A glass tempering apparatus and a step-by-step glass forming method using the same.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of glass tempering technology, and discloses a glass tempering apparatus and a step-by-step bending glass forming method using the same. The glass tempering apparatus includes an upper bending air grille and a lower bending air grille mounted on a frame; the lower bending air grille includes a conveying mechanism, a lower air outlet assembly, and a lower bending arc mechanism; the conveying mechanism includes a drive device, transmission gears, and multiple flexible shaft transmission rollers; the drive device includes a motor reducer, a coupling assembly, a linkage rod, and a linkage assembly; the drive device also includes a first universal joint and a first connecting shaft; one end of each of the two first connecting shafts is inserted into one of the two transmission gears, and the other ends of the two first connecting shafts extend relative to each other; both ends of the linkage rod are connected to one end of each of the two first universal joints, and the other ends of the two first universal joints are connected to the other ends of the two first connecting shafts. Bending and forming can be achieved during the step-by-step lifting process, enabling the bending and forming of glass with a large length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass tempering technology, and more particularly to a glass tempering apparatus and a step-by-step bending glass forming method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Curved tempered glass not only possesses the same safety and strength as tempered glass, but its curved surface is also aesthetically pleasing and smooth, meeting the higher aesthetic requirements of modern architecture. Therefore, curved tempered glass is widely used in glass curtain walls, skylights, panoramic elevators, interior decoration, and furniture.

[0003] The forming process of existing glass bending equipment is as follows: The glass to be tempered is softened by heating. The glass is then conveyed through the top surface of the lower bending mechanism at the input end and fed into the forming area above the multiple air grids between the two lower bending mechanisms. Then, the four corners of the upper bending mechanism and the four corners of the lower bending mechanism are simultaneously lifted and bent by the lifting mechanism, so that the two sides of the glass to be tempered are bent upwards at the same time to form the glass. Finally, the formed glass is quenched and tempered by the cooling device.

[0004] When the length of tempered glass to be bent is large, if existing glass bending equipment is used, the heated and softened glass enters above multiple air grates through the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end. Before the output end of the glass approaches the lower bending arc mechanism at the output end, and before the entire piece of glass has been completely output from the heating furnace, the temperature of the output glass's initial part decreases, resulting in insufficient softening of the glass in that part. Consequently, the glass cannot achieve the required degree of bending, leading to the failure of the tempered glass bending process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a glass tempering apparatus that solves the problem that existing glass bending equipment cannot complete the bending and forming of large-length glass.

[0006] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for step-by-step bending and forming using the above-mentioned glass tempering device, so as to complete the bending and forming of glass with a large length.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A glass tempering device includes an upper curved air grille and a lower curved air grille mounted on a frame; the upper curved air grille includes an upper air outlet assembly and an upper curved arc mechanism; the lower curved air grille includes a conveying mechanism, a lower air outlet assembly, and a lower curved arc mechanism; the conveying mechanism includes a drive device, a transmission gear, and multiple flexible shaft transmission rollers; the drive device includes a motor reducer, a coupling assembly, a linkage rod, and a linkage assembly; both the lower air outlet assembly and the upper air outlet assembly include multiple air outlet boxes and multiple air grille strips; the multiple air outlet boxes are respectively connected to corresponding air outlet grilles; the conveying mechanism further includes a first conveying assembly and a second conveying assembly; the drive device further includes a first universal joint and a first connecting shaft;

[0009] The first conveying component is installed on the downward bending arc mechanism at the input end, and the top surface of the first conveying component forms a first conveying surface; the top surfaces of the plurality of flexible shaft drive rollers form a second conveying surface; the second conveying component is installed on the downward bending arc mechanism at the output end, and the top surface of the second conveying component forms a third conveying surface; the first conveying surface, the second conveying surface, and the third conveying surface are connected in sequence; the first conveying component and the second conveying component are respectively connected to the corresponding drive gears; one end of each of the two first connecting shafts is inserted into the two drive gears, and the other ends of the two first connecting shafts extend relative to each other; both ends of the linkage rod are respectively connected to one end of each of the two first universal joints, and the other ends of the two first universal joints are respectively connected to the other ends of the two first connecting shafts;

[0010] The multiple air outlet boxes located on the upper air outlet assembly and the multiple air outlet boxes located on the lower air outlet assembly are one-to-one vertically corresponding; the multiple air outlet boxes that are vertically opposite each other are used to output cooling air from the upper and lower sides to the conveying surface;

[0011] The motor reducer and the linkage rod are respectively installed on the outer side of the air grille; the motor reducer is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the linkage rod through the coupling assembly, and the plurality of flexible shaft transmission rollers are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the linkage rod through the linkage assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, this also includes the air supply mechanism;

[0013] The air supply mechanism includes an upper air distribution box and a lower air distribution box;

[0014] The upper and lower air distribution boxes are respectively installed above and below the frame;

[0015] Multiple air grates located on the upper air outlet assembly are connected to the upper air distribution box via pipes; multiple air grates located on the lower air outlet assembly are connected to the lower air distribution box via pipes.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a lifting mechanism, which comprises a first lifting component, a second lifting component, and a third lifting component;

[0017] The first lifting assembly, the second lifting assembly, and the third lifting assembly are respectively mounted on the frame;

[0018] The four corners of the upper bending arc mechanism are respectively connected to the output end of the first lifting component via cables; the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism at the output end are respectively connected to the output end of the second lifting component via cables; the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end are respectively connected to the output end of the third lifting component via cables.

