Forming device for ultra fold glass, and glass production apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of flexible glass production. Disclosed are a forming device for ultra fold glass, and a glass production apparatus. The forming device for ultra fold glass comprises a feed pipe, a homogenizing hopper and a discharge nozzle. The homogenizing hopper comprises a temporary-storage housing and two flow guide channels, wherein the two flow guide channels are oppositely connected to two sides of the feed pipe; the two flow guide channels are both connected to the temporary-storage housing, and the flow guide channels are arranged above the temporary-storage housing; the ends of the flow guide channels away from the feed pipe are lower than the ends of the flow guide channels close to the feed pipe; and the discharge nozzle is connected below the temporary-storage housing, and a flange is provided in the discharge nozzle. The forming device for ultra fold glass provided in the present application can realize one-step forming of ultra fold glass, and eliminates an etching step, thereby saving on time and effort, improving the production efficiency, reducing production costs and making it suitable for large-scale commercial production. Moreover, the discharge is uniform, the forming effect is good, various product defects are avoided, and the yield rate is high.

Description

A flexible glass forming apparatus with unequal thickness and glass production equipment

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411973672.0, filed on December 30, 2024, entitled "An apparatus for forming flexible glass of unequal thickness and glass production equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of flexible glass production technology, and more specifically, to a flexible glass forming apparatus with unequal thickness and glass production equipment. Background Technology

[0004] The rapid development of flexible AMOLED display technology has not only expanded the application scenarios of smart mobile terminals, but also become a hot topic in the field of future foldable displays due to its unique characteristics. As a key component of flexible AMOLED display panels, flexible display materials are distinguished from other materials by their lightweight, thin, and flexible characteristics and special manufacturing processes. Among them, ultra-thin flexible glass "UTG" and the emerging unequal thickness flexible glass "UFG" are the main types.

[0005] For flexible glass with unequal thickness, the technical challenge lies in controlling the thickness of the bending zone. Specifically, controlling the ultra-thin thickness of the groove in the bending zone is quite difficult. The existing manufacturing process involves secondary processing on the area to be bent in the middle of ordinary flat glass. However, the thickness of the groove in the bending zone often needs to be controlled by multiple etching processes. This process results in product defects such as uneven thickness transition between the bending and non-bending zones, uneven stress, and easy wrinkling. The yield rate is low, and the process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, inefficient, and costly, making it unsuitable for large-scale commercial production.

[0006] In view of this, it is particularly important to design and manufacture a flexible glass forming device and glass production equipment that can form glass in one step with a high yield rate, especially in the production of flexible glass.

[0007] Application content

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a flexible glass forming device with unequal thickness, which can realize the one-time forming of flexible glass with unequal thickness, eliminate the etching process, save time and labor, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, is suitable for large-scale commercial production, and has uniform output, good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield.

[0009] Another objective of this application is to provide a glass production equipment that can achieve one-time forming of flexible glass with varying thicknesses, eliminate the etching process, save time and labor, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, is suitable for large-scale commercial production, and produces uniform material, has good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield rate.

[0010] This application is implemented using the following technical solution.

[0011] A flexible glass forming apparatus with unequal thickness includes a feed pipe, a uniform hopper, a discharge nozzle, and a rolling mechanism. The uniform hopper includes a buffer shell and two flow channels. The two flow channels are connected to opposite sides of the feed pipe and are both connected to the buffer shell. The flow channels are located above the buffer shell, with the end of the flow channel away from the feed pipe lower than the end of the flow channel near the feed pipe, so as to guide a portion of the molten glass entering from the feed pipe to the end of the buffer shell. The discharge nozzle is connected to the lower part of the buffer shell and has a flange inside. The flange extends in the width direction of the nozzle opening. The rolling mechanism is spaced below the discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle and the rolling mechanism are configured together to form a flexible glass strip with unequal thickness.

[0012] Optionally, the drainage channel is set at a preset angle to the horizontal plane, with the preset angle ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0013] Optionally, the cross-section of the drainage channel is arc-shaped, and the buffer housing is centered with the drainage channel in its thickness direction, the thickness of the buffer housing being less than or equal to the diameter of the arc formed by the drainage channel.

[0014] Optionally, the central angle of the arc formed by the drainage channel ranges from 180 degrees to 320 degrees.

[0015] Optionally, an extension block is provided on the side of the discharge nozzle away from the buffer housing, and the flange extends to the extension block in a direction away from the buffer housing.

