A METHOD OF HANDLING A VACUUM INSULATED GLASS UNIT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of handling a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly comprises: a first glass sheet. a plurality of support structures on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet, wherein the 5method comprises the steps of: handling the VIG unit assembly by physically contacting the VIG unit assembly by one or more contact surface(s) of a handling system, and providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly, wherein the humidity control is provided by a humidity control system providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 103%, such as 35%, or such as 40%.

Claims

1.-27. (canceled)

28. A method of handling a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly comprises: a first glass sheet, a plurality of support structures on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet, wherein the method comprises the steps of: handling the VIG unit assembly by physically contacting the VIG unit assembly by one or more contact surface(s) of a handling system, providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly, wherein the humidity control is provided by a humidity control system providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 30%, and providing ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly and/or at one or more outer surfaces of a handling system by one or more ionizing devices.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) unit assembly further comprises a second glass sheet on top of the first glass sheet, wherein the second glass sheet is arranged so that a downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet faces the support structures, and so that the second glass sheet supports on a spacing arrangement providing a gap between said downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet and said upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet, wherein said gap has a height that is larger than the height of said support structures placed on the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein the humidity control system provides a relative humidity of the ambient air between 30% and 90% relative humidity.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein the method comprises the step of introducing water into the ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly through one or more discharge opening(s) of a water discharge arrangement of the humidity control system.

32. The method according to claim 28, wherein the one or more ionizing device(s) provides an air flow of ions of controlled polarity towards one or more outer major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly and/or at one or more outer surfaces of a handling system, so as to change the electrostatic potential in the glass sheet(s) and/or the handling system.

33. The method according to claim 28, wherein the one or more ionizing devices comprises one or more ionizing bars each comprising one or more flow outlet(s) arranged so as to provide at least one line of flow outlet(s) extending across a major surface of VIG unit assembly.

34. The method according to claim 28, wherein the one or more ionizing devices comprises one or more ionizing bars each comprising one or more flow outlet(s) arranged so as to provide a first line of flow outlet(s) extending above a plane comprising a major surface of the VIG unit assembly and a second line of flow outlet(s) extending below the plane comprising the major surface of the VIG unit assembly.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the flow outlets of the first line are directed towards the upward facing major surface of the second glass sheet and the flow outlets of the second line are directed towards a downward facing major surface of the first glass sheet.

36. The method according to claim 28, wherein the method further comprises the step of transporting the VIG unit assembly by a conveyor arrangement comprising one or more conveyor belt(s), conveyor roller(s) and/or conveyor trolley(s) in physical contact with the VIG unit assembly, and wherein the transportation of the VIG unit assembly by the conveyor arrangement is undertaken in the ambient air subjected to humidity control by the humidity control system.

37. The method according to claim 28, wherein the one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system is provided by the conveyor arrangement by one or more conveyer belt(s) of the conveyor arrangement, wherein the one or more contact surface(s) comprises an electric resistance of less than 10.sup.12 ohm/m.sup.2, and wherein the method further comprises the step of reducing electrostatic charge on the one or more contact surface(s) by a static discharge arrangement providing an electrically conductive connection between the one or more contact surface(s) and a ground connection and/or other charge reservoir.

38. The method according to claim 28, wherein a displacement system of the handling system provides a relative displacement between the one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system and the VIG unit assembly, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major surface of the VIG unit assembly, and wherein the relative displacement is undertaken in the ambient air subjected to humidity control by the humidity control system.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the relative displacement is further undertaken while providing ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly and/or at one or more outer surfaces of the handling system by one or more ionizing devices.

40. The method according to claim 28, wherein in the step of handling the VIG unit assembly, the VIG unit assembly is surrounded by ambient air subjected to the humidity control.

41. A method of handling a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly comprises: a first glass sheet, a plurality of support structures on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet by means of a support structure placement arrangement, a second glass sheet on top of the first glass sheet, wherein the second glass sheet is arranged so that a downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet faces the support structures, and so that the second glass sheet supports on a spacing arrangement providing a gap between said downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet and said upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet, wherein said gap has a height that is larger than the height of said support structures placed on the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet, wherein the method comprises the step(s) of: reducing or maintaining a difference in electrostatic charge potential between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet by a charge modulation system, so that the difference in electrostatic charge potential is below 8 kV.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the method further comprises the step of placing the VIG unit assembly in a heating arrangement for heating the VIG unit assembly, and wherein the difference in electrostatic charge potential in the VIG unit assembly is below 8 kV when placed inside the heating arrangement.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein the charge modulation system comprises a humidity control system, and wherein the method comprises the step of providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly, wherein the humidity control is provided by the humidity control system providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 30%.

44. The method according to claim 41, wherein the charge modulation system comprises one or more ionizing device(s), and wherein the method comprises the step of providing ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly and/or at one or more outer surfaces of the handling system and/or at an element in the vicinity of the VIG unit assembly, by the one or more ionizing devices.

45. The method according to claim 41, wherein the one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system is provided by a conveyor arrangement by one or more conveyer belt(s) of the conveyor arrangement, wherein the one or more contact surface(s) comprises an electric resistance less than 10.sup.12 ohm/m.sup.2, and wherein the method further comprises the step of reducing electrostatic charge on the one or more contact surface(s) by the static discharge arrangement of the charge modulation system by providing an electrically conductive connection between the one or more electrically conducting contact surface(s) and a ground connection and/or other charge reservoir.

46. The method according to claim 28, wherein a change in electrostatic charge potential of the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet are substantially mirrored across the gap of the VIG unit assembly.

47. The method according to claim 28, wherein the support structures are made of metal and/or wherein the support structures are free-standing on the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet of the VIG unit assembly.

