A platinum heater for TFT substrate glass

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of substrate glass, disclose a kind of for TFT substrate glass's platinum heater, including wire, electric heating element and heat-insulated container, wire slot is provided in electric heating element, wire is fixedly installed in wire slot, electric heating element is nested in heat-insulated container, wire two ends are provided with outgoing line, outgoing line passes through heat-insulated container for with power connection, wire is connected power supply by outgoing line and realizes heating, and it is supplemented with heat for the platinum baffle of overflow brick two ends and surrounding area, make up the heat loss of inevitable "cold end", effectively promote and stabilize the temperature of this area;Electric heating element is nested in heat-insulated container, further reduce the heat loss to outside, avoid high-temperature glass liquid when flowing through platinum baffle area to experience sharp temperature change, to prevent glass liquid viscosity increase, fluidity deterioration, residence time extension due to temperature sudden drop, reduce crystallization phenomenon, guarantee the uniformity of glass, avoid substrate surface defect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of substrate glass technology and relates to a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass. Background Technology

[0002] In the overflow process for manufacturing substrate glass, the forming equipment is a key piece of equipment to ensure successful forming and stable quality of the substrate glass. The forming process involves feeding homogenized high-temperature molten glass through a feed pipe into a groove at the top of the overflow brick. Once the groove is full, the molten glass overflows evenly from both sides and flows downwards, eventually converging at the tip of the overflow brick at the bottom, fusing into a complete glass ribbon. This glass ribbon then enters the forming zone and annealing furnace, thus completing the final shaping and stress relief.

[0003] During the molding process, because equipment windows need to be set at both ends of the molding equipment for installation, observation, and maintenance, the insulation structure is weaker than the continuous and uniform middle part of the equipment, resulting in unavoidable heat loss. This causes the temperature environment of the platinum baffles installed at both ends of the overflow brick and the surrounding area to be significantly lower than that of the middle area of ​​the molding equipment, forming a distinct "cold end".

[0004] When molten glass flows down from the overflow brick and passes through the cooler platinum baffle area, it experiences a rapid temperature change. The viscosity of the molten glass increases rapidly as the temperature drops, reducing its fluidity and prolonging its residence time in this area. When the temperature is within the crystallization temperature range, the supercooled environment provides favorable conditions for crystal nucleation and growth, easily leading to crystallization. Once crystallization occurs, it not only disrupts the uniformity of the glass but may also cause defects on the substrate surface during use, seriously jeopardizing production quality. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This utility model provides a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass, comprising: a metal wire, an electric heating element, and a heat insulation container. The electric heating element is provided with a wire groove, and the metal wire is fixedly installed in the wire groove. The electric heating element is nested in the heat insulation container, and the metal wire is provided with lead wires at both ends, which pass through the heat insulation container for connection to a power source.

[0007] Furthermore, the metal wire is fixedly installed in a spiral shape within the wire groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the metal wire is fixedly installed in the wire groove and sealed with the heating element by putty.

[0009] Furthermore, the pitch of the metal wire is at least twice the diameter of the metal wire.

[0010] Furthermore, the distance between the outer surface of the heating element and the heat insulation container is more than 30 mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat-insulating container is made of stainless steel, and the interior of the heat-insulating container is filled with heat-insulating material.

[0012] Furthermore, the insulation material is alumina insulation brick.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating element is a heating tile made of sillimanite material.

[0014] Furthermore, the metal wire is platinum wire, and the heat-insulating container is a thermal insulation box.

[0015] Furthermore, the diameter of the metal wire is 2 mm.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: This invention relates to a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass. The metal wire is connected to a power source via a lead wire to generate heat, supplementing the platinum baffles at both ends of the overflow brick and the surrounding area, compensating for the unavoidable heat loss at the "cold end," and effectively raising and stabilizing the temperature in this area. In addition, the heating element is nested inside an insulated container, which can further reduce heat loss and prevent the high-temperature molten glass from experiencing a rapid temperature change when flowing through the platinum baffle area. This prevents the molten glass from increasing viscosity, decreasing fluidity, and prolonging residence time due to a sudden drop in temperature, reducing crystallization, ensuring the uniformity of the glass, and avoiding defects on the substrate surface.

