KR20210068582A - Glass forming apparatuses and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A glass forming apparatus includes a first tube comprising a first closed sidewall and a closed first end, and a second tube comprising a second closed end and a second sidewall defining an orifice. The second tube is positioned within the first tube. The cooling tube includes a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall. The cooling tube receives a cooling fluid in one of the second tube or the channel and passes the cooling fluid through the orifice. Additionally, a method of forming a ribbon with a glass forming apparatus is disclosed.

Description

Glass forming apparatuses and methods

<Cross-reference to related applications>

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/753,272, filed on October 31, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as set forth in their entirety below.

BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates generally to methods of forming a glass ribbon, and more particularly to methods of forming a glass ribbon with a glass forming apparatus that includes a cooling tube.

It is known to cool a glass ribbon with a cooling tube located below the forming wedge. The cooling tube is maintained at a low temperature, which can cool the glass ribbon as it moves past the cooling tube. However, keeping the cooling tube at too low a temperature can lead to unwanted convective cells and inconsistent cooling of the glass ribbon. As a result, thickness variations in the glass ribbon can occur in both cross-draw and down-draw directions.

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the Detailed Description.

In accordance with some embodiments, a glass forming apparatus includes a first tube comprising a first closed sidewall and a closed first end, and a second tube comprising a second closed end and a second sidewall defining an orifice can do. The second tube may be positioned within the first tube. The cooling tube may include a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall. The cooling tube may receive a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel and may pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.

In some embodiments, one or more of the first tube or the second tube may include a cylindrical shape.

In some embodiments, the second tube is coaxial with the first tube.

In some embodiments, the orifice comprises a plurality of orifices.

In some embodiments, the orifice may extend along at least about 50% of the length of the second tube.

In some embodiments, the orifice may extend along no more than about 50% of the length of the second tube.

In some embodiments, the cooling fluid may include a gas.

In some embodiments, the glass forming apparatus may include an upper housing portion in which a travel path defined by the glass forming apparatus may extend. The upper housing portion may include a cooling tube. A first free path may extend between the cooling tube and the moving path in a first free path direction orthogonal to the moving path.

In some embodiments, the cooling tube may include a first tube that may include a closed first sidewall and a closed first end. The cooling tube may include a second tube that may include a second closed end and a second sidewall defining an orifice. The second tube may be positioned within the first tube. The cooling tube may include a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall. The cooling tube may be configured to receive a cooling fluid in one of the second tube or the channel and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.

In some embodiments, the travel path may extend within a lower housing portion located below the upper housing portion. The lower housing portion may further include a lower cooling tube and a second free path extending between the lower cooling tube and the travel path in a second free path direction.

In some embodiments, the first free path direction may be substantially parallel to the second free path direction.

In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the ribbon and the outer surface of the cooling tube at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube may be less than about 649°C.

In some embodiments, methods of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus may include moving the ribbon along a travel path in a direction of travel past the cooling tube. The methods may include receiving the cooling fluid within the second tube. The methods may include directing the cooling fluid through the orifice and through the channel to cool the closed first sidewall.

In some embodiments, directing the cooling fluid through the orifice may include maintaining a temperature of the outer surface of the cooling tube between about 400°C and about 600°C.

In some embodiments, the methods include removing the cooling fluid from the channel along a first direction opposite to a second direction, wherein the cooling fluid can flow in the second tube along the second direction. have.

In some embodiments, removing the cooling fluid comprises directing the cooling fluid along a removal path substantially parallel to a tube axis, wherein the second tube may extend along the second tube axis. .

In some embodiments, methods of forming a ribbon with a glass forming apparatus may include moving the ribbon along a travel path in a direction of travel past a cooling tube. The methods may include flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that a temperature difference between the ribbon and an outer surface of the cooling tube at a location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 649° C. .

In some embodiments, methods may include preventing the cooling fluid from passing through the outer surface of the cooling tube.

In some embodiments, flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube comprises a temperature difference between the ribbon and the outer surface of the cooling tube at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 553 °C. can make this happen

In some embodiments, flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube comprises a temperature difference between the ribbon and the outer surface of the cooling tube at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 459° C. can make this happen

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

It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and nature of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with a detailed description setting forth principles and operation thereof, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure.

These and other features, embodiments and advantages are better understood when reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1 schematically illustrates exemplary embodiments of a glass forming apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a glass forming apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a glass cooling apparatus along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a cooling tube along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cooling tube of FIG. 4 along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of additional embodiments of a cooling tube along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; And
7 illustrates a plot of some embodiments of time and temperature variations of a glass ribbon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments are shown. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

The present disclosure relates to a glass forming apparatus and glass forming methods. Glass forming methods and apparatus will now be described by way of exemplary embodiments for forming a glass ribbon from a mass of molten material. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, an exemplary glass making apparatus 100 is a glass melting and conveying apparatus 102 and a molding designed to produce a ribbon 103 from a quantity of molten material 121 . A molding apparatus 101 comprising a container 140 may be included. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 is positioned between opposing edge portions (eg, edge beads) formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103 . A central portion 152 may be included, and the thickness of the edge beads may be greater than the thickness of the central portion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the separated glass ribbon 104 is separated from the ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (eg, scribe, score wheel, diamond tip, laser, etc.). can be separated from In some embodiments, before or after separating the separated glass ribbon 104 from the ribbon 103 , the edge beads formed along the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 are of a uniform thickness. may be removed to provide the central portion 152 as a high quality separated glass ribbon 104 with

In some embodiments, the glass melting and transferring apparatus 102 can include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive a batch material 107 from a storage bin 109 . The batch material 107 may be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 driven by a motor 113 . In some embodiments, as indicated by arrow 117 , optional controller 115 may be actuated to activate motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into melting vessel 105 . Melting vessel 105 may heat batch material 107 to provide molten material 121 . In some embodiments, the melt probe 119 may be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in the stand pipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 via the communication line 125 .

Additionally, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery device 102 is located downstream of the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 via a first connecting conduit 129 , fining vessel 127 . ) may include a first conditioning station comprising a. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the clarification vessel 127 via a first connecting conduit 129 . For example, in some embodiments, gravity may move the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 to the clarification vessel 127 through the inner path of the first connecting conduit 129 . Additionally, in some embodiments, air bubbles may be removed from the molten material 121 in the clarification vessel 127 by various techniques.

In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may further include a second conditioning station comprising a mixing chamber 131 that may be located downstream of the clarification vessel 127 . The mixing chamber 131 may be used to provide a homogeneous composition of the molten material 121 , thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneities that may otherwise exist within the molten material 121 exiting the clarification vessel 127 . . As shown, the clarification vessel 127 may be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connection conduit 135 . In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 via the second connecting conduit 135 . For example, in some embodiments, gravity may move the molten material 121 from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the inner path of the second connecting conduit 135 .

