Glass manufacturing apparatus and glass manufacturing method using the same

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus and a glass manufacturing method using the same are provided. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support configured to support a glass including a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a curved portion connecting one side of the first flat portion and one side of the second flat portion. The support includes a first flat surface supporting the first flat portion, a second flat surface facing away from the first flat surface and supporting the second flat portion, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface to the second flat surface and supporting the curved portion.

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0084159, filed on July 8, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus and a glass manufacturing method using the glass manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Flat panel displays (FPDs) are electronic display devices that are lighter, thinner, and use less power than traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. Examples of FPDs include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs).

[0004] An FPD includes a display panel and may also include glass that protects the display panel and forms its appearance. As an example, the glass may have a plate shape.

[0005] When the surface of glass is too rough, haze may occur. Polishing can be performed on the glass to provide a smoother surface, thus reducing haze. However, unless the glass is perfectly flat, polishing is difficult to perform. Summary of the Invention

[0006] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a glass manufacturing apparatus for polishing glass articles bent in a U-shape and a glass manufacturing method using the glass manufacturing apparatus.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes: a support member configured to support glass, the glass including a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a curved portion connecting one side of the first flat portion and one side of the second flat portion. The support member includes a first flat surface supporting the first flat portion, a second flat surface facing away from the first flat surface and supporting the second flat portion, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface to the second flat surface and supporting the curved portion.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes: a clamp configured to be at least partially inserted into glass, the glass including a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a curved portion connecting the first flat portion to the second flat portion. The clamp includes a first flat surface supporting the first flat portion, a second flat surface opposite to the first flat surface and supporting the second flat portion, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface to the second flat surface and supporting the curved portion.

[0009] According to a disclosed embodiment, a glass manufacturing method includes: inserting a jig into glass, the glass including a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a curved portion connecting the first flat portion to the second flat portion; placing the jig in a receiving recess of a platform to expose an upper surface of the first flat portion of the glass; and polishing the exposed upper surface of the first flat portion of the glass using a polishing pad. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary glass article in relation to glass manufacturing equipment;

[0012] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the glass to which the display panel is attached;

[0013] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken by line I-I';

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display panel;

[0015] Figure 5 Manufacturing according to embodiments of the invention Figure 1 A flowchart of the manufacturing process for glass products;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken by line A-A';

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figures 9 to 12 This is a view illustrating the steps of a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a view illustrating a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a jig for glass processing in a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 A sectional view taken by line B-B';

[0024] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a fixture for glass processing according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a fixture for glass processing according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figures 19A to 19C This is a perspective view showing a fixture for glass processing according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figures 21 to 24 This illustrates an embodiment according to the invention. Figure 20 A view of the steps in a glass manufacturing process; and

[0029] Figure 25A and Figure 25B This is a view illustrating a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, the layer may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there may be an intermediate layer.

[0032] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 These are perspective views of glass products related to glass manufacturing equipment. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the glass to which the display panel is attached. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken by line I-I'. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display panel. Figure 5 Manufacturing according to the disclosed embodiments Figure 1A flowchart of the manufacturing process for glass products.

[0034] Glass article G can be used as a window for protecting displays, a substrate for display panels, a substrate for touch panels, or an optical component (such as a light guide plate). Glass article G can be used in various electronic devices (such as tablet PCs, laptop PCs, smartphones, e-book readers, televisions, PC monitors, refrigerators, and washing machines). Glass can be used in covers for automotive dashboards, covers for solar cells, and as an interior material for building materials and windows for buildings or houses. Glass article G can be glass strengthened by a chemical strengthening process described later.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The planar shape of the glass article G can be rectangular, but is not limited to this. For example, the glass article G can have various shapes (such as rectangles with rounded corners, squares with rounded corners, circles, and ellipses). For example, each corner of the glass article G may include a circular portion having a radius of curvature ranging from about 10 mm to about 12 mm. Figure 1 As shown, the glass article G can be bent or folded such that its first part faces its second part. Therefore, the glass article G can have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section.

[0036] The glass article G can have various shapes. For example, the glass article G may include a first glass article G_1, a second glass article G_2, or a third glass article G_3. Each of the glass articles G includes a first flat portion FL1 and a second flat portion FL2. In the first glass article G_1, the dimensions of the first flat portion FL1 are the same as the dimensions of the second flat portion FL2. In the second glass article G_2, the length of the first flat portion FL1 in a first direction is shorter than the length of the second flat portion FL2 in the first direction. In the third glass article G_3, the length of the first flat portion FL1 in a second direction is shorter than the length of the second flat portion FL2 in the second direction. However, the shape of the glass article G is exemplary, and the shape of the glass article G is not limited to the examples above.

[0037] For ease of explanation, the following text will primarily describe a glass article G_1 in which the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 have the same dimensions as each other; however, the characteristics of the glass article G_1, which will be described later, can be applied to any of the other glass articles G_2 and G_3.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The glass article G_1 includes a first flat portion FL1, a second flat portion FL2, and a curved portion CV. The curved portion CV connects the first flat portion FL1 to the second flat portion FL2.

[0039] The first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 can be arranged parallel to each other. For example, the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 can be arranged parallel to each other such that the gap GP between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 is uniform. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 can be constant. In an embodiment, the angle formed by the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 is approximately 0°. In an embodiment, the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 are inclined relative to each other at a non-zero acute angle. In this embodiment, the thickness of the gap GP between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 can vary. For example, the thickness of the gap GP between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 can decrease or increase towards the curved portion CV. In an embodiment, the thickness of the gap GP between the side of the first flat portion FL1 connected to the curved portion CV and the side of the second flat portion FL2 connected to the curved portion CV is less than or greater than the thickness of the gap GP between the end of the first flat portion FL1 and the end of the second flat portion FL2. In one embodiment, the angle formed by the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 is greater than 0° and less than 180°. In another embodiment, the angle formed by the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 is greater than 0° and less than 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle formed by the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 is greater than 0° and less than 15°. In yet another embodiment, the difference between the thickness of the gap GP between the side of the first flat portion FL1 connected to the curved portion CV and the side of the second flat portion FL2 connected to the curved portion CV, and the thickness of the gap GP between the end of the first flat portion FL1 and the end of the second flat portion FL2, is in the range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

[0040] The first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 may be completely or partially superimposed on each other in the thickness direction or in a plan view. The first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 may have the same size or different sizes.