[0019] Preferably, both ends of the air outlet box are exposed on both sides of the air grille;

[0020] Both end faces of the air outlet box located on the upper curved air grille are inclined; the side of the inclined surface closer to the air grille bar is a straight side, and the other side of the inclined surface away from the air grille bar is an arc-shaped side;

[0021] The distance between two straight sides of the same air outlet box is less than the distance between two curved sides;

[0022] Along the central axis of the air grating, multiple air outlet boxes are staggered.

[0023] Furthermore, the downward-curved wind grille also includes a support base, which includes a connecting base, a spherical bearing, and two lateral hinged bases;

[0024] The flexible shaft drive roller includes a flexible shaft and a conveyor wheel;

[0025] The plurality of flexible shafts extend along the Y direction and are arranged in parallel along the X direction, and the outer circumferential surface of the flexible shafts is fitted with the plurality of conveying wheels;

[0026] The connecting seat has a rotating cavity in the middle; both ends of the connecting seat extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating cavity; the top of the lateral hinge seat has a rotating cavity; both ends of the connecting seat are rotatably inserted into the two rotating cavities; the spherical bearing is rotatably mounted in the rotating cavity; the bottom of the lateral hinge seat is fixed to the top surface of the corresponding air grille.

[0027] Each of the flexible shafts passes sequentially through a plurality of spherical bearings located above different of the air grating bars; at least one of the conveyor wheels is distributed between two adjacent rotating cavities;

[0028] The Z-axis wheel surfaces of the plurality of conveying wheels form a second conveying surface that supports and conveys the glass to be tempered.

[0029] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism also includes two support tubes, multiple transmission bearings, multiple second connecting shafts, and multiple second universal joints;

[0030] The support tube extends along the X direction, and the two support tubes are respectively arranged from the outside close to the two outermost wind grating strips;

[0031] The two ends of the flexible shaft are respectively connected to the other ends of the two second cross universal couplings;

[0032] The multiple transmission bearings are divided into two groups, and the multiple transmission bearings in the same group are arranged at intervals along the X direction on the top surface of the support tube;

[0033] One end of the second connecting shaft is fitted with a drive wheel, and the other end of the second connecting shaft passes through the drive bearing and is connected to one end of the second universal joint.

[0034] Furthermore, the support also includes two bushings;

[0035] The two bushings are respectively fitted onto both ends of the connecting seat;

[0036] The two ends of the connecting seat are rotatably fitted into the two rotating cavities via corresponding bushings;

[0037] The bushing is equipped with a limiting ring;

[0038] The limiting ring surrounds the circumferential edge of the side of the bushing closest to the rotating cavity, and the limiting ring is used to abut against the edge of the corresponding rotating cavity.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention proposes a step-by-step glass forming method using the glass tempering apparatus described above, comprising the following steps:

[0040] S1) While the glass to be tempered is still being heated, the four corners of the upward-curving air grille are lifted to the target curvature by the first lifting component and the upward-curving arc mechanism.

[0041] S2) When the glass to be tempered has been heated and the first end of the output glass to be tempered has passed the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end, the lower bending arc mechanism at the output end is lifted to the first curvature by the second lifting component.

[0042] S3) As the first end of the glass to be tempered passes over the top surface of the downward bending arc mechanism at the input end in the middle, the downward bending arc mechanism at the output end is lifted to the target curvature again by the second lifting component.

[0043] S4) When the tail end of the glass to be tempered passes the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end, the third lifting component lifts the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end to the target curvature, thus completing the bending and forming of the glass to be tempered.

[0044] Specifically, when the target curvature is greater than the threshold, the step-bending glass forming method includes steps S1), S2), S3), and S4), where the first curvature is equal to the threshold.

[0045] When the target curvature is less than or equal to the threshold, the first curvature is equal to the target curvature; the step-by-step bending glass forming method includes steps S1), S2), and S4), and step S3) removal.

