Hopper mechanism and glass product production device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of glass production. Disclosed are a hopper mechanism and a glass product production device. The hopper mechanism comprises a housing and a discharging hopper, the discharging hopper being arranged in the housing. The bottom of the housing is provided with a clearance opening. The discharging hopper is provided with a discharging nozzle, the discharging nozzle comprising a heat preservation section and an exposed section which are connected to each other, the heat preservation section being arranged in the clearance opening, the exposed section extending out of the clearance opening, and the height range of the exposed section being 20 mm to 50 mm. Compared with the prior art, the hopper mechanism provided by the present disclosure uses the heat preservation section arranged in the clearance opening and the exposed section extending out of the clearance opening, so that the hopper mechanism can effectively avoid the risk of sticking onto rollers during rolling processes and the defect of creases after rolling, thereby ensuring the forming quality of glass.

Description

Hopper mechanism and glass product production device

[0001] Cross-references to related publications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application number 2023108052982, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on June 30, 2023, entitled “A hopper mechanism and a glass product production device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of glass production, and in particular to a hopper mechanism and a glass product production device. Background Art

[0004] In the production process of glass products, the general rolling method uses a combination of traditional lip bricks, side bricks, and vertical rolling rollers. This method is prone to problems such as cooling of the glass at the edges, crystallization, large thickness differences of the glass sheet, and difficulty in thinning. To solve this problem, a horizontal rolling roller structure is provided, which is suitable for a feeding method in which the glass melt flows vertically downward. During the rolling process, the glass melt in the hopper falls into the gap between the rollers, forming a material beach. Under the squeezing and cooling action of the rollers, a glass ribbon is formed. Under this forming method, the glass melt has neither the time nor the space to cool down nor crystallize, thus effectively avoiding the problems of glass cooling and crystallization at the edges of the side bricks and lip bricks.

[0005] However, the inventors discovered through experiments that during the rolling process of the glass melt, roller sticking often occurs, and quality defects such as fold marks often appear on the obtained glass products after the rolling process is completed.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a hopper mechanism and a glass product production device, which can effectively avoid the risk of roller sticking during the rolling process and the folding mark defects of the glass product after the rolling is completed, thereby ensuring the molding quality of the glass.

[0008] The present disclosure is implemented by adopting the following technical solutions.

[0009] A hopper mechanism includes an outer shell and a discharge hopper. The discharge hopper is arranged in the outer shell. A clearance opening is opened at the bottom of the outer shell. The discharge hopper is provided with a discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle includes an insulation section and an exposed section connected to each other. The insulation section is arranged in the clearance opening. The exposed section extends out of the clearance opening. The height range of the exposed section is 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0010] Optionally, the discharge nozzle is arranged in a flat shape; the sum of the heights of the insulation section and the exposed section ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle, and / or the orifice length of the discharge nozzle ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle.

[0011] Optionally, the orifice width of the discharge nozzle ranges from 12 mm to 20 mm; the sum of the heights of the insulation section and the exposed section ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, and / or the orifice length of the discharge nozzle ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm.

[0012] Optionally, the corners of the orifice of the discharge nozzle are rounded.

[0013] Optionally, there are multiple discharge nozzles, which are arranged side by side and at intervals on the discharge hopper.

[0014] Optionally, the distance between two adjacent discharge nozzles ranges from 45% to 55% of the orifice length of the discharge nozzle.

[0015] Optionally, the distance between two adjacent discharge nozzles ranges from 12 mm to 40 mm.

[0016] Optionally, a reinforcing rib is provided between two adjacent discharge nozzles.

[0017] Optionally, the hopper mechanism further includes insulation bricks, which are arranged in the outer shell, and the insulation bricks are provided with avoidance grooves, which are connected to the give way openings, and the insulation section is arranged in the avoidance grooves, and the insulation bricks are configured to insulate the insulation section.

[0018] Optionally, the hopper mechanism further includes a heat-insulating layer, which is disposed between the outer shell and the discharge hopper.

