TW201600237A - Glass processing apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Glass processing apparatus each include a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device with a gap configured to receive a glass sheet. In one example, an adjustment member can move the first sheet guide device relative to the second sheet guide device such that the gap is tapered with respect to a glass travel direction. In another example, a glass working member can work an edge of the glass sheet. In further examples, methods of processing a glass sheet each include the steps of providing a gap between a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device, passing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap, and working an edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap.

Description

Glass processing equipment and method Cross-references to related applications

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/945,156, filed on Feb. 27, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety in in.

The present disclosure relates generally to glass processing apparatus and methods, and more particularly to glass processing apparatus and methods for supporting edge portions of glass sheets while processing the edges of the glass sheets.

Glass making equipment is commonly used to form glass ribbons that can be separated into glass sheets that can be used in displays and other applications. After separation, it is known to use processed members to machine the edges of the glass sheets, for example by grinding, polishing, cleaning, finishing, or otherwise machine the edges.

A simplified summary of the disclosure is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary aspects described in the embodiments.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a glass processing apparatus includes A sheet guiding device and a second sheet guiding device. The first sheet guiding device is movably coupled with respect to the second sheet guiding device. A gap configured to receive the glass sheet is defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. The adjustment member is configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap tapers relative to the direction of travel of the glass.

In one example of the first aspect, at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises a roller.

In another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises an endless belt.

In still another example of the first aspect, the adjustment member is at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device.

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

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a glass processing apparatus includes a first sheet guiding device and a second sheet guiding device. The first sheet guiding device is movably coupled with respect to the second sheet guiding device. A gap configured to receive the glass sheet is defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device, and the glass working member is configured to machine the edge of the glass sheet.

In an example of the second aspect, at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises a roller.

In another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises an endless belt.

In still another example of the second aspect, the glass processing apparatus further includes an adjustment member configured to direct the first sheet guiding device The second sheet guiding device is moved to cause the gap to taper relative to the direction of travel of the glass. In one example, the adjustment member is at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device.

In still another example of the second aspect, the first sheet guiding device and the first The two sheet guiding device is mounted relative to the glass working member. In one example, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass working member to allow for selective positioning of the gap relative to the glass working member. In another example, the glass working member includes a glass processing wheel including an outer peripheral machining surface of a rotating shaft of the circumscribing glass processing wheel, wherein the outer peripheral machining surface includes an axial width extending in an axial direction of the rotating shaft . In one particular example, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing wheel to allow for a selected positioning of the gap along the axial width of the glass processing wheel relative to the preselected axial position. In yet another example, the glass processing apparatus further includes a glass processing shroud defining a glass processing region, wherein the glass processing member is at least partially received within the glass processing region of the glass processing shroud, and wherein the first sheet guiding device and the first The two sheet guiding device is mounted relative to the glass processing shroud. In one particular example, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass working member to allow for a selected positioning of the gap relative to the slot defined by the glass processing shroud. In another specific example, the glass processing member includes a glass processing wheel that includes an outer peripheral processing surface of a rotating shaft of the circumscribing glass processing wheel. The outer peripheral machining surface includes an axial width that extends in the axial direction of the axis of rotation of the glass processing wheel. The first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing wheel to allow clearance along the glass The axial width of the work wheel is positioned relative to the selected axial position.

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

In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of processing a glass sheet includes the step (I) of providing a gap between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device, and the edge portion of the glass sheet being The step (II) of passing through the gap in the traveling direction of the glass, wherein the edge portion in the gap is supported by at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. The method further includes the step (III) of processing the edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap.

In one example of the third aspect, the gap tapers relative to the direction of travel of the glass.

In another example of the third aspect, the step (II) further comprises the step of providing a lubricant between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device while causing the edge portion of the glass sheet to travel in the glass The gap passes through the gap, wherein the edge portion is supported by the lubricant by at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device.

In still another example of the third aspect, the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are mounted relative to the glass processing member.

The third aspect may be provided separately or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the third aspect discussed above.

