TW201722873A - Score apparatus including a score device and methods of scoring a glass ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

A score apparatus includes a score device. The score device includes: a support member mounted for both rotational and axial movement with respect to a base; a score element mounted at an offset distance from a rotational axis of the support member; and a limit device that limits rotational movement of the support member. In another example, a score device of a score apparatus includes a support member mounted with respect to a fluid bearing. In still another example, a method of scoring a glass ribbon using the scoring apparatus is disclosed.

Description

Scoring device including a scoring device and method for scoring a glass strip

The present disclosure is generally directed to a method of scoring equipment and scoring, and more particularly to a scoring apparatus including a scoring apparatus and a method of scoring a glass strip.

It is known to separate glass sheets from glass strips. Known separation techniques can include forming a score in the glass strip to facilitate separation of the glass sheet from the glass strip along the score line.

A brief summary of the disclosure is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary aspects described in the detailed description.

According to a first aspect, the scoring apparatus comprises a scoring device comprising: a support member mounted relative to the base, wherein the support member is rotatable relative to the base about a rotational axis of the support member. The support member is further movable in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the support member with respect to the base. The scoring device further includes a score element coupled to the outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the axis of rotation of the support member. The scoring device yet further includes a restriction device that limits rotational movement of the support member about the axis of rotation of the support member. As used herein, the term coupled in the context of coupling a first article to a second article may represent direct coupling (eg, the first article is directly mounted or connected to the second object), or indirectly coupled (eg, one or more A plurality of additional items are between the first item and the second item).

In one example of the first aspect, the restriction device includes a protrusion extending from one of the self-supporting member and the base, the protrusion being positioned within the elongated opening, the extended opening being supported by the other of the support member and the base Defined. In one example, the elongated opening can be axially tapered along the path of travel, the path of travel being defined by the elongated opening such that the limit of rotational movement of the support member about the axis of rotation of the support member depends on The position of the protrusion in the extended opening of the travel path changes. In another example, the support member can be positioned in a fully extended axial position relative to the base, wherein the restriction device provides a first limit to the support member for rotational movement about the axis of rotation. The support member can also be positioned relative to the base in an at least partially retracted axial position, wherein the restriction device provides a second limit to the support member for rotational movement about the axis of rotation, the second limit of the rotational movement being greater than the rotation The first limit of movement.

In another example of the first aspect, the base includes a fluid bearing configured to support the support member with fluid cushioning. In one example, the scoring device further includes a friction member biased against one of the support member and the base to provide rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about a rotational axis of the support member The resistance of the predetermined level.

In yet another example of the first aspect, the scoring apparatus further includes a support device configured to support the glass strip while the scoring element scores the first major surface of the glass strip Two main surfaces. In one example, the support device includes a support roller configured to engage the second major surface of the glass ribbon while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

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

According to a second aspect, a method of scoring a glass strip in a first aspect of the scoring device is provided. The method includes the steps of landing a score element on a first major surface of a glass ribbon and creating a score line with the score element by traversing the score device relative to the glass ribbon. The support member can be axially moved relative to the base to an at least partially retracted axial position from a fully extended axial position relative to the base in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member. While the support member is in an at least partially retracted axial position, the score element produces a score line portion having a split depth.

In one example of the second aspect, the scoring element can be pressed against the glass strip with an almost constant force while the scoring device is scored along the score line portion at the depth of the split.

In another example of the second aspect, the restriction device provides a first limit to the support member for rotational movement about the axis of rotation in the fully extended axial position and around the at least partially retracted axial position A second limit of rotational movement of the rotating shaft, the second limit of the rotational movement being greater than the first limit of rotational movement.

In still another example of the second aspect, the method further includes the step of supporting the support member with fluid cushioning to facilitate rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about the axis of rotation of the support member and to facilitate relative support member The base moves in the axial direction along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the support member. In a further example, the method also includes the step of applying a predetermined level of resistance to rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about the axis of rotation of the support member.

In a further example of the second aspect, the method further comprises the steps of: landing the support member on the second major surface of the glass strip and including the step of traversing the support member with the score member while engraving The trace element creates a score line.

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

According to a third aspect, the scoring apparatus comprises a scoring device comprising: a support member mounted relative to the fluid bearing of the base. The support member is rotatable relative to the base about a rotational axis of the support member. The scoring device can further include a score element mounted relative to the outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the axis of rotation of the support member.

In one example of the third aspect, the support member is movable relative to the base in an axial direction of the axis of rotation of the support member.

In another example of the third aspect, the scoring device further includes a restriction device that limits rotational movement of the support member about the axis of rotation of the support member. In a further example, the scoring device further includes a friction member in addition to the restriction device. The friction member is biased against one of the support member and the base to provide a predetermined level of resistance to rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about the axis of rotation of the support member.

In another example of the third aspect, the scoring device further includes a friction member without the restriction device. The friction member is biased against one of the support member and the base to provide a predetermined level of resistance to rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about the axis of rotation of the support member.

In a further example of the third aspect, the scoring device further includes a support device configured to support the second major of the glass strip while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass strip surface. In one example, the support device includes a support roller configured to engage the second major surface of the glass ribbon while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

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

According to a fourth aspect, a method of scoring a glass strip with a scoring device of a third aspect is provided. The method includes the steps of supporting the support member with a fluid buffer provided between the fluid bearing and the support member to facilitate rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about the axis of rotation of the support member. The method further includes the step of landing the score element on the first major surface of the glass strip and including the step of creating a score line with the score element by traversing the score device relative to the glass strip.

In one example of the fourth aspect, the fluid cushioning further promotes axial movement of the support member relative to the base in an axial direction of the axis of rotation of the support member. In one example, the scoring device produces an almost fixed force on the glass strip with the scored element while the scoring device is partially scored along the score line. In another example, the support member can be moved relative to the base to an at least partially retracted axial position from a fully extended axial position relative to the base in an axial direction of the axis of rotation of the support member. While engraving the score line portion, the support member can be located in an at least partially retracted axial position. In one particular example, the support member includes a first limit of rotational movement about the axis of rotation in a fully extended axial position, and a second movement of rotational movement about the axis of rotation in an at least partially retracted axial position. Limiting, the second limit of the rotational movement may be greater than the first limit of the rotational movement.

In another example of the fourth aspect, the method further includes the step of applying a predetermined level of resistance to rotational movement of the support member relative to the base about the axis of rotation of the support member.

In a further example of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises the steps of: landing the support member on the second major surface of the glass strip and including the step of traversing the support member with the score member while engraving The trace element creates a score line.

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

According to a fifth aspect, a method of scoring a glass strip is provided. The glass strip includes a first rounded edge defining a first outer limit of the glass strip, a second rounded edge defining a second outer limit of the glass strip, and defining the first outer portion The width between the limit and the second outer limit. The thickness of the central portion of the glass strip may be less than the thickness of the first rounded edge and the thickness of the second rounded edge. Each of the rounded edges includes an almost flat surface defined between the inner and outer edges of the rounded edge. The method comprises the steps of: (I) passing the scored element of the scoring device through an almost flat surface of the first bead while at the transverse scoring rate of at least 500 mm/s before contacting the glass strip with the score element Go on. The method then includes the following steps: (II) landing the score element on the first major surface of the glass strip while the score element may travel at a lateral scoring rate (eg, in the range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm) At the upper landing point, the landing point may be located at a distance of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge of the nearly flat surface of the first bead.

