WO2006058517A1

WO2006058517A1 - Method and device for producing units for creating flat-panel monitors and the like, and device for evacuating/filling the intermediate space within such units

Info

Publication number: WO2006058517A1
Application number: PCT/DE2005/002112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reinhard Schummers; Francisco Lopez; Dieter Johnen
Original assignee: Elino Industrie-Ofenbau Carl Hanf Gmbh & Co.Kg
Priority date: 2004-12-01
Filing date: 2005-11-24
Publication date: 2006-06-08
Also published as: KR101176056B1; KR20070121635A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing units consisting of two glass panels which are interconnected by means of a connecting medium, especially a glass filter, and comprise an intermediate space, said units being used to create flat-panel monitors, flat discharge lamps and the like. The invention is characterised in that the intermediate space is evacuated before the gas-tight interconnection of the glass panels. According to the invention, the intermediate space is filled with the process gas via an opening in the glass panel. Especially a continuous furnace/pusher-type furnace is used as the inventive device. The invention also relates to a device for evacuating the intermediate space of the units and for filling the same with a process gas.

Description

Method and device for producing units for the production of flat screens and the like Like. And means for evacuating / filling the gap of such units

The present invention relates to a method for producing glass panels made of two interconnected via a connection medium, in particular a glass frit, which have a gap, existing units for the production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps and the like.

It is known to produce such units by gluing two glass panels together with a glass frit under normal pressure and air. As a glass frit here usually a lead dioxide glass is used. For gluing, the glass frit is heated until it reaches a molten state. During the melting and subsequent hardening, outgassing takes place, whereby, inter alia, oxygen is formed, which collects in the intermediate space between the two glass panels. The gap formed between the glass panels must then be evacuated to fill it with a process gas, which is usually a noble gas mixture, such as a neon / xenon mixture. The evacuation must be carried out very carefully, since no gas contaminants may remain, which may affect the operation of the flat screen, etc. manufactured. To evacuate, a so-called pumping stem is attached to a glass panel, which has a so-called pump stem

Glass panel surrounds provided hole. The exhaust tube is connected to a conduit through which the space between the two glass panels is evacuated, whereby the frit gas that has entered into the interspace is also removed. As mentioned, this evacuation process must be done very carefully and therefore usually takes about 4 - 10 h. After filling with the process gas attached to the exhaust tube glass tube is melted, so that a characteristic nipple remains on the product.

This known method has the disadvantage that it takes a very long time, since the evacuation can be done only over the small cross section of the bore and the exhaust tube. Furthermore, there is the danger in this method that despite the long-lasting evacuation by the outgassing of the glass frit formed gaseous impurities remain in the space, so that no error-free product is formed. Finally, the energy costs are high in this known method, since the evacuation over a relatively long period of time in a chamber furnace under heating is performed to achieve an acceleration of evacuation.

The present invention has for its object to provide a method of the type specified, which can be carried out particularly quickly and safely.

This object is achieved by a method of the type indicated with the following steps:

a. Applying the bonding medium to at least one glass panel, at least partially curing it, and forming a height varying border from the bonding medium;

b. Placing the other glass panel on the border to form a natural broken gap and mechanically securing the two glass panels together;

c. Preheating the formed unit to a first temperature;

d. Evacuating the gap during further heating of the unit to the temperature required for the connection of the connection medium through the natural gap interrupted and thus gas-tight connection of the glass panels; and

e. Cool the unit to room temperature and if necessary release the mechanical fastening. The above-described and inventive method is characterized over the prior art essentially in that it is not evacuated via the relatively low cross-section having exhaust tube, but on the natural gap formed between glass frit and Glaspaneel, so that the actual evacuation process proceed much faster can as in the prior art. In this evacuation process, the gaseous impurities formed by the outgassing of the connecting medium (the glass frit) are also removed from the intermediate space. The evacuation of the gap is carried out during further heating of the unit to the necessary connection temperature of the connecting medium through the natural gap interrupted until by reaching the Verbindungstmeperatur (melting of the glass frit) both glass panels are connected (glued). It is to be assumed that the gaseous impurities formed by the outgassing of the connecting medium (the glass frit) have been completely removed with the space. To be on the safe side, one can switch before the subsequent filling of the gap with the process gas through the opening in the glass panel another evacuation step to remove said impurities, but this step can be handled relatively quickly. In a further development of the method according to the invention, which ensures particularly good removal of the gaseous impurities of the connecting medium (the glass frit), the procedure is as follows:

