A method for producing thick glass, thick glass and production equipment

Abstract

A thick glass production method, thick glass and production equipment, wherein the production method sets a flag on the side with lower tin liquid temperature on both sides of the tin bath, and the lower part of the flag is immersed in the tin liquid, blocking the reflux of the cold tin liquid from downstream to upstream on this side, thereby balancing the lateral temperature difference of the tin liquid on both sides from the source, effectively avoiding the problems of thickness difference and flatness decrease caused by simply relying on asymmetric adjustment parameters of the edge puller or asymmetric cooling of the water bag, creating a stable temperature field prerequisite for symmetric adjustment of the edge puller parameters, and solving the problems of flow bias and shape deviation of large tonnage, thick plate glass in the production process, while ensuring the thickness difference and flatness of the thick plate glass.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass production technology, and in particular to a method for producing thick glass, thick glass, and production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The tin bath is a key thermal equipment in glass production. Molten glass spreads on the surface of molten tin and gradually cools to form the glass. Ideally, the lateral temperature difference between the left and right sides of the glass sheet should be close to zero to maintain the glass sheet's alignment and uniform thickness. However, in actual production, factors such as glass belt traction, temperature field distribution, and protective gas flow create a complex molten tin flow field within the tin bath, leading to an asymmetrical lateral temperature difference between the left and right sides. Consequently, the glass sheet shifts towards the side with the higher temperature. This lateral temperature difference is even more pronounced in the production of large-tonnage, thick glass sheets. In severe cases, the entire glass sheet deviates from the centerline of the tin bath, directly impacting product quality.

[0003] To address the aforementioned bias problem, existing methods mainly include two approaches: First, by asymmetrically adjusting the linear speed, exposure, angle, and pressing depth parameters of the edge-pulling machine, the deviated glass plate is forcibly pulled back to the center line. This method disrupts the uniformity of lateral force on the glass plate, resulting in uneven thickness, making it difficult to control the thickness difference. It also limits the increase in the main drive speed and affects the full-fill rate. Second, an asymmetrical insertion of a water-filled jar in the high-temperature zone is used to implement differentiated cooling on the left and right sides of the glass plate to balance the temperature difference of the molten tin. Although this method can correct the glass plate's orientation to some extent, the introduced asymmetrical cooling also disrupts the uniformity of the glass plate's cooling, resulting in uneven thickness distribution and limiting the improvement of product quality.

[0004] Neither of the above two methods addresses the root cause of temperature uniformity in the molten tin flow field. While correcting the glass plate offset, they inevitably sacrifice the uniformity of the glass plate thickness, making it difficult to balance the offset correction effect with product quality requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for producing thick glass, thick glass, and production equipment.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A method for producing thick glass includes the following steps:

[0008] S1. Set the position of the baffle flag and set the baffle flag on the side of the solder bath where the temperature of the molten solder is lower.

[0009] S2. Install the baffle flag. Install the baffle flag at the installation port, and immerse the lower part of the baffle flag in the molten solder to prevent the molten solder on the lower temperature side from flowing back from the downstream to the upstream.

[0010] S3. Optimize and adjust the parameters of the edge-pulling machine. When the temperature of the molten solder in the solder bath reaches a relatively stable state and the temperature difference between the left and right sides of the solder bath is relatively balanced, adjust the parameters of several pairs of edge-pulling machines located on the left and right sides of the solder bath so that the parameters of the edge-pulling machines on the left and right sides of the solder bath are adjusted from an asymmetrical state to a symmetrical state.

[0011] S4. Perform the edge-pulling operation to pull the glass plate along the edge using the parameters of the edge-pulling machine, which has been adjusted to be in a symmetrical state.

[0012] Furthermore, step S1, setting the position of the baffle flag, includes determining the high-temperature zone in the solder bath and setting the baffle flag downstream of the water bath in the high-temperature zone and upstream of the edge-pulling machine on the side of the solder bath with a lower temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, step S2, installing the barrier flag, specifically includes the following steps:

[0014] S21. Preheating treatment of the flag barrier;

[0015] S22, Pre-installed flag clamp;

[0016] S23. Install the flag and immerse the lower part of the flag in the molten solder.

[0017] Furthermore, the preheating process in step S21 includes: opening the seal at the sealing opening on the side wall of the tin bath, sealing the sealing opening with an insulation component, placing the lower part of the baffle flag at the sealing opening, and preheating for 15 minutes using the heat inside the tin bath.

