AT527837B1 - Protective layer for protecting the surface of essentially flat objects, and object with at least one such protective layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to glazing (O) made of a substantially planar material, on at least one surface of which a protective layer (1) made of at least one glass layer (2) is arranged, which is applied to the surface of the glazing (O) to be protected via a full-surface connecting layer (3). According to the invention, each glass layer (2) and each connecting layer (3) of the protective layer (1) is at least largely transparent, and the at least one glass layer (2) of the protective layer (1) has a thickness (dS) of 2 mm to 5 mm and consists of thermally toughened glass, and the protective layer (1) can be detached again from the surface of the glazing (O) to be protected by destroying the at least one glass layer (2) of the protective layer (1) before detachment and then peeling or pulling it off with the connecting layer (3) from the surface of the glazing (O) to be protected.

Description

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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a glazing made of a substantially planar material, on at least one surface of which a protective layer made of at least one glass layer is arranged, which is applied to the surface of the glazing to be protected via a full-surface bonding layer.

[0002] It is known to protect objects, for example, for transport. For this purpose, the objects are packaged appropriately, for example in appropriate crates or boxes made of cardboard or wood. Such packaging increases the volume of the object to be protected and must be manufactured and disposed of in a very complex manner. Other protective measures, which require less effort and do not significantly affect the size and type of the object to be protected, include appropriate protective films that are glued to the object. Before delivery or before the object is put into operation, the protective film is removed, for example peeled off. The protective film is usually made of plastic of a suitable thickness. Motor vehicles, for example, are coated in this way so that the paint is not damaged during transport to the end customer. The arrangement of the film allows at least limited manipulation of the motor vehicle, which would not be possible if it were packaged in a box.

[0003] Stainless steel surfaces are also usually provided with a removable plastic film to prevent fingerprints and scratches on the surface.

[0004] The objects to be protected are usually flat or slightly curved. For example, panels made of various materials, such as glass, metal, stone, or similar, are protected from damage during transport from the place of manufacture to the place of use or installation. The object's geometric shape can be any shape, for example, rectangular, round, or oval. If work is carried out in the surrounding area at the site of use of the panel even after installation, the panel should be protected from further damage even after transport and should only be removed from the protection after the work has been completed and upon handover to the end customer. For this purpose, protective wooden walls are sometimes erected on construction sites to protect objects behind them from damage. Apart from the fact that such protective measures are sometimes very complex and require space, they usually do not meet the prescribed fire protection requirements. In particular, the arrangement of plastic films to protect flat objects, such as glazing, is not permitted in fire-protection-relevant areas, as the plastic films do not meet the relevant fire protection requirements.

[0005] The likelihood of damage to objects already installed, such as glazing on a construction site, increases with the duration of the work on the respective construction site. For example, ship glazing on huge cruise ships is often exposed to a wide variety of work, such as welding, grinding, concreting, or painting, over relatively long periods of time, which can lead to damage to the surfaces of the glazing. For this purpose, measures to protect the glazing from damage would be appropriate. Films or similar materials generally do not meet the prescribed fire protection requirements and are usually not sufficiently resistant to mechanical, thermomechanical, and chemical influences, which is why their use is ruled out. Metal or wooden cladding with appropriate fire-resistant coatings is usually too complex and takes up a lot of space. In addition, the function of the glazing, namely to allow light to enter and visibility, is lost due to the cladding.

[0006] To create a sun protection system, multilayer films are described, for example, in DE 10 2015 001 974 A1, which can be bonded to the glazing of a building or vehicle. The multilayer films consist of relatively thin layers of plastic, adhesive, metal, and even glass, which can be applied to the exterior of the building or vehicle glazing.

