Glass bending mold

Abstract

The application relates to the field of projection display technology, in particular to a windshield baking and bending mold. In the windshield baking and bending process, the baking and bending mold not only makes the whole windshield meet the bending requirement through an outer frame, but also is provided with a control block corresponding to the receiving and display light projection position of the windshield in the outer frame; the control block has a control surface corresponding to the projected area surface type of the windshield; the baking surface type fluctuation of the projected area of the windshield under the action of the self weight is reduced under the premise of controllable cost. The application can improve the stability of windshield processing, at least ensure that the surface type of the projection area meets the projection requirement of the HUD display device, and improve the projection viewing experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of windshield manufacturing technology, and in particular to a windshield bending mold. Background Technology

[0002] HUD (Head-Up Display) is a novel in-vehicle display method that utilizes reflection from the windshield. Specifically, the HUD display device's optical engine emits display light, which is projected onto the windshield through corresponding optical lenses to create a virtual image, enhancing the display effect against the real world outside the windshield. However, the projection effect of a HUD display device depends on the shape of the windshield. If the windshield manufacturing process is unstable, there will be a significant deviation between the actual and designed shape. Since the HUD display device's optical path system is adaptively adjusted based on the designed shape, it cannot reflect normally according to the actual shape, resulting in distortion in the actual projection and affecting the viewing experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a windshield bending mold, which solves the technical problem in the prior art where the processing error of the windshield causes the surface shape to deviate from the design value, so that the HUD projection display cannot reflect and image according to the design value.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts the following technical solution.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a windshield bending mold, comprising:

[0006] An outer frame is used to support at least the outer edge of the windshield to be bent, so that the windshield can be bent by its own weight.

[0007] A control block is disposed in the inner ring of the outer frame. The control block has a control surface opposite to the windshield. The surface shape of the control surface corresponds to the surface shape of a first area of ​​the windshield used to receive projected display light, so that at least a portion of the control surface holds the first area during bending, thereby reducing the surface shape fluctuation of the first area under its own weight.

[0008] Based on the above description, the alternative implementation provides more precise surface control in the first region through the supporting control surface, thereby improving the surface stability of the windshield and the reliability of the HUD projection.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, at least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, comprising:

[0010] The control block is positioned below the windshield along the direction of gravity during bending, and the control surface is concave; or

[0011] The control block is positioned above the windshield along the direction of gravity during the bending process, and the control surface is convex.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control block is disposed below the windshield along the direction of gravity during bending, and the control surface is concave, comprising:

[0013] The control block is positioned at a lower height than the outer frame along the direction of gravity during baking.

[0014] According to the above description, the bending and forming in the first region mainly relies on the effect of gravity. By cooperating with the control block, the excessive influence of gravity on the bending and forming in the first region can be limited.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, at least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, comprising:

[0016] The control block is positioned below the windshield along the direction of gravity during the bending process, and the control surface is convex.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control block is disposed below the windshield along the direction of gravity during bending, and the control surface is convex, comprising:

[0018] The control block is positioned at a higher height than the outer frame along the direction of gravity during baking.

[0019] Based on the above description, the optional implementation method can achieve the bending and shaping of the first region by combining the windshield's own weight and the supporting effect of the control block, ensuring that the shaping of the first region meets the surface requirements of the projection.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, at least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, comprising:

[0021] The control surface includes a first part and a second part. The second part is located around the first part. The first part is tightly abutted against the first area. The second part maintains a certain gap with the windshield.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the surface profile of the second portion deviates from the surface profile corresponding to the windshield.

[0023] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the deviation of the surface profile of the second portion from the surface profile corresponding to the windshield includes:

[0024] The second part deviates more from the end furthest from the first part.

[0025] According to the above description, in the optional embodiment, a transition is formed at the position corresponding to the second part during molding to avoid wrinkles caused by the force exerted by the edge of the control block on the windshield.

[0026] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control block is fixed to the outer frame by a connecting arm, and is at a specific height along the direction of gravity during bending, and the connecting arm does not contact the windshield.

[0027] According to the above description, in an optional implementation, the control block and the outer frame are integrally formed, which facilitates the overall support of the windshield when placed in the baking oven.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control block is fixed to the outer frame via a connecting arm, comprising:

[0029] The connecting arm allows for the replacement of the control block according to the bending profile of the windshield.

[0030] Based on the above description, the optional implementation can flexibly configure the control block model according to the surface shape to be bent, and freely configure different surface shapes, making it more adaptable.

[0031] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, at least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, comprising:

[0032] The control block includes a first control block disposed above the windshield along the direction of gravity and a second control block disposed below the windshield along the direction of gravity.

[0033] The first control surface of the first control block is convex, corresponding to the surface shape of the first region, and the second control surface of the second control block is concave, corresponding to the surface shape of the first region, so that the cooperation between the first control block and the second control block can achieve directional pressing of the first region.

