JP2017507791A - Glass processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Each glass processing apparatus includes a first sheet guidance device and a second sheet guidance device having a gap configured to receive a glass sheet. In one example, the adjustment member can move the first sheet guidance device relative to the second sheet guidance device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass movement direction. In another example, a glass processing member can process an edge of a glass sheet. In a further example, each method of processing a glass sheet includes providing a gap between a first sheet guidance device and a second sheet guidance device; passing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap; Processing the edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap.

Description

Explanation of related applications

  This application claims the benefit of priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 945,156, filed on February 27, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Is.

  The present disclosure relates generally to glass processing apparatuses and methods, and more specifically to glass processing apparatuses and methods that support edge portions of glass sheets while processing the edges of glass sheets.

  Glass making equipment is commonly used for forming glass ribbons that can be separated into glass sheets that can be used for displays and other applications. In order to process the edge of the glass sheet after being separated, for example, by grinding, polishing, cleaning, finishing, or processing the other edge, it is known to use a workpiece.

  The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example embodiments described in the detailed description.

  In the first aspect of the present disclosure, the glass processing apparatus includes a first sheet guiding device and a second sheet guiding device. The first sheet guiding device is movably coupled to the second sheet guiding device. A gap configured to receive the glass sheet is defined between the first sheet guidance device and the second sheet guidance device. The adjustment member is configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass moving direction.

  In one example of the first aspect, at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes a roller.

  In another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first seat guiding device and the second seat guiding device includes an endless belt.

  In yet another example of the first aspect, the adjustment member is off-center from the first seat guiding device.

  The first aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the first aspect discussed above.

  In the second aspect of the present disclosure, the glass processing apparatus includes a first sheet guiding device and a second sheet guiding device. The first sheet guiding device is movably coupled to the second sheet guiding device. A gap configured to receive the glass sheet is defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device, and the glass processing member is configured to process an edge of the glass sheet. Has been.

  In an example of the second aspect, at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes a roller.

  In another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first seat guiding device and the second seat guiding device includes an endless belt.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the glass processing apparatus moves the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass moving direction. The adjusting member is further provided. In one example, the adjustment member is off-center from the first sheet guiding device.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are installed with respect to the glass processing member. In one example, the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device are adjustably mounted with respect to the glass processing member to allow the gap to be selectively positioned with respect to the glass processing member. In another example, the glass processing member comprises a glass processing wheel, and the glass processing wheel has an axial width extending along an axial direction of the rotation shaft that surrounds the rotation shaft of the glass processing wheel. The peripheral processing surface is included. In one particular example, a pre-selected axis along the axial width of the glass processing wheel with the first and second sheet guiding devices adjustably mounted to the glass processing wheel. Enables the gap to be selectively positioned relative to the directional position. In yet another example, the glass processing apparatus further comprises a glass processing shroud that defines a glass processing area, wherein the glass processing member is at least partially contained within the glass processing area of the glass processing shroud; Further, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are installed with respect to the glass processing shroud. In one particular example, the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device are adjustably mounted with respect to the glass processing member to selectively select the gap relative to the slot defined by the glass processing shroud. Allows to be positioned on. In another specific example, the glass processing member includes a glass processing wheel, and the glass processing wheel includes an outer peripheral processing surface surrounding a rotation axis of the glass processing wheel. The outer peripheral processing surface has an axial width that extends along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the glass processing wheel. With the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device mounted adjustably relative to the glass processing wheel, with respect to a preselected axial position along the axial width of the glass processing wheel, Allows the gap to be selectively positioned.

  The second aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the second aspect discussed above.

  In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of processing a glass sheet comprises (I) providing a gap between a first sheet guiding device and a second sheet guiding device; Passing the edge portion through the gap in the direction of glass movement, wherein the edge portion in the gap is supported by at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. Including. The method further includes the step of (III) processing the edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap.

  In an example of the third aspect, the gap is tapered with respect to the glass movement direction.