[0017] This invention relates to a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass. The metal wire is sealed to the heating element with putty to prevent short circuits caused by deformation of the metal wire spirals during heating, which could lead to localized overheating and burn out the metal wire. It also effectively prevents the metal wire from losing its original properties due to contamination of the furnace environment, thus preventing the platinum heating wire from burning out during use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the platinum wire structure in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating element in the embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-insulating container in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure label: 1-Metal wire; 2-Heating element. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] TFT substrate glass, as a key material, is widely used in flat panel displays and electronic devices. Its manufacturing process requires precise temperature control to ensure glass flatness. Traditional heating methods often suffer from uneven temperature, high energy consumption, or pollution risks. This invention presents a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass, which achieves efficient heating and long-term stable operation by optimizing the metal wire, heating element, and insulation container. It is suitable for heating stages in TFT substrate glass production, such as during glass forming or annealing, providing uniform heat distribution to improve product quality and production efficiency.

[0022] Example 1 This utility model discloses a platinum heater for TFT substrate glass, comprising a metal wire 1, a heating element 2, and a heat insulation container. The heating element 2 is provided with a wire groove, and the metal wire 1 is fixedly installed in the wire groove. The heating element 2 is nested in the heat insulation container, and the metal wire 1 is provided with lead wires at both ends, which pass through the heat insulation container for connection to a power source.

[0023] Specifically, the platinum heater consists of a metal wire 1, a heating element 2, and a heat-insulating container. In this embodiment, the metal wire 1 is preferably a platinum wire with a diameter of 2mm. Using a tool, the 2mm diameter metal wire 1 is wound into a spiral shape with an outer diameter of 10mm and a pitch of 4mm, with 800mm of lead wire left on both sides. Based on the high-temperature stability and corrosion resistance of platinum, the metal wire 1 is suitable for the harsh environments in TFT substrate glass production, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0024] When the metal wire 1 is energized and heated, it can effectively compensate for the temperature at the platinum baffle. The heating surface of the heater is designed with an arc shape that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom because the shape of the platinum baffle near the end of the molding equipment is approximately arc-shaped. This allows the heater to fit the platinum baffle more closely and transfer heat to the platinum baffle area more evenly.

[0025] like Figure 2As shown, the heating element 2 has internal wire grooves. In this embodiment, the width of the wire grooves is 11mm, the depth is 11mm, and the spacing is 5mm. The metal wire 1 is fixedly installed inside the wire grooves and is connected to an external power source through a lead wire passing through the heat insulation container, thereby realizing the heating function. The heating element 2 is nested inside the heat insulation container, ensuring effective heat concentration and distribution while reducing energy loss.

[0026] The insulated container is a heat-insulating box made of stainless steel, filled with insulation material such as alumina insulating bricks or high-temperature resistant cotton to provide insulation performance. The heating element 2 is a heating tile made of sillimanite, with one side of the sillimanite brick machined into a concave arc surface and engraved with grooves. Sillimanite has high fire resistance and mechanical strength, maintaining structural integrity at high temperatures. The metal wire 1 is spirally fixed within the grooves; this spiral arrangement increases the heating area and improves thermal efficiency. The metal wire 1 is sealed to the heating element 2 with a sealant made of alumina powder and pure water. This sealant fixes the spiral metal wire 1, preventing short circuits caused by deformation during heating, which could lead to overheating and burnout. It also effectively prevents the metal wire 1 from losing its original properties due to furnace environment contamination, thus preventing the platinum heating wire from burning out during use. Figure 3 As shown.

[0027] The pitch of the metal wire 1 is at least twice the diameter of the metal wire 1, i.e., at least 4 mm, which helps to dissipate heat evenly and avoid local overheating. The distance between the outer surface of the heating element 2 and the heat insulation container is more than 30 mm, which reduces the risk of heat being directly conducted from the heating element 2 to the heat insulation container, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0028] The installation of metal wire 1 is achieved by winding it into a spiral shape and embedding it into the groove of the heating element 2. The shape and size of the groove match the metal wire 1 to ensure a tight fixation. The sealant not only prevents displacement of metal wire 1 but also improves overall durability, making it suitable for long-term high-temperature operation. The pitch of metal wire 1 is designed to be at least twice its diameter, i.e., 2mm diameter platinum wire, with a pitch of not less than 4mm. This helps control current distribution and heat output, avoiding electromagnetic interference or hotspot problems caused by excessively small pitch. The heating element 2, acting as a heating tile, is made of sillimanite, a common refractory material. The preparation process includes molding and sintering to form a tile-like structure with grooves.