In other examples, the step (II) of landing the score element on the first major surface of the glass strip may include the step of landing the score element on the glass while the score element may travel at a lateral score rate. A landing point of the first major surface of the strip, the landing point being located in a range from about 25 mm to about 75 mm from the first lateral edge in the width direction of the glass strip.

In one example of the fifth aspect, the lateral scoring rate can be from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s.

In another example of the fifth aspect, after step (II), the method further comprises the step of traversing the score element at a lateral score rate to create a score in the first major surface of the glass strip A line having a rip depth that is from about 8% to about 12% of the thickness of the central portion of the glass ribbon. The depth of the rip can be reached less than or equal to about 5 mm from the point of landing.

In still another example of the fifth aspect, the scoring device includes a support member configured to rotationally move about a rotational axis of the support member. The score element can be mounted relative to the outer end of the support member at an offset distance greater than 2 mm from the axis of rotation of the support member. The ratio of the lateral scoring rate to the offset distance may be less than or equal to about 267 s ^-1 .

In still another example of the fifth aspect, after step (II), the method further comprises the step of traversing the score element at a lateral score rate to create a score in the first major surface of the glass strip line. The method further includes the step of raising the score element from a rising starting point of the first major surface while the score element is likely to travel at a lateral score rate, the rise point may be located less than or from the inner edge of the second rounded edge Equal to a distance of about 20 mm.

In other examples, after step (II), the method may further comprise the step of raising the score element from a rising starting point of the first major surface while the score element is likely to travel at a lateral score rate, the rising point The distance may be in the range of from about 25 mm to about 75 mm from the second lateral edge in the width direction of the glass strip.

In a further example of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises the steps of: landing the support member on the second major surface of the glass strip and including the step of: traversing the support member with the score member at a lateral score rate Move while creating a score line with the score component.

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

The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, are intended to provide an overview or an understanding of the embodiments. The figures are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and are incorporated in this specification and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, illustrate the principles and operation of the embodiments.

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

Various glass making apparatus and methods of the present disclosure can be used to create a glass strip that can be further processed into one or more glass sheets. For example, the glass making apparatus can be configured to produce a glass strip by pulling down, pulling up, floating, fusing, pressing rolls, slot drawing, or other glass forming techniques.

The glass strip from any of these processes can be subsequently divided to provide a sheet glass suitable for further processing into the desired application, such as a display application. Glass sheets can be used, for example, in a wide range of display applications, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), or the like.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 101 configured to draw a glass strip 103. For purposes of illustration, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 is illustrated as a fusion down-draw apparatus, although further glass manufacturing apparatus may be provided in further examples, such other glass manufacturing apparatus configured to pull, float, and press rolls , slot drawing and so on. Moreover, as mentioned above, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the manufacture of glass strips. Indeed, the concepts presented in this disclosure can be used in a wide range of glass manufacturing equipment to produce a wide range of glass articles.

As illustrated, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a melting vessel 105 configured to receive the batch material 107 from the storage tank 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by the batch transfer device 111 that is driven by the motor 113. The motor 113 can introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105 as indicated by arrow 117. The molten vessel 105 can then melt the batch material 107 into a plurality of molten materials 121.

The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may also include a purification vessel 127, such as a purge tube, located downstream of the smelting vessel 105 and coupled to the smelting vessel 105 by means of a first connecting tube 129. The mixing vessel 131, such as a mixing chamber, may also be located downstream of the purification vessel 127, and the delivery vessel 133 may be located downstream of the mixing vessel 131. As shown, the second connecting tube 135 can couple the purification container 127 to the mixing container 131 and the third connection tube 137 can couple the mixing container 131 to the transfer container 133. As further illustrated, the selective transfer line 139 can be positioned to transfer molten material 121 from the transfer vessel 133 to the melt drawing machine 140. As discussed more fully below, the fusion draw machine 140 can be configured to draw the molten material 121 into a glass strip 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the fusion draw machine 140 can include a shaped container 143 to which an inlet 141 is provided that is configured to receive molten material directly or indirectly from the transfer container 133, such as by Transfer line 139. If provided, the transfer line 139 can be configured to receive molten material from the transfer container 133, and the inlet 141 of the shaped container 143 can be configured to receive molten material from the transfer line 139.

As shown, the melting vessel 105, the purification vessel 127, the mixing vessel 131, the transfer vessel 133, and the forming vessel 143 are examples of molten material stations that can be positioned in sequence along the glass manufacturing facility 101.

The melting vessel 105 and the forming vessel 143 are typically characterized by a refractory material such as a refractory ceramic (e.g., ceramic brick, ceramic single crystal former, etc.). The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may further include elements generally made of platinum or a metal containing platinum, such as platinum-ruthenium, platinum-ruthenium, and combinations thereof, but may also include other refractory metals such as molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, Titanium, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, zirconium and alloys thereof and/or zirconium dioxide. The platinum-containing member may include one or more of the following: a first connecting tube 129, a purification container 127 (for example, a purification tube), a second connecting tube 135, a mixing container 131 (for example, a stirring chamber), a third connecting tube 137, Features of transfer container 133, transfer line 139, inlet 141, and shaped container 143.

2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2. As shown, the shaped vessel 143 can include a groove 200 configured to receive molten material 121 from the inlet 141. The forming vessel 143 further includes a forming wedge 201 comprising a pair of downwardly sloping surface portions 203, 205 that extend downwardly between the opposite ends of the forming wedge 201 . The pair of downwardly sloping surface portions 203, 205 converge along the draw direction 207 to form a root 209. The draw plane 211 extends through the root 209, wherein the glass strip 103 can be drawn along the draw plane 211 in the draw direction 207. As shown, the draw plane 211 can be opposed to the root portion 209, although the draw plane 211 can extend in other orientations relative to the root 209.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one example, molten material 121 can flow from inlet 141 into recess 200 of forming vessel 143. The molten material 121 can then escape from the recess 200 by flowing through the corresponding weirs 202a, 202b while flowing down the outer surfaces 204a, 204b of the corresponding weirs 202a, 202b. The separate streams of molten material then flow along the downwardly sloping surface portions 203, 205 of the forming wedge 201 to be pulled away from the root 209 of the forming vessel 143 where the fluid converges and melts into the glass strip 103. The glass strip 103 can then be pulled away from the root 209 in the draw plane 211 in the draw direction 207.

As shown in FIG. 2, the glass strip 103 can be drawn from a root 209 having a first major surface 213 and a second major surface 215. As shown, the first major surface 213 and the second major surface 215 face in opposite directions and have a thickness 217 that can be less than or equal to about 1 mm, such as from about 50 μm to about 750 μm, such as from about 100 μm to about 700 μm, such as From about 200 μm to about 600 μm, for example from about 300 μm to about 500 μm, and all subranges of the ranges quoted above.

In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 for melt drawing a glass ribbon may also include at least one edge roller assembly 149a, 149b. Each of the edge roller assemblies 149a, 149b illustrated can include a pair of edge rollers 221 that are configured to provide proper processing of the corresponding opposing edge portions 223a, 223b of the glass strip 103. In a further example, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include first and second pull roller assemblies 151a, 151b. Each of the pull roller assemblies 151a, 151b illustrated can include a pair of pull rollers 153 that are configured to facilitate pulling of the glass strip 103 in the draw direction 207 of the draw plane 211.

