JP2023089266A - Apparatus and method for edge processing of sheet-like substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an alternative apparatus and a method for finishing an edge of a glass sheet by combining with a discharged cooling agent.SOLUTION: A finishing member is rotatably maintained in a chamber of a shroud. The shroud includes a wall part 52 terminated at a long edge for defining a part of a slot. The slot is structured so as to receive an end part of a sheet-like substrate, and facilitates a mutual action between the end part and the finishing member. The wall part 52 further defines nozzle passages 90a, 90b, 90c, 92a, 92b, 92c terminated at an opening of the long edge. Tubular members 80, 110a, 110b, 110c, 112a, 112b, 112c protrude from the long edges 60, 62, and define a passage which is in fluid communication with the nozzle passages 90a, 90b, 90c, 92a, 92b, 92c. A cooling agent discharged to the nozzle passages 90a, 90b, 90c, 92a, 92b, 92c is jetted to the finishing member through the tubular members even when a cross flow by vacuum exists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/427,293, filed November 29, 2016, in reliance on the contents of that U.S. Provisional Application, as set forth in full below. is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In addition, this application is a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-528645 filed on November 29, 2019.

The present application relates generally to apparatus and methods for edge processing of sheet-like substrates. More specifically, the present application relates to the delivery of coolant by an apparatus and method for grinding or polishing the edge of a substrate, such as the edge of a glass sheet.

Processing of glass sheets that require a high quality surface finish, such as those used in flat panel displays, typically involves cutting the glass sheet into the desired shape and then cutting the cut glass sheet into It involves grinding and/or polishing the edges to remove any sharp corners. The grinding or polishing step can be performed, for example, by a finishing device or machine that includes at least a finishing member, eg, an abrasive wheel such as a grinding wheel, polishing wheel, or the like. In many such machines, the finishing member is driven, eg rotated, and the glass sheet is continuously conveyed so that the edge to be finished contacts the driven finishing member. This edge is machined at the contact points. Some finishing equipment uses a finishing member, such as a grinding or polishing wheel with grooves on its periphery, that machine both corners of the edge simultaneously.

High processing speeds and the materials involved generate excessive heat at the interface between the glass sheet and the finishing member. Many glass edge finishing machines therefore incorporate a cooling system and are generally designed to direct the flow of coolant toward the area of the contact point between the glass sheet and the finishing member. The coolant, often a liquid, such as water, is sprayed or jetted toward the area of the interface between the glass sheet and the finishing member.

In addition to providing the necessary cooling of the finishing member and the glass sheet, the discharged coolant advantageously functions to wash away particles, such as glass shavings, generated during the edge finishing process. It is desirable to recover as much of the particle-laden coolant as possible to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment and to reuse the coolant after removing the particles. Accordingly, many glass edge finishing machines place the finishing members within a shroud or housing. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the interior of the shroud to actively remove the particle-laden coolant. For reference, shrouds are conventionally constructed to provide the function of a wall or other enclosure in close proximity to the expected interface between the glass sheet and the finishing member. Accordingly, coolant supply lines are typically formed inside the shroud structure itself, terminating at exit orifices or nozzles in the shroud walls, and directed generally toward the expected interface between the glass sheet and the finishing member. It is At normal operating pressures, the coolant exits the shroud orifices or nozzles as a jet. While widely accepted, the use of shrouds and vacuums can interfere with optimal coolant delivery. The exit orifice of the shroud is effectively fixed to the finishing member with a gap and is relatively close to the contact surface of the glass sheet and the finishing member, but this exit orifice cannot provide arbitrary jet directions. . Also, the high velocity cross-flow of air due to the vacuum can disrupt and misdirect the coolant jet through the drag forces acting on it.