101‧‧‧Glass processing equipment

111‧‧‧Stainless glass

113‧‧‧ peripheral edge

The edge of 115‧‧

117‧‧‧ first major surface

119‧‧‧Second surface/second major surface

120‧‧‧Edge section

201‧‧‧First sheet guiding device

301‧‧‧Second sheet guiding device/sheet guiding device

303‧‧‧Sheet guiding member

305‧‧‧Sheet guide bracket

307‧‧‧Sliding connector

309‧‧‧Elastic sheet guiding member

310‧‧‧Sheet guide surface

311‧‧‧ Grooves and / or channels / longitudinal grooves and / or channels

312‧‧‧ Grooves and / or channels / lateral grooves and / or channels

315‧‧‧Chamfer corner

401‧‧‧Adjustment components

402‧‧‧Adjustment knob

403‧‧‧ adjustment rod

405‧‧‧Flexible adjustment member

407‧‧‧Adjustment guides

450‧‧‧Main support

455‧‧‧Main support connecting member

500‧‧‧ gap

501‧‧‧ tapered gap/gap

505‧‧‧glass direction

600‧‧‧Sub Supports

601‧‧‧Sub-support member adjustment member

602‧‧‧Sub-support fasteners

604‧‧‧Sub Support Bracket

606‧‧‧Sub-support member connecting member

607‧‧‧Sub-support member connecting member

608‧‧‧Sub-support member connecting member

700‧‧‧Roller

702‧‧‧Ring belt

704‧‧‧ Tension adjuster

800‧‧‧Lubricant

1000‧‧‧Glass processing components

1001‧‧‧Glass processing wheel

1003‧‧‧Outer peripheral processing surface

1005‧‧‧Glass processing cover

1007‧‧‧ slot

1010‧‧‧Glass processing area

1100‧‧‧Rotary axis

1101‧‧‧ axial width

1102‧‧‧Axial direction

1200‧‧‧Rotation direction

T‧‧‧ thickness

These and other aspects are better understood when the following embodiments are read with reference to the drawings, in which: 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary glass processing apparatus; FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary glass processing apparatus of FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an exemplary glass processing apparatus of FIG. 3, wherein a gap is defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary glass processing apparatus of FIG. a front perspective view of the sheet guiding device; FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the exemplary glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1 with the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device relative to the glass processing member of the glass processing apparatus To install; and Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of another exemplary glass processing apparatus.

The examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the However, the various aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary glass processing apparatus 191 is provided with various exemplary features that may be used alone or in combination to support and/or guide the glass sheet 111. In one example, the glass processing apparatus 101 can support and/or guide the glass sheet 111 to minimize bevel edge asymmetry. For the purposes of further discussion, it will be presented below and described for use in liquid crystal displays Glass sheets produced and especially glass sheets. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure has applicability in supporting or guiding edge portions of other types of glass sheets.

The glass sheet can be considered as a sheet separated from the glass ribbon, and the glass ribbon It is formed by a glass ribbon manufacturing process using techniques such as pull-down, pull-up, float, melt, roll or slot drawing, or other techniques. For example, the glass ribbon can be periodically separated into sheets and can even be further subdivided into smaller sheets. In such examples, the glass processing apparatus of the present disclosure can be used to process one or more edges of a separate glass sheet. In other examples, the glass sheet can be considered a glass ribbon. For example, the glass sheet can comprise a glass ribbon that is divided into individual sheets. In this example, after forming the glass ribbon, the outer edge of the glass ribbon can be removed, and the remaining edges of the glass ribbon can then be processed using the glass processing apparatus of the present disclosure.

In one example, the glass sheet 111 can comprise a liquid crystal display that can be incorporated A piece of glass in the apparatus in which it is desired to process the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 to improve quality and increase the strength of the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the edge 115 may include an outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass piece 111 between the thickness "T" of the glass piece 111, and the thickness "T" is from the surface of the glass piece 111. The first major surface 117 in one direction (e.g., upward as shown in Fig. 4) and the second surface 119 facing in the second direction (e.g., downward as shown in Fig. 4). Additionally or alternatively, the edge 115 can include a portion of the first major surface 117 of the glass sheet 111 and/or a portion of the second major surface 119 that includes or does not include the outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111. In other examples, the edge 115 can include a peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111 along with a portion of the first major surface 117 And/or part of the second major surface 119. In another example, the glass sheet 111 can comprise an edge portion 120 of the glass sheet. The edge portion 120 of the glass sheet can, for example, comprise a major surface portion of the glass sheet adjacent the edge 115 as described above, and in some examples, can include some or all of the edge 115.