[0046] The beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are as follows: In the glass tempering device, the two ends of the linkage rod are respectively connected to the two first connecting shafts through two first cross universal couplings. This allows the motor reducer to drive the first conveying component, the second conveying component, and multiple flexible shaft transmission rollers to rotate synchronously through the linkage rod. While keeping the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end in a horizontal state, the glass can sequentially enter the connected first conveying surface, second conveying surface, and third conveying surface. This allows the glass to be continuously input above multiple air grid strips and bend and form during the step-by-step lifting process, thereby achieving the bending and forming of glass with a large length.

[0047] Furthermore, this invention proposes a step-by-step glass forming method. Based on the position of the first end of the glass to be tempered above the downward bending air grille, the height and curvature of the downward bending arc mechanism at the output end of the second lifting component are controlled step by step to avoid stress generated inside the glass due to excessive curvature of the glass in one bend, thus preventing the tempered glass from cracking or shattering. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the Y-view installation structure of an embodiment of the step-by-step bending and forming glass tempering device of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the installation structure of the step-bending glass tempering device of the present invention in the X-direction when it is in a horizontal state.

[0050] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the input end portion of the downward-curved air grille in one embodiment of the step-by-step bending glass tempering device of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the output end portion of the downward-curved air grille, an embodiment of the step-bending glass tempering device of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An enlarged view of part B;

[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting structure of an embodiment of the flexible shaft drive roller of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An enlarged view of part C in the image;

[0056] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a support base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the support base and bearing sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of one embodiment of the air grille bar and air outlet box located in the upper curved air grille;

[0059] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of an embodiment of the air grille bar and the air outlet box located in the downward curved air grille;

[0060] The components include: frame 1; upper curved air grille 2; lower curved air grille 3; air supply mechanism 4; and lifting mechanism 5.

[0061] Support base 32; Conveying mechanism 33; Lower air outlet assembly 34; Lower bending arc mechanism 37; Upper equalizing air box 41; Lower equalizing air box 42; First lifting assembly 51; Second lifting assembly 52; Third lifting assembly 53; First conveying surface 301; Second conveying surface 302; Third conveying surface 303; Lateral hinge seat 321; Connecting seat 322; Joint bearing 323; Bushing 324; First conveying assembly 330; Flexible shaft drive roller 331; Second conveying assembly 332; Second universal joint 333; Support tube 334; Transmission gear 335; Second Connecting shaft 336; connecting plate 337; driving device 338; transmission bearing 339; air outlet box 341; air grille 342; flexible shaft 3311; conveying wheel 3312; rotating cavity 3210; rotating cavity 3221; limiting ring 3241; motor reducer 3381; coupling assembly 3382; linkage rod 3384; transmission wheel 3385; first universal joint 3386; first connecting shaft 3387; inclined surface 3412; coupling gear 33821; driven wheel 33822; arc edge 34121; straight edge 34122. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-12 The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated through specific embodiments.

[0063] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate this embodiment, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0064] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0065] A glass tempering device includes an upper curved air grille 2 and a lower curved air grille 3 mounted on a frame 1; the upper curved air grille 2 includes an upper air outlet assembly 21 and an upper curved arc mechanism 22; the lower curved air grille 3 includes a conveying mechanism 33, a lower air outlet assembly 34 and a lower curved arc mechanism 37; the conveying mechanism 33 includes a drive device 338, a transmission gear 335 and a plurality of flexible shaft transmission rollers 331; the drive device 338 includes a motor reducer 3381, a coupling assembly 3382, a linkage rod 3384 and a linkage assembly;

[0066] Both the lower air outlet assembly 34 and the upper air outlet assembly 21 include multiple air outlet boxes 341 and multiple air vent strips 342; the multiple air outlet boxes 341 are respectively connected to the corresponding air vent strips.

[0067] The transmission mechanism 33 further includes a first transmission component 330 and a second transmission component 332, and the drive device 338 further includes a first universal joint 3386 and a first connecting shaft 3387.

[0068] The first conveying component 330 is mounted on the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end, and the top surface of the first conveying component 330 forms a first conveying surface 301; the top surfaces of the plurality of flexible shaft drive rollers 31 form a second conveying surface 302; the second conveying component 332 is mounted on the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end, and the top surface of the second conveying component 332 forms a third conveying surface 303; the first conveying surface 301, the second conveying surface 302 and the third conveying surface 303 are connected in sequence;

[0069] The first transmission assembly 330 and the second transmission assembly 332 are respectively connected to the corresponding transmission gears 335; one end of each of the two first connecting shafts 3387 is inserted into the two transmission gears 335, and the other ends of the two first connecting shafts 3387 extend relative to each other; both ends of the linkage rod 384 are respectively connected to one end of each of the two first universal joints 3386, and the other ends of the two first universal joints 3386 are respectively connected to the other ends of the two first connecting shafts 3387.

