TWI591027B - Thermo-mechanical reforming method and system and mechanical reforming tool - Google Patents

Description

Thermomechanical reshaping method and system and mechanical reshaping tool Cross-reference to related applications

The present patent application is based on the priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/546,687, filed on Oct. 13, 2011, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The citations are all incorporated herein.

The present invention relates generally to the thermal reshaping of planar (two-dimensional) glass sheets into shaped (three-dimensional) glass articles.

There are many industrial activities in the field of reshaping flat glass sheets. Currently, these activities are primarily for the manufacture of molded glass articles for automotive applications such as windshields and side windows, as well as architectural applications such as curved glass for architectural and commercial non-electronic displays. Typical features of the reshaping process for these applications are limited glass deformation, large radii of curvature (typically greater than 50 mm), and thick glass sheet thickness (typically greater than 1.5 mm).

Reshaping processes based on gravity sag are well known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,240,746 B1, "Method and Apparatus for Glass Bending," June 5, 2001 [1]. In the sag of gravity, the glass sheet is positioned at a ring or skeleton that supports the periphery of the glass sheet. Then heat the system To the temperature near the softening point of the glass. Under the action of gravity, the glass hangs down and eventually becomes the desired shape. Differentiated heating of some areas of the glass sheet can be used to obtain some final shape that cannot be achieved by isothermal gravity sag only. For some special shapes, more advanced techniques based on articulated frames have been developed (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,286,980, "Method and Apparatus for Forming Curved Glass Sheets", September 1, 1981 [2] and U.S. Patent No. 5,167,689, "Process for Bending Glass Sheets," December 1, 1992 [3]). The idea is to articulate the skeleton to modify the outer shape of the support frame at some point during the gravity drop process to ultimately result in a more complex design, such as a smaller local radius of curvature.

Reshaping processes based on press bending are well known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,422,040, "Method for Forming Glass Sheets" [4] and WO 2004 087590 A2, "Method of Extruding and Suctioning Glass Sheets", October 14, 2004 [ 5]. In the bending, the glass piece is formed by contact with the central male mold and the outer master mold presses the periphery of the glass to the central male mold. This process has the ability to obtain a relatively small radius (e.g., as small as 10 mm (see reference [5])) and a relatively complex shape.

Today, interest in high quality, thin-walled, formed glass articles is growing, particularly in the form of molded glass articles having a combination of planar and curved regions, which generally have a highly curved shape. These complex shaped glass products are needed for use as glass covers or doors or windows for portable electronic devices such as tablets and smart phones, as well as larger smart applications such as televisions and refrigerators. These newer applications are generally There are requirements for a shaped glass article: a small radius of curvature in the curved region (for example less than 20 mm), an almost perfect flatness and optical quality in the planar region, and a bend that can be located very close to the outermost edge of the glass. The area and the bend angle can be greater than 90 degrees. It is difficult to achieve such requirements using a reshaping process such as that described above.

A thermomechanical reshaping method in accordance with an aspect of the invention comprises heating a reformable zone and a non-reformable zone of a glass sheet to a first temperature, the first temperature corresponding to a first viscosity (step (a)). Subsequently heating the reformable zone to a second temperature, the second temperature corresponding to the second viscosity, wherein the second viscosity is lower than the first viscosity (step (b)). A predetermined bending is formed in the reformable region using the first forming method or the second forming method in the step (b) (step (c)). The first forming method includes contacting a first push rod with the non-reformable region and translating the first push rod along a linear path to apply a thrust to the non-reformable region, and forming the same in the reformable region The bending is predetermined (step (c1)). The second forming method includes contacting a second push rod with an edge region of the reformable region and rotating the second push rod along a circular path to apply a thrust to the edge region of the reformable region, and The predetermined curvature is formed in the reformable region (step (c2)).

In an embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, wherein step (c) is used in step (c), the first putter is made during the step (c1) The non-reformable zone contact includes contacting a curved surface of the first pushrod with the non-reformable zone.

In an embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, wherein step (c) is used in step (c), the second pusher is brought into contact with an edge region of the reformable region during the step (c2) The method includes contacting an edge region of the reformable region with a planar surface of the second push rod.

In an embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, during the step (b), the reformable region is allowed to form an initial bend by gravity sag, the initial bend having an initial bend angle (step (d)) .

In an embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, wherein step (c) is used in step (c), step (d) is formed prior to step (c1), and the initial bending is formed during step (c1) For the predetermined bending, and at the end of step (c) the predetermined bending has a final bending angle that is greater than the initial bending angle.

