Glassware and method of making same, molding apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a glass device and a preparation method and a molding device thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: adding glass melt into a lower concave mold of a compression mold, adopting a first upper convex mold to perform first compression treatment on the glass melt in the lower concave mold, and forming a preformed glass device; heating the preformed glass device to a critical melting state, and then adopting a second upper convex mold to perform second compression treatment on the preformed glass device in the lower concave mold, and forming a glass device blank; wherein the first compression treatment and the second compression treatment respectively independently comprise intermittent reciprocating compression and pressure maintaining compression which are sequentially performed; and the glass device blank is sequentially subjected to polishing treatment and annealing treatment, so that the glass device is obtained. The complex glass device with high profile precision can be prepared.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass technology, and in particular to a glass device and its preparation method and molding apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, glass has been widely used in daily life and is increasingly loved by people. In particular, optical glass has different morphological effects, bringing people into a revolutionary and novel visual world. For example, adding polyhedral and curved surface effects to the outer or inner surface of traditional hollow glass parts can form more complex 3D glass, which can obtain richer visual effects under the illumination of light, expand new application areas of glass devices, and attract much attention.

[0003] Traditional techniques often employ die extrusion to produce 3D glass with polyhedral and curved effects. However, this mainly involves directly extruding the glass panel to form a localized shape, resulting in only thick glass devices. Alternatively, it can be further developed by overflowing from the outside to create simple curved or low-curvature glass products. This process is complex and cannot accurately produce more complex glass devices, such as multi-curved surfaces, cones with varying curvature, circular shapes, or sealed glass devices, which severely limits its applications.

[0004] Therefore, traditional technologies still need further development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, this application provides a glass device and its fabrication method and molding apparatus. This glass device can be used to fabricate complex-shaped glass devices with high conformation accuracy.

[0006] The technical solution of this application is as follows.

[0007] One aspect of this application provides a method for fabricating a glass device, comprising the following steps:

[0008] Molten glass is added into the lower cavity of a pressing mold, and the molten glass in the lower cavity is pressed for the first time using a first upper punch to form a preformed glass device.

[0009] The preformed glass device is heated to a critical melting state, and then the preformed glass device in the lower die is pressed a second time using a second upper punch to form a glass device blank.

[0010] The first pressing process and the second pressing process each independently include sequential intermittent reciprocating pressing and holding pressing; in each pressing process, the molding pressure of the intermittent reciprocating pressing and the holding pressing are independently selected from 16KN to 45KN, the pressing speed of the intermittent reciprocating pressing is independently selected from 10 times / min to 15 times / min, and the holding time of the holding pressing is independently selected from 1min to 5min.

[0011] The glass device blank is then subjected to polishing and annealing processes in sequence to obtain the glass device.

[0012] In the above-mentioned method for preparing glass devices, a pressing mold consisting of an upper convex mold and a lower concave mold is used to directly perform a first pressing treatment and a second pressing treatment under specific conditions on the molten glass. By controlling the pressing force, pressing speed and holding time, the probability of uneven forming thickness at various points during the pressing process due to improper pressing speed or pressing force is reduced, while the glass fusion effect is improved, so as to obtain glass devices with high conformation accuracy.

[0013] The outer surface shape of the upper punch determines the inner surface shape of the glass device, while the shape of the groove in the lower die determines the outer surface shape of the glass device. Even for complex glass devices with multiple curved surfaces or varying curvature, as long as the shapes of the first upper punch, the second upper punch, and the lower die are designed according to the actual required shape of the glass device, the glass device with the corresponding complex shape can be obtained under the action of the first pressing process and the second pressing process under specific conditions. Moreover, the conformation accuracy is high and the process is simple.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second pressing process employs a second upper punch, the second upper punch having a higher conformation accuracy than the first upper punch.

[0015] By controlling the contouring accuracy of the convex film used in the pressing process to gradually increase, a pre-formed glass device with preliminary contouring is first formed. Then, a second convex film with higher contouring accuracy is used for more precise pressing to obtain a glass device with the expected contouring effect.

