A low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace

Abstract

This invention relates to a low-bubble-rate optical glass forming furnace, comprising a furnace body. The furnace body's inner cavity has a large-diameter conveying section and a small-diameter conveying section arranged from right to left. The left side of the large-diameter conveying section is connected to the right side of the small-diameter conveying section via a guide ramp. This invention relates to the field of glass forming furnace technology. This low-bubble-rate optical glass forming furnace employs a structure where the large-diameter and small-diameter conveying sections are combined with a guide ramp. This effectively blocks the downward movement of bubbles and promotes their upward aggregation. Combined with the dual effects of piezoelectric vibration and magnetic reciprocating stirring, deep bubbles in the molten glass are rapidly agitated to the exhaust area, significantly improving bubble removal efficiency. The exhaust mechanism uses a sealing block to timed open and close the exhaust channel, achieving intermittent and controllable exhaust, preventing continuous outflow of molten glass. Through the movement of the insert assembly and its cooperation with the discharge pipe, the molten glass entering the receiving cavity can be recycled and reused, reducing raw material waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass forming furnace technology, specifically to a low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Optical glass, as a core material for precision optical instruments, laser devices, and optical communication components, has its internal bubble rate as a key indicator of product quality. During the forming process of optical glass, molten glass is highly susceptible to the formation of microbubbles due to chemical reactions, temperature gradients, or mechanical disturbances during the conveying, homogenization, and shaping stages. If these bubbles cannot be effectively removed before forming, they will solidify inside the glass, forming scattering centers and severely affecting the glass's light transmittance, refractive index uniformity, and mechanical strength. Traditional optical glass forming furnaces typically use static defoaming or simple mechanical stirring to treat bubbles, but these methods have significant drawbacks: First, static defoaming is inefficient; for high-viscosity molten glass, bubbles rise very slowly, requiring extremely long insulated conveying sections, resulting in large equipment footprints and the inability to completely eliminate microbubbles. Second, traditional stirring mechanisms often involve unidirectional or fixed-track movements, making it difficult to effectively squeeze and knead the molten glass, thus limiting bubble removal. Third, existing equipment lacks a mechanism to actively remove bubbles that have already risen to the surface; bubbles that accumulate on the surface may be re-entered with the molten glass flow, causing secondary contamination. Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for an optical glass forming furnace that can achieve dynamic disturbance of molten glass, promote the floating of bubbles and actively discharge them, thereby effectively reducing the bubble rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a low-bubble-rate optical glass forming furnace, which solves the aforementioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace, comprising a furnace body, wherein a large-diameter conveying section and a small-diameter conveying section are respectively arranged in the inner cavity of the furnace body from right to left; the left side of the large-diameter conveying section is connected to the right side of the small-diameter conveying section through a guide inclined surface; an exhaust mechanism is provided at the top of the large-diameter conveying section; and a vibration mechanism is provided in the inner cavity of the large-diameter conveying section. The exhaust mechanism includes a receiving cavity fixed above a large-diameter conveying section. A power chamber protruding upwards is formed in the middle section of the receiving cavity. An exhaust groove communicating with the receiving cavity is formed at the top of the large-diameter conveying section. A sealing block slidably connects to the inner cavity of the receiving cavity and slidably seals with the exhaust groove. Recessed grooves are formed on both sides of the sealing block. A left insert and a right insert are slidably connected to the inner cavities on either side of the power chamber of the receiving cavity. The inner cavities of the left and right inserts have slots that fit the grooves in the middle of the sealing block. The left and right inserts are fixedly connected by a connecting block that fits the grooves of the sealing block. The left insert is driven by a drive mechanism. A discharge pipe is formed at the lower left of the receiving cavity. During use, the molten glass is conveyed through the large-diameter conveying section of the furnace body. The glass molten metal is conveyed and vibrated during transport using a vibration mechanism. By switching the magnetic poles of the electromagnets on both sides of the support rod, a reciprocating attraction and repulsion force is generated on the magnetic ball, propelling it to reciprocate within a track composed of multiple guide rods. The stirring rod further agitates the molten metal, causing any air bubbles that may be generated inside to be pushed to the bottom of the exhaust trough. After being blocked by the large-diameter and small-diameter conveying sections, the air bubbles rise to the surface. Then, periodically, a lifting cylinder drives the sealing block to rise, opening the exhaust trough. The pressure generated by the subsequent glass molten metal transport forces the air bubbles and a portion of the molten metal into the receiving cavity. The sealing block then descends to reseal the cavity. At this point, the air bubbles and molten metal are stored within the receiving cavity. The drive mechanism then drives the left and right inserts to move to the left, propelling the molten metal in the receiving cavity to the discharge pipe on the left for output.