Although not required, as shown in Fig. 1, the glass processing apparatus 101 The illustrated example is shown to process a glass sheet 111 that is oriented substantially horizontally, with the glass sheet 111 extending substantially along the illustrated X-Y plane and gravity acting in the Z direction. In this example, the second major surface 119 faces the direction of gravity while the first major surface 117 faces away from the opposite direction of gravity. Although not shown, in other examples, the glass sheets can be oriented with a bevel relative to the X-Y orientation, and in some examples, can be oriented along the X-Z plane and/or the Y-Z plane. Regardless of orientation, the glass processing apparatus 101 can be used to support and/or guide the glass sheet 111.

As shown in Figures 1-4, the first aspect of the disclosure may include glass a glass processing apparatus 101, which may include a first sheet guiding device 201, a second sheet guiding device 301, wherein the first sheet guiding device 201 is movably coupled with respect to the second sheet guiding device 301, and wherein A gap 500 (see FIG. 4) configured to receive the glass sheet 111 may be defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301. The glass processing apparatus 101 can also include an adjustment member 401 configured to move the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the second sheet guiding device 301 such that the gap 500 can be a tapered gap 501 with respect to the glass travel direction 505.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first sheet guiding device 201 can The main support 450 is coupled, for example, by a removable or fixed connection. In addition, the second sheet guiding device 301 can also be coupled to the main body, for example, by a removable or fixed connection. Support member 450. The coupling of the first sheet guiding device 201 and/or the second sheet guiding device 301 to the main support can be achieved by a wide range of coupling features such as threaded connections, threaded bushing connections or Other coupling features. Although the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 are illustrated as being coupled to the same main support 450, in other examples, the sheet guiding device can be coupled to different supports. For example, the main support 450 can include two supports that can independently support the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device, respectively.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one example, the first sheet The guiding device 201 can be coupled to the main support 450 via the main support connecting member 455. As shown, the main support connecting member 455 can be coupled to the adjustment member 401. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to move the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the second sheet guiding device 301. For example, the adjustment member 401 can be coupled to the main support connection member 455 and/or the first sheet guiding device 201 by a removable or fixed connection. For example, the coupling can be achieved by various alternative features such as threaded connections, threaded bushing connections, or other fastening features. In yet another example, the adjustment member 401 can be coupled to the main support connection member 455 at one end and to the first sheet guide 201 at the other end.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one example, the first sheet guiding device 201 is configurable to contact the second sheet guiding device 301. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first sheet guiding device 201 can be configured to be substantially separated from the second sheet guiding device 301 to define a gap 500 defined by the first sheet guiding device 201. Between the second sheet guiding device 301. In an instance The adjustment member 401 is configured to move the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the second sheet guiding device 301 to form a gap 500. Although not required, the gap 500 formed may be a tapered gap 501 with respect to the glass travel direction 505 of the glass sheet 111.

As shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment member 401 can include an adjustment knob 402, The adjustment rod 403, the elastic adjustment member 405, and the adjustment guide 407 are adjusted. In one example, the adjustment knob 402 is configured to control the adjustment of the adjustment member 401. For example, the adjustment knob 402 can be configured such that by rotating the adjustment knob 402, the adjustment lever 403 is likewise rotated and the first sheet guiding device 201 is moved relative to the second sheet guiding device 301. In another example, the adjustment rod 403 can be a threaded rod that can threadably engage the first sheet guiding device 201 and the main support connecting member 455. In yet another example, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to offset the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the main support 450. For example, the elastic adjustment member 405 can be configured to offset the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the main support 450. In another example, the adjustment guide 407 can be configured to direct movement of the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the main support 450.

In still another example of the first aspect shown in Figures 3 and 4, The adjustment member 401 can be at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device 201. As indicated, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to bias the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap 500 can be a tapered gap 501 with respect to the glass travel direction 505. For example, the adjustment knob 402 can be configured to move the adjustment bar 403, which in turn moves the first sheet guiding device 201 relative to the second sheet guiding device 301. In another example, the adjustment member 401 can be at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device 201, and when the first sheet guiding device 201 The first sheet guiding device is pivotable relative to the second sheet guiding device 301 such that the gap 500 defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be gradually Shrinkage gap 501. The first sheet guiding device 201 can be pivoted accordingly as, for example, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to provide eccentric support of the first sheet guiding device 201 such that the first sheet guiding device 201 can be guided relative to the second sheet Device 301 moves in a non-parallel manner. Such non-parallel movement of the first sheet guiding device 201 may occur, for example, due to gravity acting uniformly on the first sheet guiding device 201, wherein the adjusting member 401 may be at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device 201.