Accordingly, the present application discloses an alternative apparatus and method for finishing the edge of a glass sheet in combination with a discharged coolant.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for edge processing of glass sheets. The apparatus includes a finishing member, a shroud, and a tubular member. The finishing member is configured to treat the edge of the glass sheet and is rotatably retained within the chamber of the shroud. The shroud includes a first wall portion terminating in a first long edge and a second wall portion terminating in a second long edge. These long edges face each other and together define at least a portion of a slot opening into said chamber. The slot is configured to slidably receive an edge of a glass sheet to facilitate interaction of said edge with said finishing member. The first wall further defines a nozzle passage for ejecting fluid. The nozzle passage terminates at the first long edge opening. Finally, the tubular member projects from the first long edge and defines a passageway in fluid communication with the nozzle passageway. With this arrangement, coolant discharged into the nozzle passage is accurately injected through the tubular member and onto the finishing member even in the presence of vacuum cross-flows. In some embodiments, said tubular member terminates at a dispensing end opposite said first long edge. In some embodiments, the distance between said finishing member and said dispensing end is less than the distance between said finishing member and said first long edge. In other embodiments, the spatial placement of the tubular member relative to the first long edge is adjustable. In still other embodiments, one or more additional nozzle passages are defined in one or both of said walls and one or more additional tubular members are associated with each of the additional nozzle passages.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for processing edges of glass sheets. The apparatus includes a finishing member, a shroud, and a tubular member. The finishing member is configured to treat the edge of the glass sheet and is rotatably retained within the chamber of the shroud. The shroud includes walls terminating in long edges defining at least a portion of a slot opening into the chamber. The slot is configured to slidably receive an edge of a glass sheet to facilitate interaction of the edge with the finishing member. The wall further defines a nozzle passage for ejecting fluid. The nozzle passage terminates at the long edge opening. The tubular member is removably assembled to the wall and projects from the long edge. The tubular member defines a passageway in fluid communication with the nozzle passageway. In some embodiments, the tubular member is removably assembled to the wall by a threaded or press-fit contact.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of treating edges of a glass sheet. The method includes directing the edge of the glass sheet through a slot in a shroud of a processor and into a chamber of the shroud. The slot is at least partially defined by a long edge of the shroud wall. The edges of the glass sheet are treated by a finishing member positioned within the chamber. During the treating step, a flow of cooling liquid is directed through a tubular member projecting from the long edge to the contact surface between the edge of the glass sheet and the finishing member. In this regard, the tubular member defines a central passageway in fluid communication with a nozzle passageway defined in the wall. By the method of the present disclosure, the tubular member always and beneficially directs the coolant toward the contact surface. In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure further includes adjusting the placement of the tubular member relative to the long edge and thus relative to the finishing member, for example, to address wear of the finishing member.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description, claims, and appendix below. It will be appreciated by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the drawings of FIG.

It is understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below, describing various embodiments, are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and nature of the claimed subject matter. should. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a better understanding of the various embodiments thereof, 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.

1 is a perspective view of an edge treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of part of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1, including shroud walls and tubular members; FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the shroud wall portion of FIG. 3; FIG. Figure 4 is a top view of part of the device of Figure 1 with the tubular member of Figure 3 removed; Figure 4 is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of the wall and tubular member of Figure 3; 6 is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative tubular member in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure assembled to the wall of FIG. 5; FIG. Figure 2 is a simplified top view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1; 2 is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a coolant discharge flow pattern without tubular members; FIG. 2 is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a coolant discharge flow pattern with a tubular member; FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of another edge treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, partially shown in block form; 9B is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 9A showing an alternative arrangement of the tubular member components of the device that differ from the arrangement of FIG. 9A; FIG. 9B is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 9A showing another alternative arrangement of the tubular member components different from that of FIGS. 9A and 9B; FIG. 2 is a simplified top view of a portion of a glass edge processing system including the apparatus of FIG. 1 in processing a glass sheet; FIG. Figure 11 is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of Figure 10, including the edge of a glass sheet being processed by the apparatus;

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of apparatus and methods for processing the edges of sheet-like substrates, such as the edges of glass sheets. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

One embodiment of an apparatus 10 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for edge processing of glass sheets is shown in FIG. Although the device 10 is described herein as being used to grind or polish the edges of a glass sheet, the device 10, and the devices of other embodiments of the present disclosure, are made of polymers such as Plexi-glass™. It should be understood that it can also be used to process other types of materials such as , metals, or other sheet-like substrates. As such, the device 10 of the present disclosure should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Apparatus 10 includes finishing member 12 and shroud 14 . For reference, a portion of shroud 14 is depicted in FIG. 1 as partially transparent to illustrate components such as finishing member 12 positioned within shroud 14 . In general terms, the finishing member 12 is rotatably maintained within a generally referenced chamber 16 defined by a shroud 14 and configured to treat, e.g., grind or polish the edges of the glass sheet. ing. Also, as will be described in more detail below, the apparatus 10 includes a coolant delivery system including one or more tubular members, not shown, for delivering coolant onto or toward the surface of the finishing member 12. incorporated. In this regard, device 10 may include one or more inlet ports 18, to which a source of pressurized coolant may be in fluid communication.

Finishing member 12 can take a variety of forms, and in some embodiments is a grinding wheel of the type known by those skilled in the art to be suitable for machining the edges of glass sheets, such as: Grinding wheels, polishing wheels, and the like. As a non-limiting example, the finishing member 12 can be a bond wheel with embedded or carrying abrasive particles or media. In some embodiments, the finishing member 12 can form one or more grooves of desired cross-section on its outer circumference. The finishing member 12 may be driven, eg, rotated, by a motor 20 that is attached to or supported against the shroud 14 .

