TW201620805A - Glass sheet processing apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A glass sheet processing apparatus includes a monorail segment and a double-rail segment that are each configured to support a weight of a glass sheet. In further embodiments, methods of processing glass sheets include the step of conveying a hanging glass sheet along a glass sheet conveyance direction while changing an angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the glass sheet conveyance direction. In further examples, methods include conveying the hanging glass sheet along a first glass sheet conveyance direction while a major surface of the glass sheet is at a first angle relative to the first glass sheet conveyance direction; and then conveying the hanging glass sheet along a second glass sheet conveyance direction while a major surface of the glass sheet is at a second angle relative to the second glass sheet conveyance direction.

Description

Glass sheet processing equipment and method

The invention relates to a glass sheet processing apparatus and method.

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 62/066,656, filed on Jan. 21, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Conventional glass transport devices are generally used to transport glass sheets from a first location to a second location along a path of travel. The device can be used to transport horizontally placed glass sheets; however, if the glass sheets are held in a vertical orientation, problems can arise when transporting large and/or thin glass sheets along a path of travel.

A brief summary of the disclosed invention is presented below to provide a basic understanding of certain exemplary aspects described in the <RTIgt;

The present invention relates generally to a glass sheet processing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a glass sheet processing apparatus including a first hanger and a second hanger, and including a suspension transported along a glass sheet transport direction The glass sheet is related to a method of changing the angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the direction in which the glass sheet is conveyed.

According to a first embodiment, a glass sheet processing apparatus includes a support rail that includes a single rail segment and a double rail segment. The dual track segment includes a first track portion that is displaced from a second track portion. The glass sheet processing apparatus further includes a suspension device including a first hanger and a second hanger. The monorail segment is configured to support the weight of a piece of glass with the first hanger and the second hanger. Each of the track portions of the dual track segment is configured to support at least a portion of the weight of the glass sheet with at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger. In another embodiment, the support track further includes a segment that divides the monorail into the dual segment. In still another embodiment, the support track further includes a converging section that converges the dual rail section into the monorail section. In yet another embodiment, the sheet glass processing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control movement of at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger along the support track. In still another embodiment, the controller is configured to control movement of at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger along the support track using a magnetic linear synchronous motor. In another embodiment, the suspension device further includes a link member that provides a predetermined spacing between the first hanger and the second hanger. In a further embodiment, the hangers each include a respective support shaft. The support track is configured to support the weight of the glass sheet through the shaft of the hangers, and each hanger is configured to allow one end of the corresponding hanger to rotate about the corresponding support shaft. In a particular embodiment, each hanger includes a contact that is configured to allow the corresponding The end of the hanger rotates about the corresponding support shaft. In another embodiment, each hanger includes a track bracket and a sheet support configured to mount the hanger to the support track, the sheet support configured to mount the glass sheet to The hanger. In some embodiments, each hanger is configured to allow the corresponding sheet support to rotate relative to the corresponding track support with respect to one of the hangers. For example, in some particular embodiments, each hanger further includes a joint configured to allow the corresponding sheet support relative to the corresponding track support, corresponding support for the hanger The axis rotates. In yet another embodiment, the dual track segment is at least partially disposed in a processing region selected from the group consisting of: a cutting zone, a refining zone, a scrubbing zone, a drying zone, a heating zone, a cooling zone, and spraying Zone, strengthening zone, redirecting zone, accumulation zone, inspection zone, replacement zone, weighing zone and lamination zone.

According to a second embodiment, a method of processing a glass sheet includes the step (I) of suspending a glass sheet with a first hanger and a second hanger. The method further includes the step (II) of transporting the suspended glass sheet in a glass sheet transport direction while changing the angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the glass sheet transport direction. In a specific embodiment, the method further includes the step of rotating the suspended glass sheet with the first hanger and the second hanger to change the angle. In a particular embodiment, step (II) includes directing the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of divergent paths to change the angle. In a specific embodiment, the method still further includes guiding the first hanger along the majority convergence path and the The second hanger is to further change the angle. In another specific embodiment, step (II) includes directing the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of convergence paths to change the angle. In a further embodiment, step (I) directs the first hanger and the second hanger along the same path. For example, in one embodiment, at least after step (II), the method further directs the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of separate offset paths. In a further embodiment, step (I) directs the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of separate offset paths. In one case, at least after step (II), the method further directs the first hanger and the second hanger along the same path. In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of controlling the guiding of the first hanger and the second hanger along at least one predetermined path. In a particular embodiment, the method further includes the step of controlling the guiding of the first hanger and the second hanger along at least one predetermined path using a magnetic linear synchronous motor.

According to a third embodiment, a method of processing a glass sheet includes the step (I) of suspending a glass sheet and transporting the suspended glass sheet along a first glass sheet transport direction while a major surface of the glass sheet is at Step (II) at a first angle with respect to the first glass sheet transport direction. The method then includes transporting the suspended glass sheet along a second glass sheet transport direction while a major surface of the glass sheet is at a second angle relative to the second glass sheet transport direction, step (III), Wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. In a specific embodiment, the first glass sheet transport direction is about about the second glass sheet transport direction. 90°. In another embodiment, the first angle is approximately 0°. In still another embodiment, the second angle is approximately 90°. In yet another embodiment, at least one of step (II) and step (III) transports the glass sheet in an arcuate configuration. In a further embodiment, after the step (III), the method further comprises transporting the suspended glass sheet along a third glass sheet transport direction while the major surface of the glass sheet is in a state relative to the third glass Step (IV) at one of the third angles of the sheet transport direction. In a specific embodiment, the first angle is substantially equal to the third angle.

Of course, the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment may be provided separately or in combination with one or any of the specific embodiments discussed above.