  In another example of the third aspect, step (II) includes the steps of passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in the glass moving direction, and the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. Providing a lubricant during the step, wherein the edge portion is supported by the lubricant in at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device.

  In yet another example of the third aspect, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are installed with respect to the glass processing member.

  The third aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the third aspect discussed above.

  These and other aspects are better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Front perspective view of an example glass processing apparatus The rear perspective view of the glass processing apparatus of the example of FIG. Front view of the glass processing apparatus of the example of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the glass processing apparatus of the example of FIG. 3 provided with a gap defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. The front perspective view of the sheet | seat guide apparatus of an example of the glass processing apparatus of FIG. The front perspective view of the glass processing apparatus of the example of FIG. 1 in which the first sheet guiding apparatus and the second sheet guiding apparatus are installed on the glass processing member of the glass processing apparatus. Front perspective view of another example glass processing apparatus

  Examples will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate example embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an example glass processing apparatus 101 is provided with various functional examples that can be used alone or in combination to support and / or guide a glass sheet 111. In one example, glass processing apparatus 101 can support and / or guide glass sheet 111 to minimize chamfered edge asymmetry. For further discussion, glass sheets, particularly glass sheets suitable for use in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, are envisioned and described below. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure has applicability in supporting or guiding the edge portion of other types of glass sheets.

  A glass sheet should be considered a separate sheet from a glass ribbon formed by a glass ribbon manufacturing process using techniques such as downdraw, updraw, float, fusion, press rolling, or slot draw, or other techniques. Can do. For example, the glass ribbon may be periodically separated into sheets, or may be further divided into smaller sheets. In such examples, the glass processing apparatus of the present disclosure can be used to process one or more edges of separated glass sheets. In a further example, the glass sheet can be considered a glass ribbon. For example, a glass sheet may include a glass ribbon before being divided into individual sheets. In such an example, after forming the glass ribbon, the outer edge of the glass ribbon may be removed, and then the remaining edge of the glass ribbon may be processed with the glass processing apparatus of the present disclosure.

  In one example, the glass sheet 111 may include a glass plate that can be incorporated into a liquid crystal display. In this case, the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 is to be processed to improve quality, and the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 is improved. There is a desire to increase the strength. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the edge 115 has a first major surface 117 and a second surface of the glass sheet 111 facing in a first direction (eg, upward as shown in FIG. 4). The outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111 may be included between the thickness “T” of the glass sheet 111 from the second surface 119 facing in the direction (eg, downward as shown in FIG. 4). Additionally or alternatively, the edge 115 includes a portion of the first major surface 117 of the glass sheet 111 and / or a second portion including or not including the outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111. A portion of major surface 119 may be included. In a further example, the edge 115 may include the outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111 along with a portion of the first major surface 117 and / or a portion of the second major surface 119. In another example, the glass sheet 111 may include an edge portion 120 of the glass sheet. The edge portion 120 of the glass sheet may include a portion of the major surface of the glass sheet, eg, adjacent to the edge 115 as described above, and in some examples, some or all of the edge 115 May be included.

  Although not essential, as shown in FIG. 1, the example of the illustrated glass processing apparatus 101 shows processing of a substantially horizontally oriented glass sheet 111, and at this time, the glass sheet 111 has a gravity force. While acting in the Z direction, it extends substantially along the XY plane shown. In this example, the second major surface 119 is oriented in the direction of gravity, while the first major surface 117 is oriented in the opposite direction away from gravity. Although not shown, in further examples, the glass sheet may be oriented with an inclination relative to the XY orientation, and in some examples, oriented along the XZ and / or YZ planes. May be. Regardless of the orientation, the glass processing apparatus 101 can be used to support and / or guide the glass sheet 111.

