LU508157B1 - Method and equipment for strengthening and/or hardening flat glass - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for strengthening and/or hardening flat glass in a system in which the flat glass is brought into contact with a liquid salt. The method is characterized in that the flat glass is transported and/or treated within the system at least partially, and in particular exclusively, in a horizontal position, wherein the two main surfaces of the flat glass have an angle to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 degrees to 10 degrees. The invention further relates to a system for strengthening and/or hardening flat glass.

Description

084A6015LU 1

LU508157

Description

Title: Process and system for solidifying and/or hardening of

flat glass

The invention relates to a method for solidifying and/or hardening of

Flat glass in a system in which the flat glass is mixed with a liquid salt in

Contact is established.

The invention also relates to a system for solidifying and/or

Hardening of flat glass, in which the flat glass is treated with a liquid salt in

Contact is established.

It is known that the breaking strength of glass can be increased by so-called thermal treatment.

Pre-stressing (also commonly called thermal hardening or tempering) increases the glass's strength. In this process, the glass workpiece to be strengthened is heated in a furnace to approximately 680 °C and then rapidly quenched to room temperature. This quenching process hardens the surface, and the component's external dimensions change only minimally. Internal stresses are created within the glass workpiece, resulting in increased fracture toughness.

From DD 1579 66 a method and a device for the solidification of

Glass products are known to be hardened by ion exchange. The glass products are solidified through alkali ion exchange between the glass surface and molten alkali salts. For this hardening process, the following are used:

Hollow glass products with downward-facing opening or

Hollow glass products, which are rotated or swiveled around a horizontal axis, are sprinkled with molten salt. The salt is constantly circulated and passed through perforated plates to ensure proper drainage. In several stages...

Layers of glass products arranged to create a cascade of rain.

Unfortunately, this method is only possible using...

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LU508157 comparatively expensive special glass can be used in an economically viable way.

From DE 195 10 202 C2, a method for producing hollow glass bodies using the blow-blow and press-blow forming process with increased mechanical strength is known. The method is characterized by the fact that the blow-charged air in the pre- and/or final mold of the blow-blow process is

shaping process or in the finished form of the press-blow mold

Mist-like aqueous alkali metal salt solutions are added to the shaping process.

DE 11 2014 003 344 T5 is a chemically tempered glass for

Flat screens from digital cameras, mobile phones, digital

Organizers, etc., are known. The chemically tempered glass has a

Pressure-load layer produced using an ion exchange process, wherein the glass has a surface roughness of 0.20 nm or higher and wherein the hydrogen concentration Y is in the range

TO a depth X from an outermost surface of the glass of the equation

Y = aX + b is sufficient for X values from 0.1 to 0.4 (µm). The glass is placed on a

Preheated to 100°C and then immersed in molten salt.

From WO 2022 049205 A1, a flat glass pane is known which is made of a

The base material is an alkali-containing silicate glass.

A flat glass pane is characterized by the fact that at least one

surface layer enriched in potassium and sodium and/or

lithium is depleted, while one, especially one directly adjacent to the

The surface layer adjacent to the inner layer is not enriched in potassium and not depleted in sodium and/or lithium, and the flat glass pane exhibits compressive stress down to a certain depth.

compressive stress and, from the compressive stress depth, a tensile stress, with the tensile stress increasing with increasing depth up to a tensile stress maximum located in the inner layer.

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LU508157 and/or wherein the tensile stress profile depends on the

depth does not have a linear section and/or where the course of the

The tensile stress as a function of depth does not have a section in which the tensile stress is constant.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method that makes it possible to efficiently and safely solidify and/or harden flat glass.

The problem is solved by a method of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the flat glass is transported and/or processed within the system at least partially, and in particular exclusively, in a lying position, wherein the two main surfaces of the

The flat glass has an angle to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 degrees to 10 degrees.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system that makes it possible to efficiently and safely solidify and/or harden flat glass.

This task is solved by a system of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized by the fact that the system includes at least one function as

The station includes a transport station and/or a station designed as a treatment station, which transports and/or treats the flat glass at least partially, and in particular exclusively, in a lying position, wherein the two main surfaces of the flat glass are at an angle to the horizontal plane.

It has a range from -10 degrees to 10 degrees.

The described method for solidifying and/or hardening of

Flat glass in a system in which the flat glass is mixed with a liquid salt in

Contacting the customer offers several advantages that improve both the efficiency of the process and the quality of the final product. In the

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LU508157 liquid salt could, for example, be molten nitrate salt of the

sodium or potassium, or a mixture containing molten nitrate salt of sodium or potassium.

This process is suitable for treating flat glass components for a wide variety of applications. For example, the treated flat glass components can be used as panes in windows, doors, and facades to enhance safety. The treated flat glass components can also be used as a protective layer for...

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices can be used. Solar modules represent another area of application.

The treated flat glass parts can be used in solar modules to protect the sensitive photovoltaic cells from environmental influences such as hail, wind and UV radiation.

In accordance with the invention, it was recognized that unprocessed

Flat glass, in particular flat glass that comes directly from a

The flat glass production plant is particularly sensitive to

Damage is... For example, the continuous glass, which is made by a...

When a float line of a flat glass production plant is used, it cannot be cut directly without damage, but must first be prepared for a

The cutting process needs to be allowed to cool slightly, which can create stresses that may cause further subsequent damage to the component.

Flat glass part during handling in a plant for solidification and/or

Hardening processes can occur. During the cutting process, edges with microscopic damage sometimes develop, which can also be the origin of further subsequent damage to the flat glass part when handled in a solidification and/or hardening system.

The method according to the invention has the very special advantage of improved process stability and improved uniformity.