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, wherein step (d) is prior to step (c1), the initial bending angle at the beginning of step (c1) is in the range of 70 to 90 degrees.

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, after the predetermined bend has been formed in step (c), allowing the temperature in the reformable zone to decrease to between the first temperature and the second temperature Temperature between (step (e)). In the process of step (e), the first push rod is brought into contact with the non-reformable region (where step (c) is used in step (c)) or the second push rod and the reformable region are The edge region remains in contact (where step (c2) is used in step (c)).

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, step (c) begins when the reformable zone is at a third temperature, and the third temperature corresponds to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being at least greater than the first The viscosity is one order of magnitude lower, wherein the third temperature is between the first temperature and the second temperature.

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, the predetermined bend has a final bend radius of less than 20 mm at the end of step (c).

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, the predetermined bend has a final bend angle greater than 60 degrees at the end of step (c).

In an embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, wherein step (c) is used in step (c), the predetermined bend has a final bend angle greater than 90 degrees at the end of step (c1).

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reshaping method, wherein step (c) is used in step (c), the predetermined bending is formed within 20 mm of the outermost edge of the glass sheet.

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming method, the glass sheet heated in step (a) is provided in a thickness ranging from 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

In one embodiment of the thermomechanical reforming process, the glass sheet heated in step (a) is provided at a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than 5 ppm/K.

A mechanical reshaping tool according to another aspect of the present invention includes a pusher member having a contact surface for contacting a sheet; a linear to rotary moving guide coupled to the pusher member; and straight line An actuator coupled to the rotating moving guide. The linear to rotational moving guide is configured to receive a linear movement, convert the linear movement into a rotational movement, and impart the rotational movement to the pusher member. The actuator is arranged to provide the linear movement of the linear to rotating moving guide.

In one embodiment of the mechanical reshaping tool, the linear to rotary moving guide includes a pair of spaced apart pivotable members coupled to opposite ends of the pusher member. The spacing between the pivotable members is sufficiently wide to receive the edges of the sheet.

In one embodiment of the mechanical reshaping tool, the actuator has a movable arm that is coupled to the pivotable member. The movable arm is configured to transmit the linear motion from the actuator to the pivotable member.

In one embodiment of the mechanical reshaping tool, the linear to rotary moving guide further includes a stop member for limiting pivoting of the pivotable member.

In one embodiment of the mechanical reshaping tool, the contact surface of the pusher member is substantially planar.

A thermomechanical reshaping system in accordance with another aspect of the present invention includes one or more heaters, pusher members, linear to rotary moving guides, and actuators. The one or more heaters are used to selectively heat the area of the glass sheet. The pusher member has a contact surface for contacting the glass sheet at a selected area. The linear to rotary moving guide is coupled to the pusher member and is configured to receive a linear movement, convert the linear movement into a rotational movement, and impart the rotational movement to the pusher member. The actuator is coupled to the straight line to the rotating moving guide and is disposed to the straight line The moving guide to the rotation provides this linear movement.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following embodiments are illustrative of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or an understanding of the nature and characteristics of the invention (as claimed). The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the embodiments

In the following embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features or processes may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. In addition, similar or identical reference symbols may be used to identify common or similar elements.

A thermomechanical method for reshaping a glass sheet into a shaped article having planar and curved regions is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the glass material is glass. In another embodiment, the glass material is a glass ceramic. In one embodiment, the glass sheet is thin, for example having a thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the glass sheet has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than 5 ppm/K. An example of a suitable glass for use as the glass material is GORILLA® glass. GORILLA® glass is available from Corning Incorporated in New York. In some embodiments, the suitable glass is ion exchangeable glass, wherein the structure of the ion exchangeable glass contains small alkali or alkaline earth metal ions, and such small alkali or alkaline earth metal ions can be compared Large alkali or alkaline earth metal ion exchange.

