Glass forming device and glass forming method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of glass production, in particular to a glass forming device and a glass forming method. A glass forming device applied to the glass forming method comprises an overflow device, a first heating piece, a second heating piece, a detection assembly and a controller, the overflow device is provided with an overflow groove used for containing molten glass, and flow guide faces allowing the molten glass to flow are formed on the two sides of the overflow groove in the width direction. The two flow guide faces incline towards the direction close to each other while extending from top to bottom, the lower ends of the two flow guide faces are connected together to form a confluence part, the molten glass located on the flow guide faces is provided with the inner side close to the flow guide faces and the outer side away from the flow guide faces, and the first heating piece heats the molten glass from the outer side. The second heating piece heats and melts glass from the inner side, the detection assembly detects the temperature of the outer side and the temperature of the inner side in real time, the controller is in communication connection with the detection assembly, the first heating piece and the second heating piece, and the controller can independently control starting, stopping and heating power of the first heating piece and the second heating piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass production technology, and more particularly to glass forming apparatus and glass forming method. Background Technology

[0002] Overflow downdraw is a forming technology used to manufacture ultra-thin flat glass. In the overflow downdraw process, molten glass, after processing, is guided into the overflow channel of an overflow device. After passing through the overflow channel, it flows over the weirs on both sides and flows downwards along the wedge-shaped outer surface of the overflow channel, converging at the bottom and continuing to flow and stretch downwards to obtain a flat substrate glass. Because the glass components that have contacted the surface of the overflow channel are embedded inside the glass plate during this process, the outer surface of the glass plate, apart from air, does not come into contact with any other substances. Therefore, due to its inherent principle, the overflow downdraw method can produce flat substrate glass with excellent outer surface quality.

[0003] The quality of glass produced by the overflow-draw method heavily depends on the overflow quality of the molten glass; good overflow quality is essential to guarantee glass quality. As the molten glass flows downwards from the top of the overflow tank, its temperature gradually decreases, leading to a gradual increase in viscosity. To meet the demands of producing ultra-thin flexible glass sheets, it is necessary to control and reduce the viscosity at the root of the forming device, keeping it below approximately 100,000 poise. Currently, heaters are installed outside the overflow tank to heat the flowing molten glass, improving its flow. However, in practical applications, because the heaters heat the molten glass from the outside, the heat is rapidly carried away by the outer glass layer, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the outer and inner sides. This excessive temperature difference along the thickness direction of the molten glass causes warping in the drawn glass strip (due to differences in shrinkage rates between the inner and outer layers) and visible optical streaks (due to uneven molecular flow caused by viscosity gradients). These defects are particularly pronounced in the production of ultra-thin glass (≤100μm).

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to invent glass forming apparatus and glass forming method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a glass forming apparatus and a glass forming method, which heats the molten glass from the inside and outside of the molten glass respectively, thereby achieving uniform heating of the molten glass, ensuring the flow effect of the molten glass, and keeping the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the molten glass within a preset range, thus improving the product quality of the glass strip formed by downward drawing.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Glass forming apparatus, comprising:

[0008] An overflow device has an overflow channel for receiving molten glass, wherein the overflow channel forms guide surfaces for the flow of the molten glass on both sides along the width direction, the two guide surfaces extend from top to bottom and are inclined toward each other, and the lower ends of the two guide surfaces are connected together to form a confluence section.

[0009] A first heating element and a second heating element, wherein the molten glass located on the guide surface has an inner side close to the guide surface and an outer side away from the guide surface, the first heating element being configured to heat the molten glass from the outer side and the second heating element being configured to heat the molten glass from the inner side;

[0010] The system includes a detection component and a controller. The detection component is capable of detecting the temperature of the outer side and the inner side in real time. The controller is communicatively connected to the detection component, the first heating element, and the second heating element. The controller is capable of independently controlling the opening and closing of the first heating element and the second heating element, as well as their heating power.

[0011] As an alternative, the second heating element is disposed at the junction, and the second heating element has at least one of a first arrangement state, a second arrangement state, a third arrangement state, and a fourth arrangement state.