[0016] It is understandable that the outer surface shape of the upper punch determines the inner surface shape of the glass device. In other words, the conformation accuracy of the upper punch refers to the similarity between the shape of the outer surface of the upper punch and the shape of the inner surface of the glass device that is actually required or designed. The higher the conformation accuracy of the upper punch, the closer the shape of the outer surface of the upper punch is to the shape of the inner surface of the glass device that is actually required or designed.

[0017] Specifically, the conforming accuracy of the upper punch can be controlled by adjusting the difference between the shape parameters of the outer surface of the upper punch and the shape parameters of the inner surface of the actual glass device. Furthermore, the shape parameters include, but are not limited to, length, width, slope, curvature, etc.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lower die includes two sub-dies that cooperate to form a groove, the first upper die cooperates with the lower die to form a first forming cavity, and the second upper die cooperates with the lower die to form a second forming cavity;

[0019] The preformed glass device is formed in the first forming cavity, and the glass device blank is formed in the second forming cavity;

[0020] After the first pressing process, the lower die and the first upper die are separated and the two sub-dies are opened. With the first upper die separated from the lower die, the preformed glass device is heated to a critical melting state.

[0021] In some embodiments, the opening and closing of the two sub-dies is controlled by an opening and closing device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lower die is located on a rotating disk, and the first upper die and the second upper die are located above the lower die and can move up and down relative to the rotating disk. The lower die can be selectively rotated to below the first upper die or the second upper die by the rotation of the rotating disk, so as to realize the engagement or separation of the upper die and the lower die.

[0023] In some embodiments, the lower die is at the same horizontal position during the first pressing process and the second pressing process.

[0024] By ensuring that the lower die is at the same horizontal position during the first and second pressing processes, the probability of decreased contouring accuracy due to differences in horizontal position between the two pressing processes can be reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, during the first pressing process and the second pressing process, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die is independently 500°C to 650°C.

[0026] By controlling the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die within a suitable range during the first and second pressing processes, the glass material being pressed is kept in a critical melting state during the pressing process. This makes the pressing process smoother, reduces phenomena such as collapse and bubbles that are detrimental to the quality of glass devices, achieves ideal conformation accuracy, and improves the yield rate.

[0027] In some embodiments, during the process of adding the molten glass to the lower die, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die is 550°C to 750°C; and / or

[0028] Before adding the molten glass to the lower die, the temperatures of the outer surfaces of the first upper die and the lower die are independently maintained at 350°C to 650°C.

[0029] Before adding the molten glass to the lower mold, the temperature of the outer surface of the die is controlled to reduce the risk of sudden cooling and heating of the molten glass after it is added to the groove of the lower mold. During the process of adding the molten glass to the groove of the lower mold, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower mold is controlled to keep the molten glass in a molten state.

[0030] In some embodiments, the preparation steps of the glass melt are as follows:

[0031] The glass powder is mixed and heated to 200℃~400℃ for the first time and held at that temperature for 1 hour~3 hours. Then it is heated to 800℃~1200℃ for the second time and held under pressure for 2 hours~6 hours. Finally, it is heated to 1300℃~1650℃ for the third time and held under pressure for 6 hours~12 hours to obtain the glass molten material.

[0032] Further control of specific gradient heating can slowly release the internal stress generated in the glass powder during the melting process, reduce the probability of micro-cracks in glass devices, and improve the yield.

[0033] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the first heating process is 5°C / min to 15°C / min; and / or

[0034] The heating rate of the second heating process is 20℃ / min~30℃ / min; and / or

[0035] The heating rate of the third heating process is greater than the heating rate of the second heating process.

[0036] In some embodiments, the polishing process is performed using the outer flame of a flame; and / or

[0037] The polishing temperature is 250℃~400℃.

[0038] The outer flame of the flame has a high temperature and a relatively small contact area with the glass device, which can play a role in the precise polishing of the glass device blank.

[0039] In some embodiments, the annealing treatment is performed at a temperature of 450°C to 580°C for a duration of 4 to 6 hours.

[0040] In another aspect, the present invention provides a glass device, which is prepared by the glass device preparation method described above.