Additionally, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a third conditioning station comprising a delivery vessel 133 that may be located downstream of the mixing chamber 131 . In some embodiments, the delivery vessel 133 may condition the molten material 121 fed into the inlet conduit 141 . For example, delivery vessel 133 may function as an accumulator and/or flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 into inlet conduit 141 . As shown, the mixing chamber 131 may be coupled to the delivery vessel 133 via a third connecting conduit 137 . In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 via the third connecting conduit 137 . For example, in some embodiments, gravity may move the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 through the inner path of the third connecting conduit 137 . As further illustrated, in some embodiments, the delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver the molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141 of the forming apparatus 101 , such as the forming vessel 140 . have.

The forming apparatus 101 is a forming vessel having a wedge for fusion drawing a glass ribbon, a forming vessel having a slot for slot drawing a glass ribbon, or a press roll of the glass ribbon in the forming vessel. Various embodiments of forming vessels according to features of the present disclosure including forming vessels provided with press rolls to By way of example, the forming vessel 140 shown and disclosed below, defined by the root 145 of the forming wedge 209 to produce a ribbon of molten material 121 that can be drawn into the ribbon 103 , It may be provided to fusion draw the molten material 121 from the bottom edge. For example, in some embodiments, molten material 121 may be delivered from inlet conduit 141 to forming vessel 140 . The molten material 121 may then be formed into a ribbon 103 based in part on the structure of the forming vessel 140 . For example, as shown, the molten material 121 may follow a draw path extending in the draw direction 154 of the glass making apparatus 100 at the bottom edge (eg, root 145 ) of the forming vessel 140 . )) can be drawn from. In some embodiments, edge directors 163 , 164 may direct molten material 121 away from forming vessel 140 and define in part a width “W” of ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the width “W” of the ribbon 103 extends between the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103 .

In some embodiments, the width “W” of the ribbon 103 extending between the first outer edge 153 of the ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103 is about 20 millimeters (mm). or more, such as about 50 mm or more, such as about 100 mm or more, such as about 500 mm or more, such as about 1000 mm or more, such as about 2000 mm or more, such as about 3000 mm or more, Other widths may be provided, for example greater than or equal to about 4000 mm, but smaller or greater than the above mentioned widths in further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the width “W” of the ribbon 103 is from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, such as for example from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the forming apparatus 101 (eg, the forming vessel 140 ) along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 may include a trough 201 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141 . For purposes of illustration, cross-hatching of molten material 121 is removed from FIG. 2 for clarity. The forming vessel 140 includes a forming wedge comprising a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207 and 208 extending between opposite ends 210 , 211 (see FIG. 1 ) of the forming wedge 209 (see FIG. 1 ). 209) may be further included. A pair of downward sloping converging surface portions 207 , 208 of forming wedge 209 may converge along draw direction 154 and intersect along root 145 of forming vessel 140 . A draw plane 213 of the glass making apparatus 100 may extend through a root 145 along a draw direction 154 . In some embodiments, ribbon 103 may be drawn along draw plane 213 in draw direction 154 . As shown, draw plane 213 may bisect forming wedge 209 through root 145 , although in some embodiments draw plane 213 may extend in other directions relative to root 145 . can

Additionally, in some embodiments, molten material 121 may flow into and along trough 201 of forming vessel 140 in direction 156 . The molten material 121 then overflows from the gutter 201 by simultaneously flowing over the corresponding weirs 203 , 204 and down over the outer surfaces 205 , 206 of the corresponding weirs 203 , 204 . can flow. The respective streams of molten material 121 may then flow along downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207 , 208 of forming wedge 209 that are drawn away from root 145 of forming vessel 140 , , where the flows converge and fuse into the ribbon 103 . The ribbon 103 of molten material may then be drawn off the root 145 at the draw plane 213 along the draw direction 154 . In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 includes one or more material states based on the vertical position of the ribbon 103 . For example, in one location the ribbon 103 may include a viscous molten material 121 , and in another location the ribbon 103 may include an amorphous solid in a glassy state (eg, a glass ribbon). .

The ribbon 103 includes a first major surface 215 and a second major surface 216 that face in opposite directions and define a thickness “T” (eg, average thickness) of the ribbon 103 . . In some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the ribbon 103 is about 2 millimeters (mm) or less, about 1 mm or less, about 0.5 mm or less, such as about 300 micrometers (μm) or less, about 200 micrometers or less. or less, or about 100 micrometers or less, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the ribbon 103 is between about 50 μm and about 750 μm, between about 100 μm and about 700 μm, between about 200 μm and about 600 μm, between about 300 μm and about 500 μm. , about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 700 μm, about 50 μm to about 600 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 400 μm, about 50 μm to about 300 μm, about from 50 μm to about 200 μm, from about 50 μm to about 100 μm, including all ranges and subranges of thicknesses therebetween. Additionally, the ribbon 103 may include a variety of compositions including, but not limited to, soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, alumino-borosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass.

In some embodiments, glass separator 149 (see FIG. 1 ) then separates glass sheet 104 from ribbon 103 along separation path 151 as ribbon 103 is shaped by forming vessel 140 . can be separated. As illustrated, in some embodiments, separation path 151 may extend along width “W” of ribbon 103 between first outer edge 153 and second outer edge 155 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the separation path 151 may extend perpendicular to the draw direction 154 of the ribbon 103 . Moreover, in some embodiments, draw direction 154 may define a direction in which ribbon 103 may be drawn from forming vessel 140 .

In some embodiments, a plurality of discrete glass ribbons 104 may be stacked to form a stack of discrete glass ribbons 104 . In some embodiments, an interleaf material prevents contact and thus helps to preserve uncontaminated surfaces of the pair of separated glass ribbons 104 adjacent adjacent ones of the separated glass ribbons 104 . It can be placed between pairs.

In further embodiments, although not shown, the ribbon 103 from the glass making apparatus may be wound onto a storage roll. Once the desired length of the wound ribbon is stored on the storage roll, the ribbon 103 may be separated by a glass separator 149 such that the separated glass ribbon is stored on the storage roll. In further embodiments, a separated glass ribbon may be separated into another separate glass ribbon. For example, a separated glass ribbon 104 (eg, from a stack of glass ribbons) may be further separated into another separated glass ribbon. In further embodiments, a separated glass ribbon stored on a storage roll can be unwound and further separated into another separated glass ribbon.

The separated glass ribbon can then be processed into desired applications, such as display applications. For example, the separated glass ribbon has a wide range of display applications including liquid crystal displays (LCD), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLED), plasma display panels (PDP) and other electronic displays. can be used in

Referring to FIG. 3 , an example of a glass cooling apparatus 301 of the glass forming apparatus 101 along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 is illustrated. In some embodiments the glass cooling device 301 may include one or more cooling doors 303 . The cooling doors 303 may be positioned adjacent to the root 145 of the forming wedge 209 , one cooling door 303 being positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 , and , another cooling door 303 is positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, a travel path 305 defined by the glass forming apparatus 101 (eg, along which the ribbon 103 travels) may extend between the cooling doors 303 . The cooling doors 303 may include a cooling tube 307 and a thermal plate 309 . The cooling tube 307 may receive a cooling fluid and direct the cooling fluid towards the hot plate 309 . In some embodiments, the cooling fluid impinging on the hot plate 309 may cool the hot plate 309 to a desired temperature. This cooling of the hot plate 309 may thus cause the ribbon 103 to cool below the forming wedge 209 .