Description

DRAWING

[0183] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which:

[0184] FIG. 1 shows a VIG unit assembly according to embodiment(s) of the invention, as seen in perspective,

[0185] FIG. 2 shows a first glass sheet with support structures according to embodiment(s) of the invention, as seen in perspective,

[0186] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a VIG unit assembly according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0187] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having a humidity control system according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0188] FIG. 5a shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having a static discharge arrangement according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0189] FIG. 5b shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having ionizing device(s) according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0190] FIG. 6 shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having a humidity control system and ionizing device(s) according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0191] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having a humidity control system and a static discharge arrangement according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0192] FIG. 8 shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having ionizing device(s) and a static discharge arrangement according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0193] FIG. 9 shows a top view of a manufacturing facility having a humidity control system, ionizing device(s) and a static discharge arrangement according to embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0194] FIG. 10 shows an ionizing device according to embodiment(s) of the invention, as seen in perspective,

[0195] FIG. 11a-c shows side views of the VIG unit assembly and the handling system with different spacing distances according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0196] FIG. 12 shows a top view of a VIG unit assembly and a handling system according to embodiment(s) of the invention,

[0197] FIG. 13 shows a front view of the VIG unit assembly and the handling system according to FIG. 12, and

[0198] FIG. 14a-b shows front views of the VIG unit assembly arranged on a handling system with different spacing distances, and with ionizing device, according to embodiment(s) of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0199] FIG. 1 shows a VIG unit assembly 1 according to embodiment(s) of the invention, as seen in perspective. The VIG unit assembly 1 comprises a first glass sheet 2 and a second glass sheet 4 with support structures 5 arranged between them. The support structures 5 are usually spaced about 10-60 mm so one VIG assembly can comprise hundreds of support structures 5. During assembly the discrete support structures 5 can be placed by different methods, see for example patent document numbers US2020024891, CN103253874, CN102898045 and US2020087200. Generally, the discrete support structures can be placed in bulk or one row at the time or as individual spacers. All placement methods have different advantages and drawbacks. A subsequent inspection may be used to identify placement errors, see for example patent document numbers CN111718134 and CN102841041, which describe VIG visual support structure inspection systems. The present inventors have discovered that more support structures placement errors occur in industrial production.

[0200] FIG. 2 shows the first glass sheet 2 of the VIG unit assembly 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the first glass sheet 2 and a plurality of support structures 5, shown as pillars, placed in a pre-selected pattern on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet 2a. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the VIG unit assembly 1 of FIG. 1, with edge seal material 6, e.g. low melting point glass solder material, arranged at the edge of the VIG unit assembly 1 between major surfaces of the glass sheets 2a, 4b. A gap 7 is enclosed by the glass sheets 2, 4 and the edge seal material 6, which is later to be evacuated and sealed in order to provide a VIG unit. In the present view shown in FIG. 3, the height of the support structures Hp is smaller than the height of the gap Hg. The gap height Hg is measured between the downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet 4b and the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet 2a. Outer major surfaces of the VIG unit is provided by the downward facing major surface of the first glass sheet 2b and the upward facing major surface of the second glass sheet 4a.

[0201] In the close-up provided in FIG. 3, an exemplary un-wanted movement of a support structure 5 is illustrated. The dashed outline of a support structure 5 indicated the desired, and most likely the initial position of the support structure 5, while the solid outline of the support structure 5 indicated the new and unwanted position of the support structure 5 after displacement, e.g. along the arrow indicated. Such displacement may be caused by a static electric field generated in the gap affecting the support structure 5 and causing it to move, e.g. the static charge potential of each glass sheets 2, 4 may be different. The first glass sheet 2 may have a higher electrostatic potential than the second glass sheet 4, for example, the first glass sheet 2 may have a measured electrostatic potential of +25 kV and the second glass sheet 4 may have a measured electrostatic potential of +12 kV. The support structures may be free-standing metal support structures 5, such as steel support structures 5. With free-standing support structure 5 on the first glass sheets 2, which are not yet touched by both glass sheets 2, 4, a displacement of the support structures 5 can occur due to a static electric field generated between the glass sheets 2, 4 of dissimilar electrostatic charge potentials. E.g. through a potential discharge event via the support structure 5, the support structure 5 can typically move towards the second glass sheet 4 and subsequently land back down on the first glass sheet 2. In particular, after pairing of the glass sheets 2, 4, as the support structures 5 are covered by the second glass sheet 4, such unwanted displacement of the support structure 5 can be difficult to fix, without having to separate and compromise the VIG unit assembly 1 and in particular the VIG unit manufacturing process.

[0202] Unwanted displacement of one or more support structures can also occur prior to placing the second glass sheet on top of the first glass sheet, e.g. of the VIG assembly shown in FIG. 2. Such displacement may be caused by a static electric field generated between the VIG assembly (comprising the first glass sheet and the support structures) and an element in the vicinity of the VIG unit assembly, such as a plastic screen, handling tool, or the like present in the manufacturing facility. The static electric field may affecting the support structure 5 and causing it to move.

[0203] In order to reduce the above discussed unwanted displacement of the support structure, a charge modulation system can be implemented at the manufacturing facility for manufacturing the VIG unit assembly, as described in relation to FIGS. 4-14b. Note that not all manufacturing steps for providing the VIG unit assembly or the VIG unit is shown in FIGS. 4-14b, mainly the process regarding handling of the VIG unit assembly, in particular after the first and second glass sheets have been paired, is in focus in the present examples.

