KR102625136B1 - Method for glass chemical strengthening with improved management of strengthening solution and glass chemical strengthening furnace therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A chemical strengthening method for glass that can improve the strengthening quality of glass by improving the management of the strengthening solution and a glass chemical strengthening furnace for the same are provided. The method of chemical strengthening of glass includes the steps of chemically strengthening preheated glass by immersing it in a strengthening solution in a strengthening chamber, measuring at least one of the remaining amount of strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber and the ion concentration in the strengthening solution, and adding the measured value to the strengthening solution. and replenishing the strengthening solution composition into the strengthening chamber based on the method.

Description

Glass chemical strengthening method with improved management of strengthening solution and glass chemical strengthening furnace for the same {METHOD FOR GLASS CHEMICAL STRENGTHENING WITH IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF STRENGTHENING SOLUTION AND GLASS CHEMICAL STRENGTHENING FURNACE THEREFOR}

The present invention relates to a method for chemical strengthening of glass and a glass chemical strengthening furnace. In detail, it relates to a method of chemical strengthening of glass that can improve the strengthening quality of glass by improving the management of the strengthening solution, and a glass chemical strengthening furnace for this.

Thanks to technological advancements, electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs are gradually becoming thinner. In addition, consumers are demanding a wide screen for electronic devices and a high screen-to-body ratio in terms of aesthetics, and accordingly, there is an increasing trend in which the entire front of electronic devices is made of glass.

Glass material has been used as a front cover window material for displays for a long time due to its high light transmittance. However, since general glass is vulnerable to external shock and can easily break or scratch, it is essential to apply tempered glass with improved mechanical strength to form the front of electronic devices such as smartphones with glass.

Meanwhile, research has recently been conducted on foldable displays and rollable displays, and electronic devices equipped with these special displays are also being released.

To implement a foldable display, etc., a flexible material, such as a plastic material such as polyimide film, is used instead of glass as the cover window of the display. However, polyimide films, etc. have lower light transmittance than glass, which may result in light loss. In addition, because foldable displays repeatedly fold a specific location of the cover window, there is a problem of cracks occurring in the area where the folding line is formed or permanent fold marks remaining.

Korean Patent No. 10-1143303 (2012.05.14)

In this regard, there is an urgent need for the development of ultra-thin glass (UTG) that has high mechanical strength and can be applied to special displays such as foldable displays or rollable displays. Ultra-thin glass generally refers to a glass material with a thickness of 100㎛ or less. Ultra-thin glass has a higher light transmittance than plastic materials and has a thin thickness, so the folding of the folding line may not be visible, and bending or folding may be possible under certain conditions.

Patent Document 1 discloses a process for strengthening glass and a facility for chemical strengthening of glass. The conventional glass chemical strengthening process is performed by immersing the glass in a strengthening solution such as potassium nitrate solution to replace the sodium ions of the glass with the potassium ions of potassium nitrate.

However, because ultra-thin glass is very thin, it has a different mechanism from the conventional glass strengthening process in which ion substitution is performed only on the surface of the glass. For example, it may be desirable for ultra-thin glass to have ion substitution performed uniformly in the thickness direction, and the uniformity of reinforcement in the thickness direction may be a major factor in determining the quality of ultra-thin glass.

The depth of ion substitution mentioned above, that is, the strengthening depth, can be greatly affected by the ion uniformity of the strengthening solution. Due to the nature of ultra-thin glass, which has very poor durability before strengthening, the mother glass may be cut into a plurality of glass cells and chemically strengthened, rather than chemically strengthened as is. In this case, serious problems may occur if the ion concentration of the reinforcing solution is not uniform for each glass cell, specifically at each location of the glass cell immersed in the reinforcing solution.

In particular, as the strengthening process progresses, the concentration of potassium ions in the strengthening solution gradually decreases, and the concentration of sodium ions eluted into the strengthening solution may increase, and this change in concentration causes unevenness in the quality of glass strengthening by production lot. This can be a major factor in reducing the reliability of the glass strengthening process. In addition, as the strengthening solution has an ion concentration different from the initial state, the problem of uneven concentration at each location of the strengthening solution may worsen, such as relatively light sodium ions flowing to the upper layer.

In addition, if the strengthening solution is frequently replaced to manage the concentration of the strengthening solution, not only does the cost of the glass chemical strengthening process increase due to the unit price of the strengthening solution itself, but it also causes an increase in the cost of the glass chemical strengthening process including a conventional strengthening chamber. All operation of the equipment must be stopped to replace the strengthening solution. If the operation of the facility is stopped to replace the strengthening solution, process loss occurs during that time, as well as the process conditions under which the strengthening process is optimized, such as the heating temperature of the heat treatment chamber and the strengthening solution, and the temperature of the strengthening solution. , the cost and time required to normalize the atmosphere and pressure inside the chamber are considerable, and above all, there is a problem that it cannot be guaranteed to create the same process conditions as before the facility operation was stopped.

Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method of chemical strengthening of glass that can prevent unnecessary cost increases by improving the state management of the concentration and remaining amount of the strengthening solution at the same time as the chemical strengthening process of glass.

Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a glass chemical strengthening furnace that can prevent unnecessary cost increases by improving the state management of the concentration and remaining amount of the strengthening solution at the same time as the chemical strengthening process of glass.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a chemical strengthening method for glass as described above and a strengthening solution refill chamber used in a glass chemical strengthening furnace.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A method of chemically strengthening glass according to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above problem includes chemically strengthening the preheated glass by immersing it in a strengthening solution in a strengthening chamber, and determining the remaining amount of the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber and the strengthening solution. measuring one or more of the ion concentrations within the fortification chamber and replenishing the fortification solution composition within the fortification chamber based on the measurements.

Here, the measuring step may include measuring the height of the water surface of the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber.

In addition, the replenishing step includes calculating the amount of reinforcing solution that needs to be replenished based on the measured water level of the reinforcing solution, measuring the remaining amount of reinforcing solution in the refill chamber for replenishing the reinforcing solution, and It may include the step of replenishing the reinforcement solution in the refill chamber into the reinforcement chamber by the amount of reinforcement solution that needs to be replenished.

The step of measuring the remaining amount of the fortification solution in the refill chamber may include measuring the water level of the fortification solution in the refill chamber.

Here, the amount of reinforcement solution replenished from the refill chamber to the reinforcement chamber may be calculated based on the height of the water surface of the reinforcement solution in the refill chamber.

Alternatively, the amount of reinforcement solution replenished from the refill chamber to the reinforcement chamber may be calculated using a valve and a flow meter installed in a flow path connecting the refill chamber and the reinforcement chamber.

The measuring step includes measuring the concentration of ions in the fortified solution, and the ions may include at least one of sodium ions and potassium ions.

Additionally, the strengthening chamber may include a strengthening chamber body in which chemical strengthening of glass is performed, and a flow path portion that diverts the strengthening solution accommodated in the strengthening chamber body outside the strengthening chamber body.

At this time, the measuring step may include measuring the concentration of ions using an ion sensor installed in the flow path portion.

In addition, the measuring step may further include partially cooling the strengthening solution to a predetermined temperature in a flow path portion that provides a flow path from the strengthening chamber main body to the ion sensor.

Additionally, measurement of the concentration of sodium ions or potassium ions using the ion sensor can be performed on a cooled fortified solution.

Furthermore, the method may further include heating the strengthening chamber to a predetermined temperature or higher in a flow path portion that provides a flow path from the ion sensor to the strengthening chamber main body.

The supplemented strengthening solution composition may include powdered potassium nitrate and powdered potassium carbonate.

In some embodiments, the method may further include adding an additive that reacts with sodium ions to form precipitates within the strengthening chamber.

In some embodiments, the step of adding an additive containing zinc oxide that improves the exchange efficiency of sodium ions and potassium ions in the strengthening chamber may be further included.

In some embodiments, before the chemical strengthening step, the method may further include preheating the glass in a preheating chamber, and withdrawing the preheated glass from the preheating chamber and entering the strengthening chamber.