During or before evacuation of the gap, the formed unit is heated to a second temperature below the bonding temperature of the bonding medium (glass frit melting temperature) and an equilibrium temperature at which the outgassing of the bonding medium (the glass frit) substantially stops has come. This equilibrium temperature depends in particular on the bonding medium used (on the glass frit used), but also on the glass of the glass panels used, and must be determined empirically on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to subsequently heating the unit to the bonding temperature (glass frit melting temperature) to bond the panels, the space of the unit is then flooded with an inert gas to build up a partial pressure in the system which acts. that no further outgassing of the connecting medium (the glass frit) takes place. Such outgassing would be harmful because the resulting impurities would be trapped in the space and would have to be removed in a very expensive way again from this over the provided in the panel opening with a small cross-section. In any case, the inert gas introduced into the intermediate space prevents further outgassing of the connecting medium, so that, without substantial contamination of the intermediate space, the connecting element is prevented from escaping. Dungsvorgang (gluing process) of both panels can take place.

As the gas for flooding the gap, the process gas or a part of the process gas is preferably used, so that a subsequent removal of the inert gas used for flooding is no longer required, at least to the full extent. If, for example, a neon-xenon gas mixture is used as the process gas, neon is preferably used as the gas for flooding the interspace, which is relatively inexpensive. This neon is then later partially withdrawn and replaced by the desired xenon / neon mixture.

Since the flooding of the intermediate space takes place via the interrupted gap formed between glass frit and glass panel, this process takes place very rapidly, so that there is no significant delay in the process. The inert gas used for flooding is then enclosed by the bonding in the gap, wherein, as mentioned, due to the built-up in the intermediate space partial pressure no further outgassing of the connecting medium (the glass frit) takes place more. The introduction of the process gas in the exchange or partial replacement of the inert gas in the space then takes place either in the same or a separate process through an opening in a glass panel, which is opened to introduce the process gas and closed after completion of the introduction. After cooling, the mechanical attachment of the glass panels is released, so that a finished unit for Production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps and the like. is available.

The method according to the invention is carried out in one or more chambers in order to carry out the respective method steps. Thus, the step of preheating the formed unit to a first temperature takes place in a chamber filled with air or inert gas. The step of evacuating the intermediate space of the unit is pre- preferably in a next chamber instead, wherein an evacuation preferably to a vacuum of about 10 ^{"5 to} ^{10" 6} is effected mbar. The subsequent further heating to the bonding temperature of the bonding medium (the melting temperature of the glass frit) while flowing with an inert gas is preferably carried out in another chamber. For filling with the process gas, the unit is preferably transferred again into another chamber.

With the method according to the invention, a significant time saving is achieved over the known method, since the evacuation is not carried out over the relatively small cross-section of the opening provided in the panel, but over the interrupted gap between glass panel and glass frit. Further, since the gas used for flooding is introduced via this gap, this process also takes place very quickly. If the later used process gas is used for flooding, a later gas exchange is no longer required, so that the process is particularly rapid. In most cases, however, for economic reasons, at least part of the inert gas used for flooding will be replaced by the process gas. so that only this exchange process over the provided in the panel opening with a small cross section must be performed. If, for example, the process gas consists of a neon-xenon mixture with a much higher proportion of neon, the relatively cheap neon is used for flooding and later only a small amount of neon is replaced by the desired gas mixture in order to obtain the process gas. This procedure has the advantage that the expensive xenon does not have to be used for flooding out of the gas chamber.

In addition, can be reduced with the inventive method, the Committee, since the probability of fouling of gaseous contaminants within the gap is particularly low. The evacuation step removes the outgassing of the bonding medium (glass frit) from the gap. This is preferably done until a state of equilibrium is reached and the compound medium no longer outgassed. In this state, all outgassing are thus removed from the intermediate space. By the subsequent flooding of the intermediate space with an inert gas, a further outgassing is prevented during bonding (bonding), so that no more gaseous impurities are trapped in the intermediate space. The process thus guarantees with great certainty a contamination-free intermediate space.

Other advantages of the method according to the invention arise in terms of energy costs, since the very long and energy-consuming heating cycles of the chamber furnace processes omitted. As mentioned, the temperature to which the unit is heated before or during the evacuation of the gap (equilibrium temperature) depends on the glass panels used and the bonding medium used. The corresponding temperature is to be determined empirically. With the commonly used as glass frit Bleioxidgläsern it is approximately in a range of 350 ° C-400 ⁰ C, with a usual value is about 390 ⁰ C, that is lent considerable below the sticking temperature of the glass frit.

