Method for manufacturing glass articles

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a glass article by which productivity of the glass article can be easily enhanced.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a glass article manufactures a glass article having a plate-like frame part, and a projection part provided inside the frame part. The method for manufacturing a glass article comprises: a preparation process for supporting a plate glass on a support base 14 having a support part 14a supporting a plate glass and an opening surrounded by the support part 14a; and a molding process for molding the plate glass using a heating source 15. In the preparation process, a first plate glass GS and a second plate glass GS2 are superimposed on each other via a release layer RL. In the molding process, a part of the first plate glass GS1 and a part of the second plate glass GS2 are subjected to heat deformation toward inside of the opening of the support base 14. In the molding process, a first projection part is formed on the first plate glass GS1, and a second projection part is formed on the second plate glass GS2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass article. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a method is known in which a glass article having a plate-shaped frame and a protrusion provided inside the frame is formed by thermally deforming a glass plate along a recess in a forming mold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-131475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The glass article manufacturing method disclosed in Patent Document 1 can manufacture a glass article having a protrusion with a predetermined outer shape according to the shape of the recess in the forming mold. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing the productivity of such glass articles.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass article that can easily increase the productivity of the glass article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for manufacturing a glass article that solves the above problem is a method for manufacturing a glass article having a plate-shaped frame portion and a protrusion provided inside the frame portion, and includes a preparation step of supporting the plate glass on a support stand having a support portion that supports the plate glass and an opening surrounded by the support portion, and a molding step of shaping the plate glass using a heat source.In the preparation step, a first plate glass and a second plate glass are arranged so that they are superimposed on each other with a release layer interposed therebetween, and in the molding step, a portion of the first plate glass and a portion of the second plate glass are thermally deformed toward the opening of the support stand, thereby forming a first protrusion on the first plate glass and a second protrusion on the second plate glass.

[0007] According to this method, the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet can be simultaneously formed by the above-mentioned forming step. At this time, the release layer provided between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet can prevent the first protrusion formed on the first glass sheet from fusing with the second protrusion formed on the second glass sheet. This makes it possible to easily separate the first glass article formed from the first glass sheet and the second glass article formed from the second glass sheet.

[0008] In the method for producing a glass article, the release layer may contain powder. According to this method, the release layer can be easily disposed by, for example, spraying or coating in the preparation step.

[0009] In the method for manufacturing a glass article, the release layer may contain an inorganic material, which has heat resistance and can easily prevent the first protrusion and the second protrusion from welding to each other.

[0010] In the above-described method for manufacturing a glass article, the thickness of the release layer may be smaller than both the thickness of the first glass sheet and the thickness of the second glass sheet. This method can, for example, reduce the effect of the release layer on thermal deformation of the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet during the forming process. This can improve the formability of the glass sheets during the forming process.

[0011] In the method for manufacturing a glass article, the thickness of the first glass sheet and the thickness of the second glass sheet may be in the range of 10 μm to 1500 μm, and the method is suitable for forming glass sheets having such a thickness. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the productivity of glass articles can be easily increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a glass article according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, for the sake of convenience, some components may be shown exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ from the actual ratios.

[0015] <Glass articles> As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing method of a glass article 11 of this embodiment produces a first glass article 11a and a second glass article 11b. The first glass article 11a has a plate-shaped first frame portion 12a and a first protrusion portion 13a provided inside the first frame portion 12a. The shape of the first protrusion portion 13a of this embodiment is a dome shape formed to bulge from the first frame portion 12a and is circular in plan view. The shape of the first protrusion portion 13a may be a shape other than a circle. Examples of shapes other than a circle include polygonal shapes such as a triangle or a rectangle, and elliptical shapes.

[0016] The second glass article 11b has a second frame portion 12b and a second protrusion portion 13b. The second glass article 11b also has the same shape as the first glass article 11a.

[0017] The glass of the glass article 11 may be alkali-free glass or alkali-containing glass. The thickness of the glass article 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a thickness that allows easy deformation by heat. The thickness of the first glass article 11a and the second glass article 11b are preferably within the range of 10 μm or more and 1500 μm or less.

