CN105683100A

CN105683100A - Apparatus And Method For Applying Cross-Ribbon Tension In A Glass Making Process

Info

Publication number: CN105683100A
Application number: CN201480058667.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·M·布朗; K·M·希尔; G·D·斯皮尔; G·D·特雷切勒; 谢悉
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2013-08-23
Filing date: 2014-08-19
Publication date: 2016-06-15
Also published as: KR20160044577A; TW201522245A; WO2015026777A1; JP2016532627A

Abstract

A caster assembly configured to engage a continuously moving ribbon of material, such as a glass ribbon, and apply a tension force to the glass ribbon. The caster assembly may be used in a set of caster assemblies, wherein each set includes two opposing pairs of opposing caster assemblies configured to pinch opposing edge portions of the glass ribbon between the opposing caster assemblies with a predetermined pinch force. Each caster assembly includes at least one force device, wherein engagement between a caster wheel and the ribbon of material rotates a caster wheel mounting member against a force produced by force device, thereby applying the tension force. Each caster assembly may further include a second force device configured to vary the pinch force.

Description

For being applied across equipment and the method for belt tension in glass manufacturing process

Priority

The application requires the priority of the U.S.Provisional Serial 61/869133 submitted on August 23rd, 2013 according to 35U.S.C. § 119, and its full content constitutes the foundation of the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The disclosure relates generally to equipment and the method for the band of rapidoprint, and relates more specifically to produce equipment and the method for tension force across the width of glass tape.

Background technology

Manufacturing in the typical fusion downdraw method of glass plate being used for, melten glass is provided to formed body, and melten glass flows through above formed body as independent glass stream. Independent glass stream at the bottom place of formed body in conjunction with to form the glass tape on surface with Outstanding Quality. Thermal gradient and other factors can cause curvature on the width of glass tape in band. In some cases, this curvature is helpful to, because it can increase rigidity for glass tape. But, when such curvature reduces, glass tape is easier to processing, for instance during cutting and separation process.

For High-speed machining and the motion of smooth band, it is desirable to there is such a mechanism: this mechanism with the least possible negative effect tension band continuously, can make the motion artifacts from other source minimize and make process stabilization simultaneously.

Summary of the invention

This document describes a kind of equipment for applying tension force in the glass tape of continuous moving. Such as, equipment described herein can use in the downdraw glass manufacture process being intended to production glass plate. Such as, equipment described herein can use in fusion downdraw process or in other process, and wherein, glass tape is delivered to another position from a position, for instance, the spool of thin flexible glass band is processed to spool. This equipment includes relative castor assembly, and it is configured to the surface of engagement ribbon, thus being pinched between relative castor assembly by glass tape. Castor assembly is rotatable on the direction parallel with the substantitally planar of glass tape, and on the direction being perpendicular to the glass tape direction (drawing direction) by drawing, tensile force is applied to glass tape. It is to say, castor assembly produces the tension force of the width across glass tape, this tension force tends to making glass tape flatten, thus the curvature reduced in glass tape. Such as, castor assembly can be spring-loaded so that when engaging with the surface of glass tape, and the power being derived from spring is applied to glass tape. The castor assembly of opposing pair can be used and along the location, relative marginal portion of glass tape, thus producing tension force in band across the width of glass tape between the castor assembly of opposing pair. Castor assembly can have multiple degree of freedom (rotation axis), to allow to control tension force and pinching force. In certain embodiments, tension force or the pinching force preset can be changed by controller. Therefore, tension force or the pinching force preset can set according to such as tape thickness and the draw conditions with curvature.

In one aspect, disclosing a kind of equipment for manufacturing glass plate, this equipment includes: formed body, melten glass from formed body drawing to produce the glass tape of continuous moving; Scoring apparatus, it is positioned in below formed body relative to drawing direction; Castor assembly, it is positioned between scoring apparatus and the glass tape of movement and is configured to the glass tape with movement and engages, and this castor assembly includes: castor installation component; Castor, it is rotationally coupled to castor installation component and rotatable around the first rotation axis; Framing component, it is rotationally coupled to castor installation component, and castor installation component is rotatable around the second rotation axis; First force mechanisms, it is configured to the first power is applied to castor installation component, and this first power forces castor installation component to rotate around the second rotation axis; And wherein, it is perpendicular to and through plane and second jante et perpendiculaire of the first rotation axis.

Castor assembly may also include driving mechanism, and this driving mechanism is connected to the first power apparatus and is configured to change the first power being applied to castor installation component. In certain embodiments, castor installation component includes universal socket and is rotationally coupled to the body part of universal socket, and wherein, body part is rotatable around the 3rd rotation axis. 3rd rotation axis can intersect with the glass tape of movement the position on the glass tape of movement, and castor is formed at this position and engages with the glass tape of movement. Such as, the 3rd rotation axis can with the surface of the glass tape of the movement angle of intersection with non-zero.

In certain embodiments, castor installation component can be configured around being perpendicular to the 4th rotation axis rotation of the second rotation axis.

This equipment may also include the second force mechanisms, and it is configured to the second power is applied to castor installation component and forces castor installation component to rotate around the 4th rotation axis. Second driving device can be connected to the second force mechanisms and be configured to change the second power.

In certain embodiments, castor assembly may move relative to the glass tape of movement between bonding station and disengaged position, and wherein, in bonding station, castor contacts with the glass tape of movement, and in disengaged position, castor does not contact with the glass tape of movement.

In certain embodiments, framing component can be rotationally coupled to base component, and this base component is constructed such that framing component rotates so that castor engages with glass tape and disengages. In other embodiments, framing component can be connected to linear slide, and this linear slide is constructed such that framing component translates so that castor engages with glass tape and disengages.

On the other hand, a kind of method describing drawn glass band, the method includes: making the melten glass from formed body flow to form glass tape, this glass tape moves on drawing direction; Making glass tape engage with castor assembly, this castor assembly includes: castor installation component; Castor, it is rotationally coupled to castor installation component and rotatable around the first rotation axis; Framing component, it is rotationally coupled to castor installation component, and castor installation component is rotatable around the second rotation axis; First force mechanisms, it is configured to the first power is applied to castor installation component, and this first power forces castor installation component to rotate around the second rotation axis; And wherein, engaging and cause castor installation component to resist the first power and rotate around the second rotation axis, this first power thus forms tension force on the direction away from the centrage of glass tape in glass tape.

In certain embodiments, through and be perpendicular to the plane of the first rotation axis after splicing relative to drawing direction angulation α. Angle [alpha] can such as from about 0 degree to about 10 degree, from the scope of about 0 degree to about 5 degree, or in the scope of about 0 degree to about 3 degree.

First force mechanisms can be connected to the first driving device, and wherein, the method may also include and utilizes the first driving device to change the first power.

In certain embodiments, castor installation component includes universal socket and body part, and wherein, body part is connected to universal joint part and rotatable around the 3rd rotation axis relative to universal socket.

Castor assembly may also include the second force mechanisms, and it is configured to apply the second power so that castor installation component rotates around the 4th rotation axis being perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

Castor assembly may also include the second driving device being connected to the second force mechanisms, and the method also includes using the second driving device to change the second power.

The method may also include and changes the normal force that the second power is applied against glass tape by castor with change.

The method may also include change the first power to change the side tension in glass tape.

In certain embodiments, the method may also include and changes the second power in response to the change in the side tension in glass tape.

