KR20200033897A - Method and device for adjustable glass ribbon heat transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass article includes flowing a glass ribbon through a housing having first and second sidewalls. The device includes a modular cartridge removably positioned on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the modular cartridge extending between at least one heat transfer mechanism, and the at least one heat transfer mechanism and the glass ribbon Includes removable wall components.

Description

Method and device for adjustable glass ribbon heat transfer

This application is filed on July 21, 2017, US Provisional Application No. 62 / 535,374, 35 U.S.C. Claim the benefit of priority under § 119, the content of which is the basis of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing adjustable glass ribbon heat transfer in the manufacture of a glass article.

In the production of glass articles such as glass sheets for display applications including televisions and portable devices, such as phones and tablets, the glass articles can be produced from glass ribbons that flow continuously through the housing. The housing can include a top wall section that provides physical separation between the glass ribbon and a processing facility, such as a heating and cooling facility. This upper wall section can not only act as a physical barrier to protect these installations, but also provide a thermal effect to smooth the thermal gradient experienced by the glass ribbon. It is believed that these thermal effects affect certain glass properties such as thickness uniformity and surface flatness or corrugation.

However, the physical barrier between the glass ribbon and the treatment plant, such as a cooling plant, can reduce the heat removal capability of the plant. This heat removal is increasingly important at elevated glass flow rates for glass with low specific heat capacity and / or emissivity, glass with high viscosity and / or relatively low temperature ribbon temperature. In addition, differences in glass flow rate, specific heat capacity, emissivity and viscosity may require different optimal conditions for the heat transfer between the glass ribbon and the processing equipment, such as heating and cooling equipment. Reconstruction or retrofitting of existing top wall sections and associated treatment facilities to account for these differences can involve significant cost and process downtime. Accordingly, there is a need for a top wall section that can variably account for these differences without significant cost and process downtime.

Embodiments disclosed herein include an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article. The device includes a housing including a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The housing is configured to at least partially surround a glass ribbon having opposing first and second major surfaces extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The first and second sidewalls are configured to extend longitudinally and transversely along at least a portion of the opposing first and second major surfaces of the glass ribbon. The device also includes a modular cartridge removably positioned on at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The modular cartridge includes at least one heat transfer mechanism, and a removable wall component configured to extend between the at least one heat transfer mechanism and a glass ribbon. The view factor between the glass ribbon and the at least one heat transfer mechanism is greater when no removable wall component is present than when the removable wall component is present.

Embodiments disclosed herein also include methods of making glass articles. The method includes flowing glass ribbons having opposing first and second major surfaces extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions through a housing comprising first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls extend longitudinally and transversely along at least a portion of the opposing first and second major surfaces of the glass ribbon. The modular cartridge is removably positioned on at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The modular cartridge includes at least one heat transfer mechanism, and a removable wall component extending between the at least one heat transfer mechanism and a glass ribbon. The shape factor between the glass ribbon and the at least one heat transfer mechanism is greater when no removable wall component is present than when the removable wall component is present.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein are set forth in the detailed description, which in part is readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or which includes the following detailed description, claims, as well as the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated by practicing the disclosed embodiments as described herein.

It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description provide examples intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and properties of the claimed embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide additional understanding, and are incorporated into and constituted as part of the specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the embodiments.

1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary melt down drawn glass manufacturing apparatus and process.
2 is an end cutaway schematic view of a glass ribbon forming apparatus and process including a modular cartridge removably positioned on the first and second sidewalls of the apparatus.
3 is a schematic top cut-away view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 2;
4 is a top cutaway schematic view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 2 with the cooling mechanism removed from the device.
5 is an end cutaway schematic view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 4 with the modular cartridge removed from the apparatus.
6 is a schematic end cutaway view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 2, with no removable wall components present.
7 is an end cutaway schematic view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 6 with the modular cartridge removed from the apparatus.
8 is a schematic side cut-away view of a modular cartridge slidably positioned on a support frame of a glass ribbon forming apparatus.
9 is a schematic end cutaway view of a removable wall component slidably positioned on a modular cartridge.

Reference will now be made in detail to this preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the example of which is shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples presented herein.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one specific value and / or to another specific value. Likewise, it should be understood that if a value is expressed as an approximation, eg, by the use of a preceding “about”, a particular value forms another embodiment. It should be further understood that the endpoints of each range are important with respect to the other endpoints and independently of the other endpoints.