In one example, as schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can also include a glass scoring apparatus 161a configured to facilitate separation of the glass strips 103 along the separation path 163. In the process, the separation path extends through the width "W" of the glass strip 103. The glass scoring apparatus 161a can separate the glass ribbon into the glass sheet 104 along the separation path 163. In one example, after sufficient glass strip 103 has been pulled away from the forming container 143, the glass scoring apparatus 161a is operable to facilitate separation of the glass sheet 104 from the remainder of the glass strip 103. In operation, the glass scoring apparatus 161a can periodically separate the respective glass sheets 104 from the glass strips 103 as the glass strips are pulled away from the forming containers. Further, as illustrated, the scoring device 161a can travel along the direction 165 that is the same direction as the draw direction 207 of the draw plane 211. Moreover, in operation, the scoring apparatus 161a can travel at the same rate as the rate at which the glass strip 103 is drawn in the draw direction 207. As a result, during the scoring procedure, the moving tracks 167a, 167b defining the path of travel of the support means 169a and the scoring means 169b are moved almost at the same rate as the glass strip 103, thus the glass strip during the scoring procedure The belt 103 and the moving rails 167a, 167b may have a slight relative movement or no relative movement. For example, the scoring device 169b can traverse a moving track while the support device 169a traverses other moving tracks. At the same time, the support device 169a and the scoring device 169b are configured to travel along the moving track 167a, 167b along the direction 168 at a lateral scoring rate while producing a score that reaches the depth of the split. For example, the moving rails 167a, 167b can be positioned along opposite sides of the glass strip 103 and run parallel to each other.

In another example, as schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can alternatively include a glass scoring apparatus 161b that is also configured to facilitate separation of the glass strips 103 along the separation. The separation process of path 163 extends across the width "W" of the glass strip 103. The glass scoring device 161b can also separate the glass ribbon into a glass sheet 104 along the separation path 163. In one example, the glass scoring apparatus 161b is operable to facilitate separation of the glass sheet 104 from the remainder of the glass strip 103 after sufficient length of the glass strip 103 has been pulled away from the forming container 143. In operation, the glass scoring apparatus 161b can periodically separate the respective glass sheets 104 from the glass strips 103 as the glass strips are pulled away from the forming containers. Further, as illustrated, the scoring apparatus 161b can include fixed rails 171a, 171b that define a path of travel for the support device 169a and the scoring device 169b. For example, the scoring device 169b can traverse a fixed track while the support device 169a traverses another fixed track. While the glass strip 103 is traveling along the drawing direction 207 with respect to the fixed rails 171a, 171b, the fixed rails 171a, 171b can be maintained at a fixed position. For example, the fixed rails 171a, 171b can be positioned along opposite sides of the glass strip 103 and run parallel to each other. Further, the support device 169a and the scoring device 169b travel together along a travel path defined by the fixed rails 171a, 171b, which includes a horizontal rate component 177 and a vertical rate component 179, the horizontal rate. The component is parallel to the separation path 163. The vertical rate component 179 extends in the same direction as the rate vector of the glass strip 103 in the draw direction 207 and has the same size. As such, each scoring device 161a, 161b is two alternative exemplary configurations that can define a path of travel for the support device 169a and the scoring device 169b, which can create a score line along the separation path 163, at the moment The trace may, for example, comprise a path that may be perpendicular to the draw direction 207. Although not shown, a further configuration may provide a suitable path for the support device 169a and the scoring device 169b. For example, the robot can be designed to provide suitable movement of the support device and the scoring device without the need to move the track or the fixed track.

In a further example, the glass strip 103 can be further processed (eg, adding electronic components) prior to operating the glass scoring apparatus to separate the treated glass sheet (eg, a sheet comprising electronic components) from the remainder of the glass strip and many more).

Additionally or alternatively, in a further example, the glass strip 103 can be stored as a glass strip roll. In some examples, the glass strip can be pulled away from the forming container 143 and spiraled into a roll of glass ribbon that is further processed with or without a glass strip prior to rolling. In a further example, the glass strip can be further processed (eg, adding electronic components, cleaning, processing, processing, etc.) prior to spiraling the glass ribbon into a glass ribbon roll. In such embodiments, once a sufficient amount of glass strip is wound, the glass scoring apparatus 161a, 161b can be operated to score the glass strip and subsequently separate from the remainder of the glass strip, the strip The remainder of the belt is pulled away from the forming container 143. In a further example, the glass strip can eventually be unwound from the glass strip roll. In such an example, the glass scoring apparatus 161a, 161b can be used to score the glass sheet as it is unrolled from the glass strip roll and subsequently separate from the glass strip.

Scoring devices, such as the scoring devices 161a, 161b referenced above, may each include a scoring device, such as scoring device 169b, shown schematically in Figures 3-14. As shown in FIG. 3, the scoring device 169b can include a base 303 and a support member 301 that is configured to move relative to the base 303. In some examples, base 303 can include various features of scoring device 169b that do not move with support member 301. For example, in the illustrated example, the base 303 can optionally include a housing 305. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 305 can define an interior region 401 that is configured to receive the inner end 301a of the support member 301. In some examples, the housing 305 can be configured to provide pressurized fluid (eg, air) to the interior region 401 from one or more pressure ports 405. To simplify construction, the housing 305 can optionally include end caps 403a, 403b that are configured as fluid restricting mechanisms (eg, fluid seals) to provide the inner region 401 as a pressure chamber.

As shown in FIGS. 3 through 4, in some examples, the support member 301 can be movably mounted relative to the base 303. For example, as shown, the scoring device 169b can be configured for rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 about the axis of rotation 309 of the support member 301. Additionally or alternatively, the support member 301 is movable relative to the base 303 in the axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301.

In some examples, the scoring device 169b can further include a restriction device that limits rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. Additionally or alternatively, the restriction device or other mechanism may be configured to limit axial movement 311 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 along the axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the scoring device 169b includes a restraining device 407 that is configured to limit rotational movement 307 and axial movement 311. Although not shown, if a restriction device is provided, the restriction device can be configured in a further example to limit only rotational movement or only axial movement.

In one example, the restraining device 407 can include a protrusion extending from one of the support member and the base, the protrusion being positionable within the elongated opening, the extended opening being comprised of the support member and the base One is defined. For example, by way of illustration, the restraining device 407 can include a protrusion 409 that extends from the support member 301 that can be positioned within the elongated opening 411 that is defined in the base 303. Although not shown, in an alternative example, the tabs can extend from the base 303 and be positioned within an elongated opening that is defined in the support member 301.

With further reference to Figures 4 and 5, the protrusion 409 can include a handle having an end that can be coupled (by threaded connection) to the inner end 301a of the support member 301. As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the exemplary handle can also include opposing ends that include the illustrated head that is positioned within the elongated opening 411 that is defined in the base 303.

The illustrated elongated opening 411 includes a through slot that extends through the sidewall 413 of the housing 305, although in an alternative example the opening may include a louver surface trench countersunk in the interior surface of the sidewall 413. If the elongated opening 411 is provided with the illustrated through slot, the sealing sheet 415 can be provided to facilitate maintenance of fluid pressure within the interior region 401 of the base 303.

