CN117645188A

CN117645188A - Method and apparatus for manufacturing a belt

Info

Publication number: CN117645188A
Application number: CN202311132031.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尼尔斯·保罗·弗内尔; 基思·米切尔·希尔
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2022-09-02
Filing date: 2023-09-04
Publication date: 2024-03-05
Also published as: WO2024049727A1

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming apparatus that forms a glass ribbon and defines a first travel path of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support carrier that includes a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas is exhausted to impinge on the glass ribbon. The support carrier moves between a first position in which the bearing surface is spaced apart from the first travel path and a second position in which the bearing surface engages the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon along a second travel path that is different from the first travel path. Methods of making glass ribbons are provided.

Description

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a belt

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 63/374414 filed on 2 nd 9 of 2022 in accordance with 35u.s.c. ≡119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to methods of manufacturing glass ribbons, and more particularly to methods of manufacturing glass ribbons by supporting the glass ribbon with a support carrier.

Background

It is known to manufacture molten material into glass ribbons using glass manufacturing equipment. The glass ribbon may be stored by winding the glass ribbon into a roll with a winding device. However, in a clean environment, it is expensive and time consuming to transport a roll of glass to the winding apparatus. Furthermore, it is difficult to accommodate positional changes of the glass ribbon during the winding process.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described in the detailed description.

In various aspects, one or more support carriers can be positioned in a clean room environment between the forming apparatus and the winding apparatus. The support carrier may guide the glass ribbon from the forming apparatus to the winding apparatus without contacting the glass ribbon. If the ribbon is off-center, the support carrier can adjust the lateral position of the ribbon by controlling the flow of gas across the width of the ribbon. One or more rollers downstream of the support carrier and upstream of the winding apparatus can guide the glass ribbon to the winding apparatus and change position to adjust the non-planar area of the glass ribbon.

In aspects, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming apparatus configured to form a glass ribbon and define a first travel path of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support carrier that includes a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas is exhausted to impinge on the glass ribbon. The support carrier moves between a first position in which the bearing surface is spaced apart from the first travel path and a second position in which the bearing surface engages the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon along a second travel path different from the first travel path.

In aspects, the support carrier includes a first region including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is discharged, and the first region is configured to exert a first force on the glass ribbon. The support carrier includes a second region including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is vented, and the second region is configured to exert a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force.

In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first set of draw rolls and a second set of draw rolls spaced apart and downstream of the support carrier. The first set of draw rolls engages a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of draw rolls is configured to engage an opposite second edge of the glass ribbon.

In aspects, the first set of draw rolls includes a first draw roll and a second draw roll spaced apart to define a gap. A first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap. The second set of dancer rolls includes a third dancer roll and a fourth dancer roll spaced apart to define a second gap. A second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

In various aspects, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are movable between a first position in which the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position in which the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are separated by a second distance. The first distance is different from the second distance.

In various aspects, the first pull roll may be movable relative to the second pull roll to adjust the size of the gap.

In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a drive roller extending through an opening in the load bearing surface and upstream of the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls. The drive roller is configured to engage the glass ribbon.

In aspects, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming apparatus configured to form a glass ribbon and define a first travel path of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support carrier including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas is exhausted to impinge on the glass ribbon. The support carrier includes a first region including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is vented, and the first region is configured to exert a first force on the glass ribbon. The support carrier includes a second region including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is vented, and the second region is configured to exert a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a gas source in fluid communication with the support carrier. The gas source is configured to deliver gas to the support carrier and through the plurality of openings to direct the glass ribbon.

In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first set of draw rolls and a second set of draw rolls spaced apart and downstream of the support carrier. The first set of draw rolls is configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of draw rolls is configured to engage an opposite second edge of the glass ribbon.

In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a drive roller extending through a channel on the load bearing surface and upstream of the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls. The drive roller is configured to engage the glass ribbon.

In aspects, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes moving the glass ribbon along a first travel path in a first direction of travel. The method includes emitting a gas from the support carrier. The method includes moving the support carrier from a first position in which the support carrier is spaced apart from the first travel path to a second position in which gas from the support carrier impinges on the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon along a second travel path that is different from the first travel path.

In aspects, emitting the gas includes emitting the gas from a first region of the support carrier that includes a first portion of the plurality of openings and exerting a first force on the glass ribbon, and emitting the gas from a second region of the support carrier that includes a second portion of the plurality of openings and exerting a second force on the glass ribbon. The second force is less than the first force.

In aspects, the first region and the second region are arranged substantially perpendicular to the second travel path.

In aspects, the method includes contacting the glass ribbon with a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers downstream of the support carrier relative to the first direction of travel.

In aspects, the method includes changing a path of travel of the glass ribbon by moving the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls.

In aspects, the method can include providing a portion of the glass ribbon unsupported and free to hang under the influence of gravity at an upstream location where the glass ribbon contacts the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls.

Additional features and advantages of the aspects disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the aspects described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the aspects disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates example aspects of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example aspect of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support carrier in an initial first position in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of support carriers in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a pair of support carriers in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top-down view of a support carrier in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example aspect of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support carrier in an initial first position in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example aspect of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support carrier in an initial first position in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example aspect of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support carrier in an initial first position in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a support carrier and a plurality of pull rolls in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a plurality of pull rolls in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top-down view of a plurality of draw rolls and a winding apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of drag rollers and drive rollers in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of draw rolls and winding apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of draw rolls and winding apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and

fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a winding apparatus according to aspects of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

As used herein, the term "about" means that the amounts, dimensions, formulations, parameters, and other amounts and characteristics are not, nor need be, exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

Directional terms used herein, such as up, down, right, left, front, rear, top, bottom, etc., refer only to the drawing figures and do not imply absolute directions.

Any method described herein is not intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specific order, nor is it intended to be specifically oriented with respect to use of any device, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, the claimed method does not actually recite steps that are to be followed by their steps, or any of the claimed devices does not recite an order or an orientation of the individual elements at all, or it is not specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation of the elements of the devices is not specified, which is in no way intended to infer an order or orientation in any way. This applies to any possible non-expressive interpretation basis, including: logic problems associated with step arrangements, operational flows, component sequences, or component orientations; simple meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a" or "an" element includes aspects having two or more such elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The words "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, the examples are provided for clarity and understanding only, and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that numerous additional or alternative examples of different scope have been presented, but have been omitted for brevity.