  The first aspect of the present disclosure may include a glass processing apparatus 101 that may include a first sheet guiding device 201 and a second sheet guiding device 301 as shown in FIGS. The first sheet guiding device 201 can be movably coupled to the second sheet guiding device 301, and a gap 500 (see FIG. 4) configured to receive the glass sheet 111 is a first sheet. It can be defined between the guidance device 201 and the second sheet guidance device 301. The glass processing apparatus 101 moves the first sheet guiding device 201 with respect to the second sheet guiding device 301 so that the gap 500 can be a gap 501 that is tapered with respect to the glass moving direction 505. The adjusting member 401 may be further configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first sheet guide device 201 can be coupled to the primary support 450, for example, by a removable or fixed connection. Furthermore, the second sheet guiding device 301 can also be coupled to the primary support 450, for example by a removable or fixed connection. The coupling of the first sheet guiding device 201 and / or the second sheet guiding device 301 to the primary support may be accomplished by a wide range of bonding functions, such as screw connections, threaded bushing connections, or other bonding functions. Although the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 are illustrated as being coupled to the same primary support 450, in a further example, the sheet guiding device may be coupled to a different support. Good. For example, the primary support 450 may include two supports that can independently support the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one example, the first sheet guiding device 201 can be coupled to the primary support 450 via the primary support connection member 455. As shown, the primary support connection member 455 may be coupled to the adjustment member 401. As shown in FIG. 4, in one example, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to move the first sheet guidance device 201 relative to the second sheet guidance device 301. For example, the adjustment member 401 can be coupled to the primary support connection member 455 and / or the first sheet guidance device 201 by a removable or fixed connection. For example, this coupling may be achieved by various alternative functions such as a screw connection, a threaded bushing connection, or other fastening function. In yet another example, the adjustment member 401 may be coupled to the primary support connection member 455 at one end and further coupled to the first sheet guiding device 201 at the other end.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in one example, the first sheet guidance device 201 may be configured to contact the second sheet guidance device 301. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 define a gap 500 defined between the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301. The sheet guiding device 201 may be configured to be substantially separated from the second sheet guiding device 301. In one example, the adjustment member 401 is configured to move the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the second sheet guiding device 301 to form the gap 500. Although not essential, the formed gap 500 may be a gap 501 that is tapered with respect to the glass movement direction 505 of the glass sheet 111.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment member 401 may include an adjustment knob 402, an adjustment rod 403, an elastic adjustment member 405, and an adjustment guide 407. In one example, the adjustment knob 402 is configured to control the adjustment of the adjustment member 401. For example, the adjustment knob 402 can be configured such that rotating the adjustment knob 402 causes the adjustment rod 403 to rotate as well, causing the first sheet guidance device 201 to move relative to the second sheet guidance device 301. In another example, the adjustment rod 403 may be a threaded rod that can threadably engage the first sheet guide device 201 and the primary support connection member 455. In yet another example, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to bias the first sheet guide device 201 against the primary support 450. For example, the elastic adjustment member 405 can be configured to bias the first sheet guiding device 201 against the primary support 450. In another example, the adjustment guide 407 can be configured to guide the movement of the first sheet guide device 201 relative to the primary support 450.

  In yet another example of the first aspect, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustment member 401 may be off the center of the first sheet guiding device 201. As described above, the adjustment member 401 attaches the first sheet guiding device to the second sheet guiding device so that the gap 500 can be a gap 501 tapered in the glass moving direction 505. It can be configured to For example, the adjustment knob 402 may be configured to move the adjustment rod 403, which further moves the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the second sheet guiding device 301. In another example, the adjustment member 401 may be off-center of the first sheet guiding device 201 and when the first sheet guiding device 201 is moved relative to the second sheet guiding device 301, The gap 500 defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be pivoted so as to be a tapered gap 501. Thus, for example, the adjustment member 401 is supported off-center on the first sheet guiding device 201 so that the first sheet guiding device 201 can move in a non-parallel manner with respect to the second sheet guiding device 301. So that the first sheet guidance device 201 can pivot. Such non-parallel movement of the first sheet guiding device 201 causes, for example, the gravity to act evenly on the first sheet guiding device 201, and at this time, the adjustment member 401 deviates from the center of the first sheet guiding device 201. It can happen because it can be