084A6015LU

LU508157 can be achieved because a horizontal orientation allows the

Flat glass during the solidification and/or hardening process largely without direct contact with solid components of the

The invention allows the system to be moved, or at least without transmitting large forces via contact with fixed components of the system. In particular, the invention advantageously avoids the need for contact with the end faces and/or edges of the flat glass parts by means of fixed components of the system.

Forces must be exerted to move the flat glass through the system. The almost horizontal orientation of the flat glass is

Particularly advantageous because it allows for protection during transport and the

Treatment within the facility minimizes the risk of damage that could occur with a vertical or inclined orientation.

The horizontal orientation of the flat glass during transport and the

Treatment within the system ensures that the flat glass can always be supported evenly and across its entire surface, and that the structural integrity is maintained.

Integrity is maintained throughout the entire process.

A further advantage of the invention is that the entire process of solidification and/or hardening can take place in a continuous production line, which enables high processing capacity. The horizontal orientation of the flat glass also improves the mechanical properties.

Handling within the plant leads to an increase in efficiency.

The system can be advantageously designed to enable a continuous processing process in which flat glass parts pass continuously through the various stations of the system.

This means that the plant is capable of processing flat glass in a continuous flow. In particular, several

Flat glass parts can be located within the system simultaneously. In particular, several flat glass parts can be positioned in different positions at the same time.

These are phases of the production process. This increases throughput.

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LU508157 significantly, as the system operates continuously and always generates new ones

Flat glass parts can be included in the processing process while others are already being processed or have been finished.

It is particularly advantageous if the flat glass is transported without contact, at least within parts of the system. Contactless transport of the flat glass, at least within parts of the system, offers a multitude of additional advantages, both in terms of...

The quality of the final product, as well as the efficiency and safety of the production process, are crucial. With contactless transport, there is no direct contact between the flat glass and the fixed mechanical components.

Components of the system. This reduces the risk of scratches,

Microcracks, flaking or other surface damage that could be caused by mechanical contact are completely eliminated.

The edges of flat glass are particularly susceptible to damage from mechanical impact. Contactless transport ensures that the edges are not subjected to pressure, friction, or shocks, thus preserving the structural integrity of the glass.

In a particularly advantageous design, the flat glass is transported horizontally, and in particular exclusively horizontally, within the system.

This reduces the risk of mechanical stress caused by

This avoids potential differences in height or lifting operations.

This ensures consistent process control and reduces potential

Sources of error. Preferably, the flat glass is moved horizontally within the system, without vertical movement, by a treatment station.

The system is transported to the next treatment station of the facility.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be advantageous to provide that the

Flat glass is transported horizontally and without vertical movement through at least one treatment station of the system.

Avoiding vertical movements will allow for precise control over the

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LU508157

The process flow is enabled. The consistent height facilitates the

Calibration and adjustment of the treatment stations relative to each other, which ultimately leads to higher product quality.

In a particularly advantageous design, the flat glass is carried by a fluid for at least part of its transport.

This allows the fluid to be transported without direct contact with fixed components of the system. This minimizes the risk of scratches, microcracks, or other damage to the glass surface or edges that could result from mechanical contact. Furthermore, this aspect can be advantageously implemented in such a way that the fluid has a uniform flow.

It exerts pressure across the entire underside of the flat glass, thus avoiding point loads and the associated stresses. Based on a fluid, this results in a gentler process.

A transport mechanism is feasible, which is particularly advantageous for thin or delicate lenses. The fluid also acts as

Damping agent that effectively absorbs vibrations and shocks that may occur during transport. This ensures a quiet and stable ride.

Movement of the flat glass through the system. The fluid-based

Transport can also be advantageously carried out within the framework of a continuous system.

Integrate the production line into the plant and enable a seamless

Movement of the flat glass through the various process stages without

Interruption or manual intervention.

In particular, it can be advantageously provided that the flat glass is placed on a fluid layer, especially a liquid layer.

A fluid layer, in particular a liquid layer, offers the

Flat glass provides uniform, even support. This ensures that the

Pressure is optimally distributed across the flat glass, thus avoiding point loads. This reduces the risk of local deformation.

Microcracks or other structural damage. Because the flat glass rests evenly on the liquid layer, no additional damage occurs.

084A6015LU 8

LU508157 mechanical stresses that occur during uneven or fixed

Pressure could occur. This is particularly important for the treatment of large or thin lenses, which are prone to stress.

The fluid layer, in particular the liquid layer, also serves as a

A type of sliding bearing that supports the flat glass. This creates contact with solid surfaces.

Surface contact with the system is avoided, enabling low-friction transport. This also reduces the risk of damage to the

Glass surface or edges. The fluid layer allows for easy

Sliding of the flat glass during transport through at least one

Part of the system. This results in a gentle and careful process.

Transport process, which is particularly important for sensitive or high-quality products

Flat glass is advantageous.

The use of a fluid layer, in particular a liquid layer, can be advantageously integrated into various process steps, which increases the

The versatility of the production plant increases and the complexity of the

Flat glass transport within the plant has been reduced.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the fluid is formed from the liquid salt. This offers several advantages, especially the possibility of the liquid salt having a dual function. Since the liquid salt serves both as the support medium and the

The treatment medium for flat glass can be used for transporting the

Flat glass and its consolidation and/or hardening in a few

The process is carried out in steps. This saves time and simplifies the entire process, as no separate media or transport mechanisms are required.

Since the liquid salt can be used both as a carrier medium and as

The treatment medium functions, and the technical complexity of the

The facility should be kept small.

Since the liquid salt directly supports and treats the flat glass,

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The LU508157 allows heat to be efficiently and directly drawn off from the flat glass to achieve initial shock cooling. This method enables precise temperature control and uniform cooling.