As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including" and variations thereof are to be interpreted as synonymous and open ended, unless otherwise indicated. The list of elements after the inclusion or inclusion of transitional words is a non-exclusive list, so elements other than those specifically listed in the list may also be present.

The terms "substantially" and variations thereof as used herein are intended to mean that the feature being described is equal to or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or near-planar surface. Further, "substantially" is intended to mean that the two values are equal or approximately equal. The term "substantially" may refer to values within about 10% of each other, e.g., within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

Modifications may be made to the disclosure herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, a sequence, or the like. Rather, these terms are merely intended as identifiers, names, etc. of features, elements, items, etc. For example, the first and second ends typically correspond to end a and end B, respectively, or two different ends.

The present invention relates to a glass supporting apparatus and a method for supporting a glass spool. For purposes of this application, a "ribbon" may be considered to be one or more of a glass ribbon in a viscous state, a glass ribbon in an elastic state (e.g., at room temperature), and/or a glass ribbon in a viscoelastic state between a viscous state and an elastic state. In various aspects, a "ribbon" may include a film, foil (e.g., copper, aluminum, ultra-thin conductive material), plastic, polymer, metal, paper, fiber, ceramic, or glass-ceramic material. Methods and apparatus for supporting a glass spool will now be described by way of example aspects. For the purposes of the present invention, in several aspects, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include a glass forming apparatus that forms a glass article (e.g., a glass ribbon) from a quantity of molten material. In certain aspects, the glass ribbon may be used in a variety of display applications including, but not limited to, liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma Display Panels (PDPs), touch sensors, photovoltaics, foldable cell phones, and the like.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 1, in various aspects, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a forming apparatus 101 configured to form a glass ribbon 103. In various aspects, the forming apparatus 101 can include a slot draw device, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus, an updraw apparatus, a nip apparatus, or other glass forming apparatus that forms a glass ribbon. In various aspects, the forming apparatus 101 can include a conveying conduit through which the glass ribbon 103 can exit the forming apparatus 101. For example, the delivery catheter may include a channel having an opening 105. The delivery conduit may be oriented in the direction of gravity such that the glass ribbon 103 may flow downwardly through the delivery conduit in the direction of gravity.

In various aspects, the forming apparatus 101 may define an upstream portion of the travel path 109 extending in the travel direction 111. The forming apparatus 101 can convey the glass ribbon 103 along an upstream portion of the travel path 109 in a first travel direction 111. In various aspects, the forming apparatus 101 can be located outside of the clean room environment 115, with one or more portions of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 located within the clean room environment 115. The clean room environment 115 may be contained within one or more walls (e.g., represented by dashed lines in fig. 1) and may contain lower levels of particles (e.g., dust, airborne organisms, vaporized particles, etc.) than the particle levels outside of the clean room environment 115. In various aspects, the clean room environment 115 may be maintained at a positive pressure relative to the exterior of the clean room environment 115 such that gas may flow from the clean room environment 115 to the environment external to the clean room environment 115. In various aspects, the pressure differential between the clean room environment 115 and the external environment may be about 5 pascals or more. In various aspects, the clean room environment 115 may comprise an ISO ("international organization for standardization") 6 clean room.

The glass ribbon 103 may enter the clean room environment 115 through an opening, for example, in the ceiling of the clean room environment 115. As the glass ribbon 103 enters the cleanroom environment 115, the glass ribbon 103 may be guided by one or more support carriers 117 along a path of travel toward the winding apparatus 121, so the glass ribbon 103 may be wound into a roll. The one or more support carriers 117 may be located within the clean room environment 115. The winding apparatus 121 may include, for example, a spool 123 that may include a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Spool 123 can receive glass ribbon 103 such that glass ribbon 103 can be wound into a roll about spool 123. Thus, in various aspects, a method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include moving the glass ribbon 103 along the travel path 109 in the first travel direction 111, for example, to the winding apparatus 121.

In various aspects, the glass ribbon 103 can hang downward and, due to the weight exerted on the glass ribbon 103, the glass ribbon 103 can tend to remain centered with respect to the one or more support carriers 117, resulting in a stable system or structure. For example, the glass ribbon 103 may tend to be self-centering and the glass ribbon 103 may return to a centered position relative to the one or more support carriers 117 even when supported by the one or more support carriers 117. In aspects, the one or more support carriers 117 can apply a greater pressure to the edges of the glass ribbon 103 than at the center of the glass ribbon 103 such that the glass ribbon 103 will tend to remain centered with respect to the one or more support carriers 117. Furthermore, the glass ribbon 103 may include a free loop (e.g., immediately upstream of the winding apparatus 121), wherein the weight of the free loop may further help center the glass ribbon 103 due to the weight of the glass ribbon 103 in the free loop and the force of gravity. The free loop may comprise a portion of the glass ribbon 103 that is unsupported (e.g., by the support bearings 117 or other support structure) and thus freely suspended at a location upstream of the winding apparatus 121. Thus, the glass ribbon 103 can be centered in the width direction due at least in part to the free ring and the one or more support carriers 117.

Fig. 2 shows the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 when one or more support carriers 117 are in an initial position. In the initial position, the one or more support carriers 117 can be separated from the glass ribbon 103 and the travel path 109 such that the one or more support carriers 117 can not guide, or otherwise move the glass ribbon 103. Instead, the glass ribbon 103 may travel in a vertical direction along the travel path 109 under the influence of gravity. In various aspects, one or more support carriers 117 may be positioned in an initial position, for example, at the beginning of the forming process. In various aspects, the handling device 201 can be positioned below the forming device 101 such that the glass ribbon 103 can enter the handling device 201 such that the glass ribbon 103 can be crushed. In various aspects, the one or more support carriers 117 can comprise a plurality of support carriers spaced apart along the path of travel of the glass ribbon 103 from the forming apparatus 101 to the winding apparatus 121. For example, the one or more support carriers 117 may include a first support carrier 203, a second support carrier 205, a third support carrier 207, a fourth support carrier 209, a fifth support carrier 211, and a sixth support carrier 213. In various aspects, the support carriers 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 may initially be in a first position, wherein the support carriers 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 are spaced apart from the travel path 109 by a distance.