The additional feature and advantage of various embodiments will be set forth in detailed description subsequently, and partly according to this description, those skilled in the art will be will be apparent to, or it is appreciated that by putting into practice embodiment described herein, including detailed description, claims and drawings subsequently. Accompanying drawing is to provide for each further appreciating that of embodiment is included, and is merged in this specification and constitutes one part.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the elevational cross-section schematic diagram of the embodiment of glass making system;

Fig. 2 is the side view of the formed body of the type used in the glass making system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the front view of the formed body of the type used in the glass making system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the cross-sectional side view of the formed body of type and the cutting equipment used in the glass making system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B is top view and the side view of simple rotary caster assembly respectively;

Fig. 6 is the embodiment of the castor assembly according to the disclosure;

Fig. 7 is another embodiment of the castor assembly according to the disclosure;

Fig. 8 is the side view of a pair castor assembly describing and showing the type engaged with glass tape in Fig. 6, and wherein, glass tape is pinched between castor assembly;

Fig. 9 A 9C is three isometric views of the embodiment of the castor assembly according to presently disclosed embodiment;

Figure 10 is the front view of another embodiment of the castor assembly according to embodiment described herein;

Figure 11 is the front view of a part for glass draw equipment, this equipment includes the second group of castor assembly being positioned at first group of castor assembly above scoring apparatus with the apolegamy being positioned at below scoring apparatus, and the crus secunda wheel assembly of the first castor assembly and apolegamy is arranged to engage the glass tape of the drawing from glass draw equipment;

Figure 12 is the side view of a pair castor assembly describing and showing the type engaged with glass tape in Fig. 8 A 8C, and wherein, glass tape is pinched between castor assembly;

Figure 13 is the front view of the castor assembly of Fig. 9 A-9C, it is shown that relative to the castor assembly that drawing direction is angled;

Figure 14 is the front view of another embodiment of glass draw equipment, this equipment includes the second group of castor assembly being positioned at first group of castor assembly above scoring apparatus with the apolegamy being positioned at below scoring apparatus, and the crus secunda wheel assembly of the first castor assembly and apolegamy is arranged to engage the glass tape of the drawing from glass draw equipment;

Figure 15 is coordinate diagram, it is shown that the modeling impact on lateral (width) shape of the one group of castor assembly engaged with the glass tape of continuous moving; And

Figure 16 is the spool the using castor assembly described herein axonometric chart to reel process.

Detailed description of the invention

Reference will now be made in detail to now embodiment described herein, its example is shown in the drawings. In the case of any possible, identical accompanying drawing labelling will be used to represent same or similar parts in all of the figs.

In typical downdraw process, melten glass is become glass tape from formed body drawing. Such downdraw process includes: groove draws or fusion downdraw process, is pulled through in journey at groove, and melten glass is drawn through slit from the reservoir of melten glass; In fusion downdraw process, the melten glass supplied to the groove in the upper surface being arranged on formed body overflows groove, and flows downward along the profiled surface of the convergence of formed body. Independent stream is rejoined to form glass tape at the bottom place of formed body. Such as other process of drawing process can be dependent on the softening of the preform of glass the extremely thinner size of drawing subsequently again. As used herein, downdraw process should be interpreted to represent and utilizes in a downward direction from any method for manufacturing glass plate of soft state drawn glass, and includes but not limited to melting process, slit drawing process or drawing process again. For this, by way of example, melting process is described in more detail, and it is to be understood that the instruction of the disclosure may be used for putting into practice other glass manufacturing process, includes but not limited to that groove draws and drawing again.

In the exemplary fusion glass manufacturing equipment 10 that figure 1 illustrates, arrow 12 blank represented is fed to smelting furnace 14 and at the first temperature T₁Melted to form melten glass 16. First temperature T₁Depend on that specific glass forms, but as non-limiting example, for can be used for the glass of liquid crystal display, T₁1500 DEG C can be exceeded. Melten glass flow to refine conduit (purifier) 20 by connecting conduit 18 from smelting furnace 14. Melten glass flow to stirring container 22 to mix and to homogenize by connecting conduit 24 from purifier 20, and flow to delivery container 28 and subsequently to down-comer 30 by connecting conduit 26 from stirring container 22. Melten glass can then pass through entrance 34 and be directed to formed body 32 from down-comer 30. As being illustrated as in Fig. 2 of body 32 to know finding most with sectional view, formed body 32 includes: groove 36, and it receives the stream of the melten glass from entrance 34; And the profiled surface 38 of outside convergence, it can be combined in root 40 place along line at the bottom margin place of formed body. In the situation of the fusion downdraw process described in FIG, being delivered to the profiled surface 38 that the melten glass of groove 36 flows through the convergence of formed body 32 as independent stream, glass stream is bonded together at root 40 place or fuses, to form glass tape 42. Glass tape is pulled roller 44 from the downward drawing of root 40. Then, band can be cooled and separate, to form each glass plate 46, as will be described in more detail.

Fig. 3 illustrates the front view of the formed body 32 of Fig. 1, and also includes pulling roll 44 and the diagram of glass scoring apparatus 48. Pulling roll 44 be arranged to relative to and reverse. It is to say, each pulling roll of the first location, side of adjacent glass band with from the first pulling roll across and the relative side of pulling roll of the second location, side of adjacent glass band rotate up. Glass tape is positioned between the pulling roll of opposing pair so that pulling roll contacts in the edge part office of glass tape and pinches glass tape. The pulling roll of reversion is driven by motor and applies downward power on glass tape, thus from formed body drawn glass band on drawing direction 50. Pulling roll also helps the weight of support glass band, because being likely to do not supported at the part glass tape below pulling roll of the period at least partially separating circulation. When not having suitable pinching force, pulling roll may not apply enough downward traction forces, or can not resist gravity and be supported on the part glass tape below pulling roll.

Along with glass tape declines from formed body, glass scoring apparatus 48 periodically engages band and forms indentation 52 across at least some of of glass tape. Peak use rate in order to ensure the glass plate separated from glass tape, it is desirable to produce to be substantially perpendicular to the indentation of the lateral edge 54 of glass tape. When glass tape continuously moves on drawing direction 50 and scoring device is advanced across the width of glass tape to form indentation at limited speeds, it should be apparent that, in order to produce to be perpendicular to the indentation of the lateral edge of glass tape, scoring device should move so that being absent from relative motion during scoring procedure on the direction parallel with drawing direction between scoring device and glass tape. Therefore, in one embodiment, first glass scoring apparatus 48 moves from initial position with the speed with the speeds match of the glass tape of movement on drawing direction. It is to say, glass tape continuously moves with the velocity vector V with direction on drawing direction 50 and predetermined speed S. Glass scoring apparatus begins at and moves on drawing direction, and obtains the velocity vector of the velocity vector of matched glass band. Scheduled time place during glass scoring apparatus is advanced on drawing direction, is connected to the first side of flange member 56 (referring to Fig. 4) engagement ribbon of glass scoring apparatus, and the second side of the glass tape that this side contacts with by scoring device 58 is relative. For the sake of clarity, by scoring device 58 (such as, by scribe wheel) side of glass tape that contacts will be denoted as " A " side of glass tape, and the opposite side of the glass tape contacted by flange member will be denoted as " B " side (for the sake of simplicity, the glass plate separated with glass tape will be carried out identical name so that the side of the glass plate formally contacted by scoring device or flange member will be denoted as " A " side and " B " side of glass plate respectively). Flange member 56 can be used to flatten glass plate and provide the power contrary with the power applied by scribe wheel. It is to say, flange member is used as anvil, glass tape is pressed against this anvil by scribe wheel during scoring process. Although it is not shown, in certain embodiments, can on " A " side of glass tape, on " B " side of glass tape or " A " side and " B " side is upper uses the flange member added, to contribute to flattening band or reducing vibration, otherwise, this vibration can travel up to along the length of band in a part for viscoelastic band. When glass tape is converted to elastic stage from viscous state, the vibration in the visco-elastic portions of band can cause less desirable stress in glass tape, and this stress may result in the warpage of the glass plate removed from glass tape.