After the bonding (bonding) of the unit (preferably at about 390 ° C), it is cooled to room temperature. If the intermediate space has already been flooded with the process gas, a further process gas filling or gas exchange is no longer necessary per se. However, as mentioned above, this will usually be the case, so that the inert gas used for flooding is then preferably removed via the opening provided in a glass panel and replaced by the process gas mixture. The opening provided for this purpose in a glass panel was preferably closed during the preceding steps and is now opened to carry out this step. After completion of the filling process, the opening is permanently closed. The mechanical attachment (clamping device) used to put the two glass panels together can now or already be cooled to room temperature after the unit has cooled.

In the method according to the invention, the opening provided in a glass panel is neither for evacuation nor for flooding is required with the inert gas, the opening is kept closed during these process steps. This is preferably done by means of a closed exhaust tube, which covers such an opening. The exhaust tube is preferably affixed to the glass panel over the opening with a glass frit, particularly along with the application of the bonding medium (the glass frit) to at least one glass panel to form the border and cure or bond the same to the panels. But he may also have been attached to the panel before the start of the process. For carrying out the method according to the invention, therefore, a glass panel is preferably provided with a glued-on exhaust tube for filling the intermediate space with the process gas. For gas pumping and / or filling of the interspace of the unit, this pump stem, which is arranged above the opening and which faces the opening, can be opened, specifically at the predetermined breaking point provided in the exhaust tube by heating, mechanical stress and / or or the pulse applied by the gas to be introduced is destroyed. After completion of the filling process with the process gas, the exhaust tube is closed by melting.

The inventive method can be used for the production of any units consisting of two interconnected via a glass frit glass panels whose space is filled or filled with a gas (process gas). Such units are, for example, for the manufacture of flat screens, flat discharge lamps, backlights and the like. used. You In any case, it covers all possible areas of application.

As mentioned, the exhaust tube is glued to the glass panel which has the opening, preferably during the formation of the border. The closing of the exhaust tube is done by merging the same or the connected glass line, this is done in particular by a localized heating.

The bonding medium (the glass frit) for forming the border is preferably applied in a mountain and valley shape in order to achieve the natural interrupted gap after evacuation of the second glass pane, which is used to evacuate and to introduce the gas used for flooding. This gap is formed by the respective spaces between the valleys of the border and the glass panel.

The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method described above. This device is characterized in that it comprises means for heating, evacuating and cooling the unit and, according to a particular embodiment, a downstream station for evacuating and filling with process gas. The device is preferably designed as a furnace having a plurality of successively arranged and mutually sealed treatment chambers in the conveying direction. The unit to be produced is successively passed through the respective treatment chambers and subjected to the appropriate treatments. Here is the funding of the Furnace on which the units are arranged and transported, not critical, so that various types of funding can be used. For example, these may be roles. It is essential, of course, that the funding is not affected by the various treatment steps (heating, evacuation, etc.).

In general, the method according to the invention can be carried out with a suitable device in a continuous or discontinuous manner. As a continuous furnace, a pass-through furnace is suitable. As a batch furnace, a chamber furnace, hood furnace, Hubherdofen, rotary kiln is suitable.

Several units to be treated can be stacked to form respective treatment packages. The treatment packages can then be treated continuously or discontinuously, for example in a special oven, which may comprise a plurality of shuttle kilns on which a retort (bell) is placed, in which a package of units arranged one above another is located. These shuttle kilns move in succession through a tunnel in which the corresponding heating and cooling steps are carried out. Each individual shuttle kiln is already provided with corresponding connections in order to be able to carry out the evacuation step and / or flooding step within the retort. Thus, evacuation and gas flooding within the retort occurs in this device, while heating and cooling occur indirectly within the tunnel through which the individual shuttle kilns pass. The station downstream of the unit for heating, evacuating and cooling the unit preferably has an evacuating / filling device, which is pressed in a sealed manner against a glass panel of the unit and has a tubular body enclosing the panel ovens or the Puinpstengel and an evacuation port and a process gas connection, which are in communication with the tubular body. This evacuating / filling device is used for evacuating the interspace of the unit via the opening and the exhaust tube and for filling the intermediate space with process gas. It preferably has a heater for heating the exhaust tube in order to destroy in this way the provided on the exhaust tube predetermined breaking point and thereby open the exhaust tube. This does not exclude that the opening of the exhaust tube can also be done in other ways, as indicated above.

