Abstract
A vacuum ring for deaerating a stack sequence includes a vacuum-stable flexible hose, which can be connected to a vacuum pump, has the shape of a closed ring, and has an opening to the interior such that the ring can hold an outer side edge of a stack sequence in order to form a deaeration channel along the side edge, wherein the vacuum ring has at least one electric heating element.
Claims
1. A vacuum ring for deaerating a stack sequence, comprising a vacuum-stable flexible hose, which is connectable to a vacuum pump, has the shape of a closed ring, and has an opening to the interior such that the vacuum ring can hold an outer side edge of a stack sequence in order to form a deaeration channel along the side edge, wherein the vacuum ring has at least one electric heating element.
2. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element has a connection element for connecting to a voltage source.
3. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element is at least partially embedded in the hose and/or is glued to the hose.
4. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element extends over the entire length of the hose.
5. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element is implemented in the form of a wire or strip.
6. The vacuum ring according to claim 5, wherein the electric heating element is implemented wave-shaped, meander-shaped, or spiral-shaped.
7. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element is arranged directly adjacent the opening.
8. The vacuum ring according claim 1, wherein the electric heating element is arranged outside the deaeration channel formed when an outer side edge of a stack sequence is held in the vacuum ring in the evacuated state.
9. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element is made of a metal or a metal alloy.
10. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element is at least partially coated with an insulating layer.
11. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum ring has at least two electric heating elements, of which at least one is arranged above the opening and at least one is arranged below the opening.
12. The vacuum ring according to claim 1, wherein the hose is made of an elastomer.
13. A vacuum system, at least comprising a vacuum ring according to claim 1, a vacuum hose, of which one end is connected to the vacuum ring and of which the other end is connected to a vacuum pump, and at least one voltage source, which is electrically connected to the at least one heating element.
14. A method for deaerating a stack sequence, comprising: arranging a stack sequence, arranging a vacuum ring according to claim 1 around the outer side edge of the stack sequence, applying a vacuum to the vacuum ring, and applying a voltage to the electric heating element.
15. A method comprising utilizing a vacuum ring according to claim 1 in a method for deaerating a stack sequence.
16. The vacuum ring according to claim 9, wherein the metal or the metal alloy is copper, a copper alloy, a nickel alloy, a nickel-copper alloy, or a nickel-chromium alloy.
17. The vacuum ring according to claim 10, wherein the insulating layer is a non-conductive lacquer, and/or plastic.
18. The vacuum ring according to claim 12, wherein the elastomer is silicone, rubber, or synthetic rubber.
19. The vacuum ring according to claim 18, wherein synthetic rubber is ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).
20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the stack sequence is a stack sequence for producing a composite pane or a solar generator.
Description
[0060] The invention is now explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and referring to the accompanying figures. The figures in no way restrict the invention. In a simplified, not to scale representation, they depict:
[0061] FIG. 1 a plan view of an embodiment of a vacuum system according to the invention,
[0062] FIG. 2 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0063] FIG. 3 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention at normal pressure, with the stack sequence to be deaerated depicted schematically,
[0064] FIG. 4 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention after application of a vacuum, with the stack sequence to be deaerated depicted schematically,
[0065] FIG. 5 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0066] FIG. 6 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0067] FIG. 7 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0068] FIG. 8 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0069] FIG. 9 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0070] FIG. 10 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0071] FIG. 11 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0072] FIG. 12 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0073] FIG. 13 a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention,
[0074] FIG. 14 a cross-section of a detail of another embodiment of a vacuum ring according to the invention, wherein the connection elements of the heating element are depicted,
[0075] FIG. 15 a plan view of a vacuum system according to the invention, in which a stack sequence is held,
[0076] FIG. 16 an enlargement of the region Z of FIG. 15,
[0077] FIGS. 17 to 23 details of various embodiments of wave-shaped and meander-shaped heating elements, and
[0078] FIG. 24 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.
[0079] FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of a vacuum system 11 according to the invention, comprising a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention, a vacuum hose 9, a vacuum pump 8, and a voltage source 10. The vacuum ring 1 comprises a vacuum-stable flexible hose 3, which has the shape of a ring and is connected to a vacuum pump 8 via the vacuum hose 9. The interior of the ring formed by the hose 3 is identified with I in FIG. 1. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the vacuum ring 1 and the vacuum hose 9 are implemented in one piece, i.e., the vacuum ring 1 and the vacuum hose 9 are manufactured together as one piece. This embodiment is preferred. The vacuum ring 1 has at least one electric heating element 7 (hidden in FIG. 1 by the upper side of the hose 3) that is connected to the voltage source 10 via a connection element 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the vacuum hose 9 together with the vacuum pump 8 and the connection element 12 with the voltage source 10 connected thereto are arranged on different, opposing sides of the vacuum ring 1. However, the arrangement of the vacuum hose 9 with the vacuum pump 8 and of the connection element 12 together with the voltage source 10 can be selected at will. For example, these elements can also be arranged on the same side of the vacuum ring.