[0012] The second heating element, in the first arrangement state, is fully embedded in the manifold;

[0013] The second heating element, in the second arrangement state, covers the outer surface of the manifold;

[0014] The second heating element, in the third arrangement state, replaces the manifold and is fixedly connected to the overflow device;

[0015] The upper half of the second heating element in the fourth arrangement is embedded in the lower end of the busbar, and the lower half of the second heating element in the fourth arrangement extends downward.

[0016] As an optional solution, when the second heating element is in the first arrangement state, the second heating element heats the confluence section and the molten glass in the confluence section in sequence by means of heat transfer.

[0017] As an optional solution, when the second heating element is in the second arrangement state, the end of the second heating element near the confluence portion has a first snap-fit ​​protrusion, the end of the second heating element away from the confluence portion has a first mating surface, the outer surface of the confluence portion has a first snap-fit ​​groove, the first snap-fit ​​protrusion is snapped and fixed with the first snap-fit ​​groove, and the upper end of the first mating surface is connected to the lower end of the guide surface and is flush with the guide surface.

[0018] As an optional solution, when the second heating element is in the third arrangement state, the overflow device originally has a notch at the position where the confluence part is located. The notch has a second snap-fit ​​groove. The upper end of the second heating element has a second snap-fit ​​protrusion. The second heating element has a second mating surface on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove. The second snap-fit ​​protrusion and the second snap-fit ​​groove are snapped and fixed in the vertical direction. The two second mating surfaces extend from top to bottom and are inclined towards each other and connected together. The upper end of the second mating surface is connected to the lower end of the guide surface and is flush with the guide surface.

[0019] As an optional solution, when the second heating element is in the fourth arrangement state, the lower half of the second heating element has a third mating surface on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove. The two third mating surfaces extend from top to bottom and are inclined towards each other and connected together. The upper end of the third mating surface is connected to the lower end of the guide surface.

[0020] As an optional solution, the glass forming apparatus further includes:

[0021] A traction assembly is disposed below the confluence section, wherein the molten glass flowing along the two guide surfaces converges into a glass ribbon at the confluence section, and the traction assembly is configured to pull the glass ribbon downwards.

[0022] As an optional solution, the traction component includes:

[0023] At least one set of traction structures, each set of traction structures including two traction rollers arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the overflow groove, forming a clamping space between the two traction rollers, the clamping space being used to accommodate the glass strip, the two traction rollers being able to roll and abut against the glass strip in the clamping space and drive the glass strip to move downward.

[0024] As an optional solution, the first heating element includes:

[0025] Platform; and

[0026] A heater, supported on the platform, facing the outer side, is configured to heat the molten glass on the flow guide surface from the outer side.

[0027] A glass forming method, applied to the glass forming apparatus described above, the glass forming method comprising the following steps:

[0028] S1. Continuously add the molten glass to the overflow tank, so that the molten glass overflows from the overflow tank along the two guide surfaces;

[0029] S2. Activate the first heating element and the second heating element to heat the molten glass located on the guide surface from the inside and outside of the molten glass, respectively, so that the viscosity value of the molten glass is within a preset range;

[0030] S3. The detection component detects the temperature of the inner side and the outer side in real time. When the temperature difference between the inner side and the outer side is less than or equal to a preset value, the first heating element and the second heating element work normally. When the temperature difference between the inner side and the outer side is greater than the preset value, the heating element corresponding to the side with the higher temperature stops heating or the heating power of the heating element corresponding to the side with the higher temperature is reduced, and / or the heating power of the heating element on the side with the lower temperature is increased until the temperature difference between the inner side and the outer side is less than or equal to the preset value.

