TWI700131B - Methods and apparatus for processing glass - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for processing a glass ribbon can include a glass former to draw a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material in a draw direction along a draw plane of the glass former.  In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a baffle with an inner surface facing the draw plane and an elongated gas port oriented to distribute an outer curtain of gas to pass over an outer surface of the baffle before passing over a downstream edge of the baffle.  In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a gas dispenser including a gas outlet oriented to dispense a gas stream in the draw direction along the draw plane and a glass separator oriented to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the draw direction along a width of the glass ribbon.

Description

Method and equipment for processing glass

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and equipment for processing glass, and more specifically, to methods and equipment for processing glass ribbons to realize glass sheets with desired characteristics.

It is known to process glass to achieve one or more glass sheets with desired characteristics. It is further known to package one or more glass sheets for shipment to customers for further processing.

The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description.

In some embodiments, the equipment for processing the glass ribbon may include: a glass shaper for drawing the glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along the drawing plane of the glass shaper in the drawing direction; The inner surface of the control plane; and the elongated gas ports, oriented to distribute the outer air curtain so as to pass over the outer surface of the baffle, and then pass over the downstream edge of the baffle.

In some embodiments, the equipment for processing the glass ribbon may include a glass separator that is positioned downstream of the glass former and oriented to make glass along the width of the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction. The sheet is separated from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the equipment for processing glass ribbon may include a vacuum port that is positioned downstream of the glass separator and oriented to receive debris entrained in the external air curtain.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for processing the glass ribbon may include a vacuum source arranged to suck debris entrained in the external air curtain into the vacuum port.

In some embodiments, the elongated gas ports may be oriented to distribute the inner gas curtain so as to pass over the inner surface of the baffle.

In some embodiments, the equipment for processing the glass ribbon may include a vacuum that is positioned downstream of the glass former and oriented to receive debris entrained in the internal air curtain.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for processing the glass ribbon may include a vacuum source arranged to draw debris entrained in the internal air curtain into the vacuum.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for processing the glass ribbon may include a scrubber that includes a first liquid distributor, the first liquid distributor includes a first liquid nozzle, and the first liquid nozzle is oriented to abut against The main surface of the glass sheet separated from the glass ribbon distributes the liquid.

In some embodiments, the scrubber may include an air knife positioned downstream of the first liquid distributor. The air knife may include a gas nozzle that is oriented to distribute gas against the main surface of the glass sheet to remove liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet.

In some embodiments, the air knife may be oriented at an angle relative to the direction of travel of the glass sheet through the scrubber.

In some embodiments, the scrubber may include a housing, the housing includes a partition, and the partition divides the interior of the housing into a first area including the first liquid distributor and a second area disposed downstream of the first area. The second area may include air knives.

In some embodiments, the second region may include a second liquid distributor, the second liquid distributor including a second liquid nozzle, the second liquid nozzle is oriented to flush the major surface of the glass sheet at a position upstream of the air knife .

In some embodiments, the scrubber may include a deflector plate positioned downstream of the second liquid distributor and upstream of the air knife. The deflector plate may be oriented to direct a certain amount of liquid from the second liquid distributor away from the air knife.

In some embodiments, the deflection plate may be oriented at an angle relative to the direction of travel of the glass sheet through the washer.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for processing the glass ribbon may include a coating chamber that includes a distribution port that is oriented to distribute paint on the major surface of the glass sheet separated from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the distribution port may include a plasma deposition port, which is oriented to distribute plasma to coat the main surface of the glass sheet.

In some embodiments, the equipment for processing the glass ribbon may include: a glass shaper for drawing the glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along the drawing plane of the glass shaper in the drawing direction; a gas distributor including gas Outlet, the gas outlet is oriented to distribute the gas flow along the drawing plane in the drawing direction, wherein the gas outlet of the gas distributor can be arranged downstream of the glass former; and the glass separator, which is arranged in the gas distributor The gas outlet is downstream and oriented to separate the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along the width of the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction.

In some embodiments, the gas outlet may be oriented to distribute the gas flow along the drawing plane along the entire width of the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the gas outlet may be oriented to distribute the air flow along the drawing plane to surround the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the gas distributor may surround the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the apparatus for processing glass ribbon may include: a first baffle having a first inner surface facing the drawing plane; a second baffle having a first baffle facing the drawing plane and the first baffle A second inner surface of the inner surface; a first elongated gas port oriented to distribute the first outer air curtain so as to pass over the first outer surface of the first baffle, and then pass over the first downstream edge of the first baffle; and The second elongated gas port is oriented to distribute the second outer air curtain so as to pass over the second outer surface of the second baffle, and then pass over the second downstream edge of the second baffle. The gas outlet of the gas distributor can be arranged transversely between the first baffle and the second baffle.