As used herein, terms related to orientation-for example, top, bottom, right, left, front, rear, top, bottom-are only performed with reference to the drawings as shown, and are not intended to imply absolute orientation. Does not.

Unless otherwise specified, any method presented herein is never to be interpreted as requiring that the steps be performed in a specific order or intended to require specific orientation in any device. Thus, it is claimed that a method claim does not actually describe the order as the step being followed, or that any device claim does not actually describe the order or orientation for an individual component, or that the steps are limited to a specific order. However, the order or orientation is never intended to be inferred from any point of view unless specifically stated otherwise in the detailed description, or if no specific order or orientation of components of the device is described. This also applies to any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: arrangement of steps, flow of operation, order of components, or orientation of components. Logic problems; Ordinary meaning derived from grammatical composition or punctuation; Number or types of embodiments described in the specification.

As used herein, the singular form includes a plurality of indications unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, reference to a “one” component includes aspects having two or more such components.

As used herein, the term “heating mechanism” refers to a mechanism that provides reduced heat transfer from at least a portion of the glass ribbon compared to conditions where such a heating mechanism is not present. Reduced heat transfer can occur through at least one of conduction, convection and radiation. For example, the heating mechanism can provide a reduced temperature difference between at least a portion of the glass ribbon and its environment compared to conditions where such a heating mechanism is not present.

As used herein, the term “cooling mechanism” refers to a mechanism that provides increased heat transfer from at least a portion of the glass ribbon compared to conditions where such a cooling mechanism is not present. Increased heat transfer can occur through at least one of conduction, convection and radiation. For example, a cooling mechanism can provide an increased temperature difference between at least a portion of the glass ribbon and its environment compared to conditions where such a cooling mechanism is not present.

As used herein, the term "heat transfer mechanism" refers to at least one of a heating mechanism and a cooling mechanism.

As used herein, the term “shape factor” refers to the proportion of radiation leaving one surface and impinging on another surface, such as the rate of radiation leaving the glass ribbon and impinging the heat transfer mechanism.

As used herein, the term “housing” refers to an outer shell within which a glass ribbon is molded, and as the glass ribbon moves through the housing, it is generally cooled from a relatively higher temperature to a relatively lower temperature. Although the embodiments disclosed herein have been described with reference to a melt down draw process in which the glass ribbon flows down through the housing in a generally vertical direction, these embodiments are also described as float processes, slot draw processes, up draw processes, and press rolling processes. It should be understood that it is applicable to other glass forming processes, such as, and the glass ribbon may flow through the housing in various directions, such as generally vertical direction or generally horizontal direction.

1, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown. In some examples, the glass making apparatus 10 can include a glass melting furnace 12 that can include a melting vessel 14. In addition to the melting vessel 14, the glass melting furnace 12 may optionally include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (eg, combustion burners or electrodes) that heat the raw materials and convert the raw materials into molten glass. You can. In another example, the glass melting furnace 12 can include a thermal management device (eg, insulating component) that reduces heat lost from the vicinity of the melting vessel. In another example, the glass melting furnace 12 can include an electronic device and / or an electromechanical device that facilitates melting the raw material into the glass melt. Still further, the glass melting furnace 12 may include support structures (eg, support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

The glass melting vessel 14 is typically composed of a refractory ceramic material, such as a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconia. In some examples, the glass melting vessel 14 may be constructed of refractory ceramic bricks. A specific embodiment of the glass melting vessel 14 will be described in more detail below.

In some examples, the glass melting furnace can be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a glass substrate, such as a continuous length of glass ribbon. In some examples, the glass melting furnaces of the present disclosure benefit from slot draw devices, float bath devices, down draw devices such as melting processes, up draw devices, press rolling devices, tube draw devices, or aspects disclosed herein. It can be incorporated as a component of a glass making apparatus, including any other glass making apparatus obtainable. As an example, FIG. 1 schematically shows a glass melting furnace 12 which is a component of a melt down drawn glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for melt drawing a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets.