[0019] A glass product production device includes the above-mentioned hopper mechanism, which includes an outer shell and a discharge hopper. The discharge hopper is arranged in the outer shell, and a clearance opening is opened at the bottom of the outer shell. The discharge hopper is provided with a discharge nozzle, and the discharge nozzle includes an insulation section and an exposed section connected to each other. The insulation section is arranged in the clearance opening, and the exposed section extends out of the clearance opening. The height range of the exposed section is 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0020] The hopper mechanism and glass product production device provided by the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The hopper mechanism and the glass product production device disclosed in the present invention have a small height difference between the outlet of the exposed section of the discharge nozzle and the gap between the rollers, which can effectively reduce the falling height of the molten glass, shorten the contact time between the molten glass and the air, and avoid the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the molten glass when the molten glass falls and is stacked in the gap between the rollers, thereby ensuring that the molten glass is in a state of relatively uniform temperature before rolling, and avoiding the generation of folding mark defects after the molten glass is rolled. At the same time, by reasonably designing the height of the exposed section in the discharge nozzle, the molten glass can be effectively prevented from being blocked, ensuring that the height of the molten glass is in an appropriate state, avoiding the risk of sticking to the rollers, reducing the difficulty of rolling, and thus ensuring the molding quality of the glass products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a glass product production device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a hopper mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG3 is a top view of a discharge hopper in a hopper mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the hopper mechanism during the discharging process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG5 is a mathematical model diagram of a glass melt shoal formed in the gap between the rolling rollers when the hopper mechanism provides an embodiment of the present disclosure discharging material;

[0028] FIG6 is a top view of a discharge hopper in a hopper mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the hopper mechanism during the discharging process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG8 is a mathematical model diagram of a glass melt beach formed in the gap between the rolling rollers when the hopper mechanism provides an embodiment of the present disclosure discharging material;

[0031] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a glass product having a fold mark quality defect in the prior art;

[0032] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a glass product produced according to the present disclosure and having no fold mark quality defects.

[0033] Icons: 10 - Glass product production device; 100 - Hopper mechanism; 110 - Outer shell; 111 - Yield port; 120 - Discharge hopper; 121 - Discharge nozzle; 122 - Insulation section; 123 - Exposed section; 124 - Reinforcement rib; 125 - Hopper body; 130 - Insulation brick; 131 - Avoidance groove; 140 - Insulation layer; 200 - Calendering rollers; 210 - Gap between rollers; 300 - Glass melt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all of them. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0035] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as claimed, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0036] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, its alternative definition and explanation in subsequent drawings is not required.

[0037] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "inside," "outside," "upper," "lower," and "horizontal" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientations or positional relationships in which the disclosed product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present disclosure and simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used solely to distinguish between descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "connected," "installed," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The following describes some embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the features of the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a glass product production apparatus 10 configured to produce glass products. This apparatus effectively avoids the risk of roller sticking during the rolling process and folding defects after rolling, thereby ensuring the quality of the glass products. It should be noted that glass products include glass and glass-ceramics.

[0041] The glass product production apparatus 10 includes a liquid supply channel (not shown), a hopper mechanism 100, and a pair of rolling rollers 200. The liquid supply channel is configured to feed molten glass 300 into the hopper mechanism 100. The hopper mechanism 100 is configured to feed the molten glass 300 into the pair of rolling rollers 200 in a waterfall-like manner, forming a shoal within the gap 210 between the pair of rolling rollers 200. The pair of rolling rollers 200 is configured to extrude and cool the molten glass 300 to form a glass product.

[0042] Referring to FIG2 , the hopper mechanism 100 includes a housing 110 and a discharge hopper 120. The discharge hopper 120 is made of platinum, optionally a platinum-rhodium alloy. In one embodiment, it is composed of 90% platinum and 10% rhodium (by mass), and its overall structure is funnel-shaped. The discharge hopper 120 is disposed within the housing 110 and is connected to a liquid supply channel configured to deliver the molten glass 300 into the discharge hopper 120. The discharge hopper 120 is provided with a discharge nozzle 121, which is arranged above the calendering rollers 200. The mouth position of the discharge nozzle 121 corresponds to the position of the roller gap 210. The discharge nozzle 121 is configured to output the glass melt 300 into the roller gap 210 so that the glass melt 300 forms a material beach in the roller gap 210. A clearance port 111 is provided at the bottom of the shell 110. The clearance port 111 is configured to make way for the discharge nozzle 121 to avoid affecting the discharge of the glass melt 300.