As a bonding medium, a suitable glass frit is preferably used, as it is known for example from the prior art. The mentioned "bonding temperature" is the temperature necessary for bonding the glass panels (bonding temperature, melting temperature, etc.) The formed border of the bonding medium is, for example, a closed strand of the glass frit, etc. It is essential that the glass panels be gas-tight be connected to each other.

The interspace of the unit may undergo one or more purge operations and thereafter evacuated and with inert gas or process gas to be filled. This can be done as a pressure swing rinse.

As mentioned, the connection medium (the glass frit) can be applied in a mountain and valley shape to form the border, so that (after curing) the desired natural interrupted gap results. However, it is also possible to produce a desired gap by subsequent grinding of the hardened border.

It should also be added that quasi-continuously operating furnaces, for example stovepipe continuous furnaces, are suitable for the process according to the invention.

It is understood that the present invention with respect to the furnaces used for carrying out the invention corresponding loading and unloading, infeed and Ausschleuseeinrichtungen, gas circulation means, drive means for the pumped medium, etc. covers. The downstream station can also have an additional heater for heating the glass panels.

The present invention further relates to a device for evacuating the gap of consisting of two interconnected glass panels units and for filling the gap with a process gas for the production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps u. like.

According to the invention, a device of the type described above is to be created, with which both the evacuation of the gap and the filling of the same can be performed with process gas in a particularly simple, convenient and safe way.

This object is achieved by a device for evacuating the gap of existing two glass panels interconnected units and filling the gap with a process gas for the production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps u. Like. solved, with

an evacuating / filling device having a cavity for receiving a exhaust tube of a Glaspaneeies a unit, connected to the cavity Evakuieranschluß and Befüllanschluß and a sealing means for placing on the glass panel around the exhaust tube around and

a device for pressing the unit against each other and the evacuating / filling device under compression of the sealing device.

In the solution according to the invention, a single device is used, which simultaneously serves to evacuate and fill the intermediate space. After evacuation is done with the device, the filling of the gap with the process gas. The device has an evacuating / filling device with a cavity which, in the installed state of the device, receives the exhaust tube of a glass pane egg of a unit to be evacuated and filled. Via the evacuation connection connected to the cavity and the cavity attached to the cavity. closed filling connection, the evacuation process via the open exhaust tube, which is followed by the filling process via the exhaust tube. The evacuating / filling device sealing device is placed on the glass panel around the exhaust tube in the installed state of the device so that a close fit of the evacuating / filling device to the glass panel is achieved and the cavity receiving the exhaust tube is sealed from the surrounding atmosphere. The sealing device is compressed by the means for pressing the unit against each other and the evacuating / filling device in order to achieve the above-mentioned tight seal.

The evacuation and filling of the gap of the unit can thus be done with the inventively designed device in a simple, convenient, quick and safe manner, since only a single device must be fixed to the unit, wherein by the juxtaposition of unit and evacuating / filling with help the sealing device provided is achieved a tight seal around the exhaust tube around. Since the evacuating / filling device has both a connection for evacuation and a connection for filling, it is possible to connect very rapidly, for example, a line leading to a process gas storage and a line leading to a vacuum pump. By means of suitable shut-off / valve devices, a line can be blocked, so that the evacuation and filling operations can be carried out in succession. Preferably, the evacuating / filling device has a central tube for forming the cavity, to which the evacuation connection and filling connection are connected. In the installed state of the device, this central tube preferably surrounds the exhaust tube at a distance, so that it is not damaged by the fitting of the device designed according to the invention. The envisaged sealing device prevents the ambient air from penetrating into the gap formed between the exhaust tube and the central tube. According to the invention, preferably a glass tube is used. The space within the tube is preferably evacuated before starting to open the sabot.

The evacuation and Befigungsanschluß expediently have a common portion which is connected to the central tube. In the installation position of the device, this common section preferably extends upwards from the central tube and then preferably divides into the laterally discharging evacuation connection and the laterally discharging filling connection. The corresponding connections are expediently formed by pipe sockets which extend at right angles to the common section.

In a further development of the invention, the evacuating / filling device has a heating device. This heater preferably surrounds the central tube and serves to heat the exhaust tube to produce a differential pressure, reflow, and the like. Like. To achieve opening of the exhaust tube, if this of the implementation of evacuation and Filling process should still be closed. The exhaust tube may be provided, for example, in a targeted manner with a predetermined breaking point, which is then opened by actuation of the heater.

