanent masking of the panes is used, for example, to cover certain areas behind the pane as privacy protection. Such partially covered areas also protect against solar radiation by means of a permanent mask, so that adhesive layers or similar material behind the pane do not become brittle during a longer vehicle use cycle.

There is still a certain need to provide alternative methods for this technical field, which are sometimes faster and cheaper.

The invention is now based on the object of providing an alternative method for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles, which can be implemented in a user-friendly and cost-effective manner and allows masking to be implemented flexibly.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a method for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles is provided. Such a method comprises the following steps: providing an outer pane, an inner pane and an intermediate film as respective components of a laminated glass pane to be produced, applying a masking unit to the outer pane, resulting in a blocked view of defined visual field areas of the outer pane. At least one viewing window bordered by the masking unit is provided.

In addition, in this configuration, a masking mask is arranged on at least one area of an outside of the inner pane, so that the inner pane is provided with a protective effect against external influences in the at least one area. The masking mask borders the at least one viewing window bordered by the masking unit and leaves this partially free. After the outer pane, the inner pane and the intermediate film have been arranged in a user-defined manner at the respective positions of the laminated glass pane to be produced, a heat treatment and/or a combined heat/bending treatment is carried out on the positioned components.

The masking mask is then removed after the heat treatment and/or after the combined heat/bending treatment.

In this way it is possible to provide an alternative method for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles, which can be implemented in a user-friendly and cost-effective manner. In addition, a flexible implementation of masking is thus made possible by means of the method presented.

Because the masking mask is designed to be removable again, it is possible to design the remaining masking unit flexibly, since this unit now no longer has to cover a masking mask that has been removed. The masking unit can thus be dimensioned smaller in this area, resulting in a larger field of vision area for a driver, for example. A larger field of view area is considered to be advantageous and desirable since the driver is thus better able to perceive the traffic situation around his vehicle. Sources of danger or facts that generally have to be taken into account in relation to driving the vehicle can thus be recognized more quickly and comprehensively through the pane due to the larger field of vision.

The reversibly arrangeable masking mask thus remains only temporarily in the user-defined position in order to protect the material of the pane during the subsequent process steps. It is thus possible to ensure desired optics requirements, for example with regard to desired refractive powers in the area of the bordered viewing window. The masking mask can be positioned or arranged during the method, for example by simply being placed in the desired area without any further aids. It is conceivable, for example, that the respective components of a laminated glass pane to be produced are laid down essentially horizontally in such a way that the masking unit remains in place according to the principle of gravity during subsequent process steps.

The viewing window bordered by the masking unit can be provided, for example, as a camera viewing window of an internal camera unit of the vehicle. In this respect, the term viewing window refers to a unit which is smaller than an overall area of the resulting laminated glass pane. In other words, a laminated glass pane that is only edged on the outside by the masking unit does not represent such a viewing window. The term viewing window is to be understood rather as a respective partial area of the total surface of the resulting laminated glass pane, the partial area being limited, for example, by a camera unit of the vehicle.

The masking mask protects areas covered by it, heat absorption in this area and/or also in the sub-areas adjoining this area being controlled in this way, for example, and thus the optical values of the pane being influenced in the desired way. In particular, no disadvantageous change in the material of the pane is to be feared in this area, so that the optical requirements for the manufactured laminated glass pane in this area and/or also in the sub-areas adjoining this area finally have a desired value.

This area is then suitable, for example, as a camera viewing window and has the properties desired for this.

The outside of the inner pane is the side that finally delimits the laminated glass pane to an interior area of a vehicle. For example, components such as a rear-view mirror and parts of vehicle assistance systems (sensor units, camera systems and the like) can be arranged on this outside of the inner pane.

The masking mask can be removed, for example, manually and/or at least partially automatically using appropriate technical devices, so that a user-friendly and cost-effective method can be provided.