[0043] Referring to FIG3 , in particular, the discharge hopper 120 includes a hopper body 125 and a discharge nozzle 121. The discharge nozzle 121 is provided at one end of the hopper body 125 close to the calendering rollers 200. The length of the discharge nozzle 121 in the vertical direction is 24 mm to 80 mm, that is, the portion from 24 mm to 80 mm upward from the bottom of the discharge hopper 120 is the discharge nozzle 121, and the remaining portion is the hopper body 125. In one embodiment, the hopper body 125 and the discharge nozzle 121 can be connected by welding, and can be optionally made into an integral molding to ensure the airtightness of the connection between the hopper body 125 and the discharge nozzle 121. The outer shell 110 is a steel structure. The shape of the outer shell 110 can be cylindrical or cubic, and can be optionally funnel-shaped, similar to the shape of the discharge hopper 120. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outer shell 110 gradually decreases from top to bottom. An accommodating space for installing the discharge hopper 120 is defined inside the housing 110 . The hopper body 125 is disposed in the accommodating space of the housing 110 to be surrounded by the housing 110 , and the discharge nozzle 121 extends from the clearance opening 111 .

[0044] It is noteworthy that there is only one discharge nozzle 121, which comprises a heat-insulating section 122 and an exposed section 123 connected to each other. The heat-insulating section 122 is connected to the hopper body 125, while the exposed section 123 is located on the side of the heat-insulating section 122 away from the hopper body 125. Under the action of gravity, the molten glass 300 in the hopper body 125 can flow through the heat-insulating section 122 and the exposed section 123 in sequence into the roller gap 210. Specifically, the heat-insulating section 122 is located within the clearance opening 111, meaning that the heat-insulating section 122 is within the coverage of the housing 110. The exposed section 123 extends beyond the clearance opening 111, meaning that the exposed section 123 is not within the coverage of the housing 110.

[0045] Research by the present author has found that the reason why quality defects such as fold marks often appear on glass products obtained through horizontal rolling roller forming is that the molten glass 300 is exposed to air for a long time when flowing from the discharge port into the gap 210 between the rollers. This creates a temperature difference between the surface temperature of the molten glass 300 and the interior temperature. This leads to uneven temperature of the molten glass 300, and a large temperature difference forms in the gap 210 between the rollers. This uneven temperature leads to uneven viscosity. The higher the viscosity of the molten glass 300, the greater the force required during rolling. After rolling, fold marks are ultimately formed on the glass product, causing quality defects. To address this issue, the present disclosure specifically designs the discharge nozzle 121 to address the fold mark defect problem. It should be noted that when the device disclosed herein is discharging materials, the hopper body 125 and the discharge nozzle 121 can be electrically heated. After the hopper body 125 and the discharge nozzle 121 are electrically heated, the outer shell 110 can gather the heat to prevent the heat from directly exchanging heat with the air, thereby playing a certain role in heat preservation. The discharge nozzle 121 is divided into two parts (an insulation section 122 and an exposed section 123) that are connected in sequence. On the one hand, the insulation section 122 arranged in the shell 110 cooperates with the shell 110 to insulate the glass melt 300 in the insulation section 122, thereby ensuring the temperature stability of the glass melt 300 when it flows into the exposed section 123, and avoiding a large amount of heat loss causing a temperature difference; on the other hand, the exposed section 123 is used to extend into the gap 210 between the rollers. Since there is no shell 110 covering it, the volume of the exposed section 123 is smaller, and it can be extended deeper into the gap 210 between the rollers without affecting the normal operation of the calendering rollers 200. Compared with the prior art, the hopper discharge port is provided with a plurality of heat exchangers. The "U-shaped" insulation material causes the volume of the discharge port to increase, preventing the discharge port from extending deeper into the gap between the rollers. In the present disclosure, the gap between the outlet of the exposed section 123 and the gap 210 is small, and the glass melt 300 flowing from the exposed section 123 has a small drop height when flowing into the gap 210. This can effectively reduce the drop height of the glass melt 300, shorten the contact time between the glass melt 300 and the air, and avoid temperature differences between the inside and outside of the glass melt 300. This ensures that the glass melt shoal is in a relatively uniform temperature state before rolling, avoids fold mark defects caused by the glass melt after rolling (as shown in A in Figure 9), and ensures the quality of glass molding. In addition, during the rolling process of the glass melt 300, the phenomenon of roller sticking may occur. This is because the size of the discharge nozzle 121 is not set properly. This will result in a large amount of glass melt 300 being retained in the gap 210 between the rollers during the rolling process, forming a large shoal height, thereby increasing the risk of roller sticking. In this regard, the present disclosure divides the discharge nozzle 121 into an insulation section 122 and an exposed section 123, and reasonably designs the height of the exposed section 123 to ensure that the height of the glass melt is in an appropriate state, avoid the risk of roller sticking, and effectively prevent the glass melt 300 from being blocked.