  Referring to FIG. 5, an example sheet guidance device is provided. Although a second sheet guidance device 301 is illustrated, it should be understood that the first sheet guidance device 201 may include all or some of the functions described for the second sheet guidance device 301. . Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the following description of the functional examples relating to the first sheet guiding device 201 and / or the second sheet guiding device 301 does not include the terms first and second. As illustrated, the sheet guiding device 301 may include a sheet guiding member 303 and a sheet guiding bracket 305. The sheet guide member 303 may include a sheet guide surface 310 configured to support and / or guide the glass sheet 111. Further, the sheet guiding member 303 can be movably coupled to the sheet guiding bracket 305 by one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309, for example. The one or more elastic sheet guide members 309 are configured to elastically bias the sheet guide member 303 relative to the sheet guide bracket 305, for example, translation and / or rotation of the sheet guide member 303 relative to the sheet guide bracket 305. Can be made possible. By such translation and / or rotation of the sheet guiding member, for example, the gaps 500 and 501 defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be changed.

  In an alternative example, as shown in FIG. 7, at least one of the first sheet guidance device 201 and the second sheet guidance device 301 may comprise a roller 700. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 may include an endless belt 702. Embodiments that include an endless belt 702 can include an optional tension adjuster 704 configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt 702. In the illustrated example, each of the first and second sheet guiding devices includes a plurality of rollers surrounded by an endless belt 702. The endless belt 702 may be configured to guide and / or support the glass sheet 111 in substantial contact with the glass sheet 111. Although not shown, in a further example that does not include an endless belt, the roller 700 may be configured to substantially contact the glass sheet 111 to guide and / or support the glass sheet 111.

  Variations in the gaps 500, 501 can be configured to allow, for example, the glass processing apparatus 101 to accept glass sheets 111 of different thicknesses and / or sizes. In another example, variations in the gaps 500, 501 can further damp vibrational motion of the glass sheet 111, for example when the glass sheet 111 is guided or supported by the sheet guiding surface 310 of the sheet guiding member 303. Can be configured. For example, if the glass sheet 111 is received between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301, the glass sheet may undergo movement or movement. In one example, the glass sheet 111 is, for example, a translational motion while passing through the gaps 500 and 501, a vibrational motion while processing the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 and passing the edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 through the gap. Or any other translation, rotation, or other movement imparted to the glass sheet 111 by any event that would cause the glass sheet 111 to move may be subject to movement. Further, the variation of the gaps 500 and 501 may support and / or guide the glass sheet having the changed flatness so that the glass processing apparatus 101 can accept the glass sheet 111 having the changed flatness. Can be configured. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 are adapted to a glass sheet 111 that is flat except that it includes defects or abnormalities that make all or some of the portions non-planar. Can be configured as follows. For example, as described above, the one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309 can be configured to elastically bias the sheet guiding member 303 against the sheet guiding bracket 305. Therefore, in the non-operating state, the urging force can exist on the elastic sheet guiding member 309 having one or more. This biasing force can act substantially along one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309 in the direction from the sheet guiding bracket 305 to the sheet guiding member 303. In the operating state, for example, when a glass sheet is received between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device, the sheet guiding member 303 moves in a direction toward the sheet guiding bracket, and thus one or more elastic sheet guidings. A force can be created in the member 309 that acts in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the biasing force acting in the operating state. Accordingly, at least one of the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 is applied to the first sheet, regardless of whether the force existing in the one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309 is in an operating state or a non-operating state. The sheet guiding member 303 is biased with respect to the sheet guiding bracket 305 so that the glass sheet 111 received between the guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be supported and / or guided.

