JP2017524640A - Glass manufacturing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device (103, 203) that generates a glass ribbon. The float bath (110, 210) has an upstream end and a downstream end. A first pull roll device (102, 202) is at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end to stretch the glass ribbon (105, 205) from the forming device on the float bath. The first pull roll device comprises a first upstream roller disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second upstream roller disposed below the second major surface of the glass ribbon. ing. In a further example, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes forming a glass ribbon, stretching the glass ribbon on a float bath, and placing the glass ribbon between a first upstream roller and a second upstream roller. Including a step of sandwiching.

Description

Explanation of related applications

  This application claims the benefit of the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/022905, filed July 10, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It is claimed under Article 119.

  The present disclosure relates generally to glass manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and more specifically to glass manufacturing apparatuses and methods including a float process.

  Glass manufacturing equipment and methods are used to form glass ribbons that can be used for displays and other applications that can be separated or rolled up into glass sheets. The glass manufacturing apparatus and method specific to the float process includes a float bath on which the glass ribbon floats and on which the glass ribbon is drawn.

  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 a first aspect of the present disclosure, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device that generates a glass ribbon having a width. The glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a float bath with an upstream end and a downstream end. The glass making apparatus further includes a first pull roll device disposed at least partially between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath. The first traction roll device is configured to stretch the glass ribbon from the forming device on the float bath along an extending path extending in a direction intersecting the width of the glass ribbon from the upstream end to the downstream end. Yes. The first pull roll device comprises a first upstream roller disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second upstream roller disposed below the second major surface of the glass ribbon. ing.

  In an example of the first aspect, the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller sandwich the glass ribbon and generate a sandwiching force on the glass ribbon. In another example, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is adjustable to adjust the pinching force.

  In another example of the first aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus is disposed at least partially between the first pulling roll device and the downstream end of the float bath downstream along the drawing path. It further includes a tow roll device. The second pull roll device is configured to further stretch the glass ribbon on the float bath from the first pull roll device to the downstream end along the stretch path. The second pull roll device comprises a first downstream roller disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second downstream roller disposed below the second major surface of the glass ribbon. ing.

  In one example, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a control device. The control device rotates at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller with a substantially constant torque, and at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller is substantially constant. The first traction roll device and the second traction roll device are configured to operate so as to rotate at an angular velocity.

  In another example, the control device further includes a substantial amount of at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. It is configured to adjust a constant torque.

  In still another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller includes a cooling system. In one example, the cooling system cools at least the edge portion of the glass ribbon.

  In still another example of the first aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes an idle roller.

  In yet another example of the first aspect, the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

  In yet another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath.

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

  In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes forming a glass ribbon having a width. The method further includes stretching the glass ribbon on the float bath from the upstream end of the float bath to the downstream end of the float bath. The method further includes sandwiching the glass ribbon between the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller of the first pull roll device. The first pull roll device is at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath. The first upstream roller is disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon, and the second upstream roller is disposed below the second major surface of the glass ribbon.

  In one example of the second aspect, the method further comprises sandwiching the glass ribbon between the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller of the second pull roll device. The second pull roll device is at least partially disposed between the first pull roll device and the downstream end of the float bath. The first downstream roller is disposed on the first main surface of the glass ribbon, and the second downstream roller is disposed below the second main surface of the glass ribbon.

  In one example, the method operates at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller such that at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates with a substantially constant torque. Further comprising the step of: The method includes operating at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller such that at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. In addition.

  In another example, the method includes substantially configuring at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. The method further includes adjusting the constant torque.

  In another example of the second aspect, the method further comprises cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon. In one example, this portion of the glass ribbon is the edge portion of the glass ribbon.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the method further includes inducing a magnetic field in the float bath to circulate at least an amount of the float bath.

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

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

Side view of first example glass manufacturing apparatus Front view of glass manufacturing apparatus of second example The top view which showed the glass manufacturing apparatus of the 1st example of FIG. The figure which showed the shaping | molding apparatus of the glass manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd example of FIG. The side view which showed the glass manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd example of FIG. Perspective view of glass manufacturing equipment The perspective view of the traction roll apparatus of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Side view of another example glass making apparatus comprising a roller at least partially immersed in a float bath Top view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Side view of another example glass manufacturing apparatus with rollers disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath The top view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Sectional drawing of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. The figure which showed the detail of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. The figure which showed the tow roll apparatus of an example of a glass manufacturing apparatus The figure which showed the traction roll apparatus of another example of a glass manufacturing apparatus The figure which showed the tow roll apparatus of the example of FIG.

  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, the first example glass manufacturing apparatus 101 includes examples of various features that can be used alone or in combination to manufacture the first glass ribbon 105. As illustrated, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example may include a melting tank 107, a first forming device 103, a first float tank 110, an annealing apparatus 115, a cooling area 120, and a lift-off area 125.