[0046] In one embodiment, since no insulation measures are provided outside the exposed section 123, heat loss is inevitably generated during the flow of the molten glass 300 within the exposed section 123, resulting in a temperature drop of the molten glass 300. To address this issue, the height of the exposed section 123 is set to be within a range of 20 mm to 50 mm, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as 25-50 mm, 30-50 mm, 35-50 mm, 40-50 mm, 45-50 mm, 20-45 mm, 20-40 mm, 20-35 mm, 20-30 mm, and 20-25 mm. A reasonable height of the exposed section 123 can ensure that the overall temperature drop of the molten glass 300 is within an acceptable range (without affecting normal glass rolling and forming) while minimizing the drop height of the molten glass 300 from the exposed section 123 to the roller gap 210, thereby minimizing the contact time between the molten glass 300 and the air and avoiding a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the molten glass 300.

[0047] In one embodiment, referring again to FIG. 2 , to optionally insulate the hopper body 120, the hopper mechanism 100 further includes insulation bricks 130 and an insulation layer 140. The insulation layer 140 is disposed between the outer shell 110 and the discharge hopper 120. The insulation layer 140 is configured to provide thermal insulation and insulation, thereby reducing heat loss from the molten glass 300 within the discharge hopper 120 and preventing burns or electric shocks to personnel. Optionally, the insulation bricks 130 are disposed within the outer shell 110 and at the bottom of the outer shell 110. The insulation bricks 130 are arranged at a height that matches the height of the insulation section 122, thereby surrounding the insulation section 122. Specifically, the insulation brick 130 is provided with an avoidance groove 131, the insulation section 122 is arranged in the avoidance groove 131, the avoidance groove 131 is connected to the give way port 111, and the discharge nozzle 121 is arranged through the avoidance groove 131 and the give way port 111 in sequence, wherein the insulation section 122 is arranged in the avoidance groove 131, and the insulation brick 130 is configured to insulate the insulation section 122, thereby improving the insulation effect of the insulation section 122 on the glass melt 300; the exposed section 123 is arranged outside the avoidance groove 131, and no insulation brick 130 is arranged outside the exposed section 123 to reduce the volume of the exposed section 123, so as to facilitate the exposed section 123 to extend deeper into the gap 210 between the two rollers without affecting the normal operation of the calendering rollers 200.

[0048] Alternatively, the present inventors have discovered that improperly shaped discharge nozzles 121 in the prior art can also result in a large amount of molten glass 300 being retained within the gap 210 between the rollers during the rolling process, resulting in a relatively high shoal of molten glass 300, which can cause the molten glass 300 to stick to the rollers during the rolling process. To address this, the present invention rationally designs the shape (length, width, height, and their ratios) of the discharge nozzle 121 to effectively prevent clogging of the molten glass 300, ensure the appropriate shoal height, reduce the risk of sticking to the rollers, and ease the difficulty of rolling.

[0049] In one embodiment, the heat-insulating section 122 of the discharge nozzle 121 is generally terraced, and the exposed section 123 is generally cubical. The opening of the discharge nozzle 121 (i.e., the opening of the exposed section 123) is rectangular, having a relatively long side and a relatively short side. The length of the long side is the length of the opening of the discharge nozzle 121, and the length of the short side is the width of the opening of the discharge nozzle 121. The discharge nozzle 121 is configured to allow the glass melt 300 to flow downward in a vertical direction. The vertical length of the discharge nozzle 121 is the height of the discharge nozzle 121, which is the sum of the heights of the heat-insulating section 122 and the exposed section 123.