[0041] The present invention also provides a molding apparatus, comprising:

[0042] A molding die, comprising a first upper punch, a second upper punch, and a lower die, wherein the first upper punch and the lower die cooperate to form a first forming cavity, and the second upper punch and the lower die cooperate to form a second forming cavity;

[0043] A heating element is used to heat the pre-formed device obtained from the first forming cavity; and to polish the glass device blank obtained from the second forming cavity; and

[0044] The control device is used to independently control the first upper punch and the second upper punch to intermittently reciprocate and hold pressure on the material in the lower die.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second upper punch has a higher conformation accuracy than the first upper punch.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lower die includes two sub-dies that cooperate to form a groove; the molding device further includes an opening and closing drive device for controlling the opening and engagement of the two sub-dies.

[0047] In some embodiments, the molding apparatus further includes a lifting device and a rotary table;

[0048] The lower die is located on the rotating disk, and the first upper die and the second upper die are located above the lower die and can move up and down relative to the rotating disk under the drive of the lifting device. The lower die can be selectively rotated to below the first upper die or the second upper die by the rotation of the rotating disk, so as to realize the engagement or separation of the upper die and the lower die.

[0049] In some embodiments, the molding apparatus further includes a balance sensing device located below the rotating disk, so that the lower die is at the same horizontal position when it engages with the first upper die and when it engages with the second upper die. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a molding apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a glass device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 1. Molding device; 10. Press mold; 111. First upper punch; 112. Second upper punch; 12. Lower die; 121. Left die; 122. Right die; 20. Heating element; 30. Rotary disk. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the detailed description. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0055] One embodiment of this application provides a method for preparing a glass device, including the following steps S10 to S30.

[0056] Please refer to the details. Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a molding apparatus 1, comprising:

[0057] The mold 10 includes a first upper punch 111, a second upper punch 112 and a lower die 12. The first upper punch 111 and the lower die 12 cooperate to form a first forming cavity, and the second upper punch 112 and the lower die 12 cooperate to form a second forming cavity.

[0058] Heating element 20; and

[0059] Control device ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0060] The molding apparatus 1 described above is used to prepare glass devices. Steps S10 to S30 are as follows:

[0061] Step S10: Add molten glass to the lower die 12 of the mold 10, and use the first upper punch 111 to perform the first pressing process on the molten glass in the lower die 12 to form a preformed glass device.

[0062] Step S20: Heat the preformed glass device to the critical melting state, and then use the second upper punch 112 to perform a second pressing process on the preformed glass device in the lower die to form a glass device blank.

[0063] The first pressing process and the second pressing process each independently include sequential intermittent reciprocating pressing and holding pressing. In each pressing process, the molding pressure of the intermittent reciprocating pressing and the holding pressing are independently selected from 16KN to 45KN, the pressing speed of the intermittent reciprocating pressing is independently selected from 10 times / min to 15 times / min, and the holding time of the holding pressing is independently selected from 1min to 5min.

[0064] It should be noted that intermittent reciprocating pressing is when the punch presses down to the lower die and then rises to detach from the glass without holding pressure. The intermittent reciprocating pressing time depends on the final state of the forming process. The final state of the forming process means that the shape and thickness of the pressed glass molten material meet the required shape and thickness of the glass device. This is equivalent to determining the final stroke position of the intermittent reciprocating pressing. Then, the punch is kept pressed down to the stroke position and held pressure.

[0065] In some embodiments, the lower die 12 includes two sub-dies: a left die 121 and a right die 122, which cooperate to form a groove. The first upper punch 111 cooperates with the lower die to form a first molding cavity, and the second upper punch 112 cooperates with the lower die 12 to form a second molding cavity.

[0066] In some embodiments, a preformed glass device is formed in the first forming cavity; specifically, molten glass is added to the lower groove of the lower die 12, and then the molten glass in the lower groove is first pressed by the first upper punch 111 in a direction from horizontal above to below the molten glass in the groove to form a preformed glass device in the first forming cavity.

[0067] In some embodiments, the glass device blank is formed in a second forming cavity.

[0068] Specifically, the pre-formed glass device in the lower groove is heated to a critical melting state using the heating element 20, and then the pre-formed glass device in the groove is pressed a second time using the second upper punch 112 to form a glass device blank in the second forming cavity.

[0069] In some embodiments, after the first pressing process, the lower die and the first upper die are separated and the two sub-dies are opened, and the preformed glass device is heated to a critical melting state while the first upper die and the lower die are separated.