[0204] FIGS. 4-9 shows a handling system 8 providing a first transport system 9a for transporting the first glass sheet 2 and/or a second transport system 9b for transporting the second glass sheet 4, e.g. both are arranged to move the glass sheets 2, 4 along a moving direction MD1. A first handling tool 10a of the handling system, e.g. an industrial robot fixed with suction means, may pick up the second glass sheet 4 and place it on top of the first glass sheet 2, which is provided with support structures 5, whereby the glass sheets 2, 4 are paired. The paired VIG unit assembly 1 is supported on the first transport system 9a and may thereafter be further displaced by the first transport system 9a and thereafter lifted off the first transport system 9a or it may be immediately lifted off the first transport system 9a after pairing. A second handling tool 10b, such as a tool equipped with arm(s), e.g. installed on an industrial robot, may be introduced underneath the VIG unit assembly 1 so that the assembly 1 can be lifted off the first transport system 9a, and further displaced, e.g. along the second moving direction MD2 to an evacuation and sealing station 35, such shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 9. The handling of the VIG unit assembly 1 by first transport system 9a and/or the second handling tool 10b is further described in relation to FIGS. 11-14b.

[0205] FIGS. 4-7 and 9 shows several processing stations 30 of a manufacturing facility, such as an exemplary sealing material distribution station 31 for providing edge sealing material 6, such as low melting point solder glass material, around the edge of the second glass sheet 4 prior to pairing of the glass sheets 2, 4 is shown. FIGS. 4-7 and 9 further shows an exemplary support structure distribution station 32, comprising a support structure placement arrangement 32a providing support structures 5 on the first glass sheet 2, prior to pairing of the glass sheets 2, 4. The support structures 5 are preferably free-standing on the first glass sheet 2, and of a height Hp less than the gap height Hg between the glass sheets 2, 4 in the paired VIG unit assembly 1, as shown in FIG. 3. Such sealing material distribution station 31 and/or support structure distribution station 32 may also be provided (however not shown) prior to the pairing of glass sheets 2, 4 as shown in FIG. 8. The pairing of the glass sheets 2, 4 may preferably be provided at a dedicated pairing station 33, but alternatively the pairing step may be executed at the support structure distribution station 32. Subsequent to the pairing of the glass sheets 2, 4 the VIG unit assembly 1 may be positioned at a transfer station 34 at which the VIG unit assembly 1 can be further handled so that it may be transferred to an evacuation and sealing station 35, comprising a heating arrangement 35a, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 9. The pairing 33 and transfer station 34 may be provided at the same location, however, preferably the first transport system 9a displaces the paired VIG unit assembly 1 from the pairing station 33 to the transfer station 34. Advantageously, physical separation of the processing stations 30 may allow for sufficient room for instruments of each processing station 30 to be able to undertake their function.

[0206] In FIGS. 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7 and 9, the first and/or second transport systems 9a, 9b may be any transport systems, which can displace the glass sheets 2, 4 in a preferably horizontal direction, e.g. along the first moving direction MD1, such as a conveyor arrangement 11, employing rollers, e.g. cylindrical, or ball-shaped rollers and/or conveyor belt(s) 11a, as shown in FIGS. 5a, 7-9.

[0207] FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 9 shows a manufacturing facility providing a sufficiently closed environment 36, as indicated by the dashed rectangular outline, in which the manufacturing of the VIG unit assembly 1 is taking place. Optionally, the manufacturing facility shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 8 may also be comprised in a sufficiently closed environment (not shown).

[0208] In FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 9, a humidity control system 20 is provided as the charge modulation system 16 in the manufacturing facility, which is providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly 1, such that the ambient air has a relative humidity above a minimum threshold level of 30%, such as 35%, or such as 40%. By employing a relatively humid air in the ambient air in which the VIG unit assembly 1 is manufactured, e.g. handled by the handling system 8 for example by the first and second transport systems 9a, 9b and the handlings tools 10a, 10b, the risk of unwanted charge build up in surfaces in contact with or near to the VIG unit assembly 1 can be reduced. In turn, this reduces the risk of spontaneous discharge via or near the support structures 5, which can cause them to move. The humidity control system may comprise one or more water discharge arrangements 20b having one or more discharge openings 20a for introducing water into the ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly. The water used may be filtered or otherwise cleaned water free of contaminants, which can potentially compromise the VIG unit. The water discharge arrangement may be located near the production line at which the VIG unit assembly 1 is provided, i.e. near to or enclosed in the pairing station, and/or any previous or subsequent stations along the production line, such as the support structure placement station or transfer station. Exemplary locations of stations 30, 31, 32, 34, 35 are shown in FIG. 4-9.

[0209] Optionally, the humidity control system 20 may comprise an alarm system 21, which is equipped to send out an alarm signal, e.g. visual and/or audible, if a threshold level for the humidity has been crossed.

[0210] Alternatively, charge modulation may be provided via the handling system 8, such as via the first transport system 9a comprising a conveyor arrangement 11 comprising conveyor belts 11a arranged to support the VIG unit assembly 1 by a contact surface of the conveyor belts 13, as exemplary shown in FIG. 5a. Also, the second transport system 9b may be a conveyor arrangement 11 comprising conveyor belts 11a; however, it may be alternatively be a different type of transport system. The first and/or second transport systems 9a, 9b are preferably arranged to displace the glass sheets 2, 4 in a preferably horizontal direction, e.g. along the first moving direction MD1.

[0211] In FIG. 5a, one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system 13 may be provided by one or more conveyer belts 11a of the conveyor arrangement 11, wherein the one or more contact surface(s) 13 comprises an electric resistance less than 10.sup.12 ohm/m.sup.2. The contact surface(s) 13 of at least the first transport system 9a, preferably both transport systems 9a, 9b, may be connected to a charge modulation system 16 comprising a static discharge arrangement 22, such that electrostatic charge on the one or more contact surface(s) 13 can be reduced by a static discharge arrangement 22. The static discharge arrangement 22 may provide the reduction by providing an electrically conductive connection between contact surface(s) 13 and a ground connection and/or a different charge reservoir. In this way, charge build up at surfaces in contact with the VIG unit assembly 1 may be reduced, in turn decreasing the possibility of support structure misplacement.