Shroud 14 may take various forms, and in some embodiments may include cover 30 and base 32 that collectively define chamber 16 . With this optional configuration, cover 30 may be pivotally attached to base 32, such as by hinges 34, such that chamber 16 may be selectively opened, for example, FIG. The cover 30 is shown in a fully closed position, the cover 30 being selectively pivotable away from the base 32 when it is desired to open the chamber 16 . In some embodiments, shroud 14 may be defined by three or more pieces, and in other embodiments shroud 14 may have a homogenous or unitary construction. In any event, the shroud 14 may, in some embodiments, further include or provide an exhaust duct 36 that defines an exhaust passage 38, referenced generally. Exhaust passage 38 is in fluid communication with chamber 16 . Further, the exhaust duct 36 is configured to be fluidly connected to a vacuum source, not shown, whose operation results in a negative pressure or vacuum within the chamber 16 via the exhaust passage 38 . Alternatively, shroud 14 may incorporate other structures or features for evacuating fluid from chamber 16 .

Regardless of the exact configuration, and as shown in FIG. 1, the shape or footprint of shroud 14 is at least in the XY plane as defined by the X, Y, Z coordinate system designated in FIG. 12 perimeter shapes can be mimicked. Accordingly, in some embodiments, shroud 14 has a generally circular shape in the XY plane that corresponds relatively closely to circular finishing member 12 . Other shapes are also possible.

Shroud 14 defines a slot 40 that opens to chamber 16, as shown in the highly simplified cross-sectional view of FIG. For better understanding, the approximate location of slot 40 is also identified in FIG. Slot 40 is generally configured, e.g., sized and shaped, to slidably receive the edge of a glass sheet, not shown, so that the edge enters chamber 16 and interacts with finishing member 12. be able to. The discharge channel 38 is also shown broadly in FIG.

Slot 40 may be formed by shroud 14 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the shroud 14 can be considered to include or define first and second walls 50 , 52 that collectively form at least a portion of the perimeter of the slot 40 . The first and second walls 50, 52 can be provided in different configurations, for example, the first wall 50 can be part of or attached to the cover 30 (FIG. 1). The second wall 52 can be part of or attached to the base 32 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the first and second walls 50, 52 can be integrally formed as part of a single homogenous structure. In any event, first wall 50 terminates at first long edge 60 . Second wall portion 52 terminates in a second long edge 62 . First long edge 60 faces second long edge 62 and second long edge 62 with first and second long edges 60 , 62 each defining at least a portion of the perimeter of slot 40 . The walls 50, 52 are positioned so as to be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, one or both of the long edges 60, 62 can include a chamfer in the YZ plane relative to the remainder of the corresponding wall 50, 52 (see, eg, FIG. 3). . For example, first wall 50 can be considered to define outer surface 70 and inner surface 72 . First long edge 60 represents a transition edge adjacent outer surface 70 and inner surface 72 and forms a non-perpendicular angle with both surfaces 70 , 72 . With respect to the central plane P of the slot 40, any chamfer arrangement can be described as the first long edge 60 being non-perpendicular and non-parallel to the central plane P. Alternatively or additionally, the optional chamfer arrangement may be described as a first long edge 60 projecting away from the central plane P while extending from the outer surface 70 to the inner surface 72 . The second long edge 62 can have a similar or identical chamfer configuration extending between corresponding outer and inner surfaces of the second wall portion 52 . Finally, for reasons that will become apparent below, the device 10 is provided with one or more tubular members 80, referenced generally, that extend along one or both of the first and second long edges 60,62. protruding from

Shroud walls 50, 52 are shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, with tubular member 80 referenced generally, separated from the remainder of shroud 14. As shown in FIG. One or both of the walls 50, 52 define at least one nozzle passageway. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 3, the first wall 50 defines a first nozzle passage 90a, a second nozzle passage 90b, and a third nozzle passage 90c, respectively, and a second Wall portion 52 defines a first nozzle passageway 92a, a second nozzle passageway 92b, and a third nozzle passageway 92c, respectively. Any other number of nozzle passages is equally acceptable, and may be more or less than three, for example, one or more nozzle passages may be provided in the first wall 50; Any nozzle passages can be eliminated from wall 50, or vice versa. That is, the present disclosure is not limited to three nozzle passages for each wall 50,52. Regardless of the exact number provided, each of the nozzle passages 90a-90c, 92a-92c is configured to transport or discharge a fluid, e.g., a coolant or cooling liquid, and is located in the corresponding wall portion 50, 52, respectively. Long edges 60, 62 may terminate in openings. For example, with further reference to FIG. 4A, which separately shows the walls 50, 52 separately with the tubular member 80 removed, the first nozzle passage 90a in the first wall 50 extends along the first long edge 60. terminates at a first opening 100a. The first opening 100a functions as a nozzle-like orifice through which pressurized fluid exits the passageway 90a. The plane or shape of the first opening 100a corresponds to the plane or shape of the first long edge 60, e.g. imitate. In other words, the first long edge 60 can be a continuous, relatively smooth or flat surface, and the first opening 100a is formed in this continuous, relatively smooth or flat surface. However, the optionally curved shape of the first wall 50, i.e., as described above with respect to FIG. As 50 optionally incorporates this same curvature, it will be seen that first long edge 60 is also curved in the XY plane.