[0070] In some embodiments, the opening and closing of the two sub-dies is controlled by an opening and closing device.

[0071] The control device is used to independently control the first upper punch 111 and the second upper punch 112 to intermittently reciprocate and hold pressure on the material in the lower die 12; specifically, the pressing force, speed and time during the pressing process can be controlled by setting the control program of the control device.

[0072] Step S30: Polish and anneal the glass device blank in sequence to obtain the glass device.

[0073] Specifically, the glass device blank is polished using the heating element 20.

[0074] In the above-mentioned method for preparing glass devices, a pressing mold consisting of an upper convex mold and a lower concave mold is used to directly perform a first pressing treatment and a second pressing treatment under specific conditions on the molten glass. By controlling the pressing force, pressing speed and holding time, the probability of uneven forming thickness at various points during the pressing process due to improper pressing speed or pressing force is reduced, while the glass fusion effect is improved, so as to obtain glass devices with high conformation accuracy.

[0075] The outer surface shape of the upper punch determines the inner surface shape of the glass device, while the shape of the groove in the lower die determines the outer surface shape of the glass device. Even for complex glass devices with multiple curved surfaces or varying curvature, as long as the shapes of the first upper punch, the second upper punch, and the lower die are designed according to the actual required shape of the glass device, the glass device with the corresponding complex shape can be obtained under the action of the first pressing process and the second pressing process under specific conditions. Moreover, the conformation accuracy is high and the process is simple.

[0076] Please refer to the details. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a glass device in one embodiment of this application, where solid lines represent the outer surface and dashed lines represent the inner surface.

[0077] The values ​​in the above "16KN~45KN" range include the minimum and maximum values ​​of this range, as well as every value between the minimum and maximum values. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, the point values ​​in the embodiments and the following point values: "16KN, 17KN, 18KN, 19KN, 20KN, 21KN, 22KN, 23KN, 24KN, 25KN, 26KN, 27KN, ​​28KN, 29KN, 30KN, 31KN, 32KN, 33KN, 34KN, 35KN, 36KN, 37KN, 38KN, 39KN, 40KN, 41KN, 42KN, 43KN, 44KN, 45KN; or any range consisting of any two values."

[0078] The values ​​in the above "10 times / min to 15 times / min" include the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range, as well as every value between the minimum and maximum values. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, the point values ​​in the embodiments and the following point values: "10 times / min, 11 times / min, 12 times / min, 13 times / min, 14 times / min, 15 times / min; or any range of two values."

[0079] The values ​​in "1min~5min" above include the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range, as well as every value between the minimum and maximum values. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, the point values ​​in the embodiments and the following point values: "1min, 2min, 3min, 4min or 5min; or any range consisting of any two values".

[0080] In some embodiments, the second upper punch 112 has a higher conformation accuracy than the first upper punch 111.

[0081] By controlling the contouring accuracy of the convex film used in the pressing process to gradually increase, a pre-formed glass device with preliminary contouring is first formed. Then, a second convex film with higher contouring accuracy is used for more precise pressing to obtain a glass device with the expected contouring effect.

[0082] It is understandable that the outer surface shape of the upper punch determines the inner surface shape of the glass device. The conformation accuracy of the upper punch refers to the similarity between the shape of the outer surface of the upper punch and the shape of the inner surface of the glass device that is actually required or designed. The higher the conformation accuracy of the upper punch, the closer the shape of the outer surface of the upper punch is to the shape of the inner surface of the glass device that is actually required or designed.

[0083] Specifically, the conforming accuracy of the upper punch can be controlled by adjusting the difference between the shape parameters of the outer surface of the upper punch and the shape parameters of the inner surface of the actual glass device. Furthermore, the shape parameters include, but are not limited to, length, width, slope, curvature, etc.

[0084] In some embodiments, the lower die is located on the rotating disk 30, and the first upper die 111 and the second upper die 112 are located above the lower die 12 and can move up and down relative to the rotating disk 30. The lower die 12 can be selectively rotated to the underside of the first upper die 111 or the second upper die 112 by the rotation of the rotating disk 30, so as to realize the engagement or separation of the upper die and the lower die.