[0041] In an embodiment, the length of the first flat portion FL1 and / or the second flat portion FL2 in the first direction is greater than or equal to its length in the second direction. For example, the length of the first flat portion FL1 and / or the second flat portion FL2 in one direction may be in the range of about 70 mm to about 90 mm, and its length in the other direction may be in the range of about 60 mm to about 80 mm. Here, the first direction may be a direction intersecting or orthogonal to the first axis AX1, and the second direction may be a direction parallel to the first axis AX1.

[0042] The curved portion CV connects one side of the first flat portion FL1 and one side of the second flat portion FL2. In an embodiment, the curved portion CV has a convex curvature in the outward direction. The curved portion CV can be bent to have a predetermined radius of curvature R based on the first axis AX1. In an embodiment, the radius of curvature R is in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm. The length of each of the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 in a second direction can be greater than or equal to the outer diameter and / or inner diameter of the curved portion CV. In an embodiment, the length of each of the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 in the second direction is about 2 times or more the length of the outer diameter and / or inner diameter of the curved portion CV. In an embodiment, the length of each of the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 in the second direction is about 6 times or more the length of the outer diameter and / or inner diameter of the curved portion CV. The second direction can be the direction in which the first flat portion FL1 and / or the second flat portion FL2 extend from the end of the curved portion CV.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 The glass article G_1 includes an outer surface and an inner surface. In embodiments, the outer surface is generally convex or substantially convex, and the inner surface is generally concave or substantially concave. The inner surface may be a surface facing the space surrounded by the glass article G_1, and the outer surface may be a surface facing away from the inner surface. For example, the inner surface may face the gap GP. One or more portions of the inner surface may be configured to face each other. The outer surface may constitute the appearance of the glass article G_1.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outer surface of the glass article G_1 may include a protruding surface CV_S1 of the curved portion CV, a surface FL1_S1 of the first flat portion FL1 connected to the protruding surface CV_S1, and a surface FL2_S1 of the second flat portion FL2 connected to the protruding surface CV_S1. The inner surface of the glass article G_1 may include a recessed surface CV_S2 of the curved portion CV, another surface FL1_S2 of the first flat portion FL1 connected to the recessed surface CV_S2, and another surface FL2_S2 of the second flat portion FL2 connected to the recessed surface CV_S2.

[0045] Based on the shape of the glass product G_1, the outer and inner surfaces can be... Figure 3 The outer and inner surfaces shown are defined differently. The outer surface may include a protruding surface CV_S1 of the curved portion CV and a surface adjacent to it, and the inner surface may include a recessed surface CV_S2 of the curved portion CV and a surface adjacent to it.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the display panel DP is attached to the inner surface of the glass article G_1. The display panel DP is configured to display an image IM. The display panel DP is flexible and can therefore be bent into a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the glass article G_1. In this embodiment, the display panel DP is a flexible display panel.

[0047] Examples of display panel DPs can include light-receiving display panels such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and electrophoretic display (EPD) panels, as well as self-emissive display panels such as organic light-emitting display (OLED) panels, inorganic light-emitting (inorganic EL) display panels, quantum dot light-emitting (QED) display panels, micro-LED display panels, nano-LED display panels, plasma display (PDP) panels, field emission display (FED) panels, and cathode ray tube (CRT) display panels.

[0048] In the following text, organic light-emitting display panels will be described as display panels DP, and unless otherwise stated, the organic light-emitting display panels used in the embodiments will be simply abbreviated as display panels DP. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to organic light-emitting display panels, and other display panels DP listed above or known in the art may be applied.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 The display panel DP includes a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL disposed on the substrate SUB, a light emitting layer EML disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL disposed on the light emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL disposed on the encapsulation layer EML.

[0050] The substrate SUB can be a flexible substrate comprising a flexible polymer material such as polyimide. Therefore, the display panel DP can be rolled, bent, folded, or curled. In some embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a plurality of sub-substrates stacked in the thickness direction or in a plan view, with a barrier layer between them. In this embodiment, each of the sub-substrates may be a flexible substrate.

[0051] The circuit driving layer DRL is disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include circuitry for driving the light-emitting layer EML of the pixels. The circuit driving layer DRL may include multiple thin-film transistors.

[0052] An emissive layer (EML) is disposed on a circuit driving layer (DRL). The EML may comprise an organic emissive layer made of an organic compound that emits light through the recombination of electrons and holes. The EML can emit light of various brightness levels according to a driving signal transmitted from the DRL.

[0053] An encapsulation layer (ENL) is disposed on the light-emitting layer (EML). The encapsulation layer (ENL) prevents moisture and gases (e.g., air) from penetrating into the light-emitting layer (EML). The encapsulation layer (ENL) may comprise an inorganic film or a laminate of inorganic and organic films.

[0054] The touch layer (TSL) is disposed on the encapsulation layer (ENL). As a layer for recognizing touch input, the touch layer (TSL) can be used as a touch component (e.g., a touch sensing device). The touch layer (TSL) may include multiple sensing electrodes and multiple sensing areas for sensing touch input.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the display panel DP can be configured to extend over the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV, and the display panel DP can transmit light through the glass article G_1 to display the image IM on at least one of the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV of the glass article G_1.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 Glass products G undergo a polishing process.

[0057] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, glass articles G can be manufactured using a ledger supply process. In embodiments, the ledger supply process includes: supplying large, sheet-like glass ledgers; a cutting process for cutting the supplied glass ledgers; a forming process for bending the cut glass; a polishing / cleaning process for polishing and cleaning the bent glass; a chemical strengthening process for chemically strengthening the glass by ion exchange (e.g., immersing the cleaned glass in a molten salt (such as potassium nitrate)); a fine polishing process for finely polishing the strengthened glass to adjust its dimensions; a coating process for coating the polished glass with a printed layer to prevent fingerprints and / or reflections; and an inspection and transport process for inspecting and transporting the coated glass articles. For example, if defects are found in the resulting glass articles during the inspection process, the glass articles can be discarded before reaching the transport process. The cutting process may include chamfering the supplied glass ledgers or forming grooves and / or bevels in the supplied glass ledgers. In some embodiments, at least one of the above processes may be omitted, or at least one process may be added to the above processes. For example, the fine polishing process may be omitted.

[0058] In a polishing / cleaning process, the outer surface of the glass article G can be polished. In an embodiment, during the forming process, the glass article G is bent by heating the central region of the main plate corresponding to the bent portion CV of the glass article G. After the forming process, the dimensional tolerances of the glass article G may increase due to shrinkage. Therefore, a process of polishing the outer surface of the glass article G is used to adjust the dimensional tolerances as described above. The polishing process can be performed using glass manufacturing equipment and / or glass manufacturing methods, which will be referred to later. Figures 6 to 25B Describe it.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken by line A-A'.