Referring to Figure 5, an exemplary sheet guiding device is provided. Although instantiated The second sheet guiding device 301, but it should be understood that the first sheet guiding device 201 can include all or some of the features described with respect to the second sheet guiding device 301. Therefore, for simplification, when describing the following exemplary features of the first sheet guiding device 201 and/or the second sheet guiding device 301, the first and second words are not included. As shown, the sheet guiding device 301 can include a sheet guiding member 303 and a sheet guiding bracket 305. The sheet guiding member 303 can include a sheet guiding surface 310 configured to support and/or guide the glass sheet 111. Additionally, the sheet guiding member 303 can be movably coupled with respect to the sheet guiding bracket 305, for example, with one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309. One or more elastic sheet guiding members 309 can be configured to elastically bias the sheet guiding members 303 relative to the sheet guiding brackets 305, for example to allow translation of the sheet guiding members 303 relative to the sheet guiding brackets 305 And / or rotate. Such translation and/or rotation of the sheet guiding member may, for example, vary the gaps 500, 501 defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301.

In an alternative example, as shown in Figure 7, the first sheet guiding device At least one of 201 and second sheet guiding device 301 can include a drum 700. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 includes an endless belt 702. Embodiments including the endless belt 702 can include a tension adjuster 704 configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt 702. In the illustrated example, each of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device includes a plurality of rollers circumscribing the endless belt 702. The endless belt 702 can be configured to substantially contact the glass sheet 111 to guide and/or support the glass sheet 111. Although not shown, in other examples without an endless belt, the drum 700 can be configured to substantially contact the glass sheet 111 to guide and/or support the glass sheet 111.

Variations in the gaps 500, 501 can be configured, for example, to allow for glass processing The device 101 receives glass sheets 111 of different thicknesses and/or sizes. In another example, the variation of the gaps 500, 501 can be configured to allow for increased damping of the vibratory motion of the glass sheet 111 when, for example, the glass sheet 111 is being guided or supported by the sheet guiding surface 310 of the sheet guiding member 303. For example, when the glass sheet 111 is received between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301, it can undergo motion or movement. In one example, the glass sheet 111 can undergo motion, such as translational movement through the gaps 500, 501, machining the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 and vibrating motion when the edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 passes through the gap, or any other Translation, rotation, or other motion applied to the glass sheet 111 by any event that causes the movement of the glass sheet 111. Additionally, variations in the gaps 500, 501 can be configured to allow the glass processing apparatus 101 to receive the glass sheet 111 with varying flatness and to support and/or direct glass sheets having varying flatness. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be configured to accommodate Another planar glass sheet 111 is formed, wherein the glass sheet contains defects or anomalies that cause all or a portion of the glass sheet to be non-planar. For example, as indicated, one or more of the elastic sheet guiding members 309 can be configured to elastically bias the sheet guiding members 303 relative to the sheet guiding brackets 305. Therefore, in the inactive state, the biasing force may exist in one or more of the elastic sheet guiding members 309. This biasing force can act substantially in the direction from the sheet guiding bracket 305 to the sheet guiding member 303 along one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309. In the active state, when, for example, a glass sheet is received between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device, the sheet guiding member 303 is movable in a direction toward the sheet guiding bracket, thus in the elastic sheet A force is generated within one or more of the material guiding members 309 that acts in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the biasing force acts in the active state. Therefore, the force existing in the one or more elastic sheet guiding members 309 shifts the sheet guiding member 303 relative to the sheet guiding bracket 305 regardless of whether it is in an active state or an inactive state, so that the first sheet is guided. At least one of the device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can support and/or guide the glass sheet 111 received between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301.