101‧‧‧Stain glass processing equipment

103‧‧‧Glass source

105‧‧‧Stainless glass

105a‧‧‧first major surface

105b‧‧‧second major surface

106‧‧‧Stainless glass

107‧‧‧Support track

109‧‧‧suspension

111‧‧‧ beams

113‧‧‧ ceiling

113a‧‧‧First hanger

113b‧‧‧Second hanger

115‧‧‧ Glass sheet transport direction

117‧‧‧ Controller

201a‧‧‧Support shaft

201b‧‧‧Support shaft

203a‧‧‧Track bracket

203b‧‧‧Track bracket

205‧‧‧Magnetic linear synchronous motor

206a‧‧‧Outer edge

206b‧‧‧Outer edge

207‧‧‧Links

209a‧‧‧Sheet holder

209b‧‧‧Sheet holder

211‧‧‧Flexible components

213a‧‧‧Contacts

213b‧‧‧Contacts

215‧‧‧Outer peripheral edge surface

301‧‧‧claw

303‧‧‧ compliant materials

305‧‧‧Top edge section

401a‧‧‧Upstream single track

401b‧‧‧Downstream monorail

405‧‧‧ single track section

407‧‧‧Single support path

409‧‧‧Double track

411a‧‧‧First track section

411b‧‧‧Second track section

413a‧‧‧Support path

413b‧‧‧Support path

415‧‧‧ segment

417‧‧‧ Convergence section

419‧‧‧Counterclock direction

421‧‧‧clockwise

423‧‧‧ Segment path

425‧‧‧ Convergence section path

501‧‧‧Processing area

601‧‧‧Support track

602‧‧‧Single track

603‧‧‧Double track

604a‧‧‧First track section

604b‧‧‧second track section

605a‧‧‧ first division

605b‧‧‧Second segment

607‧‧‧Single support path

801‧‧‧ Convergence section

1101‧‧‧Double track

1201‧‧‧ Hanger

1203‧‧‧Support track

1205‧‧‧Rotation direction

1207‧‧‧First glass sheet transport direction

1209‧‧‧First glass transport direction

1211‧‧‧Second glass transport direction

1213a‧‧‧3rd glass sheet transport direction

1213b‧‧‧The third glass sheet transport direction

1215a‧‧‧Alternative path

1215b‧‧‧Alternative path

1217a‧‧‧Alternative path

1217b‧‧‧Alternate path

When read with reference to those accompanying drawings, the present disclosure can be obtained with other features, aspects and advantages of the invention further understanding: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first aspect of a glass sheet processing apparatus disclosed in the present invention; a second an enlarged schematic view of the apparatus showing a first glass sheet processing apparatus 1 in perspective two alternative access to the suspension; and FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of a device according to one of the three access suspended perspective; Fig. 4 Is a schematic top view of a specific embodiment of a glass sheet processing apparatus, wherein the support rails are shown in dashed lines for clarity, and wherein the glass sheets are transported by a transport technique; FIG . 5 is the same as FIG . 4 but is depicted another such conveyor systems to transport the glass sheet; FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a glass sheet processing apparatus of the specific embodiment, for clarity shown in dashed lines support rail, and wherein a transport to the transport technology Glass sheet; Figure 7 is the same as Figure 6 , but showing that the glass sheets are transported by another transport technique; Figure 8 is the same as Figure 6 , but showing that the glass sheets are still transported by another transport technique; Figure 9 and the second 6 is the same, but shows that the glass sheets are still transported by another transport technique; Figure 10 is the same as Figure 6 , but shows that the glass sheets are transported by a further transport technique; Figure 11 depicts a specific implementation according to a specific implementation Examples of such glass arrangement, this particular embodiment may be incorporated in any of those specific embodiments disclosed in the present invention among these; and FIG. 12 describes a glass sheet processing apparatus of another embodiment of the The top view is illustrated with the support rails shown in dashed lines for clarity and in which the glass sheets are transported in another transport technique.

Specific embodiments of the disclosed invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. Minute. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG 1 is a schematic view of a glass sheet processing apparatus 101. In a specific embodiment, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 can include a source 103 of glass sheets 105 . In a specific embodiment, the source may include a number of glass sheets, such as a stack of glass sheets. In another embodiment, the glass sheets can be separated by a glass ribbon. For example, the glass ribbon 105 source 103 can comprise a pre-fabricated glass ribbon reel that can be unwound and separated from a reel, for example, separated into a plurality of glass sheets 105 of a desired size using a laser separation device. In still further embodiments, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 can include a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to produce a glass ribbon that can then be separated, for example, by a laser separation device into a plurality of glass sheets having a desired size. 105 . Various glass manufacturing apparatus 105 may be provided as a glass source 103. For example, the glass manufacturing apparatus may include a slit drawing device, a float bath device, a down pumping device (eg, a melt down-draw device), an add-on device, a nip rolling device, or other glass ribbon manufacturing device. The glass sheet 105 source 103 may thus comprise the glass making apparatus for making the glass ribbon as mentioned above, and the glass separating apparatus for separating the glass ribbon into the glass sheets 105 .

In some embodiments, the source 103 can further include an automaton or other device configured to permit movement of the glass sheets 105 suspended from a support rail 107 by a suspension device 109 . For example, the automaton can be continuously selected from a plurality of glass sheets separated from the glass sheets or from a glass ribbon unwound from a reel or as a glass sheet manufactured by a glass manufacturing apparatus as discussed above. The automaton can then transport and reposition the glass sheet at a location suitable for suspending the glass sheets 105 from the support rail 107 with the suspension device 109 .

Various aspects of the support track in accordance with the present disclosure may be fixedly mounted to a support surface of a chamber (eg, a clean room). For example, as shown, the support rail 107 can be suspended from a ceiling 113 of a chamber (eg, a clean room) by a beam 111 or other support element. In another specific embodiment, the support rails can be supported from below (eg, from the floor of the clean room) or from the sides (eg, the walls of the clean room). When the support rails 107 can be fixedly mounted, the suspension device 109 can effectively support the weight of the glass sheets 105 by suspending the glass sheets 105 from the support rails 107 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the suspension device 109 can include a first hanger 113a and a second hanger 113b . The suspension device 109 can include two hangers 113a , 113b , although it will be appreciated that more than two hangers may be present in further embodiments. Moreover, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b may be identical to one another, although different configurations may be used in further embodiments.

Referring to Figure 2 , each of the hangers 113a , 113b includes a respective support shaft 201a , 201b , wherein the support rail 107 can be configured to support the weight of the corresponding glass sheet 105 through the shafts 201a , 201b of the hangers. . In one embodiment, each hanger 113a , 113b includes a track bracket 203a , 203b configured to mount the hanger to the support track 107 . In a specific embodiment, the track supports 203a , 203b are removably mounted to the support track 107 , for example, using a quick release mechanism.

Each hanger is configured to interact with the support rail 107 such that the glass sheet 105 moves along the support rail 107 in a sheet transport direction 115 along with the hangers 113a , 113b . In a specific embodiment, the track supports 203a , 203b are movably mounted relative to the support track 107 such that the support track 107 guides the track supports 203a , 203b along the support track 107 . In a further example, the glass sheet 105 moves with the hangers 113a , 113b along the support rail 107 in a direction opposite to the glass sheet transport direction 115 . In the particular embodiment, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 can allow the sheets of glass to be transported back and forth between the two distal locations.

The hangers 113a , 113b can be guided along the support rail 107 by various techniques. In one embodiment, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 includes a controller 117 (eg, a programmable logic controller) configured (eg, "programmed,""programmed,""designed to And/or "constructed" to control the movement of at least one of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the support rail 107 . In a particular embodiment, the controller 117 can be configured to control both the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the same path or along a plurality of options as discussed more fully below. One of the sexual alternative paths selects (eg, pre-selects) the movement of the path. In a further embodiment, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 , the controller can be configured to control at least one of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b (or two) using a magnetic linear synchronous motor 205 The movement along the support track 107 . While various actuators may be provided, it is contemplated that the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205 can move the hangers correctly and accurately along the support track.