[0060] In the following text, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 shown intersect in different directions. The first direction DR1 can be horizontal, the second direction DR2 can be vertical, and the third direction DR3 can be the height direction (thickness direction). For example, in Figure 7 In this diagram, the first direction DR1 is the X direction, the second direction DR2 is the Y direction, and the third direction DR3 is the Z direction. The first direction DR1 to the third direction DR3 can include two or more directions. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the third direction DR3 can include an upward direction and a downward direction. Therefore, a surface facing the member in the upward direction can be referred to as the upper surface, and another surface facing the member in the downward direction can be referred to as the lower surface. However, the directions are exemplary, and the following embodiments are not limited to the directions mentioned above.

[0061] In the following examples, embodiments are illustrated in which the support 100 for glass processing is included in a glass manufacturing apparatus 10. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may include glass polishing equipment. However, the support 100 for glass processing can be used in at least one process other than polishing (e.g., cutting, forming, polishing / cleaning, fine polishing, and / or coating processes). The application of the support 100 for glass processing is not limited to the following embodiments and can be used in combination with other equipment besides the glass manufacturing apparatus 10, or it can be used independently.

[0062] Glass GL manufactured by the following glass manufacturing equipment 10 may include Figure 1 The glass article G shown is not limited thereto.

[0063] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The glass manufacturing equipment 10 includes a support 100 (e.g., a bracket) for glass processing. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the support 100 for glass processing will be simply referred to as support 100.

[0064] At least a portion of the support member 100 is inserted into the inner space or gap GP of the U-shaped curved glass GL to support the glass GL. The inner space of the glass GL can be a space surrounded by the curved glass GL on at least two sides. For example, the inner space can be the space or gap GP between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. During the polishing process of the glass GL, the support member 100 can prevent the glass GL from deforming and breaking.

[0065] In one embodiment, the support 100 includes a base 110 and a protrusion 120 projecting from the base 110.

[0066] A base 110 is placed on a surface such as the ground and supports the protrusion 120. The base 110 may include an upper surface and a lower surface parallel to a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The protrusion 120 may be disposed on the upper surface, and the lower surface may be placed on the ground. The flow path CH, described later, may be formed within the base 110. In embodiments, the base 110 has a flat cuboid shape extending in the first direction DR1, but its shape is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the base 110 may be omitted, or it may be replaced by an alternative construction including, for example, at least one of a frame and a support capable of supporting the protrusion 120.

[0067] The protrusion 120 projects upward from the upper surface of the substrate 110. In an embodiment, the protrusion 120 has a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in a second direction DR2 in a plane. The side surfaces of the protrusion 120 extending in a third direction DR3 may include flat surfaces, and the ends of the protrusion 120 may include curved surfaces. A glass GL is mounted on the protrusion 120. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the protrusion 120 is inserted between a first flat portion FL1 and a second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. Thus, the inner surface of the glass GL, having an integrally recessed shape, can be placed on the outer surface of the protrusion 120. The protrusion 120 can be inserted between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL to prevent the article of the glass GL from deforming or being damaged during the polishing process. In an embodiment of the invention, the height of the protrusion 120 is greater than or equal to the width (or “distance” or “length”) D1 of the protrusion 120 in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the height of the protrusion 120 is twice or more the width D1 of the protrusion 120. In one embodiment, the width of the protrusion 120 in the second direction DR2 is the same as the width of the glass GL mounted thereon in the second direction DR2. Therefore, the edge of the protrusion 120 in the second direction DR2 can be aligned with the edge of the glass GL in the second direction DR2, thereby facilitating the polishing of the edge portion of the glass GL (e.g., forming a chamfered surface). In another embodiment, the width of the protrusion 120 in the second direction DR2 is the same as the width of the base 110 in the second direction DR2, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions 120 may be disposed on a single base 110.

[0068] In an embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion 120 includes a first flat surface FS1, a second flat surface FS2, and a curved surface CS.

[0069] A first flat surface FS1 and a second flat surface FS2 may be disposed on two side surfaces of the protrusion 120 extending in the third direction DR3, and a curved surface CS may be disposed at the end between the two side surfaces of the protrusion 120. The first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS may have shapes corresponding to the inner surface of the glass GL. In particular, the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS may each have shapes corresponding to the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV of the glass GL, respectively.

[0070] The first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 are positioned back-to-back with each other. The first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 may extend flatly along a third direction DR3 from one edge and the other edge of the curved surface CS, respectively. In an embodiment, the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 are positioned parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the angle formed by the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 is approximately 0°, and the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1 is uniform. For example, the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1 may be constant. In some embodiments, the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 may be positioned at an angle to each other. In one of these embodiments, the angle formed by the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 may be greater than approximately 0° and less than 180°, and the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1 may be variable. Specifically, the distance in the first direction DR1 between the side of the first flat surface FS1 connected to the curved surface CS and the side of the second flat surface FS2 connected to the curved surface CS may be different from the distance in the first direction DR1 between the other side of the first flat surface FS1 connected to the substrate 110 and the other side of the second flat surface FS2 connected to the substrate 110. For example, the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1 may decrease or increase as it approaches the end of the protrusion 120 where the curved surface CS is located. In another example, the difference between the distance in the first direction DR1 between the side of the first flat surface FS1 connected to the curved surface CS and the side of the second flat surface FS2 connected to the curved surface CS and the distance in the first direction DR1 between the other side of the first flat surface FS1 connected to the substrate 110 and the other side of the second flat surface FS2 connected to the substrate 110 may range from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 is replaced by a curved surface.

[0071] A curved surface CS connects one side of the first flat surface FS1 and one side of the second flat surface FS2. The curved surface CS may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the curved surface CS has a convex shape corresponding to the concave side surface of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. The curved surface CS may be bent to have a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature R of the curved portion CV. For example, the curved surface CS may be bent to have a radius of curvature in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm.

[0072] In an embodiment, the length D2 of each of the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the third direction DR3 is greater than the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1. The length D2 of each of the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the third direction DR3 can be the length from the side of the first flat surface FS1 connected to the curved surface CS to the end of the first flat surface FS1, or the length from the side of the second flat surface FS2 connected to the curved surface CS to the end of the second flat surface FS2. In an embodiment, the length D2 of each of the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the third direction DR3 is longer than the length of each of the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, only a portion of the first flat surface FS1 and only a portion of the second flat surface FS2 are covered by the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL, respectively. In this case, the ends of the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL can be spaced apart from the upper surface of the substrate 110. In an embodiment, the length D2 of each of the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the third direction DR3 is two times or more, or eight times or more, the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1. For example, the length D2 of each of the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 can be about 70 mm to about 100 mm.

