TWI641465B - Methods of severing a glass ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of cutting a glass ribbon includes the steps of: striking a first side of the glass ribbon with a fluid that emits self-supporting members to at least partially support the weight of the portion of the glass ribbon within the cutting zone while the glass is being This portion of the belt remains in the first orientation. The method further includes the step of, by applying a force to the second side of the glass ribbon, temporarily bending the portion of the glass ribbon in a direction toward the support member, wherein the portion of the glass ribbon is from the first One orientation becomes the cutting orientation. The method still further includes the step of cutting the central portion of the glass ribbon between the opposing edge portions of the predetermined slit in the cutting zone. The method then further includes the step of returning the portion of the glass ribbon to the first orientation by removing the force applied to the second side of the glass ribbon.

Description

Method of cutting glass ribbon

The present patent application is based on the priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/524,934, filed on Aug. 18, 2011, the content of which is hereby The citations are all incorporated herein.

The present invention is generally directed to a method of cutting a glass ribbon, and more particularly to a method of cutting a glass ribbon from a glass ribbon source.

Glass manufacturing equipment is commonly used to form a variety of glass products, such as LCD glass sheets. It is known to cut glass ribbons, for example, to provide glass sheets of the desired size and/or to remove edge beads from the glass ribbon. A typical cutting procedure would require no relative movement between the cutting device and the glass ribbon in a direction perpendicular to the cutting. In one example, a moving anvil machine (TAM) can be used to move with the belt while cutting is in progress.

In another example, the tape can be temporarily placed in place while the cutting process is being performed. If the position of the belt is left on, an accumulator can be provided upstream to help prevent the belt forming process from being interrupted. However, for fragile glass ribbons, the accumulator promotes degradation of the ribbon strength as fatigue due to bending on the accumulator drum causes pre-existing cracks to increase.

There is a need to provide a glass ribbon cut that does not interrupt the ribbon forming process. In a further example, it is desirable to allow the glass ribbon to be cut to allow the cylinder of the glass ribbon to be machined to the drum without interrupting the glass forming process.

The following summary of the disclosure is provided to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the embodiments.

In one example aspect, a method of cutting a glass ribbon includes the steps of providing a source of the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon having a pair of opposing edge portions and a central portion, the central portion extending laterally relative to the opposite edge portion between. The central portion has a first side facing the first direction and a second side facing the second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. The method further includes the steps of: creating a predetermined crack in the first side of the glass ribbon, and moving a portion of the glass ribbon having the crack to a cutting zone, the cutting zone being located downstream of the source of the glass ribbon. The method further includes the steps of: striking the first side of the glass ribbon with a fluid that emits self-supporting members to at least partially support the weight of the portion of the glass ribbon within the cutting zone while the glass ribbon is The part remains in the first orientation. The method further includes the step of, by applying a force to the second side of the glass ribbon, temporarily bending the portion of the glass ribbon in a direction toward the support member, wherein the portion of the glass ribbon is from the first One orientation becomes the cutting orientation. The method still further includes the steps of: cutting the central portion of the glass ribbon between the opposing edge portions with the predetermined slit in the cutting zone; and thereafter removing the portion of the glass ribbon by the removal The force applied on the two sides returns the portion of the glass ribbon to the first orientation.

In another example aspect, a method of cutting a glass ribbon includes the steps of providing a source of the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon having a pair of opposing edge portions and a central portion, the central portion extending laterally relative to the opposite edge Between the parts. The central portion has a first side facing the first direction and a second side facing the second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. The method further includes the steps of: creating a predetermined crack in the first side of the glass ribbon, and moving a portion of the glass ribbon having the crack to a cutting zone, the cutting zone being located downstream of the source of the glass ribbon. The method further includes the steps of: providing a separate gas buffer with the fluid emitted from each of the upstream support member and the downstream support member striking the first side of the glass ribbon, the individual gas buffers being at least partially supported by the individual The weight of the portion of the glass ribbon in the upstream and downstream locations. a target section of the portion of the glass ribbon is defined between the upstream support member and the downstream support member, wherein the upstream support member and the downstream support member are the target section of the glass ribbon in the cutting zone Stay in the first position. The method further includes the step of temporarily bending the target segment of the glass ribbon in a direction toward the support member with a force generated by a fluid emitted from the fluid nozzle striking the second side of the glass ribbon, such that The target section of the glass ribbon changes from the first orientation to the cutting orientation. The method further includes the steps of: cutting the central portion of the glass ribbon between the opposing edge portions with the predetermined slit in the cutting zone; and thereafter by removing the fluid that is emitted from the fluid nozzle The force applied by the second side of the glass ribbon returns the target section of the glass ribbon to the first orientation.

In yet another example aspect, a method of cutting a glass ribbon includes the steps of providing a source of the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon having a pair of opposing edge portions and a central portion, the central portion extending laterally relative to the opposite Between the edge parts. The central portion has a first side facing the first direction and a second side facing the second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. The method further includes the steps of: creating a predetermined crack in the first side of the glass ribbon, and moving a portion of the glass ribbon having the crack to a cutting zone, the cutting zone being located downstream of the source of the glass ribbon. The method further includes the step of striking the first side of the glass ribbon with a fluid that emits self-supporting members to provide a gas buffer that at least partially supports the weight of the portion of the glass ribbon within the cutting zone, At the same time, the portion of the glass ribbon is held in the first orientation. The method further includes the step of applying a force to the second side of the glass ribbon with a first roller, the first roller being located between the second and third rollers, the second and third rollers each temporarily locating the glass The first side of the belt applies a force to temporarily bend the portion of the glass ribbon in the cutting zone to change the portion of the ribbon from the first orientation to the cutting orientation. The method still further includes the steps of: cutting the central portion of the glass ribbon between the opposing edge portions with the predetermined slit in the cutting zone; and thereafter retracting the first roller such that the first The second and third rollers do not apply force to the glass ribbon and apply the gas cushion with the support member to again maintain the portion of the glass ribbon in the first orientation.

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

1 and 2 illustrate only one example of an apparatus 101 for manufacturing a glass ribbon 103. As shown in the figure, FIG. 2 is a continuation of FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be understood together as an overall architecture of the device 101. An example of the device 101 may include the edge separation device 101a illustrated in Figure 1, although the edge separation device may be omitted in other examples. Additionally or alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 2, device 101 may also include apparatus 101b for cutting the glass ribbon. For example, the edge separation device 101a can be selectively used to remove beads or other edge defects, as described more fully below. Alternatively, the edge separation device 101a can be used to split the glass ribbon to further process the central portion and/or the edge portion. Apparatus 101b for cutting the glass ribbon may be provided, for example, to help cut the glass sheet to a desired length, to remove undesirable sections of the glass ribbon from the glass ribbon source, and/or to facilitate storage in the first storage drum and second storage The interruption between the rollers is minimized (if any) and the glass ribbon is removed from the glass ribbon source.