[0031] S4. The two streams of molten glass flowing downward along the two guide surfaces converge at the confluence to form a glass ribbon, and the temperature difference of the glass ribbon along the thickness direction is less than or equal to the preset value.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0033] The glass forming apparatus provided by this invention, by setting an overflow trough in the overflow device, and forming guide surfaces for the flow of molten glass on both sides of the overflow trough along its width, allows the two guide surfaces to extend from top to bottom while tilting towards each other, and connects the lower ends of the two guide surfaces together to form a confluence section. This allows the molten glass in the overflow trough to flow downwards along the two guide surfaces and converge at the confluence section to form a glass ribbon, thus completing the glass forming process. By defining the side of the molten glass on the guide surface closer to the guide surface as the inner side and the side farther from the guide surface as the outer side, the first heating element heats the molten glass from the outer side, and the second heating element heats the molten glass from the inner side. Combined with a detection component, the inner and outer temperatures of the molten glass are detected respectively. Using a communication connection between the controller and the detection component, the first heating element, and the second heating element, the controller can independently control the opening, closing, and heating power of the first and second heating elements according to the detection information of the detection component. This ensures that the temperature difference between the inner and outer sides of the molten glass is less than or equal to a preset value during the flow of the molten glass along the guide surface, thereby improving the product quality of the glass ribbon formed by pulling down the molten glass.

[0034] The present invention also provides a glass forming method. By applying the glass forming device described above, it is possible to ensure that the temperature difference between the inner and outer sides of the molten glass is less than or equal to a preset value during the flow of the molten glass along the guide surface, thereby improving the product quality of the glass strip formed by the downward drawing of the molten glass. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overflow device and traction assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overflow device and the first heating element provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second heating element and part of the overflow device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second heating element and part of the overflow device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second heating element and part of the overflow device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second heating element and part of the overflow device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the glass forming method provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0042] In the picture:

[0043] 100. Overflow device; 110. Overflow groove; 120. Guide surface; 130. Manifold; 131. First snap-fit ​​groove; 140. Second snap-fit ​​groove;

[0044] 200. Traction assembly; 210. Traction structure; 211. Traction roller;

[0045] 300, First heating element; 310, Heater; 320, Stage;

[0046] 400, Second heating element; 410, First snap-fit ​​protrusion; 420, First mating surface; 430, Second snap-fit ​​protrusion; 440, Second mating surface; 450, Third mating surface;

[0047] 2000, molten glass; 2100, inner side; 2200, outer side;

[0048] 3000, glass ribbon. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] Overflow downdraw is a forming technology used to manufacture ultra-thin flat glass. In the overflow downdraw process, molten glass, after processing, is guided into the overflow channel of an overflow device. After passing through the overflow channel, it flows over the weirs on both sides and flows downwards along the wedge-shaped outer surface of the overflow channel, converging at the bottom and continuing to flow and stretch downwards to obtain a flat substrate glass. Because the glass components that have contacted the overflow channel surface are embedded inside the glass sheet during this process, the outer surface of the glass sheet, except for air, does not come into contact with any other substances. Therefore, due to its inherent principle, the overflow downdraw method can produce flat substrate glass with excellent outer surface quality. The quality of glass produced by the overflow downdraw method heavily depends on the overflow quality of the molten glass; good overflow quality is essential to guarantee glass quality. As the molten glass flows downwards from the top of the overflow channel, its temperature gradually decreases, causing its viscosity to gradually increase. To meet the requirements of producing ultra-thin flexible glass sheets, it is necessary to control and reduce the viscosity of the glass at the root of the forming device, keeping the viscosity below approximately 100,000 poise. Currently, a heater is installed outside the overflow tank to heat the flowing molten glass, thereby improving the flow effect of the molten glass. However, in actual applications, because the heater heats the molten glass from the outside, the heat energy is quickly carried away by the outer glass liquid, resulting in a large temperature difference between the outer and inner sides of the molten glass. This excessive temperature difference along the thickness direction of the molten glass causes the glass ribbon to warp during the downward drawing process (due to the difference in shrinkage rates between the inner and outer layers) and visible optical streaks to appear (due to the uneven molecular flow caused by the viscosity gradient). These defects are particularly significant in the production of ultra-thin glass (≤100μm).

[0054] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a glass forming apparatus to reduce the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000, thereby improving the product quality of the glass strip 3000 formed by pulling down the molten glass 2000.