[0050] Optionally, the sum of the heights of the heat-insulating section 122 and the exposed section 123 ranges from 2 times to 4 times the width of the orifice of the discharge nozzle 121, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as 2-2.5 times, 2.5-3 times, 2-3.5 times, 3-3.5 times, 3-4 times, 3.5-4 times, etc. Specifically, the sum of the heights of the heat-insulating section 122 and the exposed section 123 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, that is, the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as 30-80 mm, 40-80 mm, 50-80 mm, 60-80 mm, 70-80 mm, 24-70 mm, 30-70 mm, 40-70 mm, 50-70 mm, 60-70 mm, 30-50 mm, 30-70 mm, 40-65 mm, etc.

[0051] In one embodiment, the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, and the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 is approximately 2 to 4 times the width of the orifice. Within this range, the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 can extend as deeply as possible into the gap 210 between the two rollers while ensuring that the molten glass 300 does not become blocked. If the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 is less than 2 times the width of the orifice, the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 is too small and cannot extend deeper into the gap 210 between the two rollers. If the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 is greater than 4 times the width of the orifice, the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 is too large, and the molten glass 300 is prone to becoming blocked when flowing through the exposed section 123 of the discharge nozzle 121 (there is no insulation device at the exposed section 123, and if its height is too large, the temperature of the molten glass 300 will drop too much, and even cold glass may cause blockage).

[0052] In one embodiment, the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as 2-2.5 times, 2.5-3 times, 2-3.5 times, 3-3.5 times, 3-4 times, 3.5-4 times, etc. Specifically, while the total height of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as 30-80 mm, 40-80 mm, 50-80 mm, 60-80 mm, 70-80 mm, 24-70 mm, 30-70 mm, 40-70 mm, 50-70 mm, 60-70 mm, 30-50 mm, 30-70 mm, 40-65 mm, etc.

[0053] In one embodiment, the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, and the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 is approximately 2 to 4 times the orifice width. Orifice lengths within this range ensure a relatively uniform flow of the supplied molten glass 300 along the length of the orifice. If the orifice length is less than 2 times the orifice width, the supplied molten glass 300 will be too concentrated, resulting in a high height of the shoal landing on the roller gap 210 and increasing the risk of roller sticking. If the orifice length is greater than 4 times the orifice width, the molten glass 300 will flow faster (higher temperature) in the middle of the orifice, while the molten glass 300 on both sides will flow slower (lower temperature, or even cold glass) along the length of the orifice, affecting the quality of glass forming.

[0054] In one embodiment, while the sum of the heights of the insulation section 122 and the exposed section 123 ranges from 2 to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 , the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 2 to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 . Specifically, the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 12 mm to 20 mm and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, for example, 12-16 mm, 12-17 mm, 12-18 mm, 12-19 mm, 13-16 mm, 13-17 mm, 13-18 mm, 13-19 mm, 14-15 mm, 14-16 mm, 14-17 mm, 14-18, 14-19 mm, 15-16 mm, 15-17 mm, 15-18 mm, 15-19 mm, 16-17 mm, 16-18 mm, 16-19 mm, 17-18 mm, 17-19 mm, 18-19 mm, etc.

[0055] In one embodiment, the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 12 mm to 20 mm. A reasonable orifice width ensures smooth outflow of the molten glass 300 and prevents clogging of the molten glass 300. The orifice width should not be too small. If the orifice width is less than 12 mm, the molten glass 300 may easily become clogged at the orifice and prevent smooth outflow. The orifice width should not be too large. If the orifice width is greater than 20 mm, the flow rate of the molten glass 300 is too high, and the molten glass 300 cannot be retained in the discharge hopper 120, making uniform feeding impossible.

[0056] In one embodiment, the corners of the opening of the discharge nozzle 121 are rounded to reduce the friction resistance of the glass melt 300 flowing in the discharge nozzle 121 and improve the smoothness and stability of the flow of the glass melt 300 .