[0073] The curved surface CS can protrude upwards from one side of the first flat surface FS1 and one side of the second flat surface FS2. In an embodiment, the height D3 of the curved surface CS protruding in the third direction DR3 is less than the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the height D3 of the curved surface CS protruding is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the curved surface CS. For example, the height D3 of the curved surface CS protruding can be in the range of about 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0074] The curved surface CS may have a convex shape corresponding to the concave shape of the inner surface of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the center of curvature of the curved surface CS is the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. The radius of curvature of the curved surface CS may be the same as the radius of curvature of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. Figure 3The radius of curvature (R) in the two flat surfaces CS is substantially the same or similar. For example, the radius of curvature of the curved surface CS can range from about 3 mm to about 5 mm. In an embodiment, the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the first direction DR1 is twice the radius of curvature of the curved surface CS. For example, the distance D1 between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 can range from about 6 mm to about 10 mm.

[0075] In an embodiment of the invention, the support 100 further includes a vacuum hole VH disposed in at least one of the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2 and the curved surface CS, and a flow path CH connected to the vacuum hole VH and penetrating the interior of the support 100.

[0076] In one embodiment, a plurality of vacuum holes VH are disposed at a first flat surface FS1, a second flat surface FS2, and a curved surface CS. In another embodiment, the vacuum holes VH are also disposed on the curved surface CS, such that the curved portion CV of the glass GL can be in close contact with the curved surface CS. In another embodiment, the flow path CH is formed to penetrate the interior of the substrate 110 and the protrusion 120. Although not shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include a negative pressure forming device (such as a vacuum pump) connected to the flow path CH to create a negative pressure or suction in the flow path CH. The protrusion 120 may include a hollow portion having a plurality of internal channels having outlets at the vacuum holes VH, and the substrate 110 may include a hollow portion having an outlet orifice adjacent to the hollow portion of the protrusion 120.

[0077] The glass manufacturing equipment 10 may also include a polishing pad 200 and a polishing pad moving unit 300 connected to the polishing pad 200.

[0078] Polishing pad 200 is configured to polish the outer surface of glass GL mounted on support 100. The outer surface of glass GL may be a surface facing away from the inner surface of glass GL located on support 100. In an embodiment, polishing pad 200 has a flat cylindrical shape and may include various matrix materials disposed on a side surface facing support 100. The outer surface of glass GL can be smoothed by applying the matrix material using polishing pad moving unit 300.

[0079] The polishing pad moving unit 300 moves and rotates the polishing pad 200 in at least one direction. In an embodiment, the polishing pad moving unit 300 includes one or more motors that move and / or rotate the polishing pad 200 in a linear direction. The polishing pad moving unit 300 can move and rotate the polishing pad 200 according to the shape of the outer surface of the glass GL. (See reference...) Figures 10 to 13 The operation of the polishing pad moving unit 300 is described in detail.

[0080] In an embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the polishing pad moving unit 300 includes a polishing pad engaging unit 310, a shaft 320, and a moving frame 330. The polishing pad engaging unit 310 is engaged with the other side surface of the polishing pad 200 and rotates relative to the shaft 320. The shaft 320 is connected to the polishing pad engaging unit 310 and provides a rotation axis in a second direction DR2. The moving frame 330 is connected to the other end of the shaft 320 and moves in at least one direction. In some embodiments, although not shown, the polishing pad moving unit 300 may be implemented as a robotic arm and configured to move and rotate in multiple directions.

[0081] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention. Figures 9 to 12 This is a view illustrating the steps of a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] It can be done Figure 6 The glass manufacturing equipment 10 performs the glass manufacturing method according to the embodiment.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 The glass manufacturing method includes mounting a glass GL, comprising a first flat portion FL1, a second flat portion FL2 facing the first flat portion FL1, and a curved portion CV connecting one side of the first flat portion FL1 and one side of the second flat portion FL2, onto a support 100 for glass processing (step S101). Figure 8 The glass manufacturing method also includes polishing at least one of the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV of the glass GL (step S102).

[0084] Step S101, which involves mounting the glass GL onto the support 100, may include inserting a protrusion 120 between a first flat portion FL1 and a second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. The protrusion 120 includes a first flat surface FS1, a second flat surface FS2, and a curved surface CS. For example, the protrusion 120 may be inserted into the gap GP between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL.

[0085] Step S102, which polishes at least one of the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV of the glass GL, may include moving and rotating the polishing pad 200 such that one side surface of the polishing pad 200 faces the first flat portion FL1, moving and rotating the polishing pad 200 such that one side surface of the polishing pad 200 faces the second flat portion FL2, and moving and rotating the polishing pad 200 according to the shape of the curved portion CV. In an embodiment, the polishing pad 200 is in direct contact with at least one of the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV during movement and / or rotation.

[0086] The glass manufacturing method is not limited to the above embodiments, and refers to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 At least some steps may be omitted, or at least one step may be included.

[0087] In the following text, reference will be made to embodiments of the invention. Figures 9 to 12 Describe in detail the glass manufacturing process.

[0088] Reference Figure 9 A glass GL, comprising a first flat portion FL1, a second flat portion FL2, and a curved portion CV, is mounted on a support 100. In an embodiment, the glass GL is mounted on each of a plurality of protrusions 120 projecting from the substrate 110. Specifically, the protrusions 120 are inserted between the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL, and the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV are respectively mounted on the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS. The glass GL can be adsorbed through a vacuum orifice VH connected to a flow path CH penetrating the substrate 110 and the plurality of protrusions 120, to achieve close contact with the outer surface of the protrusions 120. For example, a vacuum can be used to apply sufficient suction to the vacuum orifice VH such that each glass GL is tightly pressed against the corresponding protrusion 120 among the protrusions 120. Although Figure 9 Multiple protrusions 120 protruding from the base 110 are shown, but in some embodiments, multiple mutually separate supports 100 may be arranged sequentially.

[0089] Reference Figure 10After the glass GL is installed, the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL is polished. Specifically, the polishing pad 200 can be moved to one side of the protrusion 120 by the polishing pad moving unit 300 to polish the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the polishing pad moving unit 300 moves and rotates the polishing pad 200 such that one side surface of the polishing pad 200 faces the first flat surface FS1 on which the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL is placed. In an embodiment, the size of one side surface of the polishing pad 200 is smaller than the size of the first flat surface FS1 and / or the second flat surface FS2. In an embodiment, the size of one side surface of the polishing pad 200 is larger than the size of the first flat surface FS1 and / or the second flat surface FS2. The size of one side surface of the polishing pad 200 includes the diameter, and the size of the first flat surface FS1 and / or the second flat surface FS2 includes the length in the third direction DR3.

