Apparatus and method for manufacturing tempered glass

Abstract

A tempered glass manufacturing apparatus and a method of manufacturing tempered glass are disclosed. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus includes a loading unit for loading a glass sheet in the loading unit, a heating unit, a tempering unit, a residual salt discharging unit, and an auxiliary layer providing unit. The heating unit receives the loading unit having the glass sheet loaded in the loading unit. The heating unit includes first to third openings. The tempering unit is connected to the heating unit through the first opening and receives the loading unit having the glass sheet loaded in the loading unit. The tempering unit performs a tempering process on the glass sheet when the loading unit is positioned in the tempering unit. The residual salt discharging unit is connected to the heating unit through the second opening. The auxiliary layer providing unit is connected to the heating unit through the third opening of the heating unit. The auxiliary layer providing unit includes an auxiliary layer for performing a residual salt pre-treatment process to increase removal of residual salt provided on a surface of the glass sheet.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0060738, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 11, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing tempered glass, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for manufacturing tempered glass that incorporate the removal of residual salts formed on the glass surface during the tempering process. Background Technology

[0004] Glass is provided in display panels and display devices to have strength properties greater than or equal to a desired level. For example, tempered glass, manufactured by applying a tempering process, is used in display panels and display devices to provide a desired level of strength.

[0005] Such tempered glass can be manufactured using a chemical tempering process. For example, a chemical tempering process may include a process of providing a chemically tempered layer that exhibits compressive stress by replacing alkali metal ions such as sodium and lithium ions included in the glass with potassium ions, which have a relatively larger ionic radius than alkali metal ions.

[0006] However, in the apparatus and methods used to manufacture tempered glass, residual salts that can lead to a reduction in the quality of the glass may be provided on the surface of the glass during the tempering process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods for manufacturing tempered glass that enhance the effect of removing residual salts provided on the surface of the glass during the tempering process. However, these objectives are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the detailed description below, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing embodiments of the inventive concepts.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tempered glass manufacturing apparatus includes a loading unit configured to load a glass sheet in a loading unit, a heating unit, a tempering unit, a residual salt removal unit, and an auxiliary layer providing unit. The heating unit is configured to receive the loading unit having the glass sheet loaded in the loading unit. The heating unit includes a first opening to a third opening. The tempering unit is connected to the heating unit through the first opening and is configured to receive the loading unit having the glass sheet loaded in the loading unit. When the loading unit is positioned in the tempering unit, the tempering unit performs a tempering process on the glass sheet. The residual salt removal unit is connected to the heating unit through a second opening. The auxiliary layer providing unit is connected to the heating unit through a third opening of the heating unit. The auxiliary layer providing unit includes an auxiliary layer for performing a residual salt pretreatment process to increase the removal of residual salt provided on the surface of the glass sheet.

[0010] In one embodiment, a tempering solution comprising first ions is disposed within a tempering unit, and the tempering process may include a process of replacing at least a portion of second ions comprising a glass sheet in a glass sheet with first ions by immersing the loading unit having a glass sheet loaded in the loading unit in the tempering solution.

[0011] In an implementation, the ionic radius of the first ion may be greater than that of the second ion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit is configured to receive residual salt displaced from a glass slide loaded in the loading unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit may have a mesh structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the loading unit is arranged on the second opening of the heating unit, the auxiliary layer providing unit can provide the auxiliary layer into the heating unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, multiple auxiliary layers provided to the heating unit can each be inserted between multiple glass plates and directly contact the residual salt provided on the surface of the glass plates.

[0016] In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer may include a third ion, and the residual salt pretreatment process includes an ion substitution reaction performed when the residual salt provided on the surface of the glass slide directly contacts the auxiliary layer, the ion substitution reaction including replacing at least a portion of a fourth ion included in the residual salt with the third ion.

[0017] In this embodiment, the viscosity of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction may be less than the viscosity of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

[0018] In an embodiment, the melting point of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction may be lower than the melting point of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing tempered glass includes: placing a loading unit having a glass sheet loaded in a loading unit within a heating unit having a first opening to a third opening; moving the loading unit through the first opening of the heating unit into a tempering unit and tempering the glass sheet; after tempering the glass sheet, placing the loading unit on a second opening within the heating unit; receiving an auxiliary layer from an auxiliary layer supply unit through the third opening of the heating unit, and inserting each of a plurality of auxiliary layers between a plurality of glass sheets; and discharging residual salt provided on the surface of the glass sheet into a residual salt discharge unit through the second opening.

[0020] In one embodiment, a tempering solution including the first ions may be disposed within a tempering unit, and tempering the glass sheet may include immersing a loading unit in the tempering solution and replacing at least a portion of the second ions included in the glass sheet with the first ions.

[0021] In an implementation, the ionic radius of the first ion may be greater than that of the second ion.

[0022] In one embodiment, residual salt can be moved from the glass plate loaded in the loading unit to the residual salt discharge unit via the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit may have a mesh structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer providing unit includes an auxiliary layer for performing a residual salt pretreatment process to increase the removal of residual salt formed on the surface of the glass sheet, and the auxiliary layer providing unit can provide the auxiliary layer into the heating unit when the loading unit is arranged on the second opening of the heating unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, multiple auxiliary layers provided to the heating unit can each be inserted between multiple glass plates and directly contact the residual salt provided on the surface of the glass plates.