The glass ribbon 103 for the device 101 can be provided from a wide range of glass ribbon sources. Figure 1 illustrates an example source 105 of two glass ribbons 103, although other sources may be provided in other examples. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the source 105 of the glass ribbon 103 can include a drop down glass forming apparatus 107. As shown schematically, the drop down glass forming apparatus 107 can include a forming wedge 109 at the bottom of the slot 111. In operation, the molten glass 113 can overflow the trough 111 and flow down the opposite sides 115, 117 of the forming wedge 109. The two sheets of molten glass are then fused together as they are pulled out of the root 119 of the forming wedge 109. As such, the glass ribbon 103 can be fused down and pulled away from the root 119 of the forming wedge 109 in a downward direction 121 and directly into the downwardly facing region 123 located downstream of the drop glass forming apparatus 107. Other pull-down forming methods for the glass ribbon source 105, such as slit drawing, are also possible. Regardless of the source or method of production, the glass ribbon 103 may have a thickness of < 500 microns, < 300 microns, < 200 microns, or < 100 microns. In one example, the glass ribbon 103 can comprise a thickness from about 50 microns to about 300 microns, such as 50, 60, 80, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290 or 300 microns, although other thicknesses may be provided in other examples. Perhaps the glass ribbon 103 may have a width of ≥ 20 mm, ≥ 50 mm, ≥ 100 mm, ≥ 500 mm or ≥ 1000 mm. Perhaps the glass ribbon 103 can have a variety of compositions including, but not limited to, soda lime, borosilicate, aluminoboronate, alkali or alkali free materials. Perhaps the glass ribbon 103 may have a coefficient of thermal expansion of < 15 ppm / ° C, < 10 ppm / ° C or < 5 ppm / ° C. Perhaps when the glass ribbon 103 is moved along the direction of movement 112, the glass ribbon 103 may have a speed of ≥ 50 mm/s, ≥ 100 mm/s or ≥ 500 mm/s.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the glass ribbon 103 can include a pair of opposing edge portions 201, 203 and a central portion 205 extending between the opposing edge portions 201, 203. Since the pull-down fusion process, the glass ribbon edge portions 201, 203 may have a corresponding thickness "T _1" of the beads 207, 209, "T _1" is greater than the thickness of the strip 103 of the central portion 205 of the "T _2." Device 101 may be designed to handle the thin glass having a central portion 205 of the band 103, such as having a thickness "T _2" in the range from about 20 microns to about 300 microns (e.g. 20,30,40,50,60, 70,80,90,100,110,120,130,140,150,170,190,210,230,250,260,270,280,290 or 300 microns) glass ribbon, such as those having a thickness "T _2" from about 50 microns to about 300 microns in the glass ribbon, such as those having a thickness "T _2" glass ribbon of from about 85 microns to about 150 microns range, although can be processed in a further example a glass of other thickness band. Additionally or alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the edge beads 207, 209 can have a non-circular shape, such as elliptical, rectangular, rectangular, or other shapes having convex or other features.

Returning to Figure 1, another example source 105 of glass ribbon 103 can include a coiled reel 124 of glass ribbon 103. For example, the glass ribbon 103 may be wound around the coiled reel 124 after, for example, the following glass forming apparatus 107 is drawn into a glass ribbon. The glass ribbon 103 wound or coiled to the reel 124 may or may not have edge beads 207, 209 as illustrated. However, if the thicker edge portions 201, 203 are present, the minimum bend radius required can be increased to avoid cracking or breaking of the glass ribbon. Thus, if then coiled, glass tape 103 will be relatively large radius of curvature is coiled with a predetermined length such that the glass would require 103 has a relatively large diameter "D _1" of the winding reel 124. Thus, if the source 105 comprises a coiled reel 124, the glass ribbon 103 will unwind from the coiled reel 124 of the glass ribbon 103, causing the glass ribbon 103 to move in the downward direction 121 into the lowerward region 123.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aspect of only one example edge separation device 101a that may be selectively included, although other edge separation devices may be incorporated in other examples if provided. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the selectable edge separation device can include a turn zone 125 downstream of the down zone 123. In the turning zone 125, the edge separating apparatus 101a can be designed to allow a curved path through which the glass ribbon 103 moves, such that when the strip is bent through the radius "R" in the turning zone 125, the upper surface 127 of the glass ribbon 103 contains upward Concave. The radius "R" may be larger than the minimum bending radius of the glass ribbon 103 to avoid excessive stress concentration on the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 can extend through various arcs within the turning zone 125 such that the curved portion 131 of the glass ribbon 103 entering the turning zone 125 can extend relative to the rear curved portion 133 of the glass ribbon 103 at various angles. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the angle "A" between the front curved portion 131 and the rear curved portion 133 may be constituted by an acute angle, although in another example, an angle of 90o or more may be provided while still A concave surface 127 is provided.

In an example, the edge separation device 101a can further include a selective curved support member 135, wherein the height of the lower portion 137 of the glass ribbon within the turn region 125 is lower than the lateral movement height of the glass ribbon through the support portion to the cutting region 147. If provided, the curved support member 135 can include a non-contact support member 135 that is designed to support the glass ribbon 103 without touching the opposing sides 139, 141 of the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the curved support member 135 can include one or more curved air strips that are configured to provide air cushioning to separate the glass ribbon from contact with the curved support member 135.

An example of the edge separation device 101a can include lateral guides 143, 145 to assist in the correct lateral position of the glass ribbon 103 in a direction of movement 112 relative to the glass ribbon 103. For example, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the lateral guides can include a roller 211 that is configured to engage one of the corresponding opposing edge portions 201, 203. The pair of stresses 213, 215 applied by the respective lateral guides 143, 145 to the edge portions 201, 203 can assist in properly moving and aligning the glass ribbon 103, the direction of the shaft 217, in the direction of the axis 217 in a suitable lateral orientation. It is transverse to the direction of movement 112 of the glass ribbon 103. The cutting zone produces an edge quality that enables the central portion 205 to be curved at a radius of < 500 mm, < 300 mm, < 200 mm, < 100 mm or < 50 mm.

As further illustrated, the lateral guides 143, 145 can be designed to engage the edge portions 201, 203 without engaging the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. In this manner, the original surface of the opposing sides 139, 141 of the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 can be maintained while avoiding any of the opposing sides 139, 141 of the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 if the lateral guides 143, 145 engage the glass ribbon 103. Unwanted scratches or other surface contamination may occur in other ways. Engagement at the edge portions 201, 203 also prevents damage or contamination of the opposing edges 223, 225 of the central portion 205. Damage or contamination of the opposing edges 223, 225 may degrade the strength of the central portion 205 and increase when the central portion 205 is curved. The possibility of breakage (such as when wound up to the storage drum 185). Further, the lateral guides 143, 145 can engage the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is bent around the shaft 217 (transverse to the direction of movement 112 of the glass ribbon 103). Curving the glass ribbon 103 over the curved support member 135 can increase the stiffness of the glass ribbon 103 throughout the bend. As such, when the glass ribbon 103 passes over the curved support member 135, the lateral guides 143, 145 can engage the glass ribbon 103 under bending conditions. When the glass ribbon 103 is laterally aligned over the curved support member 135, the forces 213, 215 applied by the lateral guides 143, 145 are thus less likely to buckle or otherwise interfere with the stability of the ribbon profile.

The edge separation apparatus may further include a cutting zone 147 downstream of the turning zone 125. In one example, the edge separation device 101a can include a cutting support member 149 that is configured to bend the glass ribbon 103 in the cutting zone 147 to provide a curved target section 151 having a curved orientation in the cutting zone 147. Bending the target section 151 within the cutting zone 147 can help stabilize the glass ribbon 103 during the cutting process. This stabilization may help prevent snapping or interference with the ribbon profile during the process of cutting at least one of the opposing edge portions 201, 203 from the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. The cutting zone produces an edge quality that enables the central portion 205 to be curved at a radius of < 500 mm, < 300 mm, < 200 mm, < 100 mm or < 50 mm.

If provided, the cutting support member 149 can be constructed from a non-contact cutting support member 149 that is designed to support the glass ribbon 103 without touching the opposing sides 139, 141 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the non-contact cutting support member 149 can include one or more curved air strips that provide an air cushioning space between the glass ribbon 103 and the cutting support member 149 to prevent the center of the glass ribbon 103. Portion 205 contacts cutting support member 149.