[0212] Alternatively, the charge modulation may be provided by one or more ionizing device(s) 17 and an example thereof is shown in FIG. 5b. The charge modulation system 16 comprises ionizing device(s) 17 arranged to provide ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces 2b, 4a of the VIG unit assembly 1 and/or at one or more outer surfaces of a handling system 8, and/or in the vicinity of the VIG unit assembly, such as elements close to the VIG unit assembly, so as to change the electrostatic potential in the glass sheet(s) 2, 4 and/or the handling system 8 and/or the element in the vicinity. The ionizing device 17 may be connected to a source of pressurized air 17a, which can supply the air to be ionized and further drives the air in a flow direction towards the target surfaces.

[0213] In FIG. 4, the charge modulation system 16 is provided by the humidity control system 20. In FIG. 6 the charge modulation system 16 is not only provided by a humidity control system 20 providing humidity control but is further provided by one or more ionizing devices 17 providing ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces 2b, 4a of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly and/or at one or more outer surfaces of a handling system 8, so as to change the electrostatic potential in the glass sheet(s) 2, 4 and/or the handling system 8. By employing the ionizing device(s) 17 in addition to the humidity control, an increased control, e.g. reduction, of the electrostatic potential in the glass sheets 2, 4 may be more readily achieved.

[0214] In the present examples shown in FIGS. 5b and 6, the ionizing device(s) 17 are elongated in shape, typically referred to as ionizing bars 17. The ionizing device 17 may be arranged with the longitudinal extent thereof along the longitudinal extent of the first transport system 9a, e.g. along the first moving direction MD1 of the first transport system 9a, so that ions may be provided from a side of the VIG unit assembly 1, e.g. as the VIG unit assembly 1 is static or moving. An example of an ionizing device 17 is seen in FIG. 10, showing the elongated bar including a plurality of flow outlets 18, through which a flow of ions can be provided, e.g. by connecting the ionizing bar 17 by piping connection 17d to a source of pressurised gaseous medium, such as air. In one or more examples, two ionizing devices 17 may be provided, one for the first glass sheet 2 and one for the second glass sheet 4.

[0215] A line of flow outlets 18a provided in the ionizing bar 17 may preferably of a length being larger than at least one dimension of a major surface of the glass sheets 2, 4, e.g. such as the width of the major surface of the glass sheet, the width extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the line of the flow outlets 18a.

[0216] FIG. 7 shows a charge modulation system 16, which not only provides humidity control by a humidity control system 20, as previously described, but further provides a conveyor arrangement 11 with contact surfaces 13 connected to a static discharge arrangement 22 via an electrically conductive connection 23, such as static discharge arrangement 22 as described in relation to FIG. 5a. Charges may thereby be less likely to accumulate on the contact surface(s) of the conveyor belt 13 in contact with the VIG unit assembly 1 and on the VIG unit assembly 1 itself, as charges can both be dissipated through the humid air or the by the static discharge arrangement 22.

[0217] In FIG. 8, a handing system 8 provides a first transport system 9a comprising a conveyor arrangement 11 having conveyor belts 11a each having a contact surface 13 for supporting the VIG unit assembly 1 comprising a first and second glass sheet 2, 4 with a plurality of support structures 5 in between. The charge modulation system 16 is provided by the combination of ionizing device(s) 17 and a static discharge arrangement 22 connected to the conveyor arrangement 11, so that charge build up on the VIG unit assembly 1 can be controlled, e.g. reduced, via the polarized ions provided by the ionizing device 17 and a source of pressurized air 17c and by dissipating charges through conductive connections 23, e.g. through the conveyor arrangement 11, away from the VIG unit assembly 1. The conveyor arrangement 11 is preferably arranged to displace the glass sheets 2, 4 in a preferably horizontal direction, e.g. along the first moving direction MD1.

[0218] In FIG. 8, the second glass sheet 4 provided with a sealing arrangement 6 may be collected from a second transport system (not shown) by a first handling tool 10a of the handling system 8, the second transport system may be any transport system, which preferably can displace the second glass sheet in a preferably horizontal direction, e.g. along the first moving direction MD1, such as a conveyor arrangement, employing rollers, e.g. cylindrical, or ball-shaped rollers and/or belt(s). Optionally a second handling tool 10b of the handling system 8, such as a handling tool, e.g. an industrial robot, equipped with arm(s) 10c, may be introduced underneath the VIG unit assembly 1 so that the assembly 1 can be lifted off the first transport system 9a, and further displaced to e.g. an evacuation and sealing station (not shown).

[0219] In FIG. 9, the charge modulation system 16 is provided by humidity control by a humidity control system 20, by providing ions by ionizing device(s) 17 and by providing a conveyor arrangement 11 of the first transport system 9a of the handling system 8, which conveyor arrangement 11 is connected to a static discharge system 22. By the present example, the humidity control system 20 can provide an evenly distributed ambient air of controlled humidity, which may sufficiently prevent disadvantageous build up of charges on surfaces of the VIG unit assembly 1 in contact with the ambient air, such as outermost major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly 4a, 2b. The ionizing device(s) 17 allow for focused supply of polarized ions, e.g. across outermost major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly 4a, 2b, so as to potentially neutralise static electricity e.g. by allowing combination of the polarized ions and oppositely charged ions at the surface of the VIG unit assembly 1, e.g. the outermost major glass surfaces 2b, 4a. The supply of polarized ions may be provided as a flow of ionized air generated by the combination of a source of pressurized air 17c and the ionizing device 17. The static discharge arrangement 22 provides conductive connection(s) 23 between the contact surface(s) 13 provided by conveyor belts 11a of the conveyor arrangement 11 in contact with the VIG unit assembly 1, e.g. in contact with a downward facing major surface of the first glass sheet 2b, and a sufficient neutraliser e.g. an electrical ground. In this way, build up of static charges on the contact surface(s) 13 may be reduced, which in turn can reduce or prevent charging the VIG unit assembly 1.