In some scoring process, before scoring process, the engaged at end of robot 60 and glass tape. Robot includes mechanical arm 62, and it terminates in the framework 64 including clamping device 66 (such as, sucker), and clamping device 66 engages with the marginal portion of " B " side of glass tape. Mechanical arm moves the clamping device of joint on drawing direction with the velocity vector of glass tape, glass tape, glass scoring apparatus (including scoring device and bead) and the clamping device engaged all one in front and one in back are moved, thus being absent from relative motion between which. It should be pointed out that, that velocity vector includes drawing direction and drawing speed. In other words, mechanical arm causes clamping device track band. When mechanical arm follow the tracks of glass tape make between the clamping device and the glass tape that engage, to be absent from relative motion on drawing direction time, clamping device below indentation (or once shape just in position below indentation) engages with glass tape. Once complete delineation, moment of flexure is just applied to the glass tape against flange member 56 by mechanical arm, thus being developed across the tension force of indentation so that the indenture crackle formed in glass tape propagates through the thickness of glass tape and makes glass plate separate with glass tape due to delineation. Mechanical arm is remained engaged with the glass plate just separated from glass tape by clamping device, and moves glass tape to receiving station. Glass plate can be such as placed on conveyer assembly by mechanical arm, and conveyer assembly moving glass ribbon is to carry out Downstream processing (such as, the removing of the marginal portion of glass plate, edge trimming, washing etc.).

The glass tape being expected to produce in the region of indentation is smooth. It is to say, at least in scope near indentation, any bending in the direction of the width is removed. In order to produce consistent cutting depths and therefore consistent separation process, when scoring device forms line of weakness, this bending should be removed. It is to say, glass tape should show has enough hardness, i.e. flexing resistance. Outside bead 56, the another kind of method producing such hardness includes applying tension to glass tape.

The critical component of presently disclosed embodiment is tensioner, and this device includes castor assembly, and wherein, the wheel of castor assembly is compacted or pinches to the surface of the glass tape of continuous moving. Relative motion operation tensioner between band and castor. If it is required, castor is configurable to provide mechanical feedback loop, this feedback circuit adjusts the trailing edge angle of castor to guarantee the correct tensioning of glass tape.

The example illustrating basic castor assembly 68 briefly described below in conjunction with Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B. As fig. 5 a and fig. 5b, exemplary castor assembly 68 includes castor installation component 70, and castor installation component 70 includes body part 72 and the one or more legs 74 extended from body part 72, is provided with castor 76 between leg 74. Castor 76 is installed to leg 74 by wheel shaft 78. Castor 76 is configured around being positioned at the first rotation axis 80 of wheel shaft 78 and rotates. Such as, in certain embodiments, wheel shaft 78 is structure as a whole, and it extends through castor 76 and is installed to the one or more leg 74. Castor 76 can be rigidly coupled to wheel shaft 78, and wherein, wheel shaft 78 is rotationally coupled to the one or more leg 74 by bearing, or castor 76 can be rotationally coupled to wheel shaft 78 by bearing, and wherein, wheel shaft 78 is rigidly coupled to leg 74. More simply, castor 76 is configured around rotation axis 80 and rotates.

Castor installation component 70 can be rigidly fixed to framing component 82, and wherein, castor assembly 68 is referred to as the castor assembly of rigidity. In an alternative embodiment, castor installation component 70 may be mounted to framing component 82 so that castor assembly is configurable to revolution.

Shown in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B when castor assembly, castor assembly also includes second wheel shaft 84 with rotation axis 86, and rotation axis 86 is positioned at the second wheel shaft. Second rotation axis 86 be perpendicular to the first rotation axis 80 and with the first spaced apart offset distance d of rotation axis 80.

Castor is configurable to the imbalance in response to the power acted on castor and rotates around the second rotation axis 86. That is, it is assumed that the second wheel shaft 84 is fixed, but castor installation component 70 can rotate freely around the second rotation axis 86 and castor 76 contacts with surface 88, thus moving in the direction 90. Castor 76 is by moving direction " tracking " the second rotation axis 86 relative to surface 88, and it is further assumed that being arranged symmetrically with of castor 76 and castor installation component 70, castor 76 will be placed along the line 92 parallel with the moving direction on surface 88, and its center line 92 represents the plane of castor 76. As used herein, term is followed the tracks of and is represented that castor is positioned on the moving direction on surface 88 in the downstream (rear) of the second rotation axis 86. If the moving direction on surface 88 changes, the imbalance of the frictional force between castor 76 and surface 88 will cause aliging again of castor, and with secondary tracking the second rotation axis 86 again, and wherein, the plane of castor is by parallel for the moving direction with surface. In other words, being left out bearing capacity (such as, the friction in bearing), the relative motion that above-mentioned castor assembly rotates between the surface to contact with at himself and castor around the second rotation axis 86 is alignd abreast again.

According to embodiment described herein, adopting castor assembly, wherein, castor assembly is not the castor assembly of rigidity, and the castor that castor assembly neither rotate freely. On the contrary, castor assembly includes force mechanisms, and this mechanism exerts a force to castor assembly, in order to align castor assembly when being absent from other power on not parallel with the direction of the relative motion between the surface that castor assembly and castor assembly contact direction. That is, while castor assembly is constructed such that the plane that can rotate around rotation axis (this rotation axis is perpendicular to castor self and rotates surrounded rotation axis) at castor and therefore take turns can be alignd with drawing direction, power is applied to castor or its installation component, and this power forces castor to enter the position not lined up. In other words, it is intentionally introduced the imbalance of power, thus needing the power being perpendicular to the direction of relative motion to keep this equilbrium position. The operating principle of this type of castor assembly it is more fully described below with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

Fig. 6 illustrates the castor assembly 100 being incorporated to force mechanisms. Castor assembly 100 includes castor installation component 102, and castor 104 is rotationally coupled to castor installation component 102 at far-end 108 place of castor installation component 102 by the first wheel shaft 106. Castor 104 can rotate around the first rotation axis 110 being positioned at the first wheel shaft 106. The near-end 112 of castor installation component 102 is rotatably mounted to framing component 114 by the second wheel shaft 116 then, and wherein, castor installation component 102 can rotate around the second rotation axis 118 being positioned at the second wheel shaft 116. Force mechanisms 120 engages with castor installation component 102, and applies power facing to castor installation component 102 so that castor installation component 102 is pushed around the second rotation axis 118 in predetermined direction of rotation 122. Can providing stop part (not shown), in rotary moving around the second rotation axis 118 of upper-arm circumference installed by its restriction castor. In the example of fig. 6, force mechanisms 120 includes simple torsion spring, and it engages with both castor installation component 102 and framing component 114. In this example, torsionspring is positioned about the second wheel shaft 116. Can also adopting other mechanism for castor installation component 102 applies revolving force, this revolving force forces castor installation arm 102 to rotate around the second rotation axis 118. It is for instance possible to use pneumatic cylinder 119, as shown in Figure 7.

Framing component 114 can be rotatably mounted to base component 124, in order to was conducive to castor assembly to move away from the glass tape 42 of movement path of movement on drawing direction 50 before castor engages with material. Such as, in the embodiment in fig 6, castor assembly 100 can rotate so that castor 104 does not contact the material band of movement. Such as, framing component 114 may be mounted to base component 124, if making the second rotation axis 118 be oriented to be perpendicular to the material 128 of movement (such as, the glass tape 42 of continuous moving) surface and the plane 130 of castor 104 align (parallel) with the drawing direction 50 of the material of movement, then marginal portion 132 place of the material in movement is contacted the material 128 of movement by castor 104. As shown in the embodiment in fig 6, the plane 130 of castor 104 intersects with both the first rotation axis 110 and the second rotation axis 118. Preferably, plane 130 is perpendicular to first axle 110, and the second rotation axis 118 is parallel to plane 130 and is positioned at plane 130.