In one example, the cutting support member 149 can be provided with a plurality of passages 150 that are configured to provide a positive pressure valve such that airflow can be forced through the positive pressure valve to the curved target section 151 to provide non-contact of the curved target section 151. The support creates an air cushion. Alternatively, the plurality of channels 150 may include a negative pressure valve such that airflow may be drawn away from the curved target section 151 to create a suction that partially offsets the force of air cushioning generated by the positive pressure valve. The combination of positive and negative pressure valves can help stabilize the curved target section 151 throughout the cutting process. Indeed, a positive pressure valve can help maintain the desired air cushion height between the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 and the cutting support member 149. At the same time, the negative pressure valve can assist in pulling the glass ribbon toward the cutting support member 149 to prevent the glass ribbon 103 from undulating and/or preventing a portion of the curved target area when the glass ribbon 103 passes over the cutting support member 149 in the moving direction 112. Segment 151 floats away.

Providing the curved target section 151 at the cutting zone 147 can also increase the stiffness of the glass ribbon 103 throughout the cutting zone 147. Increasing the stiffness of the glass ribbon 103 throughout the cutting zone 147 can help reduce the change in orientation due to the natural deformation of the incoming glass ribbon 103, which can cause undesirable changes in the cutting process. Increasing the stiffness of the glass ribbon 103 throughout the cutting zone 147 also reduces the impact of mechanical disturbances and variations on the cutting process. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the glass ribbon 103 passes over the cutting support member 149 within the cutting zone 147, the optional lateral guides 219, 221 can engage the glass ribbon 103 in a curved condition. When the glass ribbon 103 is laterally aligned over the curved support members 149, the forces 223, 225 applied by the lateral guides 219, 221 are thus less likely to buckle or otherwise interfere with the stability of the ribbon profile. Accordingly, selective lateral guides 219, 221 can be provided to fine tune the curved target section 151 in the direction of the axis 217 (transverse to the direction of movement 112 of the glass ribbon 103) in a suitable lateral orientation.

As set forth above, the curved target section 151 that provides a curved orientation within the cutting zone 147 can help stabilize the glass ribbon 103 during the cutting process. This stabilization can help prevent clasping or interfering with the ribbon profile during the process of cutting at least one of the opposing edge portions 201, 203. Further, the curved orientation of the curved target section 151 can increase the stiffness of the target section to allow selective fine adjustment of the lateral orientation of the curved target section 151. In this manner, the relatively thin glass ribbon 103 can be effectively stably and properly oriented laterally without contacting during the process of cutting at least one of the opposing edge portions 201, 203 from the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. The original opposite sides 139, 141 of the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103.

The stability and rigidity of the curved target section 151 of the glass ribbon 103 can be improved by including the upper convex surface and/or the upper concave surface in the direction along the axis 217 (transverse to the moving direction 112) by bending the target section. degree. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the curved target section 151 includes a curved orientation having a convex surface 152 on the face, and the convex surface 152 is provided to bend the glass ribbon 103 in the cutting zone 147 to achieve the illustrated curved orientation. Although not shown, a further example may include supporting the target section 151 with a concave surface on the face, the concave surface of which is configured to allow the curved target section to achieve a concave surface.

The edge separation device 101a may further comprise a wide range of cutting devices arranged to cut the edge portions 201, 203 from the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, an example glass cutting device 153 can include a light delivery device 155 for illuminating and thereby heating a portion of the face surface of the curved target segment 151. In one example, light delivery device 155 can include a source of radiation, such as the illustrated laser 161, although other sources of radiation can be provided in other examples. The light delivery device 155 can further include a circular polarizer 163, a beam expander 165, and a beam shaping device 167.

Light delivery device 155 can further include optical elements, such as mirrors 171, 173, and 175, for changing the direction of the radiation beam (e.g., laser beam 169) from a source of radiation (e.g., laser 161). The source of radiation may comprise a laser 161 as illustrated, the laser 161 being arranged to emit a laser beam having a wavelength and power suitable for heating the glass ribbon 103 at a location where the beam of light can enter the glass ribbon 103. In one example, the laser 161 can include a CO ₂ laser, although other types of lasers can be used in other examples.

The laser 161 can be configured to initially emit a laser beam 169 having a substantially circular cross-section (i.e., the cross-section of the laser beam is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the laser beam). The light delivery device 155 can be operated to convert the laser beam 169 such that it has a substantially elongated shape when the beam is incident on the glass ribbon 103. As illustrated in Figure 3, the elongated shape can create an elongated radiation zone 227, which can include the illustrated elliptical footprint, although other architectures can be provided in other examples. The elliptical footprint may be located on the convex or concave surface of the curved target section 151. Heat from the elongated radiant zone 227 can be transmitted through the entire thickness of the glass ribbon 103.

The boundary of the elliptical footprint can be judged as the point at which the beam intensity has dropped to 1/e ² of the peak value. The laser beam 169 passes through the circular polarizer 163 and is then expanded by passing through the beam expander 165. The expanded laser beam is then passed through beam shaping device 167 to form a beam of light that produces an elliptical footprint on the surface of curved target segment 151. Beam shaping device 167 may, for example, comprise one or more cylindrical lenses. However, it should be understood that any optical component that can shape the beam emitted by the laser 161 to produce an elliptical footprint on the curved target section 151 can be used.

The elliptical footprint can include a major axis that is substantially longer than the minor axis. For example, in certain embodiments, the major axis is at least about ten times longer than the minor axis. However, the length and width of the elongated radiation zone are dependent on the desired cutting speed, the required initial defect size, the thickness of the ribbon, the laser power, the material properties of the ribbon, and the like, and can be modified if desired. Length and width.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the example glass cutting device 153 can also include a coolant fluid delivery device 159 that is configured to cool the heated surface of the curved target section 151. The coolant fluid delivery device 159 can include a coolant nozzle 177, a coolant source 179, and an attached conduit 181 that can deliver coolant to the coolant nozzle 177. As illustrated in Figure 1, forced fluid cooling can occur on the same side of the source as the incident heating source. As illustrated, forced fluid cooling and an incident heating source can be applied to the upper surface of the glass, although in other examples, both forced fluid cooling and incident heating sources can be applied to the lower surface of the glass. Still further, the source of heat and the source of cooling may be incident on opposite surfaces of the glass ribbon. For example, one of the forced fluid cooling and heating sources can be positioned to act on the upper surface of the belt while forcing the other of the fluid cooling and heating sources to act on the lower surface of the belt. In this architecture, the relatively placed cooling and heating sources can be delivered in opposite directions.

Referring to FIG. 1, the coolant nozzle 177 may be provided to transport the coolant ejector 180 of the coolant fluid to the face surface of the curved target section 151. The coolant nozzles 177 can have various inner diameters to form a cooling zone 229 of the desired size (see Figure 3). As with the elongated radiant zone 227, the diameter of the coolant nozzle 177 and the diameter of the subsequent coolant ejector 180 can also be varied as needed for particular process conditions. In certain embodiments, the area of the glass ribbon that is directly sprayed by the coolant (cooling zone) may have a shorter diameter than the minor axis of the radiation zone 227. However, in certain other embodiments, the diameter of the cooling zone 229 may be longer than the minor axis of the elongated radiant zone 227 based on process conditions such as speed, glass thickness, material properties of the ribbon, laser power, and the like. Indeed, the (cross-sectional) shape of the coolant effluent may be other than a circle and may, for example, be fan shaped such that the cooling zone forms a line on the surface of the glass ribbon rather than a dot. The linear cooling zone orientation can be, for example, perpendicular to the long axis of the elongated radiating zone 227. Other cooling zone shapes may also be beneficial.