Optionally, the suspension device 109 can further include a link member 207 configured to be mounted to both of the hangers 113a , 113b to control relative movement between the hangers. In a particular embodiment, the link member 207 can include a biasing member configured to deflect the hangers 113a , 113b into a predetermined relative position relative to each other. For example, the link member 207 can include an elastic link member configured to facilitate a predetermined space between the hangers 113a , 113b . In another embodiment, if the link member 207 is provided, the link member 207 can include a relatively rigid link member, so that the distance between the hangers 113a , 113b is substantially partially or completely fixed. . Maintaining a fixed distance avoids stress cracks that may be caused by the relative movement of the glass sheets between the hangers. In further embodiments, such hanger 113a, 113b may be one, and the other hanger 113a, 113b of the link member 207 may be due to the hanger by a pull-up is controlled by movement of the controller 117 via control Or push, so the two hangers move together along the support rail 107 . In further embodiments, both of the linked hangers 113a , 113b can be controlled, for example, as discussed in full below to travel along different alternate shipping paths.

As further depicted in FIG. 2 , the hangers 113a , 113b each further include a sheet support 209a , 209b configured to mount the glass sheet 105 to the respective hangers 113a , 113b . As shown in FIG. 3 , each of the sheet holders 209a , 209b may include a jaw 301 that can clamp the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105 . In further embodiments, the jaws 301 can grip the outer edges 206a , 206b , or in further embodiments the other portions of the glass sheet can be engaged. If the jaw 301 is provided, the jaw 301 can include a compliant material 303 , such as felt, rubber, etc., configured to protect the glass sheet 105 from damage by the jaw 301 .

As further illustrated in FIG. 2 , the sheet supports 209a , 209b can be mounted to the upper edge portion 305 at spaced apart locations, such that in some embodiments, the sheet supports 209a , 209b are spaced apart from one another. The distance " D " may be a substantial portion of the width " W " of the glass sheet 105 . Providing a relatively large distance " D " can assist in reducing the stress applied to the glass sheet when the sheet of glass is likely to be rotated while being transported along the support rail 107 . Moreover, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to mount the sheet supports 209a , 209b from the outer edges 206a , 206b (see FIG. 2 ) to the inside for presentation during subsequent processing of the sheets of glass 105 . The outer edges 206a , 206b are trimmed. In some embodiments, the distance "D" from the width "W" of about 25% to about 100%, such as from about 50% the width "W" to about 90%, although in further detail Other relative distances " D " may also be provided in the embodiment.

In still further embodiments, the hangers 113a , 113b are configured to allow rotation of one end of the corresponding hanger with respect to the corresponding support shafts 201a , 201b . For example, each of the hangers 113a , 113b can be configured to allow the corresponding sheet holders 209a , 209b to rotate relative to the corresponding support brackets 203a , 203b with respect to the corresponding support shafts 201a , 201b of the hangers 113a , 113b . . The hangers 113a , 113b can include various alternate configurations to allow rotation of the hanger end (eg, a sheet support) with respect to the corresponding support shaft. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, the first hanger 113a may comprise at least one elastic member 211, such as a torsion spring. Although not shown, the second hanger 113b may also include a similar or identical elastic member. The (equal) resilient element can function as a torsion biasing element to permit relative rotation of the hanger end with respect to the corresponding support shaft. Allowing relative rotation between the end of the hanger (eg, the sheet support) and the corresponding support shaft may allow for an angular change between the major surface of the glass sheet and the direction of transport of the glass sheet without being affected by the glass sheets The brackets 209a , 209b introduce damage to the glass sheet 105 . The resilient member 211 may also allow for limited bending of the hangers to avoid applying excessive force to the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105 .

As further illustrated in FIG. 2 , each of the hangers 113a , 113b may include a contact 213a , 213b configured to allow the corresponding hanger end, in addition to or in lieu of the resilient member 211 . with respect to the corresponding support shafts 201a, 201b rotate. For example, the contacts 213a , 213b of each of the hangers 113a , 113b can be configured to allow the corresponding sheet holders 209a , 209b to support the shafts 201a , 201b with respect to the hanger, relative to the corresponding track brackets 203a , 203b The rotation. As mentioned above, allowing relative rotation between the hanger end (eg, the sheet support) and the corresponding support shaft may allow for an angular change between the major surface of the glass sheet and the direction of transport of the glass sheet without Injury the glass.

The support rail 107 can include various configurations that can support the weight of the glass sheets 105 . 4 and 5 depict a top view of the first embodiment of Fig. 1, for the sake of clarity, only one support track configuration is shown, wherein the support track 107 is shown in dashed lines. The track configuration of Fig. 4 is the same as the track configuration of Fig. 5 unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the description of one of the figures can be applied equally to another.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the support rail 107 can selectively include at least one monorail segment, such as the depicted upstream monorail segment 401a and downstream monorail segment 401b . Although the depicted support track 107 is illustrated as two single track segments 401a , 401b , further embodiments of the support track may not have a single track segment, may have a single monorail segment (eg, an upstream or downstream monorail segment), or have three Or more than three monorail segments. For the purposes of this disclosure, a single track segment can be considered to extend a length of the support track along a glass sheet transport direction 115 , which includes only a single track portion 405 along which a single support path 407 is defined. The first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b of the suspension device 109 can be supported.