[0026] In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer may include a third ion, and the residual salt pretreatment process includes an ion substitution reaction performed when the residual salt directly contacts the auxiliary layer, the ion substitution reaction including replacing at least a portion of a fourth ion included in the residual salt with the third ion.

[0027] In this embodiment, the viscosity of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction may be less than the viscosity of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

[0028] In an embodiment, the melting point of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction may be lower than the melting point of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing tempered glass includes performing a tempering process on a glass sheet, the glass sheet comprising residual salt provided on its surface. The residual salt has a first ion. After performing the tempering process, an auxiliary layer is inserted between the glass sheets. The auxiliary layer has a second ion. When the residual salt directly contacts the auxiliary layer, an ion substitution reaction occurs between the first and second ions. After the ion substitution reaction, the residual salt is removed from the glass sheet.

[0030] Other aspects, features, and advantages, in addition to those described above, will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, the appended claims, and the detailed description of this disclosure.

[0031] These general and specific aspects can be addressed using systems, methods, computer programs, or any combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a tempered glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a tempered glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of a loading unit according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4A It is a perspective view schematically showing the state of a glass slide inserted into a loading unit according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which a glass slide is inserted into a loading unit according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4C This is a plan view schematically showing the state in which a glass slide is inserted into a loading unit according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5A It is a perspective view schematically showing the state in which the glass sheet and auxiliary layer according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention are inserted into the loading unit;

[0040] Figure 5BThis is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which the glass sheet and auxiliary layer are inserted into the loading unit according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5C This is a plan view schematically showing the state in which the glass sheet and auxiliary layer according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention are inserted into the loading unit;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing tempered glass according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0043] Figures 7 to 10 This is a cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating a portion of a process for manufacturing tempered glass according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a phase equilibrium diagram of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventive concept, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout this disclosure. In this respect, embodiments may have different forms and configurations and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, embodiments are described below only with reference to the drawings to explain aspects of the inventive concept.

[0046] Since the inventive concept can have many modified embodiments, embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, and descriptions are made with respect to such embodiments. The effects and features of the inventive concept, as well as methods of implementing them, will become apparent from the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and configurations and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0047] In the following embodiments, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terminology. Such terminology is only used for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another.

[0048] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, expressions used in the singular form cover expressions used in the plural form.

[0049] It will be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” used herein indicate the presence of the stated features or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or elements.

[0050] It will also be understood that when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "formed" on another layer, region, or element, it can be formed directly or indirectly on that other layer, region, or element. For example, one or more intervening layers, regions, or elements may exist therein. However, when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "directly formed" on another layer, region, or element, there may be no intervening layer, region, or element therein.

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation and not for limitation, the size of the parts may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0052] For example, the implementation can be different from the described order by modifying a certain process sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the description.

[0053] In this disclosure, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, "A and / or B" may include "A", "B", or "A and B". Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or any variation thereof.

[0054] It will be understood that when a layer, area, or component is referred to as being connected to another layer, area, or component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to that other layer, area, or component. For example, an intermediary layer, area, or component may exist. For example, when layers, areas, or elements are referred to as being "electrically connected," they can be directly electrically connected, or layers, areas, or components can be indirectly electrically connected, and an intermediary layer, area, or component may exist between them. However, when a layer, area, or component is referred to as being directly connected to another layer, area, or component, an intermediary layer, area, or component may not exist.

[0055] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, independent of the figure numbers, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0057] The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include means for manufacturing tempered glass with increased strength properties by performing a tempering process on the glass. In this embodiment, the tempered glass may include tempered glass provided in display devices and display panels. Furthermore, the display devices and display panels may respectively include display devices and display panels that can be provided in various electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, and smartwatches. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and tempered glass may be provided in a variety of other small, medium, or large electronic devices.

[0058] In an embodiment, the tempering process performed by the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a chemical tempering process, and may include a process of generating compressive strength in the surface region of the glass and generating tensile strength in the internal region of the glass.

[0059] In an embodiment, the tempering process performed by the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 may include an ion exchange process performed on the surface of the glass to be tempered using a tempering solution 25. For example, in the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1, ions on the glass surface may be replaced by ions with relatively larger ionic radii, thereby generating compressive strength (e.g., compressive stress) in the surface area of ​​the glass, and thus, tempered glass with increased glass strength properties can be manufactured.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include a heating unit 10, a tempering unit 20, a residual salt discharge unit 30, an auxiliary layer supply unit 40, and a controller 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the loading unit 100 may be placed inside the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 or may be moved to the outside of the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1. Additionally, auxiliary layers 120, such as multiple auxiliary layers 120, may be provided within the auxiliary layer supply unit 40.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heating unit 10 may have a space therein for accommodating the loading unit 100. In another embodiment, the loading unit 100 may be placed within the heating unit 10 and is movable. For example, within the heating unit 10, the loading unit 100 may move in the left-right and / or up-down directions in a cross-sectional view. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the loading unit 100 may move in various different directions. For example, the loading unit 100 positioned inside the heating unit 10 may move in various directions. Figure 1The loading unit 100 can move in the left-right direction in the cross-sectional view shown and can be positioned above the tempering unit 20 or the residual salt discharge unit 30. Furthermore, the loading unit 100 can move in the up-down direction in the cross-sectional view, moving from the heating unit 10 to the tempering unit 20 or vice versa. In an embodiment, the heating unit 10 may include a heater that increases the temperature within the heating unit 10, a motor capable of moving the loading unit 100, etc.