[0034] Based on the above description, the optional implementation uses two control blocks to control the upper and lower surfaces of the first region respectively, thereby improving the reliability of surface shape control by utilizing the opposing forces of the two surfaces.

[0035] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control block uses the different positions of several top posts to form the desired surface shape of the control surface by the end faces of the several top posts.

[0036] Based on the above description, the optional implementation adopts a more flexible approach, enabling the control surface of the control block to have an adjustable surface shape, freely adapting to windshields with different curvatures.

[0037] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the control block within the inner ring of the outer frame is adjustable.

[0038] Based on the above description, the alternative implementation can be adaptively adjusted according to the location of the first area that needs to receive the projected display light, thus offering greater flexibility.

[0039] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control surface of the control block has a first surface shape for pre-baking and a second surface shape for formal baking.

[0040] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the control surface of the control block has a first surface shape for pre-baking and a second surface shape for formal baking, including:

[0041] The first face shape and the second face shape can be flexibly switched relative to the first region.

[0042] Based on the above description, the control surface of the optional implementation can switch the surface shape between two baking processes to adapt to baking and molding requirements under different conditions, while improving the reliability of molding.

[0043] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the outer frame is further provided with a base for placement on a flat surface.

[0044] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the outer frame and the base are supported by a plurality of uprights.

[0045] According to the above description, in the optional embodiment, the glass can be conveniently transferred into the baking oven via the base, and the windshield is formed under its own weight on the outer frame inside the baking oven.

[0046] Secondly, this application provides a method for processing a windshield, including:

[0047] The windshield to be bent is placed on the outer frame of the windshield bending mold and transferred to the bending furnace for heating. The curvature of the outer frame matches the angle at which the windshield is bent by its own weight.

[0048] During the bending process, the control block of the windshield bending mold at least partially abuts against the first area of ​​the windshield used to receive projected display light, and the surface shape of the control block opposite to the first area corresponds to the surface shape of the first area.

[0049] After annealing, the windshield is detached from the windshield bending mold and transferred to the outside of the bending furnace.

[0050] According to the above description, in the optional embodiment, when the windshield is bent and shaped in the baking oven, the surface shape of the first region can be well controlled to meet the design surface shape requirements.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment of the second aspect, during the bending process, the control block of the windshield bending mold at least partially abuts against the first area of ​​the windshield for receiving projected display light, comprising:

[0052] The control block is positioned at the target height of the first region after the windshield is bent into shape, so as to correct the surface shape of the windshield in the baking oven.

[0053] According to the above description, in the optional embodiment, the first area of ​​the windshield can continuously approach the control block as it is bent, and is eventually held in place by the control surface of the control block through a bonding method, thereby increasing the reliability of surface shape control.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment of the second aspect, during the bending process, the control block of the windshield bending mold at least partially abuts against the first area of ​​the windshield for receiving projected display light, comprising:

[0055] The control surface of the control block includes a first part and a second part. The second part is located on the periphery of the first part. When the first part is tightly abutted against the first area, the second part maintains a certain gap with the windshield so that the edge of the control block does not exert a force on the windshield.

[0056] Based on the above description, the optional implementation avoids the control surface from being completely fitted with the windshield near the first area, which would cause the edge of the control surface to exert a lateral force on the windshield, thus ensuring the smoothness of the overall surface shape of the windshield.

[0057] In one alternative embodiment of the second aspect, the position and height of the control block can be adjusted within the baking oven.

[0058] In one alternative embodiment of the second aspect, the surface shape of the control block supports adjustment within the baking oven.

[0059] Based on the above description, the optional implementation can adapt to the surface shape control requirements of different windshields and different baking processes, and improve flexibility under the premise of standardization.

[0060] Thirdly, this application provides a use of the windshield prepared by the windshield baking mold described in the first aspect or the windshield processing method described in the second aspect for HUD projection display, wherein the HUD display device is configured to project display light onto the first area.

[0061] Compared with existing technologies, this application, during the windshield bending process, utilizes a bending mold that not only ensures the windshield conforms to bending requirements through an outer frame, but also incorporates a control block within the outer frame corresponding to the windshield's light projection position. By leveraging the control block's control surface, which corresponds to the projection area's shape, the application reduces surface shape fluctuations in the projected area under its own weight, while maintaining cost control. This improves the stability of windshield processing, ensuring at least that the projection area's shape meets the projection requirements of the HUD display device, thus enhancing the viewing experience. Attached Figure Description

[0062] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the technical solution will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples recorded in this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0063] Figure 1 The following are schematic diagrams of HUD projection displays in some examples of this application.

[0064] Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of projection displays in vehicles, as shown in some examples of this application.

[0065] Figure 3 The following are schematic diagrams of windshield baking molds in some examples of this application.

[0066] Figure 4 The following are schematic diagrams of windshield baking molds in some examples of this application.