Here, the step of replenishing the reinforcing solution composition may be performed before the introducing step.

In some embodiments, the step of heating the replenished strengthening solution composition after replenishing the strengthening solution composition and before immersing the glass in the strengthening solution may be further included.

In addition, in some embodiments, after the chemical strengthening step, the step of withdrawing the strengthened glass from the strengthening chamber and entering the slow cooling chamber, and the step of slowly cooling the glass in the slow cooling chamber may be further included.

The step of replenishing the strengthening solution composition may be performed after the withdrawing step.

Glass chemical strengthening according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above other problems includes a strengthening chamber configured to accommodate a glass strengthening solution, a refill chamber for replenishing the strengthening solution composition in the strengthening chamber, and the strengthening chamber and the refill. It includes a first flow path connecting the chambers.

The glass chemical strengthening furnace may further include a level sensor that measures the height of the water surface of the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber.

Here, when the water level of the reinforcement solution in the reinforcement chamber is below a predetermined standard, the reinforcement solution in the refill chamber may be replenished into the reinforcement chamber.

The strengthening chamber may include a strengthening chamber body, and a second flow path portion that diverts the strengthening solution accommodated in the strengthening chamber body, outside the strengthening chamber body.

The second flow path portion includes a sensor unit in which an ion sensor is installed, a first part providing a path flowing from the strengthening chamber main body to the sensor part, and a second part providing a path flowing from the sensor part to the strengthening chamber main body. can do.

Additionally, the ion sensor may be a sensor that measures the concentration of sodium ions or potassium ions in the strengthening solution.

In some embodiments, the glass chemical strengthening furnace includes a cooling member installed in the first part to cool the strengthening solution flowing in the first part, and a cooling member installed in the second part to heat the strengthening solution flowing in the second part. It may further include a heating member.

A refill chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above other problem is a refill chamber used in a chemical strengthening process of glass, and contains a strengthening solution, potassium nitrate, potassium carbonate, and sodium ions for chemical strengthening of glass inside. It is configured to receive a reinforced solution composition containing a material that reacts to form a precipitate or a material that improves the exchange efficiency of sodium ions and potassium ions.

In some embodiments, the refill chamber may further include a sensor that measures the remaining amount of the reinforcement solution composition in the refill chamber.

The sensor may include a level sensor that measures the height of the water surface of the reinforced solution composition in the refill chamber.

In some embodiments, the refill chamber may further include a flow path portion discharging the enhanced solution composition from the refill chamber, and a valve or flow meter measuring the flow rate or flow rate of the enhanced solution composition discharged along the flow path portion. .

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

According to embodiments of the present invention, state management such as concentration and remaining amount of the strengthening solution is improved simultaneously with the chemical strengthening process of glass, thereby preventing unnecessary cost increases.

Effects according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and further various effects are included in the present specification.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a glass chemical strengthening furnace according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the glass loader of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a glass chemical strengthening method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flowchart specifying the steps for replenishing the strengthening solution of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass chemical strengthening furnace of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams sequentially showing the glass chemical strengthening method of Figure 7.
Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 14 to 17 are schematic diagrams sequentially showing the glass chemical strengthening method of Figure 13.
18 to 21 are side cross-sectional views of a glass chemical strengthening furnace according to further embodiments of the present invention, respectively.
Figure 22 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 24 to 27 are side cross-sectional views of glass chemical strengthening furnaces according to further embodiments of the present invention, respectively.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete, and those skilled in the art It is provided to fully inform the person of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. That is, various changes may be made to the embodiments presented by the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the embodiments, but should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes therefor.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined.

As used herein, 'and/or' includes each and every combination of one or more of the mentioned items. Additionally, the singular form also includes the plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase. As used herein, 'comprises' and/or 'comprising' do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. The numerical range expressed using 'to' indicates a numerical range that includes the values written before and after it as the lower limit and upper limit, respectively. ‘About’ or ‘approximately’ means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range stated thereafter.

The size, thickness, width, length, etc. of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, so the present invention is not limited to the form shown.

Spatially relative terms such as 'above', 'upper', 'on', 'below', 'beneath', and 'lower' are used in the drawing. As shown, it can be used to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and other elements or components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different directions of the element when used in addition to the direction shown in the drawings. For example, when an element shown in a drawing is turned over, an element described as 'below or beneath' another element may be placed 'above' the other element. Accordingly, the illustrative term 'down' may include both downward and upward directions.

Additionally, in this specification, the first direction (X) refers to an arbitrary direction in a plane, and the second direction (Y) refers to another direction intersecting the first direction (X) in the plane. Additionally, the third direction (Z) refers to a direction perpendicular to the plane.

Unless otherwise defined, 'plane', 'horizontal plane' or 'ground' means the plane to which the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) belong. The term 'plane direction' refers to any direction in the plane to which the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) belong. The ‘plane direction’ may be used interchangeably with ‘horizontal direction’, ‘horizontal plane direction’, etc. The third direction (Z) may be used interchangeably with the terms 'gravity direction', 'up/down direction', or 'vertical direction'. Additionally, the ‘direction of gravity’ may be a direction perpendicular to the ‘plane’ or the ‘ground’, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the glass loader 300 of FIG. 1.

1 and 2, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 10 according to this embodiment includes a strengthening chamber 100 including a chamber door 150, a refill chamber 200, and a strengthening chamber 100 and a refill chamber. It may include a flow path portion 205 connecting 200.

The strengthening chamber 100 (eg, the first chamber) may have an opening through which the glass loader 300 can be inserted and withdrawn. For example, the strengthening chamber 100 may have an open top. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the strengthening chamber 100 has an open side or an open bottom, and the glass loader 300 can be drawn in and out through the opening. In an exemplary embodiment where the consolidation chamber 100 has an open top, the consolidation chamber 100 may lie on the ground.

The internal space of the reinforcement chamber 100 may be approximately cylindrical. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the internal space of the strengthening chamber 100 may be shaped so that the glass loader 300 loaded with the glass (G) to be strengthened can be evenly immersed in the strengthening solution (SS). For example, the internal space of the reinforcement chamber 100 may have a polygonal shape, such as a rectangular cylinder, a hexagonal cylinder, or an octagonal cylinder.

The strengthening chamber 101 is composed of double walls, and the space between the outer wall and the inner wall may be empty. That is, a separation space (V) may be formed between the outer wall and the inner wall.

The chamber door 150 may open or close the opening of the reinforcement chamber 100. For example, the chamber door 150 may be configured to open and close the upper opening of the reinforcement chamber 100 by sliding in a horizontal direction, for example, in the first direction (X).

The glass loader 300 may be configured to load glass (G) that is to be strengthened. For example, the glass loader 300 may include a loader body 310, a locking unit 330 located on the top of the loader body 310, and a plurality of cassettes 350. The glass loader 300 may also be called a jig, etc.

The loader body 310 may have an approximately hexagonal shape when viewed from a plan view. In another embodiment, the loader body 310 may have a polygonal shape, such as a substantially square or octagon, from a plan view, or may be circular. The loader body 310 may have a lower opening and an empty interior.

A locking unit 330 may be disposed on the upper surface of the loader body 310. The locking unit 330 may be a pair of rods extending in one direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking unit 330 may be a part that is held when the glass loader 300 is transported. That is, the locking unit 330 may be configured to be combined with a loading unit or unloading unit such as a robot arm (not shown), or a transfer unit such as an overhead hoist transport (OHT).

A plurality of cassettes 350 may be fixed to the side of the loader body 310 and configured to be detachable. A plurality of cassettes 350 may be provided along the side direction of the loader main body 310 and in the third direction (Z). Figure 2 illustrates a case in which two cassettes 350 are arranged in the lateral direction and four in the third direction (Z) on one side of the loader main body 310, but the present invention is of course not limited thereto. A plurality of glasses G may be loaded or mounted on one cassette 350. The glass (G) may be in a glass cell state in which raw glass is cut to a predetermined size and edges, etc., are processed. The glass (G) may be glass that substantially does not contain potassium ions, or may be glass that contains sodium ions in abundance compared to potassium ions, that is, glass before chemical strengthening. The glass (G) may be ultra-thin glass having a thickness of about 100 μm or less, or about 90 μm or less, or about 80 μm or less, or about 70 μm or less, or about 60 μm or less, or about 50 μm or less. The plurality of glasses G may form a glass laminate GL through an adhesive or the like, and the glass laminate GL may be mounted on the cassette 350 . Figure 2 illustrates a case where two glass laminates (GL) are arranged in the radial direction within one cassette 350.