In one example, the coolant ejector 180 is comprised of water, but may be any suitable cooling fluid (eg, liquid effluent, gas effluent that does not contaminate or damage the surface of the curved target section 151 of the glass ribbon 103). Or a combination of the above substances). Coolant ejector 180 may be delivered to the surface of glass ribbon 103 to form cooling zone 229. As shown. Cooling zone 229 may follow the elongated radiant zone 227 to increase the initial imperfections formed by the various aspects of the disclosure as described more fully below.

Although not shown, in some architectures, the cooling device 159 may not be required to perform the cutting operation. For example, heat transfer to the environment (e.g., air flow through the support member 149) can provide all of the cooling required to maintain the cutting process without the presence or operation of the coolant fluid delivery device 159.

The combination of heating and cooling by the laser device 155 and the cooling device 159 can effectively cut the edge portions 201, 203 from the central portion 205 while minimizing or reducing the relative in the other cutting techniques that may be in the central portion 205. Unwanted residual stresses, micro-cracks or other irregularities formed in the edges 223, 225. Also. Due to the curved orientation of the curved target section 151 within the cutting zone 147, the glass ribbon 103 can be properly positioned and stabilized during the cutting process to facilitate precise cutting of the opposing edges 223, 225. Still further, due to the convex topography of the convex support surface on the face, the edge portions 201, 203 can be immediately removed from the central portion 205, thereby reducing the subsequent engagement (and thus damage) of the original portions 139, 141 of the central portion 205 and / or the possibility of high quality relative edges 223, 225.

Returning to Fig. 1, the edge separation apparatus 101a can include a structure disposed downstream of the cutting zone 147 to further process the cut edge portions 201, 203 and/or the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, one or more glass ribbon choppers 183 may be provided to chop, slit, break or otherwise compact the cut sections for disposal or recycling.

The central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 can be further processed by being cut into a glass sheet for integration into the light component. For example, device 101 can include device 101b for cutting a glass ribbon as described more fully below to cut central portion 205 of glass ribbon 103 along axis 217 (transverse to direction of movement 112 of glass ribbon 103). Alternatively, or instead of the apparatus 101b for cutting the glass ribbon, the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 can be wound around the storage drum 185 for subsequent processing. As shown, the result of removing the edge portions 201, 203 is that the corresponding beads 207, 209 are removed. The removal of the beads reduces the minimum bend radius while allowing the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 to be more efficiently wound around the storage drum 185. As depicted in FIG. 2, when compared to the center 189 of the coiled reel 124, the center 187 of the drum 185 is significantly reduced. As a result, the diameter "D ₂ " of the storage drum 185 of the central portion 205 is significantly smaller than the diameter "D ₁ " of the pre-treatment glass ribbon that can accommodate the same length in the coiled reel 124.

Still further illustrated in FIG. 1, the edge separation device 101a may also include additional non-contact support members to guide the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 at least downstream of the cutting zone 147. For example, as illustrated, the apparatus can include a first air strip 188 and a second air strip 190 to guide the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon for final processing without contacting the surface of the support member. Two support members are illustrated, although in other examples a single support member or more than two support members may be provided. As further illustrated, a selective support member 191 can also be provided to allow the edge portion to be directed to the glass ribbon chopper 183. The optional support member 191 can optionally include an air strip or a low friction surface to reduce adhesion and/or limited movement as the edge portion advances to the ribbon shredder 183.

In some instances, the glass ribbon 103 can also be moved directly from the glass ribbon source 105 to the device 101b for cutting the glass ribbon 103. Alternatively, as illustrated, the edge separation device 101a can selectively remove the edge portion of the glass ribbon 103 at an upstream location. Thereafter, the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 can be moved relative to the device 101b for final ribbon processing. In some instances, the glass ribbon can be cut to a suitable cut length. In other examples, unwanted segments (e.g., low quality segments) can be removed from otherwise high quality glass ribbon lengths. In yet a further example, the glass ribbon can be received on the illustrated storage drum 185. In one example, the apparatus 101b for cutting the glass ribbon 103 can be used to switch between the full storage drum and the new storage drum without interrupting the movement of the glass ribbon in the direction of movement 112.

Figure 2 illustrates only one example of an apparatus 101b that may be used to selectively cut the glass ribbon 103, although other apparatus may be used in other examples. As illustrated in FIG. 2, device 101b can include monitoring device 193 that can sense the characteristics of glass ribbon 103 and return corresponding signals to controller 195. Characteristics may include, but are not limited to, light quality, inclusions, cracks, inhomogeneous features, thickness, color, surface flatness, or flaws and/or other features. In one example, the monitoring device 193 can include a quality control device that is designed to filter the glass ribbon either continuously or periodically to try to ensure that the high quality glass ribbon is stored or further processed by.

As further illustrated, the apparatus 101b can further include a device 197 that is configured to produce a predetermined crack on the first side 141 of the glass ribbon 103. In one example, device 197 can include the illustrated mechanical scoring device in which a relatively sharp tip 301 can be used to score on first side 141 of glass ribbon 103. In other examples, device 197 may include a laser or other device configured to direct a predetermined crack into the edge, side, or portion of the width of glass ribbon 103.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6, device 101b can optionally include a support member 130 that is configured to emit fluid 132 to strike first side 141 of glass ribbon 103 to at least partially support cutting region 134. The weight of the portion 103a of the inner glass ribbon 103 while maintaining the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 in the first orientation. As illustrated, the first orientation can include a substantially flat orientation that advances along the direction of movement 112, although in other examples the first orientation can be curved or form other paths of movement.

An example of apparatus 101b for cutting glass ribbon 103 may further include apparatus 140 configured to temporarily bend glass ribbon 103 in a direction 146 toward the support member by applying a force to second side 139 of glass ribbon 103. Portion 103a changes glass ribbon 103 from a first orientation (as illustrated in Figure 6) to a cropped orientation (as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8). The means 140 for temporarily bending the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 can comprise a wide variety of configurations having various configurations.

Figure 6 illustrates only one device 140 that can be used to temporarily bend the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103. The example device 140 can include a fluid nozzle 142. As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the fluid nozzle 142 can extend generally along the entire width of the glass ribbon 103. Moreover, as illustrated, the width of the nozzle 142 can be substantially greater than the width of the glass ribbon 103. If provided, the nozzle 142 can be a continuous nozzle and/or a plurality of nozzles spaced apart from one another in a row across the width of the ribbon.

The nozzle 142 can include an aperture 144 that is configured to emit a fluid (e.g., a gas) to strike the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103 within the cutting zone 134. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the nozzle 142 can receive a pressurized fluid (eg, a gas) from a fluid source 136 via a fluid manifold 138 that is configured to be controlled by the controller 195.

Figure 12 illustrates yet another example of a device 601 that cuts the glass ribbon 103. Apparatus 601 can include at least a first roller 603 that is configured to apply a force to second side 139 of glass ribbon 103. Apparatus 601 can further include a second roller 605 and a third roller 607 spaced apart from the second roller along a support width "S". The first roller 603 applies a force to the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103 along a support width "S" defined between the second roller 605 and the third roller 607. Alternatively, the endless belt 609 may be provided to rotate with the second roller 605 and the third roller 607. For example, the endless belt 609 can be assembled to the second roller 605 and the third roller 607, the second roller 605 as one end roller, and the third roller 607 as a second end roller, wherein the rollers can be deviated from each other, To help the endless belt 609 remain tight.