[0018] Furthermore, the pre-installation of the flag clamp in step S22 and the preheating treatment of the flag in step S21 are carried out simultaneously. The flag clamp can hold and adjust the position of the flag.

[0019] Furthermore, the flag installation process in step S23 includes: moving the flag to the installation port, immersing the lower part of the flag in the molten solder and letting it stand for 20 to 30 minutes, and after observing that the surface of the molten solder is stable, immersing the lower part of the flag 15 to 25 mm below the surface of the molten solder.

[0020] Furthermore, the parameters of the edge-pulling machine optimized and adjusted in step S3 include the linear speed, exposure degree, angle, and pressing depth of the edge-pulling machine.

[0021] Furthermore, the process of optimizing and adjusting the edge-pulling machine parameters in step S3 includes: as the temperature of the molten tin on the flag-mounting side increases, the glass plate moves back towards the flag-mounting side, and starting from the edge-pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath position corresponding to the flag-mounting location, the linear speed, exposure degree, angle and pressing depth of each pair of edge-pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath are gradually adjusted.

[0022] Specifically, the edge-pulling machine on the side where the flag is installed is angled positively, its exposure is increased, and its linear speed is reduced; while the edge-pulling machine away from the side where the flag is installed is angled negatively, its exposure is reduced, and its linear speed is increased.

[0023] A thick glass includes a glass plate body, which is produced by the aforementioned thick glass production method.

[0024] A thick glass production equipment, applicable to the aforementioned thick glass production method, includes a tin bath, an installation port inside the tin bath, a flag placed in the installation port, a flag clamp connected to the flag and adjustable in position, and several pairs of edge pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0026] 1. The present invention proposes a method for producing thick glass. By setting up a baffle flag on the side of the molten tin bath where the temperature is lower, and immersing the lower part of the baffle flag in the molten tin, the cold molten tin on that side is prevented from flowing back from downstream to upstream. This balances the lateral temperature difference between the molten tin on the left and right sides from the source, effectively avoiding the problems of thickness difference and reduced uniformity of the plate caused by simply relying on asymmetrical adjustment of parameters of the edge-pulling machine or asymmetrical cooling of the water bath. This creates a stable temperature field prerequisite for the subsequent symmetrical adjustment of the edge-pulling machine parameters. This solves the problems of flow deviation and plate shape deviation in the production of large-tonnage, thick glass, while ensuring the thickness difference and flatness of the thick glass plate.

[0027] 2. The present invention proposes a method for producing thick glass, wherein a baffle is set upstream of the edge-pulling machine on the side of the high-temperature zone with a lower temperature. This allows the baffle to intervene in advance in front of the edge-pulling machine to block the flow of cold molten solder as it flows back from downstream to upstream. This effectively intercepts the cold molten solder before it enters the downstream area of ​​the water tank in the high-temperature zone, thus avoiding localized excessively low temperatures caused by the cold molten solder continuing to flow back towards the high-temperature zone. It also reduces the reciprocating exchange between the hot and cold molten solder in the high-temperature zone and the forming zone, allowing the temperature of the molten solder on the low-temperature side to gradually rise and reducing the lateral temperature difference between the left and right sides.

[0028] 3. The thick glass production method proposed in this invention includes step S2, which involves installing the flag: preheating the flag, pre-installing the flag fixture, installing the flag, and immersing the lower part of the flag in molten solder. By organically combining the preheating treatment, fixture pre-installation, and immersion installation into a continuous and compact operation process, the flag can be prevented from cracking due to sudden heating. At the same time, the position of the flag is kept stable during the installation process, which facilitates the quick completion of the installation operation, reduces additional disturbance to the temperature field and flow field in the molten solder bath during the installation process, and ensures a smooth transition in the production state.

[0029] 4. The thick glass production method proposed in this invention, in step S3, optimizes and adjusts the parameters of the edge-pulling machine by starting with the first pair of edge-pulling machines at the tin bath position corresponding to the installation location of the baffle flag, and adjusting them one pair at a time along the glass belt traveling direction from front to back. This ensures that the parameter adjustment sequence of each pair of edge-pulling machines matches the temperature field change trend that is gradually transmitted downstream from the baffle flag installation location, thus ensuring production safety and plate shape stability during the adjustment process. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall steps of a thick glass production method according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of step S2 in a thick glass production method according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a thick glass production equipment according to the present invention.