Alternatively, framing component 114 can be rigidly fixed to base component 124, and wherein, base component 124 is installed to carriage, and carriage makes castor assembly 100 translate so that castor 104 does not contact the glass tape 42 of movement. In certain embodiments, framing component 114 possibility can rotate simultaneously and translate, and wherein, framing component 114 is rotatably mounted to base component 124, and base component 124 can be translated.

The following is the description relative to the operation of glass tape 42 of a pair castor assembly 100 as shown in Figure 8. In fig. 8, the view of castor assembly 100 is viewed from above, and assumes that the glass tape 42 of continuous moving moves in the page of figure. It is unrestricted for discussion purposes, it will be assumed that: a) two castor assemblies are identical, but are arranged on the opposite side of the glass tape of continuous moving; B) framing component 114 is rotatably mounted to base component 124, base component 124 includes one or more linear slide, translates up castor assembly 100 (between bonding station and unengaged position) for the side at the glass tape toward and away from continuous moving; And c) force mechanisms 120 includes the framing component 114 of torsionspring and the corresponding castor assembly engaged with castor installation component 102. It will also be assumed that, castor assembly is initially residing in unengaged position and glass tape 42 and continuously moves in the position of contiguous castor assembly. In unengaged position, force mechanisms 120 applies power facing to castor installation component 102, this power forces castor installation component 102 to enter a position so that the plane 130 of corresponding castor and the direct of travel 50 not parallel (not lining up) of the glass tape of continuous moving, as shown in Figure 6. Should be understood that, although this embodiment and following example describe in conjunction with the glass tape of continuous moving, but castor assembly described herein can use in the processing of other material.

Base component 124 can move up in the side of the glass tape 42 towards continuous moving, and the corresponding surface and the glass tape 42 that contact the glass tape 42 of continuous moving until castor 104 pinch between relative castor by predetermined pinching force. Such as, along the tension force of the width across glass tape that the pinching force of the side of glass tape should be adapted for carrying out in from about 2kg to the scope of about 10kg, and in certain embodiments tension force in from about 2kg to the scope of about 5kg. Such as, pinching force can in from about 0.5kg power to the scope of about 3kg, and in certain embodiments in from about 2kg to the scope of about 5kg. According to aforesaid operations principle, castor installation component 102 can rotate up around its corresponding second rotation axis 118 following side: the direction tends to being aligned to the plane 130 of corresponding castor direct of travel 50 tracking of the glass tape 42 with continuous moving and aligns. But, the power generation castor installation component 102 that opposing is applied by torsionspring 120 in response to its contacting of glass tape with continuous moving around the rotation of the second rotation axis 118. Correspondingly, when castor installation component 102 rotates according to its respective spring constant, each torsionspring the power applied increases. The rotation of castor installation component 102 continues, until the power applied by torsionspring 120 and the balance of the frictional force between the glass tape 42 of castor 104 and continuous moving. Each castor assembly 100 can move into the bonding station of the glass tape 42 with continuous moving by making castor assembly be translated away from glass tape (on the direction being perpendicular to glass tape) (as indicated by double-headed arrow 136) via linear slide mechanism 134, or by making framing component 114 include linear slide mechanism 134 and comprise rotation (as indicated by double-headed arrow 142) on the wheel shaft 138 of the 3rd rotation axis 140 and rotate to engaging or unengaged position, or translate and rotation simultaneously.

Above description assumes the constraint (in the direction of the width) by laterally of the glass tape of continuous moving, or perhaps can not shifted laterally. But, in typical downdraw sheet manufacture operation as previously mentioned, the glass tape of continuous moving actually can move in a lateral direction, make during arriving the process of equilbrium position, the pair of castor assembly will tend in the direction of the width via force mechanisms 120 traction belt, thus changing the position of glass tape. Such movement in a single direction is usually less desirable. Therefore, second pair of castor assembly can be positioned so that the second edge of adjacent glass band, with utilize equal to but the power in a lateral direction tractive glass tape relative with first pair of castor assembly so that second pair of castor assembly and the first pair of castor assembly are laterally aligned and produced tension force is directed predominantly perpendicular to drawing direction 50.

It should be pointed out that, that, in the typical downdraw sheet forming process of all melting process as previously mentioned, glass tape can have the less desirable curvature of possibility on the width dimensions of glass tape. Additionally, glass tape is usually very thin and provides the minimal drag to " deformation ". Therefore, in sight before this, (wherein two pairs of castor assemblies engage with glass tape the near opposing edges of glass tape, tension force width across glass tape on the direction be perpendicular to drawing direction is applied in, and wherein, the relative cross force applied from each marginal portion 54 of glass tape by castor assembly is substantially identical), glass tape can be become flat shape by " stretching ", and does not make glass tape deviation drawing direction. In other words, glass plate can be pressed between the castor assembly of two opposing pair substantially flat. It is desirable to, the imbalance of the frictional force between castor and the glass tape of continuous moving drives corresponding castor assembly, until the plane of its each castor is alignd with drawing direction, but from practical term, will there is the deviation angle α (referring to Fig. 6) of balance all the time. In some instances, deviation angle α can in the scope of about 0 degree to about 3 degree on the direction away from the centrage of glass tape. But, the tension force that the width across glass tape applies is more big, and this angle is more big. Therefore, this angle is the function of required tension force, and can use more than the angle [alpha] of 3 degree according to required tension force, for instance in the scope of about 0 degree to about 5 degree, and in certain embodiments in the scope of about 0 degree to about 10 degree.

Although example before this can produce the line of the glass tape along the width across band or the region flattened of the glass tape of narrow strip, it should be clear that, increase the castor assembly second group staggered relatively, relative positioned along the line (this line offsets scheduled volume with the similar lateral line formed by first group of castor assembly on drawing direction) on the width dimensions of glass tape can produce along the much bigger flat site of drawing direction (such as, the length direction of glass tape).

Fig. 9 A 9C illustrates three orthogonal views of another embodiment of the castor assembly 200 according to the disclosure. , as shown in first front view of Fig. 9 A, castor assembly 200 includes castor installation component 202, castor installation component 202 includes universal socket 204, body part 206 and at least one Leg portion 208 extended from body part. In the embodiment of Fig. 9 A 9C, castor installation component 202 includes two Leg portion 208. Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of castor assembly 200, and wherein, castor installation component 202 includes only single Leg portion 208. Castor 210 is rotationally coupled to castor installation component 202 (such as via the first wheel shaft 212, Leg portion 208), and it is configured around the first rotation axis 214 to rotate, first rotation axis 214 is positioned at the length of the first wheel shaft 212 and extends through its length, such as (Fig. 9 B) indicated by arrow 216.

Castor assembly 200 also includes framing component 218. Castor installation component 202 is rotationally coupled to framing component 218 by the second wheel shaft 220 (referring to Fig. 9 B), and the second wheel shaft 220 is connected to universal socket 204. It is to say, the second wheel shaft 220 extends through framing component 218 and rotatable in framing component 218, and it is connected to universal socket 204. Therefore, castor installation component 202 is configured around the second rotation axis 222 and rotates, and the second rotation axis 222 is positioned at the second wheel shaft 220 and extends through the second wheel shaft 220.

The body part 206 of castor installation component 202 is rotationally coupled to universal socket 204 via third round axle 224. Therefore, body part 206 is configured around the 3rd rotation axis 226 and rotates, and the 3rd rotation axis 226 is positioned at the length of third round axle 224 and extends through its length, such as (Fig. 9 C) indicated by double-headed arrow 228. It should be pointed out that, that the dotted line 228 in Fig. 9 A represents the edge of the plane to point castor 210. Plane 228 is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 214, and the second rotation axis 226 is parallel to plane 228 and is positioned at plane 228. Plane 228 will herein be referred to as the plane of castor 210.