  The sheet guidance device may optionally include one or more slide connectors 307. The slide connector 307 can couple the seat guide member 303 to the seat guide bracket 305 and can be configured to allow translational and / or rotational movement of the seat guide member 303 relative to the seat guide bracket 305. The slide connector 307 can be attached to the seat guide bracket 305 by, for example, a removable or fixed connection. Furthermore, the slide connector 307 can assist the movement of the seat guide member 303 relative to the seat guide bracket 305 through an opening formed in the seat guide member 303. An opening formed in the sheet guide member 303 through which the slide connector 307 passes may be formed as an elongated opening, and the slide connector 307 can slide along the opening. The slide connector 307 may further include an end portion having a size larger than the size of the opening so that the seat guide member 303 can be substantially restricted from coming off the seat guide bracket 305. Therefore, the sheet guiding member 303 can slide with respect to the sheet guiding bracket 305 and with respect to the slide connector 307 by using the elongated opening formed in the sheet guiding member 303. In this manner, the seat guide member 303 can be configured to receive translational and / or rotational movement with respect to the seat guide bracket 305.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in another example, the sheet guide member 303 may include grooves and / or paths 311, 312 that are substantially formed on the sheet guide surface 310. In one example, the longitudinal grooves and / or pathways 311 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the sheet guide member 303. In another example, the transverse grooves and / or paths 312 are longitudinal lengths of the sheet guide member 303, such as those that are substantially perpendicular to or slanted with respect to the longitudinal length of the sheet guide member 303. It may extend across the length. The grooves and / or paths 311, 312 are provided at least between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301, the lubricant 800 (the first sheet guiding device 201 and the first sheet guiding device 201 in FIG. 4). 2, schematically illustrated in the space between the two sheet guidance devices 301). The lubricant reduces and / or substantially eliminates the coefficient of friction that exists between the sheet guiding surface 310 of the sheet guiding device and the glass sheet 111 when the glass sheet 111 is received in the gaps 500, 501. can do. In one example, the lubricant 800 may include water or other fluid lubricant. Accordingly, in some examples, the lubricant 800 can form a layer that substantially separates the glass sheet 111 from contact with the sheet guiding surface 310 of one or both sheet guiding devices. In other cases, as described above, the lubricant 800 can reduce the coefficient of friction between the sheet guide surface 310 and the glass sheet 111. In yet other instances, the glass sheet 111 contacts that location on the sheet guiding surface 310 without any lubricant 800 being provided between the location on the sheet guiding surface 310 and the glass sheet 111. Thus, substantially all or part of the glass sheet 111, all or part of the sheet guiding surface 310, and all or part of the lubricant 800, substantially complete contact, substantially partial contact. Or there may be cases where there is substantially no contact, and these are equally applicable to the support and / or guidance characteristics for the first sheet guidance device 201 and the second sheet guidance device 301. Accordingly, it should be understood that the use of the terms to support, substantially support, and / or guide a glass sheet encompasses all variations and embodiments described herein.

  As further shown in FIG. 5, the sheet guide member 303 may include a chamfered corner 315 that may be configured to allow the glass processing apparatus 101 to receive the glass sheet 111. For example, the chamfered corner 315 is configured to eliminate sharp points or edges on the sheet guide member 303 that may have a tendency to scratch or break the glass sheet 111 if not chamfered. obtain. Further, the glass sheet 111 can be guided to a sheet guide surface 310 that can be initially received between larger opening dimensions and then supported and / or guided through the gaps 500, 501. The chamfered corner 315 may be configured to increase the opening size of the gaps 500, 501 defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301.

  The second aspect of the present disclosure includes a first sheet guiding device 201 and a second sheet guiding device 301, wherein the first sheet guiding device 201 is movably coupled to the second sheet guiding device 301. A second sheet guide device 301 that can be defined between the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301, and a gap 500 configured to receive the glass sheet 111. The glass processing apparatus 101 which may be equipped with the glass processing member 1000 (refer FIG. 6) comprised so that the edge part 115 of the glass sheet 111 may be processed may be included.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the glass processing member 1000 can be designed to process the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. In one example, the glass processing member 1000 processes the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 to be inclined or rounded between the first surface 117 and / or the second surface 119 and the outer peripheral edge 113. In addition, a transition part can be provided. Processing the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 in this manner can reduce the probability of breakage due to stress and propagation into the interior of the glass sheet, and / or otherwise. Quality can be improved.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, as shown in FIG. 6, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 may be installed with respect to the glass processing member 1000. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be installed to be adjustable with respect to the glass processing member 1000, and the gaps 500 and 501 can be selectively positioned with respect to the glass processing member 1000. Can be.