[0085] In some embodiments, the molding device 1 further includes a lifting device ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) is used to control the up-and-down movement of the first upper punch 111 and the second upper punch 112 relative to the rotating disk 30.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first upper punch 111 and the second upper punch 112 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the rotating disk 30. Before the first pressing process, the lower die 12 is horizontally placed on the rotating disk 30 and rotated to be below the first upper punch 111. Further, after the first pressing process and before the second pressing process, the following steps S21~S22 are also included:

[0087] Step S21: The first upper punch 111 is raised by the lifting device, and the first upper punch 111 and the lower die 11 are separated by the rotation of the rotary disk 30.

[0088] In this way, the first upper punch 111 and the lower concave die 12 after the first pressing process can be separated to facilitate subsequent steps. Furthermore, in the step of rotating the rotating disk 40, the rotating disk 40 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by 10° to 30°.

[0089] Step S22: Open the two sub-cavities in the lower cavity 12: the left cavity 121 and the right cavity 122, and heat the preformed glass device to the critical melting state.

[0090] It is understandable that the opening of the two sub-molds, left mold 121 and right mold 122, is controlled by an opening and closing device. It is not necessary to completely separate the left mold 121 and right mold 122, so that the pre-formed glass device is exposed on the surface for subsequent steps.

[0091] Furthermore, prior to the second pressing process, the following steps are also included:

[0092] Continue rotating the rotary disk 30 to rotate the lower die 12 to the side where the second upper punch 11 is located, and then pull the left die 121 and the right die 122 together by the opening and closing device.

[0093] In some embodiments, heating the preformed glass device to a critical melting state is also performed under the action of the heating element 20; further, the heating element 20 is a blowtorch.

[0094] In some embodiments, heating the preformed glass device to a critical melting state is also performed under the action of the outer flame of the flame.

[0095] The outer flame of the flame has a high temperature and a small contact area with the pre-formed glass device, which can also serve as a polishing agent.

[0096] In some embodiments, the step of heating the preformed glass device to a critical melting state is achieved by heating the outer surface of the lower die 12.

[0097] It should be noted that "critical melting state" refers to the stage where the material is close to melting. Melting state refers to the state where the material is completely melted, that is, it will flow downwards when lifted. The temperature T1 of the "critical melting state" and the temperature T2 of the "melting state" of the preformed glass device satisfy: 5℃≤T2-T1≤20℃.

[0098] In some embodiments, the molding apparatus 1 further includes a balance sensing device ( Figure 1(Not shown in the image) The balance sensing device is located below the rotating disk 30 so that the lower die 12 is at the same horizontal position when it is engaged with the first upper die 111 and when it is engaged with the second upper die 112.

[0099] In other words, the lower die 12 is at the same horizontal position during the first pressing process and the second pressing process.

[0100] By ensuring that the lower die is at the same horizontal position during the first and second pressing processes, the probability of decreased contouring accuracy due to differences in horizontal position between the two pressing processes can be reduced.

[0101] In some embodiments, during the first pressing process and the second pressing process, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die 12 is independently 500°C to 650°C.

[0102] Furthermore, during the first and second pressing processes, the outer surface of the lower die 12 is heated by the heating element 20 to maintain its temperature at 500°C to 650°C.

[0103] By controlling the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die within a suitable range during the first and second pressing processes, the glass material being pressed is kept in a critical melting state during the pressing process. This makes the pressing process smoother, reduces phenomena such as collapse and bubbles that are detrimental to the quality of glass devices, achieves ideal conformation accuracy, and improves the yield rate.

[0104] In some embodiments, during the process of adding molten glass into the lower mold 12, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower mold 12 is 550°C to 750°C. Specifically, the outer surface of the lower mold 12 is heated by the heating element 20 to achieve a temperature of 550°C to 750°C.

[0105] During the process of adding molten glass into the groove of the lower die, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die is controlled to keep the molten glass in a molten state.

[0106] In some embodiments, prior to the step of adding molten glass into the lower die, the temperatures of the outer surfaces of the first upper die 111 and the lower die 12 are independently maintained at 350°C to 650°C. Specifically, the outer surfaces of the upper die and the lower die 12 are heated by the heating element 20 to a temperature of 350°C to 650°C.