[0018] <Glass article manufacturing equipment> Next, a manufacturing apparatus for the glass article 11 will be described. 2, the manufacturing apparatus for the glass article 11 includes a support table 14 for supporting a glass sheet GS. The support table 14 includes a support portion 14a for supporting the glass sheet GS and a space portion 14b having an opening surrounded by the support portion 14a. The glass sheet GS is composed of a first glass sheet GS1 for forming the first glass article 11a and a second glass sheet GS2 for forming the second glass article 11b.

[0019] The support portion 14a of the support base 14 has a support surface that supports the main surface of the first glass sheet GS1. The space portion 14b of the support base 14 allows for thermal deformation of a portion of the glass sheet GS. In this embodiment, the opening of the space portion 14b has a circular opening edge E1, but is not limited to this. Examples of shapes of the opening edge E1 other than a circle include polygonal shapes such as a triangular shape or a rectangular shape, and elliptical shapes.

[0020] The space 14b of the support base 14 may be formed by a through-hole that penetrates the support base 14 as in this embodiment, or may be formed by a recess having an inner bottom. Examples of materials that form the support base 14 include metals and ceramics.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , the manufacturing apparatus for a glass article 11 includes a heat source 15 for heating a first glass sheet GS1 and a second glass sheet GS2 arranged on a support table 14. In this embodiment, the heat source 15 is a burner that sprays a flame FL toward the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2. By using a burner as the heat source 15, the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can be softened relatively quickly. The heating method of the heat source 15 is not limited to a heating method using a flame FL, and may be, for example, resistance heating or laser heating. The heat source 15 may also be superheated steam. Furthermore, the heat source 15 may be configured by combining heat sources of different heating methods. In particular, by using superheated steam as the heat source 15, the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can be efficiently heated.

[0022] <Method of manufacturing glass articles> Next, a method for manufacturing the glass article 11 will be described together with its main functions. The manufacturing method of the glass article 11 includes a preparation step and a molding step. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the preparation step, a glass sheet GS is supported on the support stand 14. In the preparation step, a first glass sheet GS1 and a second glass sheet GS2 are arranged so as to overlap each other with a release layer RL interposed therebetween.

[0023] The thickness of the first glass sheet GS1 and the thickness of the second glass sheet GS2 may be the same or different. The thickness of the first glass sheet GS1 is preferably 90 to 110, where the thickness of the second glass sheet GS2 is 100. The outer dimensions of the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 may be the same or different.

[0024] The release layer RL prevents the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 from fusing together during the molding process. Such a release layer RL contains a material that has higher heat resistance than the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2. Specifically, the release layer RL contains a material that has a higher softening temperature than the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2. The softening temperature of the release layer RL is preferably 100° C. or more higher than the softening temperatures (softening points) of the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2.

[0025] The release layer RL of this embodiment contains powder P. The powder P is preferably a powder of an inorganic material. Examples of inorganic materials for the powder P include boron nitride, aluminum oxide, carbonates (calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, sodium carbonate), silicates, etc. Only one type of powder P may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination.

[0026] The release layer RL can be disposed between the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 by providing it on at least one of the main surfaces of the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2. Examples of methods for providing the release layer RL containing the powder P include a method of spraying the powder P using a propellant, and a method of applying a coating material containing the powder P using a roller, a brush, or the like.

[0027] The thickness of the release layer RL is preferably smaller than the thickness of the first glass sheet GS1 and the thickness of the second glass sheet GS2. In this case, the formability of the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 in the forming process is likely to be good. The thickness of the release layer RL is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 5 μm or more, and even more preferably 10 μm or more. The larger the thickness of the release layer RL, the more effectively the welding between the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can be suppressed. The thickness of the release layer RL is preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 70 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or less. The smaller the thickness of the release layer RL, the more effectively the formability of the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 in the forming process is likely to be good.

