JP2018522810A - Method and apparatus for edge finishing glass substrates - Google Patents

Abstract

A glass support system for a glass edge finishing apparatus comprises a vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in the glass supply direction along the edge of the glass substrate. The vacuum member has a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and a support surface having an array of vacuum openings in communication with the pressure chamber and extending therethrough. The array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the multiple rows.

Description

priority

  This application is prioritized under 35 USC § 35, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 194,952, filed July 21, 2015, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein in full. Insist on the benefits of rights.

  The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for edge finishing a glass substrate, and more particularly to a method and apparatus used to increase edge chamfer symmetry.

  Conventional glass edge finishing equipment has been developed primarily for relatively thick glass substrates that are relatively rigid compared to thinner glass substrates. As an example, a glass plate has an edge that is typically formed using a grinding wheel after being formed using a mechanical scoring and splitting process. In certain applications, for example, in the automotive industry, it would be desirable to provide a glass plate edge with a round profile on the periphery of the glass plate.

  Flat panel displays and other applications often use much thinner glass plates than are used in the automotive industry. Thinner glass plates can have reduced stiffness and increased flexibility compared to thicker glass plates. Edge finishing such thin glass plates with reduced stiffness and increased flexibility can pose challenges, at least in part, due to the forces associated with the edge finishing process.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for edge finishing glass substrates, including relatively thin glass substrates.

  One technique for improving the mechanical reliability of a flexible glass substrate is to grind and polish the edge of the flexible glass substrate to achieve a predetermined edge strength, for example. Removing unwanted cracks and cracks in the glass layer. To achieve this objective, an edge finishing device is used to finish the glass substrate, effectively finishing the glass substrate while giving the edge a round shape in a process referred to herein as chamfering. Methods and apparatus are described herein.

  According to one embodiment, a glass support system for a glass edge finishing apparatus includes a vacuum member, eg, a vacuum chuck, configured to extend longitudinally along the edge of the glass substrate in the glass supply direction. Prepare. The vacuum member includes a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and a support surface having an array of vacuum openings in communication with and extending through the pressure chamber. The array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the multiple rows.

According to another embodiment, the glass edge finishing apparatus comprises a glass transfer system and a glass support system that is moved in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system. The glass support system can be configured to support a glass substrate having a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less. The glass substrate has a substantially plane and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane. The glass supply direction is perpendicular to the out-of-plane direction. The glass support system may comprise a vacuum member, eg, a vacuum chuck, configured to extend longitudinally along the edge of the glass substrate in the glass supply direction. The vacuum member includes a vacuum body that includes a pressure chamber disposed therein, and may further include a support surface having an array of vacuum openings that communicate with and extend through the pressure chamber. The array of vacuum apertures can include at least about 25 apertures per 100 cm ² of support surface area.

According to yet another embodiment, a method is provided for finishing an edge of a glass substrate having a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less. The method comprises the step of supporting the glass substrate on a glass support system. The glass substrate has a substantially plane, an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane, and a glass supply direction perpendicular to the out-of-plane direction. The glass support system may comprise a vacuum member, eg, a vacuum chuck, configured to extend longitudinally along the edge of the glass substrate in the glass supply direction. The vacuum member may comprise a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and a support surface having an array of vacuum openings communicating with and extending through the pressure chamber. The array of vacuum openings may include at least about 25 openings per 100 cm ² of support surface area. Through the array of vacuum openings, a negative pressure can be applied to a substantially flat surface facing the vacuum member. The edge of the glass substrate may be chamfered using a grinding wheel assembly.

  According to yet another embodiment, the glass edge finishing apparatus comprises a glass transfer system and a glass support system that is moved in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system. The glass support system may be configured to support a glass substrate having a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less. The glass substrate has a substantially plane and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane. The glass supply direction is perpendicular to the out-of-plane direction. The glass support system may comprise a vacuum member, eg, a vacuum chuck, configured to extend longitudinally along the edge of the glass substrate in the glass supply direction. The vacuum member may comprise a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and a support surface having a plurality of vacuum openings in communication therewith and extending therethrough. A grinding wheel assembly may also be provided, and the grinding wheel assembly is configured to chamfer the edge of the glass substrate as the glass substrate is moved by the grinding wheel assembly in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system. An edge guide assembly may be disposed between the grinding wheel assembly and the vacuum member and is spaced below the upper edge guide member and its upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move. A side edge guide member may be provided.

  Additional features and advantages described herein are set forth in the following detailed description, and some will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be set forth in the following detailed description, claims, It will be appreciated by implementing the embodiments described herein, including the scope and accompanying drawings.

  Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description set forth various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or outline for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. Will be understood. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description of the present disclosure is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Illustration of chamfered edge of glass substrate Graph showing the relationship between the out-of-plane vertical displacement of the glass edge and the resulting edge chamfer asymmetry Illustration of glass finishing equipment Detailed view of vacuum member and glass substrate for use in the finishing apparatus of FIG. Graph showing flatness of glass edge 4 is a top view of the vacuum member of FIG. 4 shown separately. A perspective view of an exemplary vacuum member Sectional view of the vacuum member of FIG. Sectional view of another exemplary vacuum member Sectional view of another exemplary vacuum member Top view of another exemplary vacuum member A top view of yet another exemplary vacuum member Top view of another exemplary vacuum member Explanatory drawing of glass support structure including many vacuum members Detailed explanatory drawing of a grinding wheel for use in the glass finishing apparatus of FIG. Graph showing reduced edge chamfer asymmetry given by using regularly distributed vacuum openings Graph plotting the stiffness of the glass against the position along the glass substrate Graph showing bending rigidity of glass substrate against thickness of glass substrate Illustration of edge guide assembly and grinding wheel Illustration of edge guide assembly Illustration of glass edge finishing equipment Another explanatory view of the glass edge finishing apparatus of FIG. Illustration of another glass edge finishing device Another explanatory view of the glass edge finishing apparatus of FIG. Illustration of edge guide assembly Another illustration of edge guide assembly Another illustration of edge guide assembly Representative graph showing reduced edge chamfer asymmetry provided by using edge guide assembly

  Although glass is an inherently strong material, its strength and mechanical reliability are a function of the size density distribution of surface defects or defects and the cumulative exposure of the material to stress over time. Edge strength can be an important factor in the mechanical reliability of a glass substrate. Throughout the product life cycle, glass substrates will be exposed to various types of static and dynamic mechanical stresses. The embodiments described herein are widely used for finishing glass substrates, in which edge finishing equipment is used to effectively finish glass substrates and improve edge strength and mechanical reliability of glass substrates. It relates to a method and an apparatus.

  Glass substrates cut from a glass ribbon or from a larger glass substrate tend to have sharp edges formed during the cutting operation. The sharp edges of the glass substrate are susceptible to damage during handling. Edge defects such as chips, cracks, etc. will reduce the strength of the glass. The edges of the glass substrate may be processed to remove the sharp edges by grinding and shaping, for example, chamfering, to eliminate the sharp edges that are susceptible to damage. By removing sharp edges from the glass substrate, glass substrate failure will be minimized, thereby reducing the tendency for damage to the glass plate being handled.

  Various grinding wheels may be used to grind and shape the edges of glass substrates, including the use of “cup” wheels and “form” wheels. The cup wheel is substantially circular in shape and includes a recessed central region spaced from the outer periphery of the cup wheel. The cup wheel is brought into contact with the glass substrate, where the flat surface of the cup wheel contacts the glass substrate, while the outer peripheral surface of the cup wheel is spaced from the glass substrate. The forming wheel includes a groove disposed at an edge of the outer peripheral surface of the forming wheel. The groove has a profile corresponding to the processed shape of the edge of the substrate. The groove of the forming wheel is brought into contact with the edge of the glass substrate to grind and shape the edge.

  Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary substrate edge 12, the term “first surface” and other variations of the term are used to indicate a first relatively flat region of the glass substrate 10. Used here. This first surface is indicated at 14 in FIG. Similarly, the term “second surface” and other variations of that term are used herein to indicate the second relatively flat surface area of the substrate 10, which is applied to the first surface 14. It is substantially parallel to it. This second surface is shown at 16 in FIG.

  The terms “first chamfer” and “first chamfer”, as well as other variants of the term, are the edge of the substrate located between the first surface 14 and the tip 18 of the edge 12 of the substrate. Is used here to show the first part of. The first chamfer is shown at 20 in FIG. Similarly, the terms “second chamfer” and “second chamfer”, as well as other variations of that term, may be applied to the first edge of the substrate located between the second surface 16 and the tip 18. Used here to show the second part. This second surface take-up is indicated at 22 in FIG. In certain embodiments, the first and second chamfers 20 and 22 may be curved as shown in FIG. 1; however, the first and second chamfers may be other In a non-limiting embodiment, it may be relatively flat.

  The term “tip” and other variations of that term are used herein to indicate the end region of the substrate edge 12 where the first and second chamfers 20 and 22 converge. Note that FIG. 1 shows the tip 18 as a flat area having a predetermined length; however, the tip 18 is a curved surface in which the substrate edge 12 is substantially continuous from surface 14 to surface 16. It can also be a finite point where the first and second chamfers meet.

  The term “first chamfer-surface interface” and other variations of that term are used herein to indicate the region where the first chamfered portion meets the relatively flat first surface 14. . The interface between the first chamfer and the surface is indicated at 26 in FIG. Similarly, the term “second chamfer-surface interface” and other variations of that term are used here to indicate the region where the second chamfered portion meets the relatively flat second surface 16. Used for. The interface between this second chamfer and the surface is shown at 28 in FIG.