The glass making apparatus 10 (eg, melt down drawing apparatus 10) may optionally include an upstream glass making apparatus 16 positioned upstream relative to the glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, some or all of the upstream glass making apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass making apparatus 16 may include a storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device. The storage bin 18 can be configured to store a predetermined amount of raw material 24 that can be fed into the melting vessel 14 of the glass melting furnace 12, as indicated by arrow 26. Raw material 24 typically includes one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material delivery device 20 is powered by a motor 22 so that the raw material delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from the storage bin 18 to the melting vessel 14. You can do it. In another example, the motor 22 can power the raw material delivery device 20 to introduce the raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on the level of molten glass sensed downstream from the melting vessel 14. The raw material 24 in the melting vessel 14 can then be heated to form the molten glass 28.

Further, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 positioned downstream with respect to the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, a portion of the downstream glass making apparatus 30 can be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, the first connecting conduit 32 described below, or other portion of the downstream glass making apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. Including the first connecting conduit 32, the elements of the downstream glass making apparatus can be formed of a noble metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group of metals consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass making apparatus can be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising from about 70 to about 90 weight percent platinum and from about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent rhodium. However, other suitable metals may include molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten and their alloys.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 is a first conditioning (i.e. processing) conditioning vessel positioned downstream from the melting vessel 14 and coupled to the melting vessel 14 by the first connecting conduit 32 described above. ), For example, may include a clarifying container 34. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the melting vessel 14 to the clarification vessel 34 by the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity can cause the molten glass 28 to pass through the inner path of the first connecting conduit 32 from the melting vessel 14 to the clarification vessel 34. However, it should be understood that other conditioning vessels may be located downstream of the melting vessel 14, for example between the melting vessel 14 and the clarification vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning vessel may be employed between the melting vessel and the clarification vessel, and the molten glass from the primary melting vessel is further heated to continue the melting process, or before entering the clarification vessel, within the melting vessel. It is cooled to a temperature lower than that of the molten glass.

Bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 in the clarification vessel 34 by various techniques. For example, raw material 24 may include a multivalent compound (ie, a clarifier), such as tin oxide, which undergoes a chemical reduction reaction when released and releases oxygen. Other suitable fining agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron and cerium. The clarifying vessel 34 is heated to a temperature higher than the melting vessel temperature, thereby heating the molten glass and the clarifying agent. Oxygen bubbles generated by temperature-induced chemical reduction of the clarifier (s) rise through the molten glass in the clarification vessel, and gas in the molten glass produced in the melting furnace diffuses or aggregates into the oxygen bubbles produced by the clarifier. Can be. The enlarged bubbles can then rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the clarification vessel, and then ejected from the clarification vessel. Oxygen bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the clarification vessel.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36 for mixing molten glass. The mixing vessel 36 can be located downstream from the clarification vessel 34. The mixing vessel 36 can be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing the code of chemical or thermal heterogeneity that may otherwise be present in the clarified molten glass exiting the clarifying vessel. As shown, the clarification vessel 34 can be coupled to the mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the clarifying vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity can cause the molten glass 28 to pass through the inner path of the second connecting conduit 38 from the clarifying vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36. It should be noted that although the mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of the clarifying vessel 34, the mixing vessel 36 can be positioned upstream from the clarifying vessel 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass making apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, for example a mixing vessel upstream from the clarification vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream from the clarification vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels can be of the same design, or can be of different designs.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a delivery vessel 40 that may be located downstream from the mixing vessel 36. The delivery container 40 can condition the molten glass 28 to be fed into the downstream forming device. For example, the transfer container 40 is an accumulator and / or flow controller for adjusting the constant flow of the molten glass 28 and / or providing a constant flow to the shaped body 42 by the outlet conduit 44. Can act as As shown, the mixing vessel 36 can be coupled to the delivery vessel 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the mixing vessel 36 to the delivery vessel 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity can drive molten glass 28 through the inner path of third connecting conduit 46 from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40.