[0070] The multiple air outlet boxes 341 located in the upper air outlet assembly 21 and the multiple air outlet boxes 341 located in the lower air outlet assembly 34 are corresponding one-to-one; the multiple air outlet boxes 341 that are opposite each other are used to output cooling air from the upper and lower sides to the conveying surface.

[0071] The motor reducer 3381 and the linkage rod 3384 are respectively installed on the outer side of the air grille 342; the motor reducer 3381 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the linkage rod 3384 through the coupling assembly 3382, and the plurality of flexible shaft transmission rollers 331 are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the linkage rod 3384 through the linkage assembly.

[0072] like Figure 1-3 The glass tempering device of the present invention shown has an upper curved air grille 2 and a lower curved air grille 3 mounted on the frame 1 with their upper and lower sides facing each other.

[0073] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, multiple air grating strips 342 extend along the X direction and are arranged in parallel. Multiple support seats 32 are spaced along the X direction on the top surface of an air grating strip 342 facing the glass. The two ends of the air grating strip 342 are respectively spherically hinged to two lower bending arc mechanisms 37. Transmission gears 335 are installed on the opposite surfaces of the two lower bending arc mechanisms 37. Flexible shaft transmission rollers 331 extend along the Y-axis and are mounted above the top surface of multiple air grating strips 342. Multiple air outlet boxes 341 are installed between two flexible shaft transmission rollers 331. The air outlet boxes 341 extend along the Y-axis and are spaced along the Y-axis between two flexible shaft transmission rollers 331. The air outlet boxes 341 are connected to the air grating strips 342 below and input cooling air. Cooling air can be blown onto the bent glass through the air outlet boxes 341, thereby quenching and tempering the formed glass.

[0074] The operation of segmented bending tempering using the glass tempering apparatus of the present invention is as follows:

[0075] When the heated and softened glass is conveyed by the first conveying assembly 330 above the lower bending mechanism 37 at the input end into the space above the multiple air gratings 342, the two corners of the lower bending mechanism 37, which is connected to the output end of the lower bending air grating 3 (i.e., the end away from the glass heating furnace), have been pre-lifted and bent into a preset arc shape. This causes one end of each of the two linkage rods 3384 at the corresponding two corners to rise, forming an arc surface at the two corners of the glass at the output end. The lower bending mechanism 37 (i.e., the lower bending mechanism 37 at the input end), which is connected to the input end of the air grating 342, remains horizontal until the entire piece of glass... From the moment the heating furnace is fully output, the middle part of the glass to be bent is horizontally input into the upper part of multiple air grid strips 342. During this period, the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end are gradually raised, so that the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end rises and reaches the target curvature. When the entire glass is completely above the multiple air grid strips 342, the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end are raised and bent to the target curvature, and the input end of the glass abuts against the corresponding upper bending arc mechanism 22 to form a shape, so that the entire glass forms the set curved surface. Finally, the cooling air output by the air outlet box 341 quenches and tempers the formed glass.

[0076] During the segmented bending process, while ensuring that the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end is in a horizontal state, the two ends of the linkage rod 384 are respectively connected to the two first cross universal couplings 3386 and the two first connecting shafts 3387 through the transmission connection structure. This allows the motor reducer 3381 to drive the first conveying component 330, the second conveying component 332 and multiple flexible shaft transmission rollers 331 to rotate synchronously through the linkage rod 3384. This allows the glass to enter the connected first conveying surface 301, second conveying surface 302 and third conveying surface 303 in sequence, so that the glass can be continuously input above multiple air grid bars 342 and complete segmented bending during the step-by-step lifting process. After the entire glass is bent, it can be quenched and tempered by the cooling air output by the air outlet box 341. Then, the tempered glass can be output from the third conveying surface 303 through the second conveying component.

[0077] like Figure 5 In the preferred embodiment shown, the linkage assembly includes multiple drive belts, multiple linkage pulleys 3383, and multiple drive pulleys 3385; the drive pulleys 3385 are fitted onto one end of the flexible shaft drive roller 331; the multiple linkage pulleys 3383 are fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the linkage rod 3384, and the linkage pulleys 3383 and drive pulleys 3385 correspond one-to-one and are connected by drive belts; the motor reducer 3381 drives the linkage rod 3384, multiple linkage pulleys 3383, and multiple drive pulleys 3385 to rotate synchronously through the cooperation of the coupling gear 33821 and the driven pulley 33822.

[0078] The top surfaces of multiple first conveying components 330 form a first conveying surface 301, the top surfaces of multiple flexible shaft drive rollers 31 form a second conveying surface 302, and the top surfaces of multiple second conveying components 332 form a third conveying surface 303, which are connected in sequence to form a continuous conveying surface for conveying glass.