  In an example of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example, the melting tank 107 includes a furnace into which the glass batch material is introduced as indicated by an arrow 121. The glass batch material may be premixed in some examples and may be added to the dissolution tank 107 continuously or intermittently. When the glass batch material enters the melting tank 107, it is heated and melted to form the first molten glass 123. The first molten glass 123 then flows from the melting tank 107 over the first forming device 103 to the first float tank 110. In a further example, prior to forming the first glass ribbon 105 in the float tank 110, the first molten glass 123 may be treated or adjusted to remove impurities, bubbles, or other inclusions. Various forming equipment can be used to produce the first glass ribbon 105 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first molding device 103 may include a spout 109, and the first molten glass 123 flows to the first float tank 110 beyond the spout 109. The first forming device 103 includes a first glass ribbon that includes a first width “W1” that extends between the first edge portion 105a and the second edge portion 105b of the first glass ribbon 105. 105 is generated. In one example, the size of the first glass ribbon 105, such as the first width “W1”, can be controlled by changing the size of the spout 109 (eg, increasing or decreasing dimensions such as width). In one example, a wider spout can produce a wider glass ribbon than a narrower spout that can produce a narrower glass ribbon.

  The first glass ribbon 105 from the first float tank 110 may be further stretched or transferred through an annealing device 115 as shown in FIG. The features of the first float tank 110 are described more fully below. In one example, the annealing device 115 includes a plurality of rollers (not shown), and the first glass ribbon 105 is transferred onto the rollers. In another example, the annealing apparatus 115 includes an annealing furnace 116 that cools the first glass ribbon 105. In yet another example, the first glass ribbon 105 may be cooled slowly to prevent the stress from increasing in the first glass ribbon 105. Once passed through the annealing device 115, the first glass ribbon 105 may continue to be drawn or transferred through the cooling region 120. In one example, the first glass ribbon 105 continues to be cooled and cured within the cooling region 120. Once the first glass ribbon 105 is sufficiently cooled, the first glass ribbon can be further processed. In one example, the first glass ribbon may be trimmed or cut to remove edges of the first glass ribbon that may be damaged by the first pull roll device 102 (as described more fully below). Good. In another example, the first glass ribbon 105 may be cut into first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b of a predetermined size. In the lift-off area 125, a robot arm or other device (not shown) may lift the first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b and move the individual first glass sheets to different positions. For example, the first individual glass sheets 127a and 127b may be moved to a vehicle or other transport device (not shown) in order to transfer to a place located away from the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example. Good. In still other examples, the first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b may be stored for later use or stacked. In yet another example, rather than cutting the first glass ribbon 105 into first individual glass sheets, the first glass ribbon 105 may remain substantially continuous for a period of time, For example, it may be wound on a roll (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 2, the second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 includes examples of various features that can be used alone or in combination to manufacture the second glass ribbon 205. As shown in the figure, the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example includes a dissolution tank 207, a clarification tank 209, a mixing tank 211, a delivery tank 213, a second molding equipment 203, a second float tank 210, and a separation equipment 219. obtain.

  In the melting tank 207, glass batch material is introduced and melted as indicated by arrow 221 to form a second molten glass 223. The clarification tank 209 has a high-temperature processing area that receives the second molten glass 223 (not shown at this time) from the melting tank 207. It is in the clarification tank 209 that bubbles can be removed from the second molten glass 223. Further, the clarification tank 209 is connected to the mixing tank 211 by a connection pipe 225 from the clarifier to the stirring chamber. The mixing tank 211 is connected to the delivery tank 213 by a connecting pipe 227 from the stirring chamber to the bowl. The delivery tank 213 delivers the second molten glass 223 through the downcomer 229 to the inlet 231 and further into the second molding device 203.

  As noted above, various molding equipment can be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second forming device 203 may include an opening 233 that receives the second molten glass 223 that flows into the trough 235. As best shown in FIG. 4, the second molten glass 223 overflows from the trough 235 and flows down the two side surfaces 237 a and 237 b of the second forming device 203 before the second forming device 203. Fusing at the bottom 239. The bottom portion 239 is a place where the two side surfaces 237a and 237b are integrated, and at the position of the bottom portion 239, two overflowing second molten glasses flowing over the two side surfaces 237a and 237b, respectively. The walls of 223 fuse as the second glass ribbon 205. In one example, a portion of the second glass ribbon 205 is drawn away from the bottom 239 and into the viscous zone 241 where the second glass ribbon 205 begins to thin to a final thickness. In other examples, the second glass ribbon can include a curing zone 243 and / or an elastic zone 245. Referring back to FIG. 2, the second forming device 203 produces a second glass ribbon 205 that is in contact with the first edge portion 205 a of the second glass ribbon 205 and the second glass ribbon 205. A second width “W2” is included that extends between edge portion 205b. The second glass ribbon 205 can then flow into the second float tank 210 or can be drawn into the second float tank 210. Its features are explained more fully below. As further shown in FIG. 5, after the second glass ribbon 205 leaves the second float tank 210, a separation device 219 is provided to remove a plurality of pieces from the second glass ribbon 205 over a period of time. The second individual glass sheets 247a and 247b may be sequentially separated. In another example, the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example may be provided without the separation device 219 so that the second glass ribbon 205 can remain substantially continuous over a period of time. For example, in some instances, a glass ribbon may be wrapped around a storage roll, in which case the glass ribbon is wrapped to fill the storage roll and then the glass ribbon is unwound after the storage roll is unwound. Separation equipment may be provided for separation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example and the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example include the first pulling roll apparatus 102 and the second pulling roll apparatus 202, respectively. In addition, the first glass ribbon 105 and the second glass ribbon 205 are drawn from the first molding device 103 and the second molding device 203 to the first float tank 110 and the second float tank 210. May help. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example moves the first glass ribbon 105 from the spout 109 to the first float tank 110 along the first drawing path 104. A first pull roll device 102 may be provided that is configured to assist in stretching. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example moves the second glass ribbon 205 from the bottom 239 to the second float tank 210 in the second drawing path 204. A second pull roll device 202 may be provided that is configured to help stretch along.