The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a molding apparatus 48, and the molding apparatus includes the molded body 42 and the inlet conduit 50 described above. Outlet conduit 44 may be positioned to deliver molten glass 28 from delivery vessel 40 to inlet conduit 50 of forming apparatus 48. In an example, for example, the outlet conduit 44 can be seated within and spaced from the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50, thereby between the outer surface of the outlet conduit 44 and the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50 Can provide a free surface of the molten glass. The molded body 42 in the molten down drawn glass manufacturing apparatus may include a trough 52 positioned in the upper surface of the molded body, and a converging molded surface 54 converging in the drawing direction along the bottom edge 56 of the molded body. . The molten glass delivered to the molded gutter through the delivery vessel 40, outlet conduit 44 and inlet conduit 50 flows through the sidewalls of the gutter and descends as separate flows of molten glass along the converging forming surface 54. Individual flows of molten glass join under and along the bottom edge 56 to create a single glass ribbon 58, which controls the dimensions of the glass ribbon as the glass cools and the viscosity of the glass increases. In order to draw or pull the glass ribbon by means of gravity, edge roll 72 and pull roll 82, for example, it is drawn from the bottom edge 56 or drawn in the flow direction 60. Thus, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that impart stable dimensional properties to the glass ribbon 58. The glass ribbon 58 may, in some embodiments, be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by the glass separation device 100 within the elastic region of the glass ribbon. The robot 64 can then use the gripping tool 65 to transfer the individual glass sheets 62 to the conveyor system, where the individual glass sheets can be further processed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic end cutaway view of a glass ribbon forming apparatus and process comprising a modular cartridge 210 that includes a heating mechanism 230 that includes an electrical resistance element 214 and an insulating package 212. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the glass ribbon 58 is longitudinally below the bottom edge 56 of the molded body 42 and between the first and second sidewalls 202 of the housing 200. It flows in the draw or flow direction 60. The housing 200 can be generally separated from the molded body shell 208 by a separating member 206, and referring to the drawing or flow direction 60 of the glass ribbon 58, the housing 200 is the molded body shell 208 ).

The modular cartridge 210 also includes a removable wall component 218 extending between the heating mechanism 230 and the glass ribbon 58. 2, in one embodiment, the removable wall component 218 is coplanar with the first and second sidewalls 202, which plane flow direction of the glass ribbon 58 ( 60).

Each removable wall component 218 can include the same or different material or materials that make up the first and second sidewalls 202. In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the removable wall components 218 and the first and second sidewalls 202 are elevated while maintaining high mechanical integrity at such temperatures, such as temperatures above about 750 ° C. Material with a relatively high thermal conductivity at a given temperature. Exemplary materials for the removable wall component 218 and the first and second sidewalls 202 include various grades of silicon carbide, alumina refractory materials, zircon-based refractory materials, titanium-based alloy steels, and nickel-based It may include at least one of the alloy steel. The removable wall component 218 can also be coated with a high emissivity coating, such as the M700 black coating available from Cetek.

Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows a modular cartridge 210 that includes an electrical resistance element 214 and a heating mechanism 230 that includes an insulating package 212, the embodiments disclosed herein, for example, It should be understood that it includes other types of heating mechanisms such as heating mechanisms including induction heating, flame heating, plasma heating, vibration heating, laser heating, and microwave heating.

The modular cartridge 210 also includes a heating mechanism, such as a heating mechanism that includes a bar or rod-shaped electrical resistance heating element extending substantially parallel to the glass ribbon 58 in the width direction and connected to a suitable electrical supply. It may include at least one or extend around it. Bar or rod-shaped heating elements can include, for example, silicon carbide, molybdenum disilicide, nichrome, platinum alloys, and various commercial heating compositions known to those skilled in the art. Commercially available resistive heating rods include Silicon Carbide Starbars® available from I Squared R Element Co. and Globars ™ available from Sandvik.

As shown in FIG. 2, the modular cartridge 210 extends around a cooling mechanism 228 that includes a conduit 216 with cooling fluid flowing therethrough. Conduit 216 extends between heating mechanism 230 and glass ribbon 58. In addition, removable wall component 218 extends between conduit 216 and glass ribbon 58.

In certain example embodiments, the cooling fluid flowing through conduit 216 may include a liquid, such as water. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid flowing through conduit 216 may include a gas such as air. 2, 6, and 7 show a conduit 216 having a generally circular cross-section, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein include those having other cross-sectional geometries, such as elliptical or polygonal. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein, depending on the desired amount of heat transfer from the glass ribbon 58, such as when a different amount of heat transfer from the glass ribbon 58 in its width direction is required, each conduit 216 It should be understood that the diameter or cross-sectional area of is approximately the same or involves varying along its longitudinal length. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the longitudinal length of each conduit 216 is the same or different, and may or may not extend entirely across the glass ribbon 58 in its width direction.

Exemplary materials for conduit 210 include possessing good mechanical and oxidizing properties at elevated temperatures, including various alloy steels, including stainless steel, such as 300 series stainless steel.