[0220] In one or more examples, conductive connection(s) 23 may be provided from the neutraliser, e.g. ground, to all contact surface(s) of a conveyor arrangement 13, which are designed to come into physical contact with the VIG unit assembly 1, in particular prior to evacuation. Additionally, conductive connections may be provided from the neutraliser, e.g. ground connection to any elements which is to come into the vicinity of the VIG unit assembly, e.g. in particular prior to evacuation of the VIG unit assembly. Other handling tools 10a, 10b or other transport systems 9b of the handling system may also be provided with static discharge arrangement(s) 22. In one or more examples, the static discharge arrangement 22 provides a conductive connection 23 to the conveyor belts 11a of a conveyor arrangement 11 arranged to support and displace the VIG unit assembly 1. Additionally, each part of the conveyor arrangement 11, which may potentially cause charge generation, may be connected to the static discharge arrangement 22, such that generated charges can be neutralised prior to potentially causing static electricity in the VIG unit assembly 1. A charge generating part may typically comprise surfaces generating charges through friction and relative displacement between the surfaces, such as between conveyor belts 11a and rollers of a conveyor arrangement 11b. Other charge generating parts may involve bearings, the conveyor structure, and any pulley lagging if present. By the static discharge arrangement 22, a continuous discharge of generated charges in the conveyor arrangement 11 may be provided. In one or more examples, parts of the conveyor arrangement 11 may be sufficiently conductive to provide one or more of the conductive connections 23 of the static discharge arrangement 22.

[0221] FIG. 11a-c shows an exemplary handling system 8 and VIG unit assembly 1. The handling system 8 comprises a conveyor arrangement 11 with rollers 11b and at least one endless conveyor belt 11a arranged around said rollers 11b so that the belt 11a may be displaced by said rollers 11b. The rollers 11b are fixed on a shaft 12 for driving the rotation of the rollers 11b. The conveyor arrangement 11 may be a part of a first transport system 9a. A VIG unit assembly 1 is provided to be transported and supported by the conveyor arrangement 11 by the contact surface of the conveyor belt 13. FIG. 11a-c shows an example of handling a VIG unit assembly 1 after pairing and before evacuation. The VIG unit assembly 1 is supported on the conveyor belt 11a of the conveyor arrangement 11. A plurality of support elements 15 are arranged below the VIG unit assembly 1 and adjacent to the conveyor belt 11a.

[0222] In order to remove the conveyor belt 11a from the VIG unit assembly 1, e.g. so as to ease further handling of the VIG unit assembly 1, the support elements 15 (or additionally or alternatively the conveyor belt 11a, including the rollers 11b) are arranged to be displaceable in a direction generally perpendicular to a lowermost major surface of the VIG unit assembly 2b. As the support elements 15 are moved upwards, the VIG unit assembly 1 remains supported by the conveyor belt 11a until the VIG unit assembly 1 come into physical contact with the support elements 15, and the support elements 15 may continue to move upwards as seen in FIG. 11b. As seen in FIG. 11c, the support elements 15 may be moved to a position providing sufficient vertical space between conveyor belts 11a and the VIG unit assembly 1 to allow a handling tool to be introduced in the space. E.g. as seen in FIG. 12, the second handling tool 10b, may be introduced in this vertical space, such as by introducing one or more arms of a second handling tool 10c, such that the VIG unit assembly 1 may be supported and lifted off the support elements 15.

[0223] In one or more examples, the support elements 15 and/or the handling tools 10a, 10c and/or the transport systems 9a, 9b may be sufficiently grounded so as to reduce static charge build up which potentially can be transferred to the VIG unit assembly upon physical contact.

[0224] In FIG. 11a-c, the displacement of the support elements 15 (and/or the conveyor arrangement 11) are undertaken by means of a displacement system 14 arranged to change the position of the support elements (and/or the conveyor arrangement). The displacement of the support elements 15 in FIG. 11a-b may optionally be provided according to preselected displacement speed(s), e.g. according to a first speed and subsequently according to a second speed being larger than the first speed, such that the displacement is initially done at a low speed and subsequently at a larger speed. One or both speeds may be changing, e.g. continuously increasing.

[0225] FIGS. 12 and 13 shows a top view and a front view respectively, of the VIG unit assembly 1, the support elements 15 and the handling system 8 having a first transport system 9a comprising the conveyor arrangement 11 of FIG. 11a-b, shown subsequent to transferring the VIG unit assembly 1 on to the support elements 15 as shown in FIG. 11c. In FIGS. 12 and 13, a second handling tool 10b of the handling system 8 comprises a plurality of arms 10c extending generally horizontal and which are inserted between the conveyor belt 10a and the VIG unit assembly 1. In the present examples, the conveyor arrangement 11 comprises a plurality of endless conveyor belts 11a arranged side by side with the support elements 15 located in between. The conveyor belts provide a contact surface 13 for physical contacting the VIG unit assembly 1, when it is supported thereon. The second handling tool 10b may be an industrial robot or other types of automated handling tool allowing for automation of the handling of the VIG unit assembly 1. The handling tool preferably allows for both vertical, horizontal and rotational transport of the VIG unit assembly 1, e.g. to a sealing and evacuation station. In FIG. 12, the support structures arranged inside the VIG unit assembly is also shown.

[0226] FIG. 13 shows a front view of FIG. 12, as viewed from behind the handling tool 10a, with the arms of the second handling tool 10c inserted between the conveyor belts 11a and the VIG unit assembly 1 after the VIG unit assembly 1 has been transferred to the support elements 15. In the present example, it can be seen that the rollers 11b at each end of the conveyor arrangement 11 are connected to a common shaft 12 allowing for collective rotation of the belts 11a around the rollers 11b and uniform displacement of the VIG unit assembly 1. Alternatively, the conveyor belts 11a may be individually controlled by individual shafts.