[0005] As a further aspect of the present invention: the inner cavity of the power chamber is fixed with a lifting cylinder for driving the sealing block to move up and down. The lifting cylinder drives the sealing block to move up and down, switching the opening and closing state of the exhaust groove.

[0006] As a further aspect of the present invention: the inner cavity of the receiving cavity is equipped with a heating mechanism to prevent the molten glass output along with the bubbles from solidifying inside the receiving cavity.

[0007] As a further aspect of the present invention: the driving mechanism includes a driving cylinder fixed on the left side of the receiving cavity, and the right end of the piston rod of the driving cylinder is fixedly connected to the left side of the left insert.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the vibration mechanism includes a plurality of support rods that run through the furnace body, and piezoelectric ceramic vibrating plates are attached to the surface of the support rods located in the inner cavity of the furnace body.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: multiple guide rods are fixedly connected between the multiple support rods, the multiple guide rods form a circular track, a magnetic ball is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the circular track formed by the multiple guide rods, the left and right sides of the magnetic ball are different magnetic poles, both ends of the support rods are fixedly connected to an electromagnet with adjustable magnetic poles, and a stirring rod is fixedly connected to the surface of the magnetic ball.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the two ends of the support rod located on the outside of the furnace body are connected to the power supply via wires.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: This system achieves highly efficient and dynamic bubble breaking and buoyancy promotion: A vibration mechanism, specifically a reciprocating motion system composed of support rods, guide rods, magnetic balls, and electromagnets, is installed within the large-diameter conveying section to generate regular vibration and stirring. By switching the magnetic poles of the electromagnets at both ends of the support rods, alternating attractive and repulsive forces are generated on the magnetic balls, propelling them to reciprocate at high speed within a circular track composed of multiple guide rods. This, in turn, drives the stirring rod to continuously squeeze, knead, and agitate the molten glass. This dynamic action effectively disrupts the stable film on the bubble surface, promotes the merging and growth of microbubbles, and accelerates their buoyancy towards the liquid surface, significantly improving defoaming efficiency.

[0012] An integrated mechanism for active bubble removal and glass melt separation and recovery was constructed: an exhaust mechanism consisting of a receiving cavity, a sealing block, a left insert, a right insert, and a discharge pipe is installed at the top of the large-diameter conveying section. When the pressure generated by the glass melt conveying pushes bubbles and part of the glass melt into the receiving cavity, the sealing block rapidly descends and re-seals under the drive of a lifting cylinder to prevent gas backflow. Subsequently, the drive mechanism drives the left and right inserts to move to the left, pushing the gas-containing glass melt in the receiving cavity to the discharge pipe for discharge. This design achieves active bubble collection and separation, avoiding the risk of bubbles being re-entered into the glass melt after accumulating on the liquid surface.

[0013] The conveying section structure was optimized to create a natural bubble accumulation zone: a guide ramp connects the large-diameter and small-diameter conveying sections, creating a velocity and pressure difference at the cross-sectional change point. As the molten glass flows from the large-diameter to the small-diameter section, the liquid level changes, effectively blocking and accumulating bubbles that rise to the surface, which are then concentrated in the area below the venting channel for centralized processing by the venting mechanism. This structural design achieves the natural guidance and accumulation of bubbles without increasing energy consumption.