The glass cooling device 301 may include a housing 311 that may be located downstream of the forming wedge 209 and below the cooling doors 303 . In some embodiments, the housing 311 may include an upper housing portion 313 and a lower housing portion 315 . The upper housing portion 313 may be located below and immediately downstream of the cooling doors 303 . The upper housing portion 313 may define a hollow upper housing chamber 317 through which the ribbon 103 may travel. For example, the travel path 305 defined by the glass forming apparatus 101 may extend within the upper housing portion 313 (eg, within the upper housing chamber 317 ). The ribbon 103 may travel along a travel path 305 in a travel direction 319 through the upper housing portion 313 .

Upper housing portion 313 may include one or more upper housing walls 321 . In some embodiments, upper housing walls 321 may be located on opposite sides of travel path 1 305 , one of the upper housing walls 321 being with the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 and positioned to face (eg, as the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305 ) and another upper housing wall 321 is positioned to face the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103 . do. The upper housing walls 321 may be spaced apart from each other to define an upper housing chamber 317 therebetween. In some embodiments, the upper housing walls 321 may include a fire resistant insulating material to reduce heat transfer through the upper housing walls 321 . The refractory insulating material of the upper housing walls 321 is a chemical that allows the upper housing walls 321 to be applied to a structure that is exposed to an environment of, for example, about 500 °C or higher, about 700 °C or higher, or about 800 °C or higher. and non-metallic materials including physical properties.

The upper housing portion 313 may include one or more cooling tubes 325 . One or more cooling tubes 325 may be positioned within the upper housing chamber 317 between the travel path 305 and the upper housing wall 321 . For example, the upper housing portion 313 in which the travel path 305 defined by the glass forming apparatus 101 extends includes a cooling tube 325 . In some embodiments, the upper housing portion 313 may include one or more cooling tubes 325 positioned on one side of the travel path 305 , the one or more cooling tubes 325 being located on one side of the travel path 305 . may be located on the opposite side of For example, the one or more cooling tubes 325 are positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 (eg, as the ribbon 103 travels along the travel path 305 ). One or more cooling tubes 325 may be positioned to face the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103 . The one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the first major surface 215 may be spaced apart from the one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the second major surface 216 to define a spacing therebetween, A travel path 305 extends through this gap and includes one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the first major surface 215 and one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the second major surface 216 . is between In this manner, the ribbon 103 may travel between one or more cooling tubes 325 as it travels along the travel path 305 . In some embodiments, the one or more cooling tubes 325 may include three cooling tubes located on one side of the travel path 305 and three cooling tubes located on an opposite side of the travel path 305 . have. However, this configuration is not intended to be limiting, and in some embodiments the one or more cooling tubes 325 include more than three cooling tubes 325 positioned on each side of the travel path 305 . can do.

In some embodiments, one or more cooling tubes 325 may be arranged along a vertical axis (eg, one cooling tube positioned above another), the vertical axis being substantially in travel path 305 . extend parallel or not parallel. In some embodiments, one or more cooling tubes 325 may be arranged along a non-perpendicular axis, for example by staggering (eg, some cooling tubes 325 move more than others 325 ). located closer to path 305). In some embodiments, one or more cooling tubes 325 may be spaced apart from adjacent cooling tubes 325 along a vertical direction such that the cooling tubes 325 do not contact each other. In some embodiments, a distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 along a vertical direction may be constant. For example, the distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 (eg, one cooling tube from the nearest cooling tube) is another distance separating another pair of adjacent cooling tubes 325 along the vertical direction. can be the same as In some embodiments, a distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 along a vertical direction may not be constant. For example, the distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 (eg, one cooling tube from the nearest cooling tube) is another distance separating another pair of adjacent cooling tubes 325 along the vertical direction. may be different from

In some embodiments, one or more cooling tubes 325 may be positioned to extend widthwise relative to ribbon 103 traveling along travel path 305 . For example, the one or more cooling tubes 325 may extend in and out of a page in FIG. 3 on a tube axis 326 (eg, in FIG. 3 ) that may be orthogonal to the direction of travel 319 and parallel to the path 305 of travel. tube axis 326). In some embodiments, the one or more cooling tubes 325 are attached to the upper housing wall 321 such that, for example, the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be secured relative to the travel path 305 , thereby forming an upper housing portion. (313) can be attached within. In some embodiments, the one or more cooling tubes 325 may be coupled to one or more of a valve, gasket, or fluid source such that a cooling fluid may be delivered to and discharged from the cooling tubes 325 . have.

In some embodiments, the free path may extend in the free path direction between the one or more cooling tubes 325 and the travel path 305 . For example, the one or more cooling tubes 325 may include a cooling tube 327 . A first free path 329 may extend between the cooling tube 327 and the travel path 305 in a first free path direction 331 that may be orthogonal to the travel path 305 . In some embodiments, the free path may be unobstructed and there may be no intervening structures between the cooling tubes 325 , 345 and the travel path 305 . For example, the free path may include a first free path 329 and a second free path 349 . The first free path 329 is not blocked and there is no intervening structure between the cooling tube 327 and the travel path 305 . In this way, the cooling tube 327 and the ribbon 103 may define an empty space between them. It will be appreciated that the first free path 329 is not limited to extending between the cooling tube 327 and the travel path 305 . Rather, in some embodiments, the free path may extend in a free path direction perpendicular to the travel path 305 and parallel to the first free path 329 between the other cooling tubes 325 and the travel path 305 . have.

In some embodiments, the glass cooling device 301 may include one or more partition members 335 separating the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315 . For example, the partition members 335 may extend from the upper housing wall 321 toward the travel path 305 . The dividing members 335 may be spaced apart from each other to define a distance through which the travel path 305 extends. Partition members 335 provide a direct “view” of the molten glass proximate the root 145 to cooler regions of the glass cooling device 301 , for example within the lower housing portion 315 . can increase or decrease. For example, in some embodiments, the partition members 335 may include a flapper that extends into either the upper housing portion 313 or the lower housing portion 315 and is capable of rotating about a hinged end. may increase or decrease the field of view between the root 145 and structures within the lower housing portion 315 . That is, the line of sight between the structural elements of the root 145) and the lower housing portion 315 may be changed. 3 shows the partition members 335 positioned in the upper housing part 313 , while the partition members 335 are located in other locations, for example in the lower housing part 315 or in the upper housing part 313 . ) and the lower housing portion 315 .

