WO2023009525A1

WO2023009525A1 - Glass product, connector, and method of installing connector

Info

Publication number: WO2023009525A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/038351
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Scott Christman; Olivier FARREYROL
Original assignee: Carlex Glass America, Llc
Priority date: 2021-07-27
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2023-02-02

Abstract

Glass products, connectors, and related methods including a glazing, a connector, and a conductive material. The glazing has a connectable material with a connecting surface on the glazing. The connector is disposed over the connecting surface. The connector includes a sleeve having an opening therethrough, the sleeve adhered over the connecting surface via a first adhesive. The sleeve includes a connecting end and an extension electrically connected to the connecting end. The connector further includes a fitting which fits at least partially within the sleeve. The conductive material is disposed within the sleeve. At least a portion of the conductive material is positioned between the connecting end and the connecting surface.

Description

GLASS PRODUCT, CONNECTOR, AND METHOD OF INSTALLING CONNECTOR

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/203,624, filed on July 27, 2021, entitled “GLASS PRODUCT, CONNECTOR, AND METHOD OF INSTALLING CONNECTOR,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to glass products, electrical connectors, and methods of installing related electrical connectors.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditionally, electrical connectors have been soldered to electrically conductive materials in automotive glass via lead-containing solder. However, new directives have mandated for use of lead-free solders; nonetheless, these lead-free solders have proven difficult, as mechanical stresses at the connectors often lead to cracks in the underlying glass. As an alternative, U.S. Patent No. 9,520,665 (the ’665 Patent) discloses an electrical connector attached to a glass plate with a conductive rubber at least partially surrounded by a thermosetting adhesive on the underside of the connector. Specifically, the process described in the ’665 Patent uses heat and pressure from an autoclaving process during glass lamination to adhere the connector to the underlying glass.

[0004] With all of this in mind, traditional solders, lead-free solders, and current manufacturing techniques leave much to be desired with respect to glass products, connectors, and related installation. New devices, systems, and methods are therefore needed.

SUMMARY

[0005] The glass products, connectors, and related methods disclosed herein include fittings and sleeves that provide for controlled electrical connection while simultaneously avoiding some of the typical mechanical requirements for solder bonding (lead or lead-free) and avoiding thermosetting adhesives, thus simplifying both manufacturing and related installation of said connectors. [0006] In light of the disclosure herein, and without limiting the scope of the invention in any way, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a glass product includes a glazing, a connector, and a conductive material. The glazing has a connectable material with a connecting surface disposed on the glazing. The connector is over the connecting surface. The connector includes a sleeve having an opening therethrough, the sleeve adhered over the connecting surface via a first adhesive. The sleeve includes a connecting end and an extension electrically connected to the connecting end. The connector includes a fitting which fits at least partially within the sleeve. The conductive material is within the sleeve. At least a portion of the conductive material is disposed between the connecting end and the connecting surface.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve includes at least one void in an interior wall of the sleeve, and wherein the fitting includes at least one clip which corresponds to the at least one void.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one clip is partially surrounded by an opening in the fitting.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the fitting includes an inner piece and an outer shell, wherein the at least one clip is formed as part of the inner piece and extends out of the outer shell.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve includes at least two voids, and the fitting includes at least two clips, such that a quantity of voids is equal to a quantity of clips.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve includes one void which extends around a majority of the sleeve.

[0012] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one void is at least one pocket. [0013] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one void is at least one through hole. [0014] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the glass product includes a gasket disposed around the fitting. [0015] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve and a second adhesive between the top portion of the fitting and a top surface of the sleeve.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first adhesive and the second adhesive are the same material.

[0017] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the opening of the sleeve and the opening of the fitting each has a circular shape.

[0018] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve and the fitting are the same color. [0019] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a connector includes a sleeve having an opening therethrough, a connector end, and an extension, and a fitting which fits within the sleeve. [0020] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve includes at least one void in an interior wall of the sleeve and wherein the fitting includes at least one clip which corresponds to the at least one void.

[0021] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one clip is partially surrounded by an opening in the fitting.

[0022] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the fitting includes an inner piece and an outer shell, and wherein the at least one clip is formed as part of the inner piece and extends out of the outer shell.

[0023] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve includes at least two voids, and the fitting includes at least two clips, wherein a quantity of voids is equal to a quantity of clips. [0024] In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve includes one void which extends around a majority of the sleeve.

[0025] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one void is at least one pocket. [0026] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one void is at least one through hole.

[0027] In a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the connector includes a first adhesive on a bottom surface of the sleeve.