In addition, embodiments disclosed herein include that a high emissivity coating is deposited on at least a portion of the outer surface of each conduit 216 to affect radiant heat transfer between the glass ribbon 58 and the conduit 216. , The same or different coatings can be deposited along their longitudinal length on the outer surface of each conduit 216 depending on the desired amount of heat transfer from the glass ribbon 58. The exemplary high emissivity coating should be stable at elevated temperatures and have good adhesion to materials such as stainless steel. One exemplary high emissivity coating is the M700 black coating available from Cetek.

Each conduit 216 may include one or more fluid channels extending along at least a portion of its longitudinal length, with cooling fluid introduced into the conduit at the first end and along the first channel of the longitudinal length of the conduit. At least one channel, such as when it flows along at least a portion and then flows back to the first end of the conduit along a second channel that circumferentially surrounds the first channel or is circumferentially surrounded by the first channel Embodiments are provided that circumferentially surround at least one other channel. This and additional exemplary embodiments of conduit 216 are described, for example, in WO2006 / 044929A1, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

2 shows a modular cartridge 210 that extends around three conduits 216 on each side of the glass ribbon 58, but the embodiments disclosed herein may include any number of modular cartridges 210. It should be understood that it may include extending around the conduit and / or any other type of cooling mechanism 228. Embodiments disclosed herein also include the modular cartridge 210 extending around at least one heating mechanism.

In addition, the modular cartridge 210 may extend around the cooling mechanism 228 as shown in FIG. 2, but embodiments disclosed herein may include that the modular cartridge includes at least one cooling mechanism 228. Includes. For example, the modular cartridge may extend around or include a convection cooling mechanism, such as a vacuum cooling mechanism comprising a plurality of vacuum ports as disclosed in WO2014 / 193780A1, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. As integrated.

The modular cartridge 210 may also extend around or include a cooling mechanism 228 that includes a plurality of cooling tubes each including a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the flow direction 60. Each cooling tube can be positioned adjacent to the removable wall component 218 and is supplied with a cooling fluid such as air that is exhausted from the open end of the cooling tube and impacts the back of the removable wall component 218. It includes an open end. The supply of fluid to the cooling tube can be controlled individually, allowing the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon 58 to be controlled or varied. Exemplary cooling tubes include those described in US Pat. Nos. 3,682,609 and 3,723,082, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The modular cartridge 210 may also extend from or include a cooling mechanism 228 that utilizes an evaporative cooling effect for the purpose of enhancing heat transfer, such as radiant heat transfer, from the glass ribbon 58. Such a cooling mechanism may include, for example, a liquid reservoir configured to receive a working liquid, such as water, and an evaporator unit comprising a heat transfer element configured to be disposed in thermal contact with the working liquid contained within the liquid reservoir, The heat transfer element can be configured to cool the glass ribbon 58 by receiving radiant heat from the glass ribbon 58 and transferring heat to the working liquid contained in the liquid reservoir, thereby converting the desired working liquid into steam. have. These and additional exemplary embodiments of cooling mechanisms that utilize the evaporative cooling effect are disclosed, for example, in US2016 / 0046518A1, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Other cooling mechanisms that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein are located along a cooling axis extending transversely to the flow direction 60 of the glass ribbon 58, such as described in WO2012 / 174353A2, for example. And including a plurality of cooling coils, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This cooling coil can be used in combination with and / or in place of conduit 216.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic top cut-away view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 2, wherein the glass ribbon 58 has a first end 58A in width direction, a first bead area 58B, a center area 58C, It is shown with a second bead region 58D, and a second end 58E. FIG. 3 shows four modular cartridges 210 extending in the width direction along opposite major surfaces of the glass ribbon 58, although embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to this, and any extension extending in the width direction It should be understood that it may include any number of modular cartridges.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic top cut-away view of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 2, wherein a cooling mechanism 228 including a conduit 216 with cooling fluid flowing therethrough has been removed from the apparatus. For example, conduit 216 can be removed along its axial direction through one of sidewalls 202, each sidewall 202 comprising an opening through which conduit 216 extends.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the end cut of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 4, following removal of the cooling mechanism 228 including the conduit 216, the modular cartridge 210 is removed from the apparatus. In FIG. 5, a modular cartridge 212 comprising a removable wall component 218 and a heating mechanism 230 including an electrical resistance element 214 and an insulating package 212 is shown in FIG. 5 As seen from the end of the glass ribbon forming apparatus, it is removed from the apparatus in opposite directions shown by arrows A and B approximately perpendicular to the flow direction 60 of the glass ribbon 58.