As further illustrated in Fig. 12, the apparatus 601 can include a support member 611 that can support the portion 103a of the glass ribbon in a first orientation illustrated in Fig. 12. In one example, the support member can include a passage that carries a fluid, such as a gas, through which a portion 103a supporting the glass ribbon is buffered by a fluid (eg, a gas) generated between the first side 141 and the support member 611.

In one example, there may be a plurality of support members 611 that are offset from each other along a width "W" of the support members (lateral extension in the direction of movement 112). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the support member 611 includes three mutually spaced support members 611a, 611b, 611c. As such, in this example, a plurality of endless belts may be provided between each spaced apart support members. For example, as illustrated in Figure 13, the endless belt 609 includes a first endless belt 609a between adjacent support members 611a, 611b and a second endless belt between adjacent support members 611b, 611c. 609b. In this way, the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 can be suitably supported in the first orientation illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14 (ie, by fluid buffering) and the bending illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. Orientation.

In yet another example, the apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon can include a device similar to Figures 6-10 but including at least one roller instead of a fluid nozzle 142 that is configured to apply a force to the second side of the glass ribbon. In such an example, the roller (e.g., similar to the first roller 603 discussed above) can be rotated while temporarily bending the portion of the glass ribbon in a direction toward the support member. As such, instead of providing the non-contact fluid nozzle 142, a contact roller can be provided that temporarily bends the glass ribbon in a direction similar to that illustrated in Figures 7-9 toward the support member. section. At the same time, as illustrated in Figures 7-9, the upstream and downstream support members can support the corresponding fluid cushioning provided by the members to provide contactless support to the first side of the glass ribbon.

A method of manufacturing a glass ribbon by the apparatus 101 will now be described. As illustrated, in one example, the method can include the use of the edge separation device 101a illustrated in FIG. Additionally or alternatively, the method may use a device that cuts the glass ribbon (see, for example, device 101b in Figure 2 or device 601 in Figure 12, for example).

Coming to the example edge separation device 101a of FIG. 1, an example method can include the step of moving the glass 103 through the downward direction region 123 in a downward direction 121 relative to the source 105. As illustrated, the glass ribbon 103 can move generally vertically in a downward direction 121, although in other examples the downward direction can be tilted by an angle, wherein the glass ribbon 103 can be moved in an oblique orientation in a downward direction. . Likewise, if the glass ribbon 103 is supplied in a reel (e.g., reel 124), the glass ribbon 103 can be moved from the reel to the cutting unit in a generally horizontal direction. For example, the coiled reel 124 and the cutting zone may be present on nearly the same level. In a further example, the reel can be placed below the horizontal moving surface and deployed horizontally or upwardly to move along the direction of movement 112. Likewise, if other methods of making the glass ribbon, such as a floating process or a pull-up process, are used, the glass ribbon can move in a horizontal or upward direction as the glass ribbon moves from the source of formation to the cutting unit and/or the cutting zone.

The method may further include the step of bending the glass ribbon 103 in the turn zone 125 downstream of the lower zone 123, wherein the glass ribbon 103 includes an upper concave surface 127 that passes through the turn zone 125. As illustrated, the lower portion 137 can be significantly lower than the curved target segment 151 of the cutting zone 147, although in other examples the lower portion 137 can also be substantially the same as or even higher than the curved target segment. As illustrated, the lower portion 137 providing a significantly lower position may form a predetermined amount of glass ribbon accumulation prior to engaging the support members of the edge separation device 101a, such as the support member 135. As a result, vibration or other disturbances upstream of the lower portion 137 can be absorbed by the glass ribbon accumulated in the turning zone. In addition, when the glass ribbon 103 passes through the cutting zone 147, it can be pulled at a substantially fixed or desired predetermined rate, regardless of how fast the source 105 feeds the glass ribbon 103 into the downward zone 123. As such, providing accumulation within the turn zone 125 may allow for further stabilization of the glass ribbon 103 within the cutting zone 147 while also allowing the glass ribbon 103 to pass through the cutting zone 147 at a substantially fixed or predetermined rate.

If provided, various techniques can be used to help maintain the desired accumulation of glass ribbon 103 within the bend zone 125. For example, the proximity sensor 129 or other device can sense the position of the accumulated glass ribbon to adjust the rate at which the source 105 feeds the glass ribbon into the lower region 123, providing for the accumulation of a suitable glass ribbon 103.

In a further example, the method can further include the step of bending the glass ribbon 103 downstream of the turning zone 125 to redirect the glass ribbon to move in the direction of movement 112. As illustrated, the curved support member 135 can include a curved air strip that is designed to produce a desired change in direction without contacting the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103. Moreover, the method may also include the optional step of orienting the glass ribbon 103 bent by the curved support members with lateral guides 143, 145 to assist the glass ribbon 103 in the correct lateral position relative to the direction of movement 112 of the glass ribbon 103. Orientation.

The method may also include the step of moving the glass ribbon 103 into the cutting zone 147 downstream of the turning zone 125 and then bending the glass ribbon 103 in the cutting zone 147 to provide a curved target section 151 having a curved orientation in the cutting zone 147.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the glass ribbon 103 can be curved such that the curved orientation of the target section 151 includes a convex surface on the face. In one example, the method can include the step of supporting the curved target section 151 with a cutting support member 149 comprising the illustrated curved air strip. As illustrated, the cutting support member 149 can include a convex support surface 152 on the face that is configured to bend the target section 151 to create a convex surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the method may further include the step of cutting at least one of the edge portions 201, 203 from the central portion 205 of the curved target segment 151 within the cutting zone 147. As illustrated in Figure 3, the disclosed example can include cutting both edge portions 201, 203 from the central portion 205, although in another example a single edge portion can also be cropped from the central portion. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 3, both edge portions 201, 203 are simultaneously cut from the central portion 205, although in another example, the other edge portion may be cut prior to cutting one edge portion.

The glass ribbon 103 can include edge beads 207, 209. Alternatively, the glass ribbon 103 can have edge portions 201, 203 without a large number of edge beads or features. For example, the edge beads 207, 209 may have been removed in a previous cutting process, or the glass ribbon 103 may be formed without significant edge bead features. Similarly, the included figures indicate that the separated edge portions 201, 203 can be discarded or recycled. In another example, in addition to the central portion 205, the separate edge portions form a usable glass ribbon, and the separated edge portions can likewise be cut into sheets or wound into a product. In this case, when the glass ribbon passes through the cutting unit, there may be multiple cutting operations across the width of the glass ribbon.

The cutting step can integrate a wide range of technologies. For example, the edge portions 201, 203 can be cut from the central portion 205 by a glass cutting device 153, which can include the illustrated light delivery device 155 and coolant fluid delivery device 159.

An example of starting a cutting process can use a scriber, or other mechanical device can use the tip of the scribe to create a starting defect (such as a crack, scratch, nick, or other defect) so that the ribbon will be cut. The position forms a controlled surface defect. The scribe can include a tip, although in other examples edge blades or other scribing techniques can be used. Still further, initial defects or other surface defects can be formed by etching, laser impact, or other techniques. A starting defect can be formed at the edge of the tape or the inner side of the tape surface.

The initial defect or surface flaw may first be formed adjacent to the leading edge of the glass ribbon 103 moving in the direction of movement 112. As illustrated in Figure 3, the elongated radiating zone 227 can be formed on the convex surface of the face. Because the elongated radiant region 227 is elongated in the direction of travel 112, the radiation heats the adjacent region of the starting defect. The coolant ejecting material 180 then contacts the cooling zone 229 to create a crack at the initial defect, which completely penetrates the thickness "T2" of the glass ribbon 103 due to the generated tensile stress, and the corresponding edge portion is cut from the central portion 205. 201, 203.