[0090] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 10 The polishing pad 200 is rotated about an axis in the second direction DR2 such that one side of it is parallel to the first flat portion FL1 extending in the vertical direction, and is positioned in the vertical direction. The axis can be provided by a shaft 320 connected to the polishing pad 200. Subsequently, the polishing pad 200 can be moved by the polishing pad moving unit 300 such that one side of the polishing pad 200 is in close contact with the outer surface of the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL.

[0091] When multiple protrusions 120 are provided, the polishing pad 200 can be placed vertically and then inserted between the multiple protrusions 120. In an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the multiple protrusions 120 is greater than or equal to the thickness between one side surface of the polishing pad 200 that is in close contact with the glass GL and the other side surface that is opposite to the one side surface. The multiple protrusions 120 are arranged such that the first flat surface FS1 of any protrusion 120 and the second flat surface FS2 of another protrusion 120 adjacent to that protrusion 120 face each other, but the distance between the multiple protrusions 120 can be the distance between the first flat surface FS1 of any protrusion 120 and the second flat surface FS2 of another protrusion 120 adjacent to that protrusion 120. In an embodiment, the distance between the multiple protrusions 120 is greater than or equal to the radius of the polishing pad 200. In an embodiment, the side surface of the polishing pad 200 that is in contact with the glass GL has a circular shape, and the distance between the multiple protrusions 120 is greater than or equal to the radius of the side surface of the polishing pad 200.

[0092] The polishing pad 200 can then be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the first flat portion FL1 to polish the outer surface of the first flat portion FL1. In some embodiments, the second flat portion FL2 and / or the curved portion CV of the glass GL can be polished first.

[0093] Reference Figure 11 After polishing the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL, the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL is polished. In an embodiment, the polishing pad 200 is moved to the other side of the protrusion 120 by the polishing pad moving unit 300, and the polishing pad 200 polishes the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the polishing pad moving unit 300 moves and rotates the polishing pad 200 such that one side surface of the polishing pad 200 faces the second flat surface FS2 on which the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL is placed. In an embodiment, refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 10 The polishing pad 200 moves in the first direction DR1, or rotates approximately 180° relative to an axis in the second direction DR2, causing one side surface of the polishing pad 200 to flip. Similar to... Figure 10 In one embodiment, the polishing pad 200 can be inserted between a plurality of protrusions 120.

[0094] Reference Figure 12 After polishing the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL, the curved portion CV of the glass GL is polished. In an embodiment, the polishing pad 200 is moved upward to the protrusion 120 by the polishing pad moving unit 300, and the polishing pad 200 is rotated to polish the curved portion CV of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the polishing pad moving unit 300 moves and rotates the polishing pad 200 such that one side surface of the polishing pad 200 faces the curved surface CS on which the curved portion CV of the glass GL is placed. In this embodiment, the polishing pad moving unit 300 moves and rotates the polishing pad 200 such that one side surface of the polishing pad 200 is in close contact with the curved portion CV according to the protruding shape of the curved portion CV. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the polishing pad moving unit 300 moves and / or rotates the polishing pad 200 such that the polishing pad 200 is parallel to the tangential direction of one side of the curved portion CV. After the polishing pad 200 is in sufficiently close contact with the curved portion CV, the polishing pad moving unit 300 rotates the polishing pad 200 clockwise by approximately 90° according to the shape of the curved portion CV, and can simultaneously move it in the vertical and / or horizontal directions.

[0095] After polishing the curved portion CV, the glass GL can be removed from the support 100 since the polishing process of the glass GL has been completed. In some embodiments, after polishing the curved portion CV, a cleaning and / or etching process of the glass GL is performed while it is held on the support 100. The support 100 can be made of various materials such as plastic or wood.

[0096] Figure 13 This is a view illustrating a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0097] Figure 13 Implementation examples and Figure 12 The difference in the embodiment is that polishing of the curved portion CV is performed by a polishing pad 200.

[0098] Reference Figure 13 The glass manufacturing method according to the embodiment includes the step of polishing a plurality of curved portions CV using a polishing pad 200.

[0099] Reference Figures 9 to 11 and Figure 13 After polishing the second flat portion FL2, the polishing pad 200 polishes the plurality of curved portions CV. In an embodiment, the polishing pad moving unit 300 moves the polishing pad 200 upward to the plurality of protrusions 120, such that the polishing pad 200 is mounted on the curved portions CV of the plurality of glass GLs. In this embodiment, the distance between the plurality of protrusions 120 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the polishing pad 200 and less than or equal to the radius of the polishing pad 200. In some embodiments, the polishing pad 200 may be different from... Figure 12 Polishing pad 200. For example, the first flat portion FL1 and the second flat portion FL2 of glass GL can be polished by the first polishing pad, and the curved portion CV of glass GL can be polished by the second polishing pad, which is larger than the first polishing pad.

[0100] Because, apart from the polishing of the curved CV section, Figure 13 Implementation examples and Figures 9 to 11 The embodiments are substantially the same or similar, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0101] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a fixture for glass processing in a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 The sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0102] In the following embodiments, an embodiment in which a fixture 400 for glass processing is included in a glass manufacturing apparatus 20 is illustrated. The fixture 400 can be made of various materials such as glass or plastic. However, the fixture 400 for glass processing can be used in at least one process other than polishing (e.g., cutting, forming, polishing / cleaning, fine polishing, and / or coating processes). The application of the fixture 400 for glass processing is not limited to the embodiments described below, and it can be used in combination with other equipment besides the glass manufacturing apparatus 20, or it can be used independently. In some embodiments, the fixture 400 for glass processing can be configured to be portable.

[0103] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The glass manufacturing apparatus 20 includes a fixture 400 for glass processing. In the following text, for ease of description, the fixture 400 for glass processing will be abbreviated as fixture 400.

[0104] The clamp 400 can be inserted into the inner space or gap GP of a U-shaped curved glass GL. The inner space of the glass GL can be a space surrounded by a curved glass GL on at least two sides. For example, the inner space can be the space between a first flat portion FL1 and a second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. The clamp 400 can prevent deformation and breakage of the glass GL during the polishing process. The clamp 400 can be placed... Figure 14 The platform 500 is located in the accommodating groove 500_H.