The refill chamber 200 may be located adjacent to the reinforcement chamber 100. 1 illustrates a case where the refill chamber 200 is disposed on one side of the first direction ( (Y) It may be placed on one side. The bottom of the refill chamber 200 may be located at a higher level than the bottom of the strengthening chamber 100, preferably at a level higher than the water surface of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 100. For example, the refill chamber 200 may rest on a support frame 205 . Through this, it is possible to easily replenish the reinforcement solution (not shown) inside the refill chamber 200 into the reinforcement chamber (not shown).

The reinforcement chamber 100 and the refill chamber 200 may be connected through a flow path portion 205. Although not shown in the drawing, the flow path portion 205 may include a valve (not shown) to selectively communicate fluidly with the reinforcement chamber 100 and the refill chamber 200. Figure 1 illustrates a case where the flow path portion 250 partially penetrates the lower surface of the refill chamber 200 and partially penetrates the side wall of the reinforcement chamber 100, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The flow path portion 250 penetrating the side wall of the strengthening chamber 100 may be located above the water surface of the strengthening solution (SS).

The glass chemical strengthening furnace 10 according to this embodiment measures the remaining amount and concentration of the strengthening solution (SS) accommodated in the strengthening chamber 100, and based on the measurement results, the refill strengthening solution accommodated in the refill chamber 200 It may be configured to replenish the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 100 from (SS1). This will be explained together with FIG. 3.

The refill strengthening solution (SS1) may be a material having substantially the same composition as the strengthening solution (SS). Examples of the strengthening solution (SS) and the refill strengthening solution (SS1) include potassium nitrate (KNO ₃ ).

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a glass chemical strengthening method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a flowchart specifying the steps for replenishing the strengthening solution of Figure 3.

Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, the method for chemical strengthening of glass according to this embodiment includes preheating the glass in a heat treatment chamber (not shown) (S100), and chemically strengthening the preheated glass in the strengthening chamber (100). It includes a step (S200) and a step (S300) of slowly cooling the strengthened glass in a heat treatment chamber (not shown), and may further include a step (S400) of replenishing the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber 100. The method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment may be performed using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, but of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heat treatment chamber used in the step of preheating the glass (S100) and the step of slowly cooling the glass (S300) may refer to the same chamber.

In the step of preheating the glass (S100), the preheating temperature may be about 300°C or higher, or about 350°C or higher, or about 400°C or higher, or about 450°C or higher, or about 500°C or higher. The temperature increase in the preheating step may be done continuously, or may be done discontinuously by repeating constant temperature and temperature increase. The duration of the preheating step may be at least about 100 minutes, or at least about 110 minutes, or at least about 120 minutes, or at least about 130 minutes.

Additionally, in the chemical strengthening step (S200), the heating temperature of the strengthening solution (SS) may be about 300°C or higher, or about 350°C or higher, or about 400°C or higher, or about 450°C or higher, or about 500°C or higher. The performance time of the chemical strengthening step may be shorter than the performance time of the preheating step. For example, the chemical strengthening process can be performed for a period of time of about 30 minutes or less, or about 25 minutes or less, or about 20 minutes or less, or about 15 minutes or less, or about 10 minutes or less.

Additionally, in the step of slowly cooling the glass (S300), the slow cooling temperature, that is, the final cooling temperature, may be about 50°C or less, or about 100°C or less, or about 150°C or less. Although the present invention is not limited to this, the temperature of the heat treatment chamber may be lowered continuously or may be discontinuous by repeating constant temperature and temperature lowering. Additionally, the performance time of the slow cooling step may be shorter than the performance time of the preheating step. For example, the slow cooling process may be performed for a period of time of about 30 minutes or less, or about 25 minutes or less, or about 20 minutes or less, or about 15 minutes or less, or about 10 minutes or less.

The above-described preheating step (S100), chemical strengthening step (S200), and slow cooling step (S300) of the glass constitute one process unit, and the process unit may be repeated. That is, after the step of slowly cooling the glass (S300), the step of preheating the glass (S100) may be performed.

In this case, a step (S400) of replenishing the reinforcing solution may be performed during the performance time of a certain process unit. That is, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S400) is performed simultaneously with one or more of the preheating step (S100), the chemical strengthening step (S200), and/or the slow cooling step (S300), or the preheating step (S100) and the chemical strengthening step. It may be performed between (S200), between the chemical strengthening step (S200) and the slow cooling step (S300), or between the slow cooling step (S300) and the preheating step (S100).

The step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S400) includes determining whether the remaining amount of the strengthening solution is greater than or equal to the standard remaining amount (S400a), and performing replenishment of the strengthening solution when the remaining amount of the strengthening solution is less than or equal to the standard remaining amount. It may include step S400b. However, this is an example and the present invention is not limited thereto, and the logic for determining whether to replenish the strengthening solution is not limited to the remaining amount of the strengthening solution.

As in the present embodiment, the ion concentration or remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 100 is measured, and the refill strengthening solution (SS1) is added to the strengthening chamber 100 based on this to strengthen the glass chemically. It is possible to prevent the operation of the furnace 10 from being interrupted and to ensure that the strengthening solution (SS) is maintained in good quality. For example, if the remaining amount, e.g., volume, of the strengthening solution (SS) decreases as the process is repeated, the operation of the glass chemical strengthening furnace 10 may be stopped and the strengthening solution may not be replenished, thereby minimizing process loss. there is. For another example, when the potassium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) decrease beyond a predetermined standard or the sodium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) increase above a predetermined standard as the process is repeated, refill reinforcement without exchanging the entire strengthening solution (SS). The concentration of the strengthening solution (SS) can be maintained at a certain level by replenishing the solution (SS1).

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the description of the same or extremely similar configuration as the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and this will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the attached drawings.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 of Figure 5.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 according to this embodiment includes a heat treatment chamber 401 and an elevating unit 500 arranged to overlap the strengthening chamber 101 in the third direction (Z). It is different from the glass chemical strengthening furnace 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that it further includes.

The heat treatment chamber 401 (eg, second chamber) may be located at the top of the strengthening chamber 101 with an open bottom. The lower opening of the heat treatment chamber 401 and the upper opening of the strengthening chamber 101 overlap, and the inner space of the heat treatment chamber 401 and the inner space of the strengthening chamber 101 may be in fluid communication with each other. In addition, when the chamber door 150 of the strengthening chamber 101 is closed, the chamber door 150 seals not only the inner space of the strengthening chamber 101 but also the inner space of the heat treatment chamber 401, and the strengthening chamber 101 ) and the internal space of the heat treatment chamber 401 can be separated from each other.

The chamber door 150 extends in the first direction (X) and can move along a pair of door guides 151 spaced apart in the second direction (Y). The door guide 151 may be at least partially disposed on the strengthening chamber 101 and at least partially non-overlapping in the third direction (Z) of the strengthening chamber 101 . Although not shown in the drawing, the door guide 151 may further include a driver (not shown) such as a cylinder and/or a motor to allow the chamber door 150 to slide. In addition, Figure 6 illustrates a case where the chamber door 150 is inserted through the door frame 170 having the door slot 170p, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, heat treatment chamber 401 may be disposed on door frame 170. The heat treatment chamber 401 and the door frame 170 may be formed integrally. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the door frame 170 may be placed on a support frame (not shown), and the support frame may be placed on the ground. In another embodiment, the door frame 170 may be placed directly on the strengthening chamber 101.