[0034] In the diagram, 10 is the tin bath; 20 is the baffle flag; 30 is the edge-pulling machine; 40 is the water tank in the high-temperature zone; and 50 is the retaining sill. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following is combined with Figures 1-3 The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for producing thick glass includes the following steps:

[0037] S1. Set the position of the barrier flag and place the barrier flag on the side with lower temperature.

[0038] S2. Install the baffle flag. Install the baffle flag at the installation port, and immerse the lower part of the baffle flag in the molten solder to prevent the molten solder on the lower temperature side from flowing back from the downstream to the upstream.

[0039] S3. Optimize and adjust the parameters of the edge-pulling machine. When the temperature of the molten solder in the tin bath reaches a relatively stable state and the temperature difference of the molten solder on the left and right sides of the tin bath is relatively balanced, adjust the parameters of several pairs of edge-pulling machines set on the left and right sides of the tin bath so that the parameters of the edge-pulling machines on the left and right sides of the tin bath are adjusted from an asymmetrical state to a symmetrical state.

[0040] S4. Perform the edge-pulling operation to pull the glass plate along the edge using the parameters of the edge-pulling machine, which has been adjusted to be in the symmetrical state.

[0041] The baffle flag is a plate-shaped flow-blocking component made of high-purity heat-resistant graphite material. Its lower part is immersed in the molten solder, and it physically blocks the backflow path of the molten solder on the lower temperature side from downstream to upstream, thereby balancing the lateral temperature difference between the left and right sides of the solder bath. The position of the baffle flag can be selected based on the temperature data of the molten solder in the solder bath or the conditions within the bath, choosing the side with the lower temperature. Placing the baffle flag at this location can prevent the backflow of cold molten solder and increase the local temperature. In this embodiment, the length of the baffle flag is preferably 500 mm.

[0042] The edge-pulling machine is a pair of symmetrically arranged traction and temperature-regulating devices on both sides of the tin bath. By adjusting the process parameters of the edge-pulling machine, the thickness distribution and width of the glass strip are controlled. After the baffle flags are installed and the temperature of the tin liquid on both sides is monitored to reach a relatively stable state and the temperature difference between the left and right sides is reduced to a balanced range, the process parameters of the edge-pulling machine are adjusted pair by pair to restore it from the original asymmetrical state used for correction to a completely symmetrical operating state. This ensures that the glass plate is subjected to balanced force during the forming process and avoids plate distortion or thickness distribution deviation caused by unilateral strong pulling or uneven cooling.

[0043] In this embodiment, by setting up a baffle flag on the side of the molten tin with a lower temperature on both sides of the tin bath, and immersing the lower part of the baffle flag in the molten tin, the cold molten tin on that side is physically prevented from flowing back from downstream to upstream. This balances the lateral temperature difference between the molten tin on both sides from the source, effectively avoiding the problems of thickness difference and reduced uniformity of the board surface caused by simply relying on asymmetrical adjustment of parameters of the edge-pulling machine or asymmetrical cooling of the water bath. This creates a stable temperature field prerequisite for the subsequent symmetrical adjustment of the edge-pulling machine parameters, which solves the problems of flow deviation and board shape deviation in the production process of large-tonnage, thick glass, while ensuring the thickness difference and flatness of the thick glass.

[0044] Step S1, setting the position of the baffle flag, includes determining the high-temperature zone in the solder bath and setting the baffle flag upstream of the edge-pulling machine, which is downstream of the water bath in the high-temperature zone and located on the side of the solder bath with a lower temperature.

[0045] The high-temperature zone of the tin bath refers to the section with the highest temperature along the direction of the glass ribbon's movement. This region has the highest molten tin temperature and the most active convection, and it is also the initial forming section where the glass ribbon transitions from the molten state to the viscoelastic state. The uniformity of its temperature field directly determines the subsequent thinning and shaping effect of the glass ribbon. The high-temperature zone water tank is a cooling device that spans across the high-temperature zone of the tin bath. It carries a circulating cooling medium to regulate the cooling intensity of the molten tin in the high-temperature zone, thereby controlling the temperature distribution and heat exchange efficiency in this area. The downstream area of ​​the water tank refers to the region located behind the water tank, with reference to the direction of molten tin flow, and significantly affected by its cooling. In this region, hot and cold molten tin frequently converge, and the lateral temperature difference is most pronounced, with flow deviation appearing earliest.