[0028] In a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the connector includes a gasket disposed around the fitting.

[0029] In a twenty -fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve, and a second adhesive provided on at least one of the top portion of the fitting and a top surface of the sleeve.

[0030] In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first adhesive and the second adhesive are the same material.

[0031] In a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the second adhesive is provided on the top portion of the fitting.

[0032] In a twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the second adhesive is provided on the top surface of the sleeve.

[0033] In a twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the opening of the sleeve and the fitting have a circular shape.

[0034] In a twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the sleeve and the fitting are the same color.

[0035] In a thirtieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a method of installing a connector includes positioning a sleeve on a glazing over a connecting surface with a first adhesive between the sleeve and the glazing. The sleeve includes a connecting end and an extension electrically connected to the connecting end. The method includes dispensing a conductive material in an opening of the sleeve such that the conductive material at least partially fills below the connecting end. The method includes pushing a fitting into the sleeve, over the conductive material.

[0036] In a thirty -first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first adhesive is cured prior to dispensing the conductive material in the opening of the sleeve.

[0037] In a thirty-second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve and a second adhesive is provided on the top portion of the fitting for adhering the fitting to the sleeve.

[0038] In a thirty -third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve and a second adhesive is provided on the top surface of the sleeve for adhering the fitting to the sleeve.

[0039] In a thirty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the method further includes curing the second adhesive.

[0040] In a thirty -fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first adhesive is provided on a bottom surface of the sleeve.

[0041] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description. Also, any particular embodiment does not have to have all of the advantages listed herein. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain their principles and implementations.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section installation of a connector, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. [0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a glass product, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section installation of a connector, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a glass product, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of a top portion of a connector, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of a top portion of a connector, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of a top portion of a connector, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to promote a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the disclosure. It may be evident in some or all instances, however, that many aspects described below can be practiced without adopting the specific design details described below.

[0051] Turning now to the figures, and in particular FIG. 1, disclosed herein is a connector 100, which includes a sleeve 102 having an opening therethrough. The connector also includes a fitting 104 which fits at least partially within the sleeve 102. An extension 106 through the sleeve 102 is available for connecting to a power source or a signal receiver (connection not illustrated), directly or through another connection. Extension 106 is connected to a connecting end 108 within the sleeve 102. Connector 100 is generally disposed atop glass 110 (also referred to as glass product and glazing herein), which typically includes a glazing having a connectable material with a connecting surface 112 on the glazing. Connector 100 is generally affixed to glass 110 via adhesive 114 (between sleeve 102 and connecting surface 112). Connector 100 may further include a conductive material 116, disposed within the sleeve 102, such that conductive material 116 likewise contacts connecting surface 112. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive material 116 is positioned between the connecting end 108 and the connecting surface 112.

[0052] With this general structure in mind, glass products, including automotive glass products, may include glazings and related connectors where power is to be supplied to the glazing or an element of the glazing or where an antenna is connected to a signal receiver. Particularly, a coating or print may be powered, for example, to be heated. Printed silver, for example, may be located across a glazing, such as heating lines across a rear window, or in a localized area, such as wiper park heating lines. Coatings or printings may require a connector 100 to provide power from an electrical source to heat the coating or print. Further, antennas may require the connector 100 to reach a signal receiver. The connector 100 may be attached to an outer surface of the glazing 110, such that in a laminated glazing the connector 100 may be attached without regard for timing of an autoclave process. In some glazings, a connectable material may be provided on a glazing interior surface and include a glass cutout which may allow for the connector 100 to be attached after the glazing is laminated. Further, some glazings may not be laminated. For example, a rear window may be a tempered glass substrate that is not laminated. Among other things, a method of installing connector 100, as disclosed herein, may advantageously work for both laminated and non-laminated glazings.

[0053] An automotive glazing may include a coating or print of material which may be electrically connectable. Coatings may, for example, include metals, such as silver, or conductive oxides. In some embodiments, the electrically connectable materials may be printed onto the glazing, including by screen printing. For example, silver, or silver alloy, material may be screen printed onto a glass substrate, such as lines across a rear window for heating and melting snow and ice on the window. Printed electrically connectable materials may further be provided in an area of a windshield or rear window where a wiper may sit in an off position. Such a “wiper park” may include a printed silver which is heatable by connection to a power supply. A printed connectable material may be any suitable pattern to provide adequate heating or power to a desired area or areas and may include an area printed for connecting to an electrical connector. In some embodiments, the glazing may include an opaque print at a periphery and/or around an accessory, such as a camera or sensor, and the connectable material may be printed on the glass and/or an opaque print. The connectable print may include a connecting surface which is to be connected to a connector.