In various aspects, the glass ribbon 103 can include a temperature in a range of about 300 degrees celsius ("°c") to about 350 ℃ when moving within the clean room environment 115. The glass ribbon 103 may include a travel speed in the range of about 1 meter/minute to about 30 meters/minute, or about 1000 millimeters ("mm")/minute to about 10,000 millimeters/minute. The glass ribbon 103 may include a width in the range of about 500mm to about 2 meters, or a width in the range of about 500mm to about 600mm, and a center thickness in the range of about 30 micrometers (microns) to about 200 microns, or about 50 microns to about 150 microns. The glass ribbon 103 may include a ribbon longitude (ribbon warp) of less than about 1.5 mm.

Fig. 3-4 illustrate the first and second support carriers 203, 205 after being moved from an initial first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) to a position in which the first and second support carriers 203, 205 engage the glass ribbon 103. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the first support carrier 203 and the second support carrier 205, and fig. 4 shows a side view of the first support carrier 203 and the second support carrier 205. First, it should be noted that the support carriers disclosed herein are not limited to the locations shown. More specifically, the support carriers may be placed at different locations based on the thickness of the glass ribbon 103, such that the glass ribbon 103 may experience different degrees of bending. For example, as the bending radius of the glass ribbon 103 decreases, the glass stress may decrease. As the thickness of the glass ribbon 103 increases, a greater bend radius may be required, which may require a greater distance for the glass ribbon 103 to travel from the forming apparatus 101 to the winding apparatus 121. In this way, the support carrier can support the glass ribbon 103 while maintaining the glass ribbon stress within a desired range, wherein the glass ribbon stress is based at least in part on the bending radius experienced by the glass ribbon 103.

The first support carrier 203 and the second support carrier 205 may be substantially similar in structure and function to the other support carriers 207, 209, 211, 213. For example, the first support carrier 203 may comprise a substantially hollow interior first chamber 301, which may be surrounded by a first wall 303. The first support carrier 203 can include a first bearing surface 307 and a plurality of first openings 309 extending through the first bearing surface 307, through which first openings 309 gas can exit and impinge on the glass ribbon 103. The first bearing surface 307 can be positioned adjacent to the travel path 109 such that as the glass ribbon 103 travels from the forming apparatus 101, gas can exit through the first opening 309 and impinge on the glass ribbon 103, thereby exerting a force on the glass ribbon 103. The first opening 309 may be spaced apart along the first bearing surface 307 and may be in fluid communication with the first chamber 301.

In various aspects, the first gas source 313 can be in fluid communication with the first support carrier 203, the first gas source 313 configured to deliver gas to the first support carrier 203 and through a plurality of openings in the first support carrier 203 to direct the glass ribbon 103. The first gas source 313 may include, for example, a pump, tank, drum, boiler, compressor, pressure vessel, etc., and may provide a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, a combination of gases, etc.) to the first chamber 301. In various aspects, the first gas source 313 can deliver a compressed gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, helium, combinations thereof, or other gases maintained at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure) such that gas can flow from the first gas source 313 into the first chamber 301 and toward the glass ribbon 103 through the first opening 309. In various aspects, one or more fluid control devices (e.g., valves, fans, conduits, ducts, etc.) may be in fluid communication with the first gas source 313 and the first chamber 301, wherein the fluid control devices may facilitate delivery and control of gas to the first support carrier 203. In various aspects, the first bearing surface 307 may comprise a non-planar shape, such as a curved shape as shown in fig. 4, although in various aspects, the first bearing surface 307 may comprise a planar shape.

The second support carrier 205 may include a substantially hollow interior second chamber 321, which may be bounded by a second wall 323. The second support carrier 205 can include a second bearing surface 327 and a set of second openings 329 through which gas can exit and impinge on the glass ribbon 103. The bearing surface 327 of the second support bearing 205 can be positioned near the travel path 109 such that as the glass ribbon 103 moves from the forming apparatus 101, gas can exit through the second opening 329 and impinge on the glass ribbon 103, thereby imparting a force on the glass ribbon 103. The second opening 329 may be spaced apart along the second bearing surface 327 and may be in fluid communication with the second chamber 321. As such, the second gas source 333 can be in fluid communication with the second support carrier 205, the second gas source 333 configured to deliver gas to the second support carrier 205 and through the plurality of openings in the second support carrier 205 to direct the glass ribbon 103. The second gas source 333 may be substantially identical to the first gas source 313. In various aspects, the second gas source 333 can deliver a compressed gas, whereby the gas can flow from the second gas source 333 into the second chamber 321 and through the second opening 329 to the glass ribbon 103. In various aspects, the second bearing surface 327 may comprise a non-planar shape, such as a curved shape as shown in fig. 4, although in various aspects the second bearing surface 327 may comprise a planar shape. Thus, in various aspects, the method can include moving the support carriers 203, 205 from a first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) in which the support carriers 203, 205 are spaced apart from the first travel path 109 to a second position in which gas from the support carriers 203, 205 impinges on the glass ribbon 103 and directs the glass ribbon 103 to move along a second travel path 357 that is different from the first travel path 109.

Referring to fig. 3, in various aspects, the support carriers 203, 205 can include a plurality of regions 345, which regions 345 can apply a differential pressure to the glass ribbon 103 by the gas emitted from the openings 309, 329. For example, with respect to the second support carrier 205, the second support carrier 205 can include a first region 347, the first region 347 including a first portion 349 of the plurality of openings 329 through which gas is exhausted, and the first region 347 configured to apply a first force to the glass ribbon 103. The second support carrier 205 can include a second region 351, the second region 351 including a second portion 353 of the plurality of openings 329 through which gas is exhausted, and the second region 351 configured to exert a second force on the glass ribbon 103, wherein the second force is less than the first force. In aspects, the plurality of regions 345 may be separated by one or more walls located within the second chamber 321. For example, a wall may be provided between the first region 347 and the second region 351 within the second chamber 321 to separate the first region 347 and the second region 351. Thus, the first region 347 is not in fluid communication with the second region 351. Likewise, other regions may be separated by walls to restrict fluid flow between two separate regions.