The support rail 107 can further include a double rail segment 409 that includes a first rail portion 411a that is displaced from a second rail portion 411b . For the purposes of this disclosure, a dual track segment can be considered as a portion of the support track that extends a length along the glass sheet transport direction 115 , including at least two track portions 411a , 411b along which a corresponding support path 413a is defined And 413b , which can respectively support the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b of the suspension device 109 . For example, the double track segment can be considered as the portion in which the support paths 413a , 413b support the hangers 113a , 113b , so that when the glass sheet 105 is transported along the glass sheet transport direction 115 , the glass sheet 105 is Do not rotate. In a specific embodiment, the two track portions 411a , 411b can be substantially parallel to each other. Although only two track portions 411a , 411b are depicted along the length of the dual track segment 409 , three or more track portions may be provided in further examples. In the illustrated example, the plurality of track portions can be selected to support the selected two track portions of the glass sheet as a double track segment.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first monorail segment 401a having a single track portion 405 along the single support path 407 , the first monorail segment 401a being configurable to utilize the first hanger 113a The second hanger 113b supports the weight of the glass sheet. In a specific embodiment, the controller 117 can operate the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205 or other actuator to move the first hanger 113a along the single support path 407 in the glass sheet transport path 115 with the One or both of the second hangers 113b and the glass sheet 105 . Additionally, each of the track portions 411a , 411b of the dual track segment 409 can be configured to support a portion of the weight of the glass sheet 105 with at least one of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b . In a specific embodiment, the controller 117 can operate the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205 or other actuator to move the first hanger 113a along the first support path 413a in the glass transport direction 115 . The offset support path 413b moves one or both of the second hangers 113b . Alternatively, the controller 117 can operate the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205 or other actuator to move one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the same support path of the dual rail segment 409 . And the glass sheet 105 to bypass the glass rotation function of the double rail segment 409 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the support rail may further include a dividing section 415 that divides the single rail section 401a into the double rail section 409 . In the particular embodiment, the controller 117 can utilize one of the first hanger and the second hanger along the path 423 along the segment 415 , while simultaneously guiding the first suspension along another path. The transport of the glass sheet 105 is controlled along the glass sheet transport direction 115 in a manner that the other of the second hangers. For example, as illustrated, the controller 117 can begin to guide the second hanger 113b to begin along the segment 415 toward the first track portion 411a of the dual track segment 409 while the first hanger 113a continues along the The single rail segment 401a selectively controls the transport of the glass sheet 105 along the glass sheet transport direction 115 in a manner that the second rail portion 411b travels toward the double rail portion 409 .

Figure 6 depicts a top view of another embodiment of Figure 1 , showing a support rail 601 configuration in a dashed line for clarity. The track configurations of FIGS. 6 to 10 are identical to each other unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the description of one of FIGS. 6 to 10 can be equally applied to the other patterns of FIGS. 6 to 10 .

The support rail 601 is depicted a single-track section 602 with a two-track section 603, the two-track segment 603 comprises a first track portion 604a and a second track portion 604b. The support rail 601 further includes a first segment 605a that divides the monorail segment 602 into a first track portion 604a and a second track portion 604b of the dual track segment 603 . Further, the support rail 601 includes a second divided section 605b that divides the upstream portion of the second rail portion 604b into a downstream portion of the first and second rail portions 604a , 604b . Although depicted as two segments, further embodiments may include one segment or three or more segments.

The support track may further comprise one or more converging segments that converge the dual track segments into the single rail segment or converge two upstream rail portions of a dual rail segment into one of the pair of downstream track portions of the dual track segment. , or aggregate into a single track segment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the support rail 107 may further include a convergence section 417 that aggregates the dual rail section 409 into the second monorail section 401b . In the particular embodiment, the controller 117 can control the suspension device 109 such that the hanger (eg, one of the hangers 113a , 113b ) travels along the path 413a of the first track portion 411a of the dual track segment 409 . Traveling along the path 425 of the convergence section 417 into the second monorail section 401b while the other hanger (eg, the other of the hangers 113a , 113b ) continues along the second rail section 411b Path 413b travels into the path of the second monorail segment 401b . Indeed, as with the depicted embodiment, the second hanger 113b can travel along the path 425 of the convergence section 417 into the second monorail section 401b while the first hanger 113a follows the second track section. Path 413b of 411b is then entered into the path of the second monorail 401b .

As schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 5 , the dual track segments 409 can be selectively placed in a processing region 501 for further processing of the glass, except that the glass sheets are processed by transporting the glass sheets. sheet. In addition to transporting the glass sheets, various steps can be performed to further process the glass sheets. For example, the dual track segment 409 can be at least partially disposed in a processing region selected from the group consisting of a cutting zone, a refining zone, a scrubbing zone, a drying zone, a heating zone, a cooling zone, and a spray zone. , strengthening zone, reorientation zone, accumulation zone, inspection zone, replacement zone, weighing zone and lamination zone.

A method of processing the glass piece 105 will now be described initially with reference to FIG . The method can include the step of suspending the glass sheet 105 with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b . For example, in a short embodiment, a glass sheet source 103 can include an automaton or other article handling device to facilitate movement and proper placement of the glass sheet 105 from the source 103 of the glass sheet 105 . Once properly placed, each of the glass sheets 105 can be suspended from the corresponding first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b .

In a specific embodiment, the suspending step can include initially mounting the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to the support rail 107 such that the hangers can be opposite the glass transport direction 115. The support rail 107 moves. For example, the first rail bracket 203a of the first hanger 113a and the second rail bracket 203b of the second hanger 113b can be mounted to the support rail 107 . The first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can then be mounted (eg, in a removable and/or fixed mounting manner) to the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105 , for example, using the first suspension The first sheet holder 209a of the device 113a and the second sheet holder 209b of the second hanger 113b . In a particular embodiment, the sheet supports 209a , 209b include respective jaws 301 that can be used to clamp the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105 .

In another embodiment, the step of suspending may initially mount (eg, in a removable and/or fixed mounting manner) the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to the glass sheet 105 . In a specific embodiment, the first sheet support 209a and the second sheet support 209b can be fixedly and removably mounted to the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105 . Then, the hangers 113a , 113b can be mounted to the support rail 107 so that the hangers can move relative to the support rail 107 along the glass sheet transport direction 115 . For example, the first rail bracket 203a of the first hanger 113a and the second rail bracket 203b of the second hanger 113b can each be mounted to the support rail 107 .

As depicted in FIG. 2 and as discussed above, the sheet supports 209a , 209b can be mounted at a distance " D " from one another, which can be a substantial portion of the width " W " of the glass sheet 105 . As further depicted and previously described, in some embodiments, the foil supports 209a , 209b can be inner panels mounted from the outer edges 206a , 206b . In some embodiments, the distance "D" may be derived from the width "W" of about 25% to about 100%, such as from about 50% the width "W" to about 90%, although in a further particular embodiment Other relative distances " D " can also be provided. Once installed, the sheet supports 209a , 209b can support the full weight or at least a portion of the weight of the glass sheet 105 along the corresponding support shafts 201a , 201b of each of the hangers 113a , 113b .

