MXPA99000056A - Method for making a laminated glass sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for making a laminated glass sheet comprising at least two glass substrates (1, 2) assembled by an inter-layer sheet (3) including at least a polymer-based film (5) provided on at least one of its surfaces with a thin"functional"layer (7). The method consists in the following steps:a) cutting out the inter-layer sheet (3) in dimensions substantially identical to or greater than at least one of the glass substrates (1);b) slitting the inter-layer sheet on at least the thickness of the film (5) provided with the layer or stack of thin layers (7), so as to delimit at least a peripheral zone (8) of said film (5) located between the slitting line and its edge;c) assembling the inter-layer sheet (3) between the two glass substrates (1, 2);d) detaching by mechanical traction said peripheral zone(s) (8);e) transforming the laminated glass sheet (1, 2, 3).

Description

PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A LEAF CRUSHER DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing glazing sheets, especially those that are used to equip windshield-type vehicles. It relates more particularly to the encristalados of leaves whose intercalar to base of polymer that is arranged between the rigid substrata, generally of glass, is provided with a coating with thermal properties, mainly of reflection in the infrared, which confers to these encristalados, a protection function in relation to solar radiation totally interesting. Such types of glazing configurations are known above all from US Pat. Nos. 4,639,069, 4,669,945, EP-0 303,586 and WO-90/08334: in these patents, intercalary materials generally consisting of a polymer sheet are used. transparent polyethylene terephthalate type PET provided on one of its faces, with a reflective coating in the infrared, which is inserted between two thermoplastic polymer sheets of the polyvinylbutyral PVB type before carrying out the usual assembly of this multilayer interlayer with the two glass substrates A particular problem with this type of configuration, was raised quickly: choosing those "interlayers of multilayers" of identical dimensions to the glasses, the reflecting coating of the infrared, was found again at the level of the edges of the glasses. It usually comprises layers that can deteriorate, oxidize above all, on contact with moisture. This is particularly true for metallic layers, especially silver, which tend to corrode on its periphery, corrosion that propagates progressively over its entire surface and causes optical defects and loss of thermal performance. Solutions have already been proposed to solve this problem. Thus, the patent US-5 131 967 describes a technique that uses the laser to marginalize the reflective coating deposited on the PET, and thus avoid reaching the level of the edge of the glass sheet. However, it is a technique that seems heavy and that increases the production time considerably, since the laser must perform an ablation (or sublimation) of the reflective coating on a peripheral strip of not deleznable width.

Another solution was exposed in the patent US Pat. No. 5,220,893: this document attempts to make a cut in the thickness of the PET sheet on its contour, in such a way that the peripheral corrosion of the reflective coating stops in its propagation by this line of rupture. He is not sure that a simple line can prevent any spread of corrosion. The object of the invention is therefore to develop new methods for manufacturing this type of glazing, which preserve the quality of the reflective coating in the visibility zones, while at the same time remedying the aforementioned drawbacks, above all while being relatively simple to implement and of great efficiency and reliability. First, the invention then has as its object a first method for manufacturing a sheet glazing comprising at least two rigid substrates of the glass type assembled by means of an interlayer comprising at least one sheet based on polymer (s) provided on when less one of its faces, of a thin layer or of a stack of thermal thin layers, especially of properties of reflection in the infrared. This process comprises the following steps: a) the "complete" interlayer is cut out or already comprises at least the sheet provided with the thin layer (s) of dimensions practically identical or superior to those of one when less than the two substrates; b) - that interleaving is incised on at least the thickness of the sheet provided with the thin layer (s), so as to delimit at least one peripheral area on that sheet located between the incision line and its edge; c) - the "complete" interlayer is assembled between the two substrates by optionally attaching its missing polymer sheet (s) if it is not "complete" previously; d) - the peripheral zone (s) of the interlayer sheet are detached (n) by mechanical traction; e) - the glazing of sheets is processed. Here and throughout the rest of the text, the thin layer (s) of thermal properties will be designated, especially of infrared reflection properties under the term "functional layer (s). " The invention also comprises, under that term, one or more thin layers which, in addition to having thermal properties cumulatively or alternatively, would also have other properties, especially optical and electrical properties.