[0014] The continuous and stable operation of the exhaust mechanism is ensured: the built-in heating mechanism inside the cavity maintains the cavity temperature and prevents the discharged molten glass from solidifying and blocking the exhaust pipe. The precise fit between the grooves on both sides of the sealing block and the left, right, and connecting blocks achieves interlocking and coordination of the sealing block's lifting and horizontal pushing movements, ensuring the reliability and sealing of the exhaust process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left and right inserts of the present invention; Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Large-diameter conveying section; 2. Small-diameter conveying section; 3. Receiving cavity; 4. Power cavity; 5. Sealing block; 6. Groove; 8. Left insert; 9. Connecting block; 10. Right insert; 11. Guide slope; 12. Discharge pipe; 13. Support rod; 14. Electromagnet; 15. Guide rod; 16. Magnetic ball; 17. Stirring rod; 18. Exhaust trough. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0018] Please see Figure 1-4 The present invention provides a technical solution: a low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace, comprising a furnace body, wherein a large-diameter conveying section 1 and a small-diameter conveying section 2 are respectively arranged in the inner cavity of the furnace body from right to left; the left side of the large-diameter conveying section 1 is connected to the right side of the small-diameter conveying section 2 through a guide inclined surface; an exhaust mechanism is provided at the top of the large-diameter conveying section 1; and a vibration mechanism is provided in the inner cavity of the large-diameter conveying section 1. The exhaust mechanism includes a receiving cavity 3 fixed above the large-diameter conveying section 1. A power chamber 4 protruding upwards is formed in the middle section of the receiving cavity 3. An exhaust groove 18 communicating with the receiving cavity 3 is formed at the top of the large-diameter conveying section 1. A sealing block 5, which slides and seals with the exhaust groove 18, is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the receiving cavity 3. Recessed grooves 6 are formed on both sides of the sealing block 5. A left insert 8 and a right insert 10 are slidably connected to the inner cavities of the receiving cavity 3 on both sides of the power chamber 4. The inner cavities of the left insert 8 and the right insert 10 have slots that fit the grooves 6 in the middle of the sealing block 5. The left insert 8 and the right insert 10 are fixedly connected by a connecting block 9, which fits the grooves 6 of the sealing block 5. The left insert 8 is driven by a drive mechanism. A discharge pipe 12 is formed at the lower left of the receiving cavity 3. During use, the molten glass is conveyed through the large-diameter conveying section 1 of the furnace body, and the discharge pipe... During delivery, the glass melt is vibrated and stirred by a vibration mechanism. By switching the magnetic poles of the electromagnets 14 on both sides of the support rod 13, the magnetic ball 16 is subjected to reciprocating attraction and repulsion, which pushes the magnetic ball 16 to reciprocate within the track composed of multiple guide rods 15. The stirring rod 17 stirs the glass melt, causing any air bubbles that may be generated inside to be pushed to the bottom of the exhaust trough 18. After being blocked by the large-diameter conveying section 1 and the small-diameter conveying section 2, the air bubbles rise to the surface. Then, the sealing block 5 is periodically lifted by the lifting cylinder to open the exhaust trough 18. The pressure generated by the subsequent glass melt delivery pushes the air bubbles and a portion of the glass melt into the receiving cavity 3. Then, the sealing block 5 descends to reseal the cavity. At this time, the air bubbles and glass melt are stored in the receiving cavity 3. The driving mechanism drives the left insert 8 and the right insert 10 to move to the left, pushing the glass melt in the receiving cavity 3 to the discharge pipe 12 on the left side for output.