[0016] Optionally, the flange is disposed in the middle of the discharge nozzle; and / or, the ratio of the length of the flange to the length of the discharge nozzle is in the range of 0.05 to 0.15; and / or, the ratio of the protrusion height of the flange to the width of the discharge nozzle is in the range of 0.7 to 0.95.

[0017] Optionally, the buffer housing includes a straight section and a tapered section. Both flow channels are connected to the straight section. The tapered section has a large end and a small end, which are connected to the straight section and the small end is connected to the discharge nozzle.

[0018] Optionally, the ratio of the thickness of the large end to the thickness of the small end ranges from 1.1 to 2.

[0019] Optionally, the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device also includes two electric heating elements, which are arranged opposite to each other at both ends of the uniform material hopper and are both connected to the uniform material hopper.

[0020] Optionally, the calendering mechanism includes a first forming roller and a second forming roller arranged in parallel and spaced apart, forming a first pair of roller gaps between the first forming roller and the second forming roller, the first pair of roller gaps being spaced below the discharge nozzle, the roller surface of the first forming roller being provided with a forming ring, the position of the forming ring corresponding to the position of the flange, the first pair of roller gaps being configured to allow the flexible glass strip output from the discharge nozzle to pass through, and the forming ring being configured to press the thin area of ​​the flexible glass strip.

[0021] Optionally, the calendering mechanism includes a third forming roller and a fourth forming roller arranged in parallel and spaced apart, forming a second pair of roller gaps between the third forming roller and the fourth forming roller. The second pair of roller gaps is spaced below the first pair of roller gaps. The roller surface of the third forming roller has an annular groove, the position of which corresponds to the position of the flange. The second pair of roller gaps is configured to allow the flexible glass strip output from the first pair of roller gaps to pass through. The annular groove is configured to make way for the thin area of ​​the flexible glass strip. The third forming roller and the fourth forming roller are configured to press the straight area of ​​the flexible glass strip.

[0022] Optionally, the ratio of the gap between the first pair of rollers to the gap between the second pair of rollers ranges from 1 to 3.

[0023] Optionally, the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus also includes a temperature control furnace, which is located below the discharge nozzle and configured to allow the flexible glass strip output from the discharge nozzle to pass through and to control the temperature of the flexible glass strip.

[0024] Optionally, the temperature control furnace includes a slow cooling chamber and an annealing chamber, with the slow cooling chamber located above the annealing chamber. The slow cooling chamber is configured to slowly cool the flexible glass strip, and the annealing chamber is configured to anneal the flexible glass strip.

[0025] A glass production apparatus includes the aforementioned unequal thickness flexible glass forming device. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming device includes a feed pipe, a leveling hopper, a discharge nozzle, and a rolling mechanism. The leveling hopper includes a buffer shell and two guiding channels. The two guiding channels are connected opposite to each other on both sides of the feed pipe and are both connected to the buffer shell. The guiding channels are positioned above the buffer shell, with the end of the guiding channel furthest from the feed pipe lower than the end closest to the feed pipe, so as to guide a portion of the molten glass entering from the feed pipe to the end of the buffer shell. The discharge nozzle is connected below the buffer shell and has a flange inside, extending in the width direction of the nozzle opening. The rolling mechanism is spaced below the discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle and the rolling mechanism are configured together to form a flexible glass strip of unequal thickness.

[0026] The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus and glass production equipment provided in this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0027] The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in this application includes a uniform feed hopper comprising a buffer shell and two flow channels. The two flow channels are connected to opposite sides of the feed pipe and are both connected to the buffer shell. The flow channels are positioned above the buffer shell, with the end of the flow channel furthest from the feed pipe lower than the end of the flow channel closest to the feed pipe, so as to guide the portion of the molten glass entering from the feed pipe to the end of the buffer shell. The discharge nozzle is connected to the lower part of the buffer shell, and a flange is provided inside the discharge nozzle, extending in the direction of the nozzle opening width. A rolling mechanism is spaced below the discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle and the rolling mechanism are configured together to form a flexible glass strip of unequal thickness. Compared with the prior art, the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device provided in this application adopts a flow channel with the end away from the feed pipe lower than the end near the feed pipe and a discharge nozzle with a flange. Therefore, it can realize one-time forming of unequal thickness flexible glass, eliminate the etching process, save time and labor, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, is suitable for large-scale commercial production, and has uniform material output, good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield.