It is understood in the sense of the invention by "assembly", the operation that consists of placing correctly in relation to the others, all the elements of the glazing of leaves, before carrying out the operation that will make them definitively united. In the sense of the invention, it is understood by "transformation", this solidation operation, which generally has recourse to putting under pressure and a thermal input. In the last place, the intercalary has already been designated in the preceding, in stage (a), as being "complete" or "incomplete". In the sense of the invention, it is necessary to understand by "complete", the interlayer that already has all the sheets of polymer of the final encristalado of leaves, especially a sequence of the type PVB / PET / layer (s) functional (es) / PET / PVB (ie the polymer support of the functional layer (s) already enclosed by two sheets of the thermoplastic type polymer, which will allow its assembly with the substrate (s) s) of the glass type of the final glazing In stage (a), it may already be completely constituted and comprise all those sheets, but it may also be "incomplete", and comprise only a part, the remaining polymer sheets they are added at the time of assembly, superimposing them on the "incomplete" interlayer that was incised according to step (b) .The "incomplete" interlayer on which the incision is made, can thus comprise only the sequence of the PVB / PET type. / functional layer (s) / PET / PVB (ie the polymer support) of the functional layer (s), alone or associated with a single of the polymer sheets of the thermoplastic type that allows their assembly with one of the glass substrate (s). The process according to the invention therefore generally comprises steps (a) to (e). According to a first variant, the steps are carried out successively in the order in which they were announced above. According to a second variant, the order in which these steps are carried out can be modified, above all by inverting the order of steps (c) and (d), that is, the peripheral areas of the intercalary being incised according to stage (a) before proceeding with the assembly. In this way, it is particularly preferred to make the incision according to step (a) of the "incomplete" interlayer, especially of the PVB / PET / functional layer (s) type, and then detach the areas that are They incised, before attaching to the interlayer, their second sheet of PVB and of assembling it with the two other glass substrates. [Here and throughout the rest of the text, under a specific term of PVB, which is only an example, it is necessary to understand any sheet of thermoplastic polymer, and under the specific term of PET, any polymer sheet of the flexible type that can be provided with functional layer (s)]. The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous: in fact, in the glazing of finished sheets, the sheet provided with the reflective coating is effectively "marginalized" when the incision line follows its entire contour; the "marginalization" was operated so that the reflective coating the functional thin layer (s) is already only at the level of the edges of the glasses, which considerably reduces, and even completely eliminates, the risks of corrosion by the edges. The technique of the invention in fact authorizes a "selective marginalization", in the sense that it can be modulated as desired, the shape of the incision line (s) in order to adapt the "marginalization" in each configuration glazing, according to the extent of corrosion risks. In this way, a "marginalization" on a peripheral band of the more or less broad sheet according to the glazing can be selected. In addition, in the same glazing, the width and shape of the peripheral areas that will define the "marginalization" of the sheet can be varied, for example to "surround" in the foreseen place between substrates and sheet elements that can contribute corrosion risks, to create weaknesses in the tightness, for example as it will be further detailed, of the connection elements, of the captors, of the radio antennas, or to take into account particular geometric forms of the glazing. Accordingly, the technique according to the invention is particularly flexible and authorizes particularly marginally modular and particularly precise "marginalization". In this way, the incision line (s) can be selected in order to follow very precisely the shape of the edges of the substrates, in smaller proportions, especially so that the sheet, once the glazing is finished, present for example, the same roundness in the angles as the substrates themselves, which is totally aesthetic. It is also possible to envisage a greater "marginalization" in the areas where the edges of the glass have very specific shapes that can eventually create weaknesses in relation to attack by humidity, for example pointed shapes.

In addition, the technique of the invention is easy to implement, particularly at the time of the assembly phase. Indeed, it is convenient to place the intercalary correctly in relation to the two glasses, since the interlayer is at least as large as the latter. (If it is larger, it will be enough to make a simple final deburring). It is a bit more delicate to have to place an intercalary already "marginalized", of smaller dimensions than the two glasses, because in this case, it is necessary to foresee, above all its outline, a more or less constant distance with the edges of the glass. Advantageously, the sheet provided with the reflective thin layer (s) is based on flexible polymer (s), customarily transparent or practically transparent, especially that which belongs (n) ) to the family of polyesters, of the linear polyester type such as PET polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonates, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethersulphides, polysulfides, in general polymethacrylates. PET lends itself well to this application. Preferably, the interlayer is "composite" in the sense that it comprises several sheets based on polymers. Advantageously, there is a configuration consisting in that the sheet provided with thin layer (s), especially PET, is between at least two sheets based on thermoplastic polymer (s) that is provided (n) ) or an assembly of sheets with rigid substrates of the glass type. It can be more particularly sheets based on polyvinyl butyral PVB or PU polyurethane (s). When the interlayer is thus "composite", and when the sheet provided with thin layer (s) is incised in step (b), the sheet (s) that overheads it is incised at the same time. (n) (and possibly partially the underlying sheets). In fact, the simplest thing is to do this stage (b) on the "complete" intercalary, once all its constituent sheets are assembled. The incision of these sheets "above" the functional sheet thin layer (s), does not pose problems of peripheral tightness. In fact, at the moment of the mechanical detachment of the functional sheet during stage (d), very particularly when it comes to PET, the sheet (s) that are associated to it (s) in the intercalary, of type PVB and which could also be incised at the time of stage (b), remain (n) in place between the two rigid substrates: at the time of the transformation that uses in general at the same time, means of placing under vacuum of the suction ring type, pressing means of the glazing and heating means, when there is a "composite" intercalar of the PVB / PET / PVB type; the two sheets of PVB that are found together in the peripheral areas where the PET sheet was removed, melt one inside the other, thus creating a seal in relation to the edge of the PET sheet provided of the thin layer (s). Preferably, at the time of step (d), only the peripheral zone (s) of the sheet provided with layer (s) is peeled off. It should be noted, in the case of a PVT / PET / PVB type interlayer, the incision stage can be made on the "incomplete" double-sheet PVB / PET interlayer, then the second PVB sheet is added to the assembly. The incision according to step (b) can be carried out in different ways: and it is possible to provide a cut-out by crimping, or by a mobile element provided with a cutting element of the cutting blade or laser type. This last variant is the most advantageous, because the movement of the mobile organ can be commanded in an automated way by modifying at will its trajectory and / or its depth of cut, according to the desired line or the dimensions of the glazing of sheets to be manufactured, by simple reprogramming of the mobile organ by computer / electronic means. Above all, clipping devices of the type that are marketed by the companies ARISTO or ZÜND can be used.