[0067] Figure 5 The following are schematic diagrams of windshield baking molds in some examples of this application.

[0068] Figure 6 The following are schematic diagrams of baking and molding structures in some examples of this application.

[0069] Figure 7 The following are schematic diagrams of baking and molding structures in some examples of this application.

[0070] Figure 8 The following are schematic diagrams of baking and molding structures in some examples of this application.

[0071] Figure 9 The following are schematic diagrams of baking and molding structures in some examples of this application.

[0072] Figure 10 The following are schematic diagrams of baking and molding structures in some examples of this application.

[0073] Figure 11 The following are schematic diagrams of the control block structure in some examples of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the description is only a few examples recorded in the present application and does not limit the present application. Any changes in structure, method or function made by those skilled in the art based on these examples are included within the protection scope of the present application.

[0075] It should be noted that while the same labels or markers may be used in different examples, these do not represent an absolute structural or functional relationship. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in the examples is merely for descriptive convenience and does not represent an absolute structural or functional distinction, nor should it be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of corresponding objects. Unless otherwise specified, "at least one" in the description refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more.

[0076] Furthermore, when representing features, the character " / " can indicate an OR relationship between related objects. For example, "head-up display" or "head-up display" can be represented as "head-up display" or "head-up display". When representing operations, the character " / " can indicate a division relationship between related objects. For example, magnification M = L / P can be represented as L (virtual image size) divided by P (image source size). Moreover, the "AND / OR" in different examples is merely to describe the relationship between related objects. This relationship can include three cases. For example, a concave mirror and / or a convex mirror can be represented as a concave mirror alone, a convex mirror alone, or both concave and convex mirrors.

[0077] HUD projection displays primarily utilize the principle of optical reflection, reflecting the image light to be displayed through a transparent surface into the viewer's eyes. The human eye can then see the virtual image information by following the reverse direction of the light. Correspondingly, the transparent surface can be a vehicle's windshield, which acts as a display screen to show navigation instructions, vehicle speed, etc. Figure 1As shown, a HUD display device may include at least an optical engine 1, a first reflector 2, and a second reflector 3. The optical engine 1 includes a backlight and an image source (not shown). The backlight is used to provide illumination light and adjust the brightness of the illumination light according to control. For example, the backlight can be an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a laser, etc. Under the illumination light provided by the backlight, the image source adjusts the corresponding display content according to control and projects display light from the surface of the image source. For example, the image source can be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a DMD (Digital Micromirror Devices), a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) micromirror, an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), etc. The first reflecting mirror 2 and the second reflecting mirror 3 can project the display light emitted by the optical engine 1 onto the windshield 4, enabling customized optical paths within a small space while meeting different projection display requirements. The first reflecting mirror 2 and the second reflecting mirror 3 can be configured as concave mirrors, convex mirrors, concave lenses, convex lenses, etc., according to optical planning needs, and the surface shape of the lenses can be freeform. Optionally, at least one of the first reflecting mirror 2 and the second reflecting mirror 3 can also be angled to a certain extent, thereby changing the projection position of the display light on the windshield 4 to accommodate viewers of different heights. The display light from the optical engine 1 is ultimately reflected on the windshield 4 of the vehicle to form a virtual image 5. When the human eye 6 observes the virtual image 5 through the windshield 4, it can perceive a certain sense of depth, just like viewing a real object at a specific distance outside the windshield. The virtual image 5 can be navigation instructions, vehicle speed, etc., as described above. It should be added that, depending on the characteristics of different optical engines, HUD display devices can also be equipped with astigmatism filters. In some examples, HUD display devices can also include Fresnel lenses, waveguide optics, diffractive optics, holographic optics, tapered optical fibers, etc.

[0078] like Figure 2As shown, vehicles can be equipped with the aforementioned HUD display device. Specifically, the HUD display device is integrated inside the center console 10, for example, in front of the steering wheel. The HUD display device projects corresponding display light onto the windshield 4 directly opposite it through its projection window 102. This means that the first area of ​​the windshield 4 receives the display light and forms a reflection as described above. The viewer observing from inside the cockpit can directly see the virtual image in the projection area 50, which can specifically be display elements reflecting various functions. These display elements can be actively configured by the user. The first region differs from the projection region 50. The projection region 50, based on the principle of virtual image reflection imaging, has a certain virtual image distance, with its equivalent position typically located 5-10 meters or even further outside the windshield. The first region, however, is part of the windshield, and its surface shape determines the effect of the reflected light on the windshield. If the windshield's manufacturing process causes a significant discrepancy between the surface shape of the first region and the design values, it may lead to distortion of the reflected virtual image. The following details how to optimize the windshield's manufacturing process to match the surface shape of the first region with the optical system of the HUD display device. It should be noted that the aforementioned vehicles are not limited to cars as a means of transportation; they can also include buses, trucks, excavators, motorcycles, trains, high-speed trains, ships, yachts, airplanes, spacecraft, etc. The windshield for projection is not limited to the windshield of a car; it can also be any transparent surface in other locations.