  The glass substrate 10 is not limited to the following, for example, in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.200 mm, for example, about 0.05 mm to about 0.1 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 0.15 mm, about 0 A thickness 30 of about 0.3 mm or less, including a range of 15 mm to about 0.3 mm, a range of about 0.100 mm to about 0.200 mm, and a total range and a partial range of thicknesses therebetween. It may be a flexible glass substrate. Exemplary thicknesses include 0.3, 0.275, 0.25, 0.225, 0.2, 0.19, 0.18, 0.17, 0.16, 0.15, 0.14 , 0.13, 0.12, 0.11, 0.10, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, or 0.01 mm is mentioned. In some embodiments, the thickness 30 of the glass substrate 10 may be about 0.7 mm or less. The glass substrate 10 may be formed from glass, glass ceramic, or a composite thereof. A fusion method (eg, a downdraw method) that forms a high quality glass substrate can be used in a variety of devices, and one such application is a flat panel display. A glass substrate manufactured by the fusion method has a surface with excellent flatness and smoothness as compared with a glass substrate manufactured by another method. The fusion method is described in US Pat. Nos. 3,338,696 and 3,682,609. Other suitable glass substrate forming methods include the float method, the up draw method and the slot draw method.

Although not intended to be bound by theory, for a relatively thin glass substrate 10 (about 0.7 mm or less), the first chamfered portion-surface interface 26 and the second chamfered portion of the glass substrate 10 oriented horizontally. The symmetric shape feature with respect to the surface-to-surface interface 28 can have a direct impact on edge resistance to plastic deformation during bending of the glass substrate 10. The edge asymmetry between the first chamfered portion 20 and the second chamfered portion 22, sometimes referred to herein as “edge chamfer asymmetry”, is directly related to the edge strength of the glass substrate 10. . Edge chamfer asymmetry may be measured by the respective widths W ₁ and W ₂ of the first and second chamfered portions 20 and 22 to the tip 18 in the direction of the substrate thickness 30. The edge chamfer asymmetry may occur due to the bending of the edge 12 of the substrate out of plane of the glass substrate 10 during the chamfering process. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary relationship between the deflection of the substrate edge 12 and the resulting edge chamfer asymmetry for a glass substrate 10 having a thickness of about 0.5 mm. As can be seen, in the position range R, the deflection of the edge 12 of the substrate is greatly increased (as indicated by line 31), resulting in increased edge chamfer asymmetry (as indicated by lines 32 and 40). To).

  In particular, the edge horizontal flatness (ie, the minimum vertical displacement) for the thin glass substrate 10 can be affected by the effectiveness of the support during the chamfering process. With reference to FIG. 3, a glass edge finishing apparatus 40 suitable for performing the chamfering process comprises a support apparatus 42 including a glass transfer system 44 and a glass support system 46. The glass transfer system 44 can move (eg, translate) the glass support system 46 in the supply direction, and this supply direction can be approximately (parallel) aligned with the edge 48 of the glass substrate 50. The glass support system 46 may be transported in the feed direction by the glass transport system 44 or otherwise moved. The glass support system 46 is an edge vacuum that extends along opposite edges 48 and 58 of the glass substrate 50 and, in some embodiments, substantially along the entire length of the glass substrate 50 in the feed direction. Members 54 and 56 are provided, for example, a vacuum system 52 including a vacuum chuck. In some embodiments, the vacuum members 54 and 56 may be formed from a single elongated vacuum member. In other embodiments, multiple vacuum members may be used, eg, aligned side by side in the supply direction. Although only edge vacuum members 54 and 56 are shown, an inner vacuum member may also be utilized (see FIG. 14).

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the vacuum member 56 and the glass substrate 50. The vacuum member 56 can apply a vacuum suction force sufficient to suppress movement (horizontal and vertical) of the edge 48 of the glass substrate 50 during the chamfering process. As used herein, “vacuum suction force” refers to the cumulative area of all vacuum openings of the vacuum member 56 multiplied by the suction pressure. As can be seen, the vacuum suction force can be applied by a vacuum member 56 near and spaced from the edge 48 of the glass substrate 50. This position of the vacuum member 56 results in a protruding region 60 having a protruding distance D _OH measured in a direction perpendicular to the edge 48 (or supply direction) from the outer edge 62 to the edge 48 of the vacuum member 56 where the protrusion begins. It is formed on the glass substrate 50. In some embodiments, the protrusion distance D _OH may be about 6 mm or more, such as about 10 mm or more, about 15 mm or more, about 20 mm or more. In some embodiments, the protrusion distance D _OH can be between about 5 mm and about 30 mm.