[0046] Upstream and downstream are spatial orientations defined relative to the direction of molten solder flow. Downstream refers to the direction after the molten solder flows past a certain reference position, while upstream refers to the direction before the molten solder flows toward the reference position. The baffle is placed upstream of the edge-pulling machine on the side with lower temperature, that is, in front of the edge-pulling machine on that side, closer to the high-temperature zone. When the cold molten solder flows back from downstream to upstream, it prevents the cooled molten solder from continuing to flow toward the high-temperature zone, thereby reducing the back-and-forth exchange between the hot and cold molten solder and the forming zone, allowing the temperature of the molten solder on the lower temperature side to gradually rise, thus reducing the lateral temperature difference between the left and right sides.

[0047] In this embodiment, by placing the baffle flag upstream of the edge-pulling machine on the side with lower temperature, the baffle flag can intervene in advance to block the flow of cold solder as it flows back from downstream to upstream. This effectively intercepts the cold solder before it enters the downstream area of ​​the high-temperature water tank, preventing the local temperature from becoming too low due to the cold solder continuing to flow back towards the high-temperature area. It also reduces the reciprocating exchange between the hot and cold solder in the high-temperature area and the forming area, allowing the temperature of the solder on the low-temperature side to gradually rise and reducing the lateral temperature difference between the left and right sides.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, step S2, installing the barrier flag, specifically includes the following steps:

[0049] S21. Preheating treatment of the flag barrier;

[0050] S22, Pre-installed flag clamp;

[0051] S23. Install the flag and immerse the lower part of the flag in the molten solder.

[0052] The preheating process in step S21 includes: opening the seal at the sealing opening on the side wall of the tin bath, sealing the sealing opening with an insulation component, placing the lower part of the baffle flag at the sealing opening, and preheating for 15 minutes using the heat inside the tin bath. The purpose of preheating is to prevent the graphite material from cracking, peeling, or falling off due to sudden thermal shock when the baffle flag at room temperature is directly immersed in the high-temperature molten tin. It also removes moisture adsorbed inside the graphite and gas from the pores, preventing molten tin from boiling over or splashing after immersion. Furthermore, it allows the baffle flag to release its thermal expansion in advance, preventing warping and deformation due to thermal stress after immersion, which would affect the accuracy of the flow obstruction gap. This ensures the baffle flag temperature is close to the molten tin's operating conditions, stabilizes the tin flow field, and improves the quality of the glass surface. It also reduces graphite oxidation and aging, extending its service life. Preferably, in this embodiment, the seal is a sealing mud, and the insulation component is an insulation mud.

[0053] Before preheating the flag, its surface must be inspected to ensure it is intact and free of dust, debris, and oil. If dust, debris, or oil is carried into the solder bath with the flag, it can contaminate the molten solder or affect its flow resistance, thus impacting the quality of the glass forming process.

[0054] The pre-installation of the flag clamp in step S22 is carried out simultaneously with the preheating treatment of the flag in step S21. The flag clamp can hold and adjust the position of the flag.

[0055] The pre-installation of the flag retainer fixture in step S22 is performed simultaneously with the preheating treatment of the flag retainer in step S21. This aims to utilize the preheating time to synchronously complete the assembly and debugging of the fixture, thereby shortening the overall work cycle and reducing the time the installation opening is open. The flag retainer fixture is a set of tooling used to suspend and fix the flag retainer at the solder bath installation opening. The flag retainer fixture consists of a clamping component and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly includes a connecting rod and an adjusting screw. The worker can adjust the position of the adjusting screw, thereby driving the connecting rod to adjust the position of the clamping component to ensure that the lower part of the flag retainer is immersed in the molten solder. The worker can adjust the left and right, and forward and backward travel manual preset limits and mark the reference scale.

[0056] The process of installing the flag in step S23 includes: moving the flag to the installation port, immersing the lower part of the flag in the molten solder and letting it stand for 20 to 30 minutes, and after observing that the surface of the molten solder is stable, immersing the lower part of the flag 15 to 25 mm below the surface of the molten solder.