[0079] In some examples, the windshield manufacturing process includes a bending process. This process involves placing the pre-treated flat glass onto a mold and then using a bending machine to preheat, bend, anneal, and cool the glass to create a specific shape, typically a slightly arched curved surface. For example... Figure 3As shown, the windshield bending mold includes at least an arched outer frame 41. The outer frame 41 can transport the flat glass along with it into the baking oven. Under the influence of temperature and its own gravity, the flat glass will bend along the curvature of the arched mold and be affected by the direction of gravity. That is, in this example, when the entire mold is placed flat, it will be suspended in the middle. As the flat glass is bent, it will bend downwards towards the outer frame in the middle, presenting a shape that is high on both sides and low in the middle, until it is completely supported by the outer frame 41. This allows the glass body to match the shape of the outer frame 41 at the periphery and no longer bend downwards to achieve the required curvature. It should be noted that the "up" and "down" directions in the preceding and following text can be based on the direction in which the mold is normally placed in the baking oven, downwards in the same direction as gravity and upwards in the opposite direction of gravity. Optionally, the outer frame 41 also includes a base 420 that stably fixes the entire mold in the baking oven. The base 420 can be connected to the outer frame 41 above it through several uprights. Furthermore, a connecting rod 42 is provided between the two bases 420 in the middle, providing support for the inner ring portion of the windshield. As mentioned above, when the windshield bends under its own weight on the mold, it is mainly controlled by an upward force to overcome gravity, which is derived from the outer frame. However, most of the windshield within the inner ring of the outer frame does not contact the outer frame and therefore does not receive any upward support from it. It is connected entirely by the rigidity of the glass material itself. This may cause the portion far from the outer frame to exceed the designed bending degree under the influence of gravity, meaning that the surface shape of some areas deviates from the designed shape. This is why the first area receiving the projected display light deviates from the original designed surface shape.

[0080] In some examples, to ensure the processed windshield meets the requirements of HUD projection displays, the windshield is divided into a first area that receives projected display light and a second area that does not. The second area can be located around the perimeter of the first area, acting as a normal windshield that transmits light from objects in front of the vehicle, allowing the driver's eyes to see objects normally. Accordingly, the surface shape requirements for the second area are less stringent than those for the first area. Therefore, a control block is installed in the first area for directional surface shape control. This control block is part of the windshield bending mold and is transported into the bending furnace together. The control surface of the control block opposite the first area conforms to the windshield surface shape designed for the first area. When the windshield bends under the heating process, the first area rests precisely against the control surface, preventing further bending due to gravity. Because the control surface defines the continuous design surface shape of the first area, reducing the area of ​​suspension, the surface shape of the entire first area can be well controlled. Figure 4As shown, the control block 43, used for surface shape control of the first region, can be fixed to the outer frame 41 via the connecting arm 44, for example, it can be integrally formed with the base 420 for convenient synchronous transfer into the bending furnace. In this example, the control surface 430 faces upward in the bending furnace and is directly opposite the first region of the windshield above it. Therefore, its position is determined by the configuration area of ​​the first region in the windshield. The height of the control surface 430 is also determined according to the designed bending shape of the windshield, specifically by the position of the connecting arm 44 connected to the base 420. Furthermore, the control surface 430 has a designed surface shape so that the first region is precisely held against the control surface during the bending process of the windshield, which will be described in detail below.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer frame 41 and the base 420 are supported vertically by several uprights 45. The base 420 is planar relative to the outer frame 41 and does not have the specific bending rate of the outer frame 41. Accordingly, the base 420 is mainly used to ensure the horizontal placement of the entire mold, while the outer frame 41 is mainly used to support the windshield during bending. In this example, the windshield is initially placed at the higher positions on both sides of the outer frame 41. As the bending process progresses, due to the influence of its own weight, the middle section of the windshield will continuously move downwards towards the lower part of the outer frame 41, resulting in the entire windshield after bending exhibiting a trend of being lower in the middle and higher on both sides. Correspondingly, the outer frame 41 has a support surface that is higher on both sides and lower in the middle, which ensures that the flat glass gradually sinks into the outer frame 41 and has a certain degree of stability. In some examples, the first area of ​​the windshield is typically located directly in front of the driver, serving the projection needs of the HUD display device, forming a virtual image visible to the driver. Therefore, the control block 43 is also positioned corresponding to the first area, ensuring that the windshield in the first area can be held against the control surface 430 of the control block 43 during the final bending process. That is, the control block 43 is approximately located within half of the inner ring of the outer frame 41. Figure 5In the illustration, with the mold positioned as shown, the control block 43 is generally located at the front left of the inner ring of the outer frame 41. In this example, the control block 43 is fixed to the base 420 via the connecting arm 44. Considering the required forming height of the first area during bending, the control block 43 is also set to match this height, ensuring that the first area forms a resistance relationship with the control surface 430 at a specific height. Correspondingly, the connecting arm 44 is only for fixation and does not interfere with the bending forming of the windshield. Therefore, for the control block 43 located below the windshield, its connecting arm 44 must be lower than the height of the control surface 430 and also lower than the bending height of the windshield outside the first area, ensuring that the windshield will not come into contact with the connecting arm 44 after final bending. In this example, since the control block 43 is not located at the lowest point in the middle of the windshield, the control surface 430 presents an arc surface that is higher on one side and lower on the other. This allows it to closely match the surface shape of the first area near a corner (such as the lower left corner of the windshield in the installed state), resulting in a good fit between the first area and the control surface 430 when they resist each other.