Heat distribution, which is particularly important for the manufacturing process of the

Flat glass is of crucial importance.

Preferably, the liquid salt is kept at a constant temperature, which creates a stable and controlled treatment process.

Particularly with regard to a cleaning station that may be advantageously located within the plant, which removes the salt still adhering to the flat glass after the solidification and/or hardening process, the fluid can be composed of water or a cleaning fluid.

Using water or a cleaning fluid as a carrier medium simplifies the production process by combining the transport and cleaning steps. The water or the

Cleaning fluids provide a gentle contact surface for the glass, preventing mechanical damage such as scratches or micro-cracks.

At the same time, the water or cleaning fluid ensures that the

The glass is not damaged during cleaning because there are no hard surfaces.

surfaces or abrasive materials are involved.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be advantageously provided that the fluid is a gas, particularly air. If the flat glass is carried on an air cushion or another gaseous medium, it is transported without contact. This minimizes the risk of

Scratches, cracks or other mechanical damage that could result from contact with solid parts of the system.

A particularly advantageous design is one in which the flat glass is transported contactlessly over the flat top surface of a perforated plate, through whose openings, especially continuously, the fluid is directed onto the

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LU508157

The fluid flows through the top surface. The fluid, preferably uniformly, flows through the

The air flows through the openings of the perforated plate, providing even support across the entire underside of the flat glass. This ensures stability.

Transport without vibrations and without uneven loads.

Since the flat glass rests on a cushion of air or liquid above the

The perforated plate floats, so it does not come into direct contact with the

Perforated plate. This prevents scratches, cracks, and other mechanical damage.

Damage that could result from contact was avoided.

Furthermore, the fluid can advantageously have a dual function, for example by acting as a consolidant and/or

The liquid salt required for the hardening process is formed, or for example, by the fluid being formed by a cleaning fluid.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a flow of the

Fluids that support the flat glass are produced. This can be caused by the

The openings can be designed as nozzles that direct the fluid in a predetermined direction. In particular, the openings of

The perforated plate through which the fluid flows can be designed as nozzles that impart a horizontal flow component to the outgoing fluid. This can, for example, cause the flat glass to move in a transport direction, preferably horizontal, by generating a fluid flow in the transport direction. The flowing fluid transfers some of its kinetic energy to the flat glass it supports. To decelerate the flat glass, a fluid flow against the transport direction can be generated.

The top surface of the perforated plate preferably has an angle to

The angle of the top of the perforated plate to the horizontal plane can be adjusted from -10 to 10 degrees. In particular, it can be advantageously provided that the angle of the top of the perforated plate to the horizontal plane is adjustable from -10 degrees to 10 degrees.

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LU508157

In a particularly advantageous design, the perforated plate is positioned relative to the

Horizontal plane inclined to set the flat glass in motion or to slow down the flat glass.

The ability to tilt the perforated plate relative to the horizontal plane to accelerate or decelerate the flat glass offers significant advantages for controlling the movement of the flat glass components within the system. This flexibility enables precise and gentle handling of the glass and contributes to the efficiency and safety of the entire production process. For example, controlled

Acceleration of the flat glass is possible, whereby the flat glass is accelerated by a targeted inclination of the perforated plate relative to the horizontal plane.

Gravity gently sets the glass in motion. This allows for a controlled start to the transport process without the need for mechanical drive systems directly acting on the flat glass. The glass is transported solely by the tilting of the perforated plate or by the tilting of the perforated plate in combination with the fluid flow mentioned above.

To slow down the flat glass, it can be advantageous to provide that the

The perforated plate is temporarily tilted in the opposite direction. By doing this

By tilting the perforated plate relative to the horizontal plane, the movement of the flat glass can be gently and controllably decelerated. This prevents a sudden stop that could lead to cracks, breaks, or other damage to the glass. The gentle deceleration still allows the flat glass to be precisely positioned at a desired location, for example, for a subsequent step.

Processing step or for transfer to another transport system within the plant.

The speed of transporting the flat glass can be increased by the

The tilt of the perforated plate can be precisely controlled. A steeper tilt

084A6015LU 12

LU508157 results in faster movement, while a shallower tilt causes the glass to move more slowly. This allows for flexible adjustment.

Adjustment of transport speed to different

Process requirements. The ability to precisely control the movement of the glass allows it to be seamlessly transferred from one process station to the next without interruptions or

Delays are coming.

In an advantageous embodiment, a basin is provided in which at least part of the fluid is arranged. The basin can advantageously be designed as an overflow basin, which makes it possible to slide the flat glass horizontally onto the surface of the overflowing fluid.

In particular, the basin could be a dipping tank filled with liquid salt, into which the flat glass for a

The solidification and/or hardening process involves immersion for a treatment period. The treatment period can advantageously range from 5 minutes to 300 minutes, particularly from 15 minutes to 45 minutes.

For example, it may be advantageous to have a rack that can be lowered into the immersion tank and has at least one receptacle for the flat glass, into which the flat glass is inserted, in particular pushed in horizontally, before the rack together with the flat glass is lowered vertically into the immersion tank.

The rack can advantageously have several horizontally oriented, stacked receptacles, each for one (or several) flat glass pieces. The continuous feeding of the flat glass pieces into this rack can be accomplished, for example, by first positioning the empty rack relative to the salt surface such that the lowest receptacle of the rack is at the same height as the incoming flat glass pieces. A first

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LU508157

The flat glass part is inserted horizontally into the lowest recess.

After inserting the first piece of flat glass into the lowest slot of the rack, the rack is lowered slightly so that the lowest slot, along with the first piece of flat glass, is immersed in the salt bath. Then, a second piece of flat glass is inserted into the second-lowest slot.