Framing component 218 is connected to one end of fourth round axle 230 and is configured around the 4th rotation axis 232 and rotates, and the 4th rotation axis 232 is positioned at the length of fourth round axle 230 and extends through its length. Therefore, it is rotationally coupled to the castor installation component 202 of framing component 218 by universal socket 204 and the second wheel shaft 220 be also configured to rotate around the 4th rotation axis 232. 4th rotation axis 232 intersects with the second rotation axis 222 and is perpendicular to the second rotation axis 222.

The most clearly finding in Fig. 9 B, the second wheel shaft 220 is connected to the first force mechanisms 234 of such as the first torsionspring 234. According to Fig. 9 B, the first torsionspring holding plate 236 is rigidly coupled to framing component 218. Second wheel shaft 220 extends through the first torsionspring holding plate 236 and rotatable wherein. One end of first torsionspring 234 is connected to the first torsionspring holding plate 236 by stop part (not shown) or at least prevents from rotating against the first torsionspring holding plate 236. The other end of the first torsionspring 234 is connected to the second torsionspring holding plate 238 by stop part (not shown) or at least prevents from rotating against the second torsionspring holding plate 238. Second torsionspring holding plate 238 is connected to the first driving gear 244.

While one end of the second wheel shaft 220 is connected to universal socket 204, the other end of the second wheel shaft 220 is connected to the first driving device 242, and the first driving device 242 includes the first driving gear the 244, first worm gear 246 and the first worm gear driving shaft 248. First worm gear driving shaft 248 can couple with such as stepper motor (not shown), stepper motor be constructed such that the first worm gear driving shaft 248 and therefore the first worm gear 246 rotate. First worm gear 246 drives gear 244 to engage with first, and the rotation of the first worm gear 246 causes the first driving gear 244 around the rotation of the second rotation axis 222. First drives gear 244 can rotate on the second wheel shaft 220. Owing to the first torsionspring 234 is connected to framing component 218 at one end, and the opposite end of the first torsionspring 234 is connected to the first driving gear 244, and wherein, second wheel shaft 220 rotatable and the second wheel shaft 220 one end in framing component 218 is connected to universal socket 204, and the moment of torsion being applied to the second wheel shaft 220 will result in the castor installation component 202 rotation around the second rotation axis 222. First torsionspring 234 such as can be connected to framing component 218 by the first torsionspring holding plate 236, and it is connected to the first driving gear 244 by the second torsionspring holding plate 238, make when the first worm gear 246 prevents the first driving gear 244 from rotating, torsionspring 234 applies torsion moment to the second wheel shaft 220, and this moment of torsion makes castor installation component 202 rotate around the second rotation axis 222 in the first direction of rotation 250.

The amount changing the moment of torsion being applied to the first torsionspring 234 by making the first driving gear 244 rotate with worm gear 246, it is possible to adjust the amount of the moment of torsion being applied to wheel shaft 220 by torsionspring 234. More simply, first torsionspring 234 " can set " torsion for having predetermined extent, making when the castor installation component 202 rotation on the direction of the first direction of rotation 250 is in maximum rotation, the moment of torsion of scheduled volume is still applied to static axle. The moment of torsion of the scheduled volume applied by the first torsionspring 234 will herein be referred to as setting tensioning moment of torsion, and is the minimal torque being applied to the second wheel shaft 220 by the first torsionspring 234.

The second moment of torsion applied in the second direction of rotation 252 relative with the first direction of rotation is resisted by the first torsionspring 234. If the second moment of torsion is more than setting tensioning moment of torsion, the second moment of torsion will result in the second wheel shaft 220 and rotates around the second rotation axis 22 in the second direction of rotation 252. But, the first torsionspring 234 is constructed such that the spring constant according to such as the first torsionspring 234 that rotates in a second rotational direction increases the moment of torsion being applied to the second wheel shaft 220 by the first torsionspring 234. The moment of torsion of this increase being applied to the second wheel shaft 220 by the first torsionspring 234 will herein be referred to as dynamic tension moment of torsion. Second wheel shaft 220 will continue to rotate under the impact of the second moment of torsion applied, until dynamic tension moment of torsion is equal to the moment of torsion of the second applying, now, the second wheel shaft 220 is up to balance angular position.

From above it should be apparent that can by use the first worm gear 246 rotate the first driving gear 244 adjust setting tensioning moment of torsion. It is to say, the first driving device 242 can be used to increase the setting tensioning moment of torsion being applied to the second wheel shaft 220 by the first torsionspring 234. More simply, shelve so that the second wheel shaft 220 no longer can rotate in the first direction of rotation 250 against stop part at castor installation component 202, rotating by making the first driving gear 244 thus increasing setting tensioning moment of torsion, the first driving device 242 can be used to increase the torsion of the first torsionspring 234. Therefore, it is necessary that the second of increase applies moment of torsion, so that the second wheel shaft 220 moves in the second direction of rotation 252. On the other hand, the rotation in a second rotational direction of the second wheel shaft 220 causes the power applied for driving the second wheel shaft 220 in the first rotational direction to increase.

Such as the most clearly finding in Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 C, fourth round axle 230 is connected to the second force mechanisms 260 of such as the second torsionspring 260. According to Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 C, fourth round axle 230 is connected to framing component 218 at one end. Fourth round axle 230 extends and passes drive tab 262 and rotatable in drive tab 262 from framing component 218. Drive tab 262 can be connected to base component (not shown), and castor assembly 200 is positioned adjacent to glass tape 42 by base component. Such as, base component can be same or like with base component 224. 3rd torsionspring holding plate 264 is connected to drive tab 262, and fourth round axle 230 extends through the 3rd torsionspring holding plate 264 and rotatable in the 3rd torsionspring holding plate 264. Second torsionspring 266 is connected to the 3rd torsionspring holding plate 264 or is at least maintained at end by the 3rd torsionspring holding plate 264. Second end of the second torsionspring 260 is connected to the second driving device 268.

Second driving device 268 includes the second driving gear the 270, second worm gear 272 and the second worm gear driving shaft 274. 4th torsionspring holding plate 276 is connected to the second driving gear 270. Second drives gear 270 and fourth round axle 230 to be rotatably engaged so that second drives gear 270 can rotate around the 4th rotation axis 232 on fourth round axle 230. Second worm gear driving shaft 274 can be connected to the source of rotary motion, for instance, stepper motor (not shown), its be constructed such that the second worm gear driving shaft 274 and therefore the second worm gear 272 rotate.

Second worm gear 272 drives gear 270 to engage with second, and the rotation of the second worm gear 272 causes the rotation of the second driving gear 270. Second end of the second torsionspring 260 is connected to the 4th torsionspring holding plate 276 or is at least kept by the 4th torsionspring holding plate 276. Owing to the second torsionspring 260 is connected to drive tab 262 at one end and is connected to the second driving gear 270 at opposite end place, and wherein, fourth round axle 230 one end of rotatable and fourth round axle 230 in drive tab 262 is connected to framework 218 by drive tab 204, is applied to the moment of torsion of fourth round axle 230 and will result in framework 218 and with the rear truckle installation component 202 rotation around the 4th rotation axis 232. When the second torsionspring 234 is rotatably engaged via the 3rd torsionspring holding plate 264 with drive tab 262 and is joined to the second driving gear 270 via the 4th torsionspring holding plate 276, and when drive tab 262 is usually rigidly mounted, second torsionspring 260 applies torsion moment to fourth round axle 230, and this moment of torsion makes framing component 218 and castor installation component 202 rotate around the 4th rotation axis 232. The amount being applied to the moment of torsion of fourth round axle 230 by the second torsionspring 260 can be adjusted being applied to the amount of the torsion of the second torsionspring 260. More simply, second torsionspring can be set as the torsion with predetermined extent by driving device 268, making when castor installation component 202 is in maximum rotation around the rotation of the 4th rotation axis 262 in the first direction of rotation 278, the moment of torsion of scheduled volume is still applied to static fourth round axle. The moment of torsion being applied to the scheduled volume of fourth round axle 230 by the second torsionspring 260 will herein be referred to as setting nip moment of torsion, and is the minimal torque being applied to fourth round axle 230 by the second torsionspring 260.