The internal space of the heat treatment chamber 401 may be approximately cylindrical. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the internal space of the heat treatment chamber 401 may be shaped to uniformly provide heat to the glass loader 300 on which the glass to be heat treated and/or strengthened is mounted. For example, the internal space of the heat treatment chamber 401 may have a substantially polygonal shape, such as a square cylinder, a hexagonal cylinder, or an octagonal cylinder.

The heat treatment chamber 401 may include a heat treatment chamber body 411 and a side door 413. The heat treatment chamber main body 411 has an open bottom as well as an open side, and the side door 413 can open and close the open side. 5 illustrates a case where the side door 413 is located on one side of the heat treatment chamber main body 411 in the second direction (Y). Additionally, the glass loader 300 may be drawn in and out of the heat treatment chamber 401 through the side opening of the heat treatment chamber body 411.

The side door 413 may be at least partially inserted into the heat treatment chamber body 411. The inner wall of the heat treatment chamber main body 411 and the inner wall of the side door 413 may each form a concave curved surface. Specifically, the inner wall of the heat treatment chamber main body 411 and the inner wall of the side door 413 may be connected to form an approximately circular shape.

The heat treatment chamber 401 may provide a space in which the glass loader 300, in which glass is mounted, is inserted and heat treated. In the chemical strengthening process of glass, the heat treatment may include pre-heating treatment (warm-up treatment) as a pre-treatment, heat treatment as the main process, and slow cool-down treatment as a post-treatment. there is. In another aspect, the heat treatment may include performing temperature rising, constant temperature, temperature dropping, and combinations thereof of the heat treatment object. That is, the heat treatment chamber 401 may be a chamber in which preheating, heating, slow cooling, and/or cooling of the glass are performed.

To this end, the heat treatment chamber 401 may include a plurality of heat sources 450 disposed on its inner wall. The heat source 450 may be a heat source used for heat treatment within the chamber. The heat source 450 may be disposed to protrude and be spaced apart from the inner wall of the heat treatment chamber main body 411.

In some embodiments, the strengthening chamber 101 may include a side wall portion 111 and a center column 113. The center column 113 may protrude by a predetermined height in the third direction (Z) from approximately the center of the reinforcement chamber 101 in plan view. The height of the center column 113 in the third direction (Z) may be smaller than the height of the side wall portion 111. As described above, the side wall portion 111 and the center column 113 have a space V therein.

Additionally, the strengthening chamber 101 may have a substantially circular groove 100g on its upper surface. A heat source (not shown), etc. may be placed within the groove (100g). The heat source may be configured to heat the chamber door 150.

As described above, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 in which the heat treatment chamber 401 and the strengthening chamber 101 overlap in the third direction (Z) minimizes external exposure and loading and unloading of the glass during the strengthening process. You can. For example, the above-described preheating process and slow cooling process may be performed within the heat treatment chamber 401, and the glass chemical strengthening process may be performed within the strengthening chamber 101. To this end, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 may further include an elevating unit 500.

The lifting unit 500 may be a means for transporting or moving the glass loader 300 introduced into the heat treatment chamber 401 and/or the strengthening chamber 101 in the third direction (Z). From a plan view, the lifting unit 500 may be located approximately at the center of the heat treatment chamber 401 and/or the strengthening chamber 101 . The lifting unit 500 may include a lifting driver 510, a lifting rod 530, and a loading ring 550.

The lifting driver 510 may be located at the top of the heat treatment chamber 401. The lifting rod 530 and the loading ring 550 may move in the third direction (Z) by the power provided by the lifting driver 510. The lifting driver 510 may be a driving unit such as a cylinder, motor, and/or hoist.

The lifting rod 530 may have a rod or bar shape extending in the third direction (Z). The lifting rod 530 may be at least partially inserted into the internal space of the heat treatment chamber 401 through a hole formed in the ceiling of the heat treatment chamber 401. The position of the upper end of the lifting rod 530 in the third direction (Z) is fixed, and the lifting rod 530 may be configured to extend in the third direction (Z). Figure 6 illustrates the case where the lifting rod 530 is composed of one bar, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lifting rod 530 may be made of a plurality of cylinders having different diameters.

The loading ring 550 is disposed at the lower end of the lifting rod 530 in the third direction (Z) and can be configured to be attached to and detached from the glass loader 300. That is, the loading ring 550 can move in the third direction (Z) together with the lower end of the lifting rod 530. In some embodiments, the lifting rod 530 is configured to be rotatable in a plane, and the loading ring 550 can rotate with the lifting rod 530 .

The glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 according to this embodiment measures the remaining amount and concentration of the strengthening solution (not shown) contained in the strengthening chamber 101, and strengthens the refill stored in the refill chamber 200 based on the measurement results. It may be configured to replenish the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber 101 from a solution (not shown). This will be explained together with FIGS. 7 to 11.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams sequentially showing the glass chemical strengthening method of Figure 7.

First, referring further to FIG. 7, the method of chemical strengthening of glass according to this embodiment includes the steps of preheating the glass in the heat treatment chamber 401 (S100) and chemically strengthening the preheated glass in the strengthening chamber 101 (S200). ) and a step of slowly cooling the strengthened glass in the heat treatment chamber 401 (S300), but before the chemical strengthening step (S200), specifically, before the step of introducing the glass into the strengthening chamber 101 (S150), the strengthening solution The point in which the supplementary step (S401) is performed is different from the method for chemical strengthening of glass according to the embodiment of FIG. 3. The method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment can be performed using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, etc., but of course, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring further to FIG. 8, the glass loader 300 on which glass is mounted is introduced into the heat treatment chamber 401, and preheating of the glass is performed (S100). The chamber door 150 closes the heat treatment chamber 401 and the strengthening chamber 101, and preheating of the glass can be performed with each internal space sealed. In this step, that is, before the chemical strengthening step (S200) to be described later, the remaining amount of strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber 101 may be insufficient.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 9, the strengthening solution is replenished in the strengthening chamber 101 (S401). In an exemplary embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S401) includes measuring or determining the remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 (S411) and determining that the remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) is insufficient. If so, a step (S431) of replenishing the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber 101 using the refill chamber 200 may be included.

In the step of replenishing the strengthening solution according to this embodiment (S431), when the remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 does not meet the predetermined standard, the refilling strengthening solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 This predetermined amount can be replenished into the reinforcement chamber 101 along the flow path portion 250.

In this embodiment, the method of measuring the remaining amount of strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 is not particularly limited, and can be determined based on information such as the volume and weight of the strengthening solution (SS).

The step of replenishing the reinforcing solution (S401) is performed after the preheating step (S100) is sufficiently completed, that is, after the end of the preheating step (S100), or is performed at least partially simultaneously with the preheating step (S100), or the preheating step (S100) S100) may be performed before commencement.

In addition, when the refill strengthening solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 is replenished in the strengthening chamber 101, a step (S130) of heating the replenished strengthening solution (SS) to a predetermined temperature or higher may be further performed. . The predetermined temperature may be the temperature of a chemical strengthening process to be described later, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, as described above, the remaining amount of strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 is measured (S411), and if the remaining amount of strengthening solution is greater than or exceeds a predetermined standard, or the remaining amount of strengthening solution is When it is determined that the temperature is below or below the predetermined standard and replenishment of the strengthening solution is performed (S431), the glass loader 300 can be withdrawn from the heat treatment chamber 401 and the glass loader 300 can be introduced into the strengthening chamber 101. There is (S150).

To this end, the chamber door 150 moves along the door guide 151 so that the heat treatment chamber 401 and the strengthening chamber 101 are in fluid communication, and the lifting rod 530 of the lifting unit 500 moves in the third direction (Z). ) and the loading ring 550 and the glass loader 300 can be introduced into the strengthening chamber 101.

And the glass loaded on the glass loader 300 may be chemically strengthened by being immersed in a strengthening solution (SS) (S200). The glass loader 300 may be inserted into the center column 113 of the strengthening chamber 101 and its position may be fixed in the third direction (Z). In this step, the sodium ions of the silicate-containing glass can be chemically strengthened by being replaced with the potassium ions of the strengthening solution (SS). Accordingly, sodium ions may be eluted into the strengthened solution (SS), thereby reducing the concentration of potassium ions and increasing the concentration of sodium ions.