[0054] Connector 100 may provide a conductive attachment between a power source or receiver and a connectable material. Particularly, a connectable material formed on glazing 110 may include a busbar or other connecting surface. Connecting surface 112 may include a busbar or another surface for attaching connector 100 to a connectable material. A busbar may be any suitable form, such as a silver-containing material and/or a metallic tape, such as a copper tape. A copper tape may be positioned over other connectable materials and form a suitable surface for attaching connector 100 to a power source or receiver. A busbar may be formed on some glazings as a silver printed busbar. A busbar may be formed to connect a coating, a printed silver layer, an antenna, or any other suitable material to the connector 100. In some glazings, the busbar may be printed on a black frit on a glass substrate.

[0055] In certain embodiments described herein, connector 100 may be provided with sleeve 102 and fiting 104 for positioning within the sleeve 102. Fiting 104 may be a plunger fiting within the sleeve 102. The connector 100 may be atached over connecting surface 112 of a connectable material, such as a busbar, whereby conductive material 116 may be positioned on the busbar within the sleeve 102. The fiting 104 may fit at least partially within the sleeve 102 and against the conductive material 116 within the sleeve 102. A connecting end 108 may be positioned within the sleeve 102 between the fitting 104 and the connecting surface 112 and include an extension portion 106 configured to connect to a power source or receiver.

[0056] It should be appreciated that sleeve 102 may be constructed of a nonconductive material, including a plastic such as a polycarbonate or polybutylene terephthalate. The sleeve 102 may have sufficient strength such that the sleeve 102 may not change in shape under pressure of conductive material 116 filled therein. Adhesive 114 may be used on a botom surface of the sleeve 102 to atach the sleeve 102 to glazing 110 and to seal the point of atachment. The sleeve 102 may be adhered to the glazing 110, particularly over a connecting surface 112 on the glazing 110. The sleeve 102 over the connecting surface 112 may be adhered directly to the connecting surface 112, the glass surface of the glazing 110, a printed surface, such as an enamel print, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0057] In some embodiments, a removable liner may be provided over the adhesive 114 prior to installation. The liner may protect the adhesive 114 during transportation and handling prior to its removal and installation of the sleeve 102. In some embodiments, the adhesive 114 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or curable by heat or light, such as an ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the sleeve 102 may include feet extending along a botom edge of the sleeve 102, which may increase the surface area of the sleeve 102 which may be adhered to the glazing 110.

[0058] Where the adhesive 114 is provided on the botom surface of the sleeve 102, as the sleeve 102 is positioned over the connecting surface 112, the adhesive 114 may partially spill out from underneath the sleeve 102 so that the adhesive 114 is under the sleeve 102 and at an edge of the sleeve 102 where the sleeve 102 meets the glazing 110. The shape of the botom surface of sleeve 102 may be designed to provide for overflow of the adhesive 114 outside of the sleeve 102 rather than inside of the sleeve 102. For example, the botom surface may be higher on an outside edge compared to an inside edge of the botom surface of sleeve 102 (e.g., beveled edge surface). In some different embodiments, sleeve 102 may include a botom surface that has a recess for placement of the adhesive 114. The shape of the sleeve 102 bottom may be selected, at least in part, by the viscosity of the adhesive. At least a part of the bottom of the sleeve 102 in some embodiments may be in a shape to complement the glazing 110 surface or connecting surface 112 shape.

[0059] Applying a secondary adhesive or a sealing material around the edge of the sleeve 102 where it meets the glazing 110 may improve strength against peeling. Adhesive 114 applied to the bottom of the sleeve 102 may be the same or different from a sealing material applied around a bottom edge of the sleeve 102.

[0060] The spilling out of adhesive 114 may further improve protection against moisture or chemicals for the materials within the sleeve 102. The adhesive 114 may have suitable mechanical strength to maintain the sleeve 102 in position on the glazing 110. An adhesive tape may be used as such a seal around the bottom edge or on the bottom surface of sleeve 102. Such a tape may be a double sided adhesive tape. In some embodiments, the sleeve material may be transparent to ultraviolet light which may be used for curing an adhesive under the sleeve 102. The adhesive may be, for example, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, methacrylic resin or silicone resin. The adhesive may be ultraviolet light curing, temperature curing, or pressure sensitive. Preferably the adhesive is of a chemistry that will not react with a conductive material within the connector. It may be preferable that the materials do not react or migrate such that the conductive and mechanical connections are maintained, respectively.