[0079] Furthermore, it also includes the air supply mechanism 4;

[0080] The air supply mechanism 4 includes an upper air distribution box 41 and a lower air distribution box 42;

[0081] The upper air distribution box 41 and the lower air distribution box 42 are respectively installed above and below the frame 1;

[0082] Multiple air gratings 342 located in the upper air outlet assembly 21 are connected to the upper air distribution box 41 through pipes; multiple air gratings 3421 located in the lower air outlet assembly 34 are connected to the lower air distribution box 42 through pipes.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper air distribution box 41 and the lower air distribution box 42 can make the cooling air output from the corresponding multiple air outlet boxes 341 to the formed glass evenly distributed, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of glass quenching and tempering.

[0084] Furthermore, it also includes a lifting mechanism 5, which includes a first lifting component 51, a second lifting component 52, and a third lifting component 53;

[0085] The first lifting assembly 51, the second lifting assembly 52, and the third lifting assembly 53 are respectively mounted on the frame 1;

[0086] The four corners of the upper bending arc mechanism 22 are respectively connected to the output end of the first lifting component 51 via cables; the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end are respectively connected to the output end of the second lifting component 52 via cables; the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end are respectively connected to the output end of the third lifting component 53 via cables.

[0087] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, by controlling the lifting and lowering of the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end, the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end, and the four corners of the upper bending arc mechanism 22 through different lifting mechanisms, it can be ensured that the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end can operate independently, thereby meeting the bending process requirements at different stages of segmented bending and tempering.

[0088] Preferably, both ends of the air outlet box 341 are exposed on both sides of the air grille 342;

[0089] Both ends of the air outlet box 341 located in the upper curved air grille 2 are inclined surfaces 3412; the side of the inclined surface 3412 closest to the air grille strip 342 is a straight side 34122, and the other side of the inclined surface 3412 away from the air grille strip 342 is an arc-shaped side 34121.

[0090] The distance between the two straight sides 34122 located in the same air outlet box 341 is less than the distance between the two arc sides 34121;

[0091] Along the central axis of the air grating 342, a plurality of air outlet boxes 341 are staggered.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, during operation, the upper bending mechanism 37 drives multiple upper air grilles 342 to form a curved surface protruding towards the tempered glass, bringing the two ends of the two opposite air outlet boxes 341 on two adjacent air grilles 342 closer together. Both ends of the air outlet box 341 are set as inclined surfaces 3412, and the distance between the two straight sides 34122 of the same air outlet box 341 is less than the distance between the two curved sides 34121. This can prevent two adjacent air outlet boxes 341 along the length direction from hitting each other and interfering during the bending process, and can prevent the phenomenon that the curved surface formed by the interference of the two air outlet boxes 341 does not reach the required curvature.

[0093] The staggered distribution of multiple air outlet boxes 341 relative to the central axis of the air grille 342 results in a staggered distribution of the gaps between two adjacent and close air outlet boxes 341. This avoids the phenomenon that corresponding parts of the glass are not cooled by air during the tempering process, thus preventing any impact on the tempering quality of the glass.

[0094] Furthermore, the downward-curved air grille 3 also includes a support base 32, which includes a connecting base 322, a spherical bearing 323, and two lateral hinged bases 321.

[0095] The flexible shaft drive roller 331 includes a flexible shaft 3311 and a conveyor wheel 3312;

[0096] Multiple flexible shafts 3311 extend along the Y direction and are arranged in parallel along the X direction, and multiple conveying wheels 3312 are fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the flexible shafts 3311;

[0097] The connecting seat 322 has a rotating cavity 3221 in the middle; both ends of the connecting seat 322 extend along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating cavity 3221; the top of the lateral hinge seat 321 has a rotating cavity 3210; both ends of the connecting seat 322 are rotatably inserted into the two rotating cavities 3210; the spherical bearing 323 is rotatably mounted in the rotating cavity 3221; the bottom of the lateral hinge seat 321 is fixed to the top surface of the corresponding air grille 342;

[0098] Each of the flexible shafts 3311 passes sequentially through a plurality of spherical bearings 323 located above different air grating bars 342; at least one conveyor wheel 3312 is distributed between two adjacent rotating cavities 3221;

[0099] The Z-direction wheel surfaces of the plurality of conveying wheels 3312 form the second conveying surface 302 for supporting and conveying the glass to be tempered.

[0100] Figure 4-10 As shown, the flexible shaft 3311 can rotate in multiple support seats 32 through the joint bearing 323, so that the flexible shaft 3311 will not jam and fail to rotate during the bending process.

[0101] At least one conveying wheel 3312 is provided between two adjacent support seats 32. The Z-direction wheel surfaces of the multiple conveying wheels 3312 located on multiple flexible shafts 3311 form the second conveying surface 302 for supporting and conveying the glass to be tempered, so that the multiple flexible shafts 3311 can drive the multiple conveying wheels 3312 to rotate synchronously and convey the glass to be tempered along the running direction.