[0029] The insulated container features a stainless steel outer shell. Stainless steel offers excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for industrial environments. The interior is filled with alumina insulating bricks, a material known for its low thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance, effectively preventing heat transfer from the interior. These insulating bricks are densely packed and bonded together with an adhesive to enhance structural stability. During use, the insulating bricks are cut to appropriate shapes and tightly packed within the insulated container, forming a uniform insulation layer. like Figure 4 As shown, the insulated container is a heat-insulating box with sufficient internal space to accommodate the heating element 2, maintaining a distance of at least 30mm between the outer surface of the heating element 2 and the inner wall of the container. Preferably, the distance is between 30mm and 50mm to balance the insulation effect and the size of the equipment. The container also has an opening for the wire 1 to pass through and connect to an external power interface. The power connection part must be insulated to prevent the risk of short circuits or leakage.

[0030] To ensure the strength of heating element 2, the surface and wire groove of heating element 2 are first blown clean with a high-pressure blower, and then heated element 2 is cleaned with anhydrous ethanol to thoroughly remove any impurities that could poison the platinum. It is then dried with a high-pressure blower. Similarly, metal wire 1 is blown clean with a high-pressure blower, then cleaned with anhydrous ethanol, dried, and then embedded in the groove. The space between the heating wire spiral and the pitch, as well as the gaps in the groove, are sealed with a putty made of alumina powder and pure water. This sealing helps to fix the spiral metal wire 1, preventing short circuits caused by deformation during heating, which could lead to localized overheating and burn out the platinum heating wire. It also effectively prevents metal wire 1 from losing its original properties due to contamination from the furnace environment, thus preventing the platinum heating wire from burning out during use.

[0031] When the power is turned on, current flows into metal wire 1 through the lead wire. Metal wire 1 heats up due to resistance, transferring heat to heating element 2. Heating element 2 evenly distributes the heat, thus heating the TFT substrate glass. The heat insulation container reduces heat loss through insulation material, ensuring that most of the heat energy is used for glass processing. The pitch of metal wire 1 avoids overheating and energy waste, allowing the platinum heater to maintain high efficiency while extending its service life, making it suitable for continuous production processes of TFT substrate glass.

[0032] The method of using the platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to this utility model is as follows: First, the metal wire 1 is wound into a spiral shape and then embedded into the wire groove of the heating element 2, and sealed and fixed with putty. Next, the heating element 2 is placed inside an insulated container, and the distance between it and the inner wall of the container is adjusted. Finally, insulation material, such as alumina insulation bricks, is filled in, the container is sealed, and the lead wire is led out through the reserved hole and connected to the power system. The pitch of the metal wire 1 is achieved using a special tool.

[0033] During installation, the lead wires are routed through specialized holes in the insulated container. These holes are designed with a sealed structure to prevent heat leakage and the ingress of external contaminants. The lead wires connect to an external power source, including a temperature controller and power adapter, to achieve precise control of the heater. This allows users to adjust the heating power and temperature to meet the needs of different stages of TFT substrate glass production.

[0034] In practice, those skilled in the art may fine-tune the size or materials according to the specific application scenario, but must follow the above core principles to maintain the effectiveness and reliability of the invention.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

Claims

1. A platinum heater for TFT substrate glass, characterized in that: It includes a metal wire (1), an electric heating element (2) and a heat insulation container. The electric heating element (2) is provided with a wire groove, and the metal wire (1) is fixedly installed in the wire groove. The electric heating element (2) is nested in the heat insulation container. The metal wire (1) is provided with lead wires at both ends, and the lead wires pass through the heat insulation container for connection to the power source.

2. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal wire (1) is fixedly installed in the wire groove in a spiral shape.

3. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal wire (1) is fixedly installed in the wire groove and sealed with the heating element (2) by putty.

4. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pitch of the metal wire (1) is at least twice the diameter of the metal wire (1).

5. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distance between the outer surface of the heating element (2) and the heat insulation container is more than 30 mm.

6. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 5, characterized in that: The insulated container is made of stainless steel and its interior is filled with insulating material.

7. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 6, characterized in that: The insulation material is alumina insulation brick.

8. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element (2) is a heating tile made of sillimanite material.

9. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal wire (1) is a platinum wire, and the heat insulation container is a heat preservation box.

10. The platinum heater for TFT substrate glass according to claim 9, characterized in that: The diameter of the metal wire (1) is 2 mm.

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