[0028] Furthermore, by adjusting the thickness of the release layer RL, it is possible to adjust the height or outer dimensions of the second protrusion 13b of the second glass article 11b, which makes it possible to easily manufacture the second glass article 11b having the second protrusion 13b of the desired dimensions.

[0029] 3 and 4, in the forming step in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, the glass plate GS is formed using the heat source 15. In the forming step, a portion of the first glass plate GS1 and a portion of the second glass plate GS2 are thermally deformed toward the inside of the opening of the support base 14.

[0030] In the forming process, when a portion of the first glass sheet GS1 is thermally deformed into a shape that follows the opening edge E1 of the support base 14, a portion of the second glass sheet GS2 is thermally deformed in accordance with the deformation of the first glass sheet GS1. In the forming process, a first protrusion 13a is formed on the first glass sheet GS1, and a second protrusion 13b is formed on the second glass sheet GS2.

[0031] According to this method, the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can be simultaneously formed through the molding process. At this time, the release layer RL provided between the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can prevent the first protrusion 13a formed on the first glass sheet GS1 from fusing with the second protrusion 13b formed on the second glass sheet GS2. This allows the first glass article 11a formed from the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass article 11b formed from the second glass sheet GS2 to be easily separated. In other words, the process of separating the first glass article 11a and the second glass article 11b after the molding process can be easily performed.

[0032] 4, the second protrusion 13b of the second glass article 11b is formed along the inner surface of the first protrusion 13a of the first glass article 11a, and therefore the outer dimensions of the second protrusion 13b of the second glass article 11b are smaller than the outer dimensions of the first protrusion 13a of the first glass article 11a.

[0033] In the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, it is preferable to carry out a cleaning step of cleaning the glass article 11. By such a cleaning step, the release layer RL can be removed from the glass article 11, and the cleanliness of the glass article 11 can be easily improved. An example of the cleaning step is a step of washing away the release layer RL with a cleaning liquid such as water. In the cleaning step, ultrasonic cleaning is preferably carried out.

[0034] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The method for manufacturing a glass article 11 includes a preparation step of supporting a glass sheet GS on a support stand 14 having support portions 14a for supporting the glass sheet GS and an opening surrounded by the support portions 14a, and a shaping step of shaping the glass sheet GS using a heat source 15. In the preparation step, a first glass sheet GS1 and a second glass sheet GS2 are arranged so as to overlap each other with a release layer RL interposed therebetween. In the shaping step, a portion of the first glass sheet GS1 and a portion of the second glass sheet GS2 are thermally deformed toward the inside of the opening of the support stand 14. In the shaping step, a first protrusion 13a is formed on the first glass sheet GS1, and a second protrusion 13b is formed on the second glass sheet GS2.

[0035] According to this method, as described above, the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can be simultaneously formed through the forming process. Furthermore, the first glass article 11a and the second glass article 11b can be easily separated. Therefore, the productivity of the glass article 11 can be easily improved.

[0036] (2) In the preparation step of the method for manufacturing the glass article 11, the release layer RL preferably contains powder P. In this case, for example, in the preparation step, the release layer RL can be easily disposed by spraying, coating, or the like. Therefore, the productivity of the glass article 11 can be easily improved.

[0037] (3) In the preparation step of the method for manufacturing the glass article 11, the release layer RL preferably contains an inorganic material. In this case, the heat resistance of the inorganic material can easily prevent the first protrusion 13a and the second protrusion 13b from fusing together. This allows for stable production of the glass article 11.

[0038] (4) The thickness of the release layer RL is preferably smaller than the thickness of the first glass sheet GS1 and the thickness of the second glass sheet GS2. In this case, for example, during the forming process, the effect of the release layer RL on the thermal deformation of the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 can be suppressed. This makes it easier to improve the formability of the glass sheet GS during the forming process. More specifically, for example, heat is more easily conducted from the heat source 15 to the second glass sheet GS2, the release layer RL, and the first glass sheet GS1 in that order. This makes it easier to promote the thermal deformation of the glass sheet GS.