The method can further include the step of transporting the suspended glass sheet along the glass sheet transport direction 115 . As illustrated, the glass sheet transport direction 115 is generally straight, although a curved transport direction may also be provided in further examples. For example, the direction of transport may alternatively be designed to increase or decrease the height of the sheets of glass, or to transport the sheets of glass in a curved form depending on the desired transport path. Still further, as previously mentioned, although not shown, the method may also include the step of transporting the suspended glass sheet in a direction opposite to the glass sheet transport direction 115 . Transport in the opposite direction can be used for applications where the glass sheet is transferred back and forth between most remote locations.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the glass sheet 105 includes a first major surface 105a and a second major surface 105b facing in opposite directions, and the outer peripheral edge surface 215 of the glass sheet 105 is in the first and second portions . Extending between the major surfaces 105a , 105b . The first and second major surfaces 105a , 105b are described as being planar, although other non-planar configurations may be provided in further examples. For example, the glass sheets may assume an arcuate shape with respect to the vertical direction, such that the major planar cross-sections of the glass ribbon will include a slight or distinct generally C-shaped cross-section when viewed from the top view of FIG. In some embodiments, providing a sheet of glass having an arcuate profile can assist in reinforcing the sheets of glass, avoiding uncontrolled bending that may occur during processing (eg, shipping), particularly for relatively thin and/or relatively large Glass piece.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in a specific embodiment, the glass sheet 105 can be transported along the glass sheet transport direction 115 while maintaining a major surface (eg, 105a and/or 105b ) and the sheet transport direction 115 . The angle is at or approximately equal to 0°. In some embodiments, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can be guided along the same support path 407 to maintain the angle at or about equal to 0°. Indeed, the controller 117 can control the movement of at least one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to travel along the glass sheet transport direction 115 . When the glass sheet 105 is suspended by the hangers at spaced locations (e.g., at the upper edge portion 305 ), the glass sheet 105 is suspended in the depicted orientation, wherein both of the glass sheets 105 The major surfaces all extend at an angle of 0° or approximately equal to 0° with respect to the sheet transport direction 115 . In some embodiments, the major surfaces of the glass sheet can travel at other angles. In the present application, in a particular embodiment of transporting a non-planar glass sheet (e.g., having a generally C-shaped profile), the angle is relative to the major surface of the glass ribbon, between the hangers 113a The linear orientation of the sheet holders 209a , 209b of 113b is measured. Indeed, the span of the major surface of the ribbon is a distance " D " between the sheet supports 209a , 209b , wherein the angle can be measured in relation to the linear direction of the measured distance " D ".

The glass sheet 105 can also be transported along the sheet transport direction 115 while maintaining an angle of between 0° or greater than a major surface (e.g., 105a and/or 105b ). For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can be guided along different offset support paths 413a , 413b . As illustrated, the different offset support paths are parallel to each other along the direction 115 such that when the hangers 113a , 113b travel along the length of the dual track segment 409 , the hangers 113a , 113b are both Travel along this direction 115 . In a specific embodiment, the controller 117 can control the movement of at least one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to travel along the glass sheet transport direction 115 . As illustrated, the angle " A " within the dual track segment 409 can be or be approximately 90 degrees, although other angles can be provided in further embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , some embodiments may provide an angle " A " between the dual track segment 1101 and a major surface (eg, 105a and/or 105b ) between 0° and 90°. However, other angles may be provided in further embodiments. As shown, the angle " A " of Fig. 11 can also remain substantially fixed as the glass sheet 105 is transported in the direction 115 .

In a further embodiment, the suspended glass sheet 105 can be transported along the sheet transport direction 115 while changing between the major surface of the sheet of glass 105 (eg, 105a and/or 105b ) and the sheet transport direction 115 . The angle between the two is " A ". For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the glass sheet can be rotated in the described counterclockwise direction 419 , wherein the angle " A " is changed from an angle associated with the first monorail segment 401a to about or equal to 0[deg.] to be associated with The dual track segment 409 is at an angle of approximately or equal to 90°. As further illustrated in FIG. 4 , the glass sheet can also be rotated in the described clockwise direction 421 , wherein the angle " A " is changed from an angle associated with the double track segment 409 of approximately 90 degrees or less to be associated with the first The two monorail segments 401b are angles that are approximately equal to or greater than 0°. Thus, the first major surface 105a and the second major surface 105b may face the same direction as they travel along the first monorail segment 401a and the second monorail segment 401b , in a manner that rotates in the opposite direction.

In another embodiment, the glass sheet can be rotated in the same direction to flip the glass sheet 180° so that the major surfaces face in opposite directions. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the glass sheet can be rotated in the described counterclockwise direction 419 , wherein the angle " A " is changed from an angle associated with the first monorail segment 401a to about or equal to 0[deg.] to be associated with The dual track segment 409 is at an angle of approximately or equal to 90°. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the glass sheet can also be rotated in the described clockwise direction 421, wherein the angle " A " is changed from an angle associated with the double track segment 409 of approximately 90 degrees or less to be associated with the first The two monorail segments 401b are at an angle of approximately or equal to 180°. Thus, in a manner of rotating twice in the same direction 419 , the first major surface 105a and the second major surface 105b may face oppositely as they travel along the first monorail segment 401a and the second monorail segment 401b The direction is turned 180°.

The step of rotating the suspended glass sheet 105 , for example, in the described clockwise direction 421 or the described counterclockwise direction 419 , can be varied by varying the angle with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b . reach "a" way. In a specific embodiment, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can be guided along a bifurcated path (eg, using the controller 117 ) to change the angle. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4 , the method can include directing the second hanger 113b along the path 423 while guiding the first hanger 113a along the path 407 , the path 407 being divergent from the path 423 . Alternatively, although not shown, the second hanger 113b can travel along the path 407 while the first hanger 113a travels along a path 423 that is divergent from the path 407 .

In another embodiment, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can be guided along the convergence path (eg, using the controller 117 ) to change the angle " A ". For example, as depicted in FIG. 4 , the method can include directing the second hanger 113b along the path 425 of the convergence section 417 while guiding the first hanger 113a along the path 407 that converges with the path 425 . Alternatively, although not shown, if the glass sheet 105 is turned over, the method may comprise directing the first hanger 425 along path 113a of the aggregation section 417, while along the path converging with the path 425 407 The second hanger 113b is guided.

Based on the above discussion, it will be appreciated that various methods can be performed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, referring to the methods described in Figures 4 and 5 , it will be appreciated that the same method can be performed for the configurations described in Figures 9 through 11 . Referring to Fig. 4, the processing method may include the step of processing the glass sheet 105 , comprising the step (I) of suspending the glass sheet 105 with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b . The method may further comprise the step (II) of transporting the suspended glass sheet 105 along the glass sheet transport direction 115 while changing the main surface of the glass sheet 105 (eg, the main surfaces 105a and/or 105b ) and the glass sheet transport direction. The angle between 115 is " A ".

With further reference to FIG. 4 , in a specific embodiment of the processing method described above, step (II) includes directing the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along a plurality of divergent paths 423 , 407 to change the Angle " A ". Additionally, the method can include the step of directing the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the majority of the convergence paths 425 , 407 to further change the angle " A ".

Still further referring to FIG. 4 , step (II) of the processing method described above may also include guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the plurality of convergence paths 425 , 407 to change the angle " A " . In the particular embodiment, step (I) can direct the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along separate offset paths 413a , 413b .