[0007] EP 2 128 105 A1 describes a film for protecting a glass substrate, such as 1711

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Example of a liquid crystal display, protecting it from scratches. The protective film is attached to the surface to be protected using a double-sided adhesive layer.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide the above-mentioned glazing with at least one such protective layer, which can ensure optimal protection of the glazing, but also fulfill other requirements, in particular fire protection requirements. The function of the glazing should be impaired as little as possible by the protective layer. Despite the protective layer, light entry and visibility should be possible through the glazing. Furthermore, the dimensions of the glazing to be protected should not be significantly increased by the protective layer. Disadvantages of known protective measures should be avoided or at least reduced.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by a glazing as mentioned above, in which each glass layer and each connecting layer of the protective layer is at least largely transparent, and the at least one glass layer of the protective layer consists of thermally toughened glass, and the protective layer can be detached from the surface of the glazing to be protected by destroying the at least one glass layer of the protective layer before detachment and then peeling or pulling it off the surface of the glazing to be protected together with the connecting layer. According to the invention, at least one surface of the glazing to be protected is protected by a protective layer with at least one suitable glass layer, which is temporarily applied to the surface of the glazing to be protected and is removed again before the completion of the building or the like in which the glazing is arranged. The removal of the protective layer should be as quick and easy as possible and should not leave any significant residues on the surface of the glazing. During the removal of the protective layer, the at least one glass layer is destroyed, whereby the removal process can be simplified. Due to the use of at least one glass layer, the invention is particularly applicable to flat glazing. Of course, the protective layer or the at least one glass layer can be formed from several adjacent and abutting segments. However, slightly curved glazing, such as one-dimensionally curved glazing, can also be protected with a protective layer that includes at least one correspondingly curved glass layer. By using the full-surface connecting layer and the at least one glass layer, a view of the surface and a view through the glazing to be protected can be guaranteed. This preserves the function of the glazing or the impression of the glazing even with the protective layer in place. The effort required to manufacture the protective layer, its attachment to the glazing and its removal from the glazing, and thus the costs, can be kept low by using suitable materials for the at least one glass layer and the at least one connecting layer. This enables a wide range of applications and can effectively protect the glazing from damage during construction work. The protective layer can also be temporarily applied prior to upcoming maintenance work that is to be carried out near the glazing and later removed again. The at least one glass layer of the protective layer has a thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm. Glass layers of this thickness are available as standard at low prices. If a thicker protective layer is required due to the size of the glazing to be protected or the nature of the work being carried out near the glazing, it is preferable to arrange several glass layers on top of one another instead of a thicker glass layer. The glass layers are preferably bonded to one another using the same bonding layer that is also used to bond the protective layer to the surface of the glazing. However, other composite films or adhesives can also be used to bond several glass layers of a protective layer to one another, since the individual glass layers of the protective layer do not necessarily have to be separated from one another again. According to the invention, at least one glass layer of the protective layer consists of thermally toughened glass. Thermally toughened glass develops strong internal stress through appropriate heat treatment, which significantly increases its temperature, shock, and impact resistance. If broken, this glass, also known as toughened safety glass (ESG), shatters into small, compact fragments. This property can prevent the protective

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layer from the glazing by destroying the toughened glass layer before detachment and then peeling or removing it from the surface of the glazing using the laminated film or the adhesive used. Because each glass layer and each connecting layer of the protective layer is at least largely transparent, the glazing behind it can at least largely be seen even when the protective layer is arranged on the glazing, and a view through the protective layer and the glazing is made possible. In this way, light can shine through glazing provided with at least one protective layer and a view through the glazing can be permitted.

[0010] The bonding layer can be formed by at least one composite film, which can be detached from the glazing surface to be protected. The glass layer is bonded to the glazing surface to be protected via the at least one composite film in the manner of a double-sided adhesive layer and is subsequently detached from it after the completion of the maintenance work carried out near the glazing. The prerequisite for the subsequent, as simple as possible, detachment of the bonding layer is either the use of a permanently plastic bonding agent or the use of methods that soften the bonding layer before detachment.

[0011] The bonding layer can also be applied to the glazing surface to be protected using a statically adhesive film without adhesive, and can be removed later after the maintenance work has been carried out near the glazing. The film adheres to the glazing surface due to van der Waals forces and can be removed particularly easily.