Next, referring further to FIG. 11, the glass loader 300 loaded with chemically strengthened glass may be introduced into the heat treatment chamber 401 and slowly cooled (S300). In this step, the chamber door 150 closes the heat treatment chamber 401 and the strengthening chamber 101, and slow cooling of the glass can be performed with each internal space sealed.

The method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment includes a preheating step (S100), a chemical strengthening step (S200), and a slow cooling step (S300). Among the process units, before the step of chemically strengthening the glass (S200), the strengthening solution ( A step (S401) of replenishing and managing SS) may be performed.

In particular, when the strengthening chamber 101 and the heat treatment chamber 401 are arranged overlapping in the third direction (Z), as in the glass chemical strengthening furnace 11 used in this embodiment, the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 ) In order to replace the strengthening solution (SS) to manage the ion concentration and remaining amount, very cumbersome work such as separating the strengthening chamber 101 and the heat treatment chamber 401 is required, and process loss occurs during that time, which causes This may be reflected in the increased cost of the glass chemical strengthening process.

However, in the flow of the process system in which the process unit is repeatedly performed, as in the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the reinforcement solution (SS) is measured at a stage where management of the reinforcement solution (SS) is easy, and based on this, the reinforcement solution (SS) is measured. The above problems can be alleviated by supplementing, and there is an advantage of automating the chemical strengthening process of glass.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment includes preheating the glass (S100), chemically strengthening the preheated glass (S200), slowly cooling the strengthened glass (S300), and Before chemical strengthening, it includes a step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S402), but rather than refilling the strengthening solution by a predetermined amount, the strengthening solution is continuously checked whether the remaining amount of the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber is more than a predetermined standard remaining amount. It is different from the chemical strengthening method of glass according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 in that the measurement is repeated (S412), and the strengthening solution is replenished until the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber exceeds or exceeds the standard remaining amount (S432). point.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 14 to 17 are schematic diagrams sequentially showing the glass chemical strengthening method of Figure 13.

First, referring to FIG. 13, the method of chemical strengthening of glass according to this embodiment includes preheating the glass in a heat treatment chamber (S100), chemically strengthening the preheated glass in the strengthening chamber (S200), and heat treating the strengthened glass. 12 includes the step of slow cooling in the chamber (S300), and the step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S403) is performed after the chemical strengthening step (S200), specifically, after the step of withdrawing the glass from the strengthening chamber (S250). This is different from the chemical strengthening method of glass according to the example.

Referring further to FIG. 14, the glass loader 300 on which the glass is mounted is introduced into the heat treatment chamber 411, and preheating of the glass is performed (S100). The chamber door 150 closes the heat treatment chamber 411 and the strengthening chamber 101, and preheating of the glass can be performed with each internal space sealed. In this step, that is, before the chemical strengthening step (S200) to be described later, the remaining amount of strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 may be sufficient.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 15 , the glass loader 300 is withdrawn from the heat treatment chamber 411 and introduced into the strengthening chamber 101 . To this end, the chamber door 150 moves along the door guide 151 so that the heat treatment chamber 411 and the strengthening chamber 101 are in fluid communication, and the lifting rod 530 of the lifting unit 500 moves in the third direction (Z). ) and the loading ring 550 and the glass loader 300 can be introduced into the strengthening chamber 101.

And the glass loaded on the glass loader 300 may be chemically strengthened by being immersed in a strengthening solution (SS) (S200). In this step, the sodium ions of the silicate-containing glass can be chemically strengthened by being replaced with the potassium ions of the strengthening solution (SS). Accordingly, sodium ions may be eluted into the strengthened solution (SS), thereby reducing the concentration of potassium ions and increasing the concentration of sodium ions.

Next, referring further to FIG. 16, the glass loader 300 loaded with chemically strengthened glass may be introduced into the heat treatment chamber 411 and slowly cooled (S300). In this step, the chamber door 150 closes the heat treatment chamber 411 and the strengthening chamber 101, and slow cooling of the glass can be performed with each internal space sealed.

In this step, the remaining amount of reinforcement solution (SS) inside the reinforcement chamber 101 decreases due to the reinforcement solution (SS) remaining on the surface of the glass and/or the glass loader 300, etc., and the chemical reaction in the next process unit is reduced. The remaining amount of strengthening solution may be insufficient to perform the strengthening process.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 17, the strengthening solution is replenished in the strengthening chamber 101 (S403). In an exemplary embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S403) includes measuring or determining the remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 (S413) and whether the strengthening solution exceeds the reference residual amount or is greater than or equal to. It may include a step (S433) of replenishing the strengthening solution until . Replenishment of the reinforcement solution may be performed in a manner in which the refill reinforcement solution SS1 within the refill chamber 200 is replenished into the reinforcement chamber 101 along the flow path portion 250 .

The step of replenishing the strengthening solution (S403) is performed before the start of the slow cooling step (S300), or is performed at least partially simultaneously with the slow cooling step (S300), or after the slow cooling step (S300) is sufficiently accomplished, that is, the slow cooling step ( It can be performed after the end of S300).

In addition, when the refill strengthening solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 is replenished in the strengthening chamber 101, a step (S270) of heating the replenished strengthening solution (SS) to a predetermined temperature or higher may be further performed. . The predetermined temperature may be the temperature of a chemical strengthening process to be performed in the next process unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The method of chemical strengthening of glass according to this embodiment may be started immediately after chemical strengthening of glass is performed and the glass loader 300 is withdrawn from the strengthening chamber 101. That is, the method of chemical strengthening of glass according to this embodiment includes strengthening after the step of chemically strengthening the glass (S200) during the process unit including the preheating step (S100), the chemical strengthening step (S200), and the slow cooling step (S300). A step (S403) of replenishing and managing the solution (SS) may be performed. This has the effect of replenishing the strengthening solution before the chemical strengthening step of the next process unit in a process unit that is repeated using a chemical strengthening furnace for glass.

Although not shown in the drawings, in another embodiment, a method of chemical strengthening of glass involves, after the step of chemically strengthening the glass (S200), refilling the strengthening solution (SS1) from the refill chamber 200 in a predetermined amount as in the embodiment of FIG. 7. ) may be supplemented. In another embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with the method according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 to perform the step of replenishing the strengthening solution not only after the chemical strengthening step (S200) but also before the chemical strengthening step (S200).

Figure 18 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 12 according to the present embodiment further includes a level sensor 602 disposed in the strengthening chamber 101, which is similar to the glass chemical strengthening furnace according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, etc. This is different from 11).

The level sensor 602 may include an ultrasonic level sensor, a capacitive level sensor, a vibrating level sensor, and/or a floating level sensor. The level sensor 602 may be located at a level higher than the water surface of the strengthening solution (SS).

The level sensor 602 can measure the height of the water surface of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101, and through this, the remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 can be measured or calculated.

That is, when performing chemical strengthening of glass using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 12 according to the present embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution includes the strengthening solution (SS) measured using the level sensor 602. Comprising the step of calculating the amount of reinforcement solution that needs to be replenished based on the water level, measuring the remaining amount of refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber (200), and the reinforcement that needs to be replenished in the reinforcement chamber (101) The step of replenishing the reinforcement chamber 101 with the refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 by the amount of the solution may be further included.

Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 13 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 13 according to this embodiment includes not only a first level sensor 603a disposed in the strengthening chamber 101 but also a second level sensor 603b disposed in the refill chamber 200. ) is different from the glass chemical strengthening furnace 12 according to the embodiment of FIG. 18 in that it further includes. The first level sensor 603a can measure the water level of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101, and through this, the remaining amount of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 can be measured or calculated. Same as described above.

The second level sensor 603b can measure the water level of the refill enhancement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200, and through this, measure or calculate the remaining amount of the refill enhancement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200. there is.

In some embodiments, the second level sensor 603b detects the backflow of the refill reinforcement solution (SS1) flowing from the refill chamber 200 to the reinforcement chamber 101, or the refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200. ) can also perform the function of detecting overflow.