The second and third nozzle passages 90b, 90c of the first wall 50 can be substantially identical to the first nozzle passage 90a as described above, the second nozzle passage 90b Terminating in a second opening 100b in one long edge 60, the third nozzle passage 90c terminates in a third opening 100c in the first long edge 60. As shown in FIG. The nozzle passages 90a to 90c of the first wall portion 50 are spaced apart from each other. The optionally curved shape of the first long edge 60 in the XY plane causes the centerlines CL1-CL3 of the respective openings 100a-100c, and thus the spray direction provided by each of the openings 100a-100c, to be partially In embodiments, the openings 100a-100c generally intersect at the center of the finishing member 12 as depicted in FIG. 4B, which otherwise shows a portion of the apparatus 10 with the tubular member 80 (FIG. 3) removed. They can be radially offset from each other along the curvature of the first long edge 60 in the XY plane.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the nozzle passages 92a-92c in the second wall 52 can be similar or identical to the nozzle passages 90a-90c in the first wall 50 as described above. Thus, a first nozzle passage 92a may terminate at a first opening 102a in the second long edge 62 and a second nozzle passage 92b may terminate at a second opening 102b in the second long edge 62. Able to terminate, the third nozzle passage 92c may terminate at a third opening 102c in the second long edge 62. As shown in FIG. The walls 50, 52 are arranged such that, upon final assembly, each of the first wall openings 100a-100c is generally aligned in the Z direction with each of the second wall openings 102a-102c. For example, the first opening 100a in the first wall 50 is aligned in the Z direction with the first opening 102a in the second wall 52, and so on. In other embodiments, the nozzle passages 90a-90c, 92a-92c and/or openings 100a-100c, 102a-102c of the first and second walls 50, 52 may differ from each other with respect to shape and/or position. good.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, each tubular member 80 functions as an extension of a corresponding nozzle passageway, as described in detail below. The materials and dimensions of each of tubular members 80 are selected to maintain a selected or desired spatial orientation under expected operating conditions, thereby providing tubular members 80 with a structurally robust construction. For example, tubular member 80 is configured and assembled to shroud 14 (FIG. 1) so that it does not flex excessively when subjected to the drag associated with vacuum cross-flow. For example, tubular member 80 may be formed from plastic, metal such as brass, hardened rubber, and the like.

In some embodiments, one tubular member is provided for each nozzle passage opening associated with shroud 14 (FIG. 1). Thus, for example, first tubular member 110a, second tubular member 110b and third tubular member 110c are each associated with a corresponding one of nozzle passage openings 90a-90c in first wall 50, respectively. , the first tubular member 112a, the second tubular member 112b and the third tubular member 112c can each be associated with a corresponding one of the nozzle passage openings 92a-92c of the second wall 52. As shown in FIG. In other embodiments, one tubular member may be provided for some but not all of the available nozzle passage openings. In still other embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure may include only one tubular member 80. FIG. Although three nozzle passages and three tubular members are shown and described for each of the walls 50, 52, embodiments of the present disclosure may use any other number, no more than three. may be less.

In some embodiments, tubular members 110a-110c, 112a through 112c can be similar. For reference, FIG. 5 identifies outer surface 70 and inner surface 72 of first wall 50, and first nozzle passage 90a within the thickness of first wall 50 between outer surface 70 and inner surface 72. Indicates that it can be formed. In some non-limiting embodiments, the central longitudinal axis CA of the first nozzle passageway 90a can extend parallel to the outer surface 70 and the inner surface 72 . According to embodiments in which first wall 50 or second wall 52 (FIG. 2) provides two or more of nozzle passages, e.g., nozzle passages 90a-90c, 92a-92c (FIG. 3), This arbitrary parallel arrangement of corresponding central longitudinal axes with respect to the outer and inner surfaces of the corresponding walls can be done for some or all of the nozzle passages.