The second moment of torsion being applied to fourth round axle 230 in the second direction of rotation 280 relative with the first direction of rotation is resisted by the second torsionspring 260. If the second moment of torsion pinches moment of torsion more than setting, the second moment of torsion will result in fourth round axle 230 and rotates around the 4th rotation axis in the second direction of rotation 280. But, the second torsionspring 260 is constructed such that to increase, around the spring constant according to such as the second torsionspring 260 that rotates of the 4th rotation axis 232, the moment of torsion being applied to fourth round axle 230 by the second torsionspring 260 in a second rotational direction. The moment of torsion of this increase will herein be referred to as and dynamically pinches moment of torsion, and the angular position that this moment of torsion is according to the second wheel shaft 260 is variable. Fourth round axle 260 will continue to rotate under the impact of the second moment of torsion applied, until dynamically pinching the moment of torsion moment of torsion equal to the second applying, now, fourth round axle 230 is up to balance angular position.

From above it should be apparent that can by use the second driving device 268 rotate fourth round axle 230 adjust setting pinch moment of torsion. It is to say, the second driving device 268 can be used to increase the initial torque being applied to fourth round axle 230 by the second torsionspring 260. More simply, when framework 218 is against stop part, the second driving device 268 can be used to increase the torsion of the second torsionspring 260, thus increasing setting to pinch moment of torsion. Therefore, it is necessary that the second of increase applies moment of torsion, so that fourth round axle 230 moves in a second rotational direction. On the other hand, fourth round axle 230 rotation in a second rotational direction causes the power being applied to fourth round axle 230 in the first rotational direction to increase.

In a word, castor 210 is configured around the first rotation axis 214 and rotates. Castor installation component 202 is configured to resist the power applied by the first force mechanisms 234 (the first torsionspring 234) and rotates around the second rotation axis 222 so that castor installation component 202 is resisted around the rotation of the second rotation axis 222 by the first force mechanisms 234. Castor installation component body part 206 is configured around the 3rd rotation axis 226 and rotates. Framing component 218 (with therefore castor installation component 202) is configured to resist and is applied to the power of fourth round axle 230 by the second force mechanisms 260 and rotates around the 4th rotation axis 232, castor installation component 202 is resisted around the rotation of the 4th rotation axis 232 by the second force mechanisms 260 (such as, torsionspring 260). Although it is not shown, but Mechanical stops can use at necessity place, to limit the rotary motion of above-mentioned parts.

As from Fig. 9 B and Fig. 9 C, during operation, the second rotation axis 222 is essentially perpendicular to the surface of the glass tape 128 contacted by castor 210, and rotation axis 232 is substantial parallel with the touched surface of glass tape 128. Should also be noted that the surface of the glass tape 42 that castor assembly 200 can be configured so that the 3rd rotation axis 226 contacts with by castor 210 forms the angle beta (referring to Figure 89) of non-zero. It is incorporated into the angle beta of third round axle 224 to help avoid body part 206 and around the tremor of the 3rd rotation axis 226 or rock. In certain embodiments, castor assembly 200 may be designed so that position 282 place that the 3rd rotation axis 226 contacts glass tape at castor 210 intersects with glass tape 128.

The operation of castor assembly 100 is described below with reference to the glass tape 42 of movement and Fig. 8 and Figure 11. As shown in figure 11, melten glass 16 declines downwards from formed body 32 as the glass tape 42 of continuous moving. Glass tape 42 is engaged by pulling roll 44 and drawing downwards on drawing direction 50. Drawing direction 50 typically but is not necessarily vertical direction. When glass tape declines from formed body 32, glass tape is cooled to elastomeric material from cohesive material. Scoring apparatus 48 is positioned in below pulling roll 44 and is formed at engagement ribbon 42 in its elastic part, and forms lateral indentation on the direction being essentially perpendicular to drawing direction 50 in glass tape. Scoring apparatus 48 can be formed at the side parallel with drawing direction in some embodiments and translate up.

Figure 11 also show adjacent glass with 42 lateral marginal portion 54 position one group of castor assembly. Each group of castor assembly 100 is made up of two pairs of castor assemblies, and wherein, first pair of castor assembly is positioned adjacent to a lateral marginal portion 54, and the second pair of castor assembly 100 is positioned adjacent to the relative lateral marginal portion of glass tape 42. Crus secunda wheel assembly 100 it addition, referring to Fig. 8, on the opposite side of the first castor assembly that every a pair castor assembly 100 includes being positioned adjacent on the side on the glass tape 42 of marginal portion 54 and the glass tape 42 that is positioned adjacent to identical marginal portion 54. Each castor assembly of one group of castor assembly is usually located to the distance equal with the root 40 of formed body 32.

Referring to Fig. 6, just between castor 104 and glass tape 42 before contact, by force mechanisms 120 (such as, torsionspring 120) it is applied to the power of castor installation component 102 and causes torsional wheel installation component 102 to rotate to maximum position of rotation, until the rotation of castor installation component 102 is in stable initial position, and the plane 130 of castor is at an angle with drawing direction 50. In situation shown in Fig. 6, castor installation component 102 rotates in the clockwise direction. When the surface of glass tape 42 that base component 124 Moving caster assembly 100 makes castor 104 contact movement on drawing direction 50, the interaction between the glass tape 42 of castor 104 and movement causes castor installation component 102 to resist in the counterclockwise direction and is applied to the power of castor installation component 102 by torsionspring 120 and rotates. When castor installation component 102 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the torsion being applied to torsionspring 120 increases, and also increases thus being applied to the power of castor installation component 102 by torsionspring 120. Frictional force between castor 104 and glass tape 42 is when the resistance to tremor moving down and being contributed by glass tape of glass tape 42 is combined the dynamic balance of the increase being applied to castor installation component by torsionspring 120, and castor installation component 102 and castor 104 reach the equilbrium position on glass tape 42.

More simply, when castor 104 contacts the glass tape 42 of continuous moving, the movement of glass tape makes castor installation component 102 rotate, so that the plane 130 of castor is alignd with the moving direction (drawing direction 50) of glass tape. But, by with glass tape contact produce castor installation component be rotated in torsionspring 120 produce reverse, thus increase the power applied by torsionspring 120 against castor installation component 102, thus tending to making castor installation component rotate in relative direction of rotation. Therefore, power is applied to the marginal portion of the glass tape of movement on the direction away from the centrage of glass tape laterally outwardly.

Although aforesaid operations describes and only relates to single castor assembly 100, but it should remember, crus secunda wheel assembly is positioned on the opposite side of glass tape so that the marginal portion of glass tape is pinched between two castor assemblies, as shown in Figure 8. In addition, it is also recognized that, according to Figure 11, the second pair of castor assembly is similarly oriented along the relative marginal portion of glass tape and is constructed such that outside side force is also applied to glass tape by second pair of castor assembly on the direction relative with the side force applied by first pair of castor assembly. Therefore, in glass tape, the relative side force making glass tape flatten is applied with two pairs of castor assemblies that the glass of continuous moving engages.