The glass sheet provided is a flat glass sheet. Such planar sheets can be produced using any suitable method of producing flat glass sheets, such as an overflow melt down draw process or a floating process. The glass sheet has at least one reformable zone and at least one non-reformable zone. The term "non-reformable zone" as used herein does not mean that the zone cannot be reshaped, but that the zone will not or will not be reshaped. The glass material composition of the reformable zone is generally the same as the composition of the glass material of the non-reformable zone. However, it is also possible that the composition of the glass material of the reformable zone and the non-reformable zone differs, for example, if a reformable zone or a non-reformable zone is required, it should have special properties. Generally, the reformable zone and the non-reformable zone will be continuous, and each reformable zone will be adjacent to at least one non-reformable zone. The number and location of the reformable and non-reformable regions on the glass sheet will depend on the desired shape of the shaped article.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1a illustrates an example of a glass sheet 100 having a reformable region 102 and non-reformable regions 104, 106. Figure 1b illustrates an example of a glass sheet 100a having a reformable region 102a and a non-reformable region 106a. The reformable region 102 of Figure 1a is located on the inside relative to the edge 101 of the glass sheet 100. On the other hand, the reformable zone of Figure 1b is relative to the glass sheet The edge 101a of 100a is located at the edge. As will be illustrated later, the position of the reformable regions 102, 102a on the glass sheets 100, 100a will be associated with how the reformable regions are mechanically reshaped, respectively.

Initially, since the glass sheet (for example, 100 in Fig. 1a, 100a in Fig. 1b) is planar, the reformable region (for example, 102 in Fig. 1a, 102a in Fig. 1b) The non-reformable regions (e.g., 104, 106 in Figure 1a, 106a in Figure 1b) will also be planar. Thereafter, the reformable zone will be formed into a three-dimensional shape and will no longer be planar, but the non-reformable zone will remain planar. Typically, the three dimensional shape will include at least one bend having a predetermined radius of curvature. The predetermined radius of curvature will depend on the final shape of the desired shaped article. In one embodiment, a small radius of curvature is formed in the reformable zone, such as less than 20 mm. In one embodiment, the final bend angle formed in the reformable zone is greater than 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the final bend angle formed in the reformable zone is greater than 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the reformable zone is located at the edge and the bend formed in the reconfigurable zone at the edge is very close to the edge of the glass sheet containing the reformable zone at the edge, such as at the edge of the glass sheet. Within mm.

In order to produce a shaped article, a glass sheet as illustrated in Fig. 1a or Fig. 1b is placed on a support. This placement causes a portion of the glass sheet comprising the reformable region to be suspended from the support. For purposes of illustration, Figure 2a illustrates a glass sheet 100 on a support 200. In one embodiment, the support 200 has a planar support surface 202 for supporting the support surface 202 The glass sheet 100 is supported. The glass sheet 100 is placed on the support surface 202 such that the reformable region 102 and the non-reformable region 104 are suspended from the support 200. The non-reformable zone 104 is outside the reformable zone 102 and is located on the edge of the glass sheet 100, which makes the non-reformable zone 104 suitable for mechanical contact to form a bend in the reformable zone 102. The support surface 202 in contact with the glass material is preferably made of a refractory material or coated or plated with a refractory material. Examples of such high temperature resistant materials include ceramics, glass ceramics, refractory alloys, and superalloys such as INCONEL 600 and INCONEL 718.

The stop 204 can be placed at or adjacent to the abutment 200. The stop 204 has a stop surface 206 that is in opposing relationship with the reformable region 102. However, the stop surface 206 is offset from the support surface 202 by a distance such that the reformable region 102 has a downwardly curved space when heated to the reshaping temperature. In the present embodiment, the stop surface edge 208 can function to limit the degree of bending. The stop 204 can be made of the same material as the holder 200. The stop surface 206 or the stop surface edge 208 that may contact the non-reformable zone 104 or the reformable zone 102 may be made of or coated or plated with a refractory material for the support surface 202 as described above. High temperature resistant materials.

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical processing sequence for manufacturing a shaped article from the glass sheet 100. Line 300 illustrates the temperature progression in reformable zone 102 during the reshaping process, while line 302 illustrates when mechanical reshaping is turned on or off during the reshaping process. Prior to time t ₀ , the reformable zone 102 (in Figure 2b) of the glass sheet 100 (in Figure 2b) and the non-reformable zones 104, 106 (in Figure 2b), ie the entire The glass sheet 100 is heated to a temperature T ₀ . Figure 2b illustrates heater 210 conducting heat to the entire glass sheet 100. The heater 210 can be any heater capable of controllably delivering heat to the glass sheet 100, such as a gas burner, a resistive filament, and a plasma torch.