[0062] The temperature in the heating unit 10 can be controlled within a temperature range preset by the controller 50. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the heating unit 10 can be electrically connected to the controller 50. In an embodiment, the internal temperature of the heating unit 10 can be maintained at a temperature greater than or equal to the melting point of the tempering solution 25 or the residual salt rs (see...). Figure 9 At the melting point temperature of ).

[0063] In one embodiment, the heating unit 10 may have a first opening and a second opening in its lower surface, and a third opening in its lateral side surface. Here, the "first opening" may include a channel for connecting the heating unit 10 and the tempering unit 20 positioned below the heating unit 10 to each other. The "second opening" may include a channel for connecting the heating unit 10 and the residual salt discharge unit 30 positioned below the heating unit 10 to each other. The "third opening" may include a channel for connecting the heating unit 10 and the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 positioned adjacent to the lateral side portion of the heating unit 10 to each other.

[0064] In one embodiment, the tempering unit 20 may be positioned below the heating unit 10 and connected to the heating unit 10 via a first opening defined in the lower surface of the heating unit 10. Accordingly, for the tempering process, the loading unit 100 positioned inside the heating unit 10 may be moved into the tempering unit 20 via the first opening. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the heating unit 10, the tempering unit 20, the residual salt discharge unit 30, and the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 relative to each other and the first to third openings may be varied.

[0065] When the loading unit 100 is positioned within the tempering unit 20, the tempering unit 20 can perform a tempering process on the glass sheet 110 loaded in the loading unit 100. In this embodiment, the "tempering process" may include the ion exchange process described above, and the tempering solution 25 may be arranged within the tempering unit 20. For example, the tempering solution 25 including a first ion may be arranged within the tempering unit 20. Furthermore, the glass sheet 110 may include a second ion.

[0066] A loading unit 100 having a glass slide 110 loaded therein can be moved into a tempering unit 20 via a first opening defined in the lower surface of a heating unit 10, and within the tempering unit 20, a tempering process, such as an ion exchange process, can be performed on the glass slide 110 loaded in the loading unit 100. In an embodiment, the ion exchange process may include immersing the glass slide 110 in a tempering solution 25 comprising first ions and replacing at least a portion of the second ions contained on the surface of the glass slide 110 with the first ions contained in the tempering solution 25. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the tempering solution 25 may be applied to the glass slide 110 in various different ways and is not limited to the immersion process. The tempering solution 25 used in the ion exchange process may be in a liquid state at a high temperature. As the pores on the surface of the glass slide 110 contained in the tempering solution 25, which is in a liquid state at a high temperature, expand, the second ions within the glass slide 110 may be discharged to the outside, and the first ions from the outside of the tempering solution 25 may fill the positions where the second ions have been discharged. In an embodiment, the ionic radius of the first ion included in the tempering solution 25 may be larger than the ionic radius of the second ion included in the glass sheet 110. For example, in an ion exchange process, ions on the surface of the glass sheet 110 may be replaced by ions with a relatively larger ionic radius, thereby generating compressive strength in the surface region of the glass sheet 110, and thus increasing the strength properties of the glass sheet 110.

[0067] In an embodiment, the tempering solution 25 may include compounds selected from a cluster consisting of potassium nitrate (KNO3), sodium nitrate (NaNO3), or a mixture of KNO3 and NaNO3. Furthermore, the first ion included in the tempering solution 25 may include potassium ions (K... + The second ion included in the glass slide 110 may include sodium ions (Na+). + However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the types of ions included in the glass plate 110 and the tempering solution 25 can be modified in various ways.

[0068] During the aforementioned tempering process, residual salt rs (see...) Figure 9 Residual salts (rs) can be provided on the surface of the glass sheet 110. These residual salts can solidify on the surface of the glass sheet 110 and can create interfacial stress. Therefore, the quality of the manufactured tempered glass may be reduced and defects may occur. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 can perform a residual salt removal process for removing the residual salts (rs) provided on the surface of the glass sheet 110 after the tempering process. Additionally, the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a residual salt discharge unit 30 and an auxiliary layer providing unit 40 used in the residual salt removal process.