  FIG. 6 illustrates an example glass manufacturing apparatus 301 that includes an example float tank 310 and an example tow roll apparatus 302 according to examples of the present disclosure. The float tank 310 and the traction roll device 302 in this example may be used alone, or the first float tank 110 and the second float tank 210, the first traction roll device 102, and the second traction roll. It may be used in combination with any feature of the first example glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and the second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 discussed above, such as in place of the apparatus 202. Further by an example molding device 303 that may include any of the first molding device 103 and / or the second molding device 203 described above and any other molding device configured to produce a glass ribbon. With the understanding that an example glass ribbon 305 can be formed, this example glass ribbon 305 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the float tank 310 may include a container or tank for holding materials such as float bath material (hereinafter generally referred to as “float bath 317”). As further shown, the float bath 317 has an upstream end 318 and a downstream end 319, with the upstream end 318 being located closer to the forming device 303 than the downstream end 319. In one example, the float bath 317 includes a molten material. In another example, the float bath 317 includes molten tin or liquid tin. In still other examples, the float bath 317 may include lead or other alloys having a low melting point. In yet another example, the float tank 310 may contain a shallow pool of float baths 317.

  As further shown in FIG. 6, when the glass ribbon 305 leaves the forming equipment 303 and enters the float tank 310, the glass ribbon 305 can flow, for example, onto the surface 323 of the float bath 317, at which time the glass ribbon 305 can float on this surface 323. In one example, when the glass ribbon 305 floats on the surface 323 of the float bath 317, based on at least gravity “g” acting on the glass ribbon 305 in a direction opposite to the resistance “r” of the surface tension of the float bath 317. The glass ribbon 305 can be naturally flat or can spread around the float tank 310. This natural flattening or spreading of the glass ribbon 305 can aid in the production of a thin glass ribbon having a width “W” and a thickness “t”. As will be described more fully below, in another example, a mechanical device (e.g., a tow roll device) applies a force to the glass ribbon 305 to vary the glass ribbon 305 width, length, or thickness. Properties can be further manipulated or controlled.

  In one example, the glass ribbon 305 may include a first major surface 321 and a second major surface 322, where the thickness “t” is equal to the first major surface 321 and the second major surface 322. Defined in between. In another example, at least a portion of the second major surface 322 may be in contact with the surface 323 of the float bath 317 and may float on the surface 323. In yet another example, the first major surface 321 may be opposite the second major surface 322 and substantially parallel to the second major surface 322. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first major surface 321 may include a surface opposite the second major surface 322, where at least a portion of the second major surface 322 is a portion of the float bath 317. It floats on and is in contact with surface 323.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in one example, the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 includes a pulling roll apparatus 302. An example tow roll device 302 is shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure with some features of the glass making device 301 removed for clarity, but in another example the structure of other tow roll devices is shown. And configuration can be provided.

  The pulling roll device 302 forms the glass ribbon 305 on the float bath 317 from the upstream end 318 to the downstream end 319 along the extending path 304 extending in a direction intersecting the width “W” of the glass ribbon 305. A first traction roll device 701 is provided that is configured to extend from (shown in FIG. 6). In another example, the first pull roll device 701 is at least partially disposed between the upstream end 318 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. In yet another example, the first pull roll device 701 is disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed on the first major surface 321 as shown). A first upstream roller 711 and a second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (e.g., at least partially disposed below the second major surface 322 as shown). ) A second upstream roller 715. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 7, in addition to or instead of the first traction roll device 701, the traction roll device 302 may be another first traction roll device 701. A roll device 703 may be provided, the first pull roll device 703 disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (e.g., at least partially first major surface as shown). Another first upstream roller 713 (disposed on 321) and a second major surface 322 (e.g., at least partially as shown) disposed below the second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305. And a second second upstream roller 717 (located below). As further shown in FIG. 7, a first pull roll device 701 may be disposed on one side of the glass ribbon 305 to interact with the first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305, The other first pull roll device 703 may also be placed on another side, such as the opposite side of the glass ribbon 305, to interact with the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305. In another example, the first pull roll device 701 and the other first pull roll device 703 are configured to draw the glass ribbon in a direction along the draw path 304 as indicated by arrow 720. Can be configured. The first pull roll device 701 and the other first pull roll device 703 are further configured to stretch the glass ribbon 305 in a direction substantially intersecting the draw path 304 as indicated by arrow 721. Can be done.