The rack was inserted horizontally and the rack was further

The rack is lowered slightly so that the second-lowest mount, along with the second flat glass section, is immersed in the salt bath. This process is repeated until the rack is completely filled and immersed in the salt bath.

After a predetermined or predetermined treatment period in which

The rack is gradually pulled upwards out of the salt bath, with the flat glass parts being pulled out individually one after the other horizontally.

Recordings are taken and transported further.

Flat glass parts can be removed from the

surface of the liquid salt.

With this procedure, the dwell time of the first flat glass part in the

The salt bath (due to this first-in-last-out principle) results in a slightly longer dwell time than the dwell time of the last item inserted into the rack.

flat glass part, which is not relevant, however, because the processes of the

Loading and immersing the rack, as well as resurfacing the rack from the salt bath, are short in relation to the average dwell time of the

Flat glass parts in the salt bath.

Especially with regard to continuous manufacturing, the

The system is advantageous (and based on an independent inventive concept that can be implemented in combination with at least one of the other features described in this application, but which can also be implemented independently of the other features described in this application).

084A6015LU 14

(As described in LU508157, it is feasible) several racks may be present, which can, for example, be arranged in a carousel. Once a rack is completely filled and immersed, the rack that was just filled and immersed is removed from the filling position (preferably horizontally), while remaining within the salt bath, so that the next rack can be positioned in the filling position and filled and immersed as described above. This inventive concept solves the problem of handling the continuously arriving, sequentially

To place flat glass parts in a salt bath where they must remain for a predetermined time, without having to make the basin spatially long enough so that the time required to pass through the salt bath corresponds to the predetermined time. For this reason, it is instead planned to place the continuously arriving flat glass parts one after the other for the

to temporarily arrange the diving process in racks located in a

be immersed in the circulatory process.

To ensure the safe transfer of flat glass parts, for example from a transport table with a perforated plate into the rack, it can be advantageous to design the basin as a

An overflow basin has been implemented, whereby the level of the overflowing water...

salt is at the same level as the surface of the

Fluid layer of the transport table. With such a design, the

Flat glass parts are, in a sense, transferred from surface to surface. This procedure can be particularly advantageous in that the rack is positioned so that part of the next part to be filled is already immersed in the salt bath, allowing the next flat glass part to be placed on the surface of the salt.

The recording can "swim".

Since salt always adheres to the flat glass pieces removed from the basin, salt is continuously washed out of the basin, which would lead to a drop in the surface level. For this reason

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LU508157

The reason can be advantageous (and after an independent assessment).

An inventive concept that can be implemented in combination with at least one of the other features described in this application, but which can also be implemented independently of the other features described in this application.

(as described in the application, is feasible) a control device must be present that regulates the surface level of the liquid salt of the

keeps the pelvis constant; preferably at the transport level of the

The station immediately upstream of the basin and/or the station immediately downstream of the basin in the system. For example, this can be achieved by using a control device to extract salt from a

A reservoir, such as a drip tray, is placed in the basin to maintain a constant surface level of the liquid salt. A design in which the

Regulation of the surface level of the liquid salt with continuous salt regeneration, in which a regeneration material is introduced into the

The process is carried out in a basin and/or combined with a continuous salt exchange.

In a particularly advantageous design, the flat glass is transported by means of a

Levitation transport device, which includes an ultrasonic generator and/or transports on an ultrasonic air bearing. Since the flat glass is held in suspension by ultrasonic waves, the

Transport is completely contactless. This prevents any physical contact.

Contact with solid components, thus preventing scratches, cracks or other mechanical damage.

It can be advantageous to provide that the flat glass is made by

Control of the frequency and/or intensity of the ultrasound waves and/or a sound wave pattern along a transport path. In particular, a control device can control the frequency and/or intensity of the ultrasound waves and/or a

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LU508157

Control sound wave patterns in such a way that the flat glass travels along a

The transport path is moved. The movement of the flat glass can be controlled by adjusting the frequency, intensity, and pattern of the

Ultrasound waves can be controlled very precisely. This high precision makes it possible to move the glass exactly along a desired transport path, which increases process accuracy and ensures precise results.

Positioning of the glass is made possible.

Alternatively or in addition to control by ultrasound waves, the

The levitation transport device or the ultrasonic air bearing can be tilted to move the flat glass using gravity.

TO move or slow down. In particular, a

A control device must be present that controls the tilt in order to…

To set flat glass in motion or to slow it down using gravity.

A transport station within which the flat glass is transported by means of a

A levitation transport device, which includes an ultrasonic generator and/or is transported on an ultrasonic air bearing, can advantageously be the first station within the system or at least part of the first

This could be a station within the system. In particular, it may be advantageous for this transport station to transport the flat glass from an upstream [process/station].

The flat glass production plant receives the product. The transport station can, for example, be part of a receiving station designed to handle the...

Flat glass, especially lying flat, from a

To receive the flat glass production plant.

During the transport of the flat glass by means of a

A levitation transport device, which includes an ultrasonic generator and/or is mounted on an ultrasonic air bearing, can advantageously heat the material to the temperature required for the hardening/solidification process.

Starting temperature is determined.

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LU508157

Heating can be advantageously achieved, for example, through irradiation with

Microwave ovens and/or transport through a tempering oven. More generally, the system can include a heating device designed to heat the flat glass to a temperature suitable for the

The required starting temperature for the hardening/solidification process must be increased.

It can be particularly advantageous to provide that the flat glass within the system is sprinkled with liquid salt from above, especially in addition to contact with liquid salt from below (for example, through contact with a fluid layer consisting of the salt).