  In another example, the glass processing member 1000 may include a glass processing wheel 1001, and the glass processing wheel 1001 surrounds the rotation shaft 1100 of the glass processing wheel 1001 along the axial direction 1102 of the rotation shaft 1100. An outer peripheral work surface 1003 may be included, which may have an axial width 1101 that extends. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 are adjustably installed with respect to the glass processing wheel 1001 and are pre-selected along the axial width 1101 of the glass processing wheel 1001. It may be possible to selectively position the gaps 500, 501 with respect to the axial position 1103. The glass processing wheel 1001 rotates in the rotation direction 1200 around the rotation axis 1100 so that the outer peripheral processing surface 1003 of the glass processing wheel 1001 can process the edge 115 such as the outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111. can do.

  In still another example, the glass processing apparatus 101 may further include a glass processing shroud 1005 that defines a glass processing area 1010. At this time, the glass processing member 1000 is a glass processing area 1010 of the glass processing shroud 1005. Can be at least partially contained within. In such an example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 may be installed with respect to the glass processing shroud 1005. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 are installed so as to be adjustable with respect to the glass processing member 1000, and the gaps 500 and 501 with respect to the slot 1007 defined by the glass processing shroud 1005. Can be selectively positioned. In one example, the outer peripheral processed surface 1003 surrounds the rotary shaft 1100 of the glass processing wheel 1001 so that the outer peripheral processed surface 1003 has an axial width 1101 extending along the axial direction 1102 of the rotating shaft 1100. In such an example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 are installed so as to be adjustable with respect to the glass processing wheel 1001, and the advance along the axial width 1101 of the glass processing wheel 1001. It may be possible to selectively position the gaps 500, 501 with respect to the axial position 1103 selected.

  The glass processing shroud 1005 may be designed to shield the surfaces 117, 119 of the glass sheet 111 from particles and / or other contaminants associated with the processing process. As shown in FIG. 6, a glass processing shroud 1005 may be provided with a slot 1007 configured to receive an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. Further, the glass processing shroud 1005 can be installed on the glass processing wheel 1001 such that the central axis of the glass processing shroud 1005 coincides with the rotation axis 1100 of the glass processing wheel 1001.

  The method of processing the glass sheet 111 may include cleaning or machining (eg, chamfering) an edge 115 such as the outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the glass processing wheel 1001 may be rotated around the rotation axis 1100 in the rotation direction 1200 so that the outer peripheral processing surface 1003 processes the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. In one example, the glass sheet 111 may be moved relative to the glass processing wheel 1001 along the glass movement direction 505, while the glass processing wheel 1001 rotates about the rotation axis 1100 in the rotation direction 1200. Accordingly, the outer peripheral machining surface 1003 including the preselected axial position 1103 along the axial width 1101 of the glass processing wheel 1001 can move in the rotational direction 1200, while the glass sheet 111 is made of glass It can move relative to the processing wheel 1001. Relative motion between the glass sheet 111 and the glass processing member 1000 is provided by moving the glass processing member 1000 relative to the glass sheet 111 and / or by moving the glass sheet 111 relative to the glass processing member 1000 can do. The glass processing wheel 1001 may include a grinding wheel with diamond particles or other material sufficient to process (such as grinding, polishing, cleaning, or otherwise finishing) the edge of the glass sheet 111.

  In another example, as shown in FIG. 2, the glass processing apparatus 101 can include a secondary support 600. The secondary support 600 may include secondary support connection members 606, 607, 608 that may be configured to engage the primary support 450. For example, the secondary support connection members 606, 607, 608 can be configured to rotatably engage the primary support 450 such that the primary support 450 can rotate relative to the secondary support 600. . In one example, the secondary support 600 may include a recess 615 (see FIG. 3) configured to receive a portion of the primary support 450 therein. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6, secondary support 600 may be configured to engage glassworking shroud 1005 (if provided) or glassworking member 1000. As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary support 600 may be configured to removably or securely couple the secondary support 600 to the glass processing member 1000 and / or the glass processing shroud 1005. A secondary support fastener 602 may be provided. In yet another example, the secondary support 600 may be configured to removably or securely couple the secondary support 600 to the glass processing member 1000 and / or the glass processing shroud 1005. 604 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the secondary support 600 may include a secondary support adjustment member 601. In one example, the secondary support adjustment member 601 can be configured to adjust the position of the first sheet guidance device 201 and the second sheet guidance device 301 relative to the secondary support 600. The secondary support adjustment member 601 may have substantially the same or similar function as described for the adjustment member 401.