[0082] In some examples, such as Figure 6 As shown, for the windshield 4 placed on the outer frame 41, since the outer frame 41 slopes downwards in the middle, the windshield 4 gradually bends downwards through heating. As mentioned above, the edge of the windshield 4 bends along the contour of the outer frame 41. The first area receiving the display light is generally at a certain distance from the outer frame 41, located in the inner ring of the outer frame 41, and has a certain surface shape control pressure when suspended. In this example, the control block 43 is located below the windshield 4, which can be connected to a mold, such as a base, also located below the windshield 4. The height of the control block 43 is lower than the abutting surface between the outer frame 41 and the windshield 4. Specifically, the height corresponding to the control surface of the control block 43 is the same as the designed bending height of the first area. By abutting, the first area is prevented from continuing to decrease in height due to gravity, thus preventing surface shape deviation. Specifically, the position of the control block 43 also corresponds vertically to the first area on the windshield 4. The first area can be the position where the HUD projection display light is designed, which can be determined by the optical system of the HUD display device and the installation position of the HUD display device in the vehicle. The upper surface of control block 43 (i.e., the control surface) will match the curved surface of the first region. In this example, to match the downward concave direction of the windshield, the control surface corresponds to the concave shape, which complements the convex shape of the side of the first region facing control block 43 (i.e., the lower surface of the first region). As the windshield 4 continues to bend, the first region will approach the control surface and eventually be held in place by the control surface, preventing at least the first region from forming further bends. Figure 7As shown, in order to further avoid the control block edge area exerting the force around the first area on the windshield, the control surface is divided into a first part 401 and a second part 402. The first part 401 can be located in the middle area of ​​the entire control surface, and the second part 402 is distributed around the first part 401. The first part 401 eventually completely abuts against the first area after bending, that is, the surface shape of the first part 401 is consistent with the surface shape of the first area, while the second part 402 corresponds to the second area around the first area. The surface shape of the second part 402 tends to be consistent with the surface shape of the second area, but there is a certain deviation. This way, when the first part 401 abuts against the first area, the second part 402 will have a certain gap with the second area, so that the second area has a certain elastic space during the bending process, and wrinkles will not be generated between the first area and the second area. Optionally, the degree of deviation of the second part 402 from the corresponding surface shape will be different at different positions. Starting from the junction of the first part 401 and the second part 402, the degree of deviation between the second part 402 and the second region gradually increases as the position moves outward, thereby forming a smooth transition and reducing the possibility that the windshield will be bent by its own weight at the edge of the second part of the control surface.

[0083] In some examples, such as Figure 8 As shown, the windshield 4 remains on the outer frame 41 during the bending process. Therefore, the bent windshield 4 still exhibits a curved shape that is lower in the middle and higher on both sides. The control block 43 is positioned above the windshield 4, meaning that the control block 43 can be higher than the outer frame 41. Its specific height depends on the design height of the first area to be bent. In this example, the position of the control block 43 also corresponds vertically to the first area on the windshield 4. Ultimately, the lower surface (i.e., the control surface) of the control block 43 abuts against the upper surface of the first area. Since the upper surface of the windshield 4 becomes concave after bending, the control surface of the control block 43 becomes convex, which complements the first area. Optionally, the control block 43 moves downwards under the influence of gravity as the windshield is bent. To reduce excessive downward force exerted by the control block 43 on the windshield 4, which could cause excessive bending in the first area, an upward elastic connector or similar element can provide some upward force. This not only ensures that the control block 43 and the windshield 4 bend synchronously under gravity, but also maintains a reasonable resistance between the control surface and the first area, thus providing some control over the shape of the first area during the baking process. Similarly, the control surface supported by the control block 43 also has a first part and a second part. The shape of the first part is consistent with the shape of the first area it supports, while the second part deviates slightly from the shape of the corresponding windshield, thus maintaining a certain gap between the second part and the glass surface surrounding the first area. Further details are omitted here.