[0055] Specifically, the glass forming apparatus includes an overflow device 100, a first heating element 300, a second heating element 400, a detection assembly, and a controller. The overflow device 100 has an overflow channel 110 for accommodating molten glass 2000. The overflow channel 110 has guide surfaces 120 formed on both sides along its width for the molten glass 2000 to flow through. The two guide surfaces 120 extend downwards and slope towards each other. The lower ends of the two guide surfaces 120 are connected to form a confluence section 130. The molten glass 2000 positioned on the guide surface 120 has a proximity to the guide surface. The inner side 2100 of the flow surface 120 and the outer side 2200 away from the flow surface 120 are respectively equipped with a first heating element 300 configured to heat the molten glass 2000 from the outer side 2200 and a second heating element 400 configured to heat the molten glass 2000 from the inner side 2100. The detection component can detect the temperature of the outer side 2200 and the inner side 2100 in real time. The controller is communicatively connected to the detection component, the first heating element 300 and the second heating element 400 respectively. The controller can independently control the opening and closing of the first heating element 300 and the heating power of the second heating element 400.

[0056] This glass forming apparatus, by providing an overflow trough 110 within the overflow device 100, and forming guide surfaces 120 on both sides of the overflow trough 110 along its width for the flow of molten glass 2000, allows the two guide surfaces 120 to extend downwards while tilting towards each other, and connecting the lower ends of the two guide surfaces 120 together to form a confluence section 130. This allows the molten glass 2000 in the overflow trough 110 to flow downwards along the two guide surfaces 120 and converge together in the confluence section 130 to form a glass ribbon 3000, thus completing the glass forming process. By defining the side of the molten glass 2000 located on the guide surface 120 as the inner side 2100 and the side away from the guide surface 120 as the outer side 2200, the first heating element 300 is heated from the outside... The molten glass 2000 is heated from the side 2200, and the molten glass 2000 is heated from the inside 2100 by the second heating element 400. The temperature of the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000 are detected by the detection component. The controller communicates with the detection component, the first heating element 300 and the second heating element 400, so that the controller controls the opening and closing of the first heating element 300 and the second heating element 400 and the heating power of the second heating element according to the detection information of the detection component. This can ensure that the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000 is less than or equal to a preset value during the flow of the molten glass 2000 along the guide surface 120, thereby improving the product quality of the glass strip 3000 formed by the downward drawing of the molten glass 2000.

[0057] In this embodiment, the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 does not exceed 20°C. By ensuring that the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 does not exceed 20°C, the warping problem of the glass ribbon 3000 and the appearance of visible optical stripes on the glass ribbon 3000 caused by an excessive temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 can be effectively solved, thereby improving the forming quality of the glass ribbon 3000. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 is preferably not more than 5°C. In other embodiments, the maximum temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 can be reduced to 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, or 19°C; this embodiment does not impose a specific limitation.

[0058] As an optional solution, the detection component includes a first temperature detector and a second temperature detector, which are respectively connected to a controller via communication. The first temperature detector is used to detect the temperature of the outer side 2200 in real time, and the second temperature detector is used to detect the temperature of the inner side 2100 in real time. By using the first and second temperature detectors, which are respectively connected to the controller, the first temperature detector detects the temperature of the outer side 2200 in real time, and the second temperature detector detects the temperature of the inner side 2100, thus enabling accurate detection of the temperatures of the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000. It should be noted that in this embodiment, both the first and second temperature detectors are S-type or B-type thermocouples. The first temperature detector is positioned as close as possible to the end face of the manifold 130 that contacts the inner side 2100 to accurately detect the temperature of the inner side 2100. The second temperature detector is positioned on the side of the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000 closest to the air to accurately detect the temperature of the outer side 2200.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller is a PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) controller.

[0060] In one of the alternative solutions, such as Figure 1 As shown, the glass forming apparatus also includes a traction assembly 200, which is disposed below the confluence section 130 and configured to pull the glass strip 3000 downwards. By arranging the traction assembly 200 below the confluence section 130 and pulling the glass strip 3000 downwards by the traction assembly 200, the consistency of the glass strip 3000 during downward forming can be further improved.