That is, when performing chemical strengthening of glass using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 13 according to this embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution includes the strengthening solution (SS) measured using the first level sensor 603a. ), calculating the amount of reinforcement solution that needs to be replenished based on the water level of the water, and measuring the remaining amount of the refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 using the second level sensor (603b). , and may further include the step of replenishing the reinforcement chamber 101 with the refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 by the amount of reinforcement solution that needs to be replenished in the reinforcement chamber 101.

In particular, the amount of reinforcement solution replenished from the refill chamber 200 to the reinforcement chamber 101 may be calculated or controlled through a change in the remaining amount of the refill reinforcement solution SS1 in the refill chamber 200.

Figure 20 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 14 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 14 according to this embodiment includes a level sensor 602 disposed in the strengthening chamber 101, and a valve and/or flow meter 604 installed in the flow path portion 250. ) is different from the glass chemical strengthening furnace 12 according to the embodiment of FIG. 18 in that it further includes.

That is, when performing chemical strengthening of glass using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 14 according to the present embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution includes the strengthening solution (SS) measured using the level sensor 602. Comprising the step of calculating the amount of reinforcement solution that needs to be replenished based on the water level, measuring the remaining amount of refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber (200), and the reinforcement that needs to be replenished in the reinforcement chamber (101) The step of replenishing the reinforcement chamber 101 with the refill reinforcement solution (SS1) in the refill chamber 200 by the amount of the solution may be further included.

In particular, the amount of reinforcement solution replenished from the refill chamber 200 to the reinforcement chamber 101 may be calculated or controlled based on the flow rate and flow rate of the refill reinforcement solution SS1 flowing along the flow path portion 250.

Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a method of chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is performed using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 of FIG. 21.

First, referring to FIG. 21, the strengthening chamber 105 of the glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 according to the present embodiment includes a strengthening chamber body 155 and a second flow path portion 170, which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5. This is different from the glass chemical strengthening method according to (11).

As described above, the first flow path portion 250 may provide a flow path connecting the refill chamber 200 and the reinforcement chamber 105. The refill chamber 200 may contain a strengthening solution composition (SS2) that can increase the ion uniformity of the strengthening solution (SS), rather than a refill strengthening solution having the same composition as the strengthening solution (SS).

The second flow path portion 170 is disposed on the outside of the strengthening chamber main body 155, is in fluid communication with the internal space of the strengthening chamber main body 155, and is a bypass passage or strengthening channel for the strengthening solution (SS) inside the strengthening chamber 105. A flow path through which the solution (SS) circulates may be provided. The internal space of the strengthening chamber body 155 refers to the internal space of the strengthening chamber 105 where chemical strengthening of the glass is substantially performed, and the internal space of the second flow path portion 170 refers to a space that does not contribute to chemical strengthening of the glass. It can mean.

In addition, the second flow path portion 170 is a sensor portion 171 on which the ion sensor 701 is installed, and a first portion 172 (or 2-1 flow path) and a second part 173 (or 2-2 flow path) providing a flow path from the sensor unit 171 to the reinforcement chamber main body 155. That is, the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber main body 155 flows sequentially along the first part 172, the sensor unit 171, and the second part 173 and is circulated back into the strengthening chamber main body 155. You can.

The second part 173 is connected to the reinforcement chamber main body 155, and may be plural. Although not shown in the drawing, all of the second parts 173 are in fluid communication with the sensor unit 171 to provide a flow path through which the strengthening solution SS is circulated. The plurality of second parts 173 are arranged or disposed regularly at approximately a constant distance, and thereby diversify the flow path of the strengthening solution (SS) flowing into the strengthening chamber main body 155, and the inside of the strengthening chamber main body 155 The concentration uniformity of the strengthening solution (SS) can be increased.

In some embodiments, a bubble generator (not shown) may be disposed within the reinforcement chamber body 155. The bubble generator is connected to a gas tank outside the strengthening chamber 105, and can form bubbles by discharging gas supplied from the gas tank, for example, an inert gas. Through this, mixing of the strengthening solution (SS) inside the strengthening chamber main body 155 can be induced and the concentration uniformity of the strengthening solution (SS) can be increased. That is, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 according to the present embodiment is provided with at least one of a circulation structure of the strengthening solution (SS) using a pump and a bubble generating unit (not shown) to perform mixing of the strengthening solution (SS). You can.

The ion sensor 701 may be a sensor that measures the concentration of sodium ions or potassium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) flowing along the second flow path portion 170. As described above, as the chemical strengthening process of glass is repeated, the concentration of potassium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) decreases, while the concentration of sodium ions increases, which may cause non-uniformity in the ion concentration in the strengthening solution (SS). . Therefore, the ion sensor 701 can measure the ion concentration in the reinforcement solution (SS) at the measurement point and replenish the reinforcement solution (SS) based on this. For example, when the concentration of sodium ions is higher than a predetermined standard or the concentration of potassium ions is lower than a predetermined standard as a result of measurement by the ion sensor 701, the strengthening solution (SS) can be replenished. .

In some embodiments, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 may further include a cooling member 702 installed in the first portion 172 and/or a heating member 703 installed in the second portion 173. While the chemical strengthening process of the glass is performed, the strengthening solution (SS) may be heated to about 300°C or higher, or about 350°C or higher, or about 400°C or higher, or about 450°C or higher, or about 500°C or higher. .

Therefore, in order to measure the ion concentration more precisely, the strengthening solution (SS) is partially cooled using the cooling member 702 of the first part 172 located in the passage from the strengthening chamber body 155 to the sensor unit 171. After cooling to a predetermined temperature or lower, the ion concentration can be measured using the ion sensor 701. The predetermined temperature for cooling may be about 150°C or less, or about 130°C or less, or about 110°C or less, or about 100°C or less, or about 80°C or less.

In addition, before introducing the cooled strengthening solution (SS) into the strengthening chamber body 155 through the second part 173, the strengthening solution (SS) is heated using the heating member 703 of the second part 173. By heating above a predetermined temperature, temperature non-uniformity of the strengthening solution (SS) can be prevented. The heating temperature may be substantially the same as or higher than the temperature of the chemical strengthening process.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 22, the method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment includes the steps of preheating the glass in the heat treatment chamber 411 (S100) and chemically strengthening the preheated glass in the strengthening chamber 101 (S200). ) and a step of slowly cooling the strengthened glass in the heat treatment chamber 411 (S300), but before the chemical strengthening step (S200), specifically before the step of introducing the glass into the strengthening chamber 101 (S150), the strengthening solution composition This is different from the chemical strengthening method of glass according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 in that the supplementary step (S404) is performed. The method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment may be performed using the glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 according to the embodiment of FIG. 21, but of course, the present invention is not limited thereto.

First, the glass loader on which the glass is mounted is introduced into the heat treatment chamber 411, and preheating of the glass is performed (S100). The chamber door 150 closes the heat treatment chamber 411 and the strengthening chamber 101, and preheating of the glass can be performed with each internal space sealed. In this step, that is, before the chemical strengthening step (S200) to be described later, the ion concentration of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 may be inadequate. For example, the concentration of sodium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) may be relatively high or higher than a predetermined standard, and the concentration of potassium ions may be relatively low or lower than a predetermined standard.

Subsequently, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) is replenished in the strengthening chamber 101 (S404). In an exemplary embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution composition (SS2) (S404) includes measuring or determining a specific ion concentration in the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 (S414) and the step of replenishing the strengthening solution (SS) If the ionic composition is determined to be inadequate, for example, if the concentration of sodium ions is determined to be higher than the standard concentration, a step (S434) of replenishing the reinforcement solution composition (SS2) using the refill chamber 200 may be included. there is.

In Figure 22, the ion concentration measurement step (S414) is performed based on sodium ions and their reference concentration, but in another embodiment, the ion concentration measurement step (S414) may be performed using potassium ions and their reference concentration. For example, it can be measured whether potassium ions are below or below the standard concentration.