The heater is preferably surrounded by insulation and is suitably on the outside of the central tube. Suitable heaters are known in the art and need not be specifically explained here.

In order to concentrate the heat energy emitted by the heater on the central cavity, the heater is, as mentioned, preferably surrounded by an insulation. Furthermore, the evacuating / filling device preferably has an upper and lower insulation which accommodates the heating device between them, which is in particular a cooling device through which, for example, a suitable cooling medium (water) flows. In this way it is prevented that thermal energy is delivered to the sealing device provided at the lower end of the evacuating / filling device and upwards to the evacuating / filling lines or connections.

As mentioned, the sealing device is preferably at the lower end (in the installed state) of the evacuating / filling device. It is expediently formed by at least one sealing ring, which in the installed state of the device presses against each other the unit and the evacuator / Befüllvorrichtung is compressed, so that the cavity is sealed airtight.

Furthermore, the device designed according to the invention is preferably provided with a device for lifting / lowering, pivoting and fore / aft movement of the evacuating / filling device and / or a pressing element of the device for pressing against one another. With this device, both the evacuating / filling device and the pressing member can be arbitrarily moved to be adapted to the position of a unit to be treated exactly. The pressing element is preferably pressed from below against the lower glass panel of the unit, while the evacuating / filling device is pressed from above against the upper glass panel, thereby receiving the exhaust tube in the cavity formed in the device. It is of particular importance that the evacuating / filling device can be moved very carefully from above against the upper glass panel in order to avoid contact with the pumping stem or even damage to it in this way. When the evacuation / filling operation is completed, the evacuating / filling device and the pressing element can be carefully moved away from the corresponding glass panels, after which the filled unit is discharged and a new unit to be treated is placed in the appropriate position between the evacuating / filling device and the pressing element can be performed.

The heating device provided according to the invention in the evacuation / filling device is preferably used not only for opening the exhaust tube, but also for closing the exhaust tube. same after completion of the filling process. The exhaust tube is then heated so that its wall is at least locally melted in the area surrounding the opening, the molten glass of the exhaust tube closing the opening formed.

The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a continuous furnace;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross section through the pre-chamber of the continuous furnace;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section through an evacuation chamber of the continuous furnace;

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a device for evacuation and filling with process gas;

Figure 5 is a vertical section of the means for evacuating and filling of Figure 4 on an enlarged scale; and

FIG. 6 shows five vertical sectional views through various embodiments of exhaust stems which are arranged on a glass panel. The device shown in Figure 1 for carrying out the method according to the invention has a device for heating, evacuation and cooling of the unit and a downstream station for evacuating and filling the unit with process gas. The device is designed as a continuous furnace 1, which has a plurality of successively arranged and mutually sealed treatment chambers in the conveying direction. From left to right in the figure, the continuous furnace has a heating chamber 2, three evacuation chambers 3, a flooding chamber 4, a bonding chamber 5, an atmosphere separation chamber 6 and a cooling chamber 7. As a conveyor, the continuous furnace 1 has a roller conveyor, which consists of a Assembled plurality of rollers 8 and passes through all the chambers, wherein the respective inlet and outlet openings of the respective chamber with respect to the surrounding atmosphere or against the adjacent chamber are sealed. FIG. 1 shows how a plurality of units 9 to be treated move on the rollers 8.

The units 9 can pass through the continuous furnace continuously or discontinuously. The motion control can be controlled via the roller drive of the individual chambers.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the heating chamber or prechamber 2. In the interior space 10 enclosed by the chamber walls, a suitable atmosphere for preheating the unit 9 to be treated is generated by radiation and / or convection heating. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through an evacuation chamber 3. By means of lines 11, a suitable vacuum is generated by means of a vacuum pump 12 in the interior 13 of the chamber in order to evacuate the unit located in the chamber.