[0061] As noted previously, connecting end 108 may be formed such that the connecting end 108 sits within the sleeve 102 and an extension 106 extends through the sleeve 102 such that the extension 106 is disposed exterior to sleeve 102. The connecting end 108 may include, for example, a wire end or a plate. The connecting end 108 may be formed with or attached to the extension 106. The connecting end 108 may be a material having suitable conductivity with a conductive strength such that a power source may be adequately attached thereto and provide sufficient conductivity to transfer electrical voltage from the power source to the connectable material of connecting surface 112 or to provide a signal to a receiver. For example, the connecting end 108 may include silver, copper, iron, aluminum, nickel, or alloys including such metals. The connecting end 108 may have a lower surface shape that is flat and/or matches the connecting surface shape 112. A matching shape between the connecting surface 112 and the connecting end 108 may reduce inhomogeneities of thickness of the conductive material 116 there between, which may improve conductivity and reduce a risk of creating a hot spot. The connecting end 108 may come into direct contact with the connecting surface 112 at one or more points in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the conductive material 116 may cover the connecting surface 112 within the sleeve 102 such that the connecting end 108 does not physically contact the connecting surface 112.

[0062] The connecting end 108 may be attached to extension 106, which may extend out of the sleeve 102. The extension 106 may be accessible when the connector 100 is installed on a glazing 110 and may further be connected to a power source or receiver. The extension 106 may be a suitable material for electrical connection, which may be the same or different from the connecting end 108 material. The extension 106 may be any suitable shape and form for extension 106 through the sleeve 102 from the connecting end 108 and attachment to a power source or receiver. The extension 106 may be formed as a single piece with the connecting end 108 or may be attached to the connecting end 108 by suitable means, such as welding, soldering, crimping, riveting, or the like. In some embodiments, the extension 106 may be in the form of a wire. In certain embodiments, a wire extension may be attached to the connecting end 108 via a crimp connection where the wire is crimped to the connecting end 108. Where the extension 106 is a wire, the wire may include a nonconductive, insulative casing.

[0063] The fitting 104 may be formed of a nonconductive material, such as a resin or plastic. The sleeve 102 may have an opening which the fitting 104 fits within. The shape of the sleeve 102 opening and fitting 104 may complement each other such that the fitting 104 may fit, or clip, within the sleeve 102. The bottom surface of the fitting 104, may be a shape that complements the shape of a glazing 110 surface, including the connecting surface 112. The fitting 104 may be held within the sleeve 102 and may apply pressure down against the conductive material 116 and connecting end 108 within the sleeve 102 against the connecting surface 112.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the fitting 104 may include at least one clip 118. The clip 118 may fit into the sleeve 102, for example, by a cantilever or annular snap fit system. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 102 may include in an interior wall thereof at least one void 120 in which the fitting may extend, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. The at least one clip 118 may correspond to the at least one void 120. The fitting 104 extending into the void or voids 120 of the sleeve 102 may retain the fitting 104 within the sleeve 102. The materials of the sleeve 102 and fitting 104 may be such that they have sufficient strength to remain attached to each other when installed on a connecting surface 112, such as a busbar. Generally, void 120 may include a pocket or a through hole. It may be understood that examples discussed herein including pockets may be alternatively provided as connectors having holes formed through the sleeve 102 for attachment with fitting 104. [0065] In some embodiments, the number of voids 120 in sleeve 102 may be equal to the number of clips 118 on the fitting 104. For example, where the sleeve includes two voids 120, the fitting includes two clips 118. The fitting 104 may have at least two clips 118 which are formed symmetrically around the fitting 104. For example, where there are two clips 118, the clips 118 may be formed opposite each other on the fitting 104, as shown in FIG. 1. The clips 118 may be flexible such that, during placement of the fitting 104 within the sleeve 102, the clips 118 may be at least somewhat retracted until reaching the pockets 120 in the sleeve 102. When installed, the clips 118 may extend, or snap, into the pockets 120 and prevent removal of the fitting 104 from the sleeve 102. Particularly, a portion of the fitting 104, along a side to be placed within sleeve 102, may extend from a central portion of the fitting 104 to form clip 118. In some embodiments, the fitting 104 may be hollow, such that the clip 118 may retract into the hollow area of the fitting 104. The fitting 104 may, in some embodiments, be formed as one continuous piece, including at least one clip 118. An opening may be formed partially around the clip 118 to allow for its retraction during installation. An opening may not extend along a bottom edge of a clip 118 which may retain the clip 118 on the fitting 104. Some clips 118 may be formed attached to the fitting 104 without an opening around the clip 118. The fitting 104 may or may not be hollow with such clips 118. In some embodiments, the fitting 104 may include an inner piece and an outer shell, and the clips 118 may be formed as part of the inner piece which is within an outer shell. The clip 118 may extend through the outer shell and retract into the outer shell during installation. The fitting 104 may be reinforced where a clip 118 is attached to the fitting 104, such that there is strength in the clip 118 and the fitting 104 may remain within the sleeve 102 over time.