In this respect, it can be advantageous to have a sprinkler system designed to sprinkle the flat glass inside the system with liquid salt from above.

One embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous.

A process in which the flat glass is manufactured in a flat glass production plant and immediately afterwards transferred to the plant for solidification and/or hardening. In this way, at least some of the process heat used to manufacture the flat glass in the flat glass production plant can be utilized. For this purpose, the flat glass, especially if it is still continuous, is only cooled to the point where it can be cut into flat glass pieces. The still warm

Flat glass parts are then transferred to the system, preferably directly. Heating the transferred flat glass parts to the initial temperature required for the hardening/solidification process is therefore less energy-intensive, because intermediate cooling to room temperature is avoided.

The initial temperature can advantageously be in a range of 100 Kelvin to 300 Kelvin above the transformation temperature of the flat glass.

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LU508157 and/or in a range of 50 Kelvin below and 30 Kelvin above the

Littleton point of the glass material. Especially in the case of the

Processing of flat glass made from alkali-alkaline earth silicate glass can

The initial temperature is advantageously in the range of 650 °Celsius to 760 °Celsius, particularly in the range of 680 °Celsius to 720 °Celsius.

Accordingly, the temperature of the molten salt, which may be, for example, molten sodium salt or molten potassium salt, can range from 300 °Celsius to 500 °Celsius, especially in the

The temperature range is from 390 °Celsius to 450 °Celsius or from 400 °Celsius to 440 °Celsius.

The Littleton point is the temperature at which the viscosity is n = 1066 Pa s (Pascals per second).

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, after the flat glass has been heated to the initial temperature, cooling takes place, preferably in two phases, by bringing it into contact with the liquid.

Salt.

Preferably, the heated flat glass is first subjected to shock cooling, in which the heated flat glass is immersed in the liquid salt.

contact is brought into play. Shock cooling can be advantageous for a

The shock cooling period lasts from 5 seconds to 60 minutes.

seconds, especially at 30 seconds.

In a particularly advantageous design, the

Shock cooling is achieved at least partially by applying it to the

The initial temperature of the heated flat glass is transported horizontally on a fluid layer consisting of liquid salt. This causes the

The flat glass is cooled on its underside. Additionally, the shock cooling can involve, preferably simultaneously, sprinkling the flat glass with liquid salt from above. This cools the flat glass from above.

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LU508157 refrigerated.

Preferably, the flat glass is cooled to a certain degree by means of shock cooling.

Temperature in a range of 50 Kelvin to 200 Kelvin below the

Transformation temperature cooled.

Preferably, after shock cooling, the flat glass is transported, particularly exclusively horizontally, to a basin containing further liquid salt. As described above, the basin can advantageously be designed as an overflow basin. Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the flat glass is prepared for a

During the treatment period, the patient is immersed in the liquid salt of the basin, which can be done, for example, in the manner already described above.

After the treatment period, the flat glass can be removed from the basin and, preferably horizontally, placed in at least one

The cleaning station will be transported.

Preferably, the cleaning station is designed to clean the flat glass of adhering salt. In particular, it can be advantageously provided that the flat glass is placed horizontally on a [platform/surface] in the cleaning station.

The fluid layer is transported, which consists of or contains water, or which consists of a cleaning fluid. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that flat glass is transported in the

The cleaning station is sprinkled from above with a fluid that consists of water, contains water, or is made up of a

The cleaning station consists of a cleaning fluid. Therefore, the cleaning station can advantageously include a sprinkler system designed to sprinkle the flat glass in the cleaning station from above with a fluid that consists of water, contains water, or is a cleaning fluid.

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LU508157

The process is particularly advantageous when carried out with flat glass made from an alkali-containing silicate glass, especially an alkali-

The material consists of alkaline earth silicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass. Aluminosilicate glass has the particular advantage that especially break-resistant flat glass parts can be obtained with the inventive method. Borosilicate glass and alkaline earth silicate glass also have the particular advantage that very break-resistant flat glass parts can be obtained with the inventive method.

The invention is shown in the drawing in an exemplary and schematic way and is described below with reference to the figures, whereby identical or similarly acting elements are usually represented with the same symbols in different embodiments.

Reference symbols are provided. These indicate:

Fig. 1 shows a first part of an embodiment of a plant according to the invention, and

Fig. 2 shows a second part of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show different parts of a

Example of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

The facility has a receiving station 1, which is designed to

Flat glass parts 2, in particular lying flat, to be received from a (not shown) flat glass production plant. Specifically, the

Receiving station 1 is formed by a transport station 3, within which the flat glass 2 is transported by means of a levitation transport device which has a

has an ultrasonic generator 4, and/or is mounted on an ultrasonic air bearing 5

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LU508157 is being transported.

During transport of the flat glass 2 in receiving station 1, it is heated to the initial temperature required for the hardening/solidification process. The system has a

Heating device 6. Heating takes place with this

Exemplary embodiment by irradiation with microwaves, which is combined with a

Microwave generator 7, which may, for example, contain a magnetron, can be used. Alternatively or additionally, the use of a

Oven possible for heating.

Transport station 3 transports the flat glass parts 2 directly to a

Shock cooling station 8. There, the heated flat glass 2 of a

The heated flat glass 2 is subjected to shock cooling, in which it is brought into contact with the liquid salt 10. The shock cooling can advantageously last for a period of 5 to 60 seconds, particularly 30 seconds.

Shock cooling is achieved in part by placing the flat glass 2, heated to the initial temperature, horizontally on a

Fluid layer 9 is transported, which consists of the liquid salt 10.