  As further shown in FIG. 7, the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pull roll device 701 are each a first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305 therebetween. Respective fire-resistant roll covers 731, 735 configured to engage with each other may be provided. At least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include a respective motor 741, 745. For example, as shown, both the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include respective motors 741 and 745. In a further example, only one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may be provided with a motor, where the other upstream roller is the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller. A bearing may be provided so that only one of 715 is driven.

  Similarly, in addition or alternatively, the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 of the other first pulling roll device 703 are each provided with a glass ribbon 305 therebetween. Respective refractory roll covers 733, 737 configured to engage the second edge portion 305b of the second edge portion 305b. At least one of the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 may include a respective motor 743, 747. For example, as illustrated, both the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 may include respective motors 743 and 747. In a further example, only one of the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 may be equipped with a motor, while the other upstream roller is A bearing may be provided so that only one of the first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 is driven.

  As further shown in FIG. 7, in another example, the pull roll device 302 can be moved from the first pull roll device 701 along a draw path 304 extending in a direction that intersects the width “W” of the glass ribbon 305. A second pull roll device 702 is provided that is configured to further stretch the glass ribbon 305 onto the float bath 317 (shown in FIG. 6) to the downstream end 319. In another example, the second pull roll device 702 is at least partially disposed between the first pull roll device 701 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. In yet another example, the second pull roll device 702 is disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed on the first major surface 321 as shown). A first downstream roller 712 and a second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed below the second major surface 322 as shown). ) A second downstream roller 716. In yet another example, the traction roll device 302 may include another second traction roll device 704 in addition to or instead of the second traction roll device 702, The second pull roll device 704 is disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed on the first major surface 321 as shown). One downstream roller 714 and another second roller disposed below the second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, disposed at least partially below the second major surface 322 as shown). Two downstream rollers 718. As shown in FIG. 7, a second pull roll device 702 may be located on one side of the glass ribbon 305 to interact with the first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305, and The other second pull roll device 704 may be located on another side, such as the opposite side of the glass ribbon 305, to interact with the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305. In another example, the second pull roll device 702 and the other second pull roll device 704 may stretch the glass ribbon in a direction along the draw path 304 as indicated by arrow 722. Can be configured. The second pull roll device 702 and the other second pull roll device 704 are further configured to stretch the glass ribbon 305 in a direction substantially intersecting the draw path 304 as indicated by arrow 723. Can be done.

  As further shown in FIG. 7, the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 of the second pull roll device 702 each have a first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305 therebetween. Respective fire-resistant roll covers 732, 736 may be provided that engage. At least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 may include a respective motor 742, 746. For example, as shown, both the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 may include respective motors 742, 746. In a further example, only one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 may include a motor, where the other downstream roller is the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller. A bearing may be provided so that only one of 716 is driven.

  Similarly, in addition or alternatively, the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 of the other second pull roll device 704 each have a glass ribbon therebetween. Respective fire resistant roll covers 734, 738 may be provided that engage the second edge portion 305b of 305. At least one of the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 may include a respective motor 744, 748. For example, as shown, both the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 may include respective motors 744, 748. In a further example, only one of the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 may be equipped with a motor, while the other downstream roller is the other A bearing may be provided so that only one of the first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 is driven.

  In another example (not shown), the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 may include a third tow roll device disposed at any position between the first tow roll device 701 and the second tow roll device 702. . In yet another example, the glass making apparatus 301 can include any number of additional pull roll devices positioned at various locations along the glass ribbon. This third traction roll device and any number of additional traction roll devices may include any or all features of the first traction roll device and the second traction roll device disclosed herein in any combination. . Similarly, this third pull roll device and any number of additional pull roll devices may operate as disclosed herein.

  In yet another example, the pull roll device can stretch and stretch the glass ribbon 305 in various directions. For example, the glass ribbon 305 can be drawn downward from the forming device 303 in a substantially vertical direction. Furthermore, the glass ribbon 305 can be stretched in a substantially horizontal direction on the float bath 317 such that at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305 floats on the surface 323 of the float bath 317. Further, the glass ribbon 305 can be stretched away from the float bath 317 for further processing of the glass ribbon 305.

  In yet another example, the traction roll device 302 including the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 discussed throughout this application may be used alone or as a first traction roll as described herein. It may have additional features or configurations that may be used in combination with any features of the device 701 and the second pull roll device 702. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, with respect to the first traction roll device 701 and the other first traction roll device 703 (characterized by the second traction roll device 702 and the other second traction roll device 703). Under the understanding that the roll device 704, as well as any feature of the tow roll device 302 discussed herein, may be equally applicable), any of the rollers may be tilted vertically downward with respect to the glass ribbon 305, or It may be a horizontal level roll. For example, as shown, any roller (horizontal level or downward slope) may be positioned to have a pre-determined horizontal angle θ, where each side of the roll is the respective first primary of the glass ribbon 305. It will be positioned at this horizontal angle relative to the surface 321 and the second major surface 322. This horizontal angle θ may be desirable to provide an appropriate level of transverse stretch tension 721 and / or to accept a taper effect that may occur when a normal roll wears.