A masking mask can also be arranged indirectly on at least one area of an outside of the inner pane by holding the masking mask in an insertion device of a tool and thus only arranging it accordingly on the at least one area of the outside of the inner pane during the actual process step. This has the advantage that the masking mask can be quickly inserted manually or semi-automatically or fully automatically in the course of preparatory activities on the production tool for the production of the laminated glass pane. In this way, a particularly quick and therefore cost-effective process can also be achieved.

The masking mask comprises a heat-resistant material and self-adhesive components and can be arranged reversibly on a glass pane in a user-defined manner. The advantages mentioned above also apply to the masking mask presented, insofar as they can be transferred. It is conceivable that the masking mask in the course of the method presented or in other similar methods during use initially in an insertion device of a tool for production of laminated glass panes before the protective effect is then provided on a pane during the respective process step. In other words, the presented masking mask can not only be arranged reversibly at a desired position, but can also be used flexibly with regard to the way in which it is to be placed. For example, the masking mask can be used like a sticker or in the form of a sticker. An adjustment of a dimensioning of the masking mask, in particular with regard to a desired size, is implicitly possible before use due to an existing thickness of the masking mask. It is also conceivable that a plurality of masking masks arranged one above the other or at least partially one above the other are used in order to provide a desired protective effect. The masking mask may have a uniform thickness for the purpose of a desired protective effect. It is also conceivable that the masking mask has partially different thicknesses in a special embodiment, so that a corresponding protective effect can be provided depending on a respective thickness. This can be brought about, for example, by a masking mask, which essentially consists of a main material with self-adhesive components. It is also conceivable that a mix of materials is provided, in which case, depending on the selected material and thickness, a respective desired protective effect is then set essentially spatially limited to the area of application.

Further preferred configurations of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the masking mask comprises self-adhesive components. The masking unit that can be arranged reversibly can be provided, for example, as a type of sticker unit that can be removed easily and without leaving any residue. The self-adhesive components are provided at least in regions on one side of the masking mask and are used for a defined positioning of the masking mask on at least one area of an outside of the inner pane. A particularly flexible method can be provided in this way. The respective components of the laminated glass pane to be produced can thus also be kept in a substantially vertical position during the process steps, for example, since the masking mask is arranged in a defined position by means of the self-adhesive components before and during the desired process time.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention also provides for the masking mask to be arranged with the aid of an adhesive substance and/or adhesive aids. The adhesive substance and/or the adhesive aids are provided at least in regions on one side of the masking mask and are used for a defined positioning of the masking mask on at least one area of an outside of the inner pane. A particularly flexible method can be provided in this way. The respective components of the laminated glass pane to be produced can thus also be kept in a substantially vertical position during the process steps, for example, since the masking mask, as described, is arranged at a defined position during the desired process time. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the adhesive substance and/or the adhesive aids are provided either completely or at least partially in the area of the pane on which the masking mask is to be temporarily positioned.

In addition, another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the masking mask is made of a heat-resistant material. The masking mask is thus also designed for maximum temperature ranges of a subsequent heat treatment and/or a combined heat/bending treatment. An interaction of the masking mask with the material of the window can thus be avoided. A significant change in the positioning of the masking mask due to a temperature-related significant change in the material of the masking mask can thus also be prevented.

Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the heat-resistant material comprises metal and/or metal alloys and/or ceramic components. The materials presented offer the advantage that during a process step in which a certain temperature is provided, the masking mask does not change in an undesired manner, so that the protective effect to be achieved is only achieved inadequately or not at all. These materials can be used individually or in conjunction with one another or in combination with one another. Respective embodiments can thus be provided for a respective use, resulting in a particularly flexible method.

It is also provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the masking mask before the arrangement with regard to size and application area of the masking unit and with regard to the at least one view window is adjusted in terms of size and/or shape. In this way it is possible to achieve a far-reaching flexibility of the method presented at low cost. The adaptation can take place, for example, in the form of an upstream cutting process and/or a stamping process.

Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the viewing window is provided in the area of a sensor viewing window of a sensor unit, in particular a camera sensor unit, which is provided in the vicinity of the installed laminated glass pane in the vehicle. For this area, a special adjustment of the optical values of the pane areas concerned is to be undertaken, which can be achieved in an advantageous manner in a particularly simple and user-friendly manner by means of the method presented.

Finally, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane is provided in the form of a windshield. The advantages mentioned above also apply to this variant, insofar as they can be transferred.

Unless stated otherwise in the individual case, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can advantageously be combined with one another.

The laminated glass panes produced using the method presented can be used in any vehicle, in particular in any motor vehicle with any drive unit. For example, it is conceivable that the method presented is designed to produce windshields for motor vehicles or to produce any other laminated glass panes for vehicles. For example, this can also be a rear window or a panorama roof window or the like. The masking mask presented is also suitable for being used in any modified method for the aforementioned advantages or for further advantages. For example, the masking mask is also suitable for use when temporary protection is required at any other point of the laminated glass pane to be produced.

• 1 schematische Darstellungen von einem Ausschnitt einer Windschutzscheibe eines Fahrzeugs;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung von einer Windschutzscheibe eines Fahrzeugs mit Maskierungsmaske;
• 3 ein Verfahrensablaufdiagramm von einem Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Verbundglasscheibe für Fahrzeuge.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawings. Show it:

• 1 schematic representations of a section of a windshield of a vehicle;
• 2 a schematic sectional view of a windshield of a vehicle with a masking mask;
• 3 a process flow diagram of a process for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles.

1 shows schematic representations of a section of a windshield 10 of a vehicle 12. Only a section of the vehicle 12 is also shown, more precisely a section of a vehicle roof 14 on which the windshield 10 is arranged. The windshield 10 is a special laminated glass pane for vehicles, which is provided in the front area of a vehicle for protective purposes, among other things. Although not individually recognizable in detail, the windshield 10 shown is provided with an outer pane, an intermediate film and an inner pane. The figure shown on the left in 1 shows a view of an outside of the outer pane, the section being limited in particular to an area in which a rear-view mirror 16 and a camera device 18 of a vehicle assistance system of the vehicle 12 are provided.

A masking unit 22 is also shown in the contact area of the windshield 10 with the vehicle roof 14 and around the camera device 18 and a fastening area 20 of the rear-view mirror 16 . This masking unit 22 is permanently applied to an inner side of the outer pane of the windshield 10 in order to conceal areas underneath. It is therefore a type of visual protection for the areas underneath, the dimensioning of this masking unit 22 depending on the dimensioning of the area underneath to be covered. The masking unit 22 thus protects, for example, covered adhesive beads from the windshield 10 from becoming brittle. The masking unit 22 can be provided, for example, in the form of a screen print, which is then burned onto the inside of the outer pane in order to remain there permanently.

The figure shown above in 1 FIG. 12 shows a view of an inner pane of windshield 10, the detail being limited in particular to the area in which rear-view mirror 16 and camera device 18 of a vehicle assistance system of vehicle 12 are provided. In other words, it is the same area as the left figure of 1 shown. It is therefore the area which is to be covered by the masking unit 22 .

Instead of an outer area of the vehicle roof 14 is in this upper figure 1 a substructure 24 of the vehicle roof 14 is shown, on which the windshield 10 is arranged. A permanent masking 26 is shown around the camera assembly 18 . This permanent masking 26 is provided, for example, similar to the masking unit 22 as a screen print, which is then burned onto an outside of the inner pane in order to remain there permanently. In this context, the outside of the inner pane is to be understood as meaning the side which faces an interior region of the vehicle 12 .

