Patent ID: 6340045
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: B29C,B32B

Abstract:
An apparatus for laminating a pre-form, wherein the pre-form includes at least first and second solid panes superposed with respect to each other and having a layer of adhesive in between so that the pre-form is subjected to both pressure differences and heat differences, to form a laminated glazing assembly, said apparatus comprising:an inlet lock for lowering an ambient pressure of the pre-form by subjecting the pre-form to a first vacuum created in said inlet lock after the pre-form has been introduced into said inlet lock; a heating chamber adjacent said inlet lock, said heating chamber being permanently under a second vacuum of a magnitude equivalent to the first vacuum created in said inlet lock, and said heating chamber heating the pre-form from an assembly temperature to a melting point temperature of the layer of adhesive of the pre-form after the pre-form is conveyed into said heating chamber from said inlet lock; a pressing chamber adjacent said heating chamber, said pressing chamber being permanently under said second vacuum of a magnitude equivalent to said first vacuum created in said inlet lock, said pressing chamber including pressing pieces for applying a sufficient pressure to main surfaces of the pre-form to adhesively bond the at least first solid pane to the layer of adhesive so that after the pre-form leaves said pressing chamber, the laminated glazing assembly is formed; an outlet lock located adjacent to said pressing chamber, said outlet lock for venting the laminated glazing assembly to atmospheric pressure, after the laminated glazing assembly has been pressed in said pressing chamber and transferred into said outlet lock; a plurality of shutters located within said apparatus, wherein said plurality of shutters separate said inlet lock and said outlet lock from said heating chamber and said pressing chamber, respectively; and conveying devices located within said apparatus, wherein said conveying devices convey the pre-form through said inlet lock, said heating chamber, said pressing chamber, and said inlet lock.