[0107] Before adding the molten glass to the lower die, the temperature of the outer surface of the die is controlled to reduce the risk of sudden cooling or heating of the molten glass after it is added to the lower die.

[0108] In some embodiments, the glass melt preparation steps are as follows:

[0109] The glass powder is mixed and heated to 200℃~400℃ for the first heating treatment and held at that temperature for 1 hour~3 hours. Then, it is heated to 800℃~1200℃ for the second heating treatment and held under pressure for 2 hours~6 hours. Finally, it is heated to 1300℃~1650℃ for the third heating treatment and held under pressure for 6 hours~12 hours to obtain molten glass.

[0110] Further control of specific gradient heating can slowly release the internal stress generated in the glass powder during the melting process, reduce the probability of micro-cracks in glass devices, and improve the yield.

[0111] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the first heating process is 5°C / min to 15°C / min.

[0112] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the second heating process is 20°C / min to 30°C / min.

[0113] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the third heating process is greater than the heating rate of the second heating process.

[0114] Specifically, the steps for the third heating treatment to 1300℃~1650℃ and pressure treatment for 6 to 12 hours include: first heating to 1300℃~1650℃ and pressure treatment for 2 to 6 hours, then heating by 5℃~20℃ (keeping the material temperature at 1300℃~1650℃), and pressure treatment for 4 to 6 hours.

[0115] In some embodiments, the preparation of the glass melt is carried out in a high-temperature sintering furnace.

[0116] In some embodiments, during the step of mixing the glass powder, the average particle size of the glass powder is 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the mixing step is carried out under stirring conditions; further, the stirring time is 3 min to 25 min.

[0118] In some embodiments, the polishing process is performed using the outer flame of a fire. Further, the flame is formed by the combustion of a mixture of natural gas and oxygen.

[0119] In some embodiments, the polishing temperature is 250°C to 400°C.

[0120] The outer flame of the flame has a high temperature and a relatively small contact area with the glass device, which can play a role in the precise polishing of the glass device blank.

[0121] In some embodiments, the molding device 1 further includes a material transfer fixture ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) is used to transfer polished products for subsequent annealing.

[0122] In some embodiments, the annealing temperature is 450°C to 580°C and the time is 4 hours to 6 hours.

[0123] Furthermore, the temperature change rate during the annealing process is 10℃ / min ~ 30℃ / min.

[0124] In some embodiments, after the annealing step, a cooling step is further included to cool the annealed material; optionally, the cooling rate is 1°C / min to 5°C / min.

[0125] In some embodiments, the annealing process is performed using a tunnel annealing apparatus.

[0126] This application further provides a glass device, which is prepared by the above-described glass device preparation method.

[0127] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Specific Implementation

[0128] The following are specific examples.

[0129] Example 1

[0130] Fabrication of glass devices:

[0131] (1) Preparation of glass molten material: The raw material powder is provided according to the stoichiometric ratio of soda-lime glass (N-BK7). The particle size of the powder is 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm. After stirring for 20 min, it is placed in a sintering container for sintering as follows:

[0132] The temperature is increased to 300℃ at a heating rate of 10℃ / min and held at constant pressure for 2 hours. Then, the temperature is increased to 1200℃ at a heating rate of 20℃ / min to reach the critical boiling state and held for 5 hours. Finally, the temperature is increased to 1650℃ at a heating rate of 30℃ / min to reach the boiling state and held for 10 hours to obtain glass molten material with a clarity of over 95%.

[0133] (2)Reference Figure 1A molding apparatus 1 is provided, comprising: a mold 10, a heating element 20, a lifting device, a rotary table 30, a control device, a balance sensing device, and a material transfer fixture; the mold 10 includes an upper first punch 11, a second upper punch 112, and a lower die 12. The lower die 12 is formed by assembling a left die 121 and a right die 122 through an opening and closing device. After assembly, the left die 121 and the right die 122 form a groove for accommodating the upper punch. The first upper punch 111 and the lower die 12 cooperate to form a first molding cavity; the second upper punch 112 and the lower die 12... The two upper dies 111 and 112 are placed on opposite sides of the rotating disk 30, and the lower die 12 is placed on the rotating disk 30 and below the upper die 111. A balance sensing device is used to control the rotating disk 30 to remain horizontal, and a lifting device is used to control the lifting of the upper die 111. A control device is used to independently control the upper die 111 and 112 to intermittently reciprocate and hold pressure on the material in the lower die 12. The heating element 20 is a flame gun.