[0061] Specifically, the traction assembly 200 includes at least one set of traction structures 210. Each set of traction structures 210 includes two traction rollers 211 arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the overflow groove 110. A clamping space is formed between the two traction rollers 211 to accommodate the glass strip 3000. The two traction rollers 211 can roll and abut against the glass strip 3000 in the clamping space and drive the glass strip 3000 to move downward. By providing at least one set of traction structures 210 in the traction assembly 200, and making each set of traction structures 210 include two traction rollers 211 arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the overflow groove 110, a clamping space for the glass strip 3000 to pass through can be formed between the two traction rollers 211. The downward traction of the glass strip 3000 is achieved by using the rolling contact between the traction rollers 211 and the glass strip 3000 to drive the glass strip 3000 to move downward.

[0062] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the traction assembly 200 includes two sets of traction structures 210. The two sets of traction structures 210 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the overflow groove 110, that is, the two types of traction structures 210 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the glass strip 3000, so that the two sets of traction structures 210 respectively pull the glass strip 3000 from both ends of the glass strip 3000 along the width direction, so as to further improve the traction effect on the glass strip 3000.

[0063] Understandably, when the traction roller 211 rolls and comes into contact with the glass belt 3000, a recessed area will appear on the glass belt 3000. In order to ensure the normal use of the glass belt 3000, the recessed area on the glass belt 3000 needs to be cut off after the traction assembly 200 completes the traction of the glass belt 3000.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the first heating element 300 includes a stage 320 and a heater 310. The heater 310 is supported on the stage 320 and faces the outer side 2200. The heater 310 is configured to heat the molten glass 2000 located on the guide surface 120 from the outer side 2200. By setting the stage 320 to support the heater 310, and making the heater 310 face the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000 located on the guide surface 120 in a horizontal direction, the heating efficiency of the first heating element 300 on the molten glass 2000 can be improved. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the glass forming apparatus has two sets of first heating elements 300. Each set of first heating elements 300 includes two sets of heating structures stacked sequentially in the vertical direction. Each set of heating structures includes a stage 320 and a heater 310. The two sets of heating structures in the same set of first heating elements 300 jointly heat the molten glass 2000 on a guide surface 120, so as to achieve the effect that the two types of first heating elements 300 respectively heat the molten glass 2000 located on the two guide surfaces 120.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heater 310 is a conductive heater, which has a heating end composed of platinum, rhodium, palladium, iridium and their alloys.

[0066] As an optional solution, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second heating element 400 is disposed at the confluence portion 130. In this embodiment, the second heating element 400 has a first arrangement state, in which the second heating element 400 is fully embedded in the confluence portion 130. Moreover, in the first arrangement state, the second heating element 400 sequentially heats the confluence portion 130 and the molten glass 2000 located in the confluence portion 130 by means of heat transfer. By placing the second heating element 400 in the first arrangement state, in which it is fully embedded in the confluence portion 130, and sequentially heating the confluence portion 130 and the molten glass 2000 located in the confluence portion 130 by means of heat transfer, the effect of the second heating element 400 heating the molten glass 2000 from the inner side 2100 near the guide surface 120 of the molten glass 2000 is achieved.

[0067] In addition, the second heating element 400 is a conductive heater, which has a heating end composed of platinum, rhodium, palladium, iridium and their alloys.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] This embodiment provides a glass forming apparatus. The specific structure of the glass forming apparatus provided in this embodiment is basically the same as that in Embodiment 1. The difference between the glass forming apparatus provided in this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the arrangement of the second heating element 400.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, a second heating element 400 is disposed at the confluence portion 130. The second heating element 400 has a second arrangement state, in which it covers the outer surface of the confluence portion 130. By having the second heating element 400 in the second arrangement state cover the outer surface of the confluence portion 130, when the molten glass 2000 flows along the guide surface 120 to the confluence portion 130, the inner side 2100 of the molten glass 2000 no longer contacts the outer surface of the confluence portion 130, but instead contacts the second heating element 400, thereby achieving the effect of the second heating element 400 heating the molten glass 2000 from the inner side 2100 of the molten glass 2000.