[0028] The glass production equipment provided in this application includes a flexible glass forming device with unequal thickness, which can realize one-time forming of flexible glass with unequal thickness, eliminate the etching process, save time and labor, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, is suitable for large-scale commercial production, and has uniform output, good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield rate. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 is a front view of the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible glass strip formed by the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the feed pipe connected to the discharge nozzle through the uniform material hopper in the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 5 is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application, in which the feed pipe is connected to the discharge nozzle through the uniform material hopper.

[0035] Figure 6 is a third-view structural diagram of the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in this application embodiment, in which the feed pipe is connected to the discharge nozzle through the uniform material hopper.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the uniform material hopper and the discharge nozzle in the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first forming roller and the second forming roller in the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the third forming roller and the fourth forming roller in the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 10 is a simulation diagram of the flow of glass melt in the uniform feed hopper in the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 11 is a simulation diagram of the flow of molten glass in the discharge nozzle in the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0041] Icons: 100 - Flexible glass forming device with varying thickness; 110 - Feed pipe; 120 - Uniform material hopper; 121 - Buffer shell; 122 - Drainage channel; 123 - Straight section; 124 - Gradient section; 1241 - Large end; 1242 - Small end; 130 - Discharge nozzle; 131 - Flange; 132 - Extension block; 140 - Electric heating element; 150 - First forming roller; 151 - Forming ring; 160 - Second forming roller; 170 - First pair of rollers gap; 180 - Third forming roller; 181 - Annular groove; 190 - Fourth forming roller; 200 - Second pair of rollers gap; 210 - Temperature regulating furnace; 211 - Slow cooling chamber; 212 - Annealing chamber; 220 - Traction roller; 300 - Flexible glass belt; 310 - Straight area; 320 - Thin area. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0043] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only configured to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," "installed," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, this application provides a glass production equipment (not shown) configured to produce flexible glass. It enables one-time forming of flexible glass of varying thicknesses, eliminating etching steps, saving time and labor, improving production efficiency, reducing production costs, and is suitable for large-scale commercial production. Furthermore, it produces uniform output, achieves good forming results, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield rate.

[0049] It should be noted that the glass production equipment includes a feeding channel (not shown in the figure) and an unequal thickness flexible glass forming device 100. The feeding channel is connected to the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device 100, and the feeding channel is configured to feed the molten glass into the unequal thickness flexible glass forming device 100, which is configured to form unequal thickness flexible glass.

[0050] The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus 100 includes a feed pipe 110, a uniform material hopper 120, a discharge nozzle 130, and a rolling mechanism (not shown in the figure). The feed pipe 110, the uniform material hopper 120, and the discharge nozzle 130 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The feeding channel is connected to the feed pipe 110, and the feed pipe 110 is connected to the discharge nozzle 130 through the uniform material hopper 120. The feeding channel is configured to input molten glass into the feed pipe 110, so that the molten glass enters the uniform hopper 120 through the feed pipe 110. During this process, the molten glass diffuses evenly and flows continuously downward in the uniform hopper 120 to achieve the buffering function of the molten glass. Afterward, the molten glass in the uniform hopper 120 flows out evenly through the discharge nozzle 130 to form a flexible glass strip 300. During this process, the discharge nozzle 130 can limit the molten glass so that the flexible glass strip 300 has a flat area 310 and a thin area 320 (the thickness of the thin area 320 is less than the thickness of the flat area 310), thereby forming a prototype of flexible glass with unequal thickness, which is convenient for subsequent production.

[0051] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, and Figures 10 and 11, the uniform material hopper 120 includes a buffer housing 121 and two flow channels 122. The feed pipe 110 and the two flow channels 122 are interconnected, with the two flow channels 122 connected opposite to each other on both sides of the feed pipe 110. The feed pipe 110 is positioned above the two flow channels 122. The uniform material hopper 120 is placed vertically, meaning that the feed pipe 110 extends vertically, allowing the molten glass entering the feed pipe 110 from the feeding channel to simultaneously flow into the two flow channels 122. Both flow channels 122 are connected to the buffer housing 121. The flow channels 122 are located above the buffer housing 121, and the outlet 130 is connected to the bottom of the buffer housing 121. The molten glass in the flow channels 122 can flow into the buffer housing 121 to achieve the buffering function of the molten glass. The molten glass in the buffer housing 121 can flow out through the outlet 130 to achieve the forming function of the molten glass. Specifically, the end of the flow channel 122 away from the feed pipe 110 is lower than the end of the flow channel 122 near the feed pipe 110, so as to guide the portion of the molten glass entering from the feed pipe 110 to the end of the buffer housing 121, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the flow of the molten glass in the uniform material hopper 120, so that the flow rate of the molten glass at various positions in the uniform material hopper 120 is basically the same.