Tubular member 110a is a tubular body defining a central passageway 120a that is open to opposing inlet and distribution ends 122a and 124a. Tubular member 110a is associated with first wall portion 50 such that tubular member 110a projects from first long edge 60, and central passageway 120a is in fluid communication with first nozzle passageway 90a via inlet end 122a. are in communication. For example, the inlet end 122a can be inserted into the first nozzle passage 90a through a generally referenced opening 100a, e.g., the outer diameter of the tubular member 110a approximates the diameter of the opening 100a. . Alternatively, the inlet end 122a can be assembled against the face of the first long edge 60 with the central passageway 120a aligned with the opening 100a. Assembly or attachment of tubular member 110a to first wall 50 can be accomplished in a variety of ways apparent to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, threaded contact surfaces, press fit, adhesive bonding, welding, and the like. can. In a related embodiment, tubular members such as tubular member 110a of the present disclosure can be assembled or added to existing glass edge processing equipment. Gaskets or other sealing components, not shown, may optionally be provided to improve the fluid tight seal at the interface between first wall 50 and tubular member 110a. In still other embodiments, tubular member 110 a is an integrally formed part of first wall 50 . In any event, tubular member 110a effectively extends nozzle passageway 90a from opening 100a in first long edge 60 such that pressurized fluid discharged into nozzle passageway 90a exits dispensing end 124a. Although tubular member 110a is illustrated as being generally linear or straight, in other embodiments it may have curved or curvilinear geometries, non-limiting examples of which are shown in FIG. is shown for tubular member 80' in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 3, the dimensions, geometry and spatial arrangement of each tubular member 110a-110c, 112a-112c extending from the corresponding long edge 60, 62 need not be identical and the device 10 (FIG. 1) according to the operating parameters. For example, the simplified top cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of tubular members 110 a - 110 c projecting from first long edge 60 of first wall 50 relative to finish member 12 . As shown, the length and angular orientation of the first and third tubular members 110a, 110c differ from that of the second tubular member 110b. With this one possible arrangement, the approximate intersection of the respective flow paths Q1-Q3 established by the tubular members 110a-110c is at the perimeter or perimeter of the finishing member 12, so that the finishing member 12 and Cooling is focused on the expected contact points between the edges of the glass sheets, not shown. By way of comparison, and cross-referencing FIG. 4B, it will be recalled that FIG. 4B shows a portion of apparatus 10 with tubular members removed, but without tubular members 110a-110c, the openings 100a-100c would be closed. The coolant flow exiting from each will interact with the perimeter or perimeter of the finish member 12 at discrete points, resulting in reduced cooling of the expected contact points between the finish member 12 and the glass sheet. less effective. The flow paths Q1-Q3 caused by the size, shape and/or spatial arrangement of one or more tubular members 110a-110c relative to the first long edge 60 are offset from the centerlines CL1-CL3 of the corresponding openings 100a-100c. different.

A further benefit that becomes apparent by comparing Figures 4B and 7 is that the dispensing ends 124a-124c of each of the tubular members 110a-110c are physically closer to the finishing member 12 than the corresponding openings 100a-100c. is. As a result, the flow of discharged or injected coolant is less likely to collapse. For example, Figure 8A shows the first nozzle passage 90a for the finishing member 12 with the first tubular member 110a (Figure 7) removed. A first gap G1 is defined as the linear distance between the opening 100a and the finish member 12. As shown in FIG. A pressurized fluid stream (coolant) Q1 provided to the first nozzle passage 90a is represented by arrows and is initially focused toward the expected point of contact between the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet (not shown). It exits the opening 100a as a fine spray or jet. Under typical glass sheet edge finishing, e.g., grinding or polishing conditions, the finishing member 12 rotates at high speeds, entrains air, and creates a high velocity air barrier around the finishing member. Further, as noted above, a negative pressure, eg, a vacuum, is created within chamber 16 relative to the ambient pressure outside chamber 16, which is referred to generally, to remove fluid containing particles. As a result, there is typically a high velocity cross-flow of air due to the vacuum, which through acting drag forces can disturb and misdirect the fluid stream jet Q1. In this way the fluid stream Q1 breaks up and becomes less focused when it reaches the finishing member 12 . This possible effect is shown schematically in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B, on the other hand, shows the same arrangement as FIG. 8A, but with tubular member 110a included. A second gap G2 is provided between the dispensing end 124a and the finishing member 12. As shown in FIG. The distance of the second gap G2 is less than the distance of the first gap G1 (FIG. 8A). The pressurized fluid stream Q1 provided to the first nozzle passage 90a, again represented by arrows, is in close proximity to the finishing member 12 and thus between the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet (not shown). It exits dispensing end 124a as a focused spray or jet in close proximity to the expected point of contact. Tubular member 110a protects fluid flow Q1 from the above-described cross-flow drag. By injecting the fluid stream Q1 as close to the finishing member 12 as possible, the velocity of the pressurized fluid stream Q1 is maintained, thus more easily breaking the air barrier created around the finishing member 12. can be done. As a result, the fluid stream Q1 is more focused when it reaches the finishing member 12 than in FIG. 8A.

Returning to FIG. 3, the size, shape, or other physical characteristics of tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c may differ from each other, and the finished member 12 (FIG. 1) may be tailored to suit a particular end use. ) (eg, dispense end 124a labeled with respect to first tubular member 110a in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, one, two or more, or all of tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c are removably assembled to corresponding walls 50,52. This configuration allows some or all of tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c to be replaced as expected operating conditions change. For example, the useful length of each of the tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c is determined by the diameter or size of the finishing member 12 (e.g., over time, the finishing member 12 may wear and reduce in outer diameter, different finishing operations require the use of differently configured or sized finishing members), the rotational speed of the finishing member 12 for a particular finishing application, the speed at which the substrate is moved relative to the finishing device 10 (FIG. 1), etc. be able to.