The lower housing portion 315 may be positioned directly below the upper housing portion 313 . In this way, the lower housing portion 315 may be positioned downstream from the upper housing portion 313 with respect to the travel direction 319 of the ribbon 103 along the travel path 305 . The lower housing portion 315 may define a hollow lower housing chamber 341 through which the ribbon 103 may travel. For example, the travel path 305 of the glass forming apparatus 101 extends within the lower housing portion 315 positioned below the upper housing portion 313 (eg, within the lower housing chamber 341 ). can be The ribbon 103 may travel along a travel path 305 in a travel direction 319 through the lower housing portion 315 . In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 travels along the travel path 305 in the direction of travel and first passes through the upper housing portion 313 before passing through the lower housing portion 315 .

Lower housing portion 315 may include one or more lower housing walls 343 . In some embodiments, the lower housing walls 343 may be located on opposite sides of the travel path 305 , one of the lower housing walls 343 facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 . It can be positioned facing (eg, as the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305 ) and the other lower housing wall 343 is positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103 . can be The lower housing walls 343 may be spaced apart from each other to define a lower housing chamber 341 therebetween. In some embodiments, the lower housing walls 343 may include a fire resistant insulating material to reduce heat transfer through the lower housing walls 343 . The fire resistant insulating material of the lower housing walls 343, for example, is chemical and physical that allows the lower housing walls 343 to be applied to a structure that is exposed to an environment of at least about 500 °C, at least about 700 °C, or at least about 800 °C. It may comprise a non-metallic material comprising properties. In some embodiments, the fire resistant insulating material of the lower housing walls 343 may be the same as the fire resistant insulating material of the upper housing walls 321 .

Lower housing portion 315 may include one or more lower cooling tubes 345 . One or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be positioned within the lower housing chamber 341 between the travel path 305 and the lower housing wall 343 . In some embodiments, the lower housing portion 315 includes one or more lower cooling tubes 345 located on one side of the travel path 305 and one or more lower cooling tubes located on the opposite side of the travel path 305 . (345). For example, one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be positioned towards the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 (eg, the ribbon 103 travels along the travel path 305 ). Accordingly, one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be positioned toward the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103 . The one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the first major surface 215 may be spaced apart from the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the second major surface 216 to define a spacing therebetween, A travel path 305 extends through this gap and between one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the first major surface 215 and one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the second major surface 216 . do. In this way, the ribbon 103 may travel between one or more lower cooling tubes 345 as it travels along the travel path 305 . In some embodiments, the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 include four lower cooling tubes located on one side of the travel path 305 and four lower cooling tubes located on the opposite side of the travel path 305 . may include However, the configuration is not intended to be limiting, and in some embodiments, the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be located on one side of the travel path 305 , while the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be located on one side of the travel path 305 . For example, one or more cooling tubes 345 may be located on opposite sides of the travel path 305 .

In some embodiments, the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be positioned to extend in the width direction with respect to the ribbon 103 traveling along the travel path 305 . For example, the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be orthogonal to the direction of travel 319 and parallel to the path 305 of the lower tube axis 348 (eg, into and out of the plane of FIG. 3 ). extending along the lower tube axis 348). In some embodiments, the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be attached to the lower housing wall 343 , for example, such that the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be secured relative to the travel path 305 . It may be attached within the housing portion 315 . In some embodiments, one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be connected to one or more of a valve, gasket, or fluid source such that cooling fluid may be delivered to and discharged from the lower cooling tubes 345 . can be combined.

In some embodiments, the free path may extend in the free path direction between the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 and the travel path. For example, the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may include a lower cooling tube 347 . The second free path 349 may extend between the lower cooling tube 347 and the travel path 305 in a second free path direction 351 which may be orthogonal to the travel path 305 . In some embodiments, the second free path 349 is unobstructed and there are no intervening structures between the lower cooling tube 347 and the travel path 305 . In this way, the lower cooling tube 347 and the ribbon 103 may define an empty space therebetween. In some embodiments, the first free path direction 331 may be substantially parallel to the second free path direction 351 . It will be appreciated that the free path is not limited to extending between the lower cooling tube 347 and the travel path 305 . Rather, in some embodiments, the free path may extend in a free path direction perpendicular to the travel path 305 and parallel to the second free path 349 between the other lower cooling tube 345 and the travel path 305 . have.

In some embodiments, methods of forming a ribbon 103 with a glass forming apparatus 101 follow a travel path 305 in a travel direction 319 past a cooling tube 327 of one or more cooling tubes 325 . moving the ribbon 103 . For example, the travel path 305 may be oriented substantially vertically such that the travel direction 319 of the ribbon 103 may be downward. The ribbon 103 may travel along a travel path 305 through the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315 . In some embodiments, the travel path 305 is planar and extends through the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315 . In some embodiments, as ribbon 103 moves through upper housing portion 313 , ribbon 103 may travel past cooling tube 327 and one or more cooling tubes 325 . As ribbon 103 moves through lower housing portion 315 , ribbon 103 may travel past cooling tube 347 and one or more lower cooling tubes 345 . In some embodiments, moving the ribbon 103 may include cooling the ribbon 103 as it moves past the cooling tube 327 . For example, the cooling tube 327 is maintained at a temperature lower than the temperature of the ribbon 103 as it passes through the cooling tube 327 . Accordingly, the cooling tube 327 may lower the temperature of the air surrounding the travel path 305 and the ribbon 103 . Accordingly, the cooling tube 327 may cool the ribbon 103 as it travels past the cooling tube 327 .

4-5, FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of cooling tube 327 along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, while FIG. 5 shows cooling tube 327 along line 5-5 in FIG. ) shows a cross-sectional view. A cooling tube 327 of one or more cooling tubes 325 and/or one or more lower cooling tubes 345 is illustrated in some embodiments. The cooling tube 327 may be positioned along the travel path 305 of the ribbon 103 and control the temperature of the ribbon 103 as the ribbon 103 moves past the cooling tube 327 in the travel direction 319 . can be reduced In some embodiments, cooling tube 327 is provided through fittings that may be designed to supply cooling fluid to and/or remove cooling fluid from cooling tube 327 . It may include a radial cooling tube when the cooling fluid is not discharged from the cooling tube 327 . For example, the cooling tube 327 may not include an orifice in its outer surface for discharging cooling fluid from the cooling tube 327 to the upper housing chamber 317 . Instead, a cooling fluid may be contained within the cooling tube 327 such that the cooling fluid may be prevented from escaping from the cooling tube 327 into the upper housing chamber 317 and/or the lower housing chamber 341 .

In some embodiments, the cooling tube 327 may include a first tube 401 and a second tube 403 , the first tube 401 and/or the second tube 403 being a tube shaft 326 . ) is extended along For example, first tube 401 extends longitudinally along tube axis 326 between proximal end 405 and distal end 407 . The tube axis 326 may include a central tube axis of the first tube 401 and/or the second tube 403 . The first tube 401 may include a closed first sidewall 409 and a closed first end 411 . The closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 exit the first tube 401 by the cooling fluid passing through the closed first sidewall 409 or the closed first end 411 . There may be no openings, orifices, voids, vents, etc. to be prevented from exiting. The closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 may define a hollow first tube interior 413 . In some embodiments, the first tube 401 may include a thermally conductive material such as one or more stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, molybdenum alloys, tungsten alloys, or cobalt alloys.