[0052] It should be noted that during the flow of the molten glass, the molten glass in the feed pipe 110 simultaneously flows into two guide channels 122 under the action of gravity. The flow of the molten glass in the two guide channels 122 is the same. The flow of the molten glass in one of the guide channels 122 is described below. The molten glass entering the guide channel 122 is divided into two parts. The first part of the molten glass flows directly downward in the vertical direction under the action of gravity and the pressure of the subsequent molten glass, that is, it directly enters the buffer shell 121. The second part of the molten glass flows forward along the length of the guide channel 122 under the action of tension, that is, it flows towards the end of the buffer shell 121. During this process, a portion of the molten glass in the second part will continue to flow downward in the vertical direction under the action of gravity and the pressure of the subsequent molten glass, and enter the buffer shell 121. In this way, by setting the flow channel 122 inclined to the buffer shell 121, it can be ensured that the glass melt is evenly dispersed in the length direction of the buffer shell 121, so that the glass melt flows downward evenly, thereby allowing the glass melt to be evenly discharged through the discharge nozzle 130, thereby improving the molding effect, avoiding various product defects, and improving the yield.

[0053] Furthermore, a flange 131 is provided inside the nozzle 130, extending in the width direction of the nozzle opening. That is, the flange 131 protrudes within the nozzle 130 along the width direction of the nozzle opening, and is configured to form a thin region 320 of the formed flexible glass strip 300. During the discharge of molten glass through the nozzle 130, the flange 131 blocks a portion of the molten glass, ensuring that the flow rate of molten glass passing through the flange 131 is lower than that at other locations. This results in the formation of a thin region 320 at the location corresponding to the flange 131 in the formed flexible glass strip 300, while other locations form a flat region 310. In addition, a calendering mechanism is spaced below the nozzle 130. The unequal-thickness flexible glass strips 300 output from the nozzle 130 are further shaped under the calendering action of the calendering mechanism, improving forming accuracy and ensuring forming effect. In this way, the discharge nozzle 130 and the rolling mechanism work together to form flexible glass strips 300 of varying thicknesses, thereby achieving one-time forming of flexible glass of varying thicknesses, eliminating the etching process, saving time and labor, improving production efficiency, reducing production costs, and making it suitable for large-scale commercial production.

[0054] Optionally, the flow channel 122 is set at a preset angle to the horizontal plane, with the preset angle ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees. A reasonable preset angle allows the flow channel 122 to guide a sufficient amount of molten glass toward the end of the buffer shell 121, avoiding a situation where the flow rate is high in the middle of the buffer shell 121 and low at both ends, thus ensuring the uniformity of the molten glass flow within the buffer shell 121. For ease of understanding, the preset angle is denoted as α.

[0055] Optionally, the cross-section of the flow channel 122 is arc-shaped. This arc-shaped flow channel 122 effectively increases the contact area with the molten glass, thereby increasing the surface tension of the molten glass. This allows more molten glass to flow forward along the length of the flow channel 122, ensuring that the volume of molten glass flowing to the end of the buffer shell 121 meets the requirements and improving the flow effect. Specifically, the buffer shell 121 is aligned with the flow channel 122 in its thickness direction to improve the uniformity and stability of the molten glass flowing from the flow channel 122 to the buffer shell 121, achieving a smooth transition.

[0056] Furthermore, the thickness of the buffer shell 121 is less than or equal to the diameter of the arc formed by the flow channel 122. When the thickness of the buffer shell 121 is less than the diameter of the arc formed by the flow channel 122, the cross-sectional area of ​​the glass melt flowing from the flow channel 122 to the buffer shell 121 decreases, thereby limiting the flow rate of the glass melt and facilitating the uniform feeding of the glass melt into the outlet nozzle 130. When the thickness of the buffer shell 121 is equal to the diameter of the arc formed by the flow channel 122, the cross-sectional area of ​​the glass melt flowing from the flow channel 122 to the buffer shell 121 remains unchanged, further achieving a smooth transition and improving the uniformity and stability of the glass melt flow.

[0057] Optionally, the central angle of the arc formed by the flow channel 122 ranges from 180 degrees to 320 degrees. When the thickness of the buffer shell 121 is equal to the diameter of the arc formed by the flow channel 122, the central angle of the arc formed by the flow channel 122 is 180 degrees. A reasonable central angle of the arc formed by the flow channel 122 can maximize the contact area between the flow channel 122 and the molten glass while ensuring a smooth transition between the flow channel 122 and the buffer shell 121, thereby increasing the flow rate of the molten glass along the length of the flow channel 122 and ensuring the uniformity of the molten glass flow within the buffer shell 121. For ease of understanding, the preset included angle is denoted as b.