The sheet guiding device may include one or more sliding connectors as needed 307. The slide connector 307 can be coupled to the sheet guide member 303 with respect to the sheet guide bracket 305 and can be configured to allow translational and/or rotational movement of the sheet guide member 303 relative to the sheet guide bracket 305. The slide connector 307 can be attached to the sheet guide bracket 305, for example, by a removable or fixed connection. In addition, the slide connector 307 can pass through an aperture formed in the sheet guiding member 303 to facilitate movement of the sheet guiding member 303 relative to the sheet guiding bracket 305. form The aperture through the slide connector 307 in the sheet guiding member 303 may be formed as an elongated aperture along which the sliding connector 307 is slidable. The slide connector 307 can also include an end having a size greater than the size of the aperture such that the slide connector 307 can substantially restrict the sheet guide member 303 from being disengaged from the sheet guide bracket 305. The sheet guiding member 303 can thus slide relative to the sheet guiding bracket 305 and with respect to the sliding connector 307 with the slits formed therein. The sheet guiding member 303 can thus be configured to undergo translational and/or rotational movement relative to the sheet guiding carriage 305.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the sheet guiding member 303 Grooves and/or channels 311, 312 formed substantially on the sheet guiding surface 310 can be included. In one example, the longitudinal grooves and/or channels 311 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the sheet guiding member 303. In another example, the transverse grooves and/or channels 312 can extend transverse to the longitudinal length of the sheet guiding member 303, such as substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sheet guiding member 303 or relative to the sheet guiding member 303. The angular extension of the longitudinal length. The grooves and/or channels 311, 312 can be configured to facilitate providing a lubricant 800 between at least the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 (shown schematically in Figure 4) The flow in the space between the sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301. The lubricant can reduce and/or substantially eliminate the coefficient of friction present between the guide surface 310 of the sheet guiding device and the glass sheet 111 when the glass sheet 111 is received in the gaps 500, 501. In one example, the lubricant 800 can comprise water or other liquid lubricant. Thus, in some examples, the lubricant 800 can form a layer that substantially separates the glass sheet 111 from contacting the sheet guiding surface 310 of one or both of the sheet guiding devices. in In other cases, as indicated, the lubricant 800 can reduce the coefficient of friction between the sheet guiding surface 310 and the glass sheet 111. In other cases, the glass sheet 111 contacts a location on the sheet guiding surface 310 that does not have any lubricant 800 provided between the position of the sheet guiding surface 310 and the glass sheet 111. Thus, there may be situations in which there is substantially complete, substantially partial or substantially no contact between all or part of the glass sheet 111, all or part of the sheet guiding surface 310, and all or part of the lubricant 800 It can be equally applied with respect to the supporting and/or guiding characteristics with respect to the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301. Thus, use of the terms supporting, substantially supporting, and/or guiding a glass sheet is to be understood as encompassing all variations and embodiments described herein.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the sheet guiding member 303 may comprise a pour An angled corner 315 that is configurable to allow the glass processing apparatus 101 to receive the glass sheet 111. For example, the chamfered corner 315 can be configured to eliminate sharp points or edges on the sheet guiding member 303, which can otherwise have a tendency to scratch or rupture the glass sheet 111. Additionally, the chamfered corner 315 can be configured to increase the opening size of the gaps 500, 501 defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 such that the glass sheet 111 can be initially received in a larger Between the opening sizes, and then through the gaps 500, 501 are directed to the sheet guiding surface 310 where they can be supported and/or guided.

A second aspect of the present disclosure can include a glass processing apparatus 101, It may comprise: a first sheet guiding device 201; a second sheet guiding device 301, wherein the first sheet guiding device 201 is movably coupled with respect to the second sheet guiding device 301, and configured to receive the glass The gap of the sheet 111 can be 500 Defined between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301; and a glass working member 1000 (see, for example, FIG. 6) configured to process the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111.

For example, as shown in Figure 6, the glass working component 1000 can be designed The edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 is machined. In one example, the glass working component 1000 can machine the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 to provide an oblique or rounded transition between the first surface 117 and/or the second surface 119 and the peripheral edge 113. Processing the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 in this manner reduces the probability of stress cracking forming and propagating to the inner portion of the glass sheet, and can additionally improve the quality of the glass sheet 111.

In still another example of the second aspect shown in FIG. 6, the first sheet The guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be mounted relative to the glass working member 1000. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be adjustably mounted relative to the glass working member 1000 to allow for selective positioning of the gaps 500, 501 relative to the glass working member 1000.

In another example, the glass working component 1000 includes a glass processing wheel 1001, the glass processing wheel can include an outer peripheral machining surface 1003 of the rotating shaft 1100 of the outer glass processing wheel 1001, wherein the outer peripheral machining surface 1003 includes an axial width 1101 extending along the axial direction 1102 of the rotating shaft 1100. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing wheel 1001 to allow the gaps 500, 501 to be along the axial width 1101 of the glass processing wheel 1001 relative to the preselected axis. The selected position of position 1103. The glass processing wheel 1001 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 1100 in the direction of rotation 1200 to cause the outer surface of the glass processing wheel 1001 to machine the surface 1003 The edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 can be machined, such as the peripheral edge 113.