[0084] In some examples, such as Figure 9As shown, the windshield 4 is also bent by its own weight through the outer frame 41. Unlike the example above, the outer frame 41 has a curved shape that is higher in the middle and lower on both sides. Therefore, when the windshield 4 is placed on the outer frame 41, the glass at the middle edge first contacts the outer frame 41, while the glass on both sides will bend downwards under the influence of gravity and eventually abut against the outer frame 41 on both sides. Optionally, a connecting rod 42 is also provided between the outer frames. The connecting rod 42 can increase the contact surface of the windshield 4 when it is placed on the outer frame 41, providing stability. Furthermore, a certain fixing device is set at a certain position in the middle of the outer frame to temporarily stabilize the windshield when it is still in a flat state, reducing the imbalance on both sides of the flat glass when it is placed on the outer frame 41. In this example, the control block 43 can be set below the windshield 4. The control block 43 can be connected to the outer frame 41 and is at least partially higher than the outer frame 41. It can abut against the upwardly arched windshield. Correspondingly, the position of the control block 43 corresponds vertically to the first area of ​​the windshield that receives the display light. Specifically, since the lower surface of the first region is concave, the upper surface of the control block 43 is convex to complement it. When the two sides of the windshield 4 bend under its own weight onto the two sides of the outer frame 41, the first region abuts against the control surface of the control block 43, preventing the first region from bending further downward. In some examples, the control surface of the control block 43 may also have a first part that abuts against the first region and a second part that retains a gap with the adjacent glass surface (second region) outside the first region. See [reference needed] for details. Figure 7 Example. In some examples, control block 43 can also be positioned above windshield 4 to form a resisting relationship; see the specific examples below. Figure 8 Example, but with Figure 8 The difference in the example is that, since the upper surface of the first region is convex, the control surface that provides the resistance is concave.

[0085] In some examples, such as Figure 10 As shown, the windshield 4 is bent by its own weight within the outer frame 41. For the first area of ​​the windshield 4 used to receive display light, the orientation and surface shape control of the first area is also achieved through a control block. Unlike the previous example, in this example, the control block includes a first control block 4301 and a second control block 4302. The configuration of the first control block 4301 can be referred to... Figure 6 , Figure 7 For example, the configuration of the second control block 4302 can be referred to Figure 8Example. Accordingly, the control surface of the first control block 4301 is convex with the upper surface of the first region, and the control surface of the second control block 4302 is concave with the lower surface of the first region. Furthermore, in order to achieve a complementary relationship between the control blocks and the upper and lower surfaces of the first region, the control surfaces of the first control block 4301 and the second control block 4302 are consistent with the overall surface shape of the first region. In this way, when the windshield 4 bends along the outer frame 41 with a lower center and higher sides, the lower surface of the first region just abuts against the control surface of the second control block 4302, and the second control block 4302 provides a part of the upward support force. The control surface of the first control block 4301 also closely rests on the upper surface of the first region, and it can provide a certain force between the two through the gravity of the first control block 4301. Optionally, the positions of the first control block 4301 and the second control block 4302 are adjustable, specifically determined by the position of the first area of ​​the windshield 4 on the outer frame 41. During the installation of the windshield on the outer frame 41, the second control block 4302 can be directly fixed below the predetermined installation position of the first area. Since the newly installed windshield is flat, the corresponding first area is temporarily suspended above the second control block 4302. As the bending process proceeds, the first area will continuously approach the second control block 4302 until they are pressed together. The first control block 4301 can be suspended above the first area. As the windshield is bent, the first control block 4301 will also continuously move downwards until it is fully pressed together when the bending is complete. Optionally, the first control block 4301 can support the drive of a robotic arm inside the baking oven. Here, it can be adjusted not only according to the position of the first area projected onto the placement plane, but also adaptively adjusted according to the change in the bending height of the first area to adjust the distance between the control surface of the first control block 4301 and the first area. Furthermore, the coordination between the first control block 4301 and the second control block 4302 can be achieved through control. The bending and forming of the first region not only utilizes its own gravity but also leverages the active control force between the first control block 4301 and the second control block 4302 to achieve directional pressing. Specifically, both the first control block 4301 and the second control block 4302 can support fine-tuning of height. They also support pressing towards each other in the direction of the windshield within the baking oven, and the control of the force takes into account parameters such as the curvature of the bending and the thickness of the windshield. (Refer to...) Figure 7 For example, the first control block 4301 and the second control block 4302 may simultaneously have a first part positioned directly opposite the first region and a second part implementing surface transition control. In some examples, refer to... Figure 9For example, the windshield 4 can also achieve a curved shape that is higher in the middle and lower on both sides. A first control block is positioned above the windshield 4, and a second control block is positioned below the windshield 4, respectively, on the upper and lower surfaces of the first region. To accommodate the bending method of the first region, in this example, the control surface of the first control block above the windshield is concave, with a surface shape consistent with the first region. The control surface of the second control block below the windshield is convex, also with a surface shape consistent with the first region. Similarly, the good surface shape of the first region is ensured through the opposing pressing control of the first and second control blocks.