[0080] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7 that are implemented as wire. One heating element 7 is embedded above the opening 4 and one heating element 7 is embedded below the opening 4 in the mass of the hose 3. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, a pentagonal shape. The diameter of the heating element 7 implemented as wires is, for example, 1 mm. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7. However, as explained above, the vacuum ring 1 can, for example, also have only one heating element 7.
[0081] FIG. 3 depicts the same cross-section as FIG. 2, wherein, additionally, the stack sequence 2 to be deaerated is schematically depicted and no vacuum has yet been applied. The stack sequence 2 consists, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, of a substrate pane 2a, a cover pane 2b, and a thermoplastic film 2c positioned therebetween. The vacuum ring according to the invention encloses the side edges 5 of the stack sequence 2, the intermediate space between the substrate pane 2a and the film 2c, and the intermediate space between the film 2c and the cover pane 2b and seals this region using vacuum technology. The deaeration channel 6 formed along the side edge 5 can be seen in FIG. 3. From FIG. 3, it can also be seen that the shaping of the opening 4 as a pentagon has an advantageous effect on the formation of a deaeration channel 6.
[0082] FIG. 4 depicts the same cross-section as FIG. 3 in the evacuated state, i.e., while a vacuum is applied to the deaeration channel 6. From FIG. 4, it can be seen that when the opening 4 is shaped as a pentagon, an upper part of the hose 3 rests against the upper side 2b1 of the cover pane 2b and a lower part of the hose 3 rests against the lower side 2a1 of the substrate pane 2a when a vacuum is applied and a substantially triangular deaeration channel 6 remains.
[0083] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the vacuum ring 1 has four heating elements 7 that are implemented as wire. Two heating elements 7 are embedded above the opening 4 and two heating elements 7 are embedded below the opening 4 in the mass of the hose 3. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, a pentagonal shape. The diameter of the heating elements 7 implemented as wires is, for example, 1 mm.
[0084] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the vacuum ring 1 has six heating elements 7 that are implemented as wire. Three heating elements 7 are embedded above the opening 4 and three heating elements 7 are embedded below the opening 4 in the mass of the hose 3. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, a pentagonal shape. The diameter of the heating elements 7 implemented as wires is, for example, 1 mm.
[0085] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7 that are implemented as a strip. One heating element 7 is arranged above the opening 4 and one heating element 7 is arranged below the opening 4. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the heating elements 7 are partially embedded in the mass of the hose 3. One side of the heating elements 7 can thus come into contact with a stack sequence 2 held in the opening 4 (not shown in FIG. 7). The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, a pentagonal shape. It is also possible for the heating elements 7 that have the form of a strip to be completely surrounded by the mass of the hose 3. This embodiment is, however, not shown in FIG. 7. The width of the heating elements 7 implemented as strips is, for example, 5 mm; and the thickness is, for example, 0.1 mm. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7. However, as explained above, the vacuum ring 1 can, for example, also have only one heating element 7.
[0086] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7 that are implemented as a strip. One heating element 7 is arranged above the opening 4 and one heating element 7 is arranged below the opening 4. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the heating elements are glued onto the mass of the hose 3. One side of the heating elements 7 can thus come into contact with a stack sequence 2 held in the opening 4 (not shown in FIG. 8), in particular in the evacuated state. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, a pentagonal shape. The width of the heating elements 7 implemented as strips is, for example, 8 mm; and the thickness is, for example, 0.05 mm. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7. However, as explained above, the vacuum ring 1 can, for example, also have only one heating element 7.
[0087] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7 that are implemented as wire. One heating element 7 is embedded above the opening 4 and one heating element 7 is embedded below the opening 4 in the mass of the hose 3. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, a substantially pentagonal shape, wherein the corner of the pentagon opposite the side edge 5 when the side edge 5 of a stack sequence 2 is held is implemented as an additional recess 4a of the pentagon. The diameter of the heating elements 7 implemented as wires is, for example, 1 mm. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7. However, as explained above, the vacuum ring 1 can, for example, also have only one heating element 7.
[0088] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the vacuum ring 1 has four heating elements 7 that are implemented as wire. Two heating elements 7 are embedded above the opening 4 and two heating elements 7 are embedded below the opening 4 in the mass of the hose 3. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, a substantially pentagonal shape, wherein the corner of the pentagon opposite the side edge 5 when the side edge 5 of a stack sequence 2 is held is implemented as an additional recess 4a of the pentagon. The diameter of the heating elements 7 implemented as wires is, for example, 1 mm.