This masking 26 is provided in such a way that it cannot be seen from the outside because of the masking unit 22 and from the inside because of the camera device 18 and the rear view mirror 12 that is arranged. In this way, according to a dimensioning of the masking 26 , the associated dimensioning of the masking unit 22 is again to be undertaken, so that the masking 26 is then covered when the windshield 10 is installed. The masking 26 is provided in particular to ensure the optics requirements (refractive powers) in the area of a camera window 28 of the camera device 18 . The masking 26 produces positive refractive powers. The masking unit 22, on the other hand, produces negative refractive powers. With a suitable design of these components (width and distance from the masking 26 or from the camera window 28), the refractive powers cancel each other out to a certain extent.

In this illustrated example, the masking 26 is provided permanently and can only develop its intended effect in this way, for example by being burned in from a burned-in ceramic paste, which is applied using a screen printing process. It thus remains in place even after a bending process of the laminated glass pane or the windshield 10 and thus requires a dimensioning of the masking unit 22, which accordingly conceals it from a view from the outside.

2 shows a schematic sectional view of a windshield 10 of a vehicle 12 with a masking mask 30. This windshield 10 is a special laminated glass pane for vehicles, which is provided in the front area of a vehicle for protective purposes, among other things. In addition to an outer pane 32, an intermediate film 34 and an inner pane 36 are also shown. The intermediate film 34 can be a PVB film, for example. The inner pane 36 thus faces a driver of the vehicle 12 and the outer pane 32 protects the driver accordingly from the wind and the like.

A masking unit 22 is shown on an inner side 38 of the outer pane 32 . This masking unit 22 has a viewing window 40 of a camera device 18 shown. This viewing window 40 is shown schematically with a first and second auxiliary line 42, 44 and shows the size changing with a respective distance from the camera device 18 in the direction of the exterior of the vehicle 12.

An IR coating 46 is shown on the inner pane 36 on the side which faces the intermediate film 34 . The IR coating 46 can be a silver layer or the like and can also be referred to as a climate coat coating. In the case of climate comfort panes, this coating is blasted off with the help of lasers, for example, although this blasting off is not possible in the masking area. A further advantage of the masking mask 30 that can be arranged in a reversible manner is that it can be temporarily removed for this blasting-off process, if desired. It is also advantageous that the masking mask 30 can be used in an adapted manner for the respectively desired optical requirements. This is not possible with a permanently burned-in masking.

On the opposite side of the inner pane 36, that is to say the side which faces an interior region of the vehicle 12 when the windshield 10 is installed, the masking mask 30 which can be arranged reversibly is shown. It is dimensioned such that it borders the viewing window 40 of the camera device 18 . This masking mask 30 is made of a heat-resistant material, for example. The heat-resistant material includes, for example, metal and/or metal alloys and/or ceramic components, with any mixing ratio of the individual components being conceivable. In a simple application, the masking mask 30 is only to be held in the position shown during a heat treatment and/or during a combined heat/bending treatment, so that the area of the viewing window 40 is adequately protected from unwanted influences from the process heat to be applied. The masking mask 30 is then removed. Since the masking mask 30 does not remain permanently in the position shown, a dimensioning of the masking unit 22 can thus be compared to 1 be smaller in size. The masking unit 22 can thus be dimensioned smaller in this area, resulting in a larger field of vision area for a driver, for example. The Maskie The protective mask 30 is required, for example, only during the heating of the windshield 10 for the bending process or during bending of the panes, since the masking mask 30 controls heat absorption in this area or in partial areas directly in this area and thus also the optical values of the windshield 10 in this area area can be customized during or after bending.

The masking mask 30 can be realized, for example, in the form of a sticker or the like, the main material being, for example, metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic. This sticker can, for example, be placed directly on the pane or in an insertion device by a corresponding tool, in order to provide a protective effect during the respective process step. Removal can then be accomplished in a simple peel-off process step. In other words, the masking mask 30 is designed in such a way that it can fully develop its protective effect and can still be easily pulled off or removed afterwards. A thickness of the masking mask 30 is provided depending on the application. It is also conceivable that the masking mask 30 is provided in a standard size, which can then be quickly and cost-effectively tailored or generally adapted depending on the application. It is conceivable that the simplest tools for this cut can be considered sufficient. For example, this can be a simple stamping process or a cutting process with metal scissors or scissors designed for the respective purposes or the like. It is also conceivable that such adjustment processes and/or the application of the masking mask 30 to the desired position are each carried out at least partially autonomously.