[0057] The installation port in step S23 refers to the operating channel located at the edge of the solder bath, where the baffle flag is vertically suspended and placed inside the solder bath. After installation, the opening must be sealed with insulation to maintain the solder bath's airtightness. Moving the baffle flag to the installation port means moving the preheated baffle flag, which is mounted on the fixture, from its preheating position to directly above the installation port and adjusting its orientation to ensure the baffle flag's heat insulation effect. Immersing the lower part of the baffle flag into the molten solder surface means that the bottom of the baffle flag just touches the surface of the molten solder and has not yet fully entered the molten solder, in the initial immersion state. At this time, only a very small area of ​​the baffle flag is in contact with the molten solder, allowing the baffle flag to adapt to the temperature of the molten solder. Standing for 20-30 minutes means keeping the baffle flag stationary in this initial immersion state. This time period is used to allow the baffle flag and the molten solder to undergo preliminary heat exchange, allowing the baffle flag temperature to further approach the molten solder temperature. At the same time, the reaction of the molten solder at the baffle flag contact point is observed to confirm whether abnormal convection or boiling occurs. A stable solder surface means that the solder surface does not churn violently, bubbles do not continuously escape, and surface fluctuations do not intensify. This indicates that the flag insertion does not cause any impact disturbance to the solder flow field, and the flag's temperature has basically adapted to the solder environment. After confirming stability, immerse the lower part of the flag 15-25mm below the solder surface. This depth is the final process immersion depth of the flag in the solder. At this depth, the flow-blocking section of the flag is completely submerged in the solder, effectively intercepting the backflow of cold solder at this depth. The upper part of the flag remains above the surface and is fixed to the installation port by the flag clamp.

[0058] After installing the baffle flag into the mounting opening, observe the edge of the glass plate to ensure there is no shaking, warping, or sudden changes in thickness. Then continue observing for 30 minutes to ensure the molten solder is stable, without any flaking or air bubbles. It is also necessary to observe whether the installed baffle flag shifts or becomes loose during this process.

[0059] In this embodiment, by organically combining preheating treatment, fixture pre-installation and immersion installation into a continuous and compact work process, it is possible to avoid the flag cracking due to sudden heating, while ensuring the stability of the flag position during installation, facilitating the quick completion of installation work, reducing additional disturbances to the temperature field and flow field in the tin bath during installation, and ensuring a smooth transition in production status.

[0060] The parameters of the edge-pulling machine optimized and adjusted in step S3 include the linear speed, exposure degree, angle, and pressing depth of the edge-pulling machine.

[0061] Linear speed refers to the circumferential linear speed of the edge-pulling machine rotor, used to control the traction rate of the edge-pulling machine on the edge of the glass strip. When the glass plate gradually moves forward after the flag is installed, the linear speed of the edge-pulling machine on the side of the glass plate moving forward needs to be increased accordingly to match the forward movement rate of the glass strip, while the linear speed of the edge-pulling machine on the other side decreases accordingly, until the linear speed values ​​of the left and right sides tend to be consistent. Exposure refers to the length of the edge-pulling machine extending into the tin bath, used to control the contact area between the edge-pulling machine and the edge of the glass strip. This parameter is adjusted in conjunction with the linear speed; after the linear speed is adjusted, the exposure must be adjusted synchronously to maintain the effective clamping state of the edge-pulling machine on the edge of the glass strip. Angle refers to the angle between the axis of the edge-pulling machine and the direction of travel of the glass strip, used to adjust the clamping direction of the edge-pulling machine on the edge of the glass strip. Adjusting the linear speed and angle together can control the sway within a safe range during the straightening process of the glass plate, allowing the angles on the left and right sides to gradually return from an asymmetrical state to a symmetrical state. The pressing depth refers to the depth to which the edge-pulling machine presses into the upper surface of the glass strip. It is used to control the indentation depth and the thickness distribution of the edge. After the linear speed, exposure degree and angle on both sides have been adjusted to a symmetrical state, the pressing depth is also symmetrically distributed on both sides after being finely adjusted according to the actual thickness distribution. The four together constitute the complete parameter system of the edge-pulling machine.

[0062] The process of optimizing and adjusting the edge-pulling machine parameters in step S3 includes: as the temperature of the molten tin on the side where the flag is installed rises, the glass plate moves back towards the side where the flag is installed. Starting from the edge-pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath corresponding to the flag installation location, the linear speed, exposure degree, angle and pressing depth of each pair of edge-pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath are gradually adjusted.

[0063] Specifically, the edge-pulling machine on the side where the flag is installed is angled positively, its exposure is increased, and its linear speed is reduced; while the edge-pulling machine away from the side where the flag is installed is angled negatively, its exposure is reduced, and its linear speed is increased.