In aspects, the plurality of regions 345 of the second support carrier 205 may be arranged in rows and columns. The rows may span or be perpendicular to the second direction of travel 361 of the glass ribbon 103 and the columns may be along or parallel to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first region 347 may be adjacent to the second region 351, wherein the first region 347 and the second region 351 are located within a row. In this way, the first region 347 and the second region 351 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the second travel path 357 of the glass ribbon 103. By being arranged substantially vertically, the axis can intersect the first region 347 and the second region 351, the axis being perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 moves along the second travel path 357.

Fig. 5 shows a top-down view of the portion of second support carrier 205 comprising first region 347 and second region 351. In various aspects, different ones of the plurality of regions 345 can apply different forces to the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first region 347 may apply a first force and the second region 351 may apply a second force, wherein the second force may be less than the first force. The multiple zones 345 may apply different forces in a variety of ways. For example, in aspects, the first region 347 and the second region 351 may include a different number of openings. That is, the first portion 349 of the plurality of openings may include fewer openings than the second portion 353 of the plurality of openings. In aspects, the openings of the second portion 353 can be closer (e.g., a distance separating adjacent openings) than the openings of the first portion 349 such that the second region 351 can contain more openings than the first region 347. Additionally, or alternatively, the first and second portions 349, 353 of the plurality of openings may include different dimensions (e.g., diameters) that may further affect the force exerted by the first and second regions 347, 351.

In aspects, the second support carrier 205 is not limited to including one gas source (e.g., the second gas source 333), but may include multiple gas sources. For example, the second support carrier 205 may include a gas source in fluid communication with one or more regions, such as a second gas source 333 in fluid communication with the first region 347 and a third gas source 501 in fluid communication with the second region 351. In this way, different amounts of gas may be provided to different regions, such that the forces exerted by the different regions will be different. In aspects, the second gas source 333 can deliver a first amount (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of gas to the first region 347 and the third gas source 501 can deliver a second amount (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of gas to the second region 351, wherein the first amount can be different than the second amount. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more fans may be provided in fluid communication with the gas sources 333, 501 to further increase or decrease the delivery of gas. In this manner, different regions 347, 351 can apply different forces to the glass ribbon 103 because each region 347, 351 contains a different gas source and a different number of openings 349, 353. Although the discussion above regarding the different regions 347, 351 is directed to the second support carrier 205, in various aspects, some or all of the other support carriers 203, 207, 209, 211, 213 may comprise a plurality of regions that are substantially identical in structure and function to the regions 347, 351. Furthermore, although the discussion above regarding the second support carrier 205 is limited to only two regions 347, 351, in various aspects, some or all of the support carriers 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 may comprise more than two regions that are substantially identical to regions 347, 351 of fig. 3-5.

In various aspects, the glass ribbon 103 can be guided or maneuvered in a first lateral direction 503 or a second lateral direction 505 that is substantially perpendicular to the second direction of travel 361 by applying different forces to the glass ribbon 103 from the regions 347, 351. For example, by increasing the gas flow rate through the openings of the first portion 349 and by decreasing the gas flow rate through the openings of the second portion 353, the force exerted by the first region 347 may be greater than the force exerted by the second region 351. Due to this difference in force, as the glass ribbon 103 travels in the second travel direction 361, the glass ribbon 103 may move in the first lateral direction 503 (e.g., away from the first region 347 and toward the second region 351). Conversely, by increasing the gas flow rate through the openings of the second portion 353 and the gas flow rate through the openings of the first portion 349, the force exerted by the second region 351 may be greater than the force exerted by the first region 349. Because of this difference in force, as the glass ribbon 103 travels in the second travel direction 361, the glass ribbon 103 may travel in the second lateral direction 505 (e.g., away from the second region 351 and toward the first region 347). Thus, the plurality of regions 345 can adjust the position of the glass ribbon 103 by moving the glass ribbon 103 in the lateral directions 503, 505. As such, because some or all of the support carriers 117 disclosed herein can include multiple zones, and in various aspects, some or all of these zones can include separate gas sources that deliver gas to that particular zone, the support carriers 117 disclosed herein can control the lateral movement of the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., in the lateral directions 503, 505) as the glass ribbon 103 moves from the forming apparatus 101 to the winding apparatus 121. Thus, the method may include emitting gas from the support carriers 203, 205. Further, the method can include emitting gas from a first region 347 of the second support carrier 205 comprising a first portion of the plurality of openings 349 and applying a first force on the glass ribbon 103, and emitting gas from a second region 351 of the second support carrier 205 comprising a second portion of the plurality of openings 353 and applying a second force on the glass ribbon 103. In aspects, the second force may be less than the first force. In various aspects, the flow of gas through the regions 347, 351 can be controlled by the operator, for example, based on feedback provided to the operator regarding the glass ribbon 103. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more control devices (e.g., programmable logic controllers) can receive feedback and adjust the flow of gas through the regions 347, 351 to automatically control and/or manipulate the glass ribbon 103, e.g., by adjusting the flow of gas to the regions 347, 351. In various aspects, to further support the glass ribbon 103, a support carrier, e.g., the second support carrier 205, can be adjusted and moved in the lateral directions 503, 505 to accommodate the position of the glass ribbon 103.

Fig. 6 illustrates the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 after the first support carrier 203 is moved from an initial first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) to a second position. In various aspects, in a first position, the first support carrier 203 may be initially spaced a first distance 601 from the travel path 109, and in a second position, the first support carrier 203 may be adjacent to the travel path 109 such that the distance between the travel path 109 and the first support carrier 203 is approximately zero. In various aspects, the first support carrier 203 can be moved in a first movement direction 603 from a first position to a second position, wherein the first movement direction 603 can be toward the travel path 109. As the first support carrier 203 moves in the first direction of movement 603, the glass ribbon 103 may continue to travel along the travel path 109 and into the treatment apparatus 201. In aspects, the other support carriers 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 may remain stationary and spaced apart from the travel path 109 as the first support carrier 203 moves from the first position to the second position.