[0058] The buffer housing 121 includes a straight section 123 and a tapered section 124. Both flow channels 122 are connected to the straight section 123, allowing the molten glass within both channels to flow downwards into the straight section 123. The straight section 123 is configured to receive and buffer the molten glass flowing from the two flow channels 122, ensuring that the molten glass within the straight section 123 flows uniformly downwards under the influence of gravity and the pressure of subsequent molten glass. The tapered section 124 has a large end 1241 and a small end 1242. The large end 1241 is connected to the straight section 123, and the small end 1242 is connected to the outlet nozzle 130. The molten glass within the straight section 123 flows into the large end 1241, where its cross-sectional area decreases due to the tapered section 124, thus limiting the flow rate. The molten glass within the small end 1242 flows into the outlet nozzle 130 and is then used to form the flexible glass strip 300.

[0059] In this embodiment, the straight section 123 is roughly triangular in shape. One hypotenuse of the triangle formed by the straight section 123 is connected to one flow channel 122, the other hypotenuse is connected to another flow channel 122, and the base is connected to the large end 1241. Specifically, the molten glass in the flow channel 122 can flow vertically downwards from the hypotenuse of the straight section 123 into the straight section 123, and the molten glass in the straight section 123 can flow vertically downwards from its base into the large end 1241 of the tapered section 124, thereby realizing the transition function of the molten glass flowing from the flow channel 122 to the tapered section 124, so that the molten glass can flow into the tapered section 124 evenly in the length direction of the buffer shell 121.

[0060] Optionally, the ratio of the thickness of the large end 1241 to the thickness of the small end 1242 is in the range of 1.1 to 2. The thickness of the large end 1241 is the same as the thickness of the straight section 123. A reasonable ratio of the thickness of the large end 1241 to the thickness of the small end 1242 can ensure that the glass melt can smoothly enter the discharge nozzle 130 while ensuring the glass melt flow rate, meet the forming thickness requirements of the flexible glass strip 300, and improve the forming effect.

[0061] Optionally, an extension block 132 protrudes from the side of the nozzle 130 away from the buffer housing 121. A flange 131 extends away from the buffer housing 121 onto the extension block 132. Specifically, a portion of the flange 131 is located inside the nozzle opening of the nozzle 130, and another portion is located on the extension block 132. The extension block 132 is configured to increase the spreadability of the portion of molten glass corresponding to the flange 131 at the outlet of the nozzle 130. This provides auxiliary support and shaping for the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 at the root region of the output, facilitating outward spread of the flexible glass strip 300 and improving the forming accuracy of the thin area 320. Specifically, the nozzle 130 and the extension block 132 are integrally formed to ensure connection strength and smooth transition, thereby guaranteeing the forming quality of the thin area 320 and improving the yield rate.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the flange 131 is disposed in the middle of the outlet 130, that is, the thin region 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 is located in the middle of the straight region 310. Specifically, the position of the flange 131 corresponds to the position of the feed pipe 110 in the height direction of the uniform material hopper 120. Part of the glass melt flowing in from the feed pipe 110 can flow directly to the flange 131 through the uniform material hopper 120 to ensure the flow rate of the glass melt through the flange 131 and improve the forming effect of the thin region 320.

[0063] In an optional embodiment, the ratio of the length of the flange 131 to the length of the nozzle 130 is in the range of 0.05 to 0.15, that is, the ratio of the width of the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 to the total width of the flexible glass strip 300 is in the range of 0.05 to 0.15. A reasonable ratio of the length of the flange 131 to the length of the nozzle 130 can ensure the forming effect of the thin area 320, making the transition between the thin area 320 and the straight area 310 smooth, the stress uniform, avoiding product defects, and ensuring product quality.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the ratio of the protrusion height of the flange 131 to the opening width of the nozzle 130 ranges from 0.7 to 0.95, that is, the ratio of the thickness of the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 to the thickness of the straight area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300 ranges from 0.05 to 0.15. A reasonable ratio of the protrusion height of the flange 131 to the opening width of the nozzle 130 can ensure the forming effect of the thin area 320, making the transition between the thin area 320 and the straight area 310 smooth, the stress uniform, avoiding product defects, and ensuring product quality.