[0064] The "flag installation side" refers to the side of the solder bath where the flag is installed, i.e., the side with the initially lower solder temperature. Because the flag prevents the cold solder from flowing back, the temperature of the solder on this side gradually rises, causing the glass plate to move towards this side due to the change in the temperature field on both sides. Starting from the two edge-pulling machines located at the solder bath position corresponding to the flag installation location, the linear speed, exposure degree, angle, and pressing depth of each pair of edge-pulling machines on both sides of the solder bath are gradually adjusted. The purpose of starting the adjustment from the two edge-pulling machines at the solder bath position corresponding to the flag installation location is that the change in the temperature field starts from the flag installation location and gradually propagates downstream along the glass ribbon's direction of travel. Therefore, the adjustment must be carried out pair by pair in a front-to-back order to match the trend of temperature field changes and avoid excessive glass ribbon sway caused by adjusting the rear area before adjusting the front area.

[0065] Adjusting the angle of the edge-pulling machine on the side where the flag is installed, increasing its exposure, and reducing its linear speed means turning the axis of the edge-pulling machine toward the direction of glass ribbon travel, expanding the contact range between the edge-pulling machine and the glass plate, and reducing the traction rate of the glass ribbon on that side. These three measures work together to prevent the glass plate from shifting back excessively.

[0066] Applying a negative angle, reducing exposure, and increasing linear speed to the edge-pulling machine on the side away from the flag installation side refers to deflecting the axis of the edge-pulling machine away from the direction of glass ribbon travel, reducing the contact range between the edge-pulling machine and the glass plate, increasing the traction rate on that side, thereby adjusting the four-dimensional parameters of the two edge-pulling machines from an asymmetrical state to a symmetrical state.

[0067] In this embodiment, the process of optimizing and adjusting the parameters of the edge-pulling machine in step S3 is to start from the first pair of edge-pulling machines at the tin bath position corresponding to the installation location of the baffle flag, and then proceed to adjust them one pair at a time along the glass ribbon traveling direction. This ensures that the parameter adjustment sequence of each pair of edge-pulling machines matches the temperature field change trend that is gradually transmitted downstream from the baffle flag installation location, thus ensuring production safety and plate shape stability during the adjustment process. Meanwhile, the edge-pulling machine on the flag-mounting side is operated with a combination of positive angle, increased exposure, and reduced linear speed. This allows the edge-pulling machine on this side to provide appropriate buffering and guidance for the glass strip edge during retraction, preventing excessive glass strip retraction. On the edge-pulling machine away from the flag-mounting side, a combination of negative angle, reduced exposure, and increased linear speed is used. This reduces the clamping resistance on the glass strip edge and enhances traction coordination. The coordinated operation of both sides allows the edge-pulling machine's linear speed, exposure, angle, and pressing depth to gradually transition from an asymmetrical state used for correction to a symmetrical state. This solves the problem of glass strip position fluctuation caused by temperature field changes and provides a balanced process parameter basis for subsequent stable operation.

[0068] In step S4, the edge-pulling operation is performed to pull the glass plate along the edge using the parameters of the edge-pulling machine, which has been adjusted to be in a symmetrical state.

[0069] The edge-pulling operation refers to the process where a pair of edge-pulling machines symmetrically arranged on both sides of the molten tin bath apply clamping and traction to the glass sheet. Its purpose is to control the thickness distribution and width of the glass sheet, allowing the glass strip to move smoothly forward on the molten tin surface and gradually cool and solidify. This edge-pulling operation, together with the aforementioned flag installation and molten tin temperature equalization steps, forms a complete process loop. The flag prevents the backflow of cold molten tin, making the molten tin temperature field more symmetrical. After the edge-pulling machine parameters are adjusted to a symmetrical state, the edge-pulling operation is performed, allowing the glass sheet to complete its shaping under the combined action of a symmetrical temperature field and symmetrical mechanical traction, further consolidating the technical effects of improving thickness variation and stabilizing the sheet shape.

[0070] This embodiment provides a method for producing thick glass, taking glass weighing more than 800 tons and with a thickness in the range of 8-15 mm as an example, to illustrate the above production method:

[0071] First, determine the temperature of the molten tin in the tin bath. It is found that the glass plate is shifted to the side with a higher temperature. Then, a 500mm baffle is installed at a position 2B0 on ​​the side with a lower temperature, downstream of the water bath in the high-temperature zone and upstream of the first pair of edge-pulling machines in the high-temperature zone.