The cut corresponding edge portions 201, 203 can be effectively removed while leaving a central portion 205 of high quality opposing edges 223, 225 with reduced internal stress curves, reduced cracks in the opposite edges 223, 225 Or other defects. As such, the central portion 205 can be bent, such as wound around the storage drum 185, without cracking that may otherwise occur on the edge of reduced quality. In addition, higher quality edges may prevent the central portion 205 from being scratched during the winding process, which may otherwise occur in edge portions including shards of glass or other defects. Additionally, the edge portions 201, 203 can be similarly wound onto a reel for different uses.

The method may further include the step of supporting the curved target section 151 with the convex surface 152 of the cutting support member 149. For example, while the edge portions 201, 203 are cut from the central portion 205 of the curved target section 151 within the cutting zone 147, the curved target section 151 may be supported by the convex surface 152 of the illustrated air strip.

The method may still further include the step of coiling the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 to the storage drum 185 after the cutting step. In this way, the high quality central portion 205 of the glass ribbon can be effectively coiled to the storage drum 185 for subsequent transport or processing into a glass sheet. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the cut edge portions 201, 203 can be discarded into the glass ribbon chopper 183, although alternative methods can be used to use the edge portions for other purposes. . In such an example, one or both of the cropped edge portions 201, 203 can be stored in a corresponding storage drum for subsequent processing.

An example method of cutting the glass ribbon 103 along the width of the glass ribbon 103 (i.e., parallel to the axis 217) will now be described. As illustrated, the method can begin by providing a source 105 of glass ribbon 103 having a pair of edge portions 201, 203 that may or may not include beads 207, 209. Alternatively, the edge portions 201, 203 can be cropped by the procedure discussed above, although in other examples the edge portions may not be removed.

As illustrated, the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 includes a first side 141 that faces a first direction and a second side 139 that faces a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In one example, device 101 can sense the amount of glass ribbon that has been coiled onto storage drum 185 and/or sense the characteristics of glass ribbon 103 with monitoring device 193.

If it is determined that the glass ribbon should be cut from across the width of the glass ribbon, the controller 195 can activate the device 197, such as the illustrated scribe or other mechanical device, to create a starting defect (such as a crack at the tip of the scriber). , scratches, nicks or other defects) to produce controlled and predetermined surface defects where the glass ribbon will be cut. The scribe can include a tip, although in other examples edge blades or other scribing techniques can be used. Still further, initial defects or other surface defects can be formed by etching, laser impact, or other techniques. The initial defect can be formed along the edge of the tape at the edge of the tape or the inner position on the tape surface. In one example, the predetermined surface defect includes a predetermined crack created by device 197.

4 illustrates the tip 301 engaged with the first side 141 and moved in the direction 303 to produce the predetermined crack 305 illustrated in FIG. As illustrated, in one example, the predetermined crack 305 can be formed as a linear segment having a length that is substantially smaller than the width of the central portion of the glass ribbon, the width of the central portion of the glass ribbon being the opposite edge of the pair. Partially defined. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined slit 305 may be formed as a linear segment that extends in the width direction of the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103, the width of the central portion 205 of the glass ribbon 103 being opposite of the pair The edge portion is defined. Although not shown, the predetermined slit 305 can extend through a substantial portion, such as the entire width of the central portion 205. However, as the glass ribbon 103 moves continuously in the direction of travel 112, a relatively small section may be required to provide a linear section, if so desired, to control the proper cutting of the ribbon along the width.

Figure 6 illustrates a portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 that is moved to the cutting zone 134 downstream of the source 105 of the glass ribbon 103, the portion 103a including the predetermined crack 305. As further illustrated, the fluid 132 emitted from the support member 130 strikes the first side 141 of the glass ribbon 103 to at least partially support the weight of the portion of the glass ribbon within the cutting zone 134 while the glass ribbon is The part remains in the first orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first orientation may provide a ribbon of glass substantially along a planar orientation that may be substantially parallel to the direction of movement 112.

FIG. 7 illustrates that the predetermined crack 305 is moved further downstream along the moving direction 112, wherein the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 is temporarily bent in a direction 146 toward the support member 130. The portion 103a can be temporarily bent, for example by applying a force to the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103. In one example, the second side 139 of the glass ribbon can be forced using a roller. Alternatively, as illustrated, the force application can be achieved by impacting the fluid 401 emitted by the aperture 144 of the nozzle 142 against the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103. The use of fluids to bend the glass ribbon can be desirable to prevent scratching or otherwise damaging the glass ribbon that would otherwise otherwise occur when mechanically contacting the structure.

As illustrated, portion 103a includes two parallel portions 402a, 402b that extend along the same plane, although in other examples the two portions 402a, 402b may not be parallel and/or may extend along different planes. As illustrated, the orientation of portions 402a, 402b can be oriented by supporting portions 402a, 402b with support members 130. More specifically, the first portion 402a can be supported by the upstream support member 404a and the second portion 402b can be supported by the downstream support member 404b. For example, as illustrated, the support members 404a, 404b can include an air strip that is configured to emit a fluid 132 (eg, a gas) to provide individual air cushioning. Indeed, the upstream support member 404a can place a first support air cushion between the upstream support member 404a and the first portion 402a of the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, the downstream support member 404b can place a second support air cushion between the downstream support member 404b and the second portion 402b of the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103. As such, the first side 141 of the glass ribbon 103 with the fluid emitted from each of the upstream support member 404a and the downstream support member 404b can provide individual gas buffers, with individual gas buffers at least partially in individual upstream and downstream locations. The weight of the portion 103a supporting the glass ribbon 103. Providing support with a corresponding air cushion can help position the glass ribbon 103 for cutting without touching the original surface of the glass ribbon. In this way, scratches or other damage to the original surface can be avoided.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7, portion 103a of glass ribbon 103 includes a target section 402c that can define target section 402c between upstream support member 404a and downstream support member 404b. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upstream support member 404a and the downstream support member 404b can maintain the target section 402c of the glass ribbon 103 in the first orientation within the cutting zone 134. Moreover, as illustrated, at least a portion of the target section 402c can be substantially unsupported by the gas cushioning of the support members 404a, 404b.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the method can further include temporarily slamming the glass ribbon 103 with a force generated by the fluid 401 emitted from the fluid nozzle 142 striking the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103 in a direction 146 toward the support member 130. The target segment 402c is bent from the first orientation to the cutting orientation. Optionally, the method can include the step of increasing the rate at which fluid is emitted from at least one of the support members 404a, 404b (eg, the two support members) to at least partially offset the fluid impinging on the glass from the fluid nozzle The force generated by the second side of the belt.

Once bent, the second side 139 has an upper concave portion provided between the two portions 402a, 402b of the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103. As a result, the lower side of the target section 402c is under tension. Figure 8 illustrates that portion 103a is further moved in the direction of movement 112 such that predetermined crack 305 enters target segment 402c and is under tension. Figure 9 illustrates the step of cutting the central portion 205 (between the opposing edge portions) of the glass ribbon 103 at a predetermined crack 305 located within the cutting zone 134. As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, the concave portion is provided downstream of the predetermined crack 305. Thereafter, when the glass ribbon 103 is moved in the direction 112, the predetermined slit 305 is moved to the concave portion, and when the predetermined slit 305 is moved through the concave portion, the belt 103 is cut in the direction of the width at the position of the predetermined slit 305. It is difficult to accurately form a concave portion at a predetermined crack on the moving belt. Therefore, the concave portion is first formed, and the crack is allowed to move to the portion to facilitate cutting the tape in the direction of the width. Additionally or alternatively, forming the concave portion in the cutting zone 134 and allowing the crack to move to the concave portion eliminates the need for a separate accumulator or stop band 103 to cut the strip 103 in the direction of the width of the strip 103. .