Fig. 7 illustrates the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 after the second support carrier 205 is moved from the initial first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) to the second position. Fig. 7 shows the first 203 and second 205 support carriers in the same position as shown in fig. 3-4. In various aspects, in an initial first position, the second support carrier 205 may be initially spaced a first distance 701 from the travel path 109, and in a second position, the second support carrier 205 may be adjacent to the travel path 109 such that the distance between the travel path 109 and the second support carrier 205 is approximately zero. In various aspects, the second support carrier 205 can be moved from the first position to the second position in a first direction of movement 703, which first direction of movement 703 can be toward the travel path 109. As the second support carrier 205 moves in the first direction of movement 703, the glass ribbon 103 may continue to travel along the travel path 109 and into the handling device 201. In aspects, the other support carriers 207, 209, 211, 213 may remain stationary and spaced apart from the travel path 109 as the second support carrier 205 moves from the first position to the second position. When the first support carrier 203 and the second support carrier 205 are in the second position, the bearing surfaces 307, 327 can engage the glass ribbon 103 and guide the glass ribbon 103 to move along a second travel path 357 that is different from the first travel path 109. For example, the first support carrier 203 can maintain the upstream portion of the glass ribbon 103 moving in a substantially vertical direction along the first travel path 109. The second support carrier 205 can apply a force to the glass ribbon 103 and move the glass ribbon 103 in the first direction of movement 703 such that the glass ribbon 103 is no longer moving along the first travel path 109 but is moving along the second travel path 357.

In various aspects, the fourth support carrier 209 downstream of the second support carrier 205 can be moved from an initial first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) to a second position shown in fig. 7. In various aspects, in an initial first position, the fourth support carrier 209 may be initially spaced apart from the travel path 109 by a first distance 701, and in a second position, the fourth support carrier 209 may be adjacent to the travel path 357 such that the distance between the travel path 357 and the fourth support carrier 209 is approximately zero. In various aspects, the fourth support bearing 209 is movable in the first direction of movement 703 from a first position to a second position. In various aspects, the fourth support carrier 209 can be on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 as the second support carrier 205, and the second support carrier 205 and the fourth support carrier 209 exert a force on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 to maintain the glass ribbon 103 in a substantially vertical orientation.

Fig. 8 illustrates the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 after the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 are moved from the initial first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) to the second position. In various aspects, in an initial first position, the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier may be initially spaced a first distance 801 from the second travel path 357, and in a second position, the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier may be adjacent to the second travel path 357 such that the distance between the second travel path 357 and the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 may be approximately zero. In aspects, the third and fifth support carriers 207, 211 are movable in a first movement direction 803, wherein the first movement direction 803 is oriented toward the second movement path 357. The first direction of movement 803 may be substantially the same as the first direction of movement 603 (e.g., as shown in fig. 6) of the first support carrier movement 203. The glass ribbon 103 may continue to travel along the second travel path 357 and may no longer be directed toward the treatment device 201. Instead, the glass ribbon 103 may be directed to travel over the sixth support carrier 213 toward the winding apparatus 121. In aspects, the other support carriers 203, 205, 209, 213 may remain stationary as the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 move in the first direction of movement 803.

When the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 are in the second position, the bearing surfaces of the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 can engage the glass ribbon 103 and guide the glass ribbon 103 along the second travel path 357. In various aspects, the third support carrier 207 can be located on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 as the fifth support carrier 211, and the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 apply a force to the same side of the glass ribbon 103 to maintain the glass ribbon 103 in a substantially vertical orientation. In various aspects, the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 can be located on opposite sides of the glass ribbon 103 from the second support carrier 205 and the fourth support carrier 209. For example, the second support carrier 205 and the third support carrier 207 can be spaced to define a gap through which the glass ribbon 103 passes, the second support carrier 205 and the third support carrier 207 being located at substantially the same height such that an axis can intersect the second support carrier 205 and the third support carrier 207, the axis being substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon 103. In various aspects, the fourth support carrier 209 and the fifth support carrier 211 can be spaced apart to define a gap through which the glass ribbon 103 passes, the fourth support carrier 209 and the fifth support carrier 211 being located downstream of the second support carrier 205 and the third support carrier 207 at substantially the same height such that an axis intersects the fourth support carrier 209 and the fifth support carrier 211, wherein the axis is substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon 103. In this way, the glass ribbon 103 can travel substantially vertically while being supported on both sides by the support carriers 205, 207, 209, 211.

In various aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a detection apparatus 805 for detecting the glass ribbon 103. For example, the detection device 805 can be connected to the third support carrier 207 and the fifth support carrier 211 such that the detection device 805 can be positioned adjacent to the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 travels in the direction of travel 111. In various aspects, the detection device 805 can detect the glass ribbon 103 and determine one or more characteristics of the glass ribbon 103, such as glass thickness, glass warpage, defects (e.g., lines, stripes), particle contamination, and the like. In various aspects, glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a light source 807 configured to emit light. The light sources 807 can be on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 as the second support carrier 205 and the fourth support carrier 209, with the light sources 807 being downstream of the fourth support carrier 209. In various aspects, the light source 807 can be positioned facing the glass ribbon 103 such that the light source 807 can emit light through the glass ribbon 103 to the detection device 805. In this way, illuminating the glass ribbon 103 may facilitate detection of the glass ribbon 103 by the detection device 805, for example, enabling the detection device 805 to detect characteristics of the glass ribbon 103. In various aspects, a portion of the glass ribbon 103 can be unsupported and freely suspended under the influence of gravity, e.g., a portion of the glass ribbon 103 is located upstream of the sixth support carrier 213 and at an upstream location of the glass ribbon 103 in contact with the draw rolls (e.g., as shown and described with respect to fig. 9-10). The unsupported portion of the glass ribbon 103 can comprise a freely suspended U-shape as a result of being unsupported by any air bearing (or other support structure).