[0065] Optionally, the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus 100 further includes two electric heating elements 140. The two electric heating elements 140 are disposed opposite each other at both ends of the uniform material hopper 120 along its length, and are both connected to the uniform material hopper 120. Specifically, the uniform material hopper 120 is made of metal, and the electric heating elements 140 are configured to supply power to the uniform material hopper 120, causing the uniform material hopper 120 to heat up by doing work through its own resistance, thereby maintaining the temperature of the molten glass inside the uniform material hopper 120.

[0066] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, optionally, the calendering mechanism includes a first forming roller 150 and a second forming roller 160 arranged in parallel intervals. The first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160 can rotate towards each other to achieve the forming function of the flexible glass strip 300. A first roller gap 170 is formed between the first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160. The first roller gap 170 is spaced below the discharge nozzle 130 and is configured to allow the flexible glass strip 300 output from the discharge nozzle 130 to pass through. The first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160 are configured to form the flexible glass strip 300 during its passage. Specifically, the roller surface of the first forming roller 150 is provided with a forming ring 151, that is, the roller surface of the first forming roller 150 is a flat annular surface, the forming ring 151 is wrapped around the roller surface of the first forming roller 150, the axial direction of the forming ring 151 is the same as the axial direction of the first forming roller 150, the outer diameter of the forming ring 151 is larger than the roller surface diameter of the first forming roller 150, the forming ring 151 extends into the gap 170 between the first pair of rollers, and the position of the forming ring 151 corresponds to the position of the flange 131 in the vertical direction. During the rotation of the first forming roller 150, the forming ring 151 cooperates with the roller surface of the second forming roller 160 to squeeze the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 output from the discharge nozzle 130, so as to accurately shape the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 (the flange 131 performs preliminary shaping of the thin area 320), thereby realizing the precise shaping of the thin area 320 and improving the forming accuracy of the thin area 320. The first forming roller 150, which does not have the forming ring 151, cooperates with the roller surface of the second forming roller 160 to initially shape the flat area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300 output from the outlet 130, slightly thinning the flat area 310 to form a prototype of the flat area 310, which facilitates subsequent precise shaping of the flat area 310, thereby achieving the initial shaping of the flat area 310.

[0067] Furthermore, the calendering mechanism also includes a third forming roller 180 and a fourth forming roller 190 arranged in parallel intervals. The third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190 can rotate towards each other to achieve the forming function of the flexible glass strip 300. A second roller gap 200 is formed between the third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190. The second roller gap 200 is spaced below the first roller gap 170 and is configured to allow the flexible glass strip 300 output from the first roller gap 170 to pass through. The third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190 are configured to form the flexible glass strip 300 during its passage. Specifically, the roller surface of the third forming roller 180 is provided with an annular groove 181, that is, the roller surface of the third forming roller 180 is a flat annular surface, and the annular groove 181 is embedded in the third forming roller 180. The axial direction of the annular groove 181 is the same as the axial direction of the third forming roller 180. The inner diameter of the annular groove 181 is smaller than the roller surface diameter of the third forming roller 180. The annular groove 181 is connected to the gap 200 between the second pair of rollers. The position of the annular groove 181 corresponds to the position of the flange 131 in the vertical direction. During the rotation of the third forming roller 180, the annular groove 181 makes way for the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 output from the gap 170 between the first pair of rollers to prevent the third forming roller 180 from affecting the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300. The third forming roller 180, which does not have the annular groove 181, cooperates with the roller surface of the fourth forming roller 190 to precisely shape the flat area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300 output from the outlet 130, so as to thin the flat area 310 to the required thickness, thereby achieving precise shaping of the flat area 310 and improving the forming accuracy of the flat area 310.

[0068] Optionally, the ratio of the gap between the first pair of rollers 170 and the gap between the second pair of rollers 200 is in the range of 1 to 3, that is, the ratio of the distance between the first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160 to the distance between the third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190 is in the range of 1 to 3. The gap between the first pair of rollers 170 can be equal to or less than the gap between the second pair of rollers 200. A reasonable ratio of the gap between the first pair of rollers 170 and the gap between the second pair of rollers 200 can sequentially realize the preliminary forming and precise forming of the flat area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300, thereby accurately controlling the thickness and flatness of the flat area 310 and ensuring product quality.