If there are any restrictions in the direction of movement 112 after the movement of the belt 103, such restrictions can be controlled during the cutting process to allow for the formation of a bend that causes the underside of the target section 402c to be under tension. For example, if a set of driven pressure rollers are placed adjacent the edge guides 143, 145 in Figure 3, the length of the central section 205 may be affected. To assist in bending the glass ribbon 103, the relative speed between the driven pressure roller and the downstream retraction device (e.g., roller 185 in FIG. 2) in the direction of movement 112 may allow for a slight length within the cutting zone 134. accumulation.

Additionally, the apparatus can include a mechanism to facilitate movement of the glass ribbon along the direction of movement 112. For example, in some embodiments, the driveable center 187 can be rotated to facilitate facilitating movement of the glass ribbon 103 along the direction of movement 112. Additionally or alternatively, a set of drive rollers facilitates movement of the glass ribbon. For example, providing a set of drive rollers can facilitate facilitating movement of the glass ribbon with the cut end 409, which is no longer attached to the center 187 after cutting. As such, the drive roller can continue to move the cutting end 409 forward, and the cutting end 409 is wound onto the other center 187 after switching the storage roller. The drive roller can be provided in a variety of positions. For example, edge guides 143, 145 can be provided as drive rollers to assist in driving the glass ribbon along the direction of movement 112, although in other examples, the drive rollers can be provided at alternate locations.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the step of returning the target section 402c of the glass ribbon 103 to the first orientation by removing the force applied by the fluid nozzle 142. For example, once fluid flow from the nozzle ceases, fluid flow from the support member 130 can act against the glass ribbon, returning the glass ribbon to a first orientation, particularly as the cutting region 406 moves up into the second support member 404b. When the linear support zone. As illustrated, the downstream support member 404b can include a leading end having a convex support surface 407. If provided, the convex support surface 407 can inhibit the obstruction of the cut end 409 of the glass ribbon 103 after the cutting step.

Figure 12 illustrates another device 601 in which the first roller 603 is designed to provide the force to bend the glass ribbon. Providing a rotating drum minimizes friction and damage to the surface that may occur due to the necessary mechanical engagement between the drum and the glass ribbon. Alternatively, driving the first roller 603 to match the speed of the glass ribbon 103 can further reduce friction and damage to the surface. The first roller 603 can temporarily bend the glass ribbon to minimize the length of contact of the glass ribbon by the rollers. As such, the first roller 603 can be moved only temporarily to bend the glass ribbon shortly before the cutting occurs or substantially at the time of the cutting.

Figure 14 illustrates the predetermined crack 305 approaching the cutting zone, wherein the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 includes a predetermined crack in the first orientation. This orientation can be maintained by, for example, a support member 611 that is configured to emit a fluid to contact the first side 141 to provide a support cushion.

Figure 15 illustrates the roller 603 moving in direction 801 to apply force to the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103. As illustrated, the drum 603 rotates while temporarily bending the portion of the glass ribbon in a direction 801 toward the support member 611. In some examples, the air cushioning created by the support member 611 can cause the support member 611 to act against the bias of the spring 803 and move in the direction 801 to avoid contact with the glass ribbon 103. As illustrated in FIG. 13, in some examples, three spaced apart support members 611a, 611b, 611c may be independently supported such that the support members 611a, 611b, 611c may each move downward to avoid the roller 603 Touch the glass ribbon while bending the glass ribbon.

As further illustrated in FIG. 15, once the roller 603 is moved in the direction 801, the second roller 605 and the third roller 607 can support the first side 141 of the glass ribbon 103. Indeed, the first side 141 of the glass ribbon 103 can be supported along the support width "S". As shown, the first roller 603 urges the second side 139 of the glass ribbon 103 along the support width "S", and the support width "S" is defined between the second roller 605 and the third roller 607. As such, a three point bending architecture can be provided to facilitate bending the belt moving in the direction of movement 112 via bending similar to the bending illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Alternatively, an endless belt 609 can be provided to rotate with the second roller 605 and the third roller 607, and the endless belt 609 temporarily engages the first side 141 of the glass ribbon 103. The endless belt 609 is provided to help support the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 moves past the turn. In addition, the endless belt 609 can help the cutting zone 406 change direction through the turn and eventually return to the first orientation illustrated in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the endless belt 609 may include two or more belts 609a, 609b to provide appropriate support in the direction of the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103. The result of pressing the first roller 603 in the direction 801 bends the path of movement of the endless belt 609 as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. The strap may be substantially flexible and resilient to allow the strap to stretch to accommodate the overall length of the strip as a result of the curved path of travel, if the second and third rollers 605, 607 are still at the same spacing from each other. Alternatively, as illustrated, the second and third rollers 605, 607 can be provided with corresponding springs 613a, 613b that allow the second and third rollers 605, 607 to oppose in opposite directions 615a, 615b The force of the spring is biased together. In such an example, the overall length of the endless belt 609 can still be substantially the same, with the second and third rollers 605, 607 moving toward each other to match the curvature of the moving path.

Once the portion 103a of the glass ribbon 103 is cut along the predetermined slit 305, the first roller 603 can be retracted such that the first, second, and third rollers do not apply force to the glass ribbon, and the gas buffer from the support member 611 can be again The portion of the glass ribbon is held in the first orientation, as illustrated in Figure 14. Thus, the springs 613a, 613b (if provided) can bias the second and third rollers 605, 607 away from each other such that the upper section of the endless belt again achieves the linear profile illustrated in FIG. Further, when the spring 803 biases the portion 103a again such that the portion 103a is positioned above and does not contact the endless belt 609, the portion 103a is repositioned from the curved orientation to the first orientation. As such, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the endless belt 609 is not engaged with the glass ribbon 103 in the first orientation. More specifically, the air cushion provided by the support member 611 can be designed to provide the necessary support for the glass ribbon to remain in the first orientation.

It will thus be appreciated that the drum 603 can provide a portion 10a of the glass ribbon including the predetermined crack 305 that is briefly curved over a short period of time. As a result, the degree of bending required to cut the glass ribbon at the predetermined crack 305 can be achieved. Furthermore, the first orientation can be achieved shortly after cutting, wherein the glass ribbon is again not supported by the mechanically engaged object, which may otherwise scratch or otherwise damage the glass ribbon.

The method of cutting a predetermined crack between the opposing edge portions at a cutting zone may be beneficial for various processing techniques. In one example, the cutting method can be used to allow the glass ribbon to move continuously in the direction of movement 112 or other direction without interrupting the movement of the glass ribbon. In one example, the cutting method can be used to allow the glass ribbon to be continuously stored on the storage drum. For example, the cutting method can be used during the switching step between the storage moving belt between the first storage drum and the storage moving belt between the second storage drums.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of switching between the first storage drum 501 and the second storage drum 503. It is understood that the method of switching can be used with a cutting method including the roller mechanism illustrated in Figures 12-16, so the method of switching between the rollers and the cutting method including the fluid nozzle 142 are explained. As illustrated in Figure 11, a sensor 505 (such as the illustrated pan) can be used to measure the amount of glass ribbon that has been coiled onto the storage drum. The controller 195 can be designed to initiate a cutting command once a predetermined amount of glass ribbon has been stored on the drum. Once cut (eg, by one of the various techniques discussed above), the controller 195 can remove the first storage drum 501 (the amount of glass ribbon stored on the first storage drum 501) and the second storage drum 503 replaces the first storage drum 501, and the rear glass ribbon can be loaded on the second storage drum 503. In this way, the storage drum can be switched quickly without interrupting the continuous glass ribbon being processed.