[0012] Alternatively, the bonding layer can also be formed by an adhesive layer, which adhesive layer is formed by an adhesive that can be removed again from the surface of the glazing to be protected. The adhesive can be applied to the surface of the glazing to be protected and/or to the inside of the glass layer in various ways, for example by spraying, rolling, or brushing. As with the composite films mentioned above, the selection of a suitable adhesive must ensure that the conditions for the adhesive layer to be removed as easily as possible at a later date. For example, the adhesive can have a permanently elastic consistency so that the glass layer can be removed from the surface of the glazing, if necessary with the aid of appropriate tools. The use of solvents or plasticizers to later remove a cured adhesive is also conceivable.

[0013] Preferably, the adhesive layer is formed by a mechanically, thermally, and/or chemically releasable adhesive. The same applies to the composite layer, which may consist of a carrier impregnated with a corresponding adhesive.

[0014] To assist in the detachment of the protective layer from the glazing surface to be protected, a wire-shaped element or the like can be arranged in the bonding layer. A wire-shaped element can be pulled through the bonding layer, thereby facilitating the separation of the protective layer from the glazing. The detachment of the protective layer can also be assisted by other aids, such as a wedge-shaped element.

[0015] If multiple glass layers are provided in the protective layer, these are preferably each connected to one another via a full-surface bonding layer. In the case of transparent protective layers, full-surface bonding layers provide better visibility through the protective layer to the glazing to be protected, as well as through the glazing itself.

[0016] In addition, at least one protective film can be arranged on the side of the protective layer facing away from the glazing to be protected. Such a protective film can be detached from the protective layer at certain stages of a construction phase. The film can also be applied immediately before the removal of the protective layer in order to prevent the parts of the protective layer from chipping off. As with the visors of protective helmets, several

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Protective films are arranged one above the other and removed one after the other when they wear out.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, at least one glass layer can be formed from soda-lime silicate glass. This is commercially available float glass, which is relatively inexpensive. However, soda-lime silicate glass has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than borosilicate glass.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, at least one glass layer can also be made of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass has a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than soda-lime silicate glass, but is also correspondingly more expensive. Due to the lower coefficient of thermal expansion and the higher resistance to thermal shock, borosilicate glass is more suitable for fire protection applications than soda-lime silicate glass. For certain applications, protective layers with multiple glass layers made of different materials can of course also be combined. If multiple protective layers are arranged, the first protective layer can be removed first if one protective layer becomes worn or broken, and the next protective layer can be removed if further wear or breakage occurs.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the protective layer can be applied over the entire surface of at least one surface of the glazing. In this case, the protective layer extends to the edge of the glazing and is flush with it. The protective layer thus has the same dimensions as the glazing.

[0020] Alternatively, the protective layer can also be arranged on at least one surface of the glazing, set back from the edge by a predetermined width. In this case, the protective layer does not extend to the edge of the glazing. The protective layer is smaller than the glazing. This variant allows, for example, the arrangement of a clamp at the edge of the glazing. If the glazing to be protected is a window with a frame, the protective layer is arranged accordingly set back within the frame.

[0021] The present invention also encompasses a method for applying at least one protective layer described above to the surface of a glazing unit and for detaching the same from the glazing unit. Depending on the bonding layer used (composite film or adhesive layer), to apply the protective layer to the glazing surface to be protected, after any cleaning of the glazing surface and the protective layer, the bonding layer is applied to the protective layer and/or the surface, and then the protective layer and the glazing unit are bonded together. Mechanical, chemical, or thermal aids can be used to facilitate the removal of the protective layer from the glazing unit. Detaching the protective layer is facilitated by previously destroying the protective layer or the glass layers of the protective layer. When using glass layers made of thermally toughened glass, i.e., ESG, the glass layers break into many small pieces, which can then be peeled off the surface of the glazing unit more easily than would be the case with an intact protective layer. Of course, the suitable method also depends on the dimensions of the glazing unit.