[0134] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The structural schematic diagram of the required glass device is provided. The shape of the mold 10 is designed according to the shape of the required glass device: the shape of the outer surface of the upper punch is determined based on the inner surface shape of the glass device. The shaping accuracy of the first upper punch 111 is lower than that of the second upper punch 112. The shape of the left concave mold 121 and the right concave mold 122 in the lower concave mold 12 is designed based on the outer surface shape of the glass device, thereby determining the shape of the groove.

[0135] (3) The outer flame of the heating element 20 is used to rotate and heat the mold 10, so that the temperature of the outer surface of the first upper punch 111 and the lower die 12 is maintained at 350℃~650℃; then the left die 121 and the right die 122 are partially loosened by the opening and closing device to facilitate the addition of molten glass into the groove of the lower die 12. During this process, the outer flame of the heating element 20 is used to heat the lower die 12, so that the temperature of its outer surface is maintained at 550℃~750℃. Then the opening and closing device is used to pull the left die 121 and the right die 122 to quickly close and align the first upper punch 111 located above the lower die 12.

[0136] (4) The glass molten material in the groove of the lower mold 12 is pressed for the first time by the first upper punch 111 in the direction from the horizontal upper to the lower direction to form a preformed glass device in the forming cavity. The first pressing process is controlled by setting the control parameters in the control device to perform intermittent reciprocating pressing and holding pressing in sequence. The molding pressure and pressing speed of the intermittent reciprocating pressing are shown in Table 1. The holding time after the intermittent reciprocating pressing reaches the forming end point is shown in Table 1. During the first pressing process, the outer flame of the heating element 20 is used to rotate and heat the lower mold 12 to keep the temperature of its outer surface at 500℃~650℃.

[0137] After the first pressing process, the first upper punch 111 is raised by the lifting device, and the rotating disk 30 is rotated 30° clockwise to separate the first upper punch 111 and the lower die 11. Then, the left die 121 and right die 122 in the lower die 12 are opened. The heating element 20 is used to heat the pre-formed glass device to the critical melting state. The rotating disk 30 is rotated to rotate the lower die 12 to below the second upper punch 112. Then, the opening and closing device pulls the left die 121 and right die 122 to close and align with the second upper punch 112. Then, the second upper punch 112 is used to press the groove in the groove. The preformed glass device undergoes a second pressing process, and then the left concave mold 121 and the right concave mold 122 are opened to obtain a glass device blank. The second pressing process is controlled by setting control parameters in the control device to perform intermittent reciprocating pressing and holding pressing in sequence. The molding pressure and pressing speed of the intermittent reciprocating pressing are shown in Table 1. The intermittent reciprocating pressing process continues until the pressed material reaches the final state of forming, and then the holding pressing process is performed. The holding pressing time is shown in Table 1. During the second pressing process, the outer flame of the heating element 20 is used to rotate and heat the lower concave mold 12 to keep the temperature of its outer surface at 500℃~650℃.

[0138] (5) The glass blank is placed in the rotating disk 30 and polished by the outer flame of the heating element 20 while rotating. The temperature is maintained at 250℃~400℃ for 10 minutes. Then, the polished product is transferred to the tunnel annealing furnace for annealing at 450℃~580℃ for 35 minutes to obtain the glass device.

[0139] (6) Testing of glass components: The glass transmittance and purity are measured to check for the presence of glass streaks and stones. If no glass streaks or stones are present, the product is deemed to be qualified.

[0140] (7) Repeat steps (1) to (6) above to obtain 50 batches of glass device products, and calculate the yield rate according to the following formula:

[0141] Yield rate = (Number of qualified glass components / Total number of glass components) × 100%

[0142] The specific results are shown in Table 1.

[0143] Examples 2-3

[0144] Examples 2 and 3 are basically the same as Example 1, except that the conditions for the first pressing process in step (4) are different from those in Example 1. Please see Table 1 for specific parameters.