[0069] In one embodiment, the residual salt discharge unit 30 may be positioned below the heating unit 10 and spatially connected to the heating unit 10 via a second opening defined in the lower surface of the heating unit 10. In another embodiment, during the residual salt removal process, the loading unit 100 may be moved to overlap with the residual salt discharge unit 30 and positioned above the residual salt discharge unit 30 within the heating unit 10. Furthermore, the loading unit 100 may be positioned on the second opening and may overlap with the second opening within the heating unit 10. In another embodiment, residual salt rs (see [reference needed]) is provided on the surface of the glass slide 110 loaded in the loading unit 100 arranged on the second opening. Figure 9 The residual salt rs that has moved in the downward direction (e.g., by gravity, etc.) can separate from the surface of the glass plate 110 and can move into the residual salt discharge unit 30 through the second opening. The residual salt discharge unit 30 can receive and discharge the residual salt rs flowing in from the heating unit 10.

[0070] In the implementation method, such as Figure 2 As shown, the residual salt discharge unit 30 may have an upper surface with a mesh structure. Accordingly, the residual salt rs (see...) Figure 9 The residual salt can be moved from the heating unit 10 to the residual salt discharge unit 30 through the through holes included in the mesh structure. Therefore, the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit 30 can receive residual salt rs that has been displaced from the surface of the glass plate 110 (e.g., removed from the surface of the glass plate 110).

[0071] When residual salt rs (see Figure 9 When the melting point of the glass is relatively high, the residual salts may solidify under high temperature conditions, thus deteriorating their fluidity. Consequently, the residual salts may not be easily removed from the surface of the glass sheet 110. Furthermore, when the viscosity of the residual salts is relatively high, the fluidity of the residual salts may deteriorate, and the residual salts may not be easily removed from the surface of the glass sheet 110 to the residual salt discharge unit 30. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 can enhance the residual salt removal effect in the residual salt removal process by using an auxiliary layer 120.

[0072] In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 may have a space for accommodating the auxiliary layer 120 therein, and the auxiliary layer 120 may be provided to the heating unit 10 while performing the residual salt removal process.

[0073] In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 may be positioned on the lateral side portion of the heating unit 10 and may be connected to the heating unit 10 via a third opening defined in the lateral side surface of the heating unit 10. Accordingly, for the residual salt removal process, the auxiliary layer 120 disposed in the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 may be moved into the heating unit 10 via the third opening.

[0074] The auxiliary layer 120 may include multiple layers, and the multiple layers increase the amount of residual salt rs provided on the surface of the glass slide 110 (see [link to article]). Figure 9 The removal of ) . In embodiments, the auxiliary layer 120 may include a zeolite coating and an ion exchange resin. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the material forming the auxiliary layer 120 may be varied. The auxiliary layer 120 may perform the ion substitution reaction described later and may include any material and layer structure having heat resistance within the process temperature range. For example, the auxiliary layer 120 may be inserted between glass plates 110 to reduce the melting point and / or viscosity of the residual salt rs. Referring later to Figure 10 This will be described.

[0075] The controller 50 can control the temperature in the heating unit 10 within a preset temperature range. Furthermore, the temperature in the tempering unit 20 connected to the heating unit 10 can be the same as or similar to the temperature in the heating unit 10. In this embodiment, the controller 50 can control the internal temperature of the heating unit 10 or the internal temperature of the tempering unit 20 to satisfy a tempering temperature range or a post-heating temperature range.

[0076] For example, during the tempering process, the tempering temperature range can be controlled between approximately 350°C and approximately 400°C (e.g., approximately 360°C to approximately 370°C). At tempering temperatures below approximately 350°C, it may be impossible to ensure the required compressive stress and depth of layer (DOL) on the surface of the tempered glass. At tempering temperatures above approximately 400°C, it becomes difficult to control the tempering time and DOL.

[0077] Furthermore, during the post-heating process, the post-heating temperature can be controlled within the range of approximately 120°C to approximately 320°C. In embodiments where the post-heating temperature is below approximately 120°C, the residual salt may solidify. In embodiments where the post-heating temperature exceeds approximately 320°C, a loss of compressive stress may occur.

[0078] However, the tempering temperature range and the post-heating temperature range are not limited to the above examples, and can be modified in various ways depending on the thickness of the glass sheet 110, the composition of the glass sheet 110, the strength characteristics requirements, etc.

[0079] The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may include at least one opening and closing unit for inputting and discharging the loading unit 100 and / or the auxiliary layer 120. For example, in the embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a first opening and closing unit 61 and a second opening and closing unit 62. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the number of opening and closing units may vary.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first opening and closing unit 61 may be arranged in the lateral side portion of the heating unit 10. The loading unit 100 may be moved from the outside into the heating unit 10, or may be discharged from the inside of the heating unit 10 to the outside via the first opening and closing unit 61. For example, in one embodiment, the loading unit 100 having a glass sheet 110 loaded therein before the tempering process may be moved from the outside into the heating unit 10 via the first opening and closing unit 61, and then, when the tempering process is completed, may be discharged from the inside of the heating unit 10 to the outside via the first opening and closing unit 61.