As shown in FIG. 5, following removal of the modular cartridge 210 from the device, this modular cartridge can be replaced with a replacement cartridge. Such replacement cartridges may include modular cartridges that are the same or different from the modular cartridges being replaced. For example, the replacement cartridge can include a modular cartridge 210 from which the removable wall component 218 is removed. The replacement cartridge may also include a modular cartridge that includes at least one heat transfer mechanism that realizes more or less heat transfer from the glass ribbon than the heat transfer mechanism in the modular cartridge removed from the device.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the end cut of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 2, wherein there is no removable wall component 218 (shown in FIGS. 2-5). If no removable wall component 218 is present in the modular cartridge 210, the modulus of shape between the glass ribbon 58 and any heat transfer mechanism in which the modular cartridge 210 extends or includes around it Is larger than if removable wall component 218 is present. For example, in FIG. 6, if no removable wall component 218 (shown in FIGS. 2-5) is present, a heating mechanism (including an electrical resistance element 214 and an insulating package 212) The shape factor between 230 and glass ribbon 58, and the shape factor between glass ribbon 58 and cooling mechanism 228, which includes conduits 216 through which cooling fluid flows, is a removable wall component. 218 is greater than if it exists.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the end cut of the glass ribbon forming apparatus and process of FIG. 6 with the modular cartridge 210 removed from the apparatus. In contrast to FIG. 5 where the cooling mechanism 228 including the conduit 216 is removed from the device, in FIG. 7 where no removable wall component 218 is present, the conduit when the modular cartridge 210 is removed 216 remains to be present in the device. As shown in FIG. 5, a modular cartridge 212 comprising a heating mechanism 230 including an electrical resistance element 214 and an insulating package 212 ends the glass ribbon forming apparatus as shown in FIG. When viewed from, it is removed from the device in the opposite direction shown by arrows A and B approximately perpendicular to the flow direction 60 of the glass ribbon 58.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic side cutaway view of a modular cartridge 210 that includes a removable wall component 218 that is removably positioned by slidingly positioning on a support frame 220 of a glass ribbon forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the support frame 220 causes the modular cartridge 210 to be positioned at a predetermined set position in the width direction of the glass ribbon, while along the longitudinal length of the guide component 222 And a guiding component 222 that is slidably positioned in a direction away from the ribbon (eg, the direction shown by arrows A and B in FIGS. 5 and 7) or toward it. Exemplary materials for the support frame 220 include possessing good mechanical and oxidizing properties at elevated temperatures, such as various alloy steels.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic end cut-away view of removable wall component 218 which is removably positioned by slidingly positioning on modular cartridge 210, which modular cartridge 210 will eventually refer to FIG. It is slidably positioned on the support frame 220 as described by. 9, the modular cartridge 210 is a removable wall component when the modular cartridge 210 is fully inserted into the device (eg, as shown in FIGS. 2-4). Guide components 224, 226 that allow 218 to be fixedly positioned and to be slidably removed from modular cartridge 210, for example, when modular cartridge 210 is removed from the device. It includes.

In the embodiments disclosed herein, the modular cartridge 210 can be moved manually or, for example, by an automated system that includes at least one servo motor.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-7 are longitudinally oriented along opposite first and second major surfaces of the glass ribbon 58 (i.e., vertically as shown in FIGS. 2, 5-7). Although one modular cartridge 210 is shown to be extended, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto, and may include any number of modular cartridges extending in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein include an apparatus comprising an MХN matrix of modular cartridges 210 extending longitudinally and transversely along at least a portion of opposing first and second major surfaces of glass ribbon 58. Included, [wherein, M refers to the number of modular cartridges 210 extending along the width direction, N refers to the number of modular cartridges 210 extending along the longitudinal direction] modular cartridge Each of 210 can be operated independently and can be removed and replaced independently. Each of these modular cartridges 210 may include at least one heat transfer mechanism, and a removable wall component 218 configured to extend between the at least one heat transfer mechanism and a glass ribbon, wherein the glass ribbon and the at least one The shape factor between the heat transfer mechanisms of is greater when no removable wall component 218 is present than when the removable wall component 218 is present.