[0105] The clamp 400 may have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the clamp 400 includes a main body portion 410 having a flat cuboid shape with an upper surface, a lower surface, and four side surfaces. In an embodiment, the length D4 of the clamp 400 in the first direction DR1 and the length D5 of the clamp 400 in the second direction DR2 are respectively in the range of about 65 mm to about 85 mm, and the height (or thickness) D8 of the clamp 400 in the third direction DR3 is in the range of about 6 mm to about 10 mm. In the plane, the corners of the clamp 400 may be rounded to have an outwardly convex shape. In an embodiment, two corners of the clamp 400 connected to a side surface facing the curved surface CS, which will be described later, may be bent to have an outwardly convex shape. In an embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the two corners of the clamp 400 is in the range of about 10 mm to about 12 mm. In an embodiment, the length D6 of the linear edge between the two corners is in the range of about 45 mm to about 55 mm. In an embodiment, the distance D7 between one of the two corners and the curved surface CS in the second direction DR2 is in the range of about 55 mm to about 65 mm.

[0106] In an embodiment, the fixture 400 includes a first flat surface FS1, a second flat surface FS2, and a curved surface CS.

[0107] A first flat surface FS1 and a second flat surface FS2 may be respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion 410 of the fixture 400, and a curved surface CS may be disposed between the upper and lower surfaces on a side surface of the main body portion 410. The first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS may have shapes corresponding to the inner surface of the glass GL. The first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS may each have shapes corresponding to the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV of the glass GL, respectively.

[0108] The first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 are configured to face each other. The first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 may extend flatly from one side and the other side of the curved surface CS in the second direction DR2, respectively. In an embodiment, the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 are configured to be parallel to each other and face each other. In an embodiment, the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 are configured to be inclined to each other. For example, the angle formed by the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 may be in the range of about 0° to about 90°.

[0109] A curved surface CS connects one side of the first flat surface FS1 and one side of the second flat surface FS2. The curved surface CS may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the curved surface CS may have a convex shape corresponding to the concave side surface of the curved portion CV of the glass GL. The curved surface CS may be bent to have a radius of curvature R2 corresponding to the radius of curvature R of the curved portion CV. In an embodiment, the curved surface CS is bent to have a radius of curvature R2 in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm.

[0110] Each of the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS may have the same dimensions as the inner surface of the glass GL, which is configured to extend over the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV. Dimensions may include length and / or area.

[0111] On a plane, the outer edge of the clamp 400 can be aligned with the edge of the glass GL. That is, the outer edge of the clamp 400 can overlap with the edge of the glass GL in the thickness direction or in a planar view, such that they do not protrude outwards from the glass GL on the plane. In an embodiment, the outer edges of the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS are aligned with the outer edges of the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the curved portion CV of the glass GL.

[0112] In an embodiment, the clamp 400 further includes a handle portion 420 disposed on at least one side surface between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2.

[0113] A handle portion 420 may be disposed on a side surface of the clamp 400, which faces or is away from the curved surface CS and extends in a first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the handle portion 420 is configured to protrude from the side surface away from the curved surface CS. In an embodiment, the length H_D2 of the handle portion 420 in the second direction DR2 is less than the length D5 of the body portion 410 in the second direction DR2, and the width H_D1 of the handle portion 420 in the first direction DR1 is less than the length D4 of the clamp 400 in the first direction DR1. The handle portion 420 may be configured to be spaced apart from the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2. In an embodiment, the thickness of the handle portion 420 in the third direction DR3 is less than the thickness D8 of the clamp 400 in the third direction DR3. Therefore, the upper and lower surfaces of the handle portion 420 may be spaced apart from the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2 in the third direction DR3.

[0114] like Figure 16 As shown in the embodiment, the glass manufacturing apparatus 20 also includes a platform 500, a polishing pad 600, and a polishing pad moving unit 700.

[0115] Platform 500 can provide space in which clamp 400 is placed. In an embodiment, platform 500 is configured to face polishing pad 600 and may include a flat upper surface and a receiving recess 500_H disposed on the upper surface to receive glass GL, into which clamp 400 is inserted. In an embodiment, receiving recess 500_H includes a first recess 500_H1 that receives a first flat surface FS1 and a portion of a curved surface CS (a second flat surface FS2 and another portion of the curved surface CS) of clamp 400, and a second recess 500_H2 connected to the first recess 500_H1 and receiving a handle portion 420. In an embodiment, the size of the second recess 500_H2 is smaller than the size of the first recess 500_H1.

[0116] The first groove 500_H1 includes a first surface 500_H1_FS and a second surface 500_H1_CS. The first surface 500_H1_FS extends flatly to have a shape corresponding to a first flat portion FL1 and / or a second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. The second surface 500_H1_CS is bent to have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the bent portion CV.

[0117] In one embodiment, the depth P1 of the first groove 500_H1 in the third direction DR3 is half or more of the sum of the thicknesses of the first flat portion FL1, the second flat portion FL2, and the main body portion 410 in the third direction DR3. In another embodiment, the depth P2 of the second groove 500_H2 in the third direction DR3 is half or more of the thickness H_D3 of the handle portion 420. In another embodiment, the edge of the second groove 500_H2 is spaced from the main body portion 410 by a distance G4. In another embodiment, the depth P2 of the second groove 500_H2 is less than the depth P1 of the first groove 500_H1. In another embodiment, a portion of the clamp 400 is fitted within the first groove 500_H1 and the second groove 500_H2, but another portion of the clamp 400 protrudes from the upper surface 500_FR of the platform 500 in the third direction DR3. Therefore, a portion of the curved surface CS of the clamp 400 and the upper surface of the first flat surface FS1 (the other portion of the curved surface CS and the upper surface of the second flat surface FS2) can be exposed to face the polishing pad 600. In some embodiments, the clamp 400 may be placed within the receiving recess 500_H such that only the upper surface of the first flat portion FL1 or the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL protrudes based on the upper surface 500_FR of the platform 500. In an embodiment, the depth P2 of the second recess 500_H2 is greater than or equal to the thickness H_D3 of the handle portion 420. In an embodiment, the distance H_D5 between the lower surface of the handle portion 420 that contacts the second recess 500_H2 and the second flat surface FS2 is the same as or different from the distance H_D4 between the upper surface of the handle portion 420 facing the lower surface and the first flat surface FS1.

[0118] In one embodiment, the length G1 of the first groove 500_H1 in the second direction DR2 is equal to or greater than the sum of the thickness of the curved portion CV in the second direction DR2 and the length D5 of the main body portion 410 in the second direction DR2. In another embodiment, the length G5 of the glass GL in the second direction DR2 is the sum of the length G2 of the first flat portion FL1 (second flat portion FL2) in the second direction DR2 and the length G3 of the protrusion of the curved portion CV in the second direction DR2. In yet another embodiment, the length G1 of the first groove 500_H1 in the second direction DR2 is the same as the length G5 of the glass GL in the second direction DR2.