[0057] Referring to Figure 4 (the calendering roller 200 located on the front side in Figure 4 is shown in perspective), it is worth noting that in the process of the hopper mechanism 100 delivering the glass melt 300 to the roller gap 210, due to the setting of the exposed section 123, the discharge nozzle 121 can extend deeper into the roller gap 210 without affecting the normal operation of the calendering roller 200. At this time, the waterfall-like glass melt 300 flowing out of the exposed section 123 flows to the roller gap 210. The falling height is relatively small, and the falling height ranges from 10 mm to 20 mm, so that the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the glass melt 300 is small, so that the temperature of the supplied glass melt 300 is uniform, thereby ensuring the molding quality of the glass. Optionally, the orifice of the discharge nozzle 121 is designed to be short and wide (the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 is short and the orifice width is large). This ensures that the temperature and flow rate of the molten glass 300 at the inner side and middle portions of the orifice are similar, resulting in a relatively uniform flow rate along the length of the orifice. Furthermore, the cascading molten glass 300 is thick and narrow, with a small surface area, resulting in less heat dissipation during the falling process, effectively preventing the temperature of the molten glass 300 from dropping too quickly. Furthermore, the hopper mechanism 100 can be mounted on a slide rail along the length of the orifice of the discharge nozzle 121 and coupled with a motor for left and right movement, with a single-side movement stroke of less than or equal to 20 mm. This allows adjustments to be made by moving the hopper mechanism 100 if there is a deviation in the left and right feeding of the hopper mechanism 100.

[0058] Compared to the prior art, the hopper mechanism 100 provided by the present disclosure utilizes a heat-insulating section 122 disposed within the clearance opening 111 and an exposed section 123 extending out of the clearance opening 111. Furthermore, by rationally designing the length, width, height, and ratios of the discharge nozzle 121, the hopper mechanism 100 can effectively prevent the glass melt 300 from becoming clogged, ensuring that the height of the sump is at an appropriate level, minimizing the risk of roller sticking and reducing the difficulty of rolling. Furthermore, the hopper mechanism 100 can effectively reduce the drop height of the glass melt 300, shortening the contact time of the glass melt 300 with air, ensuring that the glass melt sump is at a relatively uniform temperature before rolling, avoiding fold mark defects caused by the glass melt 300 after rolling, and ensuring the quality of the glass formed. This results in a high-quality glass product production device 10 with a high yield rate.

[0059] Optionally, please refer to Figures 6 to 8 (the calendering roller 200 located on the front side in Figure 7 is shown in perspective), the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hopper mechanism 100. Compared with the above embodiment, the difference of this embodiment is that the number of discharge nozzles 121 is multiple.

[0060] It should be noted that multiple discharge nozzles 121 are arranged side by side and spaced apart on the discharge hopper 120. The multiple discharge nozzles 121 are spaced apart along the length of the orifice of the discharge nozzle 121. The multiple discharge nozzles 121 work together to simultaneously discharge the molten glass 300. The use of multiple discharge nozzles 121 can reduce the height of the material pool within the gap 210 between the rollers, significantly reducing the risk of roller sticking, and reduce the lateral temperature difference of the glass ribbon formed after the rollers, thereby reducing the lateral thickness difference. In this embodiment, the number of discharge nozzles 121 is two, but this is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of discharge nozzles 121 can be three or four, and the number of discharge nozzles 121 is not specifically limited.

[0061] In one embodiment, the discharge hopper 120 is made of platinum, and reinforcing ribs 124 are provided between the discharge nozzles 121 to increase the strength of the discharge nozzles 121, resist the high-temperature creep of platinum, and prevent the discharge nozzles 121 from deforming at high temperatures. In addition, the discharge nozzles 121 can be made of a platinum-rhodium alloy to improve their ability to resist high-temperature deformation.

[0062] In one embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent discharge nozzles 121 ranges from 45% to 55% of the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as 45%-52%, 45%-50%, 45%-48%, 48%-55%, 50%-55%, 52%-55%, and so on. Specifically, 50% can be selected to ensure that the molten glass 300 entering the gap 210 forms a continuous slug. In this embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent discharge nozzles 121 ranges from 12 mm to 40 mm. The spacing between two adjacent discharge nozzles 121 should not be too small. If the spacing between two adjacent discharge nozzles 121 is too small, the corresponding slug height at the gap will be too high, increasing the risk of roller sticking. The spacing between two adjacent discharge nozzles 121 should not be too large. If the spacing between two adjacent discharge nozzles 121 is too large, the molten glass 300 entering the gap 210 will not form a continuous slug, affecting the glass forming quality.