With further reference to FIG. 4 , step (I) of the processing method described above can guide the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the same path 407 , such as the path along the first monorail 401a . 407 . Moreover, at least after step (II), the method can further include directing the first hanger 113a and the second hanger along separate offset paths 413a , 413b (eg, an offset path of the dual track segment 409 ) Steps of 113b .

Still further with reference to Figure 4 , step (I) of the processing method described above can include directing the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along separate offset paths. In the particular embodiment, at least after step (II), the method can further include the step of guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the same path 407 of the second monorail segment 402b .

An angle "A" may be changed as discussed above, to change from a first angular direction such glass sheet into a second angular direction during processing. The dual rail segment 409 can utilize a manner in which the first major surface of the glass sheet faces the second major surface of the adjacent glass sheet, permitting relatively large glass sheets 105 to be transported together relatively closely. The arrangement is more compact than the arrangement of the widths of the glass sheets extending along the single support path as compared to the monorail segments 401a , 401b .

Tight transport facilitates further processing with reduced floor space, otherwise processing without a close arrangement would require a large amount of floor space. Moreover, processing the tight glass sheets in the processing zone 501 can provide further time for other work as the glass sheets can travel at a reduced speed in an uninterrupted upstream process. The time for marking the glass sheet can be reduced because the marking from the sheet to the next sheet to be processed only needs to be in the thickness direction of the glass sheet as compared to the relatively long movement along the width direction of the glass sheet. Relatively small amount of movement.

In some embodiments, the processing within the processing zone can include cutting the glass sheet in the cutting zone. For example, the sides of the glass sheet may need to be separated (eg, separated by a laser) to remove the unwanted outer edges 206a , 206b of the glass sheet 105 .

In another embodiment, the processing zone can include a refining zone, for example, the outer edges of the sheet of glass can be ground, polished, etc. to enhance the quality of the edges.

In a further embodiment, the processing zone can include a wash zone, wherein the glass sheets are cleaned to remove debris from the major surface and/or edges of the glass sheet.

In yet another embodiment, the processing zone can include a dry rough zone wherein additional time is provided to vaporize liquid on the surface of the glass sheet from the glass sheet.

In still further embodiments, the processing zone can include a heating zone and/or a cooling zone. If a heated zone is provided, the sheets of glass can be heated to a desired temperature or maintained at the desired temperature for a period of time. If a cooling zone is provided, additional time can be provided to cool the glass sheets.

In further embodiments, the treatment zone can include a spray zone in which fluid is sprayed onto the surface of the glass sheet. For example, spray coating techniques can include printing, applying a protective layer, coating a liquid to effect chemical strengthening of the glass sheet, and the like.

In still further embodiments, the treatment zone may include a strengthening zone to strengthen the glass sheet, for example, using a chemical strengthening treatment strengthen. For example, the strengthening zone can include a salt bath wherein the glass sheets are carried in and out of the salt bath in a compact manner.

In still further embodiments, the processing zone can include a redirecting zone wherein the surfaces of the sheet of glass can be reoriented (eg, flipped). Reorientation, such as flipping, can be presented to dispose of or treat an alternate surface. For example, the first major surface of the glass sheet can be sprayed and then flipped over to reveal the opposite major surface of the glass sheet for spraying.

In further embodiments, the processing zone can include a stacking zone in which a plurality of glass sheets can be temporarily stored during processing. In the particular embodiment, there is no need to interrupt upstream processing or disposal of the glass sheet during processing interruptions. It is better to say that the glass sheets can be stored together in a tightly packed pile until they are resumed.

In a further embodiment, the processing zone can include a replacement zone. When the glass sheets move relatively slowly, the operator has more time to remove and/or replace most of the glass sheets.

In another embodiment, the processing zone can include a weighing zone. Weighing when the sheets are placed in a tight manner can reduce the speed of the sheets and thus assist in increasing the set time for more accurate weight measurements.

In still another embodiment, the treatment zone can include a lamination zone to attach a layer of material (eg, an insert material) to the major surface of the sheets of glass.

A variety of support track configurations can be provided depending on the processing characteristics desired. Moreover, the methods of the present disclosure may include the step of controlling the guidance of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along at least one predetermined path. For example, any of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure may include the step of controlling the guiding of the first hanger and the second hanger along the at least one predetermined path using a magnetic linear synchronous motor. As previously mentioned, Figures 4 and 5 depict transporting a plurality of glass sheets along the first monorail segment 401a , then transporting the glass sheets along a double track segment 409 , and finally transporting the glass along the second monorail segment 410b. Wait for the glass piece. As discussed above, the hangers 113a , 113b can be controlled as shown in Figure 4 to maintain the same orientation in both monorail segments 401a , 401b . Conversely, the hangers 113a , 113b can be controlled as shown in Figure 5 to reverse the orientation of the glass sheets at 180°.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a plurality of hangers 113a , 113b traveling along the single support path 607 in the glass sheet transport direction 115 can be utilized to transport a plurality of glass sheets along the single track segment 602 while maintaining a major surface (eg, The angle between 105a and/or 105b ) and the sheet transport direction 115 is at or approximately equal to 0°. The method can also rotate the glass sheet 105 in the counterclockwise direction 419 as described for the methods discussed above in Figures 4 and 5 .

The dual track segment can include a plurality of transport segments and/or a plurality of converging segments to redirect the glass sheet in other methods. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6 , the first hanger 113a can be guided along the second segment 605b to rotate the glass sheet again in the counterclockwise direction 419 , wherein in the direction along the monorail segment 602 In contrast, the glass sheet can travel along the first track portion 604a of the dual track segment 603 in such a manner that the major surfaces of the glass sheet are flipped by 180°. Similarly, Fig. 8 depicts a procedure similar to that of Fig. 6 , but guides the hangers 113a , 113b along a converging section 801 along the second track portion 604b with the main surface of the glass being flipped by 180°. Guide the hangers. Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 , but consists of rotating the glass ribbon in three counterclockwise directions 419 so that the ribbon is rotated 270°.

9 and 10 illustrate a counterclockwise direction rotation 419 and a clockwise direction rotation 421 , wherein the glass ribbon may alternately travel along the first track portion 604a or the second track portion 604b , the glass sheet being The manner in which the major surfaces face in the same direction is the same as the direction in which the major surfaces face as they travel along the monorail segment 602 .

Figure 12 depicts features of a further embodiment of a method of processing a glass sheet. The method includes the step of suspending a glass sheet 105 from a support track 1203 (shown in phantom for clarity) with a hanger 1201 . In some examples, the hanger 1201 can include a single hanger. Additionally, the hanger may include a non-rotatable hanger in some examples. Alternatively, the suspension may comprise a rotatable hanger, allowing the glass sheet 105 is rotatable about a vertical axis as shown in FIG. 12 depicted in a 1205 rotation direction. The support track 1203 can include a monorail in some instances that can be combined with most other monorail segments to establish alternating glass transport paths. In some embodiments, the support rail 1203 can be provided with various actuators, such as the magnetic linear synchronous motor described above.