  FIG. 15 shows a first traction roll device 701 including a first upstream roller 711 and a second upstream roller 715, another first upstream roller 713, and another second upstream roller 717. An example in which the other first pulling roll device 703 provided may include a roll inclined vertically downward with respect to the glass ribbon 305 is shown. The downward tilt angle of any roller may be different from or the same as any other roller, depending on process considerations. The downward slope of the first upstream roller 711, 713 and / or the second upstream roller 715, 717 is at a desired level between the first traction roll device 701 and the other first traction roll device 703. A transverse stretch tension 721 can be provided. Similarly, the downward slope of the first downstream roller 712, 714 and / or the second downstream roller 716, 718 (not shown) may cause the second traction roll device 702 and the other second traction roll device 704 to Can provide a desired level of transverse stretching tension 723 (FIG. 7). In some examples, the controller 339 may be configured to operate an automatic positioner (not shown) to control (or adjust) the average transverse stretch tensions 721, 723 across the glass ribbon 305. Alternatively, a downwardly inclined position of the vertically inclined roller may be adjusted by using a manual mechanism.

  In a further example, the pair of one or more draw rolls may be a level roll relative to the glass ribbon. For example, FIG. 16 shows a top view of a tow roll device 302 including a first tow roll device 701 and a second tow roll device 702 that can be level with respect to the glass ribbon 305, where The axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicular to the drawing path 304 of the glass ribbon 305. As better shown in FIG. 17, providing the first upstream rollers 711, 713 and the second upstream rollers 715, 717 of the first traction roll device 701 as horizontal level rolls This may be desirable when lateral tension across the width of the glass ribbon 305 is not required. Similarly, providing the first downstream rollers 712, 714 and the second downstream rollers 716, 718 of the second pull roll device 702 as horizontal level rolls across the width of the glass ribbon 305 between the rollers. This may be desirable when lateral tension is not required.

  As further shown in FIG. 17, the pull roll device 302 can include a first pull roll device 701 with a first upstream roller pair 711, 713 and a second upstream roller pair 715, 717. . The first upstream roller pair 711, 713 can be connected to the first upstream handle portion 791, and the second upstream roller pair 715, 717 can be connected to the second upstream handle portion 793. Similarly, the traction roll device 302 may include a second traction roll device 702 with a first downstream roller pair 712, 714 and a second downstream roller pair 716, 718. The first downstream roller pair 712, 714 can be connected to the first downstream handle 792, and the second downstream roller pair 716, 718 can be connected to the second downstream handle 794. At least one of the first upstream roller pair 711, 713 and the second upstream roller pair 715, 717 is provided with a respective motor 795, 797, and the first upstream handle 791 is connected to the first upstream roller pair 711, 713 and / or the second upstream handle 793 can be rotated with the second upstream roller pair 715,717. Furthermore, at least one of the first downstream roller pair 712, 714 and the second downstream roller pair 716, 718 includes a respective motor 796, 798, and the first downstream handle 792 is connected to the first downstream roller pair. 712, 714 and / or the second downstream handle 794 can be rotated with the second downstream roller pair 716, 718. In a further example, only one of the first upstream roller pair 711, 713 or the second upstream roller pair 715, 717 may comprise a motor 795 or 797, wherein the other roller pair is A bearing may be provided so that only one of the upstream roller pair 711, 713 or the second upstream roller pair 715, 717 is driven. Similarly, in a further example, only one of the first downstream roller pair 712, 714 or the second downstream roller pair 716, 718 may comprise a motor 796 or 798, where the other roller pair is A bearing may be provided so that only one of the first downstream roller pair 712, 714 or the second downstream roller pair 716, 718 is driven.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the glass making apparatus 301 is configured to operate the tow roll apparatus 302 (eg, “programmed”, “encoded”, “designed”, and / or “ Created ”), may further include a control device 779, 780 (eg, a programmable logic controller). The control device may include separate control devices 779, 780 as shown, or may include a single control device configured to operate the traction roll device 302. In another example, the glass making apparatus 301 may include a plurality of control devices that are each configured to operate one or more separate components of the tow roll apparatus 302. As shown in the figure, the upstream control device 779 includes the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715, the first pulling roll device 701, the other first upstream roller 713, and the other second roller. And the other first pulling roll device 703 including the upstream roller 717 may be configured to operate. Further, the downstream control device 780 includes the second pulling roll device 702 including the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716, the other first downstream roller 714, and the other second downstream roller. 718 may be configured to operate with the other second pull roll device 704.

  As described above, the tow roll device 302 can include at least one motor. The motor may include a servo motor that may optionally include a gear box for driving each roller. If provided, the servo motor can provide torque and / or angular velocity measurement results back to the control device 779,780, which can then be used by the control device 779,780 to provide the desired The control scheme can be implemented. Alternatively, the control devices 779, 780 can interact with other types of motor controllers, such as variable frequency drives, to control the angular speed and / or torque of each motor. In this example, a torque sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor can be used to detect operating conditions, and feedback of the detected conditions may be provided to the control devices 779, 780.