As shown in FIG. 5, the interaction between the protrusion 409 and the inner wall defining the elongated opening 411 can limit the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the axis of rotation 309. For example, if allowed, any rotational movement 307 will cause the projections 409 to move along directions 503a, 503b that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation 309 of the support member 301. The movement of the protrusion 409 along the directions 503a, 503b is limited by the size of the protrusion 409 (for example, the diameter of the head shown is equal to twice the radius "2R1"). The position of the extension opening 411 at the protrusion 409 is buckled. The width is 505. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 409 can be located in the first position "P1", wherein the width 505 can be equal to the size of the protrusion 409 (eg, "2R1"), wherein the limiting device inhibits (eg, prevents) the support member 301 from winding The rotating shaft 309 is rotated. Alternatively, as shown in the second position "P2", the limited movement of the protrusion 409 in the directions 503a, 503b allows for a limited rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the axis of rotation 309.

As discussed above, the restriction device 407 can thus vary the extent (if any) of the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the axis of rotation 309, depending on the position of the protrusion 409 within the elongated opening 411. For example, the elongated opening can be axially tapered along the travel path 501, which can be parallel to the axis of rotation 309. Indeed, as shown, the elongated opening 411 can be tapped from the at least partially retracted position "P2" of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 in the direction of extension 507 to the fully extended position of the support member 301 relative to the base 303. P1". Due to the selective taper nature of the elongated opening 411 in the extension direction 507, the support member 301 may have a relatively small rotational movement 307 or no rotational movement 307 in the fully extended position "P1" and at least partially retracted at position "P2" There may be a large restricted rotational movement 307.

Thus, referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, the support member 301 can be positioned relative to the base 303 in the fully extended axial position "P1", wherein the restriction device 407 provides the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the rotational axis 309. A limit. For example, at the fully extended axial position "P1" shown in Figure 5, the restriction device 407 provides a first limit of almost zero rotation of the rotational movement 307 because of the projection 409 (e.g., the head of the illustrated handle) It can be seated tightly within the end of the elongated opening 411 to prevent the projection 409 from moving relative to the elongated opening 411 in the directions 503a, 503b. Further, the support member 301 can be positioned relative to the base 303 in at least a partial retracted position "P2", wherein the restriction device 407 provides a second restriction to the support member 301 about the rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309, the The second limit may be greater than the first limit of rotational movement. Indeed, the restriction device 407 provides a second limit of rotational movement 307 greater than 0 , because the protrusion 409 (eg, the illustrated head of the handle) can be allowed to have limited movement in the directions 503a, 503b, Depending on the difference in the width 505 of the elongated opening 411 at the location of the projection compared to the size (e.g., diameter) of the projection.

As shown in FIG. 5, the interaction between the protrusion 409 and the elongated opening 411 can further limit the axial movement 311 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 along the axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion (eg, the head of the illustrated handle) can be moved along the travel path 501 in the extension direction 507 to the fully extended position "P1", wherein the protrusion and the extended opening are along The interaction between the edges of the abutment regions 509 prevents the support member 301 from extending further relative to the base 303. As further illustrated, the protrusion can move along the travel path 501 to the fully retracted position "P3" in the opposite retracted direction, wherein the interaction between the protrusion and the extended opening along the edge of the adjacent point or region 511 The support member 301 is prevented from being further retracted relative to the base 303. In one example, the contiguous region 509 corresponding to the fully extended position can include a radius R1 that can be less than a radius R2 of the contiguous region 511 that corresponds to a fully retracted position, where R2 can be greater than R1.

In a further example, the base 303 can include a fluid bearing 417 configured to support the support member 301 with fluid cushioning. The fluid may contain a liquid such as water or other fluid, such as a detergent for cleaning, a lubricating fluid to promote a scoring procedure, or other liquid. The fluid may alternatively contain air or other gases. In any event, fluid cushioning may be created between the outer surface of the support member 301 (e.g., the outer surface of the illustrated shaft) and the inner surface of the inner bore defined by the fluid bearing 417. The fluid buffer can act to levitate the support member 301 within the bore of the fluid bearing 417 to reduce friction that would otherwise be present by direct contact of the support member 301 with the base 303.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the scoring device 169b can further include a friction member 419 that is reliably biased (eg, by the spring 421) at one of the support member 301 and the base 303 to provide a predetermined level. The resistance resists rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. In some examples, the friction member can include the illustrated friction block that is designed to provide resistance to rotation by friction that is biased by the friction block to directly contact the support member and the base One of the seats is produced by direct contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression spring is compressibly disposed such that the friction block can be pressed against the outer surface of the support member 301. In some examples, the friction member 419 can be configured such that the frictional resistance applied to the rotational movement of the support member relative to the base is greater than the frictional resistance applied to the axial movement of the support member relative to the base. For example, the block may include one or more engagement ribs that extend in the direction of the axis of rotation 309. As a result, the desired reduction in friction can still be achieved for axial movement of the support member relative to the base, while the desired amount of friction can be introduced for rotational movement of the support member relative to the base.

The scoring device 169b may further include a scoring member 312 that is mounted at a distance "D" from the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301 with respect to the outer end 313 of the support member 301. The score element 312 can include a score wheel, a fixed score point, or other suitable scoring device configured to score the surface of the glass sheet. In some examples, the score element 312 can be loaded with a removable cartridge that is configured to be removably attached relative to the outer end 313 of the support member 301.

As described above, the scoring apparatus 161a, 161b can further include the support device 169a discussed above and schematically presented in Figures 1 and 2. An example of the support device 169a is further illustrated schematically in Figures 6-14. The support device 169a can be configured to support the second major surface 215 of the glass strip 103 while the score element 312 scores the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103. Referring to, for example, FIG. 6, in one example, support device 169a can include a cartridge base 621 that can be moved in a direction 168 in the direction of track 167a at a lateral scoring rate, the lateral score rate and scoring device The transverse score rate matching of 169b. The support device 169a can further include an extension base 623 that can extend in a direction 625 toward the second major surface 215 of the glass strip relative to the body base 621, for example, by way of illustration Drive gear 627. The drive gear 627 can alternatively retract the extension base 623 relative to the body base 621 in a direction opposite to the direction 625, that is, away from the second major surface 215 of the glass strip. The support device 169a can further include a support member, such as the illustrated wheel 629, which can be extended or retracted relative to the extension base 623 by the arm portion 631. In one example, the arms can be biased to an extended position by an air cylinder or other biasing means, such as shown in FIG. The illustrated wheel 629 includes an idle wheel that is not driven, although a drive wheel may be provided in a further example. The wheel may include a flat outer surface 633, although in a further example, the outer surface may have other shapes (eg, a curved shape).

A method of scoring a glass strip will now be described. In some examples, the method can include the step of landing the score element 312 onto the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103. For example, FIG. 8 depicts the score element 312 landing on the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103 at the landing point 801. In the illustrated example, landing may occur while the scoring device 169b is traveling in the direction 168 of the track 167b. Indeed, as schematically illustrated in Figure 8, the scoring device 169b can include a carcass base 803 that can be moved in a direction 168 in the direction of the track 167b at a lateral scoring rate, the lateral scoring rate and support The lateral score rate of device 169a is matched. The scoring device 169b can further include an extension base 805 that can extend in a direction 807 toward the first major surface 213 of the glass strip relative to the body base 803, for example, by drawing Drive gear 809 is shown. The drive gear 809 can alternatively retract the extension base 805 relative to the body base 803 in a direction opposite to the direction 807, that is, away from the first major surface 213 of the glass strip.