In Fig. 3, the value of the temperature T ₀ or the range of values is not specified. This is because the value of temperature T ₀ will depend on the composition of the glass sheet 100 (in Figure 2b). However, those having ordinary skill will know how to select the temperature of the temperature T ₀ T ₀ otherwise described in the art based. Preferably, the temperature T ₀ is low enough to avoid deformation of the glass sheet 100 or 100 is formed in the optical quality defects in the glass sheet, the temperature T ₀ is high enough to prevent the glass sheet 100 due to the re-forming region 102 is then locally heated When the expansion does not match and breaks. In one embodiment, the glass material has a viscosity at temperature T ₀ greater than 6 x 10 ⁹ poise. In another embodiment, the glass material has a viscosity at temperature T ₀ greater than 6 x 10 ⁹ poise but no greater than 10 ¹² poise.

From time t ₀ to the times t ₁ to time t _2, the local heating may be re-forming region 102 temperature (in the first 2c drawing), and re-forming region 102 from the time t a temperature of ₀ T ₀ of the times t ₁ of The temperature T _{1 is} again at a temperature T _{2 of} time t ₂ , where T ₀ < T ₁ < T ₂ . From the time t ₂ to time _{t. 3,} localized heating of the closed region 102 can be reshaped, and re-forming temperature region from 102 at time t ₂ T ₂ of the temperature drop at the time t between the temperature T _{0. 3} and Between T ₂ . This temperature between T ₀ and T ₂ at time t ₃ may be temperature T ₁ or close to temperature T ₁ .

For any time between time t ₀ and time t ₂ is t, then the non-molding temperature region 104 (in FIG. 2c.) Is lower than the molding temperature and then in the region 102. Preferably, from time t ₀ to time t ₂ , the average temperature in the non-reformable regions 104, 106 is approximately equal to or near the temperature T ₀ . For example, the average temperature can be within T ₀ +/- 15 ° C. This may mean that a non-re forming region 104 is not heated, or may be non-shaped regions 104, 106 are then locally heated to the temperature of the non-forming region 104, and then the temperature is maintained at a temperature close to T ₀ or T ₀ . After time t _2, the temperature of re-forming region 102 (in FIG. 2c.) Starts to fall and eventually approaches the temperature (e.g., temperature T ₀₎ a non-forming region 104, 106 again.

FIG. 2c illustrates a second heater 212 (if desired, a plurality of heaters may be used) at time t ₀ to time t ₂ (In Fig. 3) to the thermally conductive region 102 can be reshaped. Preferably, the heater 212 is provided between the heated concentrated to provide a re-forming region 102, can be as described above at time t ₀ to time t ₂ may be reshaped maintaining region 102 and a non-forming region 104, and then The required temperature is differentiated. Limiting the temperature differential between the reformable and non-reformable regions and thereby the difference in viscosity of the glass material produced between the reformable and non-reformable regions limits the reformable region 102. Any deformation of the glass material. As an example, such concentrated heating may be convection heating provided by a gas burner having a nozzle for concentrating heat from the gas burner, or such concentrated heating may be radiant heating provided by an electric resistance heater The electric resistance heater has an optical element such as a high temperature resistant elliptical mirror to concentrate heat from the electric resistance heater. It is also possible to use a centralized heating configuration other than those mentioned above.

Re-forming region 102 is formed again at time t ₀ to time T ₃ occurs (In Fig. 3). From time t ₀ to time t ₁ (in FIG. 3), the reforming of the reformable region 102 is only due to the influence of heat. During this time, the reformable zone 102 may begin to sag due to the action of gravity. At time t ₁ , when the reformable zone 102 is at temperature T ₁ , the addition mechanical influences the reshaping of the reformable zone 102 . For sheet 100 having a reformable region 102 on the inside, mechanical resharing involves contacting the non-reformable region 104 with a pusher and advancing the non-reformable region 104 to create a predetermined bend in the reformable region 102. . If the bend has been formed in the reformable zone 102 due to sagging, mechanical reshaping will increase the bend angle to a predetermined or desired bend angle. With such mechanical reshaping (described further below), a substantial bending angle, such as a bending angle greater than 90 degrees, can be achieved. Different strategies are used for mechanical reshaping when the reformable zone is at the edge. This different strategy will also be described below.