[0069] In this embodiment, the calendering mechanism includes a first forming roller 150, a second forming roller 160, a third forming roller 180, and a fourth forming roller 190. The first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160 precisely shape the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 and perform preliminary shaping on the flat area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300. The third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190 precisely shape the flat area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300. That is, the calendering of the flexible glass strip 300 with unequal thickness is achieved by two consecutive shaping processes. However, this is not the only option. In other embodiments, the calendering mechanism includes only the first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160, without the third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190. In this case, it is necessary to reasonably control the size of the gap 170 between the first pair of rollers (the distance between the first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160) and precisely control the temperature of the flexible glass strip 300 flowing into the gap 170 between the first pair of rollers, so that the first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160 can simultaneously perform precise forming on the thin area 320 and the flat area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300. That is, the calendering and forming of the flexible glass strip 300 with different thicknesses can be achieved through one forming, reducing the calendering steps, improving the calendering efficiency, and further improving the production efficiency.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Optionally, the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus 100 also includes a temperature control furnace 210. The temperature control furnace 210 is located below the discharge nozzle 130. The temperature control furnace 210 is configured to allow the flexible glass strip 300 output from the discharge nozzle 130 to pass through, and to control the temperature of the flexible glass strip 300 so that the flexible glass strip 300 is maintained within a certain temperature range under the heating action of the temperature control furnace 210, thereby reducing its heat loss. This keeps the viscosity of the flexible glass strip 300 within the viscosity range of stretchable viscoplasticity, which is convenient for molding. Specifically, the first forming roller 150, the second forming roller 160, the third forming roller 180, and the fourth forming roller 190 are all installed in the temperature-controlled furnace 210. The first forming roller 150 and the second forming roller 160 precisely shape the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 and perform preliminary shaping on the straight area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300. The third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190 make way for the thin area 320 of the flexible glass strip 300 and precisely shape the straight area 310 of the flexible glass strip 300.

[0071] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled furnace 210 includes a slow cooling chamber 211 and an annealing chamber 212. A discharge nozzle 130 is positioned above the slow cooling chamber 211, which is positioned above the annealing chamber 212. The flexible glass strip 300 output from the discharge nozzle 130 passes downwards through the slow cooling chamber 211 and the annealing chamber 212 in sequence. The slow cooling chamber 211 is configured to slowly cool the flexible glass strip 300 to reduce heat loss and facilitate molding. The annealing chamber 212 is configured to anneal the flexible glass strip 300 to release internal stress and improve its physical properties.

[0072] Specifically, the first forming roller 150, the second forming roller 160, the third forming roller 180 and the fourth forming roller 190 are all located in the upper part of the slow cooling chamber 211. During the process of the flexible glass strip 300 passing through the temperature-controlled furnace 210, the first forming roller 150, the second forming roller 160, the third forming roller 180, and the fourth forming roller 190 sequentially press the flexible glass strip 300 to make it an elastic-plastic body with the required thickness in the desired area. Then, the flexible glass strip 300 continues to move downward and passes through the lower half of the slow cooling chamber 211. During this process, the flexible glass strip 300 is slowly cooled and gradually densified. Before entering the annealing chamber 212, the flexible glass strip 300 has initially acquired the elastic characteristics of flexible glass. Then, the flexible glass strip 300 continues to move downward and passes through the annealing chamber 212 to completely transform the flexible glass strip 300 into flexible glass, and the annealing is completed. Finally, it is output from the temperature-controlled furnace 210, begins to cool naturally, and is transferred to the next process under the action of the traction roller 220.

[0073] The unequal-thickness flexible glass forming apparatus 100 provided in this application embodiment includes a uniform material hopper 120 comprising a buffer shell 121 and two flow channels 122. The two flow channels 122 are connected to opposite sides of the feed pipe 110 and are both connected to the buffer shell 121. The flow channels 122 are located above the buffer shell 121, with the end of the flow channel 122 away from the feed pipe 110 being lower than the end of the flow channel 122 near the feed pipe 110, so as to guide the glass melt portion entering from the feed pipe 110 to the end of the buffer shell 121. The discharge nozzle 130 is connected to the lower part of the buffer shell 121, and a flange 131 is provided inside the discharge nozzle 130. The flange 131 extends in the direction of the mouth width of the discharge nozzle 130. The rolling mechanism is spaced below the discharge nozzle 130. The discharge nozzle 130 and the rolling mechanism are configured together to form an unequal-thickness flexible glass strip 300. Compared with existing technologies, the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus 100 provided in this application, due to its use of a flow channel 122 with one end farther from the feed pipe 110 lower than the end closer to the feed pipe 110 and a discharge nozzle 130 equipped with a flange 131, can achieve one-time forming of unequal thickness flexible glass, eliminating the etching process, saving time and labor, improving production efficiency, reducing production costs, and being suitable for large-scale commercial production. Furthermore, it produces uniform material output, has good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield rate. This results in high production efficiency and high product quality in glass production equipment.