The step of landing may include the step of biasing the support member 301 relative to the base 303 of the scoring device 169b toward an extended position, the scoring device being engageable as part of the extension base 805. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the interior region 401 of the susceptor 303 can be pressurized with a fluid source (eg, fluid, gas) that is configured to be in fluid communication with the pressure port 405 by way of a pressure source. In one example, a source of pressurized air can be configured to communicate with the interior region 401 by way of a pressure port 405. A valve or other pressure regulating mechanism can control the pressure within the interior region 401 and thereby control the biasing force of the support member 301. In some examples, the pressure within the inner region 401 can be maintained by the pressure control system at an almost constant pressure. Alternatively, the pressure within the interior region 401 can be controlled by the pressure control system to vary during the scoring procedure. In a further example, the pressure within the inner region 401 can be controlled to provide an almost constant force, such as a force that is no greater than 5% of the nominal applied force, while the support member 301 can be located at an at least partially retracted axial position. in. For example, at the initial landing of the score element 312 shown in Figure 8, the support member 301 can be in a fully extended position. Since the extension base 805 can be further extended relative to the body base 803 by the drive gear 809, as the support member 301 reaches the partially retracted position shown in Figure 9, the force exerted by the support member can be maintained almost fixed. Thus, the score element 312 can be traversed to a limited extent in the direction 807 or in the opposite direction 807, while the force of the score element 312 against the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103 remains nearly fixed.

The method of scoring the glass strip 103 may also include the step of producing the score line 1001 shown in FIG. As discussed above, FIG. 8 depicts the initial drop of the score element 312 at the landing point 801. The score element 312 continues to traverse at a full score rate in direction 168 until a full split depth "V" is reached, as shown in FIG. Due to the floating biased support member 301, the score element can be pressed against the glass strip 103 with a nearly constant force as it travels along the length of the score line 1001, thereby along the score line 1001 from Figure 10 The displayed point 1003 to point 1101 shown in FIG. 11 provides an almost fixed split depth "V" where the score element 312 begins to rise in a direction away from the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103 at point 1101. .

It should therefore be understood that the support member 301 is axially movable relative to the base 303 in the axial direction 311 of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. Indeed, the support member 301 can be axially moved relative to the base 303 from an fully extended axial position relative to the base 303 (shown in Figure 8) to an at least partially retracted axial position (shown in Figure 9). . As is apparent in Figure 10, the score element 312 produces a portion of the score line 1001 (having a split depth "V") while the support member 301 is in an at least partially retracted axial position.

Further, while the scoring device 169b is scored along the crack depth "V" along a portion of the score line 1001, the score element 312 can be pressed against the glass strip 103 with a substantially constant force. Indeed, by means of a biasing means, such as a fluid spring provided by the pressurized inner region 401, the scoring device 169b can create the score element 312 while the scoring device 169b is scored along a portion of the score line 1001. To the glass strip 103 almost fixed force. As such, the score element 312 can traverse minute surface irregularities while the score elements continue to be biased against the glass strip with nearly the same force, and thus are nearly identical along most of the score line 1001. The crack depth "V" continues to score the score line 1001.

The scoring method of the glass strip 103 can also include the steps of providing a support member 301 having a first limit of rotational movement 307 about the axis of rotation 309 in a fully extended axial position, and at least partially retracting A second limit of rotational movement 307 about the axis of rotation 309 in the axial position, the second limit may be greater than the first limit of rotational movement 307. As such, in the fully extended position shown in FIGS. 6-8, a restricted rotational movement 307 (eg, 0 ∘ axial movement) may be provided such that the score element 312 initially landed on the glass strip 103. Prior to the first major surface 213, the score element 312 can be properly pre-aligned along the direction of travel 168 by a distance "D" behind the axis of rotation 309. As such, the uncontrolled initial movement of the score element can be avoided, otherwise the initial movement can occur as the score element 312 may tend to swing to equilibrium along the direction of travel 168 behind the axis of rotation 309. At the same time, once the initial contact is made to allow the score element 312 to follow naturally along the direction of travel 168 behind the axis of rotation 309, the partially retracted position allows for a limited rotational movement 307, as the score element 312 is rotated relative to the rotation. The offset distance of the shaft 309 is "D". As a result, reduced score line irregularities can be provided by avoiding uncontrolled initial movement during initial contact, while further providing limited access to the axis of rotation 309 after initial contact with the glass strip 103. The benefits of rotating the movement.

The method of scoring the glass strip 103 may also include the step of supporting the support member 301 with fluid cushioning to facilitate rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 about the axis of rotation 309 of the support member 301. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid cushioning further promotes axial movement 311 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 along the axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For example, a fluid (liquid, gas, etc.) can be provided between the fluid bearing of the base 303 and the support member 301 to facilitate rotational movement 307 and/or axial movement 311. In only one example, pressurized air (or other gas) may be introduced into the outer peripheral region of the bearing pressure chamber 425 defined by the housing 305 as shown by the exemplary illustrative pressure port 315 in the two exemplary positions. 423. The pressurized air can then pass through the fluid bearing. Indeed, the fluid bearing can comprise a porous material, wherein a pressurized fluid (e.g., air) can pass from the outer peripheral region 423 through the porous fluid bearing 417 and then accumulate at the peripheral inner space 427 as a buffer of fluid (e.g., air) within the perimeter. The space is defined between the outer peripheral surface of the support member 301 and the inner peripheral inner bore surface of the fluid bearing 417. The pressure port 315 can be configured to be in fluid communication with a source of fluid, such as a source of pressurized air, which can be manually or automatically regulated by a valve and/or control mechanism.

The fluid bearing 417 can greatly reduce the friction between the base 303 and the support member 301. Indeed, since the support member 301 can float substantially on a fluid buffer (e.g., air), the large frictional forces caused by the actual contact between the base 303 and the support member 301 can be reduced or eliminated. At the same time, the fluid stream can be allowed to flow out of the outer interface 429, creating a stream of fluid directed to the score element 312. Thus, the glass wafer naturally produced during the scoring procedure can be blown away by the stream of fluids that are desirably emitted by the outer interface 429. As such, the pressurized fluid can be actuated to provide a fluid bearing while also providing the benefit of removing undesirable residual glass wafers that would otherwise contaminate one of the initial major surfaces 213, 215 of the glass strip 103. Or both.

As discussed above, providing fluid cushioning to the fluid bearing 417 can reduce friction between the base 303 and the support member 301. As such, the score element 312 can reduce the impact on the glass sheet when landing (see Figure 8). Indeed, the reduced friction reduces the retraction resistance of the support member relative to the base 303. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the support member 301 can have a reduced mass provided by the removal of a portion of the support member. For example, in only one example, the support member 301 can include an almost hollow tube that is created by the inner bore 431 extending axially along the axis of rotation 309 of the support member 301. When the score element 312 is lowered onto the first major surface of the glass strip 103, the reduced mass further reduces the impact force of the scoring device 312. Due to the reduced mass of the support member 301 and the reduced friction between the base 303 and the support member 301, the score element 312 can be relatively quickly reached to the first major surface 213 while reducing the impact force that would otherwise cause the glass Damage to the first major surface 213 of the strip.

The reduced friction between the base 303 and the support member 301 and/or the reduced quality of the support member 301 may also facilitate the rapid rise of the score element 312 from the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103. Indeed, in one example, the inner region 401 can be depressurized, wherein the support member 301 can be quickly retracted relative to the base 303, thanks to the reduced friction provided by the fluid bearing and the reduced mass provided by the support member 301. In addition, the drive gear 809 can quickly pull the scoring device 169b away from the glass strip 103, thanks to the reduced mass provided by the support member 301.