[0072] Then, the workers rinsed the seal at the tin bath opening with water, opened the seal, sealed the opening with insulation, checked the surface of the flag to confirm that it was undamaged, met the production requirements, and had no dust or water stains. After putting on their personal protective equipment, the workers removed the insulation from the opening, placed the flag at the opening, and preheated it for 15 minutes.

[0073] Meanwhile, during the preheating process of the flag baffle, workers install the flag baffle clamps, pre-tighten them, and adjust their position, while recording the reference scale. Once the required preheating time is reached, one operator contacts the control room via walkie-talkie to prepare for flag baffle installation, paying attention to flow changes and the safety of the edge-pulling machine. Another operator, wearing high-temperature resistant cotton clothing and a head covering, smoothly moves the preheated flag baffle to the solder bath installation opening, lowering it slowly and evenly, first shallowly immersing it in the molten solder, and then allowing it to stand at a constant temperature for 20-30 minutes. Observing that the molten solder shows no splashing, no boiling, and no violent convection, the flag baffle is then gradually lowered to 15-25mm below the molten solder surface.

[0074] Next, after the baffle flag was installed, the temperature of the molten solder on the side of the solder bath that was originally at a lower temperature was measured. It was found that the temperature of the molten solder in the first row of the wide section of the solder bath increased from 909.9℃ to 913.2℃, the temperature of the molten solder in the second row of the wide section increased from 853.5℃ to 854.8℃, the temperature of the molten solder in the third row of the wide section increased from 810.0℃ to 810.2℃, and the temperature of the molten solder in the fourth row of the wide section increased from 765.5℃ to 766.9℃. The temperature rise trend was in line with expectations, indicating that the flow obstruction effect of the baffle flag met the design requirements, and the temperature of the molten solder on the low-temperature side gradually approached the temperature on the high-temperature side, effectively reducing the lateral temperature difference.

[0075] Subsequently, starting from a pair of edge-pulling machines located downstream of the high-temperature zone, the parameters of each pair of edge-pulling machines were adjusted sequentially from front to back. The edge-pulling machine on the side with the lower temperature (where the flag was installed) was angled positively, its exposure increased, and its linear speed decreased. Conversely, the edge-pulling machine on the side with the higher temperature (far from the flag was installed) was angled negatively, its exposure decreased, and its linear speed increased. After each pair was adjusted, the linear speed, exposure, angle, and pressing depth of all edge-pulling machines were restored to a state of left-right symmetry. The glass plate position was monitored in real time during the adjustment process, and no abnormalities of excessive sway were observed. The glass strip gradually returned to its correct position and eventually stabilized in the center area of ​​the tin bath.

[0076] Finally, the edge-pulling operation was performed, and the thickness difference of the thick glass produced was adjusted from 0.25mm to 0.20mm compared to before the baffle was added in the tin bath, with the product's full coverage rate reaching 97%.

[0077] This embodiment also provides a thick glass, including a glass plate body, which is produced by the aforementioned thick glass production method.

[0078] Because this method involves setting up baffles on the side of the molten tin bath with a lower temperature on both sides to prevent the backflow of cold molten tin and balance the lateral temperature difference, and then adjusting the linear speed, exposure degree, angle, and pressing depth of the edge-pulling machine from an asymmetrical state to a symmetrical state in a front-to-back sequence, the glass plate body is subjected to uniform force on both sides during the forming process. This avoids local twisting or stress concentration caused by strong pulling on one side of the edge-pulling machine or uneven cooling, resulting in a more uniform lateral thickness distribution of the glass plate body. The flatness and light transmission uniformity of the plate surface are effectively improved. At the same time, because there is no need to rely on large-scale asymmetrical parameter adjustment to maintain the plate shape during the forming process, the edge quality of the glass plate body is also more stable.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment also provides a thick glass production device, applicable to the aforementioned thick glass production method. The production device includes a tin bath 10, with an installation port (not shown in the figure) inside the tin bath 10. A baffle flag 20 is placed in the installation port, and the baffle flag 20 is connected to a baffle flag clamp (not shown in the figure) whose position can be adjusted. Several pairs of edge-pulling machines 30 are provided on both sides of the tin bath 10. A high-temperature zone water tank 40 is provided inside the tin bath 10. The baffle flag 10 is located downstream of the high-temperature zone water tank 40 and upstream of the first pair of edge-pulling machines 30 from the downstream of the high-temperature zone water tank 40. A baffle 50 is also provided inside the tin bath 10. The baffle 50 is located at the tail of the tin bath 10 to prevent the backflow of molten tin. It works in conjunction with the baffle flag 20 to control the flow field of molten tin inside the tin bath 10, further improving the uniformity of the temperature field.