[0086] In some examples, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The connecting arm 44 of the control block 43 supports flexible installation and removal. This means that not only can the position and height of the control block be configured according to different glass and display light projection requirements, but the surface shape of the control surface can also be changed by replacing the control block 43 to adapt to different windshield shapes. Correspondingly, the outer frame 41 can also be arbitrarily replaced on the base 420 to adapt to different bending rates. In some examples, multiple control blocks 43 can be connected simultaneously via at least one connecting arm 44. Different control blocks 43 have control surfaces with different surface shapes to adapt to surface shape control under different conditions, achieving direct surface shape switching. Accordingly, the relationship between the control block 43 and the first area requiring directional surface shape control can be adjusted by controlling the position and height of different control blocks 43. This allows a control block with a specific surface shape to form a resisting relationship with the first area at a specific height, while control blocks not in surface shape control state are kept away from the windshield and will not interfere with the windshield's bending and forming process. In specific examples, to increase the control precision of the bending process, the entire heating and baking process can be divided into a first baking step and a subsequent second baking step. The first baking step mainly serves as pre-baking, while the second baking step mainly serves as the final baking. The first and second baking steps may use different heating temperatures and / or times. Therefore, for the first area of ​​the windshield, there will be different bent surface shapes after the first and second baking steps. As mentioned above, different surface shape control blocks can be used in different baking steps to control the surface shape, increasing the forming reliability of the first area. In some examples, such as... Figure 11 As shown, control block 43 is not like... Figures 6-10 In the example, the entire control surface uses a smooth, continuous curved surface for support. The drawback of the above example is that the surface shape of the control surface is relatively fixed; changing the surface shape requires replacing the corresponding control block. In this example, the control block 43 is composed of several top posts 432 arranged together. Besides the overall adjustment of the position and height of the top posts 432, it also supports fine-tuning of the height of any individual top post 432, allowing its side facing the windshield (i.e., the control surface) to have different surface shapes. Figure 11 Based on the placement of the central control block 43, to provide a gradually decreasing surface shape from left to right, the height of the leftmost column of top pillars 432 can be adjusted to its highest point, and then the height of each column of top pillars 432 on the right can be continuously reduced. This adapts to the surface shape trend after the first area is baked and bent. Optionally, the end face of the top pillar 432 opposite to the first area can be made of a relatively elastic material to reduce the marks left on the windshield by the force applied. In more examples, the more top pillars 432 are configured, the smoother the surface shape adjustment of the control surface will be. A single top pillar 432 can also support the corresponding mechanical structure for automated height adjustment. This not only allows for the control surface adjustment of multiple surface shapes using a single control block, but also supports direct adjustment in the baking oven, improving the accuracy of surface shape control. For example, in the above example, automatic adjustment can be achieved in the first and second baking processes.

[0087] In some examples, during the entire windshield manufacturing process, waste glass is first mixed with materials such as quartz sand in a specific ratio in a glass melting furnace and heated to form liquid glass. The resulting liquid glass is then spread and cooled in a pool filled with molten tin. The hardened glass sheet is then cut to the shape required for vehicle installation. Further, the cut glass is transferred to a grinding wheel for polishing, smoothing the sharp edges into a smooth curve. Then, it enters a cleaning process. After rinsing in a cleaning tank, the windshield is screen-printed with the required black border for the vehicle. At this point, the glass is flat and does not meet the vehicle's installation requirements, so it needs to be transferred to a bending furnace for hot bending. As mentioned above, the flat glass is placed on the outer frame of a mold and transferred to the bending furnace for heating. The windshield bending mold can be referenced. Figures 4-10For example, the outer frame can be shaped with a lower center and higher sides, or vice versa. Inside the bending furnace, the windshield is shaped by its own weight along the contour of the outer frame to achieve the corresponding curvature. A control block in the inner ring of the outer frame controls the orientation of the first area of ​​the windshield that receives projected light. Specifically, the control surface of the control block waits at a specific height for the first area to be bent into position. This specific height is the final target height of the designed surface of the first area. As mentioned above, the surface shape of the control surface is consistent with the designed surface shape of the first area. Once the first area reaches the required height after baking, the control surface of the control block holds it against the first area to balance its weight and prevent further bending. In a specific example, the control surface includes a first part and a second part, with the second part located outside the first part. When the windshield bends under its own weight, the first part, because it matches the surface shape of the first area, can be completely held against it. As the bending process continues, when the first part and the first region are no longer bent, the second part only has a certain gap with the second region surrounding the first region and does not directly contact it. Because the surface configuration of the second part of the control surface is offset outward from the surface of the second region by a certain distance, when the first part and the first region are just coming together, the second region can still be affected by gravity and inertia, supporting it to continue to descend a certain space. At this time, the gap between the second part and the second region becomes a buffer space for descent, preventing hard contact with the second part, especially the edge of the control surface, and thus avoiding marks on the glass surface.