[0227] During rotation of the endless conveyor belts 11a relative to the rollers 11b charges may be generated, which in turn may be transferred to the VIG unit assembly 1 in contact with the contact surface of the conveyor belts 13, in particular the lowermost glass sheet of the VIG unit assembly, being the first glass sheet 2, see FIG. 11a. The subsequent relative displacement between the VIG unit assembly 1 and the conveyor arrangement 11, as demonstrated in FIG. 11a-c, has further shown to increase the electrostatic potential of the first glass sheet 2 and provide a difference in electrostatic charge potential between the first and second glass sheets 2, 4 of the VIG unit assembly 1 and generating a static electric field in the gap 7 potentially causing the support structures arranged therein to move and be displaced (see FIG. 3).

[0228] In order to reduce displacement events caused by the static electric field, one or more of the previously described charge modulation systems 16 may be provided, preferably at least a humidity control system 20, as shown in FIG. 4, 6, 7 or 9. Alternatively, a charge modulation system 16 as the one shown in FIG. 5a, 5b, or 8 may be utilized.

[0229] FIG. 14a-b shows a front view of an exemplary employment of a charge modulation system 16, e.g. viewed towards and end of the conveyor arrangement 11, wherein the charge modulation system 16 comprises ionizing devices 17, being elongated ionizing bars, each with a line of flow outlet(s) 18a directed towards the VIG unit assembly 1, such that a flow of ions 19 can directed onto the VIG unit assembly 1. Preferably, the flow of ions are provided across the majority, such as the entire, uppermost and lowermost major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly. In the present examples, the longitudinal extent of the ionizing bars 17 and the line of flow outlet(s) 18a are arranged substantially parallel to a side of the VIG unit assembly 1 and parallel to the moving direction of the VIG unit assembly 1 on the conveyor arrangement 11. The conveyor arrangement comprises an endless belt 11a arranged about at least two groups of rollers 11b, each group being rotatable by a shaft 12. The conveyor arrangement 11 is preferably comprised in the first transport system 9a of the handling system 8, e.g. as described in relation to FIG. 7-9, 11a-c-13.

[0230] In FIGS. 14a-b, the ionizing devices 17 may be fixed in position relative to the VIG unit assembly. The ionizing devices 17 may be activated, such as continuously activated, while a VIG unit assembly is within the field, which can be provided with a flow of ions 19, e.g. ionized air, by the ionizing devices 17. Additionally or alternatively, the ionizing devices 17 may be activated, such as continuously activated, to provide a flow of ions 19 while the substantially vertical relative displacement between the VIG unit assembly 1 and the conveyor arrangement 11 and the support elements 15 is undertaken, as seen in FIG. 11a-c. E.g. in FIG. 14a, the ionizing devices 17 are shown activated while the VIG unit assembly 1 is supported by the contact surfaces of the conveyor belts 13 and in FIG. 14b the ionizing devices 17 are shown activated, while the VIG unit assembly 1 is supported by the support elements 15. The activation may be done automatically. An arrow in FIG. 14a shows a direction of an optionally downward displacement of the conveyor arrangement 11 which may be driven by a displacement system (not shown) in order to separate the VIG unit assembly 1 and the conveyor arrangement 11.

[0231] In FIG. 14a-b the uppermost ionizing device 17a is orientated so as to provide an air flow of ions 19 across the uppermost surface of the VIG unit assembly, being provided by the upward facing major surface of the second glass sheet 4a, while the lowermost ionizing device 17b is orientated so as to provide a an air flow of ions 19 across the lowermost surface of the VIG unit assembly, being provided by the downward facing major surface of the first glass sheet 2b. The lowermost ionizing device 17b may additionally be arranged to provide an airflow of ions 19 towards the conveyor arrangement 11 and the support elements 15, so as to potentially neutralise any static charge thereon. The uppermost ionizing device 17a may comprise a first line of flow outlets 18a and the lowermost ionizing device comprises a second line of flow outlets 18a, the first line of flow outlets 18a extending above the horizontal plane comprising the second glass sheet 4, and the second line of flow outlets 18a extending below the horizontal plane comprising the first glass sheet 2.

[0232] The charge modulation system 16 and the handling system 8 of FIGS. 14a-b may preferably be provided in combination with a humidity control system 20, e.g. as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 9.

[0233] The invention is further described in the following items:

ITEMS

[0234] 1. A method of handling a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly (1) for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly (1) comprises: [0235] a first glass sheet (2), [0236] a plurality of support structures (5) on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a),
wherein the method comprises the steps of: [0237] handling the VIG unit assembly (1) by physically contacting the VIG unit assembly (1) by one or more contact surface(s) (13) of a handling system (8), and [0238] providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly (1), wherein the humidity control is provided by a humidity control system (20) providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 30%, such as 35%, or such as 40%.

[0239] 2. The method according to item 1, wherein the humidity control system (20) provides a relative humidity of the ambient air below 80%, such as below 70%.

[0240] 3. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the humidity control system (20) provides a relative humidity of the ambient air between 30% and 90% relative humidity, such as between 40% and 80% relative humidity.

[0241] 4. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises the step of introducing water into the ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly (1) through one or more discharge opening(s) (20a) of a water discharge arrangement of the humidity control system (20b).

[0242] 5. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the humidity control system (20) comprises two or more water discharge arrangements (20b) distributed around the VIG unit assembly (1).

[0243] 6. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises the step of providing ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces (2b, 4a) of the VIG unit assembly (1) and/or at one or more outer surfaces of a handling system (8) by one or more ionizing devices (17).