By providing a first tube 401 having a closed first sidewall 409 and a closed first end 411 , several advantages may be achieved. For example, a cooling fluid flowing through the cooling tube 327 may be received within the cooling tube 327 and pass through the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 to the first tube 401 . ) can be prevented. In some embodiments, when a cooling fluid exits the cooling tube 327 and flows within the upper housing chamber 317 , an airflow may be created within the upper housing chamber 317 . This airflow may cause temperature fluctuations within the upper housing chamber 317 with other regions of the upper housing chamber 317 having relatively large temperature differences. As a result of these temperature differences, thickness and viscosity variations may occur within the ribbon 103 . Thus, when the first tube 401 is closed (eg, by including the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 ), these temperature changes, thus, the ribbon 103 . thickness and viscosity changes can be reduced.

The second tube 403 may be located within the first tube 401 . For example, the second tube 403 may be received within the first tube interior 413 of the first tube 401 , the second tube 403 being coaxial with the first tube 401 . In some embodiments, second tube 403 may extend longitudinally along tube axis 326 between proximal end 415 and distal end 417 . In some embodiments, one or more fittings may be coupled to the proximal end 405 of the first tube 401 and/or the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 . The one or more fittings may be configured to deliver cooling fluid through the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 and receive the cooling fluid from the proximal end 405 of the first tube 401 . In this way, the proximal end 405 of the first tube 401 and the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 may define openings while the distal end 407 of the first tube 401 is and the distal end 417 of the second tube 403 may be closed.

The second tube 403 may include a closed second end 421 and a second sidewall 419 defining an orifice. The closed second end 421 is free of openings, orifices, voids, vents, etc. to prevent cooling fluid from exiting the second tube 403 by passing through the closed second end 421 . can The second sidewall 419 and the closed second end 421 may define a hollow second tube interior 422 . In some embodiments, the second tube 403 may include a thermally conductive material such as, for example, stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, molybdenum alloys, tungsten alloys or cobalt alloys. In other embodiments, the second tube 403 may include a non-thermal conductive material such as non-metallic materials (eg, ceramic, etc.). In some embodiments, the second sidewall 419 may be concentric with the closed first sidewall 409 . For example, one or more of the closed first sidewall 409 of the first tube 401 or the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 may have a cylindrical shape (eg, the tube axis 326 ). circular cross-sectional shape in an orthogonal plane), and the second sidewall 419 is spaced a certain distance from the closed first sidewall 409 along the length of the second tube 403 . The closed first sidewall 409 of the first tube 401 or the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 may have a cylindrical shape (eg, a circular cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the tube axis 326 ). shape), and in some embodiments, at least one of the closed first sidewall 409 of the first tube 401 or the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 has an elliptical cross-section. shape, rectangular cross-sectional shape (eg, square, rectangular, etc.), triangular cross-sectional shape, or other shapes.

In some embodiments, second sidewall 419 may define one or more orifices 423 . For example, one or more orifices 423 may extend through the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 and may be arranged along the length of the second tube 403 . While a plurality of orifices are shown in FIG. 4 , the second sidewall 419 is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second sidewall 419 may include an orifice (eg, 425 ), or the orifice may include a plurality of orifices 423 . The one or more orifices 423 may define a fluid path through which the cooling fluid may exit the second tube 403 . For example, the cooling fluid may exit the second tube interior 422 of the second tube 403 by passing through one or more orifices 423 . In some embodiments, the orifice 425 is no more than about 50% of the length of the second tube 403, or no more than 40% of the length of the second tube 403, or no more than 30% of the length of the second tube 403; Alternatively, it may extend along 20% or less of the length of the second tube 403 , or 10% or less of the length of the second tube 403 . In some embodiments, the orifice 425 has no more than about 50% of the area of the second tube 403 , or no more than 40% of the area of the second tube 403 , or 30% of the area of the second tube 403 . or less, or 20% or less of the area of the second tube 403 , or 10% or less of the area of the second tube 403 . The one or more orifices 423 may include various shapes, such as circular cross-sectional shapes, rectangular cross-sectional shapes (eg, square, rectangular, etc.), rounded non-circular cross-sectional shapes, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more orifices 423 may be arranged in a linear alignment (eg, parallel to tube axis 326 ), although other arrangement patterns are contemplated in other embodiments. In some embodiments, orifice 425 of one or more orifices 423 is along axis 429 intersecting closed first sidewall 409 (eg, with an interior surface of second sidewall 419 ). between the outer surfaces), the axis 429 extending orthogonal to the tube axis 326 . In some embodiments, axis 429 extends parallel to path of travel 305 .

In some embodiments, the cooling tube 327 may include a channel 431 between the closed first sidewall 409 and the second sidewall 419 . For example, the second tube 403 may include a second cross-sectional size that may be smaller than the first cross-sectional size of the first tube 401 . In some embodiments, when the first tube 401 and the second tube 403 include a circular cross-sectional shape, the second tube 403 may be smaller than the first diameter of the first tube 401 . diameter may be included. A second sidewall 419 may be spaced apart from the closed first sidewall 409 to define a channel 431 therebetween. In this manner, the channel 431 may be in fluid communication with the one or more orifices 423 and the second tube interior 422 . In some embodiments, the cooling tube 327 receives the cooling fluid 433 within the second tube 403 and passes the cooling fluid 433 through the one or more orifices 423 into the channel 431 . can be located. For example, the second tube 403 may initially contain the cooling fluid 433 within the second tube interior 422 . Cooling fluid may pass from the second tube interior 422 to the orifices 423 . In some embodiments, as the cooling fluid 433 passes through the orifices 423 , the cooling fluid 433 moves substantially parallel to the axis 429 , which may be orthogonal to the closed first sidewall 409 . can Accordingly, after the cooling fluid 433 has passed through the orifices 423 , the cooling fluid 433 may impinge on the inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409 . In part, the cooling fluid 433 can cool the closed first sidewall 409 because the cooling fluid 433 impinges on the inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409 . In some embodiments, the cross-sectional size of the orifice 425 and one or more orifices 423 is such that the velocity of the cooling fluid 433 traveling through the orifice 425 and one or more orifices 423 may be higher. It can be relatively small, thus ensuring that the cooling fluid 433 impinges on the closed first sidewall 409 along the axis 429 . On the other hand, when orifice 425 and one or more orifices 423 comprise a larger cross-sectional size, the velocity of cooling fluid 433 moving through orifice 425 and one or more orifices 423 is relative may be smaller, which may reduce the likelihood that the cooling fluid 433 will impinge on the closed first sidewall 409 along the axis 429 . In some embodiments, the cooling tube 327 may receive a cooling fluid 433 within one of the second tube interior 422 or channel 431 and may contain an orifice 425 of the one or more orifices 423 . A cooling fluid 433 may pass through. For example, cooling tube 327 may receive cooling fluid 433 within second tube interior 422 and pass cooling fluid 433 through orifice 425 into channel 431 , or The cooling tube 327 may receive the cooling fluid 433 within the channel 431 and pass the cooling fluid 433 through the orifice 425 into the second tube interior 422 .