With regard to the choice of the layer or stack of layers (s) intended to confer thermal properties to the glazing, especially of infrared reflection; you can select at least one of the following metals: silver, copper, nickel, chrome, indium, tantalum, niobium, aluminum, especially an alloy of the nickel / chromium type or belonging to the family of steels, or also based of metallic nitride of the TiN, ZrN type or also based on drug-laden metallic oxide (s), such as drug-tin oxide or fluorine Sn? 2: F or tin oxide indicted with tin ITO. In fact, the criterion is that the layers can be deposited on polymer substrates of the PET type by known techniques. A single layer of this type can be used, or a plurality separated by layers based on dielectric materials of the metallic oxide type (Nb205, Ta206, ln203, Ti02, Sn02, Al203, W03, etc.) or nitride of the Si3 type 4 or other materials of the MgF2 type. For more information on this type of stacking, it will be possible, above all, to report to EP-0 438 357 which describes a tantalum-based layer, EP-AO 511 901, which describes a layer based on a nickel / chromium alloy, steel or tantalum associated with dielectric layers of the type Sn02, Ti02, Ta205. One can also report to patents EP-0 506 507, EP-0 611 213, EP-0 636 587, EP-0 678 484, EP-0 718 250 for stacks using a silver layer between at least two layers of dielectric material, or also to patent EP-0 638 528 for stacks using two layers of silver interspersed with one of the layer (s) of dielectric material. In order to facilitate the detachment by mechanical traction of the peripheral areas (which were incised) of the sheet provided with the thin layer (s), at the time of step (d), it can be advantageously foreseen that those areas Peripherals are of such dimensions that they "overflow" locally from the edges of the rigid substrates, once the intercalary placed between the latter two, especially in the form of a starting tab (s) on which one (s) It is easy to exert a mechanical traction to detach those peripheral zones. To facilitate the detachment, it is preferable to provide these tabs in the extension of at least one of the edges of the glasses. According to a particular variant of the invention, it can be envisaged that the thin layer (s) of thermal properties (n) provided with electricity supply means. In this way, you can confer, at will, a function of heating layer particularly useful for demisting / de-icing glazing, especially those equipped with windscreen-type vehicles where visibility is paramount. Then it remains to fine-tune the placement of the connections that allow their electrical power, so that the operation of detachment of the peripheral areas at the time of the stage (s) of the method of the invention is not disturbing. According to another variant of the invention, it can also be provided on one of the faces, with at least one of the sheets constituting the interlayer, which is not in contact with the layer (s) of thermal properties, with a heating layer or with a network of heating wires with their adapted connections. The simplest configuration consists, in an intercalar of the type PVB / PFT / layer (s) of thermal properties / PVB, in foreseeing one of the faces of PVB destined to be put in contact with the rigid substrate of the glass type, a network of heating wires that are "embedded" in its surface, in a known manner. This network, always in a known manner, is fed by opposite current supplies, sometimes called "bus bars" and made up of metal bands of the copper type. The dimensions of this network and the placement of these "bus bars" in relation to the edge of the encristalado of leaves, can remain identical to the dimensions and the placements of this type of networks heaters of a glazing of normal sheets where the intercalary is constituted only by a thermoplastic sheet of the PVB type. In fact, according to the method of the invention, only the interlayer sheet that is provided with the thin layer (s) of thermal properties is found again "marginalized" in the glazing of sheets.; the other sheets of polymer that are associated with it, especially PVB, remain in place and are of dimensions exactly adjusted to those of the two glasses. Advantageously, the network of heating wires is dimensioned so as to be at a distance of 1 cm, especially from 6 to 8 mm, from the edge of the glass substrates of the glazing once the sheets have been glazed. The "incision line" on the sheet provided with the layer (s) of thermal properties, which will determine the peripheral areas detached subsequently from that sheet, can be of very varied profiles according to the needs. In this way, the simplest configuration can, in smaller proportions, "follow" at least in part, an identical or close profile of that of the edges of rigid substrates of the glass type. In this way, you get a "marginalization" of the aesthetic sheet, regular, very precise, which can easily adopt and follow the "rounds" of the glasses. In this way, this line can be selected so that once the assembly is made, there is a margin between the edge of the sheet and the edges of rigid substrates of the glass type, always at least 3 mm, especially from at least 5 mm, preferably approximately 6 mm. In this way, a sufficient distance is ensured between the edges of the thin layer (s) with thermal properties and the edges of the glazing itself avoids any risk of corrosion of the cap (s) by the edges. If glazing of sheets is more complex, in the sense that it comprises elements inserted between the glass and interlayer substrates, the incision line can be adapted accordingly to "lock" the aforementioned elements: once the Peripherals detached according to this line, these elements will therefore be in contact with the interlayer sheets that are not provided with layer (s) of thermal properties; the sheet provided with this layer (s) is again found with dimensions such that it "contours". The interest, here too, is that of protecting the thin layer (s) in the areas where they would be most susceptible to being attacked by corrosion, by penetration of moisture. for example, especially those where additional elements are present to the materials inherent to the encristalado of leaves. It can be any connection element, for example those mentioned above for supplying a network of heating wires, more particularly in the region of the junction with the collectors (bus-bars) and the current draw. These can also be captures of the type of volumetric sensors, humidity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, sensors of the type used in the telecuota. It can also be electronic elements of the electronic magnetic type or of wave-emitting / receiving elements of the radio antenna type. According to a variant of the invention, it can also be foreseen, at the time of step (b) of intercalary incision, to proceed to incisions in closed line, to create "windows" on the sheet provided with its layer (s) thin (s) in its central part, that is to say not in its periphery. Once they are incised, these "windows" can be detached manually from the interlayer before the assembly stage. This internal "marginalization" makes it possible to insert, in a non-peripheral part, diverse elements, on any type of captor, electronic elements evoked in the preceding, such as the receivers of the telecuota or antenna elements, for example for the "G.P.S." systems. (satellite location technique, called "Global Positioning System"). It also becomes useful to add elements in the "window" created in that way, especially to serve as a "window" that lets the electromagnetic waves that are applied to the telecuotes pass. According to the invention, it can be envisaged to hide all or part of the intercalary zones corresponding to the areas ("windows" and / or edge of the sheet) extracted from the sheet provided with the layer (s) of thermal properties, at the time of step (d), by an opaque coating. This coating can be deposited directly on one of the faces of one of the glass substrates, especially by enamel deposit. The deposit can be made on the face of the glass turned towards the outside, or on the face of the glass that is intended to be on the side of the interlayer; this last type of deposit is described above all in patent WO 94/22779. The opaque coating can also be deposited by a printing technique by means of inkjet or screen printing, on one of the glasses or on one of the faces of one of the polymer-based sheets associated with the sheet provided with the (s). ) thin layer (s) of thermal properties in the interlayer. It can also be an opaque paint deposit, especially based on polyurethane. If this deposit is made on the face of the glass turned towards the interlayer, it is necessary to provide a paint that has a good compatibility with the polymer with which it will be put in contact, to ensure a good glass / polymer adhesion in the painted area. It is also possible to dull the edge of one of the PVB sheets in an interlayer of the PVB / PET / PVB type, even if dyeing it in the mass. Indeed, it is advantageous to use the sheets of the PVB type that already exist and which are provided in their periphery with a band colored in the mass, especially in the blue or green, with possibly a gradient of coloration, especially in the interior of the sheet. For this type of concealment, it is ensured that, once assembled, it will not be possible to distinguish at the periphery of the glazing of leaves, slightly clearer areas, of a slightly different shade corresponding to the "marginalized" areas of the sheet provided with the (s) layer (s). However, this is not essential on the aesthetic level: in effect, the invention allows to obtain a very clear, very precise "transition", finally quite aesthetic in itself, which it is not necessary to hide imperatively. A particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention consists in manufacturing a sheet glazing constituted by two glass substrates assembled by a "three-layer" interlayer, of which a PET sheet provided with at least one layer that reflects the infrared , of the metallic type, and disposed between two sheets of thermoplastic polymer of the PVB type; the sheet and its layer are retracted in relation to the edges of the two glasses and those two sheets of thermoplastic polymer come to seal their periphery, by means of gluing, in relation to the outside. In fact, the assembly of a sheet glazing is generally done by heating and putting under pressure, especially by passage of glazing in an autoclave: in fact, the edges of the two sheets of PVB, become sticky and, softening they go to solidarity in the peripheral area where the sheet of the PET type was "marginalized", making the reflecting layer perfectly sealed. As mentioned above, in those areas of "withdrawal" and / or in the "windows" provided inside or on the edge of the PET-type sheet, some connecting elements, captor, antenna are possibly inserted. , electronic element, which are thus "submerged" in the PVB or in the PVB / glass interface. The subject of the invention is also a method for manufacturing the same type of glazing that meets the same criteria as the preceding method and which constitutes a particular embodiment. This second method comprises the following steps: a) the "complete" interlayer is cut out or already comprises at least the sheet provided with the thin layer (s) of dimensions practically identical or superior to those of one at least the two glass substrates (stage identical to that of the first procedure); b) - this interleaving is incised on at least the thickness of the sheet provided with the thin layer (s), one towards the "interior" of the other, in order to delimit at least one area between those two