  In one example, the control devices 779, 780 may be configured to execute a control loop. The control loop may include various control parameters for operating the traction roll device 302 including the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702. For example, the control equipment 779, 780 may be configured to execute a control loop that includes various control parameters for operating the tow roll device 302 to address long-term process drift. Long-term process drift may include changes in the glass manufacturing equipment 301, including changes in the properties of the glass ribbon 305 that may occur over a relatively long period of time, for example. In one example, long-term process drift can occur over a relatively long period of the order of several hours. In another example, a long-term process drift may cause a corresponding change in operating conditions of the traction roll device 302, including at least one of the first traction roll equipment 701 and the second traction roll equipment 702. Changes in 305 characteristics may be included. For example, this operating condition can be in accordance with the characteristics of the glass ribbon 305. Furthermore, a corresponding change in this operating condition can affect the quality of the glass ribbon 305, for example. For example, changes in the viscosity of the glass ribbon 305 at the forming device 303, such as at the spout 109 or the bottom 239, can affect the tension of the glass ribbon being drawn or flowing from the forming device 303. The viscosity of the glass ribbon 305 in the forming device 303 can change due to, for example, a change in the temperature of the glass ribbon 305. The temperature of the glass ribbon 305 may change, for example, as a result of thermal changes in any one or combination of components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 and / or ambient thermal changes. In addition to the control device 779, 780, or in a different manner from the control device 779, 780, a heat change is intentionally applied to the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 including the glass ribbon 305 to manufacture the glass including the glass ribbon 305. You may control the change of the temperature of the apparatus 301. FIG. As described above, such thermal changes can affect the viscosity and / or hardness of the glass ribbon 305, for example.

  Here, various control schemes may be used, such as, for example, to operate any one of the features of the traction roll devices 102, 202, and 302 described herein. The first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 will be described with the understanding that any one can be applied.

  In one example, the control devices 779, 780 may be configured to operate the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 in a master / slave configuration. For example, the second traction roll device 702 can include a master motor, and the first traction roll device 701 can include a slave motor. The control devices 779, 780 may be configured to operate the master motor to rotate at least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 at a constant angular velocity. The control devices 779 and 780 rotate at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 at a torque that matches a predetermined ratio of the torque of the master motor of the second pulling roll device 702. Can be further configured.

  In another example, the control devices 779, 780 may be configured such that at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 rotates with a substantially constant torque, and further the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller The first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 may be configured to operate independently such that at least one of the rollers 716 rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. For the purposes of this disclosure, the independent operation of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 refers to one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 as the other. This means that the second pulling roll device 702 and the first pulling roll device 701 can be operated without being affected. Accordingly, for example, in the independent operation of the first traction roll device 701 using the control device 779, the control device does not consider the change in the operation parameter of the second traction roll device 702, and the control device uses the first traction roll device 701. 701 can be operated.

  In yet another example, the control devices 779, 780 may be configured such that at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 rotates with a substantially constant torque, and the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 712 The first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 may be configured to operate such that at least one of the downstream rollers 716 rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. In yet another example, the control devices 779, 780 may be configured to use the first upstream roller of the first traction roll device 701 based on the operating condition of at least one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702. 711 and the second upstream roller 715 can be configured to adjust a substantially constant torque.

  In one example, this operating condition can be any of torque, angular velocity, temperature, or any other input, output, or internal state of at least one of first traction roll device 701 and second traction roll device 702. Any one of the operating conditions or a combination of operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device 701 and the second pulling roll device 702, such as one or a combination thereof. In another example, the operating conditions are those of the operating conditions of the traction roll device 302, such as any one or combination of the operating conditions of the first traction roll device 701 including the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715. Any one or combination may be included. In yet another example, the operating conditions are operating conditions of the tow roll device 302, such as any one or combination of operating conditions of the second pull roll device 702 including the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716. Any one or combination of: In yet another example, this operating condition can be determined over a period of time. For example, the operating conditions can be monitored, observed, recorded, or otherwise determined at once, incrementally, or continuously over a period of time.

  In another example shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 sandwich the glass ribbon 305 and sandwich the glass ribbon 305. “P” (FIGS. 10 and 13) may be generated. In yet another example, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 is adjustable to adjust the pinching force “P” on the glass ribbon 305. As previously described, the other rollers of the pull roll devices 102, 202, and 302 may be configured in the same or similar manner to generate a pinching force on the glass ribbon at other locations.

  In another example shown in FIGS. 8-13, the first pull roll device 701 is at least partially disposed between the upstream end 318 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317, as described above. obtain. In yet another example, the traction roll device 302 includes a second traction roll device 702 that may be at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device 701 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. Also good. As further shown in FIGS. 8-10, the second upstream roller 715 of the first pull roll device 701 may be at least partially immersed in the float bath 317. In one example, the second upstream roller 715 is fully immersed in the float bath 317. In another example shown in FIGS. 11-14, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pull roll device 701 is substantially the width 800 of the float bath 317. Arranged outside. In one example, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 is disposed completely outside the width 800 of the float bath 317. That any of the tow roll devices 701, 702, 703, and 704 can be located in any location not shown, in any location described herein, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. I want you to understand. For example, any or all of the tow roll devices 701, 702, 703, and 704 can be located inside the width 800 of the float bath 317, can be located outside the width 800 of the float bath 317, and / or Or it may be at least partially immersed in the float bath 317, or none of the tow roll devices 701, 702, 703, and 704 may be disposed within the width 800 of the float bath 317, and the float It may not be located outside the width 800 of the bus 317 and / or may not be so immersed. As further shown in FIG. 14, the glass ribbon 305 may extend outside the width 800 of the float bath 317 and stretched by the first pull roll device 701. In one example, the float bath 317 may overflow from the wall of the float tank 310, and the glass ribbon 305 can continue to float on the float bath 317 as the float bath overflows from the wall of the float tank 310. In another example, the lubricant 327 can be provided at a location where the glass ribbon 305 extends outside the width 800 of the float bath 317. Lubricant 327 prevents the glass ribbon 305 and float tank 310 walls from being scratched or affected by the walls of the float tank 310 as the glass ribbon 305 is stretched and stretched. A surface or barrier can be provided that reduces friction between the two.