[0102] The two ends of the connecting seat 322 are rotatably fitted into the rotating cavity 3210 on the top of the two lateral hinge seats 321, so that the two ends of the connecting seat 322 can rotate with the bending of the flexible shaft 3311, which can prevent the flexible shaft 3311 from being obstructed during the bending process.

[0103] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 33 also includes two support tubes 334, multiple transmission bearings 339, multiple second connecting shafts 336, and multiple second universal joints 333;

[0104] The support tube 334 extends along the X direction, and the two support tubes 334 are respectively arranged from the outside close to the two outermost wind grating strips 342;

[0105] The two ends of the flexible shaft 3311 are respectively connected to the other ends of the two second cross universal couplings 333;

[0106] The multiple transmission bearings 339 are divided into two groups, and the multiple transmission bearings 339 in the same group are arranged at intervals along the X direction on the top surface of the support tube 334;

[0107] One end of the second connecting shaft 336 is fitted with a transmission wheel 385, and the other end of the second connecting shaft 336 passes through the transmission bearing 339 and is connected to one end of the second universal joint 333.

[0108] like Figure 4-6 As shown, the motor reducer 3381 and the linkage rod 3384 are installed on the Y-direction side of the support tube 334, and the flexible shaft transmission roller 331 equipped with the transmission bearing 339 is driven to rotate through the transmission wheel 3385, which can improve the running stability and service life of the flexible shaft transmission roller 331.

[0109] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the curvature of the glass to be prepared is greater than the bendability of the flexible shaft 3311, the lower bending mechanism 37 drives multiple air grating strips 342 to bend and continuously increase the curvature to achieve the required curvature. Since the bendability of the flexible shaft 3311 is limited, if the second universal joint 333 is not used, and a rigid connection is made between the two ends of the flexible shaft 3311 and the other ends of the two second connecting shafts 36, or if the two ends of the flexible shaft 3311 are inserted into the two transmission wheels 385, the flexible shaft 3311 will be unable to bend due to insufficient bendability. This will cause the lower bending mechanism 37 to become stuck as it drives the multiple air grating strips 342 to continuously increase the curvature, thus hindering the bending operation of the bending mechanism 37.

[0110] Therefore, the two ends of the flexible shaft 3311 are connected to the two second connecting shafts 336 inserted into the two transmission wheels 385 through two second universal joints 333 respectively. This allows the bending operation of the lower bending mechanism 37 to drive the multiple air grille strips 342 to bend without being limited by the bendability of the flexible shaft 3311, thus avoiding the phenomenon of jamming of the lower bending mechanism 37.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying mechanism 33 further includes a connecting plate 337;

[0112] One end of the support tube 334 is connected to one end of the nearby air grating strip 342 via the connecting plate 337;

[0113] A plurality of air outlet boxes 341 are installed between two adjacent flexible shafts 3311;

[0114] The air outlet box 341 extends along the Y-axis direction, and a plurality of air outlet boxes 341 located between two adjacent flexible shafts 3311 are arranged at intervals along the X-axis direction.

[0115] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, one end of the support tube 334 is connected to one end of the nearby air grille 342 by the connecting plate 337, so that the support tube 334 can bend and move together with the nearby air grille 342.

[0116] like Figure 3-6 As shown, cooling air can be blown onto the bent and shaped glass through the air outlet box 341 to quench and temper the glass.

[0117] Furthermore, the support base 32 also includes two bushings 324;

[0118] Two bushings 324 are respectively fitted at both ends of the connecting seat 322;

[0119] The two ends of the connecting seat 322 are rotatably fitted into the two rotating cavities 3210 via corresponding bushings 324;

[0120] The bushing 324 is provided with a limiting ring 3241;

[0121] The limiting ring 3241 surrounds the circumferential edge of the side of the bushing 324 near the rotating cavity 3221, and the limiting ring 3241 is used to abut against the edge of the corresponding rotating cavity 3210.

[0122] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, bushing 324 can reduce the rigid contact and friction between the two ends of connecting seat 322 and rotating cavity 3210, and improve the rotational flexibility and service life of the two ends of connecting seat 322.

[0123] like Figure 10 As shown, the limiting ring 3241 can improve the installation stability of the bushing 324 and prevent the bushing 324 from loosening by passing through the rotating cavity 3210 during operation.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting seat 322 includes two mirror-symmetrical halves, and the rotating cavity 3221 is formed by two semi-circular grooves that are symmetrically distributed vertically.

[0125] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, dividing the connecting seat 322 into two mirror-symmetrical halves makes it easier to process and shape, and also improves the ease of installation of the spherical bearing 323.

[0126] Furthermore, the present invention proposes a step-by-step glass forming method using the glass tempering apparatus described above, comprising the following steps:

[0127] S1) While the glass to be tempered is still being heated, the four corners of the upper curved air grille 2 are lifted to the target curvature by the first lifting component 51 and the upper curved arc mechanism 22.