[0244] 7. The method according to item 6, wherein the one or more ionizing device(s) (17) provides a flow of ions (19) of controlled polarity towards one or more outer major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly (2b, 4a) and/or at one or more outer surfaces of a handling system (8), so as to change the electrostatic potential in the glass sheet(s) (2, 4) and/or the handling system (8).

[0245] 8. The method according to any of the items 6-7, wherein the one or more ionizing devices (17) provides a pressurized flow of ions (19).

[0246] 9. The method according to any of the items 6-8, wherein the one or more ionizing devices (17) comprises one or more ionizing bars (17) each comprising one or more flow outlet(s) (18) arranged so as to provide at least one line of flow outlet(s) (18a) extending across a major surface of VIG unit assembly (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b).

[0247] 10. The method according to any of the items 6-9, wherein the one or more ionizing devices (17) comprises one or more ionizing bars (17) each comprising one or more flow outlet(s) (18) arranged so as to provide a first line of flow outlet(s) (18a) extending above a plane comprising a major surface of the VIG unit assembly (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) and a second line of flow outlet(s) (18a) extending below the plane comprising the major surface of the VIG unit assembly (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b).

[0248] 11. The method according to any of the items 6-10, wherein the line(s) of flow outlet(s) (18a) are arranged parallel to a transport direction of the VIG unit assembly (1).

[0249] 12. The method according to any of the items 10-11, wherein the flow outlets (18) of the first line (18a) are directed towards the upward facing major surface of the second glass sheet (4a) and the flow outlets of the second line (18a) are directed towards a downward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2b).

[0250] 13. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method further comprises the step of transporting the VIG unit assembly (1) by a conveyor arrangement (11) comprising one or more conveyor belt(s) (11a), conveyor roller(s) and/or conveyor trolley(s) in physical contact with the VIG unit assembly (1), and [0251] wherein the transportation of the VIG unit assembly (1) by the conveyor arrangement (11) is undertaken in the ambient air subjected to humidity control by the humidity control system (20).

[0252] 14. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system (13) is provided by the conveyor arrangement (11), such as by one or more conveyer belt(s) of the conveyor arrangement (11a), wherein the one or more contact surface(s) (13) comprises an electric resistance less than 10.sup.12 ohm/m.sup.2 and [0253] wherein the method further comprises the step of reducing electrostatic charge on the one or more contact surface(s) (13) by a static discharge arrangement (22) by providing an electrically conductive connection (23) between the one or more electrically conducting contact surface(s) (13) and a ground connection and/or other charge reservoir.

[0254] 15. The method according to item 14, wherein the static discharge arrangement (22) reduces static charge on one or both glass sheets (2, 4) by one or more electrically conductive connection(s) (23) provided between the static discharge arrangement (22) and the one or more glass sheets (2, 4).

[0255] 16. The method according to item 15, wherein at least a part of the electrically conductive connection(s) (23) are provided by the conveyor arrangement (11), such as by metal-containing or carbon-containing structures of the conveyor arrangement (11), and/or by one or more electrically conductive brushes in physical contact with the VIG unit assembly (1).

[0256] 17. The method according to any of the items 14-16, wherein the static discharge arrangement (22) reduces static charge on one or both glass sheets of the VIG unit assembly (2, 4), so that a difference in electrostatic charge potential measured between the first glass sheet (2) and second glass sheet (4) is approximately between 0 kV and 5 kV, such as between 0 kV and 3 kV, preferably between 0 kV and 2 kV.

[0257] 18. The method according to any of the items 14-17, wherein the static discharge arrangement (22) reduces static charge on one or both glass sheets (2, 4) during transport of the VIG unit assembly (1) on the conveyor belt(s) (11a).

[0258] 19. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises the step of handling the VIG unit assembly (1) by physically contacting the VIG unit assembly (1) by one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system (13), and providing a relative displacement between the one or more contact surface(s) (13) and the VIG unit assembly (1), wherein the relative displacement is undertaken in the ambient air subjected to humidity control by the humidity control system (20).

[0259] 20. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein a displacement system of the handling system (8) provides a relative displacement between the one or more contact surface(s) of the handling system (13) and the VIG unit assembly (1), in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major surface of the VIG unit assembly (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b), and wherein the relative displacement is undertaken in the ambient air subjected to humidity control by the humidity control system (20).

[0260] 21. The method according to item 20, wherein the relative displacement is further undertaken while providing ions of controlled polarity at one or more outer major surfaces of the VIG unit assembly (2b, 4a) and/or at one or more outer surfaces of the handling system (8) by one or more ionizing devices (17).

[0261] 21. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method further comprises the step of controlling the relative humidity of the ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly (1) based on one or more inputs comprising humidity measurement data of the ambient air.

[0262] 22. The method according to item 21, wherein the humidity control system (20) comprises an alarm system (21) arranged to provide a signal, such an audible and/or visual signal, when the measured humidity in the ambient air is below a minimum threshold level and/or above a maximum threshold level.

[0263] 23. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly further comprises a second glass sheet (4) on top of the first glass sheet (2), wherein the second glass sheet (4) is arranged so that a downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet (4b) faces the support structures (5), and so that the second glass sheet (4) supports on a spacing arrangement (6) providing a gap (7) between said downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet (4b) and said upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a), wherein said gap (7) has a height (Hg) that is larger than the height of said support structures (Hp) placed on the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a).

[0264] 24. A method for reducing unintended movement of support structures (5) during handling of a VIG unit assembly (1) for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly (1) comprises: [0265] a first glass sheet (2), and a plurality of support structures (5) on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a), wherein the method comprises the step of providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly (1), wherein the humidity control is provided by a humidity control system (20) providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 30%, such as 35%, or such as 40%.

[0266] 25. The method according to item 24, comprising features(s) of any of the item(s) 1-23.