In some embodiments, more orifices 423 may be arranged along an axis parallel to tube axis 326 . For example, the first set of orifices 423 can be arranged on top of the second tube 403 along an axis parallel to the tube axis 326 . A second set of orifices 423 may be arranged at the bottom of the second tube 403 along another axis parallel to the tube axis 326 . The second tube 403 is not limited to this configuration. In some embodiments, the orifices 423 may be staggered along the second tube 403 between the proximal end 415 and the distal end 417 , such that the axis is at the top of the second tube 403 . It may not intersect all of the orifices 423 or the other axis may not intersect all of the orifices 423 at the bottom of the second tube 403 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, an axis orthogonal to tube axis 326 (eg, axis 429 ) may intersect one of orifices 423 but two orifices 423 . may not intersect. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the orifices 423 on opposite sides of the second tube 403 have two axes (eg, axis 429 ) orthogonal to the tube axis 326 . The orifices, one orifice 423 at the top of the second tube 403 and one orifice at the bottom of the second tube 403 are arranged relative to each other so as to intersect. This alignment of orifices is not intended to be limiting, but in some embodiments orifices 423 on one side (eg, upper side, eg) of second tube 403 are It may be staggered relative to the orifices 423 on the opposite side (eg, the bottom side). In such embodiments, an axis orthogonal to tube axis 326 (eg, axis 429) may intersect one orifice (eg, on the upper side), while on the opposite side (eg, on the upper side). , at the bottom side) may not intersect the orifice. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, orifices 423 are not limited to include the same sizes (eg, as illustrated), instead some of orifices 423 are one size. may include, while other orifices 423 may include other sizes.

In some embodiments, methods of forming a ribbon 103 with a glass forming apparatus 101 may include receiving a cooling fluid 433 within a second tube 403 . For example, the second tube 403 may be coupled to a cooling fluid source, which delivers the cooling fluid 433 to the second tube 403 in a second direction 439 . The second tube 403 may include a second tube interior 422 , wherein the cooling fluid 433 is delivered through the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 into the second tube interior 422 . . In some embodiments, the cooling fluid 433 may include a gas, such as air, helium, or the like.

In some embodiments, methods of forming a ribbon 103 with a glass forming apparatus 101 include channeling a cooling fluid 433 through one or more orifices 423 and through one or more orifices 423 to cool the closed first sidewall 409 . directing through (431). For example, cooling fluid 433 may pass through one or more orifices 423 , with cooling fluid 433 contained within second tube interior 422 . By passing through the one or more orifices 423 , the cooling fluid 433 flows from the second tube interior 422 into a channel 431 that may be between the closed first and second sidewalls 409 and 419 . flows As the cooling fluid 433 passes through the orifices 423 , the cooling fluid 433 may travel along the axis 429 , so that the cooling fluid 433 is directed to the inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409 . may collide with In some embodiments, directing the cooling fluid 433 through the one or more orifices 423 includes maintaining the temperature of the cooling tube 327 outer surface 437 at a temperature between about 400 °C and about 600 °C. can do. For example, the cooling fluid 433 that may be delivered by the cooling fluid source may initially be at room temperature. As the cooling fluid 433 impinges on the inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409 and flows along the closed first sidewall 409 through the channel 431 , the cooling fluid 433 moves into the cooling tube 327 . ) may cool the outer surface 437 of the Methods of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus 101 may include preventing the cooling fluid 433 from passing through the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 . For example, since the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 are free of openings, orifices, voids, vents, etc., the cooling fluid 433 may flow into the cooling tube 327 . Passing through the outer surface 437 may be prevented.

The temperature effects (in degrees Celsius) of cooling tube 327 on ribbon 103 are illustrated in Table 1 below. Column 1 illustrates the temperature of ribbon 103 entering upper housing portion 313 (eg, at the top of upper housing portion 313 ), while column 2 exits upper housing portion 313 . The temperature of the ribbon 103 (eg, at the bottom of the upper housing portion 313 ) is illustrated. Column 3 illustrates the average temperature of the ribbon 103 in the upper housing portion 313 determined by the average of the temperatures of the ribbon 103 entering and exiting the upper housing portion 313 . The average temperature is at the location where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 (eg, where the first free path 329 intersects the location where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 ). The temperature of the ribbon 103 is shown. Column 4 illustrates the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 . Column 5 is the difference between column 3 and column 4, i.e., between the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 and the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327. represents the temperature difference. Column 5 indicates whether unwanted fluctuations in the ribbon 103 are present. Row 1 illustrates the effect when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 200 °C. Row 1 illustrates the effect when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 200 °C. Row 2 illustrates the effect when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 300°C. Row 3 illustrates the effect when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 400°C. Row 4 illustrates the effect when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 500°C. Row 5 illustrates the effect when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 600°C.

ribbon going in
Temperature (℃) outgoing ribbon
Temperature (℃) average ribbon
Temperature (℃) Cooling tube outer surface temperature (℃) Temperature difference (℃) Ribbon change? 1065 824 945 200 745 Yes 1065 833 949 300 649 Yes 1065 841 953 400 553 Sometimes 1065 853 959 500 459 no 1065 870 967 600 367 no

As illustrated in Table 1, there may be fluctuations in the ribbon 103 when the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at a lower temperature (eg, 200° C. or 300° C.). In some embodiments, these variations include thickness and/or viscosity variations in the ribbon 103 . For example, when the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at 200° C., the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube and the ribbon 103 at the position where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 ), the temperature difference between the average temperatures is 745° C. and there is ribbon variation in the ribbon 103 . When the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at 300° C., the average temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube and the ribbon 103 at the position where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 . The temperature difference between them is 649° C. and there is ribbon variation in the ribbon 103 . Table 1 further illustrates that the ribbon 103 may not fluctuate when the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at a higher temperature (eg, 400 °C, 500 °C, or 600 °C). do. For example, when the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at 400° C., the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube and the ribbon 103 at the position where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 ), the temperature difference between the average temperatures is 553 °C and there is occasional ribbon fluctuation in the ribbon 103 . When the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at 500° C., the average temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube and the ribbon 103 at the position where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 . The temperature difference between them is 459° C. and there is no ribbon fluctuation in the ribbon 103 . When the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at 600° C., the average temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube and the ribbon 103 at the position where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 . The temperature difference between them is 367° C. and there is no ribbon fluctuation in the ribbon 103 . Thus, in some embodiments, as the temperature difference between the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 and the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 decreases, Ribbon 103 is less likely to exhibit fluctuations while still cooling within upper housing portion 313 .