[0071] When the second heating element 400 is in the second arrangement state, the end of the second heating element 400 near the confluence portion 130 has a first snap-fit ​​protrusion 410, and the end of the second heating element 400 away from the confluence portion 130 has a first mating surface 420. The outer surface of the confluence portion 130 has a first snap-fit ​​groove 131. The first snap-fit ​​protrusion 410 is snapped and fixed with the first snap-fit ​​groove 131. The upper end of the first mating surface 420 is connected to the lower end of the guide surface 120 and is flush with the guide surface 120. By providing a first snap-fit ​​protrusion 410 at one end of the second heating element 400 near the confluence portion 130, and a first mating surface 420 at one end of the second heating element 400 away from the confluence portion 130, and by providing a first snap-fit ​​groove 131 on the outer surface of the confluence portion 130, the second heating element 400 can be wrapped around the outer surface of the confluence portion 130 by snapping the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 410 and the first snap-fit ​​groove 131 together. By making the upper end of the first mating surface 420 align with the lower end of the guide surface 120 and be flush with the guide surface 120, the molten glass 2000 can flow from top to bottom to the first mating surface 420 and be heated by the second heating element 400.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the metal layer serving as the heating end in the second heating element 400 covering the outer surface of the junction 130 is 0.5-20 mm. In other embodiments, the thickness of the metal layer serving as the heating end in the second heating element 400 can also be adjusted according to actual needs; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] This embodiment provides a glass forming apparatus. The specific structure of the glass forming apparatus provided in this embodiment is basically the same as that in Embodiment 1. The difference between the glass forming apparatus provided in this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the arrangement of the second heating element 400.

[0075] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second heating element 400 is disposed at the confluence section 130. The second heating element 400 has a third arrangement state, in which the second heating element 400 in the third arrangement state replaces the confluence section 130 and is fixedly connected to the overflow device 100. When passing through, the second heating element 400 in the third arrangement state replaces the confluence section 130 and is fixedly connected to the overflow device 100, which enables the molten glass 2000 located on the two guide surfaces 120 to converge at the second heating element 400 and be heated by the second heating element 400, achieving the effect of heating the molten glass 2000 from the inside 2100 of the molten glass 2000.

[0076] When the second heating element 400 is in the third arrangement state, the overflow device 100 has a notch at the position where the confluence part 130 was originally provided. The notch is provided with a second snap-fit ​​groove 140. The upper end of the second heating element 400 has a second snap-fit ​​protrusion 430. The second heating element 400 has a second mating surface 440 on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove 110. The second snap-fit ​​protrusion 430 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 140 are snapped and fixed in the vertical direction. The two second mating surfaces 440 extend from top to bottom and are inclined towards each other and connected together. The upper end of the second mating surface 440 is connected to the lower end of the guide surface 120 and is flush with the guide surface 120. A notch is provided at the location where the manifold 130 is originally provided in the overflow device 100. A second snap-fit ​​groove 140 is provided in the notch, and a second snap-fit ​​protrusion 430 is provided at the upper end of the second heating element 400. The second snap-fit ​​protrusion 430 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 140 are snapped and fixed in the vertical direction. Combined with the fact that the second heating element 400 is provided on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove 110, the two second mating surfaces 440 are respectively provided on both sides. The two second mating surfaces 440 extend from top to bottom and move towards each other. The two heating elements are inclined in the direction of proximity and connected together. The upper end of the second mating surface 440 is aligned with the lower end of the guide surface 120 and is flush with the guide surface 120. This achieves the purpose of the second heating element 400 replacing the confluence part 130. When the molten glass 2000 flows from the guide surface 120 to the second heating element 400, the molten glass 2000 can flow to the second mating surface 440, and then the second heating element 400 heats the molten glass 2000 from the inner side 2100.

[0077] Example 4

[0078] This embodiment provides a glass forming apparatus. The specific structure of the glass forming apparatus provided in this embodiment is basically the same as that in Embodiment 1. The difference between the glass forming apparatus provided in this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the arrangement of the second heating element 400.

[0079] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, the second heating element 400 is disposed at the confluence section 130. The second heating element 400 has a fourth arrangement state. In the fourth arrangement state, the upper half of the second heating element 400 is embedded in the lower end of the confluence section 130, and the lower half of the second heating element 400 extends downward. By embedding the upper half of the second heating element 400 in the fourth arrangement state into the lower end of the confluence section 130 and extending the lower half downward, when the two streams of molten glass 2000 located on the two guide surfaces 120 flow to the confluence section 130, due to the presence of the second heating element 400, the two streams of molten glass 2000 cannot converge together. The two streams of molten glass 2000 will continue to flow downward along the lower half of the second heating element 400 and eventually converge together. During this process, the lower half of the second heating element 400 can heat the molten glass 2000 from the inside 2100 of the molten glass 2000.