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the sixth support carrier 213. As shown in fig. 1-2 and 6-8, the sixth support carrier 213 may be located downstream of the fourth support carrier 209 and the fifth support carrier 211, upstream of the winding apparatus 121. The sixth support carrier 213 may be located below the glass ribbon 103 such that the sixth support carrier 213 may support the glass ribbon 103 and guide the glass ribbon 103 toward the winding apparatus 121. In various aspects, glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a plurality of draw rolls 901 for engaging glass ribbon 103 and guiding glass ribbon 103 to winding apparatus 121. In aspects, the plurality of draw rolls 901 can be positioned downstream of the sixth support carrier 213 such that the glass ribbon 103 can contact the plurality of draw rolls 901 after passing through the sixth support carrier 213. In aspects, the plurality of draw rolls 901 can include a first set of draw rolls 903 positioned along a first edge of the glass ribbon 103 and a second set of draw rolls 905 positioned along a second edge of the glass ribbon 103. In this way, the first set 903 and the second set 905 of rollers are spaced apart and downstream of the sixth support carrier 213. The first set 903 of draw rolls may include spaced apart first and second draw rolls 911, 913 defining a gap 915. The second set of dancer 905 may include spaced apart third and fourth dancer 921, 923 defining a second gap 925.

Fig. 10 shows a side view of a plurality of pull rolls as seen along line 10-10 of fig. 9. A first set of draw rolls 903 can engage a first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second set of draw rolls 905 can engage an opposite second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. In this way, the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 can be received within the gap 915 between the first and second draw rolls 911, 913. An opposing second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 may be received within a second gap 925 between the third and fourth draw rolls 921, 923. In this way, as the glass ribbon 103 moves toward the winding apparatus 121, the plurality of draw rolls 901 can rotate while contacting the glass ribbon 103. Thus, the method can include contacting the glass ribbon 103 with a first set of draw rolls 903 and a second set of draw rolls 905 positioned downstream of the sixth support carrier 213 relative to the direction of travel 111, 361 of the glass ribbon 103.

In aspects, the plurality of draw rolls 901 are not fixed in one position, but can be moved to accommodate the shape and/or position of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first set of draw rolls 903 and the second set of draw rolls 905 can be moved in a direction parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon 103 and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103. In this way, the first set 903 and the second set 905 of rollers may be movable between a first position (e.g., shown in solid lines in fig. 10) in which the first set 903 is separated from the second set 905 by a first distance 1011, and a second position (shown in phantom lines in fig. 10) in which the first set 903 and the second set 905 of rollers are separated by a second distance 1013. In aspects, the first distance 1011 may be different from the second distance 1013, e.g., in fig. 10 the first distance 1011 is less than the second distance 1013.

In addition to movement of the plurality of draw rolls 901 to adjust between the distances 1011, 1013, one or more draw rolls 901 may be pivoted between an open position and a closed position. For example, the first roller 911 can pivot between a closed position (e.g., shown in solid lines in fig. 10) in which the first roller 911 contacts the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 and a gap 915 is formed between the rollers 911, 913, and an open position (e.g., shown in phantom lines in fig. 10) in which the first roller 911 is spaced apart from the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, the third roller 921 can pivot between a closed position (e.g., shown in solid lines in fig. 10) in which the third roller 921 contacts the second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 and a gap 925 is formed between the rollers 921, 923, and an open position (e.g., shown in phantom lines in fig. 10) in which the third roller 921 is spaced apart from the glass ribbon 103. In the closed position, rollers 911, 913, 921, 923 can contact the surface of glass ribbon 103 and constrain glass ribbon 103. In the open position, a portion of the rollers 911, 921 are not in contact with the surface of the glass ribbon 103, such that the glass ribbon 103 is unconstrained.

Fig. 11 shows a top-down view of a plurality of draw rolls 901, glass ribbon 103, and winding apparatus 121. In aspects, a plurality of draw rolls 901 can pivot about axis 1101 to accommodate the position of the glass ribbon 103. For example, to facilitate proper winding of the glass ribbon 103 onto the winding apparatus 121, a first roller axis 1103 (e.g., as also shown in fig. 10) of the plurality of draw rollers 901 can be parallel to a first winding axis 1105 of the winding apparatus 121. For example, the first and third rollers 911 and 921 are each rotatable about a central axis. The first roller axis 1103 may extend between the first and third rollers 911 and 921 and intersect the centers of the first and third rollers 911 and 921. In various aspects, the winding apparatus 121 can rotate about the first winding axis 1105 as the glass ribbon 103 is wound on the winding apparatus 121. To provide for proper winding of the glass ribbon 103 onto the winding apparatus 121 and to limit the possibility of the glass ribbon 103 inadvertently contacting the flange of the winding apparatus 121, the first roll axis 1103 may be oriented substantially parallel to the first winding axis 1105.

In various aspects, the glass ribbon 103 can be misaligned relative to the winding apparatus 121 and the plurality of draw rolls 901. By misalignment, the glass ribbon 103 can be angled relative to the first roll axis 1103 and the first roll axis 1105, e.g., by being off-center. To adjust the position of the glass ribbon 103, in various aspects, the winding apparatus 121 and the plurality of draw rolls 901 can be pivoted. For example, the winding device 121 may pivot and extend along a second winding axis 1107, wherein the second winding axis 1107 is not parallel or coaxial with the first winding axis 1105. To facilitate parallel alignment of the plurality of draw rolls 901 relative to the winding apparatus 121, the first set of draw rolls 903 and the second set of draw rolls 905 may likewise be rotated about the axis 1101. For example, the first set 903 and the second set 905 of rollers may pivot and extend along the second roller axis 1109. In aspects, the second roller axis 1109 can be substantially parallel to the second winding axis 1107. In this way, by being pivotable, the plurality of draw rolls 901 and the winding apparatus 121 can be maintained in a parallel orientation to accommodate potential misalignment of the glass ribbon 103.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the sixth support carrier 213. In various aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a plurality of drive rollers 1201 upstream of the plurality of draw rollers 901. The plurality of drive rollers 1201 can contact the glass ribbon 103 and apply a force to move the glass ribbon 103 in a direction of travel toward the winding apparatus 121. In aspects, the plurality of drive rollers 1201 can include a first set of drive rollers 1203 positioned along the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second set of drive rollers 1205 positioned along the second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. The first set of drive rollers 1203 can include a first drive roller 1211 and a second drive roller 1213 spaced apart to define a gap within which the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 is received. The second set of drive rollers 1205 can include a third drive roller 1221 and a fourth drive roller 1223 spaced apart to define a second gap within which the second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 is received.