[0022] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a protective layer for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a protective layer for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing;

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a protective layer for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing;

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a protective layer for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing;

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[0027] Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a protective layer for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing;

[0028] Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a protective layer for protecting both surfaces of a substantially flat glazing; and

[0029] Figs. 7a and 7b show different variants of a staggered arrangement of a protective layer according to the invention on a glazing.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a protective layer 1 for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing O. In this case, the protective layer 1 comprises a glass layer 2 and a full-surface connecting layer 3, via which the glass layer 2 can be attached to the surface of the glazing O and detached therefrom again. As already mentioned above, the protective layer 1 or the glass layer 2 can also be formed from several adjacent and abutting segments (not shown). The connecting layer 3 can be formed by at least one composite film 4, a statically adhering film, or an adhesive layer 5. The connecting layer 3 (composite film 4, statically adhering film, or adhesive layer 5) must be detachable from the surface of the glazing O to be protected. For this purpose, the adhesive layer 5 can be formed by a mechanically, thermally, and/or chemically detachable adhesive. The glass layer 2 consists of thermally toughened glass, i.e., single-pane safety glass (ESG). These glasses break into small pieces after breakage, which facilitates the detachment of the protective layer 1 from the glazing O if the glass layer 2 of the protective layer 1 is deliberately broken before detachment. After the glass layer 2 breaks, the resulting pieces, together with the connecting layer 3, can be more easily peeled or removed from the surface of the glazing O. Since the protective layer 1 according to the invention consists primarily of glass, standard fire protection requirements can be met. The protective layer 1 protects the respective surface of the glazing O from damage or contamination, such as welding spatter, concrete splashes, paint splashes, flying sparks from angle grinders, etc. If the glass layer 2 and the connecting layer 3 are at least largely transparent, the surface of the glazing O to be protected can be inspected even when the protective layer 1 is in place, and it can be seen through the glazing © provided with at least one protective layer 1. Sufficient natural light from outside can sometimes avoid the need for artificial light.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a protective layer 1 for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing O. In contrast to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1, this embodiment includes two connecting layers 3, which in turn can be designed as a composite film 4 or adhesive layer 5. The two connecting layers 3 can be designed the same or differently. Optionally, an aid, for example in the form of a wire-shaped element 6, can be arranged, which facilitates or assists the detachment of the protective layer 1 from the glazing O. For the purpose of detaching the protective layer 1 from the glazing O, the wire-shaped element 6 can be pulled between the two connecting layers 3, whereby the wire-shaped element 6 cuts between the connecting layers and releases the connection. Of course, the connection can also be released using other aids, such as wedge-shaped elements or knives, or even without aids, by peeling or peeling the protective layer 1 off the surface of the glazing ©, if necessary after prior destruction of at least one glass layer 2.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a protective layer 1 for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing O, wherein three connecting layers 3 are provided for connecting the glass layer 2 to the surface of the glazing O. In this case too, the connecting layers 3 can be designed as a composite film 4 or adhesive layer 5 and can be the same or different.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a protective layer 1 for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing O, wherein two glass layers 2 each having a

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bonding layer with the other glass layer 2 or the surface of the glazing O. In this case too, the bonding layers 3 can be designed as a composite film 4 or adhesive layer 5 and can be the same or different.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a protective layer 1 for protecting the surface of a substantially flat glazing O. In contrast to the fourth embodiment according to Fig. 4, a protective film 7 is arranged on the side facing away from the glazing O to be protected, i.e., the outer side of the outer glass layer 2. Such a protective film 7 can be removed from the glass layer 2 as easily as possible. Of course, several protective films 7 can also be arranged one above the other.

[0035] The thickness ds of the glass layer 2 is selected essentially arbitrarily depending on the size of the glazing © and the protection requirements and is between 2 mm and 5 mm. Accordingly, a thickness ds of the entire protective layer results from the sum of the thicknesses de of all glass layers 2 and the thicknesses dv of all connecting layers 3.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a protective layer 1 for protecting a substantially flat glazing O. Here, both surfaces of the glazing O are each protected with a protective layer 1. Each protective layer includes a glass layer 2, which is connected to the respective surface of the glazing © via a corresponding connecting layer 3. This allows the glazing O to be protected both inside and out from damage or soiling. Before completion of the construction project, the protective layers 1 are removed from the surfaces of the glazing O.