In Figure 3, the value of the temperature T ₁ or the range of values is not specified, since the temperature T ₁ will depend on the composition of the glass material and whether any glass substantial sagging is required in the reformable zone 102 prior to mechanical reshaping. (in Figure 2c). However, having ordinary skill will be able to temperature T ₁ to temperature T or less is further determined based on _one described in the art. The temperature T _{1 is} sufficiently high to allow for deformation of the reformable region 102. The viscosity of the glass material at temperature T ₁ is at least an order of magnitude lower than the viscosity of the glass material at temperature T ₀ (ie, at least 10 times), which substantially limits the deformation of the glass material to the reformable region 102, if not then forming region 104 (in FIG. 2c.) is maintained at a temperature near the temperature T ₀ or T _0. In one embodiment, the glass material has a viscosity at temperature T ₁ of no greater than 10 ⁹ poise. In another embodiment, the glass material has a viscosity in the range of from 10 ⁸ poise to 10 ⁹ poise. In another embodiment, the temperature T _{1 is} in the formation temperature range of the glass material. In another embodiment, the temperature T ₁ is between the softening point of the glass material and the annealing point. In another embodiment, the temperature T ₁ is at least 10 ° C below the softening point of the glass material.

From time t ₂ to time t ₃ , local heating of the reformable zone 102 (in Figure 2c) is turned off and the temperature of the reformable zone 102 is lowered from temperature T ₂ to temperature T ₁ (or near temperature T) ₁ ). (Temperature T ₂ has the same properties as temperature T ₁ described above, except that temperature T _{2 is} greater than temperature T ₁ .) Mechanical reshaping continues from time t ₂ to time t ₃ , even if local heating is turned off at this time . However, mechanical reshaping of this portion involves holding the non-reformable region 104 rather than advancing the non-reformable region 104. During this grip, the bend formed in the reformable zone 102 is reinforced. After time t _3, the temperature was re-forming region 102 drops down to a temperature T ₀ or the same as the non-forming region 104, and then the temperature.

T after the glass sheet ₃ may be curved in a predetermined forming area 102 may be further described as a shaped article at a time. The shaped article can be allowed to further cool to a temperature below the temperature T ₀ . The shaped article may be further cooled to a temperature at which the glass material has a viscosity of about 10 ¹³ poise or more. After this cooling, various processes can be applied to the shaped article. For example, the shaped article can be annealed. The edges of the shaped article can be finally machined, trimmed or contoured to achieve the final size or shape. The shaped article can be subjected to an ion exchange process for strengthening. An antifouling coating can be applied to the surface of the shaped article.

Figure 4a illustrates a mechanical reshaping tool 400 for mechanically reshaping the internally deformable region of the glass sheet, such as the reformable region 102 of Figure 1a. Mechanical reshaping tool 400 includes a curved contact pusher 402. In one embodiment, the curved contact pusher 402 has an elongated pusher body 404 having a curved surface 405 for contacting the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the curved surface 405 is convex. The curved surface 405 is made or plated from a material that does not adhere to the glass material at the reshaping temperature. This may be the same type of refractory material as described above for the holder 200 (in Figure 2a).

Mechanical reshaping tool 400 includes an actuator 408 having a movable arm 410. The prongs 412, 414 are coupled to the opposite side of the movable arm 410 to the elongated pusher body 404. The engagement between the prongs 412, 414 and the elongated pusher body 404 can be fixed or rotatable. The actuator 408 can be controlled to extend the push rod 402 to contact the surface of the glass sheet and then apply force to the surface of the glass sheet. This force can be used to create a bend in the reformable area of the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the actuator 408 is a linear actuator such that the push rod 402 advances along a linear path during the elongation of the previously mentioned push rod 402. Actuator 408 and movable arm 410 form a linear force control system and can be implemented in a variety of different manners. for example, The actuator 408 and the movable arm 410 may be pneumatic cylinders.

FIGS. 4b and 4c illustrate how the mechanical reshaping tool 400 can be used to form a bend in the reformable region 102. In one embodiment, at time t ₁ (In Fig. 3), due to gravity can be re-shaped zone 102 has drooping, sagging and because, re-forming region 102 has formed an initial bend 120. In one embodiment, this initial bend 120 can have an initial bend angle 122 in the range of from about 70 degrees to about 90 degrees. Mechanical reshaping or after the time t ₁ by the push rod 402 in opposing relation to non-re forming region 104 and into contact with the non-forming area 104 is started again. The additional extension of the actuator movable arm 410 along the linear path maintains contact between the push rod contact surface 405 and the non-reformable region 104 and applies a thrust to the non-reformable region 104. When a thrust is applied to the non-reformable zone 104, the angle of curvature in the reformable zone 102 increases.