[0063] Referring to FIG5 and FIG8 , a comparative analysis is made between the discharge from one discharge nozzle 121 and the discharge from two discharge nozzles 121 :

[0064] When a single discharge nozzle 121 is discharging, the contact time between the calendering rollers 200 and the molten glass 300 is tA = hA / V, where hA is the maximum height of the shoal and V is the rotational speed of the calendering rollers 200. When two discharge nozzles 121 are discharging, the contact time between the calendering rollers 200 and the molten glass 300 is tA1 = hA1 / V, where hA1 is the maximum height of the shoal and V is the rotational speed of the calendering rollers 200. Because the height of the shoal is greater when a single discharge nozzle 121 is used compared to when two discharge nozzles 121 are used, i.e., hA is greater than hA1, the contact time between the molten glass 300 and the calendering rollers 200 is longer when a single discharge nozzle 121 is used. The longer the contact time, the higher the roller surface temperature and the greater the risk of roller sticking. Therefore, using multiple discharge nozzles 121 to supply material can reduce the height of the shoal within the gap 210 between the rollers, significantly reducing the risk of roller sticking.

[0065] Alternatively, the longer the contact time between the molten glass 300 and the rolling rollers 200, the lower the temperature of the glass ribbon behind the rollers. The contact time between point A and the molten glass 300 is longer than that between point A1 and the molten glass 300, so the temperature of the glass ribbon behind the rollers, TA, is less than TA1. Similarly, since points B and B1 are located at similar material beach heights, the contact time between the molten glass 300 and the rolling rollers 200 at points B and B1 is similar, and the temperature of the glass ribbon behind the rollers is nearly equal, i.e., TB = TB1. Thus, the lateral temperature difference of the glass ribbon can be calculated as ΔT = TB - TA, and ΔT1 = TB1 - TA1. Since TA < TA1 and TB = TB1, ΔT1 < ΔT. The smaller the material beach height, the smaller the lateral temperature difference of the glass ribbon.

[0066] Therefore, based on the above analysis, feeding with multiple discharge nozzles 121 can reduce the height of the material beach in the gap 210 between the rollers, shorten the contact time between the molten glass 300 and the rolling rollers 200, greatly reduce the risk of roller sticking, and also greatly reduce the lateral temperature difference of the glass ribbon.

[0067] In addition, in order to demonstrate the beneficial effects of the present disclosure, the inventors conducted multiple comparative experiments, and the experimental results are shown in the following table:

[0068] It can be seen from the above table that when there are two discharge nozzles 121, the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 12 mm to 20 mm, the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, the height of the exposed section 123 ranges from 20 mm to 50 mm, the orifice channel height (the sum of the heights of the insulation section 122 and the exposed section 123) ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, and the adjacent The distance between the two discharge nozzles 121 ranges from 45% to 55% of the length of the orifice of the discharge nozzle 121, which can effectively prevent the glass melt 300 from being blocked, ensure that the height of the material beach is in an appropriate state, have a low risk of sticking to the roller, and have low difficulty in rolling. It can also effectively reduce the falling height of the glass melt 300, shorten the contact time between the glass melt 300 and the air, avoid temperature differences inside and outside the glass melt 300, ensure the molding quality of the glass, and have no fish-scale folding mark quality defects (please compare with Figures 9 and 10).

[0069] Specifically, a comparison of Experiments 1 and 10 shows that if the orifice channel height is between 2 and 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, the risk of roller sticking is low; if the orifice channel height is less than 2 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, roller sticking is more likely to occur. A comparison of Experiments 1 and 11 shows that if the orifice channel height is between 2 and 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, clogging by molten glass 300 is less likely to occur; if the orifice channel height is greater than 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, clogging by molten glass 300 is more likely to occur, impacting normal production. From the comparison of experimental examples No. 1 and No. 7, it can be seen that if the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 is within the range of 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, the risk of roller sticking is low; if the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121 is less than 2 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121, roller sticking is likely to occur.