lines; c) - at least the sheet provided with the thin layer (s) in this area delimited by the two incision lines is extracted from the intercalary; d) - the "complete" interlayer is assembled between the two glass substrates, optionally attaching its missing polymer sheet (s), if not "complete" previously (stage identical to the step (c) of the first method); e) - the glazing of sheets is processed (stage identical to step (e) of the first method). (The terminology is the same as for the preceding procedure). Here it is understood by incision lines, "one inside the other", two lines such that the inner area delimited by one of the two lines is completely included in the area delimited by the other line. In fact, here, it's not about "marginalize" the PET sheet of the interlayer, but to extract from it a bank, a "gutter" at a close distance from the edge of the intercalary, bank, "gutter", corresponding to the area of the sheet located between the two lines of incision and that is going to be extracted before assembly. Therefore, it is not avoided that corrosion principles of the thin layer (s) may eventually appear on the outer periphery of the glazing once it has been transformed, but these corrosion principles will be completely "stopped" by this "gutter", which creates a sufficient discontinuity in the layer (s) to prevent the propagation of corrosion towards the central part of the glazing. Eventually, the periphery of the glazing can be hidden where traces of corrosion may appear, especially by an opaque coating such as those described in the context of the first procedure. In this specific embodiment, such as the more general method according to the invention mentioned above, it is therefore to be understood that in the final glazing, the integrity of the functional layer in the glazing visibility zone is maintained especially two cases of figures: - either, the layer (and its support) is truly "marginalized"; in this case the whole of the remaining layer in the final glazing is protected; - either, thanks to the "gutter" described above, there is no "marginalization" in the sense that the layer and its support are not necessarily retracted in relation to the edges of the glazing of the final glazing, but rather that the central area of the layer bounded by the "innermost" incision line remains integral; the area of the layer outside the "gutter", ie the most peripheral zone, is considered as "sacrificed" no longer forming part of the functional layer "operational" / "effective" in the sense of the invention. The width of the "gutter" can be modulated at will. It can take the form of a strip of constant thickness, whose profile follows, in smaller proportions, those of the edges of the glass. It can also be a variable width, especially wider in the areas most susceptible to corrosive attack. This "gutter" can be removed before assembly, by mechanical traction, manually or in an automated manner. If the incision is made on the thickness of the sheet provided with the layer (s) of the PET type, but also on the sheet covering it and forming part of the interlayer, for example of PVB, it may be preferable, a Once the extraction has been carried out, add a strip of PVB of adapted dimensions in the extracted area, so that the quality of the set of leaves is not affected by the fact of a locally intercalary of smaller thickness. However, it is not essential, especially when the width of the "gutter" is small, which is generally the case (in the order of 1 to 3 mm for example). Another subject of the invention is another method for manufacturing the same type of encristala-do, which meets the same criteria as the two procedures that proceed: a ') - the interlayer is cut to dimensions smaller than those of the two substrates of glass; b ') - the interlayer is placed in contact with one of the two glass substrates, so that it is, at least in part, in retraction in relation to the edges of the glass; c ') - on the face of the glass turned towards the interlayer left bare by the retraction of the latter, one or several strips based on polymer are prepared, especially of thermoplastic polymer of the PVB type; d ') - This first glass provided with the interlayer and with this strip (s) is assembled with the second glass, and then the customary transformation is carried out for the encristallation of leaves. Here, we must understand by "interleaving" the same structure and nature of materials as in the framework of the preceding procedures (type PVB / PET / - / layer (s) / PVB). For step (a1), an interleaving size is selected such that, in fact, the desired "marginalization" is obtained, generally in "normal" forms at the square corners, although it is not excluded that it has a more complex modulated profile . For stage (c '), a strip (s) of thermoplastic polymer that will play the role of peripheral sealing gasket is used in the zones, which guarantees the sealing of the (s) thin layer (s) with properties) thermal (s) and the encristalado of leaves in general. By selecting PVB-based strips, compatibility is optimized with the thermoplastic polymer sheets of the interlayer containing the sheet provided with the thin layer (s), the one (s), as saw in what precedes, (is) are customarily based on PVB. The strips can have exactly the complementary form of the intercalary shape to reach the level of the edges of the glass, or be of smaller dimensions, in a slightly simpler way: at the time of assembly, this strip (s) ) is (are) in fact susceptible to deformation, under the effect of heat and / or pressure, and also fill all the available gap, an eventual "overflow" that needs a final deburring. You can search to have a maximum sealing effect, selecting the composition of this strip (s) in an appropriate way. In this way, it can be treated at the base of the PVB, but from which the formulation was optimized to