[0081] In one embodiment, the second opening and closing unit 62 may be arranged in the lateral side portion of the auxiliary layer providing unit 40. Through the second opening and closing unit 62, the auxiliary layer 120 can be placed into the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 from the outside, or discharged from the inside of the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 to the outside. For example, the auxiliary layer 120 before undergoing the residual salt removal process can be placed into the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 from the outside through the second opening and closing unit 62, and can be moved from the inside of the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 into the heating unit 10 through a third opening defined in the lateral side portion of the heating unit 10. In another embodiment, the auxiliary layer 120 after undergoing the residual salt removal process can be moved back into the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 from the inside of the heating unit 10 through the third opening defined in the lateral side portion of the heating unit 10, and can be discharged from the inside of the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 to the outside through the second opening and closing unit 62.

[0082] However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the size and arrangement of the first opening and closing unit 61 and the second opening and closing unit 62 described above can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, in embodiments, one of the first opening and closing unit 61 and the second opening and closing unit 62 may be omitted, and the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 may include only one opening and closing unit. In such embodiments, the loading unit 100 and the auxiliary layer 120 can be input and output through the same opening and closing unit.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the loading unit 100 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0084] In this embodiment, the loading unit 100 can receive the glass sheet 110 to be tempered and can load the glass sheet 110 therein according to the process sequence (see [link]). Figure 1 It moves within the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1 under the condition of ).

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the loading unit 100 according to the embodiment may include a first lateral side surface support unit 101, a second lateral side surface support unit 103, a lower surface support unit 105, and an upper surface support unit 107.

[0086] The lower surface support unit 105 and the upper surface support unit 107 may face each other (e.g., in the vertical direction). The first lateral side surface support unit 101 and the second lateral side surface support unit 103 may face each other at their respective lateral ends. In an embodiment, the lower surface support unit 105 and the upper surface support unit 107 may be coupled and fixed to each of the first lateral side surface support unit 101 and the second lateral side surface support unit 103 arranged at their respective lateral ends.

[0087] In one embodiment, the lower surface support unit 105 and / or the upper surface support unit 107 may include a plurality of linear structures. The plurality of linear structures may be arranged parallel to each other and may form a side surface. Each of the plurality of linear structures may include a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other. A plurality of glass sheets 110 (see...) Figure 4A The glass sheets 110 can be arranged to correspond to multiple grooves. In an embodiment, multiple glass sheets 110 can be processed simultaneously using the loading unit 100 described above.

[0088] Figure 4A This is a perspective view schematically showing the state in which a glass sheet is inserted into the loading unit 100 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 4B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which a glass slide is inserted into the loading unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4C This is a plan view schematically showing the state in which a glass sheet is inserted into the loading unit 100 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0089] like Figures 4A to 4CAs shown, a plurality of glass sheets 110 can be inserted into and secured in the loading unit 100. For example, the plurality of glass sheets 110 can be arranged to correspond to a plurality of grooves included in the loading unit 100 and / or the upper surface support unit 107 of the loading unit 100. In this embodiment, the plurality of glass sheets 110 arranged in the plurality of grooves can be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the plurality of glass sheets 110 can not be in direct contact with each other, and their surfaces can be exposed. Furthermore, the plurality of glass sheets 110 can be arranged parallel to each other. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and the plurality of grooves and the glass sheets 110 disposed therein can be arranged in various ways.

[0090] Figure 5A This is a perspective view schematically showing the state in which the glass sheet and auxiliary layer are inserted into the loading unit according to an embodiment. Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the glass sheet and auxiliary layer, according to an embodiment, are inserted into the loading unit. Figure 5C This is a plan view schematically illustrating the state in which the glass sheet and auxiliary layer are inserted into the loading unit according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0091] For example, Figures 5A to 5C A portion of the loading unit 100 is schematically shown after the tempering process, in the case of performing a residual salt removal process. In this embodiment, the residual salt rs (see...) Figure 9 It can be provided on the surface of the glass sheet 110 loaded in the loading unit 100.

[0092] like Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the auxiliary layer 120 can be inserted into the space between glass plates 110 that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the auxiliary layer 120 can be inserted between glass plates 110 on which residual salts rs are provided.

[0093] In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer 120 inserted into the loading unit 100 may be associated with residual salts rs provided on the surface of the glass sheet 110 adjacent to the auxiliary layer 120 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9 Direct contact. Accordingly, the auxiliary layer 120 can perform an ion substitution reaction with the residual salts rs provided on the surface of the adjacent glass slide 110. The ion substitution reaction may include a reaction in which at least a portion of the ions included in the residual salts rs are replaced by ions included in the auxiliary layer 120. Through the above-described ion substitution reaction, the melting point or viscosity of the residual salts rs can be reduced, and therefore, the amount of residual salts rs removed can be increased.

[0094] For example, the residual salt rs between glass plate 110 and auxiliary layer 120 after the ion substitution reaction (see...) Figure 9The viscosity of the residual salt rs after the ionic substitution reaction can be lower than that of the residual salt rs before the ionic substitution reaction. Furthermore, the melting point of the residual salt rs between the glass plate 110 and the auxiliary layer 120 after the ionic substitution reaction can be lower than that before the ionic substitution reaction. See below for further details. Figure 10 Such ion substitution reactions are described in detail.