  The third aspect of the present disclosure may include a method of processing a glass sheet 111, which provides (I) a gap 500 between the first sheet guidance device 201 and the second sheet guidance device 301. (II) passing the edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 through the gap 500 in the glass movement direction 505, wherein the edge portion 120 in the gap 500 is passed through the first sheet guiding device 201 and the first sheet guide device 201. The edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 can be supported by at least one of the two sheet guiding devices 301, and (III) while passing the edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 through the gap 500. Processing.

  In an example of the third mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the gap 500 may be a gap 501 tapered in the glass movement direction 505.

  In another example of the third aspect, step (II) includes the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet while the edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 is passed through the gap 500 in the glass moving direction 505. Providing a lubricant 800 between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 may further include providing a lubricant 800 between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301. And supported by the lubricant 800.

  In yet another example of the third aspect, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 may be installed with respect to the glass processing member 1000.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

  Hereinafter, preferable embodiments of the present invention will be described in terms of items.

Embodiment 1
In glass processing equipment,
A first sheet guiding device,
A second sheet guidance device, wherein the first sheet guidance device is movably coupled to the second sheet guidance device, and a gap configured to receive a glass sheet comprises the first sheet guidance device. A second sheet guiding device defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and
An adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass movement direction;
A glass processing apparatus comprising:

Embodiment 2
The glass processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes a roller.

Embodiment 3
The glass processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes an endless belt.

Embodiment 4
The glass processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the adjustment member is off the center of the first sheet guiding device.

Embodiment 5
In glass processing equipment,
A first sheet guiding device,
A second sheet guidance device, wherein the first sheet guidance device is movably coupled to the second sheet guidance device, and a gap configured to receive a glass sheet comprises the first sheet guidance device. A second sheet guiding device defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and
A glass processing member configured to process an edge of the glass sheet,
A glass processing apparatus comprising:

Embodiment 6
The glass processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes a roller.

Embodiment 7
The glass processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes an endless belt.

Embodiment 8
An adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass moving direction; The glass processing apparatus of Embodiment 5 which is characterized.

Embodiment 9
The glass processing apparatus according to embodiment 8, wherein the adjustment member is off the center of the first sheet guiding device.

Embodiment 10
The glass processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are installed on the glass processing member.

Embodiment 11
The first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably installed with respect to the glass processing member, and the gap can be selectively positioned with respect to the glass processing member. The glass processing apparatus according to the tenth embodiment, which is characterized.

Embodiment 12
The glass processing member includes a glass processing wheel, and the glass processing wheel has an axial width extending along an axial direction of the rotation shaft, surrounding the rotation shaft of the glass processing wheel. The glass processing apparatus according to the tenth embodiment, further comprising an outer peripheral processed surface.

Embodiment 13
A pre-selected axial direction along the axial width of the glass processing wheel, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably installed with respect to the glass processing wheel. The glass processing apparatus according to embodiment 12, wherein the gap can be selectively positioned with respect to a position.

Embodiment 14
A glass processing shroud that defines a glass processing area, wherein the glass processing member is at least partially housed in the glass processing area of the glass processing shroud; and the first sheet guiding device The glass processing apparatus according to Embodiment 10, wherein the second sheet guiding device is installed with respect to the glass processing shroud.

Embodiment 15
The first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably installed with respect to the glass processing member, and the gap is selectively selected with respect to the slot defined by the glass processing shroud. The glass processing apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein the glass processing apparatus can be positioned.