  As will be described below, the vacuum member 56 is provided with an array 64 of vacuum openings 66, where one or more regions of the array 64 are regularly, regularly spaced or uniform of the vacuum openings 66. May have a uniform distribution (eg, rows and / or columns). Such an arrangement of the array 64 of vacuum openings 66 can produce a relatively flat edge 48 in the glass substrate 50 with respect to an edge that freely hangs during a chamfering or other edge finishing process, thereby being oriented horizontally. The symmetry between the interface 26 between the first chamfered portion and the surface and the interface 28 between the second chamfered portion and the surface with respect to the glass substrate 50 can be improved (FIG. 1). For example, FIG. 5 shows edge flatness for glass substrates with thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm at different protrusion distances and pressure values. As can be seen, a minimized vertical displacement, such as less than about 0.1 mm, can be achieved at the glass edge over at least a portion, most or all of the length of the glass substrate.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the vacuum member 56 is shown separated and includes a vacuum body 70 that provides an array 64 of pressure chambers and vacuum openings 66 disposed therein. The vacuum opening 66 communicates with a passage 67 (FIG. 8) extending from the support surface 72 of the vacuum member 56 and communicates with a pressure chamber disposed in the vacuum body 70. Referring briefly to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the support surface 72 is in contact with the glass substrate 50 and is a flexible material (eg, suitable for supporting the glass substrate without damage). , Silicone, rubber, soft plastic, etc.). The flexible member 74 includes an array 64 of vacuum openings 66 that closely matches the array of openings 76 provided in the vacuum body 70 to provide a passage 67 between the vacuum openings 66 and the pressure chamber 78 (FIG. 8). Sometimes. In other embodiments, the vacuum body does not match the array 64 of vacuum openings 66 in the support surface 72 and still comprises slots and / or openings that can distribute negative pressure from the pressure chamber 78 thereto. Sometimes. An exhaust port, indicated by arrow 75, may be provided to draw air or other suitable gas from pressure chamber 78.

  The vacuum member may be a single member or a multi-member structure. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the vacuum member 81 may have a vacuum body 83 having a single monolith structure. The vacuum body 83 comprises connecting means 87 formed as part of the vacuum body 83 remote from the pressure chamber 85, allowing the pressure chamber 85 and the vacuum member 81 provided therein to be connected to the glass transfer system. Sometimes. The intake port 77 and the exhaust port 79 can supply a positive pressure and a negative pressure to the pressure chamber 85. In FIG. 10, the vacuum member 91 includes a vacuum main body 93 formed by a chamber housing member 95 and a cap member 97. Connection means 99 may be provided to connect the vacuum member 91 to the glass transfer system.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the vacuum openings 66 of the array 64 can be located in both rows R ₁ -R _x and columns C ₁ -C _x , thereby providing local suction points. In this example, the vacuum openings 66 in a particular row R have substantially the same width, or in this example, a radius (eg, no more than about 5 mm, such as no more than about 2 mm), each of which is a particular row R. Are equally spaced from each other. In other embodiments, one or more of the vacuum openings may have one or more different radii. As an example, adjacent vacuum openings 66 may be equally spaced about 20 mm across a particular row R. In other embodiments, the spacing between adjacent vacuum openings 66 is less than 20 mm, such as about 15 mm or about 10 mm or even less, depending on the size of the glass substrate, the type of finishing operation, etc. It may be. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the vacuum openings 66 are equally spaced with a center distance of 10 mm, as indicated by S ₁ .

The vacuum openings 66 in a particular row C have substantially the same radius (eg, no more than about 5 mm, such as no more than about 2 mm), and each is equally spaced from each other along the particular row C. . In other embodiments, one or more of the vacuum openings may have one or more different radii. As an example, adjacent vacuum openings 66 may be equally spaced about 20 mm along a particular row C. In other embodiments, the spacing between adjacent vacuum openings 66 is less than 20 mm, such as about 15 mm or about 10 mm or even less, depending on the size of the glass substrate, the type of finishing operation, etc. It may be. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, vacuum opening 66, as indicated by S _2, and equal intervals are spaced by 10mm is between centers form a rectangular matrix of the vacuum opening.

Any suitable array of vacuum openings that form local suction points may be used. In some embodiments, an array having a width (or diameter) of about 10 mm or less, such as 4 mm or less, and from about 25 vacuum openings to about 200 vacuum openings per 100 cm ² may be provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the array 64 has about 100 vacuum openings 66 per 100 cm ² .

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate other vacuum member embodiments having other array arrangements of vacuum openings. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the vacuum member 80 includes many of the features described above with respect to the vacuum member 56. In this exemplary embodiment, the vacuum member 80 comprises an array of vacuum openings 84 disposed in both rows R ₁ -R _x and columns C ₁ -C _x , thereby providing a local suction point. However, in this embodiment, the row spacing S ₁ is greater than the column spacing S ₂ along the columns. FIG. 12 shows another exemplary embodiment of a vacuum member 81 in which the row spacing S ₁ along the rows is greater than the column spacing S ₂ along the columns. FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a vacuum member 86 where the row spacing S ₁ along the rows is greater than the column spacing S ₂ along the columns. In this embodiment, the rows are offset from each other to form diagonal columns. The table below shows certain properties of the embodiment of the vacuum member shown in FIGS. 6 and 11-13 using a 0.2 mm thick glass substrate and applying a pressure of 50 kPa. These values are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

  As can be seen from the table, the maximum principal stress determined using finite element analysis (FEA) can produce stresses of less than 20 MPa during use, thereby causing glass damage at or near the edge of the glass substrate. The tendency of can be reduced. Maximum principal stress is an indicator of the effect of total tensile stress on the glass substrate.

  Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary glass support system 100 with multiple vacuum members 102, 104, 106 and 108 is shown (eg, for use with the finishing apparatus of FIG. 3). As an example, the vacuum member may be any one or more of the above-described vacuum members. As can be seen, the vacuum members 102 and 108 are the outermost vacuum members closest to the edges 110 and 112 of the glass substrate 114, and the vacuum members 104 and 106 are furthest from the edges 110 and 112. It is the innermost vacuum member. The vacuum members 102, 104, 106 and 108 may all be the same dimension (or different dimensions) and may extend along substantially the entire length of the glass substrate 114. Protruding regions 116 and 118 may be provided for glass finishing operations as described above.

  Returning to FIG. 3, once the glass substrate 50 is supported by the glass support system 46, the glass substrate 50 and the glass support system 46 are translated by the glass transfer system 44 to the edge grinding system 120 of the finishing device 40. The edge grinding system 120 may generally include grinding wheel assemblies 122 and 124 disposed on opposite edges 48 and 58 of the glass substrate 50. In other embodiments, only one grinding wheel assembly may be used, or up to four grinding wheel assemblies, one for each edge 48, 58, 126 and 128 of the glass substrate 50. There may be.

  Each of the grinding wheel assemblies 122 and 124 includes a grinding wheel 127 that is used to grind and shape the edges 48 and 58 of the glass substrate 50 and a motor 129 that is used to rotate the grinding wheel 127. is there. In some embodiments, each of the grinding wheel assemblies 122 and 124 may further include a drive mechanism 130 that can be used to move the grinding wheel 127 toward and away from the respective edges 48 and 58. A controller 135 that controls the operation of the grinding wheel assemblies 122 and 124, the glass support system 46, and the glass transfer system 44 may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding wheel 127 is a forming wheel. However, other grinding wheels may be used. Referring temporarily to FIG. 15, the forming wheel 127 has a generally cylindrical shape, and the forming wheel 127 has a profile that is complementary to the desired profile at the respective edges 48 and 58, and grinding of the forming wheel 127. One or more recesses 132 serving as surfaces are provided. In other embodiments, one or both of the grinding wheels 127 may include a pair of cup wheels that contact the edges of the glass substrate 50 in their plane.

  Referring again to FIG. 3, with the glass substrate 50 supported by the glass support system 46 including the vacuum members 54 and 56, the glass transfer system 44 parallels the support system 46 and the glass substrate 50 to the grinding wheel assemblies 122 and 124. There, the grinding wheel 127 engages the edges 48 and 58 of the glass substrate 50. Referring now to FIG. 16, the displayed graph shows a reduced edge chamfer asymmetry provided by a regular distribution of vacuum openings, such as shown by the vacuum member 56 of FIG. As can be seen, the vacuum member 56 further stabilizes the edge 48 so that the first chamfer-surface interface 26 (indicated by line 140) and the second chamfer-surface interface. A relatively high degree of symmetry is maintained during 28 (indicated by line 142). As indicated by line 144, the asymmetry factor (FOA) indicates a relatively small change in symmetry between the first chamfer-surface interface 26 and the second chamfer-surface interface 28. . This FOA is equal to the thickness of the glass substrate 50 and the chamfering difference (difference in chamfering width) between the interface 26 between the first chamfered portion and the surface and the interface 28 between the second chamfered portion and the surface. The higher the FOA, the lower the symmetry between the first chamfered portion / surface interface 26 and the second chamfered portion / surface interface 28.

  Still referring to FIG. 16, it can be seen that the FOA will tend to increase in the front region 150 and the rear region 152 (ie, in the corners) of the glass substrate 50. Referring to FIG. 17, the stiffness of edges 48 and 58 is relatively low at leading and trailing edge corners 154, 156, 158 and 160 (FIG. 3) compared to general protruding edges 48 and 58 (FIG. 3). For example, as low as 60 percent). Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the bending stiffness (D) tends to remain relatively low when the glass substrate thickness is less than about 0.6 mm, and relatively flat below about 0.25 mm. Become. Flexural rigidity (D) is a function of Young's modulus (E), thickness (t) and Poisson's ratio (ν) and is given by the following formula:

In addition to having lower stiffness, the leading edge corners 154 and 156 (FIG. 3) of the glass substrate 50 are subject to direct injection of coolant (eg, water) and sudden impact with the grinding wheel 127. Will be done. This can cause a greater vertical displacement of the glass substrate 50 during the chamfering process. Edge quality close to corners 154, 156, 158 and 160 may be lower than expected in some cases due to the asymmetry of the edge chamfers, which makes the glass particularly difficult during handling. Cracking and breakage problems can occur.

Returning to FIG. 3, the finishing device 40 may include an edge guide assembly 170 that provides local support to the edges 48 and 58 of the glass substrate at the grinding wheel / glass interface. As can be seen, the edge guide assembly 170 is stationary relative to the glass transfer system 44 outside the vacuum members 54 and 56 to increase the vertical support of the glass edges 48 and 58, and the vacuum member 54 and 56 and the respective grinding wheel 127 may be placed or positioned. FIG. 19 shows a schematic view of grinding wheel 127 and edge guide assembly 170. In this embodiment, the guide length L that contacts and supports the glass substrate is less than or equal to the wheel diameter D of the grinding wheel. The distance T between the edge guide assembly 170 in contact with the glass substrate 50 and the grinding wheel 127 is adjusted based at least in part on the thickness of the glass substrate to minimize the protruding distance _DOH. This can increase edge stability.