[0066] In some embodiments, a connector sleeve 102 may include a single void, such as a pocket, extending around the majority or all of the sleeve 102. A fitting 104 for such a sleeve 102 may include one or more clips 118. A single clip 118 may be used where the clip material is flexible enough to retract within the sleeve 102 during installation as to provide an annular snap fit. Where a fitting 104 and clip 118 material is too firm, the pressure required to install a fitting having a single clip may be unsuitable against an underlying glazing 110. It is preferable to avoid forming cracks in an underlying glazing 110. The fitting material may be selected to provide suitable installation to minimize or eliminate formation of such cracks. It may be preferable in some embodiments to provide multiple clips which may extend around the fitting. In certain embodiments having a single pocket, the clips 118 may extend around a majority of the fitting 104. [0067] In some embodiments, the fitting 104 may include a gasket disposed around the fitting 104, such that a suitable seal may be formed between the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102 when the connector 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the gasket may be provided within the sleeve 102 or around the fitting 104. The gasket may be a rubber-based material. The difference in size between an opening in the sleeve 102 and the outer perimeter of the fitting 104 may be such that the gasket creates a seal between the sleeve 102 and fitting 104. Such a seal may prevent conductive material within the sleeve 102 from flowing out of the connector 100. The gasket may also prevent moisture from reaching the conductive material 116. In various embodiments, the gasket may be positioned above and/or below the clips 118. The gasket may be preferably below the clips 118 when installed on a glazing 110. Where the gasket is below the clips 118, the gasket may prevent the conductive material 116 from reaching such clips 118 and voids 120 within the sleeve 102. In some embodiments, the gasket may be a continuous structure around the fitting outer perimeter. There may be a vent in the gasket and/or fitting to allow for the release of air as the fitting 104 is placed within the sleeve 102. Any vent may be sealed once the fitting 104 is in position within the sleeve 102. In some embodiments, air may leave between the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102 and a seal or adhesive at the top of the fitting 104 and sleeve 102 may prevent movement of conductive material 116.

[0068] The fitting 104 may have an outer shape complementary to that of the opening of sleeve 102. The complementary shapes may be similar in shape, where the outer shape of fitting 104 is slightly smaller than the opening of the sleeve 102, such that the fitting 104 may be positioned within the sleeve 102. The fitting 104 outer shape and the sleeve 102 opening may preferably have a circular shape. Some further embodiments of the connector 100 may include another shape, such as oval-shaped, hexagonal, square, or the like. There may be a notch, key, or other mechanical design formed in the matching shapes to ensure that the fitting 104 may only be installed in the sleeve 102 in one orientation. Such a shape may ensure the proper placement of the clips 118 in relation to the voids 120 and/or the extension 106. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 102 may include an indication of the proper fitting orientation for installation. The indication may include a marking or clocking feature, which may match to a marking on the fitting 104, for example.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the fitting 104 may include a top portion which extends over the sleeve 102 when the connector 100 is installed, as shown in FIG. 3. The top portion of the fitting 104 may be adhered to a top surface of the connector sleeve 102. The top surface of the connector sleeve 102 may include the surface opposite from a surface attached to the underlying glazing at the connecting surface 112. The top portion of the fitting 104 may include a top adhesive 122, which may be the same or different than a bottom adhesive 114 on the bottom surface of the sleeve 102. The top adhesive 122 on the fitting 104 may be suitable to adhere the fitting 104 to the sleeve 102 and may preferably be pressure sensitive, heat curable, or light curable. The top adhesive 122 may be different from a bottom adhesive 114 for attaching to the glazing 110 in some embodiments as the materials to be adhered may be different. For example, the sleeve 102 may be adhered via adhesive 114 to a connecting surface 112, such as a busbar, and/or glazing 110, which may include an opaque print (not shown), and the top adhesive 122 may have suitable adhesion to the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102. In some embodiments, adhesive 122 to bind the sleeve 102 and fitting 104 together may be provided on a top surface of the sleeve 102 (not illustrated).