[0080] The thick glass production equipment inserts a baffle 20 into the tin bath 10 via an installation port and connects it to an adjustable baffle clamp. This allows for precise adjustment and reliable fixing of the baffle 10's immersion depth and horizontal position within the tin bath 20. Simultaneously, several pairs of edge-pulling machines 30, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the tin bath 10, directly act on the edges of the glass sheet during edge-pulling operations. This synergy with the flow-blocking effect of the baffle 20 creates a process where the baffle 20 balances the temperature difference of the molten tin on both sides, while the edge-pulling machines 30, through mechanical traction, work in conjunction with the symmetrically adjusted process parameters to symmetrically pull the glass sheet. The equipment features a compact overall structure and clearly defined component relationships, providing reliable hardware support for the stable and high-quality production of thick glass.

[0081] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing thick glass, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Set the position of the baffle flag and set the baffle flag on the side of the solder bath where the temperature of the molten solder is lower. S2. Install the baffle flag, install the baffle flag at the installation port, and immerse the lower part of the baffle flag in the molten solder to prevent the molten solder on the lower temperature side from flowing back from the downstream to the upstream. S3. Optimize and adjust the parameters of the edge-pulling machine. When the temperature of the molten solder in the tin bath reaches a relatively stable state and the temperature difference of the molten solder on the left and right sides of the tin bath is relatively balanced, adjust the parameters of several pairs of edge-pulling machines set on the left and right sides of the tin bath so that the parameters of the edge-pulling machines on the left and right sides of the tin bath are adjusted from an asymmetrical state to a symmetrical state. S4. Perform the edge-pulling operation to pull the glass plate along the edge using the parameters of the edge-pulling machine, which has been adjusted to be in the symmetrical state.

2. The method for producing thick glass as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1, setting the position of the baffle flag, includes determining the high-temperature zone within the tin bath, and setting the baffle flag upstream of the edge-pulling machine, downstream of the water bath in the high-temperature zone and located on the side of the tin bath with a lower temperature.

3. The method for producing thick glass as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2, installing the barrier flag, specifically includes the following steps: S21. Preheating treatment of the flag barrier; S22, Pre-installed flag clamp; S23. Install the flag and immerse the lower part of the flag in the molten solder.

4. The method for producing thick glass as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The preheating process in step S21 includes: opening the seal at the sealing opening on the side wall of the tin bath, sealing the sealing opening with an insulation component, placing the lower part of the baffle flag at the sealing opening, and preheating for 15 minutes using the heat inside the tin bath.

5. A method for producing thick glass as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In step S22, the pre-installation of the flag clamp is carried out simultaneously with the preheating treatment of the flag in step S21. The flag clamp can hold and adjust the position of the flag.

6. A method for producing thick glass as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The process of installing the flag in step S23 includes: moving the flag to the installation port, immersing the lower part of the flag in the surface of the molten solder and letting it stand for 20 to 30 minutes, and after observing that the surface of the molten solder is stable, immersing the lower part of the flag 15 to 25 mm below the surface of the molten solder.

7. A method for producing thick glass as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The parameters of the edge-pulling machine optimized and adjusted in step S3 include the linear speed, exposure degree, angle, and pressing depth of the edge-pulling machine.

8. A method for producing thick glass as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The process of optimizing and adjusting the edge-pulling machine parameters in step S3 includes: as the temperature of the molten tin on the side where the flag is installed rises, the glass plate moves back towards the side where the flag is installed, and starting from the edge-pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath position corresponding to the flag installation location, the linear speed, exposure degree, angle and pressing depth of each pair of edge-pulling machines on both sides of the tin bath are gradually adjusted. Specifically, the edge-pulling machine on the side where the flag is installed is angled positively, its exposure is increased, and its linear speed is reduced; while the edge-pulling machine away from the side where the flag is installed is angled negatively, its exposure is reduced, and its linear speed is increased.

9. A thick glass, comprising a glass plate body, characterized in that, The glass plate body is produced by a thick glass production method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A thick glass production apparatus, applicable to the thick glass production method as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The device includes a solder bath, which has an installation port. A flag is placed in the installation port, and the flag is connected to a flag clamp that can adjust its position. Several pairs of edge-pulling machines are provided on both sides of the solder bath.

Images