In the method according to the invention, the procedure is such that a suitable glass frit is applied to a glass panel and cured so that a glass frit ring varying in height is formed. Another glass panel is placed on this glass frit ring so that an interrupted gap is formed between the glass frit ring and the second glass panel. Both glass panels are mechanically fastened to one another and then introduced into the continuous furnace shown in FIG. The formed unit 9 enters the heating chamber 2 of the furnace and is there preheated in an atmosphere consisting of air or nitrogen, for example to a temperature between 250 ⁰ C and 350 ° C. The preheating takes place over a suitable period. The preheated unit is then introduced into the first evacuation chamber 3 and evacuated, which takes place via the gap formed between glass panel and frit ring. During evacuation, the unit is heated to 350 - 390 ⁰ C (equilibrium temperature). At this temperature, no outgassing of the glass frit takes place more, but both glass panels are not yet glued together. The continuous furnace 1 shown in Figure 1 has three evacuation chambers 3 connected in series, which evacuate, for example, the gap of the unit to 10 ^{~ 5} mbar. In the following downstream chamber 4, the interspace of the unit is flooded with a suitable inert gas, which may be, for example, a part of the gas mixture used later as the process gas. In the present case, a flooding with neon takes place. In the following Verklebungskammer 5 the unit is up to the bonding temperature of the glass frit of 350 ⁰ C - 430 ⁰ C is heated, so that here the actual gluing process det take place. By previously filling the gap with the inert gas, further outgassing of the glass frit is suppressed.

The bonded unit then passes through a subsequent atmosphere separation chamber 6 and a subsequent cooling chamber 7 and then leaves the continuous furnace shown in Figure 1.

The continuous furnace 1 is followed by a station / device 15 for evacuating and filling the unit with process gas.

The device 15 shown schematically in Figure 4 in side view for evacuating the gap of consisting of two glued together or fused glass panels units and for filling the gap with a process gas for the production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps u. The like has an evacuating / filling device 40 and a device for press-fitting a unit 9 and the evacuating / filling device 40 under compression of a sealing device. The unit to be evacuated 9 is shown in Figure 4 only schematically with dashed lines and takes the horizontal position shown in Figure 4, in which they (for example) with the help of suitable funding (not shown) passes. The unit 9 may have previously been subjected to a series of treatment steps, but these are not relevant to the invention described here.

In the position shown in Figure 4, the unit 9 is fixed by pressing from above the evacuating / filling device 40 against the upper panel 25 (see Figure 5) of the unit and from below a pressing member 25 against the lower panel 26 of the unit. The pressing member 24 shown in Figure 4 is raised and lowered, pivotally mounted and moved back and forth to take a desired position with respect to the unit to be treated can. The same applies to the evacuation / filling device 40. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the means for pressing together the unit 9 and the evacuating / filling device 40 is formed by a schematically illustrated lifting device 16, by means of which the evacuating / filling device 40 and the pressing element 24 are movable toward and away from one another to clamp the unit 9. This lifting device is also rotatable or pivotable and arranged movable back and forth, so that the evacuating / filling device 40 and the pressing member 24 can perform corresponding movements. Both units can be coupled to one another in terms of movement, so that they perform corresponding movement processes, or else they can be moved individually in order to enable a relative movement between the two. The corresponding These devices are shown only schematically in FIG. It is readily possible for those skilled in the art to construct appropriate equipment based on their expertise.

The design of the evacuating / filling device 40 can be seen best from FIG. FIG. 5 shows the evacuation / filling device 40 in the operating state, i. in pressed against the upper panel 25 of the unit state. In this state, the sealing means arranged at the lower end of the evacuating / filling device 40, which in this embodiment consists of two concentric sealing rings 23 which are arranged at a distance from each other, is in contact with the upper panel 25 and correspondingly compressed, to make the interior of the evacuating / filling device 40 airtight to the atmosphere.

As can further be seen from FIG. 5, the upper panel 25 of the unit is provided with a so-called exhaust tube 28, which is glued to the upper panel 25 via a glass frit ring 29. This exhaust tube 28, which surrounds a provided in the upper panel 25 bore 36 airtight, is used to evacuate and fill the space between the two panels 25, 26 intermediate space 27 of the unit. During installation of the evacuating / filling device 40 on the unit 9, the evacuating / filling device is moved from top to bottom against the upper panel 25 in such a way that it receives the pumping stem 28 in its interior without damaging it. The evacuating / filling device 40 has a cylindrical glass tube 22, in the interior of which the exhaust tube 28 is arranged. The glass tube 22 is surrounded by a heating device 21, which bears against the glass tube and serves to heat the interior of the glass tube or the exhaust tube 28. The heater is surrounded by a cylindrically shaped insulation 35, which largely prevents heat emission radially outward.

The glass tube 22 is supported on a lower annular disc 30, which is hollow inside and is traversed by a suitable cooling medium (water) to form a suitable insulation down. With the annular disc 30, the sealing rings 23 are in contact. An upper annular disc 31, which is also hollow and is traversed by a suitable cooling medium (water), forms an insulation upwards. The annular discs are connected via suitable sealing rings 41 with the central tube 22 in connection.