As the glass ribbon 103 moves toward the winding apparatus 121, the plurality of drive rollers 1201 may rotate while contacting the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 can be coupled to a motor (e.g., a servo motor, etc.) that can drive the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 to rotate independent of the presence of the glass ribbon 103. That is, the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 can be programmed to rotate at a predetermined speed, for example, at the speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is moving. Thus, when the glass ribbon 103 is in contact with the plurality of drive rollers 1201, the motor can drive the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 to apply a force to the glass ribbon 103 to move the glass ribbon 103 toward the winding apparatus 121. In aspects, the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 can extend through a channel or opening in the sixth support carrier 213. For example, the second drive roller 1213 may extend through a first channel 1227 in the bearing surface of the sixth support carrier 213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 may extend through a second channel 1229 in the bearing surface of the sixth support carrier 213. In aspects, the second and fourth drive rollers 1213, 1223 are movable between an engaged position in which the second and fourth drive rollers 1213, 1223 are in contact with the glass ribbon 103 and a disengaged position in which the second and fourth drive rollers 1213, 1223 are spaced apart from contact with the glass ribbon 103. To move to the disengaged position, the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 can be moved downward away from the glass ribbon 103. To move to the engaged position, the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 can be moved upward toward the glass ribbon 103.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of spool 123 when glass ribbon 103 is wound on spool 123. FIG. 13 illustrates an additional aspect of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 in which multiple draw rolls 901 can function as drive rolls simultaneously, and thus multiple drive rolls 1201 can be eliminated. For example, the plurality of draw rolls 901 may be substantially similar to the plurality of draw rolls 901 shown in fig. 9-11. The plurality of draw rolls 901 may include four draw rolls 911, 913, 921, 923 that are located upstream of the winding device 121 and are movable between a plurality of positions. In aspects, the second and fourth drawing rollers 913, 923 may be substantially similar to the first and third drive rollers 1211, 1221 in fig. 11. For example, the second and fourth draw rolls 913, 923 can be connected to a motor (e.g., a servo motor, etc.) that can drive the second and fourth draw rolls 913, 923 to rotate independent of the presence of the glass ribbon 103. In this way, the second and fourth draw rolls 913, 923 can be programmed to rotate at a predetermined speed, for example, at the speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is moving. Thus, when the glass ribbon 103 is in contact with the plurality of draw rolls 901, the motor can drive the second and fourth draw rolls 913, 923 to apply a force to the glass ribbon 103, causing the glass ribbon 103 to move toward the winding apparatus 121.

As shown in fig. 13, the glass ribbon 103 may not be planar at a location upstream of the plurality of draw rolls 901. Conversely, due to misalignment of the glass ribbon 103, the glass ribbon 103 may include non-planar regions 1301, such as, for example, bumps, bends, or other convex or arched shapes. In various aspects, because the plurality of draw rolls 901 are in contact with the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103, the non-planar region 1301 can remain upstream of the plurality of draw rolls 901. In various aspects, non-planar region 1301 can cause distortion in glass ribbon 103 and/or can create problems during the winding process. To reduce the presence of non-planar region 1301, winding apparatus 121 and plurality of draw rolls 901 may be pivoted. Rotation may occur while maintaining the substantially parallel orientation of the winding apparatus 121 and the plurality of draw rolls 901. For example, the centerline 1303 of the glass ribbon 103 can be located at a midpoint between the edges 1001, 1003, wherein the centerline 1303 extends along the glass ribbon 103 in the running direction 1304 of the glass ribbon 103. In various aspects, to ensure proper winding of the glass ribbon 103 and to limit contact of the glass ribbon 103 with the edge of the spool 123, the centerline 1303 can be substantially perpendicular to the first winding axis 1105 of the spool 123.

The plurality of draw rolls 901 and the winding apparatus 121 can be rotated without damaging the glass ribbon 103 or interfering with the winding process. For example, initially, the draw rolls 911, 913, 921, 923 can be in a closed position and in contact with the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. The first and third rollers 911, 921 can be pivoted from a closed position (e.g., in contact with the glass ribbon 103) to an open position in which the first and third rollers 911, 921 are spaced apart from contact with the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. In the event that the first and third draw rolls 911, 921 are not in contact with the glass ribbon 103, the plurality of draw rolls 901 and the spool 123 may pivot, for example, in a manner similar to the rotation about axes 1103, 1105, 1107, 1109 shown in fig. 11. Thus, the glass ribbon 103 may not be damaged or destroyed during the rotation of the plurality of draw rolls 901. Thus, as shown in fig. 10-14, the method can include changing the path of travel of the glass ribbon 103 by moving the first set of draw rolls 903 and the second set of draw rolls 905.

Fig. 14 shows the winding apparatus 121 and the plurality of draw rolls 901 after pivoting to remove the non-planar region 1301. For example, the winding apparatus 121 and the plurality of draw rolls 901 can rotate in a direction that removes the non-planar region 1301 and planarizes the glass ribbon 103. Additionally, or alternatively, the first set of rollers 903 and the second set of rollers 905 may be moved to adjust the separation distance between the first set of rollers 903 and the second set of rollers 905, similar to the adjustment of the distances 1011, 1013 shown in fig. 10. During movement of the plurality of draw rolls 901, the glass ribbon 103 can be unconstrained by the first set of draw rolls 903 and the second set of draw rolls 905 because the first draw roll 911 and the third draw roll 921 are in an open position. Once the non-planar region 1301 is removed and the glass ribbon 103 is planar, the first and third draw rolls 911 and 921 can be moved from the open position to the closed position. For example, the first and third draw rolls 911, 921 can be moved downward to a closed position such that the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 can be restrained by the first and second sets of draw rolls 903, 905. In various aspects, the second and fourth draw rolls 913, 923 can no longer apply a driving force to the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 is wound on the spool 123. Instead, second and fourth draw rolls 913 and 923 may freely rotate, with rotation of second and fourth draw rolls 913 and 923 being caused by movement of glass ribbon 103. Instead of driving forces from the second and fourth draw rolls 913, 923, the spool 123 may be connected to a motor that may drive the spool 123 to rotate independent of the presence of the glass ribbon 103. That is, the motor can be programmed to rotate the spool 123 at a predetermined speed, such as the speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is moving. Thus, the spool 123 can be rotated by a motor to move the glass ribbon 103 toward and around the spool 123.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a winding apparatus 121 comprising a spool 123 downstream of a sixth support carrier 213. In various aspects, the winding apparatus 121 may include a sandwich spool 1501 including a sandwich material 1503. The interlayer material 1503 may be wound on an interlayer spool 1501. In aspects, the interlayer material 1503 can comprise a width that is greater than or equal to the width of the glass ribbon 103. The interlayer material 1503 may comprise, for example, polyethylene foam, corrugated paper material, sheets of polyvinyl chloride material, and the like. The interlayer material 1503 may be wound with the glass ribbon 103 on a spool 123 with the interlayer material 1503 located between the layers of the glass ribbon 103. In this way, the interlayer material 1503 may protect, for example, the glass ribbon 103 from vibrations during transport. When the glass ribbon 103 is wound on a spool, the interlayer material 1503 may be positioned proximate to a major surface of the glass ribbon 103 such that the interlayer material 1503 and the glass ribbon 103 may be wound together on the spool 123.