The independent operation and removal and replacement of the modular cartridge 210 as well as the possibility of removal of the wall component 218 may enable greater flexibility in the design and operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus, thereby enabling various heat transfer mechanisms. A virtually unlimited number of configurations to be utilized can be realized, which changes rapidly (eg, in response to changes in glass composition, glass flow rate, glass viscosity, glass temperature, glass emissivity, etc.) with minimal process downtime. Can be. For example, embodiments disclosed herein include that the device includes a plurality of modular cartridges 210, and different modular cartridges 210 include or extend around different heat transfer mechanisms. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein include that the device includes a plurality of modular cartridges 210, and different modular cartridges 210 include or extend around the same heat transfer mechanism that operates the same or differently. [For example, embodiments disclosed herein include that the electrical resistive elements 214 of different modular cartridges 210 are operated at the same or different power levels. Further, the embodiments disclosed herein include that the device includes a plurality of modular cartridges 210, and different modular cartridges 210 include or extend around the same or different insulating packages 212. Further, the embodiments disclosed herein include at least one modular cartridge 210 in which the device has removable wall components 218 while at least one module without removable wall components 218 is present. It includes a type cartridge 210.

Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to a melt down draw process, it should be understood that these examples are also applicable to other glass forming processes such as float process, slot draw process, up draw process, and press rolling process.

Such a process can be used, for example, to manufacture glass articles that can be used in electronic devices as well as other applications.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (26)

A device for manufacturing glass articles,
A housing comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the housing configured to at least partially surround a glass ribbon having opposing first and second major surfaces extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the first sidewall and The second sidewall is configured to extend longitudinally and transversely along at least a portion of the opposing first and second major surfaces of the glass ribbon;
A modular cartridge removably positioned on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the modular cartridge is configured to extend between at least one heat transfer mechanism and the at least one heat transfer mechanism and a glass ribbon. Including a wall component, and the shape factor between the glass ribbon and the at least one heat transfer mechanism includes a modular cartridge, which is larger if no removable wall component is present than if a removable wall component is present A glass article manufacturing apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one heat transfer mechanism comprises a heating mechanism. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one heat transfer mechanism comprises a cooling mechanism. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the modular cartridge extends around the cooling mechanism. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cooling mechanism is configured to extend between the heating mechanism and the glass ribbon. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a conduit with cooling fluid flowing therethrough. The glass article manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heating mechanism comprises an electrical resistance heating mechanism. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the modular cartridge is configured to be removable from the device following removal of a removable wall component from the device or removal of a cooling mechanism. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable wall component is coplanar with the sidewall on which the modular cartridge is removably positioned. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one modular cartridge is removably positioned on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of modular cartridges that are operated independently. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one modular cartridge with removable wall components, and at least one modular cartridge without removable wall components. A method for manufacturing a glass article,
And flowing glass ribbons having opposing first and second major surfaces extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions through the housing including the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall Extending longitudinally and transversely along at least a portion of the opposing first and second major surfaces of the glass ribbon;
The modular cartridge is removably positioned on at least one of the first and second sidewalls, and the modular cartridge comprises at least one heat transfer mechanism and a removable wall component extending between the at least one heat transfer mechanism and the glass ribbon. And wherein the shape factor between the glass ribbon and the at least one heat transfer mechanism is greater when no removable wall component is present than when the removable wall component is present. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one heat transfer mechanism comprises a heating mechanism. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one heat transfer mechanism comprises a cooling mechanism. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the modular cartridge extends around the cooling mechanism. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cooling mechanism extends between the heating mechanism and the glass ribbon. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a conduit with cooling fluid flowing therethrough. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the heating mechanism comprises an electrical resistance heating mechanism. The method of claim 17, further comprising removing a modular cartridge from the device following removal of a removable wall component from the device or removal of a cooling mechanism. The method of claim 13, wherein the removable wall component is coplanar with the sidewall on which the modular cartridge is removably positioned. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one modular cartridge is removably positioned on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises removing a modular cartridge from the device, and at least one heat transfer mechanism that realizes a greater or lesser amount of heat transfer from the glass ribbon than the heat transfer mechanism in the modular cartridge removed from the device. A method of manufacturing a glass article, further comprising the step of replacing it with a modular cartridge comprising a. The method of claim 13, further comprising operating the plurality of modular cartridges independently. A glass article produced by the method of claim 13. An electronic device comprising the glass article of claim 25.

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