[0095] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing tempered glass according to an embodiment, and Figures 7 to 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the process for manufacturing tempered glass according to an embodiment.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the method for manufacturing tempered glass according to the embodiment may include: placing a loading unit 100 having a glass sheet 110 loaded therein in a heating unit 10 in frame S300; tempering the glass sheet 110 by placing the loading unit 100 in a tempering unit 20 in frame S400; placing the loading unit 100 above a residual salt discharge unit 30 and inserting an auxiliary layer 120 into the loading unit 100 in frame S500; and removing residual salt rs from the surface of the glass sheet 110 in frame S600.

[0097] Placing the loading unit 100 within the heating unit 10 in frame S300 may include placing the loading unit 100, having a glass sheet 110 to be tempered loaded therein, into the heating unit 10. In an embodiment, the loading unit 100 may be accessed via a first opening and closing unit 61 arranged in the lateral side portion of the heating unit 10 (see...). Figure 2 The glass sheets 110 are placed from the outside into the heating unit 10. In this embodiment, multiple glass sheets 110 can be loaded into the loading unit 100 so that the tempering process can be performed on the multiple glass sheets 110 simultaneously.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 The loading unit 100 placed in the heating unit 10 can be arranged above the tempering unit 20. For example, after the loading unit 100 is placed in the heating unit 10, the loading unit 100 can be moved in the left-right direction in a cross-sectional view to be arranged above the tempering unit 20.

[0099] In this embodiment, the temperature in the heating unit 10 can be controlled within a preheating temperature range. Furthermore, since the heating unit 10 and the tempering unit 20 are connected to each other via a first opening defined in the lower surface of the heating unit 10, the temperatures in the heating unit 10 and the tempering unit 20 can be the same or similar. Such temperature control can be achieved via a controller 50 electrically connected to the heating unit 10 (see [link to controller 50]). Figure 2 ) to execute.

[0100] In one embodiment, tempering the glass sheet 110 in block S400 by placing the loading unit 100 inside the tempering unit 20 may include performing a chemical tempering process by immersing the loading unit 100 in a tempering solution 25 contained within the tempering unit 20.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 The loading unit 100, arranged above the tempering unit 20, can descend (e.g., move downwards) in a direction toward the tempering unit 20 to allow the tempering process to be performed. In this embodiment, the loading unit 100 can be moved from the interior of the heating unit 10 into the tempering unit 20 through a first opening provided in the lower surface of the heating unit 10. The loading unit 100, now in the tempering unit 20, can be immersed in the tempering solution 25 contained within the tempering unit 20. As described above, since the glass sheets 110 loaded in the loading unit 100 are spaced apart from each other, the tempering solution 25 can fill the spaces between the glass sheets 110 and can directly contact the surfaces of the glass sheets 110. The tempering solution 25 directly contacting the surfaces of the glass sheets 110 can temper the glass sheets 110 using an ion exchange process.

[0102] In an embodiment, the tempering solution 25 may include first ions, and the glass sheet 110 prior to the tempering process may include second ions. The ion exchange process may include immersing the glass sheet 110 in the tempering solution 25 comprising the first ions and replacing at least a portion of the second ions present on the surface of the glass sheet 110 with the first ions present in the tempering solution 25. The tempering solution 25 used in the ion exchange process may be in a liquid state at a high temperature. The temperature in the tempering unit 20 may be maintained within a tempering temperature range greater than or equal to the melting point of the tempering solution 25. For example, in an embodiment, the tempering temperature range may be controlled within the range of about 350°C to about 400°C (e.g., about 360°C to about 370°C) during the tempering process.

[0103] As the pores on the surface of the glass sheet 110, contained in the tempering solution 25 which is in a liquid state at high temperature, expand, second ions within the glass sheet 110 can be discharged to the outside, and first ions on the outside can fill the positions where the second ions have been discharged. The ionic radius of the first ions contained in the tempering solution 25 can be larger than the ionic radius of the second ions contained in the glass sheet 110. For example, in an ion exchange process, ions on the surface of the glass sheet 110 are replaced by ions with relatively large ionic radii, thereby generating compressive stress in the surface region of the glass sheet 110. Therefore, the strength properties of the glass sheet 110 can be increased.

[0104] Positioning the loading unit 100 above the residual salt discharge unit 30 in frame S500 and inserting the auxiliary layer 120 into the loading unit 100, and removing residual salts from the surface of the glass sheet 110 in frame S600, may include operations of performing a residual salt removal process for removing residual salts provided on the surface of the glass sheet 110 during the tempering process.

[0105] Reference Figure 9 When the tempering process is complete, the loading unit 100 can be raised (e.g., moved upward) in the direction toward the heating unit 10 and can be moved into the heating unit 10 via the first opening. Subsequently, the loading unit 100 can be moved in the left-right direction in cross-sectional view and can be arranged above the residual salt discharge unit 30. In this embodiment, the loading unit 100 can overlap with the residual salt discharge unit 30 and can be arranged on the second opening defined in the lower surface of the heating unit 10 so as to overlap with the second opening.