[0074] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application. Industrial applicability

[0075] In summary, this application provides a flexible glass forming apparatus with unequal thickness, which can realize the one-time forming of flexible glass with unequal thickness, eliminate the etching process, save time and labor, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, is suitable for large-scale commercial production, and produces uniform material output, good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield rate.

[0076] This application also provides a glass production equipment that can realize one-time forming of flexible glass with unequal thickness, eliminate the etching process, save time and labor, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, is suitable for large-scale commercial production, and has uniform output, good forming effect, avoids various product defects, and has a high yield rate.

Claims

1. A flexible glass forming apparatus with unequal thickness, characterized in that, The device includes a feed pipe, a uniform hopper, a discharge nozzle, and a rolling mechanism. The uniform hopper includes a buffer shell and two flow channels. The two flow channels are connected to opposite sides of the feed pipe and are both connected to the buffer shell. The flow channels are located above the buffer shell, with the end of the flow channel away from the feed pipe lower than the end of the flow channel near the feed pipe, so as to guide the glass melt entering from the feed pipe to the end of the buffer shell. The discharge nozzle is connected to the bottom of the buffer shell and has a flange inside. The flange extends in the width direction of the nozzle opening. The rolling mechanism is spaced below the discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle and the rolling mechanism are configured together to form flexible glass strips of unequal thickness.

2. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage channel is set at a preset angle to the horizontal plane, and the preset angle ranges from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

3. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the drainage channel is arc-shaped, and the buffer housing is centered on the drainage channel in its thickness direction. The thickness of the buffer housing is less than or equal to the diameter of the arc formed by the drainage channel.

4. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The central angle of the arc formed by the drainage channel ranges from 180 degrees to 320 degrees.

5. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, An extension block is provided on the side of the discharge nozzle away from the buffer housing, and the flange extends to the extension block in a direction away from the buffer housing.

6. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The flange is located in the middle of the discharge nozzle; And / or, the ratio of the length of the flange to the length of the nozzle is in the range of 0.05 to 0.15; And / or, the ratio of the protrusion height of the flange to the opening width of the discharge nozzle ranges from 0.7 to 0.

95.

7. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The buffer housing includes a straight section and a tapered section. Both of the flow channels are connected to the straight section. The tapered section has a large end and a small end opposite to each other. The large end is connected to the straight section, and the small end is connected to the discharge nozzle.

8. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ratio of the thickness of the large end to the thickness of the small end ranges from 1.1 to 2.

9. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The unequal thickness flexible glass forming device also includes two electric heating elements, which are disposed opposite to each other at both ends of the uniform material hopper and are both connected to the uniform material hopper.

10. The unequal-thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The calendering mechanism includes a first forming roller and a second forming roller arranged in parallel and spaced apart. A first pair of roller gaps is formed between the first forming roller and the second forming roller. The first pair of roller gaps is spaced below the discharge nozzle. A forming ring is protruding from the roller surface of the first forming roller. The position of the forming ring corresponds to the position of the flange. The first pair of roller gaps is configured to allow the flexible glass strip output from the discharge nozzle to pass through. The forming ring is configured to press the thin area of ​​the flexible glass strip.

11. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The calendering mechanism further includes a third forming roller and a fourth forming roller arranged in parallel and spaced apart. A second pair of roller gaps is formed between the third forming roller and the fourth forming roller. The second pair of roller gaps is spaced below the first pair of roller gaps. The roller surface of the third forming roller has an annular groove. The position of the annular groove corresponds to the position of the flange. The second pair of roller gaps is configured to allow the flexible glass strip output from the first pair of roller gaps to pass through. The annular groove is configured to make way for the thin area of ​​the flexible glass strip. The third forming roller and the fourth forming roller are configured to press the straight area of ​​the flexible glass strip.

12. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ratio of the gap between the first pair of rollers to the gap between the second pair of rollers ranges from 1 to 3.

13. The unequal-thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus also includes a temperature regulating furnace, which is located below the discharge nozzle. The temperature regulating furnace is configured to allow the flexible glass strip output from the discharge nozzle to pass through and to control the temperature of the flexible glass strip.

14. The unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The temperature-regulating furnace includes a slow cooling chamber and an annealing chamber. The slow cooling chamber is located above the annealing chamber and is configured to slowly cool the flexible glass strip. The annealing chamber is configured to anneal the flexible glass strip.

15. A glass production equipment, characterized in that, Includes the unequal thickness flexible glass forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-14.

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