[0089] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the vacuum ring 1 has six heating elements 7 that are implemented as wire. Three heating elements 7 are embedded above the opening 4 and three heating elements 7 are embedded below the opening 4 in the mass of the hose 3. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, a substantially pentagonal shape, wherein the corner of the pentagon opposite the side edge 5 when the side edge 5 of a stack sequence 2 is held is implemented as an additional recess 4a of the pentagon. The diameter of the heating elements 7 implemented as wires is, for example, 1 mm.
[0090] FIG. 12 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7 that are implemented as a strip. One heating element 7 is arranged above the opening 4 and one heating element 7 is arranged below the opening 4. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the heating elements 7 are partially partially embedded in the mass of the hose 3. One side of the heating elements 7 can thus come into contact with a stack sequence 2 held in the opening 4 (not shown in FIG. 12). The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, a substantially pentagonal shape, wherein the corner of the pentagon opposite the side edge 5 when the side edge 5 of a stack sequence 2 is held is implemented as an additional recess 4a of the pentagon. It is also possible for the heating elements 7 that have the form of a strip to be completely surrounded by the mass of the hose 3. This embodiment is, however, not shown in FIG. 12. The width of the heating elements 7 implemented as strips is, for example, 8 mm; and the thickness is, for example, 0.1 mm. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7. However, as explained above, the vacuum ring 1 can, for example, also have only one heating element 7.
[0091] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-section of a detail of an embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7 that are implemented as a strip. One heating element 7 is arranged above the opening 4 and one heating element 7 is arranged below the opening 4. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the heating elements are glued onto the mass of the hose 3. One side of the heating elements 7 can thus come into contact with a stack sequence 2 held in the opening 4 (not shown in FIG. 13), in particular in the evacuated state. The opening 4 has, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, a substantially pentagonal shape, wherein the corner of the pentagon opposite the side edge 5 when the side edge 5 of a stack sequence 2 is held is implemented as an additional recess 4a of the pentagon. The width of the heating elements 7 implemented as strips is, for example, 8 mm; and the thickness is, for example, 0.05 mm. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the vacuum ring 1 has two heating elements 7. However, as explained above, the vacuum ring 1 can, for example, also have only one heating element 7.
[0092] FIG. 14 depicts a cross-section of a detail of another embodiment of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 14 differs from that in FIG. 9, only in that each of the two heating elements 7 has a connection element 12 for connecting to a voltage source. Both heating elements 7 can also be connected to the same voltage source.
[0093] It goes without saying that in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 to 13 as well, the heating elements can in each case have a connection element for connecting to a voltage source. In that case, all heating elements of a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention can also be connected to the same voltage source.
[0094] FIG. 15 depicts a plan view of a vacuum system 11 according to the invention, in which a stack sequence 2 is held, and FIG. 16 depicts an enlargement of the region Z of FIG. 15. The vacuum ring 1 of the vacuum system 11 depicted in FIG. 15 corresponds, for example, to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. To illustrate the arrangement of the stack sequence 2 in the vacuum ring 1, in FIGS. 15 and 16, the stack sequence 2 is a depicted dotted. In the enlargement of the region the Z in FIG. 15, the hose 3 is depicted transparent such that the heating element 7 arranged above the opening 4 can be seen. The heating element 7 is arranged such that it can heat a region adjacent the side edge 5 of the stack sequence 2. The heating element 7 arranged above the opening 4 does not make contact with the side edge 5 of the stack sequence 2. The heating element 7 arranged below the opening 4 cannot be seen in FIG. 16, since it is arranged below the stack sequence 2, which is depicted dotted. However, the heating element 7 arranged below the opening 4 also does not touch the side edge 5 of the stack sequence 2. The heating elements 7 in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16 are implemented as wires that extend in a wave shape over the entire length of the hose 3.
[0095] FIGS. 17 to 23 depict, as details, various embodiments of wave-shaped and meander-shaped heating elements 7 that differ from one another, in particular, in terms of wavelength, amplitude, and/or radius of curvature.
[0096] FIG. 24 depicts a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for deaerating a stack sequence 2.
[0097] The method includes, in a first step I, arranging a stack sequence 2. In a second step II, the method includes arranging a vacuum ring 1 according to the invention around the outer side edge 5 of the stack sequence 2. In a third step III, the method includes applying a vacuum to the vacuum ring 1. In a fourth step IV, the method includes applying a voltage to the electric heating element 7. Steps III and IV can even be carried out simultaneously.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0098] 1 vacuum ring [0099] 2 stack sequence [0100] 2a substrate pane [0101] 2a1 underside of the substrate pane [0102] 2b cover pane [0103] 2b1 upper side of the cover pane [0104] 2c intermediate layer [0105] 3 hose [0106] 4 opening [0107] 4a recess [0108] 5 side edge [0109] 6 deaeration channel [0110] 7 electric heating element [0111] 8 vacuum pump [0112] 9 vacuum hose [0113] 10 voltage source [0114] 11 vacuum system [0115] 12 connection element [0116] I interior of the ring formed by the hose