In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure can be configured to automatically adjust or change the spatial orientation of the tubular member. For example, FIG. 9A illustrates, in simplified form, a portion of another embodiment finishing apparatus 200 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Apparatus 200 can be very similar to apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) described above and includes a shroud 202, a finishing member not shown but similar to finishing member 12 (FIG. 1) described above, and at least one tubular member. 204 , actuator 206 and controller 208 . Broadly speaking, tubular members 204 project from segments of shroud 202 and are configured to be spatially manipulated by actuators 206 . Controller 208 is electronically coupled to actuator 206 and is configured (eg, programmed) to prompt operation of actuator 206 in a selected manner.

Shroud 202 may have any of the forms or features described above with respect to shroud 14 (Fig. 1), and generally referenced slot 224 may slidably receive a glass sheet, not shown. includes a wall 220 terminating in a long edge 222 that defines at least a portion of the . A nozzle passageway 226 is defined in the wall portion 220 .

Tubular member 204 connects and is in fluid communication with nozzle passageway 226 through an opening in long edge 222 and defines a central passageway 230 that opens at dispensing end 232 . The embodiment of Figure 9A allows for adjustment of the spatial position or placement of the dispensing end 232 relative to the long edge 222 and thus relative to the finishing member (not shown). In some embodiments, tubular member 204 is configured to be extendable in length and retractable via, for example, the telescoping configuration suggested by FIG. 9A. Other extendable and retractable configurations are also contemplated, such as by bellows-like parts, articulated linkages, and the like. In still other embodiments, the type of connection between tubular member 204 and wall 220 can be configured to allow selective extension/contraction of tubular member 204 relative to long edge 222, for example, tubular Member 204 may be slidably attached to wall 220 . In any event, tubular member 204 may be articulated to extend or retract dispensing end 232 relative to long edge 222 in the direction indicated by arrow "L" in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows an example of tubular member 204 in an extended configuration, ie, dispensing end 232 has been moved away from long edge 222 as compared to the configuration of FIG. 9A.

In addition to or instead of extending and retracting, the type of connection between tubular member 204 and/or tubular member 204 and wall portion 220 may be transverse deflection or articulation of dispensing end 232 relative to long edge 222. configured to allow For example, a hinged or pivotal connection, such as a ball joint, may be provided between tubular member 204 and wall 220 . Alternatively, or in addition, tubular member 204 may be comprised of multiple pieces or sections, such as flexible, that are pivotally connected to each other. In any event, tubular member 204 may be articulated to deflect dispensing end 232 in any transverse direction relative to long edge 222, generally indicated by arrow "T" in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C shows an example of tubular member 204 in a transversely articulated arrangement as compared to the arrangement of FIG. 9B.

Returning to FIG. 9A, actuators 206 can take a variety of forms suitable for adjusting tubular member 204 relative to long edge 222 and will vary depending on the specific design of tubular member 204 . For example, actuator 206 may include a servomotor mechanically coupled to one or more parts of tubular member 204 such that movement of the servomotor moves at least one part of tubular member 204 relative to another part. or may include such a servo motor. Other types of actuators, such as hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc., are equally acceptable. Where device 200 includes multiple tubular members 204 , a separate actuator 206 may be provided for each tubular member 204 .

The controller 208 can be or include a computer or computer-type device, such as a programmable logic controller. Controller 208 may include a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the processor. A set of computer readable instructions may be stored in this memory which, when executed by the processor, modify the spatial position of dispensing end 232 relative to long edge 222 by issuing instructions to at least actuators 206 . Controller 208 is optionally programmed, eg, hardware, software, electrical circuitry, to prompt operation of actuator 206 in a predetermined manner. For example, the controller 208 may adjust the tubular shape in a predetermined manner, such as based on the particular type of finishing member, e.g., size, number of grooves, etc., based on expected or detected wear of the finishing member. It can be programmed to urge actuator 206 to extend or retract member 204 . In some embodiments, the controller 208 is programmed with one or more algorithms and/or lookup tables that correlate predetermined spatial positions of the dispensing tip 232 relative to the long edge 222 with operating times of the finishing members. For example, when a new finishing member is first installed, the algorithm and/or lookup table identifies a first spatial location of the dispensing edge 232 and determines the appropriate position for finishing the edge of the substrate. After a first period of time that the finishing member has been used, the algorithm and/or lookup table identifies a second spatial location of dispensing end 232 that is generally farther from long edge 222 than the first spatial location. and after a subsequent second period of time in which the finishing member has been further used to finish the edge of the substrate, the algorithm and/or lookup table is generally farther from the long edge 222 than the second spatial location. Identifying a third spatial location of the dispensing end 232, and so on. In other embodiments, controller 208 may include or consist of a user input device that allows a user to select a desired spatial arrangement of tubular member 204 . Controller 208 can be electronically connected to actuator 206 by a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, controller 208 may be a controller that operates to control other operations of apparatus 200 and/or other operations of a finishing system in which apparatus 200 is installed.