In extension of the tube 22 upwards a common line section 17 is arranged, which is supported on the upper annular disc 31. This common line section 17 leads to a crossing point 42, from which a line connection 19 for filling with process gas to the left, a line connection 20 to evacuate to the right and a line connection for a sight glass 21 upwards. The connection 19 for filling and the connection 20 for evacuation can be connected to a suitable gas filling line as well as a suitable evacuation line leading to a vacuum pump. With the help of suitable shut-off or ventilation (not shown), the common line section 17 can be connected to one of the lines 19, 20, while the other connection or the other line is shut off.

With the aid of the sight glass 21 arranged at the top, the mode of operation of the evacuation / filling device 40, in particular the state of the exhaust tube 28, can be observed.

The device shown in Figures 4 and 5 operates in the following manner:

After the unit to be treated 9 has taken its position, from above the evacuating / filling device 40 and from below the pressing member 24 against the corresponding panels 25, 2β moved and pressed against them, whereby the sealing rings 23 are compressed. The at the upper PA, neel 25 arranged exhaust tube 28 is received in this way from the interior of the tube 22 of the evacuating / filling device 40.

The exhaust tube 28 is shown closed in this embodiment. He has a suitable predetermined breaking point (not shown), with which the exhaust tube can be opened. This is done by operating the heater 21 by means of which the interior of the tube 22 is heated, so that there is a differential pressure between the interior of the tube 22 and the interior of the exhaust tube, which ultimately leads to breakage of the predetermined breaking point. Before opening the pump stem 28, the interior of the tube 22 is evacuated. After opening the exhaust tube 28 is followed by an evacuation phase of the panel gap 27 by actuation of a vacuum pump (not shown), wherein the gap 27 between the two panels 25, 26 via the bore 36, the exhaust tube 28, the interior of the tube 22, the interior of the common line section 17 and the Terminal 20 is evacuated. After completion of the evacuation phase, the terminal 20 is blocked and fed via the terminal 19, a process gas, with which the gap 27 is filled. After completion of the filling process takes place with the aid of the proposed heater 21, a melting of the predetermined breaking point surrounding glass of the exhaust tube 28 to close the predetermined breaking point again. After appropriate cooling, the evacuating / filling device 40 and the pressing member 24 are removed up and down from the unit, so that they can be subjected to further processing.

The said method steps can be observed via the sight glass 21, so that a careful monitoring of the procedures is possible.

FIG. 6 shows five different embodiments of the exhaust tube in vertical section. As already mentioned, this exhaust tube 28 is provided with a predetermined breaking point, which is opened to evacuate the gap 27 of the unit. This predetermined breaking point is designated by 50 in FIG. 6 and is formed by a thinner wall section of the exhaust tube.

When a unit to be treated enters the station 15, it is sent via the clamping device 24 and the evacuator / operator. Filling device 17 clamped. The sealing rings 23 establish a tight connection between the interior of the tubular body 22 and the atmosphere. Heating of the interior of the tubular body 22 is now carried out via the heater 21 in order to bring the glass of the exhaust tube 28 to the melting point. As a result of the resulting differential pressure between the interior of the tubular body 22 and the interior of the exhaust tube 28 breaking the predetermined breaking point 50, so that now the gap 27 of the unit 9 by actuation of the vacuum pump, not shown, can be further evacuated. After sufficient evacuation, the filling of the intermediate space 27 with the part of the still missing process gas takes place. After completion of the filling operation, the pumping stem is closed again by means of the heating 21 by fusing the predetermined breaking point. After proper cooling, the clamp can be released and the unit removed from the station.

Claims

claims

1. A method for producing from two via a connection medium, in particular a glass frit, interconnected glass panels having a gap, existing units for the production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps u. The like with the following steps:

a. Applying the bonding medium to at least one glass panel, at least partially curing the

Connecting medium and forming a height-varying border of the connection medium;

b. Laying the other glass panel on the border while forming a natural broken

Gap and mechanical attachment of the two glass panels;

c. Preheating the formed unit to a first temperature; d. Evacuating the gap during further heating of the unit to the temperature required for the connection of the connection medium through the natural gap interrupted and thus gas-tight connection of the glass panels; and

e. Cool the unit to room temperature and if necessary release the mechanical fastening.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized by the following further steps:

f. Filling the gap with the process gas via an opening in a glass panel; and

G. Close the panel opening and, if necessary, release the mechanical fastening.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that before step f. the space above the opening in the