Additionally or alternatively, the cutting method can be used to remove undesirable sections of the glass ribbon from source 105 of glass ribbon 103. For example, monitoring device 193 can sense unwanted ribbon properties. After the reaction, the controller 195 can initiate a cutting command in which the first storage drum 501 having the high quality glass ribbon stored thereon can be removed. Next, a predetermined length of glass ribbon can be moved through the system and discarded. For example, as illustrated, the glass ribbon chopper 507 can receive a predetermined length 103b of a glass ribbon having undesirable characteristics. Once the monitoring device 193 senses high quality glass again, the controller 195 can initiate the cropping command again. After discarding the predetermined length 103b of the glass ribbon, the subsequent high quality tape can be stored on the second storage drum 503 (or restocked on the first storage drum 501 if necessary).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

101‧‧‧ Equipment

101a‧‧‧Edge separation equipment

101b‧‧‧ Equipment

103‧‧‧glass ribbon

Section 103a‧‧‧

103bc‧‧‧Predetermined length

105‧‧‧Source

107‧‧‧Drawn glass forming equipment

109‧‧‧ Forming wedge

111‧‧‧ slots

112‧‧‧ moving direction

113‧‧‧fused glass

115‧‧‧ side

117‧‧‧ side

119‧‧‧ root

121‧‧‧ Direction

123‧‧‧down zone

124‧‧‧ reel

125‧‧‧ turning area

127‧‧‧ surface

129‧‧‧ sensor

130‧‧‧Support members

131‧‧‧Front bend

132‧‧‧ fluid

133‧‧‧After curved part

134‧‧‧cutting area

135‧‧‧Support members

136‧‧‧Source

137‧‧‧ lower

138‧‧‧Management

139‧‧‧ side

140‧‧‧ device

141‧‧‧ side

142‧‧‧ nozzle

143‧‧‧ Guides

144‧‧‧ hole

145‧‧‧Guide

146‧‧‧ Direction

147‧‧‧ Cutting area

149‧‧‧Support members

150‧‧‧ channel

151‧‧‧ Target section

152‧‧ ‧ convex

153‧‧‧ device

155‧‧‧Light conveying equipment

159‧‧‧ Equipment

161‧‧ ‧ laser

163‧‧‧ polarizer

165‧‧‧Expander

167‧‧‧ Equipment

169‧‧‧ Beam

171‧‧‧Mirror

173‧‧‧Mirror

175‧‧‧Mirror

177‧‧‧ nozzle

179‧‧‧Source

180‧‧‧Spray

181‧‧‧ catheter

183‧‧‧Chopper

185‧‧‧Roller

187‧‧‧ Center

188‧‧ Air strips

189‧‧‧ Center

190‧‧ Air strips

191‧‧‧Support members

193‧‧‧Monitor

195‧‧‧ Controller

197‧‧‧ device

201‧‧‧Edge section

203‧‧‧Edge section

205‧‧‧Central Part

207‧‧‧ beads

209‧‧‧ beads

211‧‧‧Roller

213‧‧‧ force

215‧‧‧ force

217‧‧‧Axis

219‧‧‧ Guides

221‧‧‧ Guides

223‧‧‧Edge/force

225‧‧‧Edge/force

227‧‧‧radiation zone

229‧‧‧Cooling area

301‧‧‧ cutting-edge

303‧‧‧ Direction

305‧‧‧ crack

401‧‧‧ fluid

Section 402a‧‧‧

Section 402b‧‧‧

402c‧‧‧ Target section

404a‧‧‧Support members

404b‧‧‧Support members

406‧‧‧cutting area

407‧‧‧ surface

409‧‧‧cutting end

501‧‧‧First storage drum

503‧‧‧Second storage roller

505‧‧‧ sensor

507‧‧‧Chopper

601‧‧‧ equipment

603‧‧‧First Roller

605‧‧‧second roller

607‧‧‧ third roller

609‧‧‧Ring belt

609a‧‧‧Ring belt

609b‧‧‧Ring belt

611‧‧‧Support members

611a‧‧‧Support members

611b‧‧‧Support members

611c‧‧‧Support members

613a‧‧ ‧ spring

613b‧‧ ‧ spring

615a‧‧ Direction

615b‧‧ Direction

801‧‧‧ Direction

803 ‧ ‧ spring

A‧‧‧ angle

D1‧‧‧ diameter

D2‧‧‧ diameter

R‧‧‧ Radius

S‧‧‧Width

T1‧‧‧ thickness

T2‧‧‧ thickness

W‧‧‧Width

These and other aspects are better understood when the following embodiments are read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an edge separation device;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the edge separation device along line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing the beginning of the scriber tip forming a predetermined crack in the first side of the glass ribbon;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 after forming a predetermined crack;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the cutting area of Figure 2, wherein the portion of the glass ribbon including the predetermined crack is in the first orientation;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, wherein the second side of the glass ribbon is biased to bend the target section of the glass ribbon;

Figure 8 is another view similar to Figure 7, in which the predetermined crack is approaching the cutting zone;

Figure 9 illustrates the step of cutting the central portion of the glass ribbon between the opposing edge portions of the predetermined slit in the cutting zone;

Figure 10 illustrates the portion of the glass ribbon returning to the first orientation;

Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the steps of switching between the first storage roller and the second storage roller;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of another example apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon from Figure 12, wherein the target section is in a first orientation;

Figure 15 is similar to Figure 14, wherein the target segment is in a curved orientation;

Figure 16 is similar to Figure 15, wherein the target section is in a curved orientation and the glass ribbon is cut at a predetermined crack located in the cutting zone.

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Claims (8)

A method of cutting a glass ribbon, the method comprising the steps of: (I) providing a source of the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon having a pair of opposing edge portions and a central portion, the central portion extending laterally relative to the opposite Between the edge portions, wherein the central portion has a first side facing a first direction and a second side facing a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; (II) the glass ribbon Forming a predetermined flaw in the first side; (III) moving a portion of the glass ribbon having the crack to a cutting zone, the cutting zone being located downstream of the source of the glass ribbon; (IV) Supporting the glass ribbon with an upstream support member and a downstream support member to at least partially support a weight of the portion of the glass ribbon at individual upstream and downstream locations, wherein a target segment of the portion of the glass ribbon is Defining between the upstream support member and the downstream support member, wherein the upstream support member and the downstream support member maintain the target section of the glass ribbon in the first orientation in the cutting zone; (V) temporarily Will The target section of the glass ribbon is bent into a cutting orientation; (VI) the central portion of the glass ribbon is cut between the opposing edge portions at the predetermined crack located in the cutting zone. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of bending the target section of the glass ribbon into a cutting orientation further comprises bending the target section of the glass ribbon from the first orientation in a direction toward the support member. . The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of temporarily bending the target segment further comprises emitting a fluid from a nozzle to create a force that impacts the second side of the glass ribbon. The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid is emitted from the upstream support member and the downstream support member such that the fluid impacts the first side of the glass ribbon to provide a fluid buffer to support the belt. The method of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the target segment is substantially unsupported by the fluid buffer. The method of claim 4, wherein the step (V) comprises increasing a rate at which fluid is emitted from at least one of the support members to at least partially offset the fluid emitted from the nozzle from striking the glass ribbon. The force generated by the second side. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: (VII) returning the target segment of the glass ribbon to the first orientation. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the downstream support member comprises a convex support surface that inhibits obstruction of a cut end of the glass ribbon after the cutting step during step (VI).