In some embodiments, the methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 include the outer surface of the ribbon 103 and the cooling tube 327 at a location where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 . flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 such that the temperature difference between them 437 is less than about 649 °C. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first free path 329 may intersect the travel path 305 at a location where the ribbon 103 passes through the cooling tube 327 . In some embodiments, the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is provided with a cooling fluid flowing through the second tube 403 , one or more orifices 423 and a channel 431 of the first tube 401 ( 433) can be maintained at a temperature of about 400 °C to about 600 °C. For example, flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 may include receiving a gas within the cooling tube 327 . As a result, the temperature of the cooling tube 327 may be lower than the temperature of the ribbon 103 as it passes through the cooling tube 327 with a temperature difference of less than about 649°C. In some embodiments, flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 may affect the ribbon 103 and the outer surface of the cooling tube 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327. 437) so that the temperature difference between them is less than about 553 °C. In some embodiments, flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 may result in the ribbon 103 passing through the cooling tube 327 on the outer surface of the ribbon 103 and the cooling tube 327 ( 437) so that the temperature difference between them is less than about 459 °C.

In some embodiments, the methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 include a first direction 435 opposite to a second direction 439 through which the cooling fluid 433 flows into the second tube 403 . removing the cooling fluid 433 from the channel 431 along the For example, directing the cooling fluid 433 through the channel 431 may result in cooling along the removal path 441 , which may be substantially parallel to the tube axis 326 along which the second tube 403 extends. directing fluid 433 . In some embodiments, the removed cooling fluid 433 may be collected, for example, after filtration and/or cooling and recycled back through the second tube 403 . In some embodiments, the cooling fluid 433 is not limited to flowing into the second tube interior 422 before passing through the orifices 423 into the first tube interior 413 . Rather, in some embodiments, the cooling fluid 433 may flow in the opposite direction than previously described. For example, cooling fluid 433 may initially enter cooling tube 327 by flowing in second direction 439 and into first tube interior 413 . Cooling fluid 433 may then flow through one or more orifices 423 from the first hollow tube interior 413 to the hollow second tube interior 422 . The cooling fluid 433 may then flow along the first direction 435 while being removed from the hollow second tube interior 422 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , further embodiments of a cooling tube 601 of one or more cooling tubes 325 are illustrated along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 . The cooling tube 601 may have a structure and function similar to that of the cooling tube 327 . For example, the cooling tube 601 may include a first tube 401 and a second tube 403 , where the second tube 403 includes an orifice 425 . In some embodiments, orifice 425 may extend along at least about 50% of the length of second tube 403 between proximal end 415 and distal end 417 . For example, the orifice 425 may be a portion of the length of the second tube 403 , eg, at least 50% of the length, at least 60% of the length, at least 70% of the length, at least 80% of the length, or at least 80% of the length. and a single high aspect ratio slot extending along at least 90%. In some embodiments, the width of the orifice 425 may be relatively small (eg, the length of the orifice 425 may be 50% or more of the length of the second tube 403 but the width is relatively small and/or or thin), and thus the velocity of the cooling fluid 433 traveling through the orifice 425 may be higher. In contrast, if the orifice 425 includes a larger width, the velocity of the cooling fluid 433 moving through the orifice 425 may be relatively lower.

7 illustrates the relationship between time and temperature fluctuations of the ribbon 103 . The x-axis (eg, the horizontal axis) represents time (eg, seconds), while the y-axis (eg, the vertical axis) represents the temperature variation (eg, °C). A first line 701 runs across the width of the ribbon 103 when the cooling tubes (eg, 325 , 327 ) of the upper housing portion 313 are maintained at about 200° C. indicates A second line 703 controls the temperature fluctuation of the ribbon 103 across the width of the ribbon 103 when the cooling tubes (eg, 325 , 327 ) of the upper housing portion 313 are maintained at about 500° C. indicates. In such embodiments, the ribbon 103 exhibits a higher degree of temperature fluctuation as the cooling tubes (eg, 325 , 327 ) are maintained at a lower temperature as represented by the first line 701 . That is, if the cooling tubes (eg, 325, 327) are held at about 200°C, the ribbon 103 will exhibit a higher degree of temperature fluctuation over time. In comparison, the ribbon 103 exhibits a lower degree of temperature fluctuation when the cooling tubes (eg, 325 , 327 ) are maintained at a higher temperature as indicated by the second line 703 . That is, if the cooling tubes (eg, 325 , 327 ) are held at about 500° C., the ribbon 103 will exhibit a lower degree of temperature fluctuation over time.

In some embodiments, the glass cooling device 301 may provide improved cooling of the ribbon 103 with one or more cooling tubes 325 . For example, by maintaining the one or more cooling tubes 325 at a temperature between about 400° C. and about 600° C. and by providing a free path between the one or more cooling tubes 325 and the ribbon 103 , certain negative Impacts can be reduced. For example, these effects may include temperature fluctuations within the upper housing chamber 317 , airflows around the ribbon 103 , convective rolls, and the like. As a result of reducing these effects, the likelihood of thickness and viscosity changes occurring within the ribbon 103 may likewise be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, the structure of the one or more cooling tubes 325 may likewise result in an improvement in temperature maintenance within the upper housing chamber 317 . For example, the one or more cooling tubes 325 may include a closed first sidewall 409 and a closed first end 411 , such that the cooling fluid 433 is directed to the one or more cooling tubes 325 . ) and restricts flow into the upper housing chamber 317 . In this way, by containing the cooling fluid 433 in the one or more cooling tubes 325 , the airflows within the upper housing chamber 317 can be further reduced. The type of cooling fluid 433 used within the one or more cooling tubes 325 may also be beneficial in a variety of ways. For example, the cooling fluid 433 may include a gas that does not vaporize when exposed to relatively high temperatures, such as water. Likewise, with the cooling fluid 433 comprising gas, the first tube 401 (eg, the closed first sidewall 409 ), which may be exacerbated by the use of liquid or water as the cooling fluid 433 . and the closed first end 411) and the second tube 403 (eg, the second sidewall 419 and the closed second end 421) can be reduced. For example, the use of liquid or water as the cooling fluid 433 may cause additional corrosion to the first tube 401 and/or the second tube 403 compared to using a gas as the cooling fluid 433 . have.

Accordingly, the following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present disclosure.

Example 1. A glass forming apparatus cooling comprising a first tube comprising a first closed sidewall and a closed first end, and a second tube comprising a second closed end and a second sidewall defining an orifice a tube, wherein the second tube is positioned within the first tube, the cooling tube includes a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall, the cooling tube comprising the second tube or receive a cooling fluid in one of the channels and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.

Example 2. The glass forming apparatus of Example 1, wherein at least one of the first tube or the second tube may include a cylindrical shape.

Example 3. The glass forming apparatus of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the second tube is coaxial with the first tube.