Glass panel is evacuated.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a glass frit is used as the connecting medium.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gap in step d. after or during further evacuation of the unit to a second temperature (equilibrium temperature) below the connection temperature of the connection membrane. Diums, in particular melting temperature of the glass frit, in which the outgassing of the connection medium has come to a standstill, evacuated by the natural interrupted gap and is flooded with an inert gas during or before further heating of the unit to the compound temperature of the connection medium.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the process gas or a part thereof is used as the inert gas.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate space of the unit formed before step d. evacuated and filled with inert gas.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate space is subjected to one or more rinsing operations with inert gas or process gas and then evacuated and filled with inert gas or process gas (pressure swing rinse).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that for gas removal and / or filling the gap of the unit with the process gas arranged above the opening in a panel, up to the opening facing area closed pump stem with predetermined breaking point is used, which is destroyed by heating, mechanical stress and / or the impulse to be introduced by the gas to be introduced.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the pumping stem is glued to the glass panel having the opening.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the bonding of the exhaust tube during the formation of the border or connecting the glass panels takes place.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 - 11, characterized in that the exhaust tube is closed by fusing.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting medium is applied to form the border mountain and valley-shaped.

14. A device for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that it comprises means for heating, evacuating and cooling of the unit (9).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a downstream station (15) for evacuation and filling with process gas.

16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the device is designed as a furnace (1) which, in the conveying direction, has several successively attached arranged and mutually sealed treatment chambers (2-7).

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the furnace (1) in the conveying direction at least one heating chamber (2), at least one evacuation chamber (3), at least one flooding chamber (4), at least one connecting chamber (5) and at least one cooling chamber ( 7).

18. Device according to one of claims 14 - 17, characterized in that the furnace (1) is designed as a continuously operating furnace, in particular pass / pusher furnace.

19. Device according to one of claims 14-17, characterized in that the furnace is designed as a discontinuously operating furnace, in particular chamber furnace, hood furnace, Hubherdofen, Drehringofen.

20. The device according to any one of claims 14-19, characterized in that the device is a plurality of shuttle kilns, on each of which one or more units to be treated receiving retort is arranged, and serving for heating and / or cooling tunnel, of the straddle kilns is traversed, has.

21. Device according to one of claims 15 - 20, characterized in that the downstream station (15) has an evacuating / filling device (17) which in sealing manner against a glass panel (25) of the unit (9) is pressed and a the panel opening or the exhaust tube (28) embracing tube body (22) and an evacuation port (20) and a process gas connection (19) connected to the tubular body (22).

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the evacuating / filling device (17) has a heater (21) for heating the exhaust tube (28).

23. Device according to one of claims 15 - 23, characterized in that the downstream station has an additional heating for heating the glass panels.

24. Device for evacuating the gap of existing two glass panels interconnected units and for filling the gap with a process gas for the production of flat screens, flat discharge lamps u. Like. With

an evacuating / filling device (40) having a cavity (45) for receiving a pump bar (28) of a glass pane egg (25) of a unit (9), an evacuation connection (20) connected to the hollow space (45) and filling connection (40); 19) and sealing means (23) for placement on the glass panel (25) around the exhaust tube (28) and a device for pressing together the unit (9) and the evacuating / filling device (40) under compression of the sealing device (23).

25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the evacuating / filling device (20) has a central tube (22) for forming the cavity (45), to which the evacuation connection (20) and filling connection (19) are connected.

26. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the evacuation and filling connection (20, 19) have a common section (17), which is connected to the central tube (22).

27. Device according to one of claims 24 - 26, characterized in that the evacuating / Befüllvor-direction (40) has a heating device (21).

28. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the heating device (21) surrounds the central tube (22).

29. Device according to one of claims 27 or 28, character- ized in that the heating device (21) is surrounded by an insulation (35).

30. Device according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the evacuating / filling device (40) has an upper and lower, the heating device (22) between See receiving insulation (cooling device) (31,30) has.

31. Device according to one of claims 24 - 30, characterized in that the evacuating / filling device (40!) Has a viewing device (21) in the central tube (22).

32. Device according to one of claims 24 - 31, characterized in that the sealing device (23) is formed by at least one sealing ring.

33. Device according to one of claims 24 - 32, characterized in that it comprises means (16) for raising / lowering, pivoting and moving back / forth the evacuating / filling device (40) and / or a pressing element (24) of the device possesses for pressing against each other.