Meanwhile, the step (S414) of measuring the concentration of a specific ion in the strengthening solution (SS) described above is the path through which the strengthening solution (SS) flows from the strengthening chamber body 155 to the ion sensor 701, that is, the first part 172 ) partially cooling the strengthening solution to below a predetermined temperature, measuring the concentration of sodium ions (or potassium ions) using the ion sensor 701 in the sensor unit 171, and the ion sensor 701. It may include partially heating the strengthening solution in the path through which the strengthening solution (SS) flows from the strengthening chamber main body 155, that is, in the second part 173, to a predetermined temperature or higher.

As described above, since the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber body 155 is at a high temperature, it may be difficult to precisely measure the ion concentration. Therefore, the accuracy can be improved by providing a separate second flow path portion 170 and measuring the ion concentration on the cooled reinforced solution at a specific position of the second flow path portion 170.

The step (S404) of replenishing the strengthening solution composition (SS2) is performed after the preheating step (S100) has sufficiently occurred, that is, after the end of the preheating step (S100), or is performed at least partially simultaneously with the preheating step (S100), Alternatively, it may be performed before the start of the preheating step (S100).

In addition, when the reinforcement solution composition (SS2) in the refill chamber 200 is replenished in the reinforcement chamber 101, a step (S130) of heating the reinforcement solution (SS) with the supplemented composition to a predetermined temperature or higher may be further performed. You can. The predetermined temperature may be the temperature of a chemical strengthening process to be described later, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Next, the ion concentration of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 is measured (S414), and if the concentration of sodium ions or potassium ions is within the normal range, or the ion concentration is outside the normal range, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) When replenishment has been performed (S434), the glass loader can be withdrawn from the heat treatment chamber 411 and introduced into the strengthening chamber 101 (S150). And the glass loaded on the glass loader can be chemically strengthened by being immersed in a strengthening solution (SS) (S200).

The supplemented strengthening solution composition (SS2) may be a chemical substance or an additive containing potassium ions exhausted in the strengthening solution (SS). For example, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) may include potassium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃ ), tripotassium phosphate (K ₃ PO ₄ ), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K ₂ HPO ₄ ) or potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH ₂ PO ₄ ). It may include etc. The reinforcing solution composition (SS2) such as potassium carbonate or potassium phosphate may be provided in powder form or aqueous solution form. In this case, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) can be dissolved in the strengthening solution (SS) to supplement potassium ions.

In another embodiment, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) may be a material that reacts with sodium ions accumulated in the strengthening solution (SS) to produce precipitates. For example, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) may include chlorine salt or acetate. In this case, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) can reduce the sodium ions of the strengthening solution (SS).

In another embodiment, the strengthening solution composition (SS2), which provides potassium ions to the strengthening solution (SS) or removes sodium ions from the strengthening solution (SS) as described above, is provided in gaseous form to form a strengthening solution (SS). It may be dissolved in

In another embodiment, the strengthening solution composition (SS2) may be an additive that functions as a catalyst to increase the substitution efficiency of potassium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) and sodium ions of glass or to shorten the ion exchange time. The additive can improve the chemical strengthening reaction of glass, that is, the ion substitution reaction, even at low ion concentrations. The additive may include zinc oxide. For example, the additive may include zinc oxide (ZnO) powder. Additionally, the zinc oxide may further include cadmium (Cd) and/or mercury (Hg). In some embodiments, the additive may further include calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide and/or titanium oxide, powders thereof, or slurries thereof.

Subsequently, the glass loader loaded with chemically strengthened glass may be introduced into the heat treatment chamber 411 and slowly cooled (S300). In this step, the chamber door 150 closes the heat treatment chamber 411 and the strengthening chamber 101, and slow cooling of the glass can be performed with each internal space sealed.

The method of chemically strengthening glass according to this embodiment includes a preheating step (S100), a chemical strengthening step (S200), and a slow cooling step (S300). Among the process units, the strengthening solution composition is used before the chemical strengthening step (S200) of the glass. A step (S404) of replenishing and managing (SS2) may be performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the step of replenishing and managing the strengthening solution composition (SS2) is performed after the step of chemically strengthening the glass (S200), as in the above-described embodiment of FIG. 13, or the chemical strengthening step ( The step of replenishing the strengthening solution composition may be performed both before and after S200).

Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a method for chemically strengthening glass according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 23, in the method of chemical strengthening of glass according to this embodiment, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution composition (S405) is not performed before or after the chemical strengthening step (S200), and the preheating step of the glass (S100) It is different from the chemical strengthening method of glass according to the embodiment of FIG. 22 in that it is performed independently of the chemical strengthening step (S200) and the slow cooling step (S300).

The step of replenishing the strengthening solution composition (S405) is a step of measuring or determining a specific ion concentration in the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber (S415), and if the ion composition of the strengthening solution is determined to be inadequate, the strengthening solution composition is refilled using a refill chamber. Including the replenishment step (S435) is the same as described above.

The method of manufacturing glass according to this embodiment includes measuring the ion concentration of the strengthening solution (S415) and uniformly replenishing the ion concentration (S435), followed by a preheating step (S100), a strengthening step (S200), and a slow cooling step (S300). It can proceed regardless. Accordingly, the step of replenishing the strengthening solution composition (S405) is performed at least partially simultaneously with the preheating step (S100), or at least partially simultaneously with the chemical strengthening step (S200), or at least partially with the slow cooling step (S300). It may be performed simultaneously, or between these steps, or before and after them.

In particular, when the replenishment of the strengthening solution composition (S405) is performed simultaneously with the chemical strengthening step (S200), the strengthening solution can be managed even though the chemical strengthening process is performed, thereby minimizing the time required for replenishing the strengthening solution. . In addition, when the second flow path part is configured as in the glass chemical strengthening furnace 15 according to the above-described embodiment, the strengthening solution in the strengthening chamber can be circulated, thereby further increasing the uniformity of the ion concentration in the strengthening chamber.

Figure 24 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 16 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 24, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 16 according to this embodiment is a flow path that connects the strengthening chamber 101 and the refill chamber 200 and the strengthening chamber 101 and the refill chamber 202. Glass chemical strengthening according to the embodiment of FIG. 18 includes a portion 256, and the passage portion 256 inserted through the side wall of the strengthening chamber 101 is located at a lower level than the water surface of the strengthening solution (SS). This is different from Ro (12).

Figure 25 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 17 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 25, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 17 according to this embodiment is a flow path that connects the strengthening chamber 101 and the refill chamber 200 and the strengthening chamber 101 and the refill chamber 202. Glass chemical strengthening according to the embodiment of FIG. 24 includes a portion 257, and the passage portion 257 inserted through the side wall of the strengthening chamber 101 is located adjacent to the bottom surface of the strengthening chamber 101. This is different from Ro (16).

For example, when the glass chemical strengthening furnace 17 adds a strengthening solution composition containing a component of potassium ions from the refill chamber to the strengthening chamber, the potassium ion is relatively heavier than the sodium ion, which is the object of ion replacement, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the strengthening solution composition can be replenished at the upper part of the strengthening chamber. However, when the glass chemical strengthening furnace 17 enters the strengthening solution composition containing sodium ions from the refill chamber to the strengthening chamber, sodium ions are relatively lighter than potassium ions, which are the target of ion replacement, as shown in FIG. 25. The strengthening solution composition can be replenished at the bottom of the strengthening chamber.

For another example, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 17 adds a strengthening solution composition having a catalytic function capable of increasing the rate or speed of ion substitution between potassium ions and sodium ions from the refill chamber to the strengthening chamber. The strengthening solution composition may be replenished at the middle portion of the strengthening chamber as shown in 24.

However, the above-described embodiments are illustrative to explain the addition location of the strengthening solution composition, and the glass chemical strengthening furnace 17 is located at the top, middle, and The reinforcing solution composition can be injected from the bottom or various other locations.