Embodiment 16
The glass processing member includes a glass processing wheel, and the glass processing wheel surrounds a rotation axis of the glass processing wheel, and extends in an axial direction of the rotation axis of the glass processing wheel. The glass processing wheel includes an outer peripheral processing surface having a width, and further adjustably mounts the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device with respect to the glass processing wheel. Embodiment 15. The glass processing apparatus of embodiment 14, enabling the gap to be selectively positioned relative to a preselected axial position along the axial width of the.

Embodiment 17
In a method of processing a glass sheet,
(I) providing a gap between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device;
(II) a step of passing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in a glass moving direction, wherein the edge portion in the gap is passed through the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding. Supporting by at least one of the devices, and
(III) processing the edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap;
A method comprising the steps of:

Embodiment 18
18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the gap is tapered with respect to the glass movement direction.

Embodiment 19
Lubricant between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device while step (II) passes the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in the glass moving direction. Embodiment 17 wherein the edge portion is supported by the lubricant at least one of the first sheet guidance device and the second sheet guidance device. The method described.

Embodiment 20.
18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are installed with respect to a glass processing member.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Glass processing apparatus 111 Glass sheet 113 Outer peripheral edge 115 Edge part 120 Edge part 201 1st sheet guidance apparatus 301 2nd sheet guidance apparatus 401 Adjustment member 500,501 Gap 700 Roller 702 Endless belt 800 Lubricant 1000 Glass processing Member 1001 Glass processing wheel 1003 Peripheral processing surface 1005 Glass processing shroud 1007 Slot 1010 Glass processing area

Claims (10)

In glass processing equipment,
A first sheet guiding device,
A second sheet guidance device, wherein the first sheet guidance device is movably coupled to the second sheet guidance device, and a gap configured to receive a glass sheet comprises the first sheet guidance device. A second sheet guiding device defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and
An adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass moving direction;
A glass processing apparatus comprising:   The glass processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes at least one of a roller and an endless belt. In glass processing equipment,
A first sheet guiding device,
A second sheet guidance device, wherein the first sheet guidance device is movably coupled to the second sheet guidance device, and a gap configured to receive a glass sheet comprises the first sheet guidance device. A second sheet guiding device defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and
A glass processing member configured to process an edge of the glass sheet;
A glass processing apparatus comprising:   The apparatus further comprises an adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is tapered with respect to the glass moving direction. The glass processing apparatus according to claim 3.   The glass processing member includes a glass processing wheel, and the glass processing wheel has an axial width extending along an axial direction of the rotation shaft, surrounding the rotation shaft of the glass processing wheel. The first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device are adjustably installed with respect to the glass processing wheel, and the axial width of the glass processing wheel is adjusted. 5. A glass processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the gap can be selectively positioned with respect to a preselected axial position along.   A glass processing shroud that defines a glass processing area, wherein the glass processing member is at least partially housed in the glass processing area of the glass processing shroud; and the first sheet guiding device And the second sheet guide device is adjustably mounted relative to the glass shroud to allow the gap to be selectively positioned relative to a slot defined by the glass shroud. The glass processing apparatus of any one of Claim 3 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The glass processing member includes a glass processing wheel, and the glass processing wheel surrounds a rotation axis of the glass processing wheel, and extends in an axial direction of the rotation axis of the glass processing wheel. The glass processing wheel includes an outer peripheral processing surface having a width, and further adjustably mounts the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device with respect to the glass processing wheel. The glass processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gap can be selectively positioned with respect to a preselected axial position along the axial width. In a method of processing a glass sheet,
(I) providing a gap between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device;
(II) a step of passing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in a glass moving direction, wherein the edge portion in the gap is passed through the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding. Supporting by at least one of the devices, and
(III) processing the edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap;
A method comprising the steps of:   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the gap is tapered with respect to the direction of glass movement.   Lubricant between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device while step (II) passes the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in the glass moving direction. The edge portion is supported by the lubricant in at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. Or the method according to 9;

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