[0070] Generally, a liner may be formed on the adhesive 114, 122 formed on the fitting 104 and/or the sleeve 102. The adhesive 114, 122 formed between the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102 and the connecting surface 112 and/or glazing 110 may suitably protect conductive material 116 within the connector 100 from exposure to moisture, which may interfere with the connection of the connecting end 108 to the connecting surface 112. The adhesive 114, 122 further may provide suitable adhesion between the sleeve 102 and the fitting 104 and the connecting surface 112 and/or glazing 110 to ensure the connector 100 remains installed on a glazing 110 and conductive material 116 remains within the connector 100. The adhesive 114,122 may further be of a chemistry compatible with the conductive material 116 such that there is no chemical reaction between the materials that would alter the conductive nature of the conductive material 116 or the chemical structure or mechanical adhesion of the adhesive 114, 122. The top of the fitting 104 may cover the sleeve 102, and a physical force may be applied over the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102 to install the connector 100. The fitting 104 may further include a gasket and vents as described above.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the top adhesive 122 may be provided on the fitting 104 or on a top surface of the sleeve 102 so that the top adhesive 122 is in contact with the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102 when the fitting 104 is pushed into the sleeve 102. Where the adhesive 122 on the fitting 104 or the sleeve 102 is cured by heat or light, the curing means may be applied once the fitting 104 is in place within and on the sleeve 102.

[0072] In some glass products, there may be a need for multiple connectors 100. The connector attachments may have the same or different connection means and require the same or different connector extensions. With the placement of different connectors, it may be important to match the appropriate connecting surfaces for attachment. Where there is more than one connector 100 required on a glazing, the connectors 100 described herein may be used for both connections. The different connectors 100 may be distinguishable from each other such that each fitting 104 may be readily matched to the appropriate sleeve 102. The fittings 104 may be distinguishable, for example, by the size and/or shape of the fitting 104 and sleeve 102 opening. Where multiple connectors 100 are used, the fittings 104 may have different outer sizes and/or shapes such that the fittings 104 may only lock in place within the appropriate sleeve 102. The fittings 104 and sleeves 102 may further be matched by a color which may indicate a proper match of the connector pieces.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, a connector may have a multiple-compartment sleeve having at least two independent compartments which are electrically isolated from each other. A connecting surface, a conductive material, and a connecting end may be in each compartment. An extension may extend from each of the compartments in the sleeve. A sleeve may have at least one wall dividing adjoining compartments. The sleeve and the wall may be non- conductive such that the compartments may remain electrically isolated from one another. The adhesive may also be non-conductive and prevent migration of conductive materials to maintain electrical isolation. The wall may have any suitable shape or height as long as the compartments may remain electrically isolated from each other. The fitting may have any suitable shape as long as it fits in the sleeve, including the compartments, and provides a suitable connection.

[0074] The connectors 100 described herein may be attached to a glazing 110 by first positioning a sleeve 102 over an intended connecting surface 112 on the glazing 110. Prior to positioning the sleeve 102, the connecting surface 112, such as a busbar, may be cleaned or burnished or otherwise treated to provide a suitable connection surface 112. The sleeve 102 may include a bottom adhesive 114 on a lower surface that is attached to the glazing 110, which may include an opaque print and/or the connecting surface 112. The adhesive 114 may be curable by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the adhesive 114 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or curable by heat or light.

[0075] In some methods of attaching the connector 100, a conductive material 116 may be dispensed into the opening of the sleeve 102 once positioned on the glazing 110. The bottom adhesive 114 between the glazing 110 and the sleeve 102 may be cured prior to administration of the conductive material 116 in the sleeve 102. The amount of conductive material 116 may be controlled to fill a space below the connecting end 108 and the gasket (to the extent a gasket is optionally included), when the fitting 104 is installed. The conductive material 116 may have a sufficient electrical conductivity to provide a suitable connection between the connecting end 108 and an underlying connecting surface 112, such as a busbar. The conductive material 116, for example, may include a metal such as silver, copper, or aluminum; a metal containing material such as a metallic paste or an alloy containing the metal, or a carbon material such as graphite or carbon nanotubes. The conductive material 116 may be applied in a form of a paste. For example, a silver paste may be usable as a conductive material 116. A medium may contain 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate and other components similar to automotive silver paste. Silver concentration range may be 50 to 90 wt%, preferably 80 to 90 wt%, even more preferably 85 to 90 wt%. Viscosity may be 5000-100000 cP(or mPa.s) at 25°C, preferably 9000-35000 cP (or mPa.s) at 25°C, measured by a rheometer, such as Brookfield DVIII, SC4-14/6R at 20 rpm. Sheet resistivity of a silver paste may be 1-10 hiW/sq at 25pm, preferably 7-8mG/sq at 25pm. A solder paste may be usable as a conductive material 116. It may contain metallic solder alloy powder like SAC alloy [tin-silver-copper] with flux type RolO, resin flux. This may be more cost effective than silver paste. The particle size of SAC powder in the flux may be 1-100 pm, preferably 15 to 45 pm. Metal content in the solder paste may be 50 to 90 wt%, preferably 85 to 90wt%. Viscosity of the solder paste may be 10000-1000000 cP (mPa.s), preferably 100000- 900000 cP (mPa.s). In some embodiments, the conductive material 116 may be compressible such that, under pressure, the conductive material 116 may compress and form a strong electrical connection between an underlying connecting surface 112, such as a busbar, and the connecting end 108. Once the sleeve 102 is in place, the fitting 104 may be installed within the sleeve 102, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 3, by pushing the fitting 104 into the sleeve 102, over the conductive material 116 to provide glass products shown in FIGs. 2 and 4.