4c illustrates the actuator 408 advancing the push rod 402 in a linear path against the non-reformable region 104 until a predetermined bend angle 124 is formed in the reformable region 102. The selection time t ₂ (in FIG. 3) is when a predetermined bending angle 124 can be formed in the reformable region 102. At time t ₂ , the actuator 408 stops advancing the push rod 402 against the non-reformable region 104, such as by stopping further extension or actuation of the movable arm 410. T ₂ to time T ₃ (in FIG. 3), the actuator 408 to maintain the push rod 402 in contact with the non-reshaped region 104, 104 to apply a resistance to the non-forming region from another time. This resistance does not result in additional bending in the reformable zone 102. At the same time, the heating of the reformable zone 102 is turned off. To time t _3, the forming section 102 may be further cooled to a predetermined bending angle sufficient to maintain 124. At time t _3, the actuator 408 contacts the push rod 402 and the non-removable rechargeable forming region 104, for example, by the movable arm 410 is retracted.

At time t ₁ (in FIG. 3), the mechanical reshaping tool 400 described above can also be used to form a bend in the reformable region 102 when there is no initial bend or only a small bend in the reformable region 102. . However, in this case, in order to create a large bending angle, it may be necessary to reposition the actuator 408 at some point during the advancement of the push rod 402 toward the non-reformable region 104 to avoid the movable arm 410 or actuation. The other portion of the 408 touches the sheet 100. In one example, this can be repositioned by the actuator 408 mounted on the rotating step (e.g., 420 of FIG. 4d) and automatically, so that the actuator ₄₀₈₁ during the time t to _{t. 3} ( In Figure 3, proceed along the curved path as needed. At each position of the actuator 408 along the curved path, the actuator 408 is provided by the movable arm 410 to the path of the push rod 402 that will still follow a straight line.

Figure 5a illustrates another mechanical reshaping tool 500 for mechanical reshaping of glass sheets. The mechanical reshaping tool 500 includes a planar contact pusher 502, an actuator 504, and a linear to rotational moving guide 506 that linearly moves from the actuator 504 and converts the linear motion into The rotational movement of the planar contact pusher 502 enables the planar contact pusher 502 to advance along a circular path to impart bending to the glass sheet in the reformable zone.

In one embodiment, the planar contact pusher 502 has an elongated body 505 having a planar bottom surface 505a (in Figure 5b) Better to see), the planar bottom surface 505a is used to contact the glass sheet. In general, the planar bottom surface 505a should be narrow so that contact with the glass sheet can be minimized. The leading edge 505b and the trailing edge 505c of the elongated body 505 can each have a circular shape, as shown, or each can have a different shape, such as a planar or slanted shape. The top surface 505d of the elongated body 505 can have a planar shape, as shown, or can have a different shape, such as a curved or slanted shape. In an alternate embodiment, the mechanical reshaping tool 500 can include a non-planar contact pusher instead of the planar contact pusher 502. For example, a curved contact pusher (as illustrated at 402 in Figure 4a) can also be used in place of the planar contact pusher 502.

The linear to rotary moving guide 506 has abutments 510, 512 that are spaced a sufficient distance to allow the edges of the glass sheets to be received between the supports 510, 512. Guide 506 has angled brackets 514, 516. The angled bracket corners 518, 520 are coupled to the mounts 510, 512 by pivot joints 522, 524. The angled brackets 514, 516 feet 526, 528 are securely attached to the ends 530, 532 of the elongated body 505, such as by assembling the ends 530, 532 of the elongated body into the slots in the feet 526, 528. The mount is such that in the intermediate position of the angled brackets 514, 516, the planar bottom surface 505a of the push rod 502 is parallel to the bases 534, 536 of the mounts 510, 512.

The actuator 504 has a movable arm 538 to which the movable arm 538 is securely attached. The prongs 546, 548 of the yoke 544 are coupled to the feet 540, 542 via a pivot joint (only the pivot joint 548 (Fig. 5b) is visible in the figures). The straight line of the movable arm 538 in the direction toward the holders 510, 512 The movement moves the angled brackets 514, 516 along a circular path, and the centers of rotation of the angled brackets 514, 516 are at pivot points 522, 524. Since the push rod 502 is coupled to the angled brackets 514, 516, the push rod 502 moves in a circular path with the angled brackets 514, 516. The movable arm 538 can continue to move linearly, causing the push rod 502 to move along a circular path.