  Referring to FIG. 20, the schematic diagram of the edge guide assembly 170 includes a lower edge guide member 172 and an upper edge guide member 174. The lower edge guide member 172 includes a guide surface 176 disposed so as to contact the wide surface 178 of the glass substrate 50. The upper edge guide member 174 also includes a guide surface 180 facing the guide surface 176 that is arranged to contact the large surface 182 of the glass substrate 50. Guide surfaces 176 and 180 may be solid or formed from moving members such as rollers, belts, etc., as described below. Guide surfaces 176 and 180 may be formed from any suitable material for contacting and guiding the glass substrate 50. The edge guide assembly places one or both of the upper edge guide member 174 and the lower edge guide member 172 between a closed position and an open configuration (indicated by dotted lines) to position the glass substrate 50 during the chamfering process. May further comprise one or more positioning actuators 184 and 186 (eg, pneumatic cylinders) that can move toward and away from each other. In another embodiment, the position of one or both of the upper edge guide member 174 and the lower edge guide member 172 with respect to the other may be fixed.

  Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a finishing apparatus 200 is shown that includes a grinding wheel assembly 202 that includes a grinding wheel 204 and a support structure 206 that supports the grinding wheel 204 in the illustrated elevated horizontal orientation. The finishing device 200 may further comprise an edge guide assembly 208. The edge guide assembly 208 can include a lower edge guide member 210 and an upper edge guide member 212. Both the lower edge guide member 210 and the upper edge guide member 212 are in contact with the edges of the glass substrate and form rollers 205, 215 (205 and 215 in FIG. 21) that form dynamic support surfaces configured to guide them. FIG. 22 includes 215). In the example shown in FIG. 21, the edge guide assembly 208 is shown in an open configuration in which the upper edge guide member 212 is retracted from the lower edge guide member 210 by the actuator assembly 214. The position of the lower edge guide member 210 may be fixed. In some embodiments, the edge guide assembly 208 may be at least partially supported by a support structure 206 that supports the grinding wheel 204. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the edge guide assembly 208 comprises its own support structure that is independent of the support structure 206. Actuator assembly 214 can move upper edge guide member 212 to an extended position closer to lower edge guide member 210 to support the edge of the glass substrate as described above (FIG. 22).

  Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, another finishing device 220 includes a grinding wheel assembly 222 that includes a grinding wheel 224 and a support structure 226 that supports the grinding wheel 224 in the illustrated elevated horizontal orientation. The finishing device 220 further comprises an edge guide assembly 228. The edge guide assembly 228 includes a lower edge guide member 230 and an upper edge guide member 232. Both the lower edge guide member 230 and the upper edge guide member 232 include a roller 235 that forms a dynamic support surface configured to contact and guide the edge 234 of the glass substrate 236. In the example shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the edge guide assembly 228 is shown in a closed configuration in which the lower edge guide member 230 is extended by the actuator assembly 238 toward the upper edge guide member 232. The position of the upper edge guide member 232 may be fixed.

  Referring to FIG. 25, another edge guide assembly 250 is shown, which may include a lower guide member 252 and an upper guide member 254. In this embodiment, both lower and upper guide members 252 and 254 include belt assemblies 256 and 258. The belt assembly 256 of the lower guide member 252 comprises a belt 260 having a guide surface 262 suitable for contacting and guiding the glass substrate. The belt 260 may be driven and supported by end rollers 264 and 266 about which the belt 260 moves and an intermediate roller 268 that can support the portion of the belt 260 between the end rollers 264 and 266. . The belt assembly 258 of the upper guide member 254 includes a belt 269 having a guide surface 270 suitable for contacting and guiding the glass substrate. The belt 269 is driven and supported by end rollers 272 and 274 about which the belt 269 moves without using intermediate rollers. The edge guide assembly 250 shows lower and upper guide members 252 and 254 with different roller arrangements, but the roller arrangements may be the same.

  Referring to FIG. 26, another edge guide assembly 280 is shown, which includes a lower guide member 282 and an upper guide member 284. In this embodiment, both the lower and upper guide members 282 and 284 can be formed as solid bars 286 and 288 of material suitable for contacting the glass substrate. The lower guide member 282 and the upper guide member 284 can be spaced apart from each other to form a groove 290 sized to extend in the supply direction and receive the full thickness of the glass substrate. In some embodiments, the groove 290 may comprise a lead-in portion 292 and a lead-out portion 294. The lead-in portion 292 and the lead-out portion 294 may be wider than the remainder of the groove 290 to guide the glass substrate into and out of the groove.

  Referring to FIG. 27, another edge guide assembly 300 is shown that includes a lower guide member 302 and an upper guide member 304. In this embodiment, the upper guide member 304 is formed as a solid bar 306 of a material suitable for contacting the glass substrate. The lower guide member 302 has a dynamic guide surface 308 formed by a roller 310. In other embodiments, the upper and / or lower guide members may be formed using air bearings, air / pressure bearings or ultrasonic non-contact bearings.