[0019] As a further aspect of the present invention: a lifting cylinder for driving the sealing block 5 to move up and down is fixed in the inner cavity of the power chamber 4. The lifting cylinder drives the sealing block 5 to move up and down, switching the opening and closing state of the exhaust groove 18.

[0020] As a further aspect of the present invention: the inner cavity of the receiving cavity 3 is equipped with a heating mechanism to prevent the molten glass output along with the bubbles from solidifying in the receiving cavity 3.

[0021] As a further aspect of the present invention: the driving mechanism includes a driving cylinder fixed on the left side of the receiving cavity 3, and the right end of the piston rod of the driving cylinder is fixedly connected to the left side of the left insert 8.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: the vibration mechanism includes a plurality of support rods 13 that run through the furnace body, and piezoelectric ceramic vibrating plates are attached to the surface of the support rods 13 located in the inner cavity of the furnace body.

[0023] As a further embodiment of the present invention: multiple guide rods 15 are fixedly connected between multiple support rods 13, and the multiple guide rods 15 form a circular track. A magnetic ball 16 is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the circular track formed by the multiple guide rods 15. The left and right sides of the magnetic ball 16 have different magnetic poles. An electromagnet 14 with adjustable magnetic poles is fixedly connected to both ends of the support rods 13. A stirring rod 17 is fixedly connected to the surface of the magnetic ball 16.

[0024] As a further aspect of the present invention: the two ends of the support rod 13 located on the outside of the furnace body are connected to the power supply via wires.

[0025] In use, the working principle of this invention is a continuous cyclic process integrating dynamic disturbance, bubble rising, and active degassing, as detailed below: Phase 1: Glass Molten Material Delivery and Dynamic Disturbance Molten glass enters the large-diameter conveying section 1 from the furnace inlet and flows towards the small-diameter conveying section 2. During this process, the vibration mechanism is activated. The control system supplies power to the electromagnets 14 at both ends of the support rod 13 via wires and switches the magnetic poles of the electromagnets on both sides at a preset frequency.

[0026] Since the left and right ends of the magnetic ball 16 have different magnetic poles, when the electromagnet on the left generates an attractive force and the electromagnet on the right generates a repulsive force, the magnetic ball is pushed to the right; when the magnetic poles switch, the magnetic ball is pulled to the left.

[0027] The magnetic ball reciprocates at high speed within a circular track composed of multiple guide rods 15, driving the stirring rod 17 fixed on its surface to continuously squeeze, knead, and shear the molten glass.

[0028] This dynamic disturbance effectively disrupts the stable film on the bubble surface, promotes the merging and growth of microbubbles, and accelerates the bubbles' ascent to the liquid surface.

[0029] Phase Two: Bubble Enrichment and Degassing Preparation When the molten glass flows from the large-diameter conveying section 1 into the small-diameter conveying section 2 through the guide slope, the liquid level changes due to the reduction in cross-section. The air bubbles that rise to the surface are blocked at the point of cross-section change and cannot flow into the small-diameter section with the molten glass.

[0030] Bubbles accumulate in the upper right area of ​​the large-diameter conveying section 1, gathering below the exhaust chute 18, awaiting exhaust treatment.

[0031] Phase 3: Active venting and separation of molten glass Exhaust cycle start: When the bubble enrichment reaches a certain amount or the preset time interval is reached, the control system starts the exhaust process.

[0032] Open the exhaust passage: The lifting cylinder drives the sealing block 5 to move upward, and the sealing block 5 rises from the exhaust groove 18, opening the exhaust passage. At this time, the pressure generated by the glass melt delivery pushes the air bubbles and part of the upper layer of air-containing glass melt into the receiving cavity 3.

[0033] Resealing: After the exhaust is completed, the lifting cylinder drives the sealing block 5 to descend, forming a sliding seal with the exhaust groove 18 again to prevent gas backflow.