[0070] Comparing Experiments 1, 4, and 7, it can be seen that if the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 is within the range of 12 mm to 20 mm, molten glass 300 is less likely to become clogged by coagulation. If the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 is less than 12 mm, molten glass 300 is more likely to become clogged by coagulation. If the orifice width of the discharge nozzle 121 is greater than 20 mm, a pool of material will form, which can easily cause roller sticking. Comparing Experiments 1, 10, and 14, it can be seen that if the orifice channel height is within the range of 24 mm to 80 mm, the insertion depth of the discharge nozzle 121 is appropriate for feeding. If the orifice channel height is less than 24 mm, the discharge nozzle 121 cannot be inserted deeper into the roller gap 210. If the orifice channel height is greater than 80 mm, the cascading glass liquid has a large temperature difference between the inside and outside, resulting in obvious fish-scale folding defects on the rolled glass, affecting product quality.

[0071] When the number of discharge nozzles 121 is two or three, it can be seen from the comparison of experimental examples No. 1, No. 5 and No. 6 that if the orifice spacing is in the range of 45% to 55% of the orifice length, or the orifice spacing is in the range of 12 mm to 40 mm, the risk of roller sticking is low; if the orifice spacing is less than 45% of the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121, or the orifice spacing is less than 12 mm, roller sticking is likely to occur, affecting normal production; if the orifice spacing is greater than 55% of the orifice length of the discharge nozzle 121, or the orifice spacing is greater than 40 mm, two or three glass ribbons will be formed on the product, affecting product quality.

[0072] The hopper mechanism 100 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can realize multi-stage stable and uniform material feeding. The supplied glass melt 300 converges in the gap 210 between the rollers, and the material beach height is small, which is beneficial to reduce the risk of roller sticking and can also reduce the lateral thickness difference of the glass ribbon after the roller.

[0073] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present disclosure may be modified and varied in various ways. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Industrial Applicability

[0074] The hopper mechanism provided by the present invention adopts an insulation section arranged in the clearance port and an exposed section arranged extending out of the clearance port, so it can effectively avoid the risk of roller sticking during the rolling process and folding mark defects after rolling is completed, thereby ensuring the molding quality of the glass.

Claims

1. A hopper mechanism, characterized in that: It includes an outer shell and a discharge hopper, the discharge hopper is arranged in the outer shell, a clearance opening is opened at the bottom of the outer shell, the discharge hopper is provided with a discharge nozzle, the discharge nozzle includes an insulation section and an exposed section connected to each other, the insulation section is arranged in the clearance opening, the exposed section extends out of the clearance opening, and the height range of the exposed section is 20 mm to 50 mm.

2. The hopper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge nozzle is arranged in a flat shape; the sum of the heights of the insulation section and the exposed section ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle, and / or the orifice length of the discharge nozzle ranges from 2 times to 4 times the orifice width of the discharge nozzle.

3. The hopper mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The orifice width of the discharge nozzle ranges from 12 mm to 20 mm; the sum of the heights of the insulation section and the exposed section ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm, and / or the orifice length of the discharge nozzle ranges from 24 mm to 80 mm.

4. The hopper mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The corners of the orifice of the discharge nozzle are rounded.

5. The hopper mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The number of the discharge nozzles is multiple, and the multiple discharge nozzles are arranged side by side and at intervals on the discharge hopper.

6. The hopper mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent discharge nozzles ranges from 45% to 55% of the orifice length of the discharge nozzle.

7. The hopper mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent discharge nozzles ranges from 12 mm to 40 mm.

8. The hopper mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: A reinforcing rib is arranged between two adjacent discharge nozzles.

9. The hopper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The hopper mechanism also includes an insulation brick, which is arranged in the shell and has an avoidance groove, which is connected to the give-way port. The insulation section is arranged in the avoidance groove, and the insulation brick is configured to insulate the insulation section.

10. The hopper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The hopper mechanism further comprises a heat-insulating layer, and the heat-insulating layer is arranged between the shell and the discharge hopper.

11. A glass product production device, characterized in that: Comprising a hopper mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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