[0267] 26. A method of handling a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly (1) for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the VIG unit assembly (1) comprises: [0268] a first glass sheet (2), [0269] a plurality of support structures (5) on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a),
wherein the method comprises the step(s) of: [0270] reducing and/or maintaining a difference in electrostatic charge potential between the first glass sheet (2) and the second glass sheet (4) by a charge modulation system (16), so that the difference in electrostatic charge potential is below 8 kV, such as below 5 kV, preferably below 2 kV.

[0271] 27. The method according to any of the items 26, wherein the method comprises the step of handling the VIG unit assembly (1) by physically contacting the VIG unit assembly (1) by one or more contact surface(s) of a handling system (13), and providing a relative displacement between the one or more contact surface(s) (13) and the VIG unit assembly (1), wherein the charge modulation system (16) is activated during the relative displacement.

[0272] 28. The method according to any of the item 26-27, wherein the method further comprises the step of placing the VIG unit assembly (1) in a heating arrangement (35a), e.g., furnace, for heating the VIG unit assembly (1), and wherein the difference in electrostatic charge potential in the VIG unit assembly (1) is below 8 kV, such as below 5 kV, preferably below 2 kV, when placed inside the heating arrangement (35a).

[0273] 29. The method according to any of the items 26-28, wherein the charge modulation system (16) comprises one or more ionizing device(s) (17) and/or humidity control system(s) (20) and/or one or more static discharge arrangement(s) (22).

[0274] 30. The method according to any of the items 26-29, wherein the electrostatic charge potential of the first glass sheet (2) and/or the electrostatic charge potential of the second glass sheet (4) are reduced and/or maintained by the charge modulation system (16).

[0275] 31. The method according to any of the items 26-30, further comprising any of the feature(s) according to any of the items 1-25.

[0276] 32. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein a reduction or maintenance of electrostatic charge potential on one or more of the glass sheets (2, 4) is provided substantially evenly across a major surface of the glass sheet(s) (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b).

[0277] 33. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein a change in the electrostatic charge potential of the first glass sheet (2) and the second glass sheet (4) is provided at substantially the same charge modulation rate.

[0278] 34. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein a change in electrostatic charge potential of the first glass sheet (2) and the second glass sheet (4) is mirrored across the gap of the VIG unit assembly (7).

[0279] 35. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the major surfaces of the glass sheets (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) are of an area of at least 0.7 m.sup.2, such as at least 1.0 m.sup.2, such as at least 1.2 m.sup.2.

[0280] 36. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein each support structure (5) is of a volume less than 0.08 mm.sup.3, such as less than 0.06 mm.sup.3, or such as less than 0.04 mm.sup.3.

[0281] 37. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the support structures (5) are made of metal, such as a metal alloy.

[0282] 38. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the support structures (5) are free-standing on the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet of the VIG unit assembly (2a).

[0283] 39. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the support structures (5) are distributed on the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a) in pre-selected pattern.

[0284] 40. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the gap (7) is of a height (Hg) measured between the glass panes (2, 4) of the VIG unit assembly, wherein the height is between 0.7 mm and 1.3 mm, such as between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, such as between 0.9 mm and 1.1 mm.

[0285] 41. The method according to any of the items 23-40, wherein said spacing arrangement (6) comprises an edge seal material, such as a glass edge seal material or a metal edge seal material, arranged around the periphery of said first and second glass sheets (2, 4).

[0286] 42. The method according to any of the items 23-41, wherein the spacing arrangement (6) comprises solder material, such as low melting point solder glass material or a metal solder.

[0287] 43. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the handling system (8) transports the VIG unit assembly (1) between one or more processing stations (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

[0288] 44. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method further comprises a step of removing contaminants from the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a) prior to distribution of the support structures (5), wherein the removal of contaminants is provided by a cleaning system comprises one or more outlets for discharging gaseous medium, such as inert gas, towards the upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet (2a).

REFERENCE LIST

[0289] 1 vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly [0290] 2 first glass sheet [0291] 2a upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet [0292] 2b downward facing major surface of the first glass sheet [0293] 4 second glass sheet [0294] 4a upward facing major surface of the second glass sheet [0295] 4b downward facing major surface of the second glass sheet [0296] 5 support structures, e.g. pillars [0297] 6 spacing arrangement, e.g. an edge seal material [0298] 7 gap [0299] 8 handling system [0300] 9a first transport system [0301] 9b second transport system [0302] 10a first handling tool, e.g. an industrial robot [0303] 10b second handling tool, e.g. an industrial robot [0304] 10c arms of the second handling tool [0305] 11 conveyor arrangement [0306] 11a conveyor belt [0307] 11b roller of the conveyor arrangement [0308] 12 shaft of the conveyor arrangement [0309] 13 contact surface of the handling system e.g. the conveyor belt [0310] 14 displacement system of the handling system [0311] 15 support element [0312] 16 charge modulation system [0313] 17 ionizing device, e.g. ionizing bar [0314] 17a uppermost ionizing device [0315] 17b lowermost ionizing device [0316] 17c source of pressurized air [0317] 17d piping connection [0318] 18 flow outlet [0319] 18a line of flow outlets [0320] 19 flow of ions [0321] 20 humidity control system [0322] 20a water discharge arrangement of the humidity control system [0323] 20b discharge opening(s) [0324] 21 alarm system [0325] 22 static discharge arrangement [0326] 23 electrically conductive connection [0327] 30 processing station [0328] 31 sealing material distribution station [0329] 32 support structure distribution station [0330] 32a support structure placement arrangement [0331] 33 pairing station [0332] 34 transfer station [0333] 35 evacuation and sealing station [0334] 35a heating arrangement, e.g. furnace [0335] 36 closed environment [0336] Hp height of support structure [0337] Hg height of gap [0338] MD1 first moving direction [0339] MD2 second moving direction