[0034] Glass molten material pushing: The drive cylinder is activated, pushing the left insert 8 to the right. Since the left insert 8 and right insert 10 are fixedly connected by the connecting block 9, they move synchronously. The empty slots of the left insert 8 and right insert 10 fit into the groove 6 in the middle of the sealing block 5, pushing the gas-containing glass molten material in the receiving cavity to the left during movement, allowing it to enter the discharge pipe 12 and be discharged out of the furnace. The heating mechanism inside the receiving cavity 3 continues to operate during this process to prevent the glass molten material from solidifying inside the cavity.

[0035] Mechanism reset: The piston rod of the drive cylinder retracts, driving the left and right inserts to reset to their initial positions on both sides of the power chamber 4, preparing for the next exhaust cycle.

[0036] Phase Four: Cyclic and Continuous Operation The above process is repeated periodically during the glass melt conveying process. The vibration mechanism works continuously, constantly promoting the rise of bubbles; the exhaust mechanism is opened periodically to discharge the accumulated bubbles and gas-containing glass melt out of the furnace. The treated glass melt finally flows into the small-diameter conveying section 2 and enters the subsequent forming process. Its internal bubble rate is significantly reduced, providing a reliable guarantee for obtaining high-quality optical glass.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-bubble-rate optical glass forming furnace, comprising a furnace body, wherein a large-diameter conveying section (1) and a small-diameter conveying section (2) are respectively arranged from right to left in the inner cavity of the furnace body, characterized in that: The left side of the large-diameter conveying section (1) is connected to the right side of the small-diameter conveying section (2) through a guide inclined surface. An exhaust mechanism is provided at the top of the large-diameter conveying section (1), and a vibration mechanism is provided in the inner cavity of the large-diameter conveying section (1). The exhaust mechanism includes a receiving cavity (3) fixed above the large-diameter conveying section (1). The middle section of the receiving cavity (3) has an upwardly protruding power cavity (4). The top of the large-diameter conveying section (1) has an exhaust groove (18) communicating with the receiving cavity (3). The inner cavity of the receiving cavity (3) is slidably connected to a sealing block (5) that slidably seals with the exhaust groove (18). Both sides of the sealing block (5) have concave grooves (6). The receiving cavity (3) is located in the power cavity (4). The inner cavities on both sides are slidably connected to a left insert (8) and a right insert (10). The inner cavities of the left insert (8) and the right insert (10) are provided with empty grooves that are adapted to the groove (6) in the middle of the sealing block (5). The left insert (8) and the right insert (10) are fixedly connected by a connecting block (9). The connecting block (9) is adapted to the groove (6) of the sealing block (5). The left insert (8) is driven by a driving mechanism. The lower left of the receiving cavity (3) is provided with a discharge pipe (12).

2. The low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of the power chamber (4) is fixed with a lifting cylinder for driving the sealing block (5) to move up and down. The lifting cylinder drives the sealing block (5) to move up and down, switching the opening and closing state of the exhaust groove (18).

3. The low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cavity (3) contains a heating mechanism.

4. The low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a drive cylinder fixed on the left side of the receiving cavity (3), and the right end of the piston rod of the drive cylinder is fixedly connected to the left side of the left insert (8).

5. The low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibration mechanism includes multiple support rods (13) that run through the furnace body, and piezoelectric ceramic vibrating plates are attached to the surface of the inner cavity of the furnace body on the support rods (13).

6. The low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple guide rods (15) are fixedly connected between multiple support rods (13), and multiple guide rods (15) form a circular track. A magnetic ball (16) is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the circular track formed by multiple guide rods (15). The left and right sides of the magnetic ball (16) are different magnetic poles. Both ends of the support rods (13) are fixedly connected to electromagnets (14) with adjustable magnetic poles. A stirring rod (17) is fixedly connected to the surface of the magnetic ball (16).

7. The low bubble rate optical glass forming furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support rod (13) is located on the outside of the furnace body. Its two ends are connected to the power supply via wires.

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