This cools the underside of the flat glass 2. In the shock cooling station 8, the flat glass 2 is transported without contact over the flat top surface of a perforated plate 12, through whose openings 13 liquid salt 10 continuously flows onto the top surface to form the fluid layer 9 that supports the flat glass 2. A collection tray 14 is provided to collect the liquid salt 10 flowing down the sides. The collected liquid salt 10 is pumped back through the openings 13, thus creating a closed loop of liquid salt 10 within the shock cooling station 8.

Furthermore, the shock cooling includes the fact that the flat glass 2

084A6015LU 22

LU508157 is simultaneously sprinkled from above with liquid salt 10 by means of a sprinkler system 11. This cools the flat glass 2 from above. Preferably, the flat glass is shock-cooled to a temperature in the range of 50 Kelvin to 200 Kelvin below the

Transformation temperature cooled.

The further transport of the flat glass parts 2 within the shock cooling station 8 can be achieved by a flow of the fluid in

The direction of transport is generated. For this purpose, the openings 13 of the

The perforated plate 12, through which the liquid salt 10 flows, is designed as nozzles that give the outflowing salt 10 a horizontal direction.

Imprint flow component. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the perforated plate 12 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane in order to utilize gravity to tilt the flat glass 2.

to displace movement or to slow down the flat glass. In this respect, the perforated plate can be designed to be tiltable, so that the flat glass parts 2 can slide relative to the perforated plate 12 following the force of gravity and thus be transported.

Immediately after shock cooling, the flat glass parts 2 have already undergone a hardening process, so that contact with solid components, such as a Rack 15, is largely safe.

The shock cooling station 8 transports the flat glass parts 2 horizontally and flat directly to a submersion station 16, which includes a basin 17 designed as an overflow basin and several racks 15, each of which

The recordings 18 for the flat glass parts 2 have, show.

Basin 17 contains liquid salt 10. It is another

A drip tray 19 is provided to collect the overflowing liquid salt 10. Since the basin 17 is designed as an overflow basin, it is possible to place the flat glass 2 horizontally on the surface of the

084A6015LU 23

LU508157

to push overflowing liquid salt 10 so that the flat glass is supported by the liquid salt 10.

Each rack 15 has several horizontally oriented, stacked receptacles 18, each for a flat glass part. The flat glass parts 2 are continuously fed into the rack 15 by first positioning the empty rack 15 relative to the surface of the liquid salt 10 such that the lowest receptacle 18 is at the level of the flat glass parts 2 coming from the shock cooling station 8. A first flat glass part 20 is then placed into the lowest receptacle 18.

Insert 18 horizontally.

After inserting the first flat glass part 20 into the bottom

Receptacle 18 of rack 15, the rack 15 is lowered so far that the lowest receptacle 18 together with the first

Flat glass part 20 is completely immersed in the liquid salt 10. Then a second flat glass part 21 is placed in the second-lowest receptacle 18 of the

Racks 15 were inserted horizontally and the rack 15 was lowered a further bit so that the second lowest receptacle 18 together with the second flat glass part 21 is immersed in the liquid salt 10 salt bath.

This process is repeated until Rack 15 is completely filled and submerged.

After a treatment period, the rack 15 is gradually pulled upwards out of the liquid salt 10, with the flat glass parts 2 being individually removed horizontally from the receptacles 18 one after the other and transported further, as shown in Figure 2.

The treatment period can advantageously range from 5 minutes to 300 minutes.

minutes, especially in the range of 15 to 45 minutes.

To achieve continuous production, there are several racks (15) which can be arranged, for example, in a carousel, but

084A6015LU 24

LU508157 is not shown in the schematic figures.

Immediately after the immersion station 16, the flat glass parts 2 reach a cooling station 22. In the cooling station 22, the flat glass parts 2 are cooled to room temperature, for example in an air stream.

Cooling station 22 transports the flat glass parts 2 to a first

Cleaning station 23, where a pre-wash takes place. The pre-wash primarily removes any remaining salt residue.

The pre-washing is partially carried out by transporting the flat glass 2 horizontally on a fluid layer 24, which consists of a

Cleaning fluid 25 is used. This cleans the flat glass 2 at its

Underside cleaned. The flat glass 2 is transported contactlessly in the first cleaning station 23 over the flat top surface of a second perforated plate 26, through whose openings 27 cleaning fluid 25 continuously flows onto the top surface to form the fluid layer 24, which the

Flat glass 2 is supported. A second collection tray 28 is provided, which collects the cleaning fluid 25 flowing down the sides. The collected cleaning fluid 25 is pumped back through the openings 27, so that a cycle of cleaning fluid 25 is formed within the first cleaning station 23.

Furthermore, the first cleaning station 23 includes the simultaneous cleaning of the flat glass 2 from above by means of a second sprinkler system 29 with the

Cleaning fluid 25 is sprinkled on. This cleans the flat glass 2 from above.

The further transport of the flat glass parts 2 within the cleaning station 23 can be achieved by generating a flow of the cleaning fluid 25 in the transport direction. For this purpose, the openings 27 of the second perforated plate 26, through which the cleaning fluid 25 flows, can be used as

084A6015LU 25

LU508157

Nozzles may be designed to impart a horizontal flow component to the outflowing cleaning fluid 25. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the second perforated plate 26 is positioned relative to the

The horizontal plane is inclined to support the flat glass 2, utilizing the

To set gravity in motion or to slow down the flat glass. In this respect, the perforated plate can be designed to tilt, so that the flat glass parts 2 follow the force of gravity relative to the second.

The perforated plate 26 can slide and thus be transported.

The first cleaning station 23 transports the flat glass parts 2 to a second cleaning station 30, where further cleaning takes place.

The second cleaning station 30 is set up in the same way as the first one.