In various aspects, a second winding device 1511 may be positioned adjacent to winding device 121, with second winding device 1511 being substantially identical to winding device 121. For example, the second winding device 1511 may include a second spool 1513 (e.g., substantially identical to spool 123), a second sandwich spool 1515 (e.g., substantially identical to sandwich spool 1501), and a second sandwich material 1517 (e.g., substantially identical to sandwich material 1503). In various aspects, as the glass ribbon 103 and the interlayer material 1503 are wound on the spool 123, the second winding device 1511 may remain positioned adjacent to the winding device 121 and the second interlayer material 1517 is wound on the second interlayer spool 1515.

After a period of time, the entire length of glass ribbon 103 may be wound onto spool 123 along with interlayer material 1503. To limit downtime, the winding apparatus 121 and the second winding apparatus 1511 may be moved in a first direction 1521 such that the second winding apparatus 1511 may occupy the position of the winding apparatus 121. At this point, a new glass ribbon may pass through the support carrier and may be wound on the second spool 1513, with the second interlayer material 1517 being wound on the second spool 1513 simultaneously with the new glass ribbon. During winding, the spool 123 may be removed and ready for transport (e.g., by being placed in a container), with the spool 123 being replaced with an empty spool. Thus, downtime may be limited and when the second spool 1513 has a full glass ribbon, the second winding apparatus 1511 may be moved in a second direction 1523 opposite the first direction 1521 in preparation for transporting the second spool 1513.

The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may provide several benefits. For example, contact between the glass ribbon 103 and the surface may be minimized, e.g., due to the presence of a support carrier, which may support the glass ribbon 103 by emitting gas from one or more openings. Furthermore, the glass ribbon 103 may be limited from being off-centered relative to the support carrier due to the presence of regions within the support carrier that may guide the glass ribbon 103 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103. In addition, the draw rolls and winding apparatus can be moved (e.g., pivoted, adjusted, etc.) to accommodate the non-planar area of the glass ribbon 103, thereby improving the spool winding of the glass ribbon 103.

It should be understood that while various aspects have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific examples thereof, the invention should not be considered limited thereto since numerous variations and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a forming apparatus configured to form a glass ribbon and define a first travel path of the glass ribbon;

a support carrier including a carrier surface and a plurality of openings through which gas is discharged to impinge on the glass ribbon, the support carrier configured to move between a first position in which the carrier surface is spaced apart from the first travel path a distance and a second position in which the carrier surface engages the glass ribbon and the glass ribbon is guided to move along a second travel path different from the first travel path.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support carrier comprises:

a first region comprising a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is exhausted, and configured to exert a first force on the glass ribbon;

A second region including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is exhausted, and configured to apply a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first set of draw rolls and a second set of draw rolls spaced apart and downstream of the support carrier, the first set of draw rolls configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of draw rolls configured to engage an opposite second edge of the glass ribbon.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first set of draw rolls includes a first draw roll and a second draw roll spaced apart to define a gap within which the first edge of the glass ribbon is received, and wherein the second set of draw rolls includes a third draw roll and a fourth draw roll spaced apart to define a second gap within which the second edge of the glass ribbon is received.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are movable between a first position in which the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position in which the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are separated by a second distance, the first distance being different than the second distance.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first pull roll is movable relative to the second pull roll to adjust the size of the gap.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a drive roller extending through an opening on the load bearing surface and upstream of the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls, the drive roller configured to engage the glass ribbon.

8. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a support carrier including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas is exhausted to impinge on the glass ribbon, the support carrier comprising:

a second region comprising a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas is expelled, and configured to apply a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force;

A gas source in fluid communication with the support carrier, the gas source configured to deliver gas to the support carrier and through the plurality of openings to direct the glass ribbon.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a first set of draw rolls and a second set of draw rolls spaced apart and downstream of the support carrier, the first set of draw rolls configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of draw rolls configured to engage an opposite second edge of the glass ribbon.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first set of draw rolls includes a first draw roll and a second draw roll spaced apart to define a gap within which the first edge of the glass ribbon is received, and wherein the second set of draw rolls includes a third draw roll and a fourth draw roll spaced apart to define a second gap within which the second edge of the glass ribbon is received.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are movable between a first position in which the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position in which the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are separated by a second distance, the first distance being different than the second distance.

12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first pull roll is movable relative to the second pull roll to adjust the size of the gap.

13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a drive roller extending through a channel on the load bearing surface and upstream of the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls, the drive roller configured to engage the glass ribbon.

14. A method of making a glass ribbon comprising:

moving the glass ribbon along a first travel path in a first travel direction;

emitting a gas from the support carrier;

the support carrier is moved from a first position in which the support carrier is spaced a distance from the first travel path to a second position in which gas from the support carrier impinges on the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon to move along a second travel path that is different from the first travel path.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein emitting a gas comprises: the method includes emitting gas from a first region of the support carrier that includes a first portion of the plurality of openings and applying a first force on the glass ribbon, and emitting gas from a second region of the support carrier that includes a second portion of the plurality of openings and applying a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged substantially perpendicular to the second travel path.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising contacting the glass ribbon with a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers downstream of the support carrier relative to the first direction of travel.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising changing a travel path of the glass ribbon by moving the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a portion of the glass ribbon unsupported and free to hang under the influence of gravity at an upstream location where the glass ribbon contacts the first set of draw rolls and the second set of draw rolls.