[0119] A polishing pad 600 can be disposed above the platform 500. The polishing pad 600 can be configured to face a receiving groove 500_H on the platform 500. In an embodiment, the size of the polishing pad 600 is larger than the size of the receiving groove 500_H. In an embodiment, the polishing pad 600 has a flat cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the diameter of the flat cylindrical shape is larger than the size of the receiving groove 500_H. The polishing pad 600 can be in close contact with the glass GL via the polishing pad moving unit 700 and can be rotated about an axis on the third direction DR3 to polish the outer surface of the glass GL.

[0120] A polishing pad moving unit 700 is connected to the polishing pad 600 and moves the polishing pad 600 in at least one direction. For example, the polishing pad moving unit 700 can move the polishing pad 600 downward to bring it into close contact with the glass GL. Although not shown, the polishing pad moving unit 700 may include a robotic arm to move the polishing pad 600 in at least one direction. The polishing pad moving unit 700 may include one or more motors to move the polishing pad 600.

[0121] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a fixture for glass processing according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 17 Implementation examples and Figure 15 The difference in the embodiment is that the clamp 400a also includes an adsorption member 430.

[0122] Reference Figure 17 The clamp 400a may also include an adsorption member 430 disposed on its outer surface.

[0123] In this embodiment, the adsorption member 430 is disposed on a first flat surface FS1, a second flat surface FS2, and a curved surface CS of the clamp 400a. When the clamp 400a is inserted into the glass GL, the adsorption member 430 is disposed between the clamp 400a and the glass GL. At least a portion of the adsorption member 430 can be bent or flexed according to the shape of the curved surface CS. For example, the portion of the adsorption member 430 disposed on the curved surface CS can be bent in a C-shape or a U-shape.

[0124] One side surface of the adsorption member 430 facing the clamp 400a may include an adhesive layer, and the other side surface facing the same side surface may also include an adhesive layer. Therefore, despite insertion and removal from the clamp 400a, the adsorption member 430 can remain fixed to the clamp 400a and can provide a predetermined fixing force for supporting the glass GL.

[0125] The adsorption component 430 may include an adsorption membrane. The adsorption membrane may include, for example, a polymer resin (such as polyimide, polyester, polyolefin, and / or silicone). In embodiments, the adsorption membrane includes an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0126] Since in addition to the clamp 400a, it also includes the adsorption component 430. Figure 17 Implementation examples and Figure 15 The embodiments are substantially the same or similar, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0127] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a fixture for glass processing according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0128] Figure 18 Implementation examples and Figure 15 The difference in the embodiment is that the fixture 400b also includes a vacuum orifice VH and a flow path CH.

[0129] Reference Figure 18 The clamp 400b further includes a vacuum hole VH disposed in at least one of the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS, and a flow path CH connected to the vacuum hole VH and penetrating the interior of the body portion 410. In an embodiment, a plurality of vacuum holes VH are arranged at regular intervals at the first flat surface FS1, the second flat surface FS2, and the curved surface CS. A negative pressure can be formed inside the flow path CH connected to the vacuum hole VH to adsorb and fix the glass GL disposed on the vacuum hole VH. In some embodiments, although not shown, the clamp 400b may also include an air inlet connected to the flow path CH on at least one of its side surfaces. For example, see reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The clamp 400b may further include two air inlets respectively disposed on two side surfaces extending along the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, the air inlets are connected to another flow path CH disposed in the first recess 500_H1 of the platform 500, so that when the clamp 400b is placed in the receiving recess 500_H of the platform 500, the flow path CH of the clamp 400b and the flow path CH of the platform 500 can communicate with each other.

[0130] Since, in addition to the fixture 400b, it also includes a vacuum orifice VH and a flow path CH. Figure 18 Implementation examples and Figure 15 The embodiments are substantially the same or similar, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0131] Figures 19A to 19C This is a perspective view showing a fixture for glass processing according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0132] Figures 19A to 19C Implementation examples and Figure 15 The difference in the embodiments lies in the arrangement and shape of the handle portions 420c to 420e.

[0133] Reference Figure 19A In one embodiment, the handle portion 420c is configured to protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the clamp 400c. Specifically, one handle portion 420c may be disposed on any one of the side surfaces 410_S2 of the clamp 400c extending along the second direction DR2. In some embodiments, two handle portions 420c are respectively disposed on the two side surfaces 410_S2 of the clamp 400c extending along the second direction DR2.

[0134] Reference Figure 19B In one embodiment, the handle portion 420d is disposed at a corner of the clamp 400d. Specifically, the handle portion 420d may be configured to protrude from a side surface disposed between a corner of a first circular flat surface FS1 and a corner of a second circular flat surface FS2. The side surface may extend vertically to have a predetermined height and may have a convex curvature. In one embodiment, the handle portion 420d protrudes to form an angle of approximately 40° to 50° relative to the insertion direction of the clamp 400d.

[0135] Reference Figure 19C In one embodiment, the handle portion 420e is configured to have a shape recessed from at least one side surface between the first flat surface FS1 and the second flat surface FS2. For example, the handle portion 420e may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be recessed toward the curved surface CS on a side surface 410_S1 facing away from the curved surface CS to have a predetermined depth. In another embodiment, the handle portion 420e is disposed on at least one of two side surfaces 410_S2 extending along a second direction DR2. In yet another embodiment, a portion of the handle portion 420e is located within the clamp 400e, and the remainder of the handle portion 420e protrudes outside the clamp 400e.

[0136] Due to the arrangement and shape of the handle parts 420c to 420e, Figures 19A to 19C Implementation examples and Figure 15 The embodiments are substantially the same or similar, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0137] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of a glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention. Figures 21 to 24 This illustrates an embodiment according to the invention. Figure 20 A view of the steps in a glass manufacturing process.

[0138] It can be handled by a clamp 400 and / or Figures 14 to 19CThe glass manufacturing equipment 20 is used to perform the following glass manufacturing methods. These glass manufacturing methods may include polishing processes.

[0139] Reference Figure 20 The glass manufacturing method includes inserting a fixture 400 for glass processing into a glass GL (the glass GL includes a first flat portion FL1, a second flat portion FL2 facing the first flat portion FL1, and a curved portion CV connecting one side of the first flat portion FL1 and one side of the second flat portion FL2) (step S201). Figure 20 The method also includes placing the clamp 400 on the platform 500 to expose a first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL (step S202). For example, the first flat portion FL1 may be exposed upwards. Figure 20 The method also includes polishing the first flat portion FL1 of the exposed glass GL using a polishing pad 600 (step S203).