[0037] Finally, Figures 7a and 7b show various variants of a staggered arrangement of a protective layer 1 according to the invention on a glazing O. In the embodiment according to Figure 7a, the protective layer 1 on one side of the glazing O (in the example shown on the upper side) does not reach as far as the edge R of the glazing O, but is spaced or set back from it by a predefined width bz. The width bz can be adapted as desired to the respective requirements and the dimensions of the glazing O. On the other side of the glazing © (in the example shown on the lower side), the protective layer 1 ends exactly at the edge R of the glazing O. This variant of the set-back arrangement of the protective layer 1 on the glazing O enables the arrangement, for example, of a clamp on the edge R of the glazing © or the arrangement of a frame where the protective layer 1 is arranged offset (not shown).

[0038] In the variant according to Fig. 7b, the protective layer 1 does not extend to the edge R of the glazing O on both edges R (in the example shown, on the upper and lower sides), but is arranged at a distance from it by a predefined width bz. Of course, the predefined widths bz do not have to be the same everywhere, but can also vary, and the protective layer 2 can also be applied asymmetrically to the surface of the glazing O.

[0039] The protective layer 1 according to the invention enables effective protection of at least one surface of a glazing O to be protected by means of at least one suitable glass layer 2, which is temporarily applied to the surface of the glazing O to be protected via at least one corresponding connecting layer 3 and is removed again before the completion of the building or the like in which the glazing O is arranged. The removal of the at least one protective layer 1 is as quick and easy as possible and should leave as little as possible no significant residue on the surface of the glazing O. In contrast to previous protective films, the protective layer 1 constructed from glass layers 2 meets common fire protection requirements and is translucent and transparent.

Claims (12)

A 'hes AT 527 837 B1 2025-07-15 Ss N patent claims 1. Glazing (©) made of a substantially planar material, on at least one surface of which a protective layer (1) made of at least one glass layer (2) is arranged, which is applied to the surface of the glazing (0) to be protected via a full-surface connecting layer (3), characterized in that each glass layer (2) and each connecting layer (3) of the protective layer (1) is at least largely transparent, and the at least one glass layer (2) of the protective layer (1) has a thickness (ds) of 2 mm to 5 mm and consists of thermally toughened glass, and the protective layer (1) can be detached again from the surface of the glazing (0) to be protected by destroying the at least one glass layer (2) of the protective layer (1) before detachment and then peeling or pulling it off with the connecting layer (3) from the surface of the glazing (©) to be protected. 2. Glazing (©) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting layer (3) is formed by at least one composite film (4), which composite film (4) is detachable again from the surface of the glazing (0) to be protected. 3. Glazing (©) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting layer (3) is formed by at least one statically adhering film. 4. Glazing (©) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting layer (3) is formed by an adhesive layer (5), which adhesive layer (5) is formed by an adhesive which can be detached from the surface of the glazing (©) to be protected. 5. Glazing (©) according to claim 4, characterized in that the adhesive layer (5) is formed by a mechanically, thermally and/or chemically detachable adhesive. 6. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a wire-shaped element (6) is arranged in the connecting layer (3) to assist the detachment from the glazing (©). 7. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that several glass layers (2) are provided in the protective layer (1), which are each connected to one another via a full-surface connecting layer (3). 8. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one protective film (7) is arranged on the side of the protective layer (1) facing away from the glazing (©) to be protected. 9. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one glass layer (2) of the protective layer (1) is formed from soda-lime silicate glass. 10. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one glass layer (2) of the protective layer (1) is formed from borosilicate glass. 11. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the protective layer (1) is arranged over the entire area of at least one surface. 12. Glazing (©) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the protective layer (1) is arranged on at least one surface set back by a predetermined width (bz) from the edge (R). 4 sheets of drawings 71711