Returning to FIG. 1, the method of the present disclosure includes operating apparatus 10 to process the edge of a substrate, such as the edge of a glass sheet. In some embodiments, and with further reference to FIG. 10, one or more edge processing apparatus 10 can be provided as part of an edge processing system 300 that further includes a transport device 302 of a type known in the art. Transport device 302 operates to transport a glass sheet 304 or other substrate toward edge processing apparatus 10 . As the glass sheet 304 continues to be transported in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10, the edge 306 of the glass sheet 304 enters the shroud 14 through the slot 40 referenced generally. In some embodiments, the system 300 can include one or more additional processing devices, such as for further edge processing downstream of the apparatus 10, for processing the opposite edge 308 of the glass sheet 304. can. In any event, and with reference to FIG. 11, upon entering the shroud 14, the rim 306 contacts the finishing member 12, which, in turn, is oriented so as to accomplish the desired treatment, e.g., grinding, polishing, etc. Driven, e.g. rotating. At the same time, coolant flow Q1, represented by arrows, is discharged into nozzle passage 90a. Coolant flow Q1 is forced out of central passageway 120a of tubular member 110a and then directed or injected onto contact surface 310 between finishing member 12 and rim 306 via distribution end 124a. The coolant can also be injected onto the contact surface 310 from other tubular members (not shown) if provided. The method of the present disclosure further optionally includes the step of periodically adjusting the spatial arrangement of tubular member 110a relative to long edge 60, and thus to finishing member 12, as described above. In some embodiments, adjustment of tubular member 110a occurs automatically as finishing member 12 wears.

Various modifications and variations are possible in the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, this specification is intended to cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. there is

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item.

Embodiment 1
An apparatus for processing the edge of a sheet-like substrate,
a finishing member for processing the edges of the sheet-like substrate;
A shroud defining a chamber for rotatably retaining said finishing member,
a first wall portion terminating in the first long edge;
a second wall terminating in a second long edge opposite the first long edge;
said first long edge and said second long edge collectively being a slot opening into said chamber for slidably receiving said edge of said sheet-like substrate interacting with said finishing member; defining at least a portion of the configured slot;
a shroud further wherein said first wall defines a first nozzle passage for discharging fluid, said first nozzle passage terminating in a first opening in said first long edge; Apparatus including a first tubular member projecting from a first long edge and defining a passageway in fluid communication with said first nozzle passageway.

Embodiment 2
2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the first tubular member is configured to direct coolant flow from the first nozzle passage toward the finishing member.

Embodiment 3
The first tubular member terminates at a dispensing end opposite the first long edge and the distance between the dispensing end and the finishing member is between the first long edge and the finishing member 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the distance is less than the distance of .

Embodiment 4
wherein said first wall further defines opposed outer and inner surfaces, said first long edge extending between and adjacent to said outer and inner surfaces; A device according to aspect 1.

Embodiment 5
5. The apparatus of embodiment 4, wherein the first nozzle passage is defined within the thickness of the first wall between the outer surface and the inner surface.

Embodiment 6
2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the first long edge is chamfered with respect to the remainder of the first wall.

Embodiment 7
2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the placement of said first tubular member relative to said first long edge is adjustable.

Embodiment 8
8. The apparatus of embodiment 7, further comprising an actuator coupled to the first tubular member and configured to adjust the first tubular member relative to the first long edge.

Embodiment 9
2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the first tubular member is removably assembled to the first wall.

Embodiment 10
A fluid ejecting second nozzle passage is defined in the first wall, the second nozzle passage being spaced from the first nozzle passage at a second opening in the first long edge. 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the device further comprises a second tubular member that terminates and defines a passageway projecting from the first long edge and in fluid communication with the second opening.

Embodiment 11
A fluid ejecting second nozzle passage is defined in the second wall, the second nozzle passage terminating in a second opening in the second long edge, the device 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising a second tubular member projecting from a long edge of the and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the second opening.

Embodiment 12
2. The shroud of embodiment 1, wherein the shroud further defines an exhaust passageway in fluid communication with the chamber that removes contaminants from the chamber when a vacuum applied to the exhaust passageway is present. Device.

Embodiment 13
An apparatus for processing the edge of a sheet-like substrate,
a finishing member for processing the edges of the sheet-like substrate;
A shroud defining a chamber for rotatably retaining said finishing member,
a wall portion terminating in a long edge, the long edge opening into the chamber and configured to slidably receive the edge of the sheet-like substrate for interaction with the finishing member; a shroud comprising a wall defining at least a portion of, said wall defining a nozzle passage for discharging fluid, said nozzle passage terminating in said long edge opening; A device comprising a tubular member assembled and projecting from said long edge, said tubular member defining a passageway in fluid communication with said nozzle passageway.