Embodiment 4. The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the orifice comprises a plurality of orifices.

Example 5 The glass forming apparatus of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the orifice extends along at least about 50% of the length of the second tube.

Example 6. The glass forming apparatus of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the orifice extends along no more than about 50% of the length of the second tube.

Example 7. The glass forming apparatus of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a gas.

Embodiment 8. A glass forming apparatus includes an upper housing portion having a cooling tube extending therein a travel path defined by the glass forming apparatus, wherein the first free path is orthogonal to the travel path 1 extends between the cooling tube and the travel path in a free path direction.

Embodiment 9 The glass forming apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the cooling tube comprises a first tube comprising a first closed sidewall and a first closed end, and a second closed end and a second defining an orifice. a second tube comprising two sidewalls, said second tube positioned within said first tube, said cooling tube comprising a channel between said closed first sidewall and said second sidewall, said cooling tube comprising: is configured to receive a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.

Embodiment 10. The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 8-9, wherein the travel path extends within a lower housing portion located below the upper housing portion, the lower housing portion comprising a lower cooling tube and a second and a second free path extending between the lower cooling tube and the travel path in a free path direction.

Embodiment 11 The glass forming apparatus of embodiment 10, wherein the first free path direction is substantially parallel to the second free path direction.

Example 12 The glass forming apparatus of any one of examples 9-11, wherein the temperature difference between the ribbon and the outer surface of the cooling tube at a location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 649°C.

Example 13. A method of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus of Example 1 includes moving the ribbon along a travel path in a direction of travel past the cooling tube. The methods may include receiving the cooling fluid within the second tube. directing the cooling fluid through the orifice and through the channel to cool the closed first sidewall.

Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein directing the cooling fluid through the orifice comprises maintaining a temperature of an outer surface of the cooling tube between about 400°C and about 600°C.

Embodiment 15. The method of any one of embodiments 13-14, further comprising removing the cooling fluid from the channel along a first direction opposite to a second direction, wherein the cooling fluid flows into the second tube. flows in the second direction.

Embodiment 16. The method of embodiment 15, wherein removing the cooling fluid comprises directing the cooling fluid along a removal path substantially parallel to a tube axis, wherein the second tube is disposed along the tube axis. is extended

Example 17. A method of forming a ribbon with a glass forming apparatus includes moving the ribbon along a travel path in a direction of travel past a cooling tube. The methods include flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that a temperature difference between the ribbon and an outer surface of the cooling tube at a location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 649°C.

Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 17, further comprising preventing the cooling fluid from passing through the outer surface of the cooling tube.

Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 17-18, wherein flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube comprises: the ribbon and the cooling tube at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube. Ensure that the temperature difference between the outer surfaces is less than about 553 °C.

Embodiment 20 The method of any one of Embodiments 17-19, wherein flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube comprises: the ribbon and the cooling tube at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube. Ensure that the temperature difference between the outer surfaces is less than about 459°C.

As used herein, the terms “the”, “a”, and “an” mean “one or more” and should not be limited to “only one” unless expressly indicated otherwise. Thus, for example, “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “about” means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not and need not be exact, but as desired, tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off , measurement error, etc., and may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, reflecting other factors known to those skilled in the art. Where the term “about” is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, it is to be understood that the present disclosure includes the specific value or stated endpoint. Whether or not a numerical value or endpoint of a range refers to "about" herein, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to encompass two embodiments: one modified by "about" and " One unmodified by "drugs." It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms “substantial”, “substantially” and variations thereof are intended to note that a described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to refer to a planar or approximately planar surface. Moreover, as noted above, "substantially similar" is intended to indicate that two values are equal or nearly equal. In some embodiments, “substantially similar” may refer to values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof are to be construed as synonymous and open-ended unless otherwise specified.

While various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to specific examples and specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the disclosure should not be considered limited as many modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are envisioned without departing from the scope of the claims that follow you have to understand

Claims (20)

Glass comprising a cooling tube comprising a first tube comprising a first closed sidewall and a first closed end, and a second tube comprising a second closed end and a second sidewall defining an orifice A forming apparatus, wherein the second tube is positioned within the first tube, the cooling tube comprising a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall, the cooling tube being the second tube or the channel and receive a cooling fluid in one of the glass forming apparatuses and configured to pass the cooling fluid through the orifice. The method according to claim 1,
wherein at least one of said first tube or said second tube comprises a cylindrical shape. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
and the second tube is coaxial with the first tube. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
and the orifice comprises a plurality of orifices. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
and the orifice extends along at least about 50% of the length of the second tube. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
and the orifice extends along no more than about 50% of the length of the second tube. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
and the cooling fluid comprises a gas. A glass forming apparatus comprising:
A travel path defined by the glass forming apparatus extends therein and includes an upper housing portion comprising a cooling tube, wherein the first free path is in a first free path direction orthogonal to the travel path. and a glass forming apparatus extending between the travel path. 9. The method of claim 8,
The cooling tube comprises a first tube comprising a first closed sidewall and a first closed end, and a second tube comprising a second closed end and a second sidewall defining an orifice, the second tube comprising: is positioned within the first tube, the cooling tube comprising a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall, the cooling tube receiving a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel; and configured to pass the cooling fluid through the orifice. 10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9,
The travel path extends in a lower housing portion located below the upper housing portion, the lower housing portion having a second freedom extending between the lower cooling tube and the travel path in a direction of a lower cooling tube and a second free path. A glass forming apparatus, further comprising a path. 11. The method of claim 10,
and the first free path direction is substantially parallel to the second free path direction. 12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
and a temperature difference between the ribbon and the outer surface of the cooling tube at a location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 649°C. A method of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
moving the ribbon along a movement path in a movement direction past the cooling tube;
receiving the cooling fluid within the second tube; and
directing the cooling fluid through the orifice and through the channel to cool the closed first sidewall. 14. The method of claim 13,
wherein directing the cooling fluid through the orifice comprises maintaining a temperature of the outer surface of the cooling tube between about 400°C and about 600°C. 15. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 14,
and removing the cooling fluid from the channel along a first direction opposite to a second direction, wherein the cooling fluid flows along the second direction within the second tube. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein removing the cooling fluid comprises directing the cooling fluid along a removal path substantially parallel to a tube axis, and wherein the second tube extends along the tube axis. A method of forming a ribbon with a glass forming apparatus, comprising:
moving the ribbon along a travel path in a direction of travel past the cooling tube; and
flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that a temperature difference between the ribbon and an outer surface of the cooling tube at a location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 649°C. 18. The method of claim 17,
and preventing the cooling fluid from passing through the outer surface of the cooling tube. 19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18,
flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that the temperature difference between the outer surface of the cooling tube and the ribbon at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 553° C. how to do it 20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19,
and flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that the temperature difference between the outer surface of the cooling tube and the ribbon at the location where the ribbon passes through the cooling tube is less than about 459°C. how to do it

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