[0128] S2) When the glass to be tempered has been heated and the first end of the output glass to be tempered has passed the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end, the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end is lifted to the first curvature by the second lifting component 52.

[0129] S3) As the middle part of the glass to be tempered follows the first end of the glass to be tempered past the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end, the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end is lifted to the target curvature again by the second lifting component 52.

[0130] S4) When the tail end of the glass to be tempered passes the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end, the third lifting component 53 lifts the lower bending arc mechanism 37 at the input end to the target curvature, thus completing the bending and forming of the glass to be tempered.

[0131] Depending on the different positions reached above the downward bending air grille 37 by the first end of the glass to be tempered, the height and curvature of the downward bending arc mechanism 37 at the lifting output end of the second lifting component 52 are controlled step by step to avoid stress and cracks in the glass caused by excessive curvature of the glass in one bending, and to prevent the glass from cracking during quenching and tempering.

[0132] Specifically, when the target curvature is greater than the threshold, the step-bending glass forming method includes steps S1), S2), S3), and S4), where the first curvature is equal to the threshold.

[0133] When the target curvature is less than or equal to the threshold, the first curvature is equal to the target curvature; the step-by-step bending glass forming method includes steps S1), S2), and S4), and step S3) removal.

[0134] The above threshold can be adjusted according to the thickness and material of the glass. For example, for blue glass with a thickness of 5mm, the threshold can be set to 40mm / m.

[0135] Taking a 5mm thick blue glass as an example, when the target curvature of the glass to be bent is greater than 40mm / m (that is, the chord height per meter of the curved surface of the final formed glass exceeds 40mm / m), if the curvature of the glass is too large and exceeds 40mm / m, it is easy to cause stress to be generated inside the glass during the bending process and cracks to appear. The glass is also prone to shattering when it is quenched and tempered.

[0136] At this point, with a curvature of 40 mm / m as the threshold, the output end of the glass is bent to the target curvature step by step according to steps S1) to S3), which can prevent stress from being generated inside the glass during the bending process, thereby avoiding the glass from cracking during quenching and tempering.

[0137] In summary, such as Figure 1-12 In the embodiment of the present invention shown, the glass tempering device has a transmission connection structure between the two ends of the linkage rod 384 and the two first connecting shafts 3387 via two first universal joints 3386. This allows the motor reducer 3381 to drive the first conveying component 330, the second conveying component 332, and multiple flexible shaft transmission rollers 331 to rotate synchronously via the linkage rod 3384. While keeping the lower bending arc mechanism 7 at the input end in a horizontal state, the glass sequentially enters the connected first conveying surface 301, second conveying surface 302, and third conveying surface 303. This allows the glass to be continuously input above multiple air grid strips 342 and bent into shape during the step-by-step lifting process, thus achieving the bending and shaping of glass with a large length.

[0138] Furthermore, the present invention proposes a step-by-step glass forming method. Based on the position of the first end of the glass to be tempered above the downward bending air grille 37, the height and curvature of the downward bending arc mechanism 37 at the output end of the second lifting component 52 are controlled step by step to avoid stress generated inside the glass due to excessive curvature of the glass in one bending, and to prevent the tempered glass from cracking or shattering.

[0139] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A glass tempering device, comprising an upper curved air grille and a lower curved air grille mounted on a frame; the upper curved air grille includes an upper air outlet assembly and an upper curved arc mechanism; the lower curved air grille includes a conveying mechanism, a lower air outlet assembly, and a lower curved arc mechanism; the conveying mechanism includes a driving device, a transmission gear, and multiple flexible shaft transmission rollers; the driving device includes a motor reducer, a coupling assembly, a linkage rod, and a linkage assembly; both the lower air outlet assembly and the upper air outlet assembly include multiple air outlet boxes and multiple air grille strips; the multiple air outlet boxes are respectively connected to corresponding air outlet grilles, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism further includes a first transmission component and a second transmission component, and the drive device further includes a first universal joint and a first connecting shaft. The first conveying component is installed on the downward bending arc mechanism at the input end, and the top surface of the first conveying component forms a first conveying surface; the top surfaces of the plurality of flexible shaft drive rollers form a second conveying surface; the second conveying component is installed on the downward bending arc mechanism at the output end, and the top surface of the second conveying component forms a third conveying surface; the first conveying surface, the second conveying surface, and the third conveying surface are connected in sequence; the first conveying component and the second conveying component are respectively connected to the corresponding drive gears; one end of each of the two first connecting shafts is inserted into the two drive gears, and the other ends of the two first connecting shafts extend relative to each other; both ends of the linkage rod are respectively connected to one end of each of the two first universal joints, and the other ends of the two first universal joints are respectively connected to the other ends of the two first connecting shafts; The multiple air outlet boxes located on the upper air outlet assembly and the multiple air outlet boxes located on the lower air outlet assembly are one-to-one vertically corresponding; the multiple air outlet boxes that are vertically opposite each other are used to output cooling air from the upper and lower sides to the conveying surface; The motor reducer and the linkage rod are respectively installed on the outer side of the air grille; the motor reducer is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the linkage rod through the coupling assembly, and the plurality of flexible shaft transmission rollers are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the linkage rod through the linkage assembly. The downward-curved wind grille also includes a support base, which includes a connecting base, a spherical bearing, and two lateral hinged bases. The flexible shaft drive roller includes a flexible shaft and a conveyor wheel; The plurality of flexible shafts extend along the Y direction and are arranged in parallel along the X direction, and the outer circumferential surface of the flexible shafts is fitted with the plurality of conveying wheels; The connecting seat has a rotating cavity in the middle; both ends of the connecting seat extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating cavity; the top of the lateral hinge seat has a rotating cavity; both ends of the connecting seat are rotatably inserted into the two rotating cavities; the spherical bearing is rotatably mounted in the rotating cavity; the bottom of the lateral hinge seat is fixed to the top surface of the corresponding air grille. Each of the flexible shafts passes sequentially through a plurality of spherical bearings located above different of the air grating bars; at least one of the conveyor wheels is distributed between two adjacent rotating cavities; The Z-axis wheel surfaces of the plurality of conveying wheels form a second conveying surface that supports and conveys the glass to be tempered.