While a certain level of reduced resistance may be desired for rotation of the support member 301 about the axis of rotation 309, it may also be desirable to reintroduce a predetermined level of rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 about the axis of rotation 309 of the support member 301. Resistance (for example, by friction member 419). For example, re-introducing a predetermined level of resistance to rotational movement 307 may assist in further inhibiting the uncontrolled initial movement of the score element as the score element 312 initially falls onto the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103. Additionally or alternatively, the restriction device 407 mentioned above may also assist in properly pre-aligning the score element 312 at a distance "D" behind the direction of travel 168. As such, in some examples, a predetermined level of resistance (eg, provided by friction member 419) and restriction device 407 can act together to assist in preventing uncontrolled movement of the score element, otherwise the uncontrolled movement may This occurs as the scoring element 312 swings along the direction of travel to an equilibrium position behind the rotating shaft 309.

The method of scoring the glass strip 103 can also include the step of dropping a support member (e.g., wheel 629) onto the second major surface 215 of the glass strip 103. Indeed, as shown in Figures 6-14, in some examples, the support member can travel with the score member 312 such that the score line is provided while the wheel 629 provides suitable support and strength to the second major surface 215. 1001 is created by a score element 312 that can correspond to or match the force provided by the score element 312 on the first major surface. Further, the support member can apply an almost constant force (e.g., by a fluid cylinder), wherein the arm portion 631 can allow the wheel 629 to move in the direction 625 or the reverse direction 625 to allow the wheel 629 to travel past surface irregularities. At the same time, it still provides almost fixed power.

Further exemplary methods will now be further described with further reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6-14. In some examples, the method can be applied to score the glass strip 103 depicted in FIG. 1, the glass strip can include a first rounded edge 225a that defines the first of the glass strips 103 The outer limit 227a, the second rounded edge 225b, the second outer edge defines a second outer limit 227b of the glass strip 103, and a width "W" defined between the first outer limit 227a and the second outer limit 227b. As shown in FIG. 6, the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass strip 103 can be less than the thickness 605 of the first bead 225a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 can be less than the thickness 605 of the second rounded edge 225b. In some examples, the thickness 605 of the first bead 225a can be nearly equal to the thickness 605 of the second bead 225b, although in further examples the bead can have a different thickness, the thickness of each of the bead being greater than the center Portion 603 has a thickness 217. Each of the rounded edges 225a, 225b also includes an almost flat surface 607a, 607b that is defined between respective inner edges 609a, 610a and respective outer edges 609b, 610b of the respective rounded edges. In some examples, the nearly flat surfaces 607a, 607b are provided by the edge rollers 221 of the edge roller assemblies 149a, 149b. Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, the edge roller 221 can include the illustrated knurled surface that provides the embossing as shown in FIG. 1 to the nearly flat surfaces 607a, 607b. surface. Despite having a embossed surface, surfaces 607a, 607b are considered to be nearly flat, as each of these surfaces extends along respective planes 635a, 635b. In some examples, as shown, the respective planes 635a, 635b are nearly parallel with respect to each other.

For the purposes of this application, the first inner edge 609a of each of the rounded edges 225a, 225b is defined as the innermost line of the respective rounded edges, at the innermost line, the first plane 636a and the respective circle The edge will be parallel to the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103 and offset from the first major surface 213 of the glass strip by a thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the 10% glass strip 103. Similarly, for the purposes of this application, the second inner edge 610a of each of the rounded edges 225a, 225b is defined as the innermost line of the respective rounded edge, at the innermost line, the second flat 636b is The respective rounded edges meet parallel to the second major surface 215 of the glass strip 103 and are offset from the second major surface 215 of the glass strip by a thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the 10% glass strip 103.

Throughout the application, as shown in FIG. 6, first plane 636a and second plane 636b may be spaced apart from one another by a distance 612 that is 20% greater than thickness 217 of central portion 603 of glass strip 103. Moreover, as shown, each of the first plane 636a and the second plane 636b is spaced from the central symmetry plane 216 of the central portion 603 of the glass strip 103 by a half (1/2) of the distance 612.

For the purposes of this application, the first outer edge 609b of each of the rounded edges 225a, 225b is defined as the outermost line of the respective rounded edges, at which the first plane 636a meets the respective rounded edges . As previously described, the first plane 636a is parallel to the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103 and is offset from the first major surface 213 of the glass strip by a thickness 217 of 10% of the glass strip 103. For the purposes of this application, the second outer edge 610b of each of the rounded edges 225a, 225b is defined as the outermost line of the respective rounded edge, at which the second flat surface 636b meets the respective rounded edge . As previously described, the second plane 636b is parallel to the second major surface 215 of the glass strip 103 and is offset from the second major surface 215 of the glass strip by a thickness 217 of the 10% glass strip 103.

The construction of certain embodiments provides the benefit that the score element is first after the score element 312 passes the first inner edge 609a of the first bead 225a during traversal at a score rate 168. The landing on the major surface 213 can occur relatively quickly. Indeed, the landing may even occur without slowing the scoring device 169b, thereby allowing the relatively sharp scoring of the score line 1001 as compared to an alternative procedure for slowing the scoring device prior to landing. Moreover, due to the relatively low mass of the support member 301 and the relatively low friction provided by the fluid bearing 417, the support member 301 can extend relatively quickly to achieve the landing of the score element 312 without adversely affecting the glass strip (thus causing Potential stress cracks and fractures) that would otherwise occur with relatively high quality support members 301.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in one example, the score element 312 of the scoring device 169b can travel at a lateral scoring rate of at least 500 mm/s before the score element 312 contacts the glass strip 103. At the same time, it passes through the almost flat surfaces 607a, 607b of the first rounded edge 225a. In some examples, the lateral scoring rate can be from about 500 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s, such as from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s.

As shown in FIG. 8, the method can further include the step of landing the score element 312 on the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103 while the score element 312 is likely to travel at the lateral scoring rate described above. At point 801, the landing point can be at a distance 804 that is less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge 609a of the nearly flat surface 607a of the first rounded edge 225a. Providing the landing point 801 at a distance 804 that is less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge 609a may assist in maximizing the score line 1001 while still providing a relatively rapid formation of the score line because the scoring device 169b may be scoring device 169b The rate at which the score line 1001 is scored at the full gap depth "V" drops.

In other embodiments, while the score element 312 is likely to travel at the lateral scoring rate described above, the score element 312 can land at a landing point on the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103, the landing point The distance is located in the range of about 25 mm to about 75 mm from the lateral edge in the width direction of the glass strip 103.

The full rip depth "V" is considered to be from about 8% to about 15% of the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass strip 103, including all ranges and subranges therebetween, such as in the range of about 8% to about 12%. , or in the range of about 10% to about 15%. In some examples, after landing the score element 312, the method can further include the step of traversing the score element 312 at a lateral score rate to create a score line in the first major surface 213 of the glass strip 103. 1001, the score line has a split depth "V" which is about 8% to about 15% of the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass strip 103, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, such as about 8% It is in the range of about 12%, or in the range of about 10% to about 15%. In some instances, the split depth "V" may be reached at a distance of less than or equal to about 5 mm from the landing point 810 due to the application of the almost constant force of the score element 312. As such, features of the present disclosure can provide a score line 1001 that has a full gap depth "V" relative to the inner edge 609a while the score device 169a is traveling at a full score rate.