[0080] When the second heating element 400 is in the fourth arrangement state, the lower half of the second heating element 400 has a third mating surface 450 on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove 110. The two third mating surfaces 450 extend from top to bottom while tilting towards each other and connecting together. The upper end of the third mating surface 450 is aligned with the lower end of the guide surface 120. When the molten glass 2000 flows on the third mating surface 450, the second heating element 400 heats the molten glass 2000 from the inner side 2100.

[0081] Example 5

[0082] This embodiment provides a glass forming method. This glass forming method is applied to the glass forming apparatus provided in any one of the embodiments one through four described above. Specifically, as... Figure 7 As shown, the glass forming method includes the following steps:

[0083] S1. Continuously add molten glass 2000 to the overflow tank 110, so that the molten glass 2000 overflows from the overflow tank 110 along the two guide surfaces 120;

[0084] S2. Start the first heating element 300 and the second heating element 400 to heat the molten glass 2000 located on the guide surface 120 from the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000 respectively, so that the viscosity value of the molten glass 2000 is within the preset range.

[0085] S3. The detection components detect the temperature of the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 in real time. When the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 is less than or equal to a preset value, the first heating element 300 and the second heating element 400 operate normally. When the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 is greater than the preset value, the heating element corresponding to the side with the higher temperature stops heating or the heating power of the heating element corresponding to the side with the higher temperature is reduced, and / or the heating power of the heating element on the side with the lower temperature is increased until the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 is less than or equal to the preset value.

[0086] S4. The two streams of molten glass 2000 flowing downward along the two guide surfaces 120 converge at the confluence 130 to form a glass ribbon 3000. The temperature difference of the glass ribbon 3000 along the thickness direction is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0087] By applying the glass forming apparatus provided in any one of the embodiments 1 to 4 above, this glass forming method can ensure that the temperature difference between the inner side 2100 and the outer side 2200 of the molten glass 2000 is less than or equal to a preset value during the flow of the molten glass 2000 along the guide surface 120, thereby improving the product quality of the glass strip 3000 formed by the downward drawing of the molten glass 2000.

[0088] It should be noted that in S2 above, the preset range of viscosity value of molten glass 2000 is 10,000-80,000 poise. In other embodiments, the specific range of viscosity value of molten glass 2000 can also be adjusted according to actual needs; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0089] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A glass forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The overflow device (100) has an overflow channel (110) for receiving molten glass (2000), and the overflow channel (110) forms flow guide surfaces (120) on both sides along the width direction for the molten glass (2000) to flow. The two flow guide surfaces (120) extend from top to bottom and are inclined towards each other. The lower ends of the two flow guide surfaces (120) are connected together to form a confluence section (130). A first heating element (300) and a second heating element (400) are provided. The molten glass (2000) located on the flow guide surface (120) has an inner side (2100) close to the flow guide surface (120) and an outer side (2200) away from the flow guide surface (120). The first heating element (300) is configured to heat the molten glass (2000) from the outer side (2200), and the second heating element (400) is configured to heat the molten glass (2000) from the inner side (2100). The detection component and the controller are respectively capable of detecting the temperature of the outer side (2200) and the inner side (2100) in real time. The controller is communicatively connected to the detection component, the first heating element (300) and the second heating element (400). The controller is capable of independently controlling the opening and closing of the first heating element (300) and the second heating element (400) and the heating power.

2. The glass forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heating element (400) is disposed at the junction (130), and the second heating element (400) has at least one of a first arrangement state, a second arrangement state, a third arrangement state, and a fourth arrangement state; The second heating element (400) in the first arrangement state is fully embedded in the manifold (130); The second heating element (400) in the second arrangement state covers the outer surface of the manifold (130); The second heating element (400) in the third arrangement state replaces the manifold (130) and is fixedly connected to the overflow device (100); The upper half of the second heating element (400) in the fourth arrangement is embedded in the lower end of the manifold (130), and the lower half of the second heating element (400) in the fourth arrangement extends downward.