Figure 5b illustrates how the mechanical reshaping tool 500 can be used to form a bend in the edge-formable reformable region of the glass sheet (e.g., the reformable region 102a in Figure 1b). Similar to the first use is illustrated in FIG. 2b for a heating glass sheets 100a of the glass sheet 100 to a temperature T ₀ (In Fig. 3). At time t ₀ (in FIG. 3), local heating of the reformable region 102a of the glass sheet 100a is initiated, for example using the heater 212. At time t ₁ (in FIG. 3), the pusher 502 is advanced toward the glass sheet 100a until the planar bottom surface 505a is in contact with the edge region 102a1 of the reformable region 102a. The edge region 102a1 in which the planar surface 505a is in contact with the reformable region 102a can be minimized and later machined. With the pusher 502 contacting the edge region 102a1 of the reformable region 102, the actuator 504 translates or advances the movable arm 538 along a linear path in a direction toward the mounts 510, 512. As illustrated in Figure 5c, this causes the angled brackets 514, 516 (in Figure 5a) to rotate about the pivot joints 524, 522 (in Figure 5a). Since the push rod 502 is attached to the angled brackets 514, 516, the push rod 502 also rotates, pushing the edge region 102a1 of the reformable region 102a downward and causing the bend to be formed in the reformable region 102a. As the movable arm 538 is advanced further toward the mounts 512, 510 (in Figure 5a), the angle of curvature increases. The movable arm 538 can be advanced until the angled brackets 514, 516 reach the stop surface 554 (552 in Figure 5a). In this embodiment, the bend can be formed very close to the outermost edge of the glass sheet 100a and overlap the reformable area 102a, for example within 20 mm of the outermost edge (illustrated as 101a in Figure 1b) .

The rotation of the push rod 502 occurs from time t ₁ to time t ₂ (in FIG. 3). ₂ or shortly after the time t, and stop the rotation of the push rod 502 may be locally heated reshaping area 102a. From time t ₂ to time t _3, a plane bottom surface 502 to maintain the push rod 505 may be in contact with the edge between the re-forming region 102a, may be formed in order to strengthen the bending reshaped region 102a via the push rod 502. However, the pusher 502 is not rotated during this period so that additional bending does not occur. After time t _3, release or removal of the contact between the push rod 502 may be further shaped edges of the region 102a. This can be accomplished by retracting the movable arm 538 to rotate the push rod 502 back to its neutral position.

It is also possible to use a mechanical reshaping tool 500 with some modifications to form a bend in the reconfigurable zone located on the inside, wherein no initial bend has been formed in the reformable zone, or only a small bend has been formed in the reformable zone . One modification may be to replace the planar contact pusher 502 with a curved contact pusher (such as the pusher 402 in Figure 4a). The range of movement of the angled brackets 514, 516 can then be increased by repositioning and adjusting the size of the stop surfaces 552, 554. In use, the curved surface of the curved contact pusher can be brought into contact with the non-reformable region of the glass sheet, and the swing of the angled brackets 514, 516 can be moved along a circular path The curved contact pusher while the curved contact pusher contacts the non-reformable zone to create a bend in the reformable zone.

100‧‧‧glass sheet

100a‧‧‧glass sheet

101‧‧‧ edge

101a‧‧‧ edge

102‧‧‧reformable area

102a‧‧‧reformable area

102a1‧‧‧Edge area

104‧‧‧non-reformable area

106‧‧‧non-reformable area

106a‧‧‧non-reformable area

120‧‧‧ initial bending

122‧‧‧ initial bending angle

124‧‧‧Predetermined bending angle

200‧‧‧Support

202‧‧‧Support surface

204‧‧‧stop

206‧‧‧stop surface

208‧‧‧stop surface edge

210‧‧‧heater

212‧‧‧heater

300‧‧‧ line

302‧‧‧ line

400‧‧‧Mechanical reforming tools

402‧‧‧Contact putter

404‧‧‧Pushing body

405‧‧‧Bend surface

408‧‧‧ actuator

410‧‧‧ movable arm

412‧‧‧ fork feet

414‧‧‧ fork feet

500‧‧‧Mechanical reforming tools

502‧‧‧Put

504‧‧‧Actuator

505‧‧‧Slim body

505a‧‧‧ flat bottom surface

505b‧‧‧ leading edge

505c‧‧‧ trailing edge

505d‧‧‧ top surface

506‧‧‧Guide

510‧‧‧Support

512‧‧‧Support

514‧‧‧ bracket

516‧‧‧ bracket

518‧‧‧ corner

520‧‧‧ corner

522‧‧‧ pivot joint

524‧‧‧ pivot joint

526‧‧‧ feet

528‧‧‧ feet

End of 530‧‧‧

End of 532‧‧

534‧‧‧ base

536‧‧‧ base

538‧‧‧ movable arm

540‧‧‧ feet

542‧‧‧ feet

544‧‧ y yoke

546‧‧‧ fork feet

548‧‧‧ Fork

554‧‧‧stop surface

The following is a description of the illustrations in the drawings. The illustrations are not necessarily to scale, and are in the

Figure 1a illustrates a glass sheet having a reformable zone on the inside.