reinforce its moisture barrier properties, for example, by addition of appropriate additives known to the man skilled in the art. This strip (s) can be deposited by an operator manually, or by means of an appropriate device, especially automated. The invention will be described in more detail below, with the help of non-limiting embodiments that are supported on the figures below: Figure 1: the glazing of sheets once assembled according to the first and second method of the invention; Figures 2 and 3: stages in the manufacture of the glazing of figure 1, according to the first method; Figure 4: a step in the manufacture of glazing sheets, according to the second method; Figure 5: a step in the manufacture of the sheet glazing of Figure 1, according to the third method of the invention. For more clarity, these figures are extremely schematic and do not respect, above all, the proportions between the dimensions, especially the thicknesses, of the different materials represented. gJBHPM »1: This example relates to figures 1 to 3 and to the first method according to the invention. Figure 1 represents in section, the glazing of sheets 10 once finished. It is a vehicle windshield. The two rigid substrates 1, 2, of silica-sodo-calcium glass approximately 2 to 3 mm thick, are seen assembled by means of an interlayer 3 which is decomposed in a central sheet 5 of PET coated on one of its faces with a coating of sun protection properties 7 and disposed between two sheets of PVB 4, 6. The two glasses 1, 2, which are shown as flat, can in fact be curled: the PET sheet 5 has a thickness of 50 μm; - each of the two sheets of PVB 4, 5, has a thickness of 0.38 mm; the coating 7 is decomposed into a first layer of dielectric material of type ln203, superimposed by a reflecting layer of silver, that same layer superimposed by a layer of dielectric material of the ln203 type. This type of stacking is described, for example, in more detail in patent WO-92/10632 and has a square resistance in ohm of 4ohm / square; the sheet 5 of PET is "marginalized" above all its outline in relation to the edges of the glasses 1, 2, over a distance (d) (variable distance). On the face of the PVB sheet 4 turned towards the glass 2, a network of heating wires 15 can be embedded with their suitable current collectors 16. In the "marginalized" zone of the PET sheet 5 provided with the coating 7, the two sheets 4, 6, of PVB were joined together to form a sealing gasket 12. The method of manufacturing such a glazing is carried out in the following manner: - as shown in figure 2 in section; it is placed on an appropriate reference surface S, the interlayer 3 cut to dimensions identical or almost identical to those that it must have to reach the level of the edges of the glasses 1, 2, once placed between them. Then, a cutting tool of which only the cutting blade 13 has been shown, comes to incise the thickness of the "upper" PVB sheet 6 and the thickness of the sheet 5 provided with its coating 7, referring in relation to the surface S (or in relation to the reference surface S 'according to the external face of the PVB sheet 6).

As shown in figure 3, with the interlayer once incised, seen from above, this line 1 follows the contour c of the edge of the interlayer 3, in smaller proportions, so as to define a peripheral area 8 of width p variable, which defines above all two round "enclaves" 8 'and 8"at the level of the two edges of the intercalary. A "window" 8"'is also provided, by means of an incision on the same depth according to the closed line 1'. A "pull tab" 9 is also provided, in the prolongation of the smaller edge of the interlayer 3, is a small surface intended to "overflow" the glazing once the interlayer 3 is placed between the two glasses 1, 2, with an incision line 1"designed to facilitate the" breaking "of this tongue at the moment of the detachment of the zone 8. Manually thereafter, the" window "8'1 ', that is to say the incised zone of the sheet 5, is detached and the sheet of PVB 4, and then, in the place of the "window", a "tablet" of PVB of size adjusted to the dimension of the zone 8 '' 'is added, in order to preserve when inserting 3, a thickness practically uniform. (For example, another solution is to incise only the 3/4 parts of the contour 1 ', to lift the incised area of the PVB 6, to completely remove the area of the sheet 5 that corresponds to the "window", and then to return to put the incised area of the PVB 6 in. Then, afterwards, it is useless to add the "tablet" that precedes, since the thickness of the interlayer 3) is practically maintained. Then, the intercalar 3 incisado, is placed between the two glasses 1, 2. These three elements are kept in position, then pulled on the start tab 9, which has as a consequence the detachment of the glazing, the peripheral zone 8, of only the PET sheet 5 provided with its coating 7. To facilitate this operation, a second tab can be provided of starting, preferably located in the corner diametrically opposite to the first. The peripheral zone of the PVB sheet 6 that was also incised remains in place, due to the fact of its superior adhesion to glass 1, as well as to PET 5, even before any real transformation operation. In this way, the PET sheet 5 is "marginalized" in a fully modulatable manner. In this way, the "enclave" 8 'is studied in a way to be able to insert between glass 1, 2, and intersperse 3, in this area, an element of the captor or magnetic type; the "latch" 8"may advantageously correspond to the junction zone between the collectors 16 and those supplied with current; and the "window" 8 '' 'may allow to insert a captor for telepayment or telecuota, or an antenna G.P.S. The covering 7"thus avoids any contact with these sensors and electrical connection areas and, in general, above all turns around all the areas most susceptible to being attacked by moisture.