As described above, the support member 301 can be configured for rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301, wherein the score element 312 can be at an offset distance "D" relative to the outer end of the support member 301 313 installation. In some examples, the offset distance "D" can be greater than 2 mm to provide effective alignment behind the axis of rotation after the score element 312 contacts the surface of the glass ribbon. Indeed, providing an offset distance "D" greater than 2 mm can help prevent the scoring element from oscillating about the axis of rotation to create a relatively straight score line. Fig. 15 shows a simulation result of the rate with respect to the offset distance "D", where the vertical or Y-axis is the rate in mm/s, and the horizontal or X-axis is the offset distance "D" in mm. The curve depicted represents the ratio of the lateral scoring rate to the offset distance "D", which is 267 s ^-1 , effectively providing good alignment behind the axis of rotation. As such, providing a ratio of less than or equal to about 267 s ^-1 will assist in suppressing oscillations that may interfere with the quality of the score line 1001.

As shown in FIG. 9, after the score element 312 is lowered, the score element 312 can be traversed at the scoring rate described above to create a full gap depth "V" at the point 1003 in the first major surface 213 of the glass strip. The score line 1001 is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, as shown in Figures 11-13, the score element can be raised from the first major surface 213 at the rise starting point 1103, which can be located less than the inner edge 609a of the nearly flat surface 607a of the second rounded edge 225b. Or at a distance 1201 of about 20 mm, while the score element 312 can travel at a lateral score rate. Due to the low friction provided by the fluid bearing 417 and the relatively low mass of the support member 301, the score element 312 can be quickly lifted from the glass strip, allowing the scored element to be scored for a relatively long period of time while still being able to clear the second The thickness of the rounded edge 225b. As a result, a longer effective score line can be achieved relatively quickly because the score element 312 can be lifted from the glass strip at a full score rate.

As shown in Figure 8, the method can also include the step of landing a support member (e.g., wheel 629) on the second major surface 215 of the glass strip 103 such that the support member 629 and the score member 312 are at a lateral score rate. The traverse, while at the same time, produces a score line 1001 with the score element 312.

It should be understood that the features of the scoring apparatus and method herein allow for the formation of enhanced score lines relatively quickly, and the traces have reduced irregularities at the time of landing. Indeed, due to the relatively low mass of the support member 301 and the low friction provided by the fluid bearing 417 allowing for axial movement of the support member, the scoring device 169b need not be slowed down when the score member 312 is dropped onto the glass strip. Indeed, the scoring device 169b can travel at full scoring rate during landing (eg, greater than 500 mm/s, such as from about 500 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s, such as from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s) . As such, the full score line can be produced relatively quickly when compared to an alternative configuration that slows the scoring device when the score element landed on the glass strip to impact the glass strip as the score element landed Avoid stress cracking. The rapid formation of the score line reduces the vertical area required to complete the scoring process and is ideal for larger width glass strips that would otherwise take longer to scribe the entire width of the glass strip.

Further, the restriction device and/or friction member 419 assists in reducing uncontrollable or unstable oscillations during landing, while the offset distance "D" allows the score element 312 to fall behind the correct alignment behind the axis of rotation 309.

In operation, as in the example shown in Figure 6, the scoring device 169b and the support device 169a can both travel together in the direction 168 at the same full score rate, with the score element 312 located at the first bead 225a Outside the outer edge 609b. Both the score element 312 and the wheel 629 then pass through the respective flat surfaces 607a, 607b and through the respective inner edges of the flat surfaces 607a, 607b.

Referring to Figure 8, while still traveling along the direction 168 at the same full score rate, the drive gears 627, 809 extend the wheel 629 to engage the second major surface 215 of the glass strip 103, respectively, and cause the score element 312 Extending to engage the first major face 213 of the glass strip 103. In various examples, the time between the indentation element 312 in contact with the glass surface and the contact of the wheel 629 with the opposing glass can be controlled such that the wheel 629 contacts the respective adjacent glass surface before the indented element 312 is in contact with the opposing glass surface. To ensure adequate support of the glass strip as the score begins. As shown in Figures 9-11, the scoring device 169b produces a score line 1001 having a full breach depth "V" while still traversing along the direction 168 at the same full score rate. As shown in Figure 12, after the full depth portion of the score line is formed, the drive gears 627, 809 respectively retract the wheel 629 from the engagement of the second major face 215 of the glass strip 103 and cause the score element 312 to be from the glass. The engagement of the first major face 213 of the strip 103 is retracted. Wheel 629 and score element 312 then pass through the respective flat surface and the outer side of second bead 225b at a full lateral score rate.

Once the score line is complete, the glass strip 103 can be broken along the score line by applying a stress along the score line. For example, thermal stress can be applied. In one example, a laser (eg, a CO ₂ laser) can be applied to the score line to break the glass strip along the score line. In another example, the laser can be followed by a fluid cooling stream configured to further increase stress and similarly further promote fracture along the score line. In still further examples, mechanical bending of the glass strip can be achieved to break the glass strip along the score line. Such mechanical bending can be achieved, for example, by a robot that grasps the glass strip and bends the glass strip around the score line.

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. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and modifications

101‧‧‧Glass manufacturing equipment
103‧‧‧glass strip
104‧‧‧glass sheet
105‧‧‧Melt container
107‧‧‧Batch materials
109‧‧‧ storage tank
111‧‧‧Batch delivery device
113‧‧‧Motor
117‧‧‧ arrow
121‧‧‧ molten material
127‧‧‧ Purification container
129‧‧‧First connecting pipe
131‧‧‧Mixed container
133‧‧‧Transfer container
135‧‧‧Second connection tube
137‧‧‧The third connecting tube
139‧‧‧Transfer pipeline
140‧‧‧Melt drawing machine
141‧‧‧ entrance
143‧‧‧forming containers
149a‧‧‧Edge roller assembly
149b‧‧‧Edge roller assembly
151a‧‧‧ Pulling roller assembly
151b‧‧‧ Pulling roller assembly
153‧‧‧ Pull the wheel
161a‧‧‧glass scoring equipment
161b‧‧‧glass scoring equipment
163‧‧‧Separation path
165‧‧ Direction
167a‧‧‧Mobile track
167b‧‧‧Mobile track
168‧‧‧ Direction
169a‧‧‧Support device
169b‧‧‧Scratch device
171a‧‧‧Fixed orbit
171b‧‧‧Fixed orbit
175‧‧ ‧ resultant rate vector
177‧‧‧ horizontal rate component
179‧‧ ‧ vertical rate component
200‧‧‧ grooves
201‧‧‧ Forming wedges
202a‧‧‧堰
202b‧‧‧堰
203‧‧‧Surface part
204a‧‧‧Outer surface
204b‧‧‧ outer surface
205‧‧‧Surface part
207‧‧‧Drawing direction
209‧‧‧ root
211‧‧‧ drawn plane
213‧‧‧ first major surface
215‧‧‧ second major surface
216‧‧‧central symmetry plane
217‧‧‧ thickness
221‧‧‧Edge wheel
223a‧‧‧Edge section
223b‧‧‧Edge section
225a‧‧‧first round margin
225b‧‧‧second round
227a‧‧‧First external restrictions
227b‧‧‧ second external restrictions
301‧‧‧Support members
301a‧‧‧ inner end
303‧‧‧Base
305‧‧‧Shell
307‧‧‧Rotary movement
309‧‧‧Rotary axis
311‧‧‧Axial movement
312‧‧‧Scratch elements
313‧‧‧Outside
315‧‧‧pressure port
401‧‧‧Internal area
403a‧‧‧End cover
403b‧‧‧End cover
405‧‧‧pressure port
407‧‧‧Restriction device
409‧‧‧ protrusion
411‧‧‧Extended opening
413‧‧‧ side wall
415‧‧‧ Sealed sheet
417‧‧‧ fluid bearing
419‧‧‧ Friction members
421‧‧ ‧ spring
423‧‧‧outer perimeter
425‧‧‧ bearing pressure chamber
427‧‧‧The inner space
429‧‧‧ external interface
431‧‧‧ 内孔
501‧‧‧Travel path
503a‧‧ Direction
503b‧‧ Direction
505‧‧‧Width
507‧‧‧ Extension direction
509‧‧‧Adjacent areas
511‧‧‧Area
603‧‧‧Central Part
605‧‧‧ thickness
607a‧‧‧Almost flat surface
607b‧‧‧Almost flat surface
609a‧‧‧ inner edge
609b‧‧‧ outer edge
610a‧‧‧ inner edge
610b‧‧‧ outer edge
612‧‧‧ distance
621‧‧‧匣body base
623‧‧‧ Extended base
625‧‧‧ Direction
627‧‧‧ drive gear
629‧‧‧ Wheels
631‧‧‧arm
633‧‧‧flat outer surface
635a‧‧ plane
635b‧‧‧ plane
636a‧‧‧ first plane
636b‧‧‧ second plane
801‧‧‧ landing point
803‧‧‧Carcass base
804‧‧‧ distance
805‧‧‧ Extended base
807‧‧‧ Direction
809‧‧‧ drive gear
1001‧‧‧ score line
1003‧‧ points
1101‧‧ points
1103‧‧‧ starting point
D‧‧‧ offset distance
P1‧‧‧ fully extended position
P2‧‧‧ at least partially retracted
P3‧‧‧ fully retracted position
Radius of R1‧‧
Radius of R2‧‧
W‧‧‧Width