3 FIG. 10 shows a process flow diagram 100 of a process for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles. In a first method step 110, an outer pane 32, an inner pane 36 and an intermediate film 34 are provided as respective components of a laminated glass pane to be produced. In a second method step 120, a masking unit 22 is applied to the outer pane 32, so that a view is blocked from defined areas of the field of view of the outer pane 32, with at least one viewing window 40 bordered by the masking unit 22 being provided. In a third method step 130, a masking mask 30 is arranged on at least one area of an outer side of inner pane 36, so that in the at least one area a protective effect of inner pane 36 against external influences is provided, with masking mask 30 covering the at least one viewing window bordered by masking unit 22 40 outlined and left partially blank. In a fourth method step 140, the outer pane 32, the inner pane 36 and the intermediate film 34 are arranged in a user-defined manner at the respective positions of the laminated glass pane to be produced. In a fifth method step 150, a heat treatment and/or a combined heat/bending treatment is carried out on the positioned components. In a sixth method step 160, the masking mask 30 is removed after the heat treatment and/or after the combined heat/bending treatment.

The masking unit 30 can be applied to an inside of the outer pane 32, for example. In other words, it can be applied to the side of the outer pane 32 that faces the intermediate film 34 . It is also conceivable that it is applied to an outside of the outer pane 32 . It is also conceivable that it is applied proportionally both to an inside and to an outside. It is also conceivable that the masking unit 22 can be divided during the method, so that one part is applied to an inside and one part to the outside of the outer pane 32 .

Reference List

10

windshield

12

vehicle

14

vehicle roof

16

rearview mirror

18

camera device

20

mounting area

22

masking unit

24

substructure

26

masking

28

camera window

30

masking mask

32

outer pane

34

interlayer

36

inner pane

38

inside

40

viewing window

42

first auxiliary line

44

second auxiliary line

46

IR coating

100

process flow diagram

110

first step in the process

120

second process step

130

third step

140

fourth step

150

fifth step

160

sixth step

Claims (8)

Method for producing a laminated glass pane for vehicles (12), comprising the following steps: • providing an outer pane (32), an inner pane (36) and an intermediate film (34) as respective components of a laminated glass pane to be produced; • Applying a masking unit (22) to the outer pane (32), so that a view is blocked from defined areas of the field of view of the outer pane (32), at least one of the masking unit (22) bordered viewing window (40) being provided, characterized in that the method comprises the following further steps: • arranging a masking mask (30) on at least one area of an outside of the inner pane (36), so that in the at least one area a protective effect of the inner pane (36) against external influences is provided, the masking mask (30) which surrounds at least one viewing window (40) bordered by the masking unit (22) and leaves it partially free; • Custom arrangement of the outer pane (32), the inner pane (36) and the intermediate film (34) at the respective positions of the laminated glass pane to be produced; • performing a heat treatment and/or a combined heat/bending treatment on the positioned components; • Removal of the masking mask (30) after the heat treatment and/or after the combined heat/bending treatment. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the masking mask (30) comprises self-adhesive components. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the masking mask (30) is arranged with the aid of an adhesive substance and/or adhesive aids. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the masking mask (30) is provided from a refractory material. procedure after claim 4 , wherein the refractory material comprises metal and/or metal alloys and/or ceramic components. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the masking mask (30) is adapted in terms of its size and/or shape before it is arranged in terms of size and application area of the masking unit (22) and in terms of the at least one viewing window (40). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the viewing window (40) is provided in the region of a sensor viewing window of a sensor unit, in particular a camera sensor unit, which is provided in the vicinity of the installed laminated glass pane in the vehicle. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated glazing is provided in the form of a windshield.

Images