In yet another example, the glass processing apparatus 101 can further include a boundary The glass working shroud 1005 of the glass working region 1010, wherein the glass working member 1000 can be at least partially received within the glass working region 1010 of the glass working shroud 1005. In these examples, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be mounted relative to the glass processing shroud 1005. For example, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be adjustably mounted relative to the glass working member 1000 to allow the gaps 500, 501 to be relative to the slots 1007 defined in the glass working shroud 1005. Selected targeting. In one example, the outer peripheral machining surface 1003 circumscribes the rotating shaft 1100 of the glass processing wheel 1001 such that the outer peripheral machining surface 1003 includes an axial width 1101 extending along the axial direction 1102 of the rotating shaft 1100. In these examples, the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 can be adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing wheel 1001 to allow the gaps 500, 501 to be relative to the axial width 1101 of the glass processing wheel 1001. The selected position is at the preselected axial position 1103.

The glass working shield 1005 can be designed to shield the surface of the glass sheet 111 117, 119 are exempt from particles and/or other contaminants associated with the processing process. As shown in FIG. 6, the glass working shroud 1005 can be provided with a slot 1007 configured to receive the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. Additionally, the glass working shroud 1005 can be mounted relative to the glass processing wheel 1001 such that the central axis of the glass working shroud 1005 coincides with the rotating shaft 1100 of the glass processing wheel 1001.

The method of processing the glass sheet 111 may include cleaning or machining (eg, For example, the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111, such as the peripheral edge 113, is beveled. E.g, As shown in FIG. 6, the glass processing wheel 1001 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 1100 in the direction of rotation 1200 such that the outer peripheral machining surface 1003 processes the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. In one example, the glass sheet 111 can be moved relative to the glass processing wheel 1001 in the glass travel direction 505 while the glass processing wheel 1001 is rotated about the axis of rotation 1100 in the direction of rotation 1200. Thus, the peripheral machining surface 1003 can be moved in the direction of rotation 1200 beyond the preselected axial position 1103 along the axial width 1101 of the glass processing wheel 1001 while the glass sheet 111 can be moved relative to the glass processing wheel 1001. The relative movement between the glass sheet 111 and the glass working member 1000 can be provided by moving the glass working member 1000 relative to the glass sheet 111 and/or moving the glass sheet 111 relative to the glass working member 1000. The glass processing wheel 1001 can include a grinding wheel with diamond particles or other material sufficient to process (such as grinding, polishing, cleaning, or otherwise finishing) the edges of the glass sheet 111.

In another example shown in FIG. 2, the glass processing apparatus 101 can A secondary support 600 is included. The secondary support 600 can include secondary support attachment members 606, 607, 608 that can be configured to engage the primary support 450. For example, the secondary support attachment members 606, 607, 608 can be configured to rotatably engage the primary support 450 such that the primary support 450 can be rotated relative to the secondary support 600. In one example, the secondary support 600 can include a recess 615 (see FIG. 3) configured to receive a portion of the primary support 450 therein. In another example shown in FIG. 6, the secondary support 600 can be configured to engage the glass working shroud 1005 (if provided) or the glass working component 1000. As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary support 600 can include a secondary support fastener 602 that can be configured to removably or fixedly couple the secondary support 600 to the glass structure. Piece 1000 and/or glass processing shroud 1005. In yet another example, the secondary support 600 can include a secondary support bracket 604 that can be configured to removably or fixedly couple the secondary support 600 to the glass processing component 1000 and/or Glass processing shield 1005. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-support 600 may include a sub-support adjustment member 601. In one example, the secondary support adjustment member 601 can be configured to adjust the position of the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 relative to the secondary support 600. The secondary support adjustment member 601 can include features that are substantially the same as or similar to those described with respect to the adjustment member 401.

A third aspect of the present disclosure may include processing the glass sheet 111 The method may include the steps of: (I) providing a gap 500 between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301; (II) causing the edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 to be in the glass traveling direction 505 Passing through the gap 500, wherein the edge portion 120 in the gap 500 can be supported by at least one of the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301; and (III) processing the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 while making The edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 passes through the gap 500.