3. The glass forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the second heating element (400) is in the first arrangement state, the second heating element (400) heats the confluence section (130) and the molten glass (2000) in the confluence section (130) in sequence by means of heat transfer.

4. The glass forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the second heating element (400) is in the second arrangement state, the second heating element (400) has a first snap-fit ​​protrusion (410) at one end near the confluence portion (130), and a first mating surface (420) at one end away from the confluence portion (130). The outer surface of the confluence portion (130) has a first snap-fit ​​groove (131). The first snap-fit ​​protrusion (410) is snapped and fixed with the first snap-fit ​​groove (131). The upper end of the first mating surface (420) is connected to the lower end of the guide surface (120) and is flush with the guide surface (120).

5. The glass forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the second heating element (400) is in the third arrangement state, the overflow device (100) originally has a notch at the position where the confluence part (130) is located. The notch is provided with a second snap-fit ​​groove (140). The upper end of the second heating element (400) has a second snap-fit ​​protrusion (430). The second heating element (400) has a second mating surface (440) on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove (110). The second snap-fit ​​protrusion (430) and the second snap-fit ​​groove (140) are snapped and fixed in the vertical direction. The two second mating surfaces (440) extend from top to bottom and are inclined towards each other and connected together. The upper end of the second mating surface (440) is connected to the lower end of the guide surface (120) and is flush with the guide surface (120).

6. The glass forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the second heating element (400) is in the fourth arrangement state, the lower half of the second heating element (400) has a third mating surface (450) on both sides along the width direction of the overflow groove (110). The two third mating surfaces (450) extend from top to bottom and are inclined towards each other and connected together. The upper end of the third mating surface (450) is connected to the lower end of the guide surface (120).

7. The glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The glass forming apparatus further includes: A traction assembly (200) is disposed below the confluence section (130), wherein the molten glass (2000) flowing along the two guide surfaces (120) converges into a glass ribbon (3000) at the confluence section (130), and the traction assembly (200) is configured to pull the glass ribbon (3000) downward.

8. The glass forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The traction assembly (200) includes: At least one set of traction structures (210), each set of traction structures (210) includes two traction rollers (211) arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the overflow groove (110), and a clamping space is formed between the two traction rollers (211). The clamping space is used to accommodate the glass strip (3000). The two traction rollers (211) can roll and abut against the glass strip (3000) in the clamping space and drive the glass strip (3000) to move downward.

9. The glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first heating element (300) includes: Platform (320); and A heater (310) is supported on the stage (320) and faces the outer side (2200). The heater (310) is configured to heat the molten glass (2000) on the guide surface (120) from the outer side (2200).

10. A glass forming method, characterized in that, The glass forming apparatus used in any one of claims 1-9, the glass forming method comprising the following steps: S1. Continuously add the molten glass (2000) to the overflow tank (110) so that the molten glass (2000) overflows from the overflow tank (110) along the two guide surfaces (120); S2. Activate the first heating element (300) and the second heating element (400) to heat the molten glass (2000) located on the guide surface (120) from the inner side (2100) and the outer side (2200) of the molten glass (2000) respectively, so that the viscosity value of the molten glass (2000) is within a preset range; S3. The detection component detects the temperature of the inner side (2100) and the outer side (2200) in real time. When the temperature difference between the inner side (2100) and the outer side (2200) is less than or equal to a preset value, the first heating element (300) and the second heating element (400) operate normally. When the temperature difference between the inner side (2100) and the outer side (2200) is greater than the preset value, the heating element corresponding to the side with the higher temperature stops heating or the heating power of the heating element corresponding to the side with the higher temperature is reduced, and / or the heating power of the heating element on the side with the lower temperature is increased until the temperature difference between the inner side (2100) and the outer side (2200) is less than or equal to the preset value. S4. The two streams of molten glass (2000) flowing downward along the two guide surfaces (120) converge at the confluence (130) to form a glass ribbon (3000), and the temperature difference of the glass ribbon (3000) along the thickness direction is less than or equal to the preset value.

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