2. The glass tempering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the air supply mechanism; The air supply mechanism includes an upper air distribution box and a lower air distribution box; The upper and lower air distribution boxes are respectively installed above and below the frame; Multiple air grates located on the upper air outlet assembly are connected to the upper air distribution box via pipes; multiple air grates located on the lower air outlet assembly are connected to the lower air distribution box via pipes.

3. The glass tempering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting mechanism, which comprises a first lifting component, a second lifting component, and a third lifting component; The first lifting assembly, the second lifting assembly, and the third lifting assembly are respectively mounted on the frame; The four corners of the upper bending arc mechanism are respectively connected to the output end of the first lifting component via cables; the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism at the output end are respectively connected to the output end of the second lifting component via cables; the two ends of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end are respectively connected to the output end of the third lifting component via cables.

4. The glass tempering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the air outlet box are exposed on both sides of the air grille; multiple air outlet boxes are staggered along the central axis of the air grille. Both end faces of the air outlet box located in the upper curved air grille are inclined surfaces; the side of the inclined surface closer to the air grille strip is a straight side, and the other side of the inclined surface away from the air grille strip is an arc-shaped side; the distance between the two straight sides of the same air outlet box is less than the distance between the two arc-shaped sides.

5. The glass tempering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism also includes two support tubes, multiple transmission bearings, multiple second connecting shafts, and multiple second universal joints; The two ends of the flexible shaft are respectively connected to the other ends of the two second cross universal couplings; The support tube extends along the X direction, and the two support tubes are respectively arranged from the outside close to the two outermost wind grating strips; The multiple transmission bearings are divided into two groups, and the multiple transmission bearings in the same group are arranged at intervals along the X direction on the top surface of the support tube; One end of the second connecting shaft is fitted with a drive wheel, and the other end of the second connecting shaft passes through the drive bearing and is connected to one end of the second universal joint.

6. The glass tempering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support also includes two bushings; The two bushings are respectively fitted onto both ends of the connecting seat; The two ends of the connecting seat are rotatably fitted into the two rotating cavities via corresponding bushings; The bushing is equipped with a limiting ring; The limiting ring surrounds the circumferential edge of the side of the bushing closest to the rotating cavity, and the limiting ring is used to abut against the edge of the corresponding rotating cavity.

7. A step-by-step glass forming method, characterized in that, Using the glass tempering apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, the steps include: S1) While the glass to be tempered is still being heated, the four corners of the upward-curving air grille are lifted to the target curvature by the first lifting component and the upward-curving arc mechanism. S2) When the glass to be tempered has been heated and the first end of the output glass to be tempered has passed the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end, the lower bending arc mechanism at the output end is lifted to the first curvature by the second lifting component. When the target curvature is less than or equal to the threshold, the first curvature equals the target curvature, and the process proceeds directly to step S4). When the target curvature is greater than the threshold, the first curvature is equal to the threshold, and the process proceeds to steps S3) and S4). S3) As the first end of the glass to be tempered passes over the top surface of the downward bending arc mechanism at the input end in the middle, the downward bending arc mechanism at the output end is lifted to the target curvature again by the second lifting component. S4) When the tail end of the glass to be tempered passes the top surface of the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end, the third lifting component lifts the lower bending arc mechanism at the input end to the target curvature, thus completing the bending and forming of the glass to be tempered.

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