  Returning to FIG. 6, in another example, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include a cooling system 900. In one example, the cooling system 900 can cool at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305. In another example, the cooling system 900 includes a first upstream cooling line 903 and a second upstream cooling line 905 for supplying a cooling fluid, such as a liquid, to the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715, respectively. Can be provided. In yet another example, the cooling fluid is first from the cooling system 900 (where heat can be removed from the fluid) to the first upstream roller 711 and second upstream roller 715 (where heat can be added to the fluid). In the first upstream cooling line 903 and the second upstream cooling line 905. In yet another example, heat from the glass ribbon 305 is transferred from the glass ribbon 305 to the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 by conductive heat transfer or by convection or radiant heat transfer to the first upstream. The fluid circulates through at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 so that it can be transmitted to the media or environment surrounding the roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715. The first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 can be cooled. In yet another example, the cooling system 900 may cool at least an edge portion of the glass ribbon, such as the first edge portion 305a or the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305. In one example, by cooling the first edge portion 305a and the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305, the glass ribbon can form a hardened edge portion (or bead portion), which is a tow roll device. It can act as a frame structure that assists in contact with and operation of the rollers of 302. As previously mentioned, this contact can scratch or damage the edge portion of the glass ribbon that can be subsequently removed by trimming or cutting. As with other features described herein, although not shown, the cooling system 900 may be used alone or in combination with any of the other rollers of the pull roll device 302.

  In yet another example shown in FIG. 3, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further comprise idle rollers 901, 902 such as non-driven rollers. In one example, the idle roller may be configured to act as a heat sink, and heat may be drawn from at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305, such as by cooling. In one example, the idle roller may comprise a material or structure for conducting heat transfer from the glass ribbon to the idle rollers 901, 902. In another example, idle rollers 901, 902 can include a cooling system, such as the cooling system 900 described above, to cool at least a portion of the glass ribbon.

  The first glass ribbon 105 can be manufactured by the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example shown in FIG. 1 by executing a similar method, for example, the same method for manufacturing the glass ribbon 305. The glass manufacturing apparatus 301 shown in FIG. 6 will be described with the understanding that the second glass ribbon 205 can be manufactured by the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example shown in FIG.

  In one example, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon 305 includes forming a glass ribbon 305 having a width “W”. The method further includes stretching the glass ribbon 305 on the float bath 317 from the upstream end 318 of the float bath 317 to the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. The method further includes sandwiching the glass ribbon 305 between the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pull roll device 701. The first pull roll device 701 may be at least partially disposed between the upstream end 318 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. Further, the first upstream roller 711 can be disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially on the first major surface 321 as shown) and also on the second upstream side. The roller 715 may be disposed below the second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially below the second major surface 322 as shown).

  In one example of the second aspect, the method further includes sandwiching the glass ribbon 305 between the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 of the second pull roll device 702. The second pull roll device 702 may be at least partially disposed between the first pull roll device 701 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. Further, the first downstream roller 712 can be disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially on the first major surface 321 as shown) and also on the second downstream surface. The roller 716 may be disposed below the second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially below the second major surface 322 as shown).

  In one example, the method may include the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 such that at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 rotates with a substantially constant torque. The method further includes the step of operating at least one. In this method, at least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 is rotated so that at least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. The method further includes a step of operating.

  In another example, the method may include at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 based on the operating conditions of at least one of the first pull roll device 701 and the second pull roll device 702. Adjusting the substantially constant torque.

  In another example of the second aspect, the method further includes cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305. In one example, this portion of the glass ribbon is the edge portion 305a, 305b of the glass ribbon 305.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the second upstream roller 715 is at least partially immersed in the float bath 317.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 is disposed substantially outside the width 800 of the float bath 317.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the method further includes inducing a magnetic field 1001 in the float bath 317 to circulate at least an amount of the float bath 317. As shown in FIG. 6, the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 may include an apparatus 1000 for inducing a magnetic field 1001 in the float bath 317, such as a linear motor. As illustrated, the float bath 317 can be moved to further stretch or stretch the glass ribbon 305 by inducing a magnetic field 1001 at the edge of the float tank 310 by the device 1000. In another example, the device 1000 can circulate at least some amount of the float bath 317 by creating an electric current in the float bath 317, where the current is, for example, naturally along the side of the float tank 310. The natural buoyancy flow of the float bath that can flow can be promoted. In yet another example, the device 1000 may transfer at least some amount of the float bath 317 from a cooler region of the float bath to a warmer region of the float bath or from a warmer region of the float bath to a cooler region of the float bath. A magnetic field 1001 can be induced in the float bath 317 to circulate through. In one example, the device 1000 circulates an amount of a float bath 317 near at least one of the first edge portion 305a and the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305 to provide a first edge portion of the glass ribbon 305. At least one of 305a and the second edge portion 305b can be cooled.