[0106] Furthermore, residual salts (rs) can be present on the surface of the glass sheet 110 loaded in the loading unit 100. Residual salts (rs) can solidify on the surface of the glass sheet 110 to create interfacial stress, which can degrade the quality of the tempered glass and lead to defects in the manufactured tempered glass. Therefore, a residual salt removal process can be performed to remove residual salts (rs) in order to prevent a reduction in the quality of the manufactured tempered glass and to prevent an increase in defects in the manufactured tempered glass. When the melting point of the residual salts (rs) is relatively high, the residual salts (rs) may even solidify at high temperatures, and therefore their fluidity may decrease, and the residual salts (rs) may not be easily removed from the surface of the glass sheet 110. Furthermore, when the viscosity of the residual salts (rs) is relatively high, the fluidity of the residual salts (rs) may deteriorate, and the residual salts (rs) may not be easily removed from the surface of the glass sheet 110. The residual salt removal process included in the method of manufacturing tempered glass may include a residual salt pretreatment process using an auxiliary layer 120, and therefore, the removal of residual salts (rs) can be increased. In this embodiment, the “residual salt pretreatment process” may include a process of inducing an ion substitution reaction by inserting an auxiliary layer 120 between glass plates 110 having surfaces on which residual salts rs are formed, and may refer to a process for promoting the removal of residual salts rs.

[0107] Reference Figure 10 When the loading unit 100 is arranged above the residual salt discharge unit 30, the aforementioned auxiliary layer providing unit 40 (see Figure 2An auxiliary layer 120 may be provided to the heating unit 10. The provided auxiliary layer 120 may be inserted adjacent to the glass plate 110 on which residual salts rs are formed. The auxiliary layer 120 may be adjacent to the glass plate 110 so as to directly contact the residual salts rs formed on the surface of the glass plate 110. The inserted auxiliary layer 120 may perform an ion substitution reaction with the residual salts rs formed on the surface of the glass plate 110 adjacent to the auxiliary layer 120.

[0108] In this embodiment, the auxiliary layer 120 may include a third ion, and the residual salts rs formed on the surface of the glass sheet 110 may include a fourth ion. The ion substitution reaction may include a reaction in which at least a portion of the fourth ion included in the residual salts rs is replaced by the third ion included in the auxiliary layer 120. The viscosity of the residual salts rs between the glass sheet 110 and the auxiliary layer 120 after the ion substitution reaction may be lower than the viscosity of the residual salts rs before the ion exchange reaction. Furthermore, the melting point of the residual salts rs between the glass sheet 110 and the auxiliary layer 120 after the ion substitution reaction may be lower than the melting point of the residual salts rs before the ion substitution reaction. As a result, through a residual salt pretreatment process, such as the ion substitution reaction provided therefrom, the melting point and viscosity of the residual salts rs can be relatively reduced, thus preventing solidification of the residual salts rs at the process temperature and increasing the fluidity of the residual salts rs for their removal.

[0109] For example, in one embodiment, the residual salts rs may include ions included in the tempering solution 25. For example, the tempering solution 25 may include potassium ions (K ions) as in potassium nitrate (KNO3). + In the embodiments of ), the fourth ion included in the residual salt rs may be a potassium ion (K ion). + Furthermore, the third ion included in the auxiliary layer 120 may be a sodium ion (Na). + ) or lithium ion (Li + The following will refer to... Figure 11A and Figure 11B Provides potassium ions (K) included in the residual salt rs + ) composed of sodium ions (Na + ) or lithium ion (Li + A detailed description of the melting point reduction effect during substitution.

[0110] The residual salts that have undergone residual salt pretreatment processes (such as the ion substitution reaction provided therefrom) can move downwards (e.g., by gravity). The downward-moving residual salts can separate from the surface of the glass plate 110 and can move into the residual salt discharge unit 30 via the second opening. The residual salt discharge unit 30 can receive and discharge the residual salts introduced from the heating unit 10.

[0111] In one embodiment, the residual salt discharge unit 30 may have an upper surface with a mesh structure. Accordingly, residual salt rs can be moved from the heating unit 10 into the residual salt discharge unit 30 through the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit 30 via holes included in the mesh structure.

[0112] When the residual salt removal process is complete, the auxiliary layer 120 can be separated from the loading unit 100. In one embodiment, the separated auxiliary layer 120 can be moved to the auxiliary layer providing unit 40 (see [link]). Figure 2 Furthermore, the loading unit 100, with the auxiliary layer 120 removed, can be discharged (e.g., moved) to the outside of the heating unit 10, such as through the first opening and closing unit 61.

[0113] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing tempered glass according to the embodiments may include cooling the glass sheet 110 and cleaning the glass sheet 110. Cooling and cleaning may be performed inside and / or outside the tempered glass manufacturing apparatus 1. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and at least a portion of the operations may be omitted.

[0114] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a phase equilibrium diagram of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] For example, Figure 11A When using sodium ions (Na) + Auxiliary layer 120 (see) Figure 10 The residual salt rs (see above) is used to perform the above residual salt pretreatment process. Figure 10 Phase equilibrium diagrams. For example, Figure 11A It is that at least a portion of the ions included in the residual salt rs consists of sodium ions (Na+). + Phase equilibrium diagram of the residual salts replaced by ) . Furthermore, Figure 11B When using lithium ions (Li) + The auxiliary layer 120 is used to perform the phase equilibrium diagram of the residual salt rs during the above-mentioned residual salt pretreatment process. For example, Figure 11B It is that at least a portion of the ions included in the residual salt rs consists of lithium ions (Li + Phase equilibrium diagram of the residual salts replaced by rs.