Figure 1b illustrates a glass sheet having a reformable region at the edge.

Figure 2a shows the glass sheet on the support.

Figure 2b illustrates a heater that conducts heat to the reformable and non-reformable regions of the glass sheet.

Figure 2c illustrates a heater that conducts heat to the reformable zone of the glass sheet.

Figure 3 illustrates the temperature progression in the reformable zone of the glass sheet during the process for reshaping the glass sheet.

Figure 4a illustrates a mechanical reshaping tool for forming a bend in a reconfigurable zone located on the inside.

Figure 4b illustrates the pusher of the mechanical reshaping tool in contact with the non-reformable region of the glass sheet.

Figure 4c illustrates the pusher of the mechanical reshaping tool applying a thrust to the non-reformable region of the glass sheet.

Figure 4d illustrates the assembly of the mechanical reshaping tool actuator on the rotating step.

Figure 5a illustrates a mechanical reshaping tool for forming a bend in a reconfigurable zone located at the edge.

Figure 5b illustrates the pusher of the mechanical reshaping tool in contact with the edge region of the reformable region of the glass sheet.

Figure 5c illustrates the pusher of the mechanical reshaping tool applying a thrust to the edge region of the reformable region of the glass sheet.

100‧‧‧glass sheet

102‧‧‧reformable area

104‧‧‧non-reformable area

106‧‧‧non-reformable area

120‧‧‧ initial bending

122‧‧‧ initial bending angle

200‧‧‧Support

212‧‧‧heater

402‧‧‧Contact putter

405‧‧‧Bend surface

408‧‧‧ actuator

410‧‧‧ movable arm

Claims (9)

A reshaping method comprising the steps of: (a) heating a reformable region of a glass sheet and a non-reformable region to a first temperature, the first temperature corresponding to a first viscosity; (b) Subsequently heating the reformable region to a second temperature, the second temperature corresponding to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being lower than the first viscosity; and (c) borrowing during the heating of the step (b) Forming a predetermined bend in the reformable region by contacting a push rod with the non-reformable region and translating the push rod along a straight path by an actuator while repositioning the position along a curved path An actuator is configured to apply a thrust to the non-reformable region to form the predetermined bend in the reformable region. The reshaping method according to claim 1, the reshaping method further comprising the steps of: (d) allowing the reformable region to sag by gravity to form an initial bend during the heating of the step (b), the initial The bend has an initial bend angle. The reshaping method according to claim 2, wherein the drooping of the step (d) is performed before the contacting of the step (c), and the initial bending is formed into the predetermined bending during the contacting of the step (c), and The predetermined bend The curved portion has a final bending angle which is greater than the initial bending angle at the end of the contacting of step (c). The reshaping method according to claim 1, the reshaping method further comprising the step of: (e) allowing the temperature in the reformable region to decrease after the predetermined bending has been formed in the forming of the step (c) Up to a temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature; and (f) maintaining the push rod in contact with the non-reformable region during the cooling of step (e). The reshaping method of claim 1, wherein the forming of the step (c) begins when the reformable region is at a third temperature, the third temperature corresponding to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being at least An order of magnitude lower than the first viscosity, the third temperature being between the first temperature and the second temperature. A reshaping tool comprising: a pusher member having a contact surface for contacting a sheet of material; a linear to rotary moving guide, the linear to rotating moving guide comprising a pair a spaced apart pivotable member coupled to an opposite end of the pusher member, the spacing between the pivotable members being sufficiently wide to receive an edge of the sheet, wherein the line to rotate Move a guide member configured to receive a linear movement, convert the linear movement into a rotational movement, and impart the rotational movement to the push rod member; a yoke member including a pair of prongs, wherein the prongs each One of the pivotable members is coupled; and an actuator coupled to the linearly-moving moving guide and the yoke, the actuator being configured to move the line to the rotation via the yoke The guide provides this linear movement. The reshaping tool of claim 6, wherein the actuator has a movable arm coupled to the pivotable member via the yoke, the movable arm configured to transmit the actuator from the actuator Move straight to the pivotable member. The reshaping tool of claim 7, wherein the linear to rotary moving guide further comprises a stop member for limiting pivoting of the pivotable member. The reshaping tool of any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the contact surface of the pusher member is substantially planar.