Further in conjunction with castor assembly 200 referring to Figure 11, from above it should be readily appreciated that, castor assembly 200 can replace castor assembly 100, make two pairs of castor assemblies be oriented to the marginal portion relative with glass tape 42 to engage, and applying the relative side force being outwardly directed on glass tape, this power is tensioning glass tape on the direction being essentially perpendicular to drawing direction 50. But, although castor assembly 100 is similar with 200, but their different designs causes similar but different operational approach. As it was previously stated, the first force mechanisms 234 (such as, torsionspring 234) is configured to force castor installation component 202 outside side force being applied in the direction of rotation of glass tape 42 and rotating around the second rotation axis 222. By torsion more or less is applied to torsionspring 234, driving device 242 can be used to set minimum outward force (setting tension force). The torsion being applied to torsionspring 234 is more big, and the power laterally outwardly being applied to glass tape is more big. Therefore, driving device 242 can be used to adjust power laterally outwardly. In certain embodiments, driving device 242 may be electrically coupled to controller, and wherein, controller the power set point signal produced is by compared with the force signal provided by the force transducer being connected to castor assembly. Then, the error signal including the difference between set point and force signal can be used to control driving device 242, and this can increase or reduce the tension force being applied to glass tape. In other embodiments, can measuring the tension force in glass tape during pulling process, wherein, this real-time strain can be provided that to system controller, and produces to represent the error signal of the difference between actual belt tension and set point tension force. Error signal can be used to control driving device 242.

Similarly, the second force mechanisms 260 and driving device 268 can be used to the normal force that controls to be applied to glass tape 42 by castor assembly 200. When the first castor assembly is positioned on the first side of glass tape, crus secunda wheel assembly is positioned on the second side of glass tape, and the first and second castor assemblies are positioned such that when glass tape is pinched between the castor of the first and second castor assemblies, this normal force is referred to alternatively as pinching force. Therefore, by torsion more or less is applied to the second force mechanisms (such as, second torsionspring 260), the driving device 268 of each castor assembly in (that is, the first and second castor assemblies) be can be used to change the amount of pinching force by castor assembly.

In use, each castor assembly 200 can include the base component being similar to base component 124, and linear movement or rotary motion can be provided to castor assembly by it so that castor assembly can be moved into and engage with glass tape or disengage with glass tape.

Figure 12 also show adjacent glass with 42 lateral marginal portion 54 position one group of castor assembly 200. Each group of castor assembly 200 is made up of two pairs of castor assemblies, and wherein, first pair of castor assembly is positioned adjacent to a lateral marginal portion 54, and the second pair of castor assembly 200 is positioned adjacent to the relative lateral marginal portion of glass tape 42. Crus secunda wheel assembly 200 it addition, referring to Fig. 8, on the opposite side of the first castor assembly that every a pair castor assembly 200 includes being positioned adjacent on glass tape 42 side of marginal portion 54 and the glass tape 42 that is positioned adjacent to identical marginal portion 54. Each castor assembly of one group of castor assembly is usually located to the distance equal with the root 40 of formed body 32.

Referring to Figure 13, just between castor 210 and glass tape 42 before contact, by force mechanisms 234 (such as, torsionspring 234) it is applied to the power of castor installation component 102 and causes torsional wheel installation component 202 to rotate in a first direction to maximum position of rotation, until the rotation of castor installation component 202 is in stable initial position, and the plane 228 of castor and drawing direction 50 angulation α. In situation shown in Figure 13, castor installation component 202 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. When castor assembly 200 is such as moved so that, by base component 124, the surface of glass tape 42 that castor 210 contacts movement on drawing direction 50, the interaction between the glass tape 42 of castor 210 and movement causes castor installation component 202 to resist in the clockwise direction and is applied to the power of castor installation component 202 by the first torsionspring 234 and rotates. When castor installation component 202 rotates in the clockwise direction, the torsion being applied to torsionspring 234 increases, and also increases thus being applied to the power of castor installation component 202 by torsionspring 234. When the frictional force between castor 210 and glass tape 42 is combined is applied to the dynamic balance of increase of castor installation component by the first torsionspring 234 with the resistance to tremor moving down and being contributed by glass tape of glass tape 42, castor installation component 202 and castor 210 reach the equilbrium position on glass tape 42.

More simply, when castor 210 contacts the glass tape 42 of continuous moving, the movement of glass tape makes castor installation component 202 rotate in a rotational direction, so that the plane 228 of castor is alignd with the moving direction (drawing direction 50) of glass tape. But, by with glass tape contact produce castor installation component 202 be rotated in the first torsionspring 234 produce reverse, thus increase the power applied by the first torsionspring 234 against castor installation component 202, thus tending to making castor installation component rotate in the opposite rotation direction. Therefore, power is applied to the marginal portion of the glass tape of movement on the direction away from the centrage of glass tape laterally outwardly.

Although aforesaid operations describes and only relates to single castor assembly 200, but it should remember, crus secunda wheel assembly is positioned on the opposite side of glass tape so that the marginal portion of glass tape is pinched between two castor assemblies, as shown in figure 12. In addition, it is also recognized that, according to Figure 11, the second pair of castor assembly be similarly oriented along the relative marginal portion of glass tape and be constructed such that second pair of castor assembly also with the side force opposite direction applied by first pair of castor assembly on outside side force is applied to glass tape. Therefore, in glass tape, the contrary side force making glass tape flatten is applied with two pairs of castor assemblies that the glass of continuous moving engages. As it has been described above, the first driving device 242 can be used to change power laterally outwardly and is therefore applied to the tension force of glass tape, and the second driving device 268 can be used to change pinching force. The stop part such as positioning screw 298 can be used to limit the rotary motion of castor installation component 202.

In another embodiment shown in fig. 14, castor assembly 100 or 200 can be combined use with scoring apparatus 300, wherein, including the scoring device of scoring apparatus 300 relative to drawing direction 50 traveling at an angle, as indicated by double-headed arrow 302. Therefore, there is no need to scoring apparatus 300 move to guarantee not occur the relative motion parallel with drawing direction during scoring process on drawing direction. This is conducive to being placed on below scoring apparatus by second group of castor assembly, and the motion with the miscellaneous equipment below robot or scoring apparatus has interference.

Figure 15 is one group of castor assembly coordinate diagram on the modeling data of the impact of the glass tape of continuous moving. Vertical axis represents at glass tape and is tangential to the distance between the plane of glass tape at position of center line place. It is to say, vertical axis represents the glass tape side-play amount from flat shape, it is the function of distance (horizontal axis) of the centrage from glass tape. Glass tape is assumed to be the cylindrical curvature (bow) with the average thickness of 0.3mm, the drawing pressure longitudinally downward of the width of 1800mm, about 7kg and 25mm, and wherein curvature measurement is the maximum deviation with plane. Curve 304 represents in the curvature engaged before the castor assembly of opposing pair in glass tape, and curve 306 represents the curvature of glass tape after the castor assembly of the marginal portion with opposing pair that make glass tape engages. Data show, by using castor assembly disclosed herein, significantly improve band " flatness " in the direction of the width.

As previously mentioned, although provide castor assembly disclosed herein in conjunction with glass forming process, but castor assembly can be delivered in the miscellaneous equipment of another location and system to use from a position by thin glass tape 42 wherein. Such as, as shown in figure 16, thin flexible glass band 42 can be released (distribution) from source book axle 400 and be packed up (reception) by take-up spool 402. Glass can have equal to or less than 0.3mm, equal to or less than 0.1mm or the thickness equal to or less than 0.05mm. The function of the thickness as glass tape is changed by the radius of source book axle or take-up spool. The various process equipments represented by accompanying drawing labelling 404 can be positioned between source book axle 400 and take-up spool 402 to be processed further glass tape. Such as, such process equipment can be used to the edge of grinding and/or polished glass band, the edge that carry strap (handlingtape) is applied to glass tape, other material of electronic functionality material of being not limited to such as protectiveness film or such as semi-conducting material deposit on glass tape. Castor assembly 100 and/or 200 as described herein can be used to apply tension force across the width of glass tape, and to reduce the bending of glass tape, this can improve the processing of glass tape, is specifically dependent upon specific process.