Embodiment 14
14. The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein the tubular member is removably assembled to the wall by at least one of a threaded connection and a press fit connection.

Embodiment 15
A method for treating the edges of a sheet-like substrate, comprising:
directing the edge of the sheet-like substrate through a slot in a shroud of a processing apparatus and into a chamber of the shroud, the slot being at least partially defined by a long edge of a wall of the shroud; , step,
treating the edge of the sheet-like substrate with a finishing member disposed within the chamber; and during the treating step, treating the edge of the sheet-like substrate via a tubular member projecting from the long edge. directing a flow of coolant to a contact surface between said finishing members, said tubular members defining a central passage in fluid communication with a nozzle passage defined in said wall.

Embodiment 16
16. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising adjusting placement of the tubular member relative to the long edge.

Embodiment 17
17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the adjusting step comprises varying the distance between the dispensing end of the tubular member and the long edge.

Embodiment 18
17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the adjusting step comprises changing the angular relationship of the central axis of the tubular member with respect to the long edge.

Embodiment 19
The adjusting step includes:
17. The method of embodiment 16, comprising monitoring wear of the finishing member; and altering the spatial orientation of the tubular member relative to the long edge based on wear of the finishing member.

Embodiment 20
20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein the monitoring step is performed by a computing device operating on software programmed to prompt changes in the spatial arrangement of the tubular member relative to the long edge.

10 edge treatment device 12 finishing member 14, 202 shroud 16 chamber 18 inlet port 20 motor 30 cover 32 base 34 hinge 36 exhaust duct 38 exhaust passage 40, 224 slot 50, 52, 220 wall 60, 62, 222 long edge 70 outer surface 72 inner surface 80, 80', 110a, 110b, 110c, 112a, 112b, 112c, 204 tubular member 90a, 90b, 90c, 92a, 92b, 92c, 226 nozzle passage 100a, 100b, 100c, 102a, 102b, 102c opening 120a , 230 central passageway 122a inlet end 124a, 124b, 124c, 232 dispensing end 200 finishing device 206 actuator 208 controller 300 edge treatment system 302 transport device 304 glass sheet 306, 308 edge of glass sheet 310 contact surface CA central longitudinal axis CL1, CL2, CL3 centerline G1, G2 gap L direction P center plane Q1, Q2, Q3 flow path (fluid flow)
T transverse direction

Claims (10)

An apparatus for processing the edge of a sheet-like substrate,
a finishing member for processing the edges of the sheet-like substrate;
A shroud defining a chamber for rotatably retaining said finishing member,
a first wall portion terminating in the first long edge;
a second wall terminating in a second long edge opposite said first long edge of said first wall;
said first long edge and said second long edge collectively being a slot opening into said chamber for slidably receiving said edge of said sheet-like substrate interacting with said finishing member; defining at least a portion of the configured slot;
a shroud wherein said first wall defines a first nozzle passage for discharging fluid, said first nozzle passage terminating in a first opening in said first long edge; an articulated first tubular member projecting from a first long edge and defining a passageway in fluid communication with said first nozzle passageway for directing coolant flow from said first nozzle passageway to said finishing member; An apparatus comprising a first tubular member configured to be oriented upwardly. The articulated first tubular member terminates at a dispensing end opposite the first long edge, and the distance between the dispensing end and the finishing member is the first long edge and the finishing member. 2. The device of claim 1, which is less than the distance between the members. The first wall further defines opposed outer and inner surfaces, and wherein the first long edge extends between and is adjacent to the outer and inner surfaces. Item 3. The device according to Item 1 or 2. the articulated first tubular member comprising:
extending or contracting with respect to said first long edge and deflecting transversely with respect to said first long edge;
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to perform at least one of: 5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a controller configured to control articulation of the articulated first tubular member. A method for treating the edges of a sheet-like substrate, comprising:
directing the edge of the sheet-like substrate through a slot in a shroud of a processing apparatus and into a chamber of the shroud, the slot defined at least partially by a long edge of a wall of the shroud; , step,
treating said edges of said sheet-like substrate with a finishing member disposed within said chamber; directing a flow of coolant to a contact surface between said rim and said finishing member, said articulated tubular member defining a central passage in fluid communication with a nozzle passage defined in said wall; , the method including the steps. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising adjusting placement of said articulated tubular member relative to said long edge. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the adjusting step comprises varying the distance between the dispensing end of the articulating tubular member and the long edge. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the adjusting step comprises changing the angular relationship of the central axis of the tubular member with respect to the long edge. The adjusting step includes:
8. The method of claim 7, comprising monitoring wear of the finishing member and varying the spatial orientation of the articulated tubular member relative to the long edge based on wear of the finishing member.

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