[0088] As described above, the control block not only supports adaptive positional adjustments, but its surface shape also supports corresponding adjustments. Specifically, the windshield needs to undergo a first baking process and a second baking process in the baking oven. During the pre-baking in the first baking process, to accommodate the first area baking to the first target height, the third control block with a third surface shape can be adjusted to the first target height, waiting for the first area and the control surface of the third control block to finally abut together. When moving from the first baking process to the second baking process, to accommodate the first area baking to the second target height, the fourth control block with a fourth surface shape is adjusted to the second target height, while the third control block is adjusted to a position away from the windshield, waiting for the first area and the control surface of the fourth control block to finally abut together. In some examples, refer to... Figure 11 If the shape of the control surface can be directly adjusted through several top pillars, the third and fourth control blocks in this example can be the same control block.

[0089] For windshields that have completed the bending process, annealing can be used to set the shape of the bent glass and simultaneously satisfy the stress during the cooling process. The windshield is then removed from the mold and transferred to the outside of the baking oven for the next process. Further, two bent glass pieces are stacked together, with a layer of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) material sandwiched in between. Optionally, to suppress double reflections of the HUD projected display light on both sides, which can cause ghosting, the PVC film is wedge-shaped at a specific angle (thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom). In some examples, two flat glass pieces are stacked together and heat-bent simultaneously before the bending process. The multi-layered glass is pressed together using an extruder, and rubber rollers are used to squeeze out the air in the interlayer. If air bubbles are still present in the windshield, it is transferred to a heating chamber and heated for about an hour to eliminate them.

[0090] In some examples, using the windshield baking mold described above for hot bending of the glass can achieve a high precision in the surface shape of at least the first area of ​​the finished windshield. Therefore, it can be applied to vehicles equipped with HUD display devices, improving projection adaptability and ensuring that the reflected virtual image meets the designed projection effect. Optionally, the vehicles using the above-mentioned windshields can be commercial vehicles such as trucks where cost control is paramount. This allows for the provision of suitable windshields for HUD display devices integrated into commercial vehicles without significantly increasing costs.

[0091] In summary, during the windshield bending process, the bending mold of this application not only ensures the windshield conforms to the bending requirements through the outer frame, but also includes a control block within the outer frame corresponding to the position of the windshield receiving the projection light. By utilizing the control surface of the control block that corresponds to the surface shape of the windshield's projection area, the surface shape fluctuation of the projected area under its own weight is reduced, while maintaining controllable costs. This application can improve the stability of windshield processing, at least ensuring that the surface shape of the projection area meets the projection requirements of the HUD display device, thus improving the viewing experience.

[0092] It should be understood that although this specification includes some examples, none of these examples constitutes a single, independent technical solution. This descriptive style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider this specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in the examples can be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0093] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications that do not depart from the teachings of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A windshield bending mold, characterized in that, include: An outer frame is used to support at least the outer edge of the windshield to be bent, so that the windshield can be bent by its own weight. A control block is disposed in the inner ring of the outer frame. The control block has a control surface opposite to the windshield. The surface shape of the control surface corresponds to the surface shape of a first area of ​​the windshield used to receive projected display light, so that at least a portion of the control surface holds the first area during bending, thereby reducing the surface shape fluctuation of the first area under its own weight.

2. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, including: The control block is positioned below the windshield along the direction of gravity during bending, and the control surface is concave; or The control block is positioned above the windshield along the direction of gravity during the bending process, and the control surface is convex.

3. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, including: The control surface includes a first part and a second part. The second part is located around the first part. The first part is tightly abutted against the first area. The second part maintains a certain gap with the windshield.

4. The windshield bending mold according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The control block is fixed to the outer frame by a connecting arm. During bending, it is at a specific height along the direction of gravity, and the connecting arm does not contact the windshield.

5. The windshield bending mold according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control block is fixed to the outer frame via a connecting arm, including: The connecting arm allows for the replacement of the control block according to the bending profile of the windshield.

6. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the control surface abuts against the first region during bending, including: The control block includes a first control block disposed above the windshield along the direction of gravity and a second control block disposed below the windshield along the direction of gravity. The first control surface of the first control block is convex, corresponding to the surface shape of the first region, and the second control surface of the second control block is concave, corresponding to the surface shape of the first region, so that the cooperation between the first control block and the second control block can achieve directional pressing of the first region.

7. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control block uses the different positions of several top posts to form the required surface shape of the control surface by connecting the end faces of the top posts.

8. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position of the control block within the inner ring of the outer frame can be adjusted.

9. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control block has a first surface for pre-baking and a second surface for formal baking.

10. The windshield bending mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer frame is also provided with a base for placing on a flat surface.

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