It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art that when without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiment described herein, it is possible to embodiment described herein is carried out various modifications and variations. Therefore, embodiments of the invention are intended to such amendment and modification, as long as they are in the scope of claims and equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. for manufacturing an equipment for glass, including:

Formed body, melten glass from described formed body drawing to produce the glass tape of continuous moving;

Castor assembly, described castor assembly is positioned in below described formed body and is configured to engage with the glass tape of described movement, and described castor assembly includes:

Castor installation component;

Castor, described castor is rotationally coupled to described castor installation component and rotatable around the first rotation axis;

Framing component, described framing component is rotationally coupled to described castor installation component, and described castor installation component is rotatable around the second rotation axis;

First force mechanisms, described first force mechanisms is configured to be applied to the first power described castor installation component, and described first power forces described castor installation component to rotate around described second rotation axis;

And

Wherein, it is perpendicular to and passes the plane of described first rotation axis and described second jante et perpendiculaire.

2. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterised in that also include scoring apparatus and be positioned in below described formed body relative to drawing direction, and wherein, described castor assembly is positioned between described formed body and described scoring apparatus.

3. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described castor assembly also includes driving mechanism, described driving mechanism is connected to described first power apparatus and is configured to change described first power being applied to described castor installation component.

4. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described castor installation component includes universal socket and is rotationally coupled to the body part of described universal socket, and wherein, described body part is rotatable around the 3rd rotation axis.

5. equipment according to claim 4, it is characterised in that described 3rd rotation axis position on the glass tape of described movement is intersected with the glass tape of described movement, in described position, described castor is configured to engage with the glass tape of described movement.

6. equipment according to claim 4, it is characterised in that the surface of the glass tape of described 3rd rotation axis and described movement is with the angle of intersection of non-zero.

7. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described castor installation component is configured around being perpendicular to the 4th rotation axis of described second rotation axis and rotates.

8. equipment according to claim 7, it is characterised in that also include the second force mechanisms, described second force mechanisms is configured to the second power is applied to described castor installation component and forces described castor installation component to rotate around described 4th rotation axis.

9. equipment according to claim 8, it is characterised in that also include the second driving device, described second driving device is connected to described second force mechanisms and is configured to change described second power.

10. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described castor assembly may move relative to the glass tape of described movement between bonding station and disengaged position, wherein, in described bonding station, described castor contacts with the glass tape of described movement, and in described disengaged position, described castor does not contact with the glass tape of described movement.

11. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described framing component is rotationally coupled to base component, described base component is constructed such that described framing component rotates so that described castor engages with described glass tape and disengages.

12. equipment according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described framing component is connected to linear slide, described linear slide is constructed such that described framing component translates so that described castor engages with described glass tape and disengages.

13. for an equipment for processed glass band, including:

Source book axle, described source book axle includes one section of glass tape;

Take-up spool, described take-up spool is configured to receive the described one section of glass tape from described source book axle;

Castor assembly, described castor assembly is positioned between described source book axle and described take-up spool and is configured to engage with described glass tape, and described castor assembly includes:

Castor installation component;

And

14. equipment according to claim 13, it is characterised in that described castor assembly also includes driving mechanism, described driving mechanism is connected to described first power apparatus and is configured to change described first power being applied to described castor installation component.

15. equipment according to claim 13, it is characterised in that described castor installation component includes universal socket and is rotationally coupled to the body part of described universal socket, and wherein, described body part is rotatable around the 3rd rotation axis.

16. equipment according to claim 15, it is characterised in that described 3rd rotation axis intersects with described glass tape in a position of described glass tape, and described castor is formed at described position and engages with described glass tape.

17. equipment according to claim 15, it is characterised in that the surface of described 3rd rotation axis and described glass tape is with the angle of intersection of non-zero.

18. equipment according to claim 13, it is characterised in that described castor installation component is configured around being perpendicular to the 4th rotation axis of described second rotation axis and rotates.

19. equipment according to claim 18, it is characterised in that also include the second force mechanisms, described second force mechanisms is configured to the second power is applied to described castor installation component and forces described castor installation component to rotate around described 4th rotation axis.

20. equipment according to claim 19, it is characterised in that also include the second driving device, described second driving device is connected to described second force mechanisms and is configured to change described second power.

21. equipment according to claim 13, it is characterized in that, described castor assembly may move relative to described glass tape between bonding station and disengaged position, wherein, in described bonding station, described castor contacts with described glass tape, and in described disengaged position, described castor does not contact with described glass tape.

22. equipment according to claim 13, it is characterised in that described framing component is rotationally coupled to base component, described base component is constructed such that described framing component rotates so that described castor engages with described glass tape and disengages.

23. equipment according to claim 13, it is characterised in that described framing component is connected to linear slide, described linear slide is constructed such that described framing component translates so that described castor engages with described glass tape and disengages.

24. a method for drawn glass band, including:

Making the melten glass from formed body flow to form glass tape, described glass tape moves on drawing direction;

Making described glass tape engage with castor assembly, described castor assembly includes:

Castor installation component;

And

Wherein, described joint causes described castor installation component to resist described first power around described second rotation axis rotation, and described first power thus forms tension force on the direction of the centrage away from described glass tape in described glass tape.

25. method according to claim 24, it is characterised in that through and be perpendicular to the plane of described first rotation axis after described joint relative to described drawing direction angulation α.

26. method according to claim 25, it is characterised in that α is in the scope from 0 to 5 degree.

27. method according to claim 24, it is characterised in that described first force mechanisms is connected to the first driving device, described method also includes utilizing described first driving device to change described first power.

28. method according to claim 24, it is characterized in that, described castor installation component includes universal socket and body part, and wherein, described body part is connected to described universal socket and rotatable around the 3rd rotation axis relative to described universal socket.

29. method according to claim 24, it is characterized in that, described castor assembly also includes the second force mechanisms, and described second force mechanisms is configured to apply the second power so that described castor installation component rotates around the 4th rotation axis being perpendicular to described second rotation axis.

30. method according to claim 29, it is characterised in that described castor assembly also includes the second driving device being connected to described second force mechanisms, described method also includes using described second driving device to change described second power.

31. method according to claim 29, it is characterised in that also include changing the normal force that described second power is applied against described glass tape by described castor with change.

32. method according to claim 29, it is characterised in that also include changing described second power in response to the change in the side tension in described glass tape.

33. method according to claim 24, it is characterised in that also include changing described first power to change the side tension in described glass tape.

34. the method carrying glass tape, including:

Glass tape is released from source book axle;

Described glass tape from described source book axle is recovered in described take-up spool;

Making the described glass tape between described source book axle and described take-up spool engage with castor assembly, described castor assembly includes:

Castor installation component;

And

35. method according to claim 34, it is characterised in that through and be perpendicular to the plane of described first rotation axis after described joint relative to described drawing direction angulation α.

36. method according to claim 35, it is characterised in that α is in the scope from 0 to 5 degree.

37. method according to claim 34, it is characterised in that described first force mechanisms is connected to the first driving device, described method also includes utilizing described first driving device to change described first power.

38. method according to claim 34, it is characterized in that, described castor installation component includes universal socket and body part, and wherein, described body part is connected to described universal socket and rotatable around the 3rd rotation axis relative to described universal socket.

39. method according to claim 34, it is characterized in that, described castor assembly also includes the second force mechanisms, and described second force mechanisms is configured to apply the second power so that described castor installation component rotates around the 4th rotation axis being perpendicular to described second rotation axis.

40. the method according to claim 39, it is characterised in that described castor assembly also includes the second driving device being connected to described second force mechanisms, described method also includes using described second driving device to change described second power.

41. the method according to claim 39, it is characterised in that also include changing the normal force that described second power is applied against described glass tape by described castor with change.

42. the method according to claim 39, it is characterised in that also include changing described second power in response to the change in the side tension in described glass tape.

43. method according to claim 34, it is characterised in that also include changing described first power to change the side tension in described glass tape.