[0076] A physical force may be used against the fitting 104 to push the fitting 104 within the sleeve 102. In some embodiments, the clips 118 of the connector 100 may retract as the fitting 104 is pushed within the sleeve 102. Once the clips 118 reach the voids 120, the clips 118 may extend into the voids 120, securing the fitting 104 within the sleeve 102, as shown in FIG. 2. [0077] It should be appreciated that the overall geometry of fitting 104 may vary as generally described herein. Namely, as shown in FIG. 5, the top of the fitting 104 may cover the sleeve 102. FIG. 6 illustrates another fitting 204 which may provide an even surface with the sleeve 202. Another fitting 304 having an even surface with the sleeve 302 is shown in FIG. 7. Where the fitting 204, 304 provides an even surface with the sleeve 202, 302, a technician may be able to readily recognize when a fitting 204, 304 is installed within the sleeve 202, 302 based on the even surface (or lack thereof). In some embodiments, the sleeve 202 may include a shelf for receiving a top of the fitting 204, as shown in FIG. 6. Where a physical force is applied to install the fitting 204, the force may also be applied to the sleeve 202 and an adhesive on the sleeve 202 and/or fitting 204 via this shelf. Where a connector is provided on a laminated glazing, the connector may be applied before or after lamination.

[0078] FIG. 1 illustrates a method of installing connector 100 including fitting 104 and sleeve 102 according to some embodiments. The connector 100 may be applied to glazing 110 by positioning the sleeve 102 with the connecting end 108 and extension 106 over a connecting surface 112 on the glazing 110 with a first, bottom adhesive 114 between the sleeve 102 and the glazing 110. The method then includes dispensing a conductive material 116 into the opening of the sleeve 102, such that at least some of the conductive material 116 fills an area below the connecting end 108. The method may then include pushing the fitting 104 into the sleeve 102, over the conductive material 116 such that the clips 118 respectively fit in the corresponding voids 120 in an interior wall of the sleeve 102. The fitting 104 may have a gasket in some embodiments. FIG. 2 illustrates a glass product thus obtained once connector 100 is installed onto glazing 110.

[0079] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of installing connector 100 including fitting 104 and sleeve 102 according to a different embodiment (i.e., without clips 118 and voids 120). As shown in FIG. 3, the connector 100 may be applied to glazing 110 by positioning the sleeve 102 with connecting end 108 and extension 106 on connecting surface 112 of the glazing 110 with a first, bottom adhesive 114 between the sleeve 102 and the glazing 110. The method includes dispensing a conductive material 116 in the opening of the sleeve 102 such that the conductive material 116 at least partially fills a space below the conductive end 108. The method includes pushing the fitting 104 with a second, top adhesive 122 provided thereon into the sleeve 102, over the conductive material 116, such that the top adhesive 122 is in contact with both the sleeve 102 and the fitting 104. An additional seal may be provided on the bottom edge of the sleeve 102 to provide additional adhesion and/or chemical protection. FIG. 4 illustrates a glass product thus obtained once connector 100 is installed onto glazing 110. The fitting 104 may further include a gasket to prevent flow of the conductive material 116 between the fitting 104 and the sleeve 102.