  FIG. 28 shows a representative graph illustrating the reduced edge chamfer asymmetry provided by the use of an edge guide assembly, for example, as shown by the edge guide assembly 300 of FIG. As can be seen, the edge guide assembly 300 further stabilizes the edge so that the first chamfer and surface interface (shown by line 312) and the second chamfer and surface interface ( A relatively high degree of symmetry is maintained during (shown by line 314). As indicated by line 316, the FOA exhibits a relatively small change between the first chamfer and surface interface and the second chamfer and surface interface.

  The glass support system and method described above provides a vacuum member and edge having an array of regularly spaced local suction points that can be used to reduce glass edge asymmetry during chamfering or other finishing processes. One or both of the guide assemblies can be provided. Reduction of glass edge asymmetry can be achieved by reducing out-of-plane deflection of the glass substrate and presenting a flat edge to the grinding wheel. By improving the symmetry of the glass edge, the strength of the glass edge can be improved, thereby reducing the possibility of glass breakage or breakage.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. This specification is therefore intended to cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided that such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Is intended to be.

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

Embodiment 1
In glass support system,
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in a glass supply direction along an edge of a glass substrate, the vacuum member including a pressure chamber disposed therein, and communicates with and extends in the pressure chamber A vacuum member comprising a support surface having an array of vacuum apertures to
With
The glass support system, wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows.

Embodiment 2
Embodiment 1 wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows, with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum openings along each of the plurality of rows. The glass support system as described.

Embodiment 3
The glass support system of embodiment 1, wherein the array of vacuum openings has at least about 25 openings per 100 cm ² of support surface area.

Embodiment 4
The glass support system of embodiment 1, wherein the vacuum opening has a width of about 10 mm or less.

Embodiment 5
The glass support system of embodiment 1, wherein the radius of the vacuum opening is about 2 mm or less.

Embodiment 6
The glass support system of embodiment 1, wherein the support surface is made from a flexible material.

Embodiment 7
2. The glass of embodiment 1, further comprising an edge guide assembly including an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move. Support system.

Embodiment 8
8. The glass support system of embodiment 7, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member includes a roller that forms a dynamic support surface configured to contact the glass substrate.

Embodiment 9
8. The glass support system of embodiment 7, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a bar of material configured to contact the glass substrate.

Embodiment 10
8. The glass support system of embodiment 7, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a belt assembly including a belt with a guide surface configured to contact the glass substrate. .

Embodiment 11
In glass edge finishing equipment,
A glass transfer system, and a glass support system moved in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system, having a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less and having a substantially plane and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane Configured to support a glass substrate,
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in the glass supply direction along an edge of the glass substrate, the vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein, and in communication with the pressure chamber; A vacuum member having a support surface with an array of vacuum apertures having an aperture density of at least about 25 apertures per 100 cm ² of support surface area extending through
Glass support system, including
Glass edge finishing equipment equipped with.

Embodiment 12
Embodiment 12. The embodiment wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum openings along each of the plurality of rows. The glass edge finishing apparatus as described.

Embodiment 13
Embodiment 12 wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows. The glass edge finishing apparatus as described.

Embodiment 14
The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 11, wherein the width of the vacuum opening is about 10 mm or less.

Embodiment 15
The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 11, wherein the width of the vacuum opening is about 4 mm or less.

Embodiment 16
The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 11, wherein the support surface is made of a flexible material.

Embodiment 17
12. The glass of embodiment 11, further comprising an edge guide assembly including an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move. Edge finishing device.

Embodiment 18
18. The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 17, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member includes a roller that forms a dynamic support surface configured to contact the glass substrate.

Embodiment 19
The glass edge finishing device according to embodiment 17, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a bar of material configured to contact the glass substrate.

Embodiment 20.
The glass edge finish of embodiment 17, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a belt assembly including a belt with a guide surface configured to contact the glass substrate. apparatus.

Embodiment 21.
The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 17, further comprising a grinding wheel assembly configured to chamfer an edge of the glass substrate.

Embodiment 22
In the method of finishing the edge of the glass substrate,
Supporting the glass substrate on a glass support system, the glass substrate having a substantially plane, a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less, and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane; Glass support system
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in a glass supply direction along an edge of the glass substrate, and communicates with and extends through a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and the pressure chamber. A vacuum member comprising a support surface having an array of vacuum apertures having an aperture density of at least about 25 apertures per 100 cm ² ;
A process that includes
Applying a negative pressure to the substantially planar surface through the array of vacuum openings, and chamfering the edge of the glass substrate using a grinding wheel assembly;
A method comprising:

Embodiment 23
An edge guide assembly including an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move is used to support the glass substrate. The method of embodiment 22, further comprising a step.

Embodiment 24.
Embodiment 22 wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows. The method described.

Embodiment 25
Embodiment 25 wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows, with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows. The method described.

Embodiment 26.
23. The method of embodiment 22, further comprising positioning the glass substrate on the vacuum member to provide a protrusion between the vacuum member and an edge of the glass substrate.