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be further understood by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to facilitate the process of separating glass strips;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;

3 is a perspective view of a scoring apparatus in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the scoring apparatus of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an internal view of the side wall of the base of the scoring device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 schematically depicts a score element that is laterally positioned outside of a first outer limit of the glass strip, wherein the support element and the score element traverse together at a lateral score rate;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the transverse scoring rate of the support element and the score element immediately after the score element has passed the nearly flat surface of the first bead of the glass strip and before the glass strip is brought into contact with the score element Traverse

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the landing of the score element on the first major surface of the glass strip and the landing of the support element on the glass strip while the support element and the score element travel at a lateral score rate On the main surface;

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of the step of traversing the score element at a transverse score rate to produce a score that reaches the depth of the breach;

Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic view showing the depth of the crack at the field of view 10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged schematic view of the score in the first major surface of the glass strip at the field of view 11 of Figure 12, wherein the score element is in a position just before lifting from the first major surface of the glass strip;

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of the score element before the scoring element is raised from the first major surface of the glass strip after the score is created during the transverse score rate;

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the support element and the score element at a lateral score rate after the score element is raised from the first major surface of the glass strip and the support element is raised from the second major surface of the glass strip. Traverse

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the traversal of the support element and the score element together at a transverse score rate after the score element has passed the nearly flat surface of the second bead of the glass strip, wherein the score element is positioned laterally Outside the second outer limit of the glass strip; and

Figure 15 depicts an example ratio of the lateral scoring rate of the score element relative to the offset distance of the score element, which ratio is expected to produce a score line having the desired characteristics.

Domestic deposit information (please note according to the order of the depository, date, number)

Foreign deposit information (please note in the order of country, organization, date, number)

(Please change the page separately) No

101‧‧‧Glass manufacturing equipment

103‧‧‧glass strip

104‧‧‧glass sheet

105‧‧‧Melt container

107‧‧‧Batch materials

109‧‧‧ storage tank

111‧‧‧Batch delivery device

113‧‧‧Motor

117‧‧‧ arrow

121‧‧‧ molten material

127‧‧‧ Purification container

129‧‧‧First connecting pipe

131‧‧‧Mixed container

133‧‧‧Transfer container

135‧‧‧Second connection tube

137‧‧‧The third connecting tube

139‧‧‧Transfer pipeline

140‧‧‧Melt drawing machine

141‧‧‧ entrance

143‧‧‧forming containers

149a‧‧‧Edge roller assembly

149b‧‧‧Edge roller assembly

151a‧‧‧ Pulling roller assembly

151b‧‧‧ Pulling roller assembly

161a‧‧‧glass scoring equipment

161b‧‧‧glass scoring equipment

163‧‧‧Separation path

165‧‧ Direction

167a‧‧‧Mobile track

167b‧‧‧Mobile track

168‧‧‧ Direction

169a‧‧‧Support device

169b‧‧‧Scratch device

171a‧‧‧Fixed orbit

171b‧‧‧Fixed orbit

175‧‧ ‧ resultant rate vector

177‧‧‧ horizontal rate component

179‧‧ ‧ vertical rate component

201‧‧‧ Forming wedges

207‧‧‧Drawing direction

209‧‧‧ root

223a‧‧‧Edge section

223b‧‧‧Edge section

225a‧‧‧first round margin

225b‧‧‧second round

227a‧‧‧First external restrictions

227b‧‧‧ second external restrictions

W‧‧‧Width

Claims (10)

A scoring apparatus comprising a scoring device, the scoring device comprising: a support member coupled to a base, the support member rotatable about a rotational axis and movable in an axial direction, The axial direction is defined by the axis of rotation of the support member; a score element coupled to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the axis of rotation of the support member; and a restraining device The restriction device limits rotational movement of the support member about the axis of rotation of the support member. The scoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restricting device includes a protrusion extending from one of the support member and the base positioned within an elongated opening, the extended opening being supported by the support The member and the other of the pedestal are defined. The scoring apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongated opening is axially tapered along a path of travel defined by the elongated opening such that the support member surrounds the support member This limitation of the rotational movement of the rotating shaft varies depending on a position of the projection within the elongated opening of the traveling path. The scoring apparatus of claim 2, wherein the support member is positionable in a fully extended position such that the restraining device provides a first limit to a rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis, and the support The member can be further positioned in an at least partially retracted axial position, wherein the restriction device provides a second limit to the support member about a rotational movement of the rotational axis, the second limit of the rotational movement being greater than the rotation The first limit of movement. The scoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base includes a fluid bearing configured to support the support member with a fluid buffer. The scoring apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a support device configured to support the scoring element while scoring a first major surface of a glass strip a second major surface of the glass strip. A method of scoring a glass strip with the scoring device of any of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising the steps of: landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass strip Producing a score line with the score element by traversing the score element relative to the glass strip; and causing the support member to be relative to the axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member A fully extended axial position of the base is moved to an at least partially retracted axial position, wherein the score member produces a split depth while the support member is in the at least partially retracted axial position Part of the score line. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of: pressing the score element with an almost constant force while the score device is scored along the portion of the score line along the score line On the glass strip. The method of claim 7 or 8, further comprising the step of limiting the rotational movement of the support member in a first limit of a rotational movement of the rotational axis about the rotational axis in the fully extended axial position. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of limiting a rotational movement of the support member in a second limit of the rotational movement of the at least partially retracted axial position about the rotational axis, the rotational movement The second limit is greater than the first limit of the rotational movement.