  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 manufacturing equipment,
Forming equipment that produces a glass ribbon having a width,
A float bath comprising an upstream end and a downstream end; and
A first traction roll device, at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, wherein the glass ribbon is moved from the forming device onto the float bath, A first pull roll device configured to stretch from the upstream end to the downstream end along a stretching path extending in a direction intersecting the width of the glass ribbon;
With
A first upstream roller disposed on a first main surface of the glass ribbon; and a second upstream roller disposed below a second main surface of the glass ribbon. And a glass manufacturing apparatus.

Embodiment 2
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller sandwich the glass ribbon and generate a sandwiching force on the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 3
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is adjustable to adjust the clamping force.

Embodiment 4
A second pulling roll device, at least partially disposed downstream of the first pulling roll device and the downstream end of the float bath along the stretching path, the glass ribbon A second traction roll device configured to further extend from the first traction roll device to the downstream end along the extension path on the float bath;
Further comprising
The second pull roll device includes a first downstream roller disposed on the first main surface of the glass ribbon and a second disposed below the second main surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a downstream roller.

Embodiment 5
At least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates with a substantially constant torque, and at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller has a substantially constant angular velocity. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, further comprising a control device configured to operate the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device so as to rotate at the same time. .

Embodiment 6
The control device is substantially configured to at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on an operating condition of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, further configured to adjust a constant torque.

Embodiment 7
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller includes a cooling system.

Embodiment 8
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the cooling system cools at least an edge portion of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 9
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising an idle roller.

Embodiment 10
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

Embodiment 11
The glass according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath. manufacturing device.

Embodiment 12
A method for producing a glass ribbon, comprising:
Forming a glass ribbon having a width;
Stretching the glass ribbon on a float bath from an upstream end of the float bath to a downstream end of the float bath; and
Sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first upstream roller and a second upstream roller of a first pull roll device;
Including
The first pulling roll device is at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, and the first upstream roller is a first of the glass ribbon. And the second upstream roller is disposed below the second main surface of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 13
Sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first downstream roller and a second downstream roller of a second pull roll device;
Further including
The second pull roll device is at least partially disposed between the first pull roll device and the downstream end of the float bath, and the first downstream roller is the glass ribbon. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method is disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon, and the second downstream roller is located below the second major surface of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 14
Operating at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller such that at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates with a substantially constant torque; and,
Operating at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller such that at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity;
Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13 further comprising:

Embodiment 15
Based on an operating condition of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device, the substantially constant torque of at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is set. The method of embodiment 14, further comprising the step of adjusting.

Embodiment 16
Embodiment 16. The method of any one of embodiments 12-15, further comprising cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 17
The method of embodiment 16 wherein the portion of the glass ribbon is an edge portion of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 18
16. A method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

Embodiment 19
16. A method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath. .

Embodiment 20.
16. The method of any one of embodiments 12-15, further comprising inducing a magnetic field in the float bath to circulate at least an amount of the float bath.

101, 201, 301 Glass manufacturing apparatus 102, 202, 302 Tow roll apparatus 103, 203, 303 Molding equipment 104, 204, 304 Drawing path 105, 205, 305 Glass ribbon 110, 210, 310 Float tank 317 Float bath 318 Upstream end Portion 319 Downstream end 321 First main surface 322 Second main surface 701 First pull roll device 702 Second pull roll device 711 First upstream roller 712 First downstream roller 715 Second upstream roller 716 Second downstream roller 900 cooling system

Claims (10)

In glass manufacturing equipment,
Forming equipment that produces a glass ribbon having a width,
A float bath comprising an upstream end and a downstream end; and
A first traction roll device, at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, wherein the glass ribbon is moved from the forming device onto the float bath, A first pull roll device configured to stretch from the upstream end to the downstream end along a stretching path extending in a direction intersecting the width of the glass ribbon;
With
A first upstream roller disposed on a first main surface of the glass ribbon; and a second upstream roller disposed below a second main surface of the glass ribbon. And a glass manufacturing apparatus.   The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller sandwich the glass ribbon to generate a sandwiching force on the glass ribbon.   The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller includes a cooling system.   The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.   4. The glass according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside a width of the float bath. 5. manufacturing device. A method for producing a glass ribbon, comprising:
Forming a glass ribbon having a width;
Stretching the glass ribbon on a float bath from an upstream end of the float bath to a downstream end of the float bath; and
Sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first upstream roller and a second upstream roller of a first pull roll device;
Including
The first pulling roll device is at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, and the first upstream roller is a first of the glass ribbon. And the second upstream roller is disposed below the second main surface of the glass ribbon.   The method of claim 6, further comprising cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon.   The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.   The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath.   10. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising inducing a magnetic field in the float bath to circulate at least an amount of the float bath.

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