Embodiment 27.
In glass edge finishing equipment,
Glass transfer system,
A glass support system that is movable in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system, and that supports a glass substrate having a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less and having a substantially plane and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane. Configured to
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally along an edge of the glass substrate in the glass supply direction, and communicates with and extends through a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and the pressure chamber. A vacuum member having a support surface having a plurality of existing vacuum openings;
Glass support system, including
A grinding wheel assembly configured to chamfer an edge of the glass substrate when the glass substrate is moved by the grinding wheel assembly in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system; and Located between the grinding wheel assembly and the vacuum member, comprising an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move. Edge guide assembly,
Glass edge finishing equipment equipped with.

Embodiment 28.
28. The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 27, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member includes a roller that forms a dynamic support surface configured to contact the glass substrate.

Embodiment 29.
28. The glass edge finishing apparatus according to embodiment 27, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a bar of material configured to contact the glass substrate.

Embodiment 30.
28. The glass edge finish of embodiment 27, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a belt assembly including a belt with a guide surface configured to contact the glass substrate. apparatus.

10, 50, 114 Glass substrate 12, 48, 110, 112 Edge 14 First surface 16 Second surface 18 Tip 20 First chamfered portion 22 Second chamfered portion 26 Interface between first chamfered portion and surface 28 Interface between second chamfer and surface 40, 200, 220 Glass edge finishing device 42 Support device 44 Glass transfer system 46, 100 Glass support system 54, 56, 80, 81, 86, 91, 102, 104, 106 , 108 Vacuum member 64 Array of vacuum openings 66 Vacuum openings 70, 83, 93 Vacuum body 72 Support surface 74 Flexible member 76 Array of openings 78, 85, 99 Pressure chamber 120 Edge grinding system 122, 124, 202, 222 Grinding wheel assembly 127, 204, 224 Grinding wheel, molding wheel, cup wheel 12 Motor 130 Drive mechanism 170, 208, 228, 250, 280, 300 Edge guide assembly 172, 210, 230, 252, 282, 302 Lower edge guide member 174, 212, 232, 254, 284, 304 Upper edge guide member 176 , 180, 262, 270, 308 Guide surface 184, 186 Positioning actuator 205, 215, 264, 266, 268, 310 Roller 256, 258 Belt assembly 260, 269 Belt 286, 288, 306 Solid bar 290 Groove

Claims (15)

In glass support system,
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in a glass supply direction along an edge of the glass substrate, the vacuum member including a pressure chamber disposed therein and the pressure chamber; A vacuum member comprising a support surface having an array of existing vacuum openings;
With
The glass support system, wherein the array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows.   The array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum openings along each of the plurality of rows. Glass support system.   The edge guide assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move. Glass support system.   The glass support system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member includes a roller that forms a dynamic support surface configured to contact the glass substrate.   The glass support system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a bar of material configured to contact the glass substrate.   The glass support system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a belt assembly including a belt with a guide surface configured to contact the glass substrate. In glass edge finishing equipment,
A glass transfer system, and a glass support system moved in the glass supply direction by the glass transfer system, having a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less and having a substantially plane and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane Configured to support a glass substrate,
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in the glass supply direction along an edge of the glass substrate, the vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein, and in communication with the pressure chamber; A vacuum member having a support surface with an array of vacuum apertures having an aperture density of at least about 25 apertures per 100 cm ² of support surface area extending through
Glass support system, including
Glass edge finishing equipment equipped with.   The glass edge of claim 7, further comprising an edge guide assembly including an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move. Finishing equipment.   The glass edge finishing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member includes a roller that forms a dynamic support surface configured to contact the glass substrate.   The glass edge finishing device according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a bar of material configured to contact the glass substrate.   9. The glass edge finishing apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the upper edge guide member and the lower edge guide member comprises a belt assembly including a belt with a guide surface configured to contact the glass substrate. . In the method of finishing the edge of the glass substrate,
Supporting the glass substrate on a glass support system, the glass substrate having a substantially plane, a thickness of about 0.7 mm or less, and an out-of-plane direction perpendicular to the substantially plane; Glass support system
A vacuum member configured to extend longitudinally in a glass supply direction along an edge of the glass substrate, and communicates with and extends through a vacuum body including a pressure chamber disposed therein and the pressure chamber. A vacuum member comprising a support surface having an array of vacuum apertures having an aperture density of at least about 25 apertures per 100 cm ² ;
A process that includes
Applying a negative pressure to the substantially planar surface through the array of vacuum openings, and chamfering the edge of the glass substrate using a grinding wheel assembly;
A method comprising:   An edge guide assembly including an upper edge guide member and a lower edge guide member spaced from the upper edge guide member to provide a path through which the glass substrate can move is used to support the glass substrate. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step.   13. The array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows, the rows having a substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows. 13. The method according to 13.   The array of vacuum apertures is arranged in a number of side-by-side rows, with substantially uniform spacing between the vacuum apertures along each of the plurality of rows. the method of.

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