In one example of the third aspect, as shown in FIG. 4, the gap 500 can be a tapered gap 501 with respect to the direction of travel 505 of the glass.

In another example of the third aspect, the step (II) may further comprise the step of providing the lubricant 800 between the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301 while simultaneously making the glass sheet 111 The edge portion 120 passes through the gap 500 in the glass travel direction 505, wherein the edge portion 120 is supported by the lubricant 800 using at least one of the first sheet guiding device 201 and the second sheet guiding device 301.

In still another example of the third aspect, the first sheet guiding device 201 And the second sheet guiding device 301 can be mounted relative to the glass working member 1000.

Those skilled in the art will understand that they can do without leaving the requested target. Various modifications and changes are made to the present disclosure in the context of the spirit and scope of the invention.

101‧‧‧Glass processing equipment

111‧‧‧Stainless glass

113‧‧‧ peripheral edge

The edge of 115‧‧

117‧‧‧ first major surface

119‧‧‧Second surface/second major surface

120‧‧‧Edge section

201‧‧‧First sheet guiding device

301‧‧‧Second sheet guiding device/sheet guiding device

401‧‧‧Adjustment components

450‧‧‧Main support

455‧‧‧Main support connecting member

Claims (20)

A glass processing apparatus comprising: a first sheet guiding device; a second sheet guiding device, wherein the first sheet guiding device is movably coupled with respect to the second sheet guiding device, and wherein the configuration Receiving a gap between one of the glass sheets defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and an adjusting member configured to face the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet The material guiding device is moved such that the gap tapers relative to a direction of travel of the glass. The glass processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises a roller. The glass processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises an endless belt. The glass processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device. A glass processing apparatus comprising: a first sheet guiding device; a second sheet guiding device, wherein the first sheet guiding device is movably coupled with respect to the second sheet guiding device, and wherein the configuration To receive a glass A gap of the glass sheet is defined between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and a glass processing member configured to machine an edge of the glass sheet. The glass processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises a roller. The glass processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device comprises an endless belt. The glass processing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising an adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guiding device relative to the second sheet guiding device such that the gap is relative to a glass traveling direction Gradually. The glass processing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustment member is at an eccentricity of the first sheet guiding device. The glass processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are mounted relative to the glass processing member. The glass processing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass working member to allow selection of the gap relative to the glass processing member Positioning. The glass processing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the glass processing member comprises a glass processing wheel, the glass processing wheel comprising an outer peripheral processing surface circumscribing a rotating shaft of the glass processing wheel, wherein the outer peripheral processing surface comprises An axial width extending in an axial direction of one of the axes of rotation. The glass processing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing wheel to allow the gap to be along the axial direction of the glass processing wheel The selected position of the width relative to a preselected axial position. The glass processing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a glass processing shroud defining a glass processing region, wherein the glass processing member is at least partially received within the glass processing region of the glass processing shroud, and wherein The first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are mounted relative to the glass processing shroud. The glass processing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing member to allow the gap to be relative to the glass processing shield Define the selected location of one of the slots. The glass processing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the glass processing member comprises a glass processing wheel, the glass processing wheel comprising an outer peripheral processing surface circumscribing a rotating shaft of the glass processing wheel, wherein the outer peripheral processing surface comprises An axial width extending along an axial direction of one of the rotating shafts of the glass processing wheel, and wherein the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass processing wheel to allow The gap is positioned along the selected axial width of the glass processing wheel relative to a preselected axial position. A method of processing a glass sheet, comprising the steps of: (I) providing a gap between a first sheet guiding device and a second sheet guiding device; (II) making one edge of the glass sheet Passing through the gap in a direction of travel of the glass, wherein the edge portion of the gap is supported by at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device; and (III) processing the glass One edge of the sheet simultaneously passes the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap. The method of claim 17, wherein the gap tapers relative to the direction of travel of the glass. The method of claim 17, wherein the step (II) further comprises the step of providing a lubricant between the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device while causing the edge of the glass sheet The portion passes through the gap in a direction of travel of the glass, wherein the edge portion is supported by the lubricant by at least one of the first sheet guiding device and the second sheet guiding device. The method of claim 17, wherein the first sheet guiding device and the method The second sheet guiding device is mounted relative to a glass processing member.