EXAMPLE 2: This second example is in accordance with the second method of the invention, which uses technical means quite similar to the first procedure as shown in figure 4. The difference lies in the manner in which the thickness of the assembly is incised PET (5) / layers (7) / PVB (7) which is depicted in Figure 2; this time, we proceed to two closed incision lines 1- ^, 12; the incision line 12 is inside the area delimited by the incision line 1 ^, so as to create a zone 15 that lies between the lines 1- ^ and 12. Figure 4 represents the simplest embodiment, which consists in that this zone 15 has the form of a thin strip of constant width "following" the edge of the interlayer. The incision lj is made approximately 4 to 8 mm from the edge of the interlayer, especially at 6 mm; the incision 12 is operated so that the strip 15 has a minimum width of 1 mm, and especially of 1 to 2 mm approximately.

Once the two incisions are made, this layer 15 is then extracted, which therefore comprises the PET / layers / PVB stack, which creates a "gutter" in the interlayer whose "gutter" ensures a discontinuity in the layers 7. It is then proceeds, in a customary manner, to the assembly and transformation of glazing. The resulting glazing, unlike that according to FIG. 1, therefore has a PET sheet and a coating 7 that arrives, but in discontinuity, at the level of zone 15, thus preventing propagation from from the edge of the glazing. Here, the extracted zone 15 has a width x of just 1 mm in width, therefore of sufficiently small size so that the reduced thickness of the interlayer in that place does not cause defects in the sheets of the glazing. You can also choose: - either make incisions only on the "incomplete" interlayer devoid of the last layer of PVB, which is then added; - either make the incisions on the "complete" interlayer and come, after the extraction of the strip 15, add a little polymer to save when inserting an almost constant thickness.

EXAMPLE 3: According to the third method according to the invention, a glazing of leaves is obtained, very similar to the first one, with the same elements. The difference lies in the nature of the seal 12 according to FIG. 1. In this case, it is an added joint, which does not come from, or does not exclusively come from, the deformation of the two sheets 4, 6, PVB, and whose chemical composition was selected to be particularly sealed to liquid water and water vapor. The manufacturing process is carried out in the following manner: the assembly of the intercalary 3 is cut out, to dimensions smaller than those of glasses 1 and 2, with square corners. - then, as shown in figure 5, the interlayer 3 is placed on the first glass 2, then a strip 14 of PVB "tight" in the areas of the glass that is left bare. This strip, for simplicity, can be simple geometrical shape, for example, obtained from a tape of parallelepiped section and of adequate thickness in relation to that of the interlayer, which is placed around intercalary 3. It could also be four strips, one for each of the bare edges. This strip 14, at the time of transformation, is deformed to occupy the entire inter-glass gap 1, 2, which was left free by the interlayer 3. In fact, in particular, the interlayer 3 is dimensioned so that its dimensions are equal to those of the glass 2, at least the width of the strip 14 that is used. After placing this strip 14, it is only necessary to place the second glass 1, then proceed to assembly by means of the usual techniques. It should be noted that the joining area 17 between the beginning and the end of the strip 14 is preferably provided obliquely in relation to the edges of the glasses 1, 2, to ensure a good tightness at this level, even in case of a non-continuous connection. According to the first, the second or the third procedure, the encristallation of sheets according to the invention, thanks to the coating 7, has interesting sun protection properties: it can have values of light transmission TL of the order of 76% to 78% reflection luminous RL of at most 10%, energy transmission TE at most 50%, and infrared reflection greater than 45% (measured with illuminant D65).

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS 1.- Process for manufacturing a sheet glazing comprising at least two glass substrates assembled by means of an interlayer comprising at least one sheet based on polymer (s) provided on at least one of its faces, with a layer thin or with a stack of functional thin layers, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) - the "complete" interlayer is cut out or already comprising at least the sheet provided with the thin layer (s) of dimensions practically identical or superior to those of at least one of the two glass substrates; b) - that interleaving is incised on at least the thickness of the sheet provided with the layer or the stack of thin layers of reflection properties in the infrared, in order to delimit at least one peripheral zone; that leaf is located between the incision line and its edge; c) - the "complete" interlayer is assembled between the two glass substrates, possibly attaching its missing polymer sheet (s); d) - it is detached (n) by mechanical traction, that (s) peripheral zone (s); e) - the glazing of sheets is processed; the stages are carried out in this order or in a different order, above all by inverting the order of stages (c) and (d).
2. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet is based on flexible polymers, of the linear polyester type such as polyethylene terephthalate PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethersulfide, polysulfide and polymethacrylate.
3. 3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the interlayer comprises several sheets based on polymers, with especially the sheet provided with the layer or with the stack of layers of properties in the infrared, arranged between two sheets based on thermoplastic polymers, especially polyvinyl butyral PVB or polyurethane (s) PU.
4. 4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interleaving comprises a plurality of sheets based on polymer (s) and in which the sheet provided with the layer or layer is incised at the time of step (b). stacking of thin layers of reflection properties in the infrared and the sheet (s) of polymers that overlay it (n).
5. 5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that, at the time of step (d), only the peripheral zone (s) of the sheet provided with the layer or with the stack of layers of reflection properties in the infrared.
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the incision is operated by crimping, or by trimming with the aid of a mobile member provided with a cutting element or with a laser.
7. 7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral zone (s) of the sheet is (are) conceived so as to overflow locally from the edges of the substrates of glass, especially in the form of a starting tongue (s) on which (s) a mechanical pull is exerted to detach that peripheral zone (s), at the time of the stage (d).
8. 8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer or stack of thin layers, comprise at least one layer based on at least one metal belonging mainly to the group comprising: silver, copper, indium , gold, nickel, chromium, aluminum, tantalum, niobium, or on the basis of at least one toxic metal oxide, especially tin oxide or fluoride Sn02.F or tin oxide indicted with tin ITO or metal nitride of the type TiN, Zrn.
9. 9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thin layer (s) of infrared reflection properties are (are) provided with means of electricity supply to make it (s) heater (s).
10. 10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the faces is provided with at least one of the constituent sheets of the interlayer, which is not in contact with the layer (s) of reflection properties in the infrared, with a network of heating wires.
11. 11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line of incision, in smaller proportions, follows at least in part, a profile close or identical to that of the edges of the glass substrates.
12. 12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line of incision delimits a continuous peripheral area on the sheet so that, once the assembly was made, there is a margin between the edge of the sheet and the edges of the sheet. edges of the glass substrates, always at least 3 mm, especially about 6 mm.
13. 13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that two lines of incision are practiced so as to extract from the sheet, a "gutter" that delimits the "operational" area of the layer.
14. 14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral zone (s) that are incised from the sheet delimited by the incision line (s), is (are) designed so as to "lock" the elements intended to be inserted between the glass substrates and the interlayer in the encristalado of leaves, especially connection elements of the type brought of current, captors of the volumetric collector type, humidity sensors, electronic elements of the electronic magnetic type, radio antenna, or create "windows", especially to pass electromagnetic waves.
15. 15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that before assembly, the interlayer is also incised on at least the thickness of the sheet provided with the thin layer (s), in order to delimit a closed line on itself, which allows you to create "windows".
16. 16. - Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that all or part of the intercalary zones corresponding to the extracted zone (s) of the sheet are hidden at the time of step (d), by an opaque coating, especially by depositing enamel on the outside or inside face of at least one of the glass substrates, or by printing, ink screen printing, on one of the faces of one of the associated polymer-based sheets to the leaf in the interlayer, or dyeing in the mass the edge of at least one of those leaves, especially in the form of a band of degraded coloration.
17. 17. Glazing of sheets that is obtained above all according to the method according to the preceding claims, comprising two glass substrates assembled by a multilayer interlayer, of which a sheet of PET type provided with at least one functional thin layer and disposed between two sheets of thermoplastic polymer of the PVB type, characterized in that the sheet and its layer are retracted in relation to the edges of the two glass substrates and those of the two sheets of thermoplastic polymer; those leaves come to seal their periphery, by means of gluing, in relation to the exterior.
18. 18. Glazing of sheets obtained, in particular, according to the method according to the preceding claims, comprising two glass substrates assembled by a multilayer interlayer, of which a PET-type sheet provided with at least one functional thin layer and disposed between two sheets of thermoplastic polymer of the PVB type, characterized in that the sheet and its layer are provided with a "gutter" that preserves the integrity of the inner zone of the layer defining that "gutter".
19. 19. Glazing sheet obtained mainly according to claims 17 or 18, characterized in that elements of connection type, captor are inserted between the two glass substrates at the level of the areas of retraction of the sheet. , antenna, electronic elements.
20. 20. Glazing sheet obtained mainly according to claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the sheet provided with its layer, has at least one "window" that allows the insertion of elements of type connection elements, captor, antenna , electronic elements, or that is left as such to serve as a "window" for the passage of electromagnetic waves.
21. 21. Glazing sheet obtained according to claims 17 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a network of heating wires, especially on one of the faces of one of the sheets constituting the interleaving that is not in contact with the layer thin functional, but the network is distant at most 1 cm from the edge of the glass substrates.