[0116] Reference Figure 11A In an embodiment, at least a portion of the ions included in the residual salt rs are sodium ions (Na+). + The melting point of the replaced residual salts decreases to at least about 225°C. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 11B In an embodiment, at least a portion of the ions included in the residual salt rs are lithium ions (Li... +The melting point of the substituted residual salts drops to at least about 125°C.

[0117] As described above, since the melting point of the residual salts is lowered, the solidification of the residual salts in the above-mentioned tempering process or post-heating process can be prevented or minimized, and thus the deterioration and defects in the quality of the manufactured tempered glass can be prevented or minimized.

[0118] According to the embodiments of the above-described inventive concept, an apparatus and method for manufacturing tempered glass can be realized that enhances the removal of residual salts provided on the glass surface during the tempering process. However, the scope of the inventive concept is not limited to this effect.

[0119] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered descriptively only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tempered glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A loading unit, the loading unit being configured to load a glass sheet in the loading unit; A heating unit configured to receive a loading unit having a glass sheet loaded in the loading unit, the heating unit including a first opening to a third opening; A tempering unit, the tempering unit being connected to the heating unit through the first opening and configured to receive the loading unit having the glass sheet loaded in the loading unit, the tempering unit being configured to perform a tempering process on the glass sheet when the loading unit is positioned in the tempering unit; A residual salt discharge unit, which is connected to the heating unit through a second opening; as well as An auxiliary layer providing unit is connected to the heating unit through the third opening of the heating unit. The auxiliary layer providing unit includes an auxiliary layer for performing a residual salt pretreatment process to increase the removal of residual salts provided on the surface of the glass slide.

2. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, A tempering solution including the first ion is arranged within the tempering unit; and The tempering process includes a process of replacing at least a portion of the second ions contained in the glass sheet with the first ions by immersing the loading unit, which has the glass sheet loaded in the loading unit, in the tempering solution.

3. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The ionic radius of the first ion is greater than that of the second ion.

4. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit is configured to receive the residual salt displaced from the glass plate loaded in the loading unit.

5. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit has a mesh structure.

6. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, When the loading unit is arranged on the second opening of the heating unit, the auxiliary layer providing unit provides the auxiliary layer into the heating unit.

7. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The plurality of auxiliary layers provided to the heating unit are each inserted between the plurality of glass sheets and in direct contact with the residual salt provided on the surface of the glass sheets.

8. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The auxiliary layer includes a third ion; and The residual salt pretreatment process includes an ion substitution reaction performed when the residual salt provided on the surface of the glass sheet directly contacts the auxiliary layer, the ion substitution reaction including replacing at least a portion of a fourth ion included in the residual salt with the third ion.

9. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The viscosity of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction is less than the viscosity of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

10. The tempered glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The melting point of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction is lower than that of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

11. A method for manufacturing tempered glass, the method comprising: The loading unit, which contains glass plates loaded in the loading unit, is placed inside a heating unit having a first opening to a third opening; The loading unit is moved into the tempering unit through the first opening of the heating unit and the glass sheet is tempered. After the glass sheet is tempered, the loading unit is placed on the second opening inside the heating unit; The auxiliary layer is received from the auxiliary layer providing unit through the third opening of the heating unit, and each of the plurality of auxiliary layers is inserted between the plurality of glass sheets; as well as The residual salt provided on the surface of the glass sheet is discharged into the residual salt discharge unit through the second opening.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, A tempering solution including the first ion is arranged within the tempering unit; and Tempering the glass sheet involves immersing the loading unit in the tempering solution and replacing at least a portion of the second ions contained in the glass sheet with the first ions.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The ionic radius of the first ion is greater than that of the second ion.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, The residual salt moves from the glass plate loaded in the loading unit to the residual salt discharge unit via the upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The upper surface of the residual salt discharge unit has a mesh structure.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The auxiliary layer providing unit includes the auxiliary layer, which is used to perform a residual salt pretreatment process to increase the removal of the residual salt formed on the surface of the glass sheet; and When the loading unit is arranged on the second opening of the heating unit, the auxiliary layer providing unit provides the auxiliary layer into the heating unit.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The plurality of auxiliary layers provided to the heating unit are each inserted between the plurality of glass sheets and in direct contact with the residual salt provided on the surface of the glass sheets.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The auxiliary layer includes a third ion; and The residual salt pretreatment process includes an ion substitution reaction performed when the residual salt directly contacts the auxiliary layer, the ion substitution reaction including replacing at least a portion of the fourth ion included in the residual salt with the third ion.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The viscosity of the residual salt after the ion substitution reaction is less than the viscosity of the residual salt before the ion substitution reaction.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, The melting point of the residual salt after the ionic substitution reaction is lower than the melting point of the residual salt before the ionic substitution reaction.

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