[0039] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0040] The release layer RL can also be disposed between the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 using a release sheet material. Examples of the release sheet material include a release sheet material containing an inorganic material such as an alumina fiber sheet.

[0041] In the forming step of the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, an external force generator may be used to apply an external force to the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2. In this case, thermal deformation of a portion of the first glass sheet GS1 and a portion of the second glass sheet GS2 can be promoted. Examples of external force generators include a superheated steam generator, a gas injection device, and an exhaust device. The superheated steam generator injects superheated steam in a direction that presses the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 toward the space 14b of the support base 14. By using a superheated steam generator as the external force generator, both heating and external force generation can be performed simultaneously. The gas injection device injects gas in a direction that presses the first glass sheet GS1 and the second glass sheet GS2 toward the space 14b of the support base 14. The exhaust device exhausts gas present in the space 14b of the support base 14, thereby creating a negative pressure within the space 14b of the support base 14. This allows a portion of the first glass sheet GS1 to be sucked into the space 14b of the support base 14, thereby promoting the thermal deformation of the portion of the first glass sheet GS1. A portion of the second glass sheet GS2 can be thermally deformed in response to the thermal deformation of the portion of the first glass sheet GS1. An example of the exhaust device is a pump using a Venturi mechanism.

[0042] In the preparation process, a release layer RL may be provided so as to contact the entire main surface of the first glass plate GS1 and the entire main surface of the second glass plate GS2, or a release layer may be provided on the main surface of the first glass plate GS1 and the main surface of the second glass plate GS2 in a portion that is to be thermally deformed.

[0043] The space 14b of the support base 14 used in the forming process may be formed from a recess having an inner bottom, and the first protrusion 13a may be formed in the forming process by bringing a part of the first glass sheet GS1 into contact with the inner surface of the recess of the support base 14. In this case, for example, it is possible to regulate the shape and outer dimensions of the first protrusion 13a by the recess.

[0044] The support table 14 used in the molding step may have a plurality of spaces 14b opening into the support portion 14a. In this case, a first glass article having a plurality of first protrusions and a second glass article having a plurality of second protrusions can be obtained.

[0045] By repeating the preparation step and the molding step multiple times, a first glass article having a plurality of first protrusions and a second glass article having a plurality of second protrusions can be obtained. In the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, three glass articles are manufactured using two glass sheets GS, but three or more glass sheets may be used to manufacture three or more glass articles simultaneously. For example, when manufacturing three glass articles using three glass sheets, in the preparation step, a third glass sheet is placed on top of the second glass sheet GS2. In this case, a release layer may be further placed between the second glass sheet GS2 and the third glass sheet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 11...Glass items 11a...First glass article 11b...Second glass article 12a...First frame portion 12b...Second frame part 13a...first protrusion 13b...Second protrusion 14...Support stand 14a...Support part 14b…Space part 15...Heating source GS: Plate glass GS1...the first flat glass GS2: Second glass pane P…Powder RL...Release layer

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass article having a plate-shaped frame portion and a protrusion portion provided inside the frame portion, a preparation step of supporting the glass sheet on a support base having a support portion for supporting the glass sheet and an opening surrounded by the support portion; a forming step of forming the glass sheet using a heat source, In the preparation step, a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet are arranged so as to overlap each other with a release layer interposed therebetween, In the forming step, a portion of the first glass sheet and a portion of the second glass sheet are thermally deformed toward the opening of the support base, thereby forming a first protrusion on the first glass sheet and a second protrusion on the second glass sheet; the heat source is superheated steam, In the forming step, the superheated steam is sprayed onto the first glass plate and the second glass plate.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1 , wherein the release layer contains a powder.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the release layer contains an inorganic material.

4. 4. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the thickness dimension of the release layer is smaller than both the thickness dimension of the first glass plate and the thickness dimension of the second glass plate.

5. 5. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first glass sheet and the thickness of the second glass sheet are each within a range of 10 μm or more and 1500 μm or less.

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