[0140] The glass manufacturing method may also include the steps of flipping the jig 400 to expose the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL upward after polishing the first flat portion FL1, and polishing the exposed second flat portion FL2 using a polishing pad 600.

[0141] The glass manufacturing method is not limited to the above embodiments, and refers to... Figures 14 to 19C At least some steps may be omitted, or at least one step may be included.

[0142] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 21 to 24 Examples of glass manufacturing methods are described in further detail below.

[0143] Reference Figure 21 A glass GL and a clamp 400 inserted into the glass GL are mounted on a platform 500. The glass GL and the clamp 400 can be at least partially fitted into a receiving recess 500_H provided on the upper surface of the platform 500. In an embodiment, the glass GL and the clamp 400 are mounted in the receiving recess 500_H such that the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL is exposed upwards. Figure 21As shown, the second flat portion FL2 of one side of the glass GL and one side of the curved portion CV can be placed on the inner surface of the receiving groove 500_H, and the second flat surface FS2 of the clamp 400 can be set to face the inner surface of the receiving groove 500_H. The curved portion CV of the glass GL and / or the handle portion 420 of the clamp 400 can be completely placed within the receiving groove 500_H, or the curved portion CV of the glass GL and / or the handle portion 420 of the clamp 400 can be accommodated such that a portion of it protrudes from the upper surface of the platform 500. In this embodiment, the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL is first polished.

[0144] Reference Figure 22 After the glass GL and the clamp 400 inserted therein are mounted on the platform 500, the polishing pad moving unit 700 moves the polishing pad 600 (e.g., in the descending direction) toward the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL. When the polishing pad 600 and the glass GL are in close contact with each other, the polishing pad 600 rotates about any axis in the vertical direction to polish the outer surface of the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL. In an embodiment, the exposed portion of the curved portion CV of the glass GL is also polished.

[0145] Reference Figure 23 After polishing the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL, the polishing pad moving unit 700 moves the polishing pad 600 (e.g., in the upward direction) to space the polishing pad 600 from the glass GL and flips the glass GL and the clamp 400 inserted therein, so that the second flat portion FL2 is exposed upward.

[0146] Reference Figure 24 After flipping the glass GL and the clamp 400 inserted therein, the glass GL and the clamp 400 inserted therein are placed back into the receiving groove 500_H of the platform 500. For example... Figure 24 As shown, the first flat portion FL1 and the other side of the curved portion CV on the other side of the glass GL can be placed on the inner surface of the receiving groove 500_H, and the first flat surface FS1 of the clamp 400 can be set to face the inner surface of the receiving groove 500_H. As described above, the curved portion CV of the glass GL and / or the handle portion 420 of the clamp 400 can be fully fitted into the receiving groove 500_H, or the curved portion CV of the glass GL and / or the handle portion 420 of the clamp 400 can be accommodated such that a portion of it protrudes from the upper surface of the platform 500. Thereafter, the polishing pad 600 can be moved downward toward the first flat portion FL1 of the glass GL by the polishing pad moving unit 700 to polish the outer surface of the second flat portion FL2 of the glass GL. In the embodiment, the other side of the curved portion CV of the glass GL is polished together with the second flat portion FL2.

[0147] Figure 25A and Figure 25B This is a view illustrating a glass manufacturing method according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0148] It can be used Figures 14 to 19C A fixture 400 for glass processing is used to perform a glass manufacturing method. The glass manufacturing method may include a cutting process.

[0149] Reference Figure 25A and Figure 25B As described above, the fixture 400 for glass processing can be applied to a cutting process. The cutting process may include cutting a large glass GL and fixture 400 into glass GL' and fixture 400', each having a predetermined unit size. In an embodiment, with Figure 5 The situation shown is different; the cutting process is performed after the forming process.

[0150] Reference Figure 25A The large glass GL plate is thermoformed to bend into a U-shape, and then the clamp 400 is inserted into the inner space of the U-shaped glass GL.

[0151] Reference Figure 25B Subsequently, the glass GL and the clamp 400 inserted therein are cut into glass GL' and clamp 400', each having a predetermined unit size, by a cutting device. This simplifies the forming process and improves tolerances caused by thermoforming and / or cutting processes.

[0152] According to at least one embodiment of the glass manufacturing equipment and the glass manufacturing method using the glass manufacturing equipment described above, it is easier to polish glass articles that are bent in a U-shape.

[0153] Although embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus, the glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: A clamp is configured to be at least partially inserted into glass, the glass including a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a curved portion connecting the first flat portion to the second flat portion; The polishing pad is configured to move in at least one direction; as well as The platform is disposed below the polishing pad and includes an upper surface facing the polishing pad and a receiving groove disposed on the upper surface. The clamp includes a first flat surface supporting the first flat portion, a second flat surface opposite to the first flat surface and supporting the second flat portion, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface to the second flat surface and supporting the curved portion. The clamp further includes at least one side surface disposed between the first flat surface and the second flat surface, and a handle portion disposed on the at least one side surface. The receiving groove includes a first groove that receives a portion of the curved surface of the clamp and the first flat surface, and a second groove that connects to the first groove and receives the handle portion.

2. The glass manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The clamp also includes an adsorption member disposed on the first flat surface, the second flat surface, and the curved surface.

3. The glass manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, in, The clamp includes a vacuum hole disposed in at least one of the first flat surface, the second flat surface, and the curved surface, and The clamp further includes at least one side surface disposed between the first flat surface and the second flat surface, and an air inlet disposed on the at least one side surface.

4. The glass manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The glass includes an inner surface facing a space at least partially surrounded by the first flat portion, the second flat portion, and the curved portion. The first flat surface, the second flat surface, and the curved surface support the inner surface of the glass.

5. A method for manufacturing glass, the method comprising the following steps: The clamp is inserted into the glass, which includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a curved portion connecting the first flat portion to the second flat portion; The clamp is placed in the receiving groove of the platform to expose the upper surface of the first flat portion; as well as The exposed upper surface of the first flat portion of the glass is polished using a polishing pad. The clamp includes a first flat surface supporting the first flat portion, a second flat surface opposite to the first flat surface and supporting the second flat portion, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface to the second flat surface and supporting the curved portion. The clamp further includes at least one side surface disposed between the first flat surface and the second flat surface, and a handle portion disposed on the at least one side surface. The receiving groove includes a first groove that receives a portion of the first flat surface and the curved surface of the clamp, and a second groove that connects to the first groove and receives the handle portion.

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