[0080] FIGs. 5 to 7 illustrate various embodiments of connectors. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector may include fitting 104 which covers a top of sleeve 102. As shown in FIG. 6, the connector may include a sleeve 202 which includes a shelf for receiving a top of a fitting 204. The top portion of the fitting 204 may be positioned over the sleeve 202 at the shelf. The fittings may be attached to the sleeves, respectively, using means described herein, including clips and voids or with a top adhesive. Various means of attachment are not illustrated in FIGs. 5 to 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the connector may include a fitting 304 which provides an even surface with a sleeve 302. The fitting 304 may be attached to the sleeve 302 via clips and voids.

[0081] Particular spatial terms such as “bottom” and “above” are used herein to describe the glass product or the connector in its orientation shown in the drawings and are not intended to be absolute.

[0082] The above description of the disclosure is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the common principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Further, the above description in connection with the drawings describes examples and does not represent the only examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims.

[0083] Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise. Thus, the disclosure is not to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A glass product, comprising: a glazing having a connectable material with a connecting surface disposed on the glazing; a connector over the connecting surface including: a sleeve having an opening therethrough, the sleeve adhered over the connecting surface via a first adhesive, wherein the sleeve includes a connecting end and an extension electrically connected to the connecting end, and a fitting which fits at least partially within the sleeve; and a conductive material within the sleeve, wherein at least a portion of the conductive material is disposed between the connecting end and the connecting surface.

2. The glass product according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes at least one void in an interior wall of the sleeve, and wherein the fitting includes at least one clip which corresponds to the at least one void.

3. The glass product according to claim 2, wherein the at least one clip is partially surrounded by an opening in the fitting.

4. The glass product according to claim 2, wherein the fitting includes an inner piece and an outer shell, wherein the at least one clip is formed as part of the inner piece and extends out of the outer shell.

5. The glass product according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sleeve includes at least two voids, and the fitting includes at least two clips, such that a quantity of voids is equal to a quantity of clips.

6. The glass product according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sleeve includes one void which extends around a majority of the sleeve.

7. The glass product according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one void is at least one pocket.

8. The glass product according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the at least one void is at least one through hole.

9. The glass product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a gasket disposed around the fitting.

10. The glass product according to any one of claims 1 and 9, wherein the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve and a second adhesive between the top portion of the fitting and a top surface of the sleeve.

11. The glass product according to claim 10, wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive are the same material.

12. The glass product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the opening of the sleeve and the opening of the fitting each has a circular shape.

13. The glass product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sleeve and the fitting are the same color.

14. A connector, comprising: a sleeve having an opening therethrough, a connector end, and an extension; and a fitting which fits within the sleeve.

15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein the sleeve includes at least one void in an interior wall of the sleeve and wherein the fitting includes at least one clip which corresponds to the at least one void.

16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein the at least one clip is partially surrounded by an opening in the fitting.

17. The connector according to claim 15, wherein the fitting includes an inner piece and an outer shell, and wherein the at least one clip is formed as part of the inner piece and extends out of the outer shell.

18. The connector according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the sleeve includes at least two voids, and the fitting includes at least two clips, wherein a quantity of voids is equal to a quantity of clips.

19. The connector according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the sleeve includes one void which extends around a majority of the sleeve.

20. The connector according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the at least one void is at least one pocket.

21. The connector according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the at least one void is at least one through hole.

22. The connector according to any one of claims 14 to 21, further comprising a first adhesive on a bottom surface of the sleeve.

23. The connector according to any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising a gasket disposed around the fitting.

24. The connector according to any one of claims 14, 22, and 23, wherein the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve; and a second adhesive provided on at least one of the top portion of the fitting and a top surface of the sleeve.

25. The connector according to claim 24, wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive are the same material.

26. The connector according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the second adhesive is provided on the top portion of the fitting.

27. The connector according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the second adhesive is provided on the top surface of the sleeve.

28. The connector according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the opening of the sleeve and the fitting have a circular shape.

29. The connector according to any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the sleeve and the fitting are the same color.

30. A method of installing a connector, comprising: positioning a sleeve on a glazing over a connecting surface with a first adhesive between the sleeve and the glazing, wherein the sleeve includes a connecting end and an extension electrically connected to the connecting end; dispensing a conductive material in an opening of the sleeve such that the conductive material at least partially fills below the connecting end; and pushing a fitting into the sleeve, over the conductive material.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first adhesive is cured prior to dispensing the conductive material in the opening of the sleeve.

32. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve and a second adhesive is provided on the top portion of the fitting for adhering the fitting to the sleeve.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the fitting includes a top portion for positioning over the sleeve and a second adhesive is provided on the top surface of the sleeve for adhering the fitting to the sleeve.

34. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 33, further comprising curing the second adhesive.

35. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the first adhesive is provided on a bottom surface of the sleeve.