Cleaning station 23, however, in the second cleaning station 30

Water 32 is used instead of cleaning fluid 25.

Further cleaning takes place in the second cleaning station 30, partly by transporting the flat glass 2 horizontally on a fluid layer 31 consisting of water 32. This cleans the underside of the flat glass 2. The flat glass 2 is then

Cleaning station 30 contactless via the flat top of a third

Perforated plate 33 transports water 32 through the openings 34 onto the top surface to form the fluid layer 31, which the

Flat glass 2 is supported. A third collection tray 35 is provided, which collects the water 32 flowing down the side. The collected water 32 is pumped back through the openings 34, so that a water cycle 31 is formed within the second cleaning station 23.

Furthermore, the second cleaning station 30 includes the simultaneous cleaning of the flat glass 2 from above by means of a third sprinkler system 36 with

Water is sprinkled over 32. This cleans the flat glass 2 from above.

02.09.2024 084A0015LU 26

LU508157

084A6015LU 27

LU508157

Reference List: ] Receiving station 2 Flat glass part 3 Transport station 4 Ultrasonic generator 5 Ultrasonic air bearing 6 Heating device 7 Microwave generator 8 Shock cooling station 9 Fluid layer 10 Liquid salt 11 Sprinkler system 12 Perforated plate 13 Openings 14 Collection tray 15 Rack 16 Immersion station 17 Basin 18 Receiving station 19 Additional collection tray 20 First flat glass part 21 Second flat glass part 22 Cooling station 23 First cleaning station 24 Fluid layer 25 Cleaning fluid 26 Second perforated plate 27 Openings 28 Second collection tray 29 Second sprinkler system 30 Second cleaning station

02.09.2024 084A0015LU 28

LU508157 31 Fluid layer 32 Water 33 Third perforated plate 34 Openings 35 Third drip tray 36 Third sprinkler system

Claims (69)