[0145] The other process steps and conditions are the same as in Example 1.

[0146] Examples 4-5

[0147] Examples 4 and 5 are basically the same as Example 1, except that the conditions for the second pressing process in step (4) are different from those in Example 1. Please see Table 1 for specific parameters.

[0148] The other process steps and conditions are the same as in Example 1.

[0149] Comparative Examples 1-3

[0150] Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are basically the same as Example 1, except that in step (4), the conditions of at least one of the first pressing treatment and the second pressing treatment are different from those in Example 1. For specific parameters, please refer to Table 1.

[0151] The other process steps and conditions are the same as in Example 1.

[0152] The conditions and experimental results of the first and second pressing treatments in each embodiment and comparative example are shown in Table 1.

[0153] Table 1

[0154]

[0155] The " / " indicates that the experimental step was not performed.

[0156] As shown in Table 1, the glass device preparation method of this application can obtain glass devices with complex shapes, high conformation accuracy, high yield, and simple process.

[0157] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0158] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a glass device, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Molten glass is added into the lower cavity of a pressing mold, and the molten glass in the lower cavity is pressed for the first time using a first upper punch to form a preformed glass device. The preformed glass device is heated to a critical melting state, and then the preformed glass device in the lower die is pressed a second time using a second upper punch to form a glass device blank. The first pressing process and the second pressing process each independently include sequential intermittent reciprocating pressing and holding pressing; in each pressing process, the molding pressure of the intermittent reciprocating pressing and the holding pressing are independently selected from 16kN to 45kN, the pressing speed of the intermittent reciprocating pressing is independently selected from 10 times / min to 15 times / min, and the holding time of the holding pressing is independently selected from 1min to 5min. The glass device blank is then subjected to polishing and annealing processes in sequence to obtain the glass device.

2. The method for preparing a glass device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second upper punch has a higher conformation accuracy than the first upper punch.

3. The method for preparing a glass device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower die includes two sub-dies, which cooperate to form a groove. The first upper punch cooperates with the lower die to form a first forming cavity, and the second upper punch cooperates with the lower die to form a second forming cavity. The preformed glass device is formed in the first forming cavity, and the glass device blank is formed in the second forming cavity; After the first pressing process, the lower die and the first upper die are separated and the two sub-dies are opened. The preformed glass device is heated to a critical melting state while the first upper die is separated from the lower die.

4. The method for preparing a glass device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening and closing of the two sub-dies are controlled by an opening and closing device.

5. The method for preparing a glass device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The lower die is located on a rotating disk. The first upper die and the second upper die are located above the lower die and can move up and down relative to the rotating disk. The lower die can be selectively rotated to below the first upper die or the second upper die by rotating the rotating disk, so as to realize the engagement or separation of the upper die and the lower die.

6. The method for preparing a glass device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower die is at the same horizontal position during the first pressing process and the second pressing process.

7. The method for preparing a glass device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, During the first pressing process and the second pressing process, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die is independently 500℃~650℃.

8. The method for preparing a glass device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, During the process of adding the molten glass to the lower die, the temperature of the outer surface of the lower die is 550℃~750℃; and / or Before adding the molten glass to the lower die, the temperatures of the outer surfaces of the first upper die and the lower die are independently maintained at 350°C to 650°C.

9. The method for preparing a glass device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The preparation steps of the glass molten material are as follows: The glass powder is mixed and heated to 200℃~400℃ for the first time and held at that temperature for 1 hour~3 hours. Then it is heated to 800℃~1200℃ for the second time and held under pressure for 2 hours~6 hours. Finally, it is heated to 1300℃~1650℃ for the third time and held under pressure for 6 hours~12 hours to obtain the glass molten material.

10. The method for preparing a glass device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heating rate of the first heating process is 5℃ / min ~ 15℃ / min; and / or The heating rate of the second heating process is 20℃ / min~30℃ / min; and / or The heating rate of the third heating process is greater than the heating rate of the second heating process.

11. The method for preparing a glass device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The polishing process is performed using the outer flame of a flame; and / or The polishing temperature is 250℃~400℃.

12. The method for preparing a glass device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The annealing process is carried out at a temperature of 450℃ to 580℃ for a duration of 4 hours to 6 hours.

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