Figure 26 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 18 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 26, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 18 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of first level sensors 608a in the strengthening chamber 101. The glass chemical strengthening furnace according to the embodiment of FIG. 19 ( This is different from 13). A plurality of first level sensors 608a may be disposed at different levels (ie, heights).

In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first level sensors 608a are located at a level higher than the water level of the strengthening solution SS, and at least some of the plurality of first level sensors 608a are located at a level approximately corresponding to the reference water level of the strengthening solution SS. can be located In addition, at least a portion may be immersed in the strengthening solution (SS), that is, located at a level lower than the reference water level of the strengthening solution (SS).

Likewise, a plurality of second level sensors 608b may be disposed within the refill chamber 200. The second level sensor 608b may be located both at a level higher than the water level of the refill strengthening solution SS1, at an approximately corresponding level, and at a level lower than the water level of the refill strengthening solution SS1.

Figure 27 is a side cross-sectional view of a glass chemical strengthening furnace 19 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27, the glass chemical strengthening furnace 19 according to this embodiment includes one or more sodium ion sensors 719 that measure the concentration of sodium ions in the strengthening solution (SS) at a specific location in the strengthening chamber 101. And it may further include one or more potassium sensors 729 that measure the concentration of potassium ions.

Since sodium ions have a relatively light weight, their concentration at the top of the strengthening solution (SS) may increase while the strengthening process is repeatedly performed or during the rest period of the strengthening chamber 101. On the other hand, since potassium ions have a relatively heavy weight, the concentration at the bottom of the strengthening solution (SS) may increase while the strengthening process is repeatedly performed or during the rest period of the strengthening chamber 101. Therefore, ion sensors 719 and 729 configured to measure the concentration of each ion in the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101 are provided to measure the ion concentration of the strengthening solution (SS) in the strengthening chamber 101, and It may be configured to replenish the reinforcement solution composition (SS1) from the refill chamber 200 on the basis.

In another embodiment, the glass chemical strengthening comprises an ion sensor positioned approximately in the third direction (Z) of the strengthening chamber 101, wherein the ion sensor is configured to measure the concentration of sodium ions and/or potassium ions. It may be possible.

Although the description has been made above with a focus on embodiments of the present invention, this is merely an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to understand the present invention without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include changes, equivalents, or substitutes of the technical ideas exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

10: Glass chemical strengthening furnace
100: Reinforcement chamber
150: Chamber door
200: Refill chamber
250: Eurobu
300: Glass loader

Claims (23)

measuring the concentration of at least one of sodium ions and potassium ions in a strengthening solution contained in a glass strengthening chamber; and
A method of chemically strengthening glass comprising supplying a supplemental composition into the strengthening chamber based on the measurements. According to paragraph 1,
The measuring step includes measuring the concentration of sodium ions. According to paragraph 1,
The measuring step measures sodium ion and potassium ion concentrations, respectively,
Within the strengthening chamber,
A method of chemical strengthening of glass in which the measurement of the sodium ion concentration is performed from an upper side in the direction of gravity than the measurement of the potassium ion concentration. According to paragraph 1,
The measurement of the ion concentration includes measuring the concentration of sodium ions,
If the measured concentration of sodium ions is greater than the normal range,
A method for chemical strengthening of glass, wherein the concentration of sodium ions in the strengthening solution is reduced by supplying the composition containing potassium. According to paragraph 1,
The measurement of the ion concentration includes measuring the concentration of potassium ions,
If the measured concentration of potassium ions is less than the normal range,
A method for chemical strengthening of glass, wherein the composition containing potassium is supplied to reduce the concentration of sodium ions in the strengthening solution. According to clause 4 or 5,
The composition is a method of chemically strengthening glass containing one or more of potassium carbonate, tripotassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. According to paragraph 1,
The reinforcement chamber is,
A strengthening chamber body in which chemical strengthening of the glass takes place, and
Outside the strengthening chamber body, it includes a flow path portion that diverts the strengthening solution accommodated in the strengthening chamber body,
The ion concentration is measured using an ion sensor in the flow path,
The step of measuring the ion concentration includes partially cooling the strengthening solution flowing along the flow path, then measuring the ion concentration using the ion sensor, and partially heating the strengthening solution again. In clause 7,
The cooling is,
In the flow path portion that provides a flow path from the strengthening chamber body to the ion sensor, cooling to a temperature of 100° C. or lower,
A method of chemical strengthening of glass in which the concentration of sodium ions or potassium ions using the ion sensor is measured using a cooled strengthening solution. According to clause 8,
The heating is
A method of chemically strengthening glass, comprising heating to a temperature of 300°C or higher in a flow path that provides a flow path from the ion sensor to the strengthening chamber body. According to paragraph 1,
The composition is a method of chemically strengthening glass comprising powdered potassium nitrate or powdered potassium carbonate. According to paragraph 1,
The composition is a method of chemically strengthening glass including an additive that reacts with sodium ions to form precipitates. According to paragraph 1,
The composition is a method of chemically strengthening glass containing zinc oxide. According to paragraph 1,
Preheating the glass in a heat treatment chamber;
Chemically strengthening the preheated glass by introducing it into the strengthening chamber; and
Further comprising the step of withdrawing the strengthened glass from the strengthening chamber and cooling it slowly,
A series of processes including the preheating step, strengthening step, slow cooling step, and measuring ion concentration and supplying the composition based on the measured value define one unit process,
A method of chemical strengthening of glass in which the measurement of the ion concentration is performed while the glass is preheated before the glass is introduced into the strengthening chamber. According to clause 12,
The method of chemically strengthening glass, wherein the composition further includes one or more of calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, and titanium oxide. According to paragraph 1,
Preheating the glass in a heat treatment chamber;
Chemically strengthening the preheated glass by introducing it into the strengthening chamber; and
Further comprising the step of withdrawing the strengthened glass from the strengthening chamber and cooling it slowly,
A series of processes including the preheating step, strengthening step, slow cooling step, and measuring ion concentration and supplying the composition based on the measured value define one unit process,
The method of chemically strengthening glass, wherein the measurement of the ion concentration is performed while the glass is slowly cooled after the glass is withdrawn from the strengthening chamber. a strengthening chamber that provides a space to accommodate the glass strengthening solution;
a refill chamber configured to supply supplemental composition to the enrichment chamber; and
Includes a first flow path connecting the reinforcement chamber and the refill chamber,
A glass chemical strengthening furnace wherein the strengthening chamber includes an ion sensor that measures the concentration of at least one of sodium ions and potassium ions in a strengthening solution therein. According to clause 16,
The ion sensor includes a sodium ion sensor and a potassium ion sensor,
The sodium ion sensor is a chemically strengthened glass disposed above the potassium ion sensor in the direction of gravity. According to clause 16,
The reinforcement chamber is,
a reinforced chamber body, and
Outside the strengthening chamber body, it further includes a second flow path that diverts the strengthening solution accommodated in the strengthening chamber body,
The second flow path portion,
A sensor unit where the ion sensor is installed,
A first part providing a flow path from the reinforcement chamber body to the sensor unit, and
A glass chemical strengthening furnace comprising a second portion providing a flow path from the sensor portion to the strengthening chamber body. According to clause 18,
The ion sensor is a sensor that measures the concentration of sodium ions or potassium ions in the strengthening solution,
a cooling member installed in the first portion to cool the strengthening solution flowing through the first portion; and
A glass chemical strengthening furnace further comprising a heating member installed in the second part to heat the strengthening solution flowing through the second part. According to clause 16,
The ion sensor measures the concentration of sodium ions,
If the measured sodium ion concentration is greater than the normal range,
A glass chemical strengthening furnace configured to reduce the sodium ion concentration in the strengthening solution by supplying a supplemental composition through the first flow passage. According to clause 16,
The ion sensor measures the concentration of potassium ions,
If the measured concentration of potassium ions is less than the normal range,
A glass chemical strengthening furnace configured to increase the potassium ion concentration in the strengthening solution by supplying a supplemental composition through the first flow passage. According to clause 11,
The additive is a method of chemically strengthening glass containing a chlorine salt. According to clause 11,
The additive is a method of chemically strengthening glass containing acetate.

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