09/02/2024 084A0015LU 29 LU508157 patent claims 1. A method for strengthening and/or hardening flat glass (2) in a system in which the flat glass (2) is brought into contact with a liquid salt (10), characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported and/or treated in a lying position within the system, at least partially, in particular exclusively, wherein the two main surfaces of the flat glass (2) have an angle to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 degrees to 10 degrees. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported within the system without contact. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a. the flat glass (2) is transported horizontally, in particular exclusively horizontally, within the system, and/or that b. the flat glass (2) is transported horizontally within the system without vertical movement from one treatment station of the system to the next treatment station of the system, and/or that c. the flat glass (2) is transported horizontally and without vertical movement through at least one treatment station of the system. 4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is supported by a fluid during at least part of its transport. 5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is placed on a fluid layer (9, 24, 31), in particular a liquid layer. 09/02/2024 084A0015LU 30 LU508157 6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fluid is formed from the liquid salt (10). 7. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fluid is formed from water (32). 8. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fluid is formed from a gas, in particular from air. 9. Method according to one of claims 4 to 8 characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported over the flat top surface of a perforated plate (12, 26 33), through whose openings (13, 27 34) the fluid flows, in particular continuously, onto the top surface. 10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a flow of the fluid is generated, in particular in a transport direction or against a transport direction. 11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported in the transport direction by the flow of the fluid. 12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the top of the perforated plate (12, 26 33) has an angle to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 to 10 degrees. 13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the angle of the top of the perforated plate (12, 26 33) to the horizontal plane is adjustable in the range from -10 degrees to 10 degrees. 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the perforated plate (12, 26 33) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane in order to set the flat glass (2) in motion. 09/02/2024 084A0015LU 31 LU508157 15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the perforated plate (12, 26 33) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane in order to slow down a movement of the flat glass (2). 16. Method according to one of claims 4 to 15, characterized in that at least a part of the fluid is arranged in a basin (17). 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the basin (17) is designed as an overflow basin. 18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is moved horizontally on the surface of the overflowing fluid. 19. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is inserted into a receptacle (18) of a rack (15), which is then lowered vertically into the basin (17). 20. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported during at least part of its transport by means of a levitation transport device having an ultrasonic generator (4) and/or on an ultrasonic air bearing (5). 21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is moved along a transport path by controlling the frequency and/or intensity of the ultrasound waves and/or a sound wave pattern. 22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is moved by tilting the levitation transport device or the ultrasonic air bearing (5). 09/02/2024 084A0015LU 32 LU508157 23. Method according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is sprinkled with the liquid salt (10) from above within the system. 24. Method according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is produced in a flat glass production plant and is immediately afterwards transferred to the plant for solidifying and/or hardening. 25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the flat glass (2) brought to the system is heated to an initial temperature required for the hardening/solidification process. 26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that a. the initial temperature is in a range of 100 Kelvin to 200 Kelvin above the transformation temperature of the flat glass (2), and/or that b. the initial temperature is in a range of 50 Kelvin below and 30 Kelvin above the Littleton point of the glass material. 27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the heating is carried out by irradiating the flat glass (2) with microwaves. 28. Method according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the heating is carried out using an oven. 29. Method according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported during heating, in particular by means of a levitation transport device which has an ultrasonic generator (4) and/or on an ultrasonic air bearing (5). 09/02/2024 084A0015LU 33 LU508157 30. Method according to one of claims 25 to 29, characterized in that the heated flat glass (2) is subjected to shock cooling, in which the heated flat glass (2) is brought into contact with the liquid salt (10). 31. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the shock cooling lasts for a shock cooling period in the range of 5 seconds to 60 seconds, in particular 30 seconds. 32. Method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the shock cooling is carried out at least partially by transporting the flat glass (2) horizontally on a fluid layer (9) consisting of the liquid salt (10). 33. Method according to one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the shock cooling includes sprinkling the liquid salt (10) onto the flat glass (2) from above. 34. Method according to one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is cooled by means of shock cooling to a temperature in a range of 50 Kelvin to 200 Kelvin below the transformation temperature. 35. Method according to one of claims 30 to 34, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported after shock cooling, in particular exclusively horizontally, to a basin (17) which contains a part of the liquid salt (10). 36. Method according to claim 35, characterized in that the basin (17) is designed as an overflow basin and that the flat glass (2) is moved horizontally onto the surface of the overflowing liquid salt (10). 37. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that the flat glass (2), in particular in a rack (15), is immersed in the liquid salt (10) for a treatment period. 084A6015LU 34 LU508157 38. Method according to claim 37, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is removed from the basin (17) after the treatment period and transported horizontally to at least one cleaning station. 39. Method according to claim 38, characterized in that the treatment period is in the range of 5 minutes to 300 minutes, in particular in the range of 15 minutes to 45 minutes. 40. Method according to claim 39, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported horizontally on a fluid layer (31) in the cleaning station (23, 30) which consists of or contains water (32) or consists of a cleaning fluid (25). 41. Method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that the flat glass (2) in the cleaning station (23, 30) is sprinkled from above with a fluid which consists of water (32) or which contains water (32) or which consists of a cleaning fluid (25). 42. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 41, characterized in that the flat glass (2) consists of an alkali-containing silicate glass, in particular an alkali-alkaline earth silicate glass, or an aluminosilicate glass, or a borosilicate glass. 43. Apparatus for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 41. 44. Plant for strengthening and/or hardening flat glass (2), in which the flat glass (2) is brought into contact with a liquid salt (10), characterized in that the plant has at least one station designed as a transport station and/or as a treatment station, which transports and/or treats the flat glass (2) at least partially, in particular exclusively, in a lying position, wherein the two main surfaces of the flat glass (2) 02.09.2024 084A0015LU 35 LU508157 has an angle to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 degrees to 10 degrees. 45. System according to claim 44, characterized in that the station transports the flat glass (2) horizontally, in particular exclusively horizontally, within the system. 46. System according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is supported by a fluid during at least part of its transport. 47. System according to claim 46, characterized in that the station has a fluid layer (9, 24, 31), in particular a liquid layer, onto which the flat glass (2) can be placed. 48. System according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the fluid is formed from the liquid salt (10). 49. System according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the fluid is formed from water (32). 50. System according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the fluid is formed from a gas, in particular from air. 51. System according to one of claims 46 to 50, characterized in that the flat glass (2) is transported over the flat top surface of a perforated plate (12, 26, 33), through whose openings, in particular continuously, the fluid flows onto the top surface. 52. System according to claim 51, characterized in that the fluid on the upper side has a flow in a transport direction. 53. System according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that the top of the perforated plate (12, 26, 33) has an angle to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 to 10 degrees. 54. System according to one of claims 51 to 53, characterized in that the angle of the top of the perforated plate (12, 02.09.2024 084A0015LU 36 LU508157 26, 33) to the horizontal plane in the range of -10 degrees to 10 degrees. 55. System according to one of claims 46 to 54, characterized in that at least a part of the fluid is arranged in a basin (17). 56. System according to claim 55, characterized in that the basin (17) is designed as an overflow basin. 57. System according to claim 56, characterized in that the station moves the flat glass (2) horizontally on the surface of the overflowing fluid. 58. System according to one of claims 55 to 57, characterized in that a rack (5) with at least one receptacle (18) for the flat glass (2), in particular with several receptacles (18) for at least one flat glass (2) each, is provided, which can be lowered into the basin (17). 59. System according to one of claims 44 to 58, characterized in that the system comprises a levitation transport device comprising an ultrasonic generator (4) and/or an ultrasonic air bearing (5). 60. System according to claim 59, characterized in that a control device controls the frequency and/or intensity of the ultrasonic waves and/or a sound wave pattern such that the flat glass (2) is moved along a transport path. 61. System according to claim 59 or 60, characterized in that the levitation transport device and/or the ultrasonic air bearing is mounted in a tiltable manner in order to move the flat glass (2) by tilting the levitation transport device or the ultrasonic air bearing (5). 09/02/2024 084A0015LU 37 LU508157 62. System according to one of claims 44 to 61, characterized in that a sprinkler system (11) is provided which is designed to sprinkle the flat glass (2) inside the system from above with the liquid salt (10). 63. Plant according to one of claims 44 to 62, characterized in that the plant has a receiving station (1) which is designed to receive the flat glass (2), in particular lying flat, from a flat glass production plant. 64. System according to one of claims 44 to 63, characterized in that the system has a heating device (6) which is designed to heat the flat glass (2) to an initial temperature required for the hardening/solidification process. 65. System according to claim 64, characterized in that the heating device (6) has a microwave generator (7). 66. System according to claim 64 or 65, characterized in that the heating device (6) comprises an oven. 67. System according to one of claims 44 to 66, characterized in that a cleaning station (23, 30) is provided which is designed to clean the flat glass (2) of adhering salt (10). 68. System according to claim 67 characterized in that the cleaning station (23, 30) is designed to transport the flat glass (2) horizontally on a fluid layer (32) which consists of or contains water (32) or consists of a cleaning fluid (25). 69. System according to claim 67 or 68, characterized in that the cleaning station (23, 30) has a sprinkler system designed to rinse the flat glass (2) in the cleaning station (23, 02.09.2024 084A0015LU 38 LU508157 30) to sprinkle from above with a fluid consisting of water (32) or containing water (32) or consisting of a cleaning fluid (25).