The method of processing the glass sheets may further comprise transporting the suspended glass sheets 105 in a first glass sheet transport direction while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the glass sheets 105 are in a direction relative to the first sheet glass transport direction. An angle; and then transporting the suspended glass sheet 105 in a second glass sheet transport direction, while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the glass sheet 105 are in a second angle relative to the second glass sheet transport direction, Wherein the first angle is different from the second angle.

For example, in one example, a method of processing the glass sheets can include transporting the suspended glass sheets 105 along a first sheet transport direction 1207 while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the sheets 105 are in relation to the first a glass sheet transporting a first angle of direction 1207 ; and then transporting the suspended glass sheet 105 along a second sheet transport direction 1211 , while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the sheet of glass 105 are in relative to the second sheet of glass The step of transporting the second angle of direction 1211 , wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. Indeed, in the only example, the first sheet transport direction 1207 can coincide with the second sheet transport direction 1211 , but the first and second angles are different from each other. In the depicted example, the first angle can be about 0° and/or the second angle can be about 90°, although different angles can be provided in further examples. As shown, the glass sheet 105 can be rotated by the hanger 1201 about the direction 1205 to change the angle from the first angle to the second angle.

In another example, a method of processing the glass sheets can include transporting the suspended glass sheets 105 along a first sheet transport direction 1209 while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the sheets 105 are in relative to the first The glass sheet conveys a first angle of direction 1209 ; and then transports the suspended glass sheet 105 along a second sheet transport direction 1211 while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the sheet of glass 105 are transported relative to the second sheet of glass The step of the second angle of direction 1211 , wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. Indeed, in the only example, the first sheet transport direction 1209 can be at an angle relative to the second sheet transport direction 1211 , such as about 90° or another angle, however the first and second angles Different from each other. In the depicted example, the first angle can be about 0° and/or the second angle can be about 90°, although different angles can be provided in further examples. As shown, the glass sheet 105 can be at different transport angles without being rotated but by the direction of the direction in which the sheets are transported.

In any of the shipping examples of the disclosed invention, the glass sheet can be carried in an arcuate configuration. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 12 , the glass sheet 106 is in an arcuate configuration or may be identical to the glass sheet 105 . As described, in some examples, the arcuate configuration can provide that the first major surface 105a is a convex major surface that faces the direction of transport of the glass while the second major surface 105b can be a concave major surface that faces The glass is transported in the opposite direction. This arcuate configuration can provide stability and thereby avoid bending and uncontrolled deflections that are formed under airflow during the shipping process. Additionally, providing a convex major surface in the glass transport direction can assist in providing stability and desired air profile distribution through the first major surface 105a while transporting the glass sheet.

The glass sheets 105 can also pass through the described processing zone 501 , which can be identical to the processing zones previously described. As previously stated, in some instances, for the reasons fully discussed above, the processing zone can be located at an angle at which the major surface of the glass sheets is positioned greater than °0, such as being positioned at 90°.

The method may also include the step of transporting the suspended glass sheet 105 further along a third sheet transport direction while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the sheet of glass 105 are at a third angle relative to the direction of transport of the third sheet of glass. For example, the method can include transporting the suspended glass sheet 105 further along a third sheet transport direction 1213a , 1213b , while the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the sheet of glass 105 are in a direction relative to the third sheet transport direction. Three angle steps. In a practical example, for example, the third glass sheet transport direction 1213a , 1213b may be about ±90° with respect to the first sheet transport direction 1207 . In another example, the third glass sheet transporting direction 1213a can be about 180° with respect to the other first glass sheet transporting direction 1209 , while the third glass sheet transporting direction 1213b can be associated with the other first glass sheet. The shipping direction 1209 is the same. Although a relative angle of special replacement may also be provided, in an example, a first angle (eg, 0°) between the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the glass sheet 105 and the first sheet transport direction 1209 may be substantially A third angle (e.g., 0) between the major surfaces 105a , 105b of the glass sheet 105 and the third sheet transport direction 1213a , 1213b is equal.

Alternatively, as further illustrated, the shipping method can distinguish a plurality of sheets between the two sheet transport directions 1215a , 1215b , and in some instances, the sheets can travel along alternating paths 1217a , 1217b . Differentiating a plurality of sheets may wish to separate most of the glass sheets from one another at larger intervals between the sheets, for example, by alternating paths 1215a , 1215b . In a further example, the glass sheets can all be transported along the alternate paths 1215a , 1215b .

The specific embodiments and functional operations described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware or hardware, including such structures and structural equivalents disclosed in this application, or It is a combination of one or more of them. The specific embodiments described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, that is, as a module encoded in one or more computer program instructions on a tangible program carrier for execution or control by a data processing device. Its operation. The tangible program vehicle can be a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can be a machine readable storage device, a machine readable storage medium, a memory device, or a combination of one or more thereof.

The term "processor" or "controller" can encompass all devices, devices, and machines for processing data, including a programmable processor, a computer, or a majority of processors or computers. The processor may include, in addition to the hardware, an encoding that establishes an execution environment for the computer program in question, such as constructing a processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. .

Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, scripts or code) can be written in any programming language, including compiled or literal languages, or instructive or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form. Included as a single program or deployed as a module, component, subprogram, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program does not need to correspond to a file in the file system. The program may be stored in a portion of one of the other programs or files (for example, one or more scripts stored in the markup language file), and may be stored in a single file specific to the program in question, Or it can be stored in most coordinated files (for example, a majority of files that store one or more modules, subprograms, or coded parts). The computer program can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on a plurality of computers located at a single point or spread across a plurality of outlets interconnected by a communication network.

The processes described herein can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform most functions in a manner that operates on input data and produces an output. The processing and logic flow can also be performed by special purpose logic circuits, and the devices can also be implemented as special purpose logic circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). These are just a few examples.

Processors suitable for use in executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors in the form of a digital computer. In general, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or random access memory or both. Computer base This component is a processor for executing a plurality of instructions and one or more data memory devices for storing instructions and data. In general, the computer will also include or operatively receive data from one or more mass storage devices, or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices, or both, which are used in a large number of storage devices. For storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks or optical discs. However, the computer does not need to have the device. In addition, the computer can be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), just to name a few.

A computer readable medium suitable for storing computer program instructions and data includes all forms of data memory, including non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, for example, including semiconductor memory devices, for example, to eliminate stylized read-only Memory, electronics can eliminate stylized read-only memory and flash memory devices; disks, such as internal hard drives or removable discs; magneto-optical discs; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. The processor and memory can be added or integrated with special purpose logic circuitry.

In order to provide interaction with the user, the specific embodiments described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or the like, for the user. To display information, the computer also has a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, or has a touch screen whereby the user can provide input to the computer. Other forms of device may also be used to provide interaction with the user, such as any form of input received from the user, including voice, voice or gesture input.

The specific embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a backend component, such as a data server, or includes an intermediary component, such as an application server, or includes a front end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which the user can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described herein, or the computing system can include the backend, the intermediary, and the front end A combination of one or more of the components. The components of the system can be interconnected in any digital data communication format or medium, for example, in a communication network. Examples of communication networks include regional networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet.

The computing system can include most clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally far apart from each other and typically interact with a communication network. The relationship between the client and the server is generated by computer programs running on individual computers and has a client-server relationship to each other.

It can be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may be related to the specific features, elements or steps described in connection with the particular embodiments. It is also understood that a particular feature, element, or step, which is described in connection with a particular embodiment, may be interchanged or combined with a particular embodiment in various non-described combinations or permutations.

It is also to be understood that the terms "the", "an" or "an", as used herein, mean "at least one" and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, should not be limited to "the only one." Similarly, it is expected that "plural" will indicate "more than one".

Ranges are expressed as "about" a particular value and/or to "about" another particular value. When the stated range is expressed, a particular embodiment includes from that particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a numerical value is expressed in an approximate manner, as if it were represented by the former word "about", it will be understood that the particular value will form another aspect. It will be further appreciated that each endpoint of the ranges is clearly related to the other endpoint and is independent of the other endpoint.

The terms "substantially", "substantially" and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the recited feature is equal to or approximately equal to a numerical value or recited.

Any method set forth herein is not intended to be constructed in any way by way of carrying out its steps in a particular order, unless specifically stated otherwise. Accordingly, the assertion of a method does not actually recite the order of the steps that must be followed, or does not specifically recite the steps in the claim or the description in a particular order. Any particular order is inferred in any way.

Although the various terms, elements or steps of the specific embodiments are disclosed by the word "comprising", it is understood that it is intended to include those meanings of "constructed" or "consisting essentially of". Instead of the specific embodiment. Thus, for example, a specific alternative embodiment of a device comprising A+B+C, also includes a specific embodiment of the device consisting of A+B+C and consisting essentially of A+B+C A specific embodiment of one of the devices.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and modifications of the

101‧‧‧Stain glass processing equipment

103‧‧‧Glass source

105‧‧‧Stainless glass

105a‧‧‧first major surface

107‧‧‧Support track

109‧‧‧suspension

111‧‧‧ beams

113‧‧‧ ceiling

113a‧‧‧First hanger

113b‧‧‧Second hanger

115‧‧‧ Glass sheet transport direction

117‧‧‧ Controller

501‧‧‧Processing area

Claims (31)

A glass sheet processing apparatus comprising: a support rail comprising a single rail segment and a double rail segment, wherein the double rail segment includes a first rail portion displaced from a second rail portion; and a suspension device, the suspension The apparatus includes a first hanger and a second hanger, wherein the single rail segment is configured to support a weight of a glass sheet by the first hanger and the second hanger, and wherein the tracks of the dual rail segment Each of the portions is configured to support at least a portion of the weight of the glass sheet with at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support rail further comprises a divided section that divides the single track section into the double track section. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support rail further comprises a converging section that aggregates the dual rail section into the monorail section. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control movement of at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger along the support track. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to utilize a magnetic linearity along the support track The step motor controls movement of at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspension device further comprises a link member that provides a predetermined spacing between the first hanger and the second hanger. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the hangers includes a respective support shaft configured to support the weight of the glass sheet through the equiaxes of the hangers, and wherein each of the hangers A hanger is configured to allow one of the corresponding hangers to rotate about the corresponding support shaft. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the hangers includes a joint configured to allow the end of the corresponding hanger to rotate about the corresponding support shaft. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein each hanger comprises a track bracket and a sheet bracket configured to mount the hanger to the support rail, the sheet bracket configured to The glass piece is mounted to the hanger. A glass sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each hanger is configured to allow the corresponding sheet holder to rotate relative to the corresponding track holder with respect to one of the hangers. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 10, wherein Each hanger further includes a joint configured to allow the corresponding sheet support to rotate relative to the corresponding track support with respect to the corresponding support shaft of the hanger. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the double track section is at least partially disposed in a processing area selected from the group consisting of: a cutting zone, a refining zone, a washing zone, a drying zone, a heating zone, Cooling zone, spray zone, strengthening zone, redirecting zone, accumulation zone, inspection zone, replacement zone, weighing zone and lamination zone. A method of processing a glass sheet, the method comprising the steps of: (I) suspending a glass piece with a first hanger and a second hanger; (II) transporting the hanging glass piece along a glass sheet conveying direction while An angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the direction in which the glass sheet is transported is varied. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of rotating the suspended glass sheet with the first hanger and the second hanger to change the angle. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (II) comprises directing the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of divergent paths to change the angle. The method of claim 15 further comprising The majority of the convergence path directs the first hanger and the second hanger to further change the angle. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (II) comprises directing the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of convergence paths to change the angle. The method of claim 13 wherein step (I) directs the first hanger and the second hanger along the same path. The method of claim 18, wherein at least after step (II), the method further directs the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of separate offset paths. The method of claim 13 wherein step (I) directs the first hanger and the second hanger along a plurality of separate offset paths. The method of claim 20, wherein at least after step (II), the method further directs the first hanger and the second hanger along the same path. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of controlling the guiding of the first hanger and the second hanger along at least one predetermined path. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of controlling the guiding of the first hanger and the second hanger along at least one predetermined path using a magnetic linear synchronous motor. A method of processing a glass sheet, the method comprising the steps of: (I) suspending a glass sheet; (II) transporting the suspended glass sheet along a first glass sheet transport direction while a major surface of the glass sheet is in a relative At a first angle of the first glass sheet transport direction; and then (III) transporting the suspended glass sheet along a second glass sheet transport direction, while a major surface of the glass sheet is in relation to the second a second angle of the glass sheet transport direction, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. The method of claim 24, wherein the first sheet transport direction is about 90° with respect to the second sheet transport direction. The method of claim 24, wherein the first angle is approximately 0°. The method of claim 24, wherein the second angle is approximately 90°. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one of step (II) and step (III) transports the glass sheet in an arcuate configuration. The method of claim 24, wherein after the step (III), further comprising transporting the suspended glass sheet along a third glass sheet transport direction while the major surface of the glass sheet is in a relative Step (IV) at one of the third angles of the third glass sheet transport direction. The method of claim 29, wherein the first angle is substantially equal to the third angle. The method of claim 29, wherein the third glass sheet transport direction coincides with the first glass sheet transport direction.