In some embodiments, the first elongated gas port may be oriented to distribute the first inner gas curtain so as to pass over the first inner surface of the first baffle, and the second elongated gas port may be oriented to distribute the second inner gas curtain It passes over the second inner surface of the second baffle.

In some embodiments, the method for processing the glass ribbon may include: drawing the glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along the drawing plane in the drawing direction; and transferring the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain along the first outer upstream path , The first outer upstream path may be spaced apart from the first main surface of the glass ribbon; the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain is transferred along the first outer downstream path in the direction toward the first main surface of the glass ribbon; And making the first outer downstream part of the first outer air curtain impact the first main surface of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the first outer upstream path may be parallel to the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the first outer air curtain may extend along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting downstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain to separate the glass sheet from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the separation may include separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along the width of the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include entraining debris in the first outer air curtain.

In some embodiments, the method for processing the glass ribbon may include sucking debris entrained in the first outer air curtain into the vacuum port under negative pressure applied to the vacuum port.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon to separate the glass sheet from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: transferring the first inner air curtain along a first inner upstream path disposed between the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the first main surface of the glass ribbon The first internal upstream part.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: transferring the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain along the first inner downstream path in a direction toward the first major surface of the glass ribbon; and The first outer downstream part of the air curtain impacts the upstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon, so that the first inner downstream part of the first inner air curtain impacts the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the first internal air curtain may extend along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include entraining debris in the first internal air curtain.

In some embodiments, the method for processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting the first outer part of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon, and entraining debris in the first inner air curtain Suck into a vacuum.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impacting the glass ribbon Between the first major surfaces, the glass sheet is separated from the glass ribbon along the drawing plane at a height.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon; and then washing the glass sheet to remove debris from the main surface of the glass sheet.

In some embodiments, washing may include: a first stage, distributing liquid against the main surface of the glass sheet to achieve at least one of removing debris and entrained debris in the liquid; and a second stage, against the glass The main surface of the sheet distributes gas to remove liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet.

In some embodiments, during washing, the glass sheet may be vertically oriented and travel in the direction of travel.

In some embodiments, the gas may be distributed at an angle relative to the direction of travel of the glass sheet during the second stage to guide the liquid downward in the direction of gravity.

In some embodiments, washing may include: during the second stage, before distributing gas against the main surface of the glass sheet, washing the main surface of the glass sheet with a washing liquid; and removing the washing liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet, The deflection plate is oriented at an angle relative to the traveling direction of the glass sheet to guide the washing liquid downward in the direction of gravity.

In some embodiments, the method for processing the glass ribbon may include: after washing the glass sheet, coating the main surface of the glass sheet with a protective layer.

In some embodiments, the protective layer may include a polymer.

In some embodiments, the protective layer may be coated on the main surface of the glass sheet by plasma deposition.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over the first outer surface of the first baffle, the first baffle being arranged to have a surface facing the glass ribbon The first inner surface of the first major surface; and then the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain passes over the first downstream edge of the first baffle.

In some embodiments, the method of processing a glass ribbon may include: passing a first cooling air flow through a first space defined between the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner surface of the first baffle, wherein the first cooling The air flow may travel in a first upstream direction opposite to the first downstream direction of the first outer air curtain.

In some embodiments, the first baffle may be parallel to the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the first baffle may extend along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include passing the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain over the first inner surface of the first baffle.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: passing the first cooling air flow through a first space defined between the first major surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain, wherein A cooling airflow may travel in a first upstream direction opposite to the first downstream direction of the first inner air curtain.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: passing the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain along a second outer upstream path, which may be spaced apart from the second major surface of the glass ribbon ; In the direction toward the second main surface of the glass ribbon along the second outer downstream path, the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain is transmitted; and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain impacts the first of the glass ribbon Two main surfaces.

In some embodiments, drawing the glass ribbon may include: drawing the glass ribbon between the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain; The glass ribbon is drawn between the first outer downstream part of the air curtain and the second outer downstream part of the second outer air curtain.

In some embodiments, the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the drawing plane and impact the glass at a common height with respect to the drawing plane band.

In some embodiments, the first outer upstream path and the second outer upstream path may be parallel to the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain may extend along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting downstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain and at the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain Impact the downstream of the second major surface of the glass ribbon to separate the glass sheet from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include entraining debris in the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include sucking debris entrained in the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain into the vacuum port under negative pressure applied to the vacuum port.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon and at the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain Impact on the upstream of the second major surface of the glass ribbon to separate the glass sheet from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include removing debris from a laterally defined area between the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain.

In some embodiments, the area may be located upstream of the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain that impacts the first major surface of the glass ribbon and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon. Upstream at the surface.

In some embodiments, purging may include distributing air flow along the drawing plane in the drawing direction.

In some embodiments, purging may include distributing the airflow so that the airflow surrounds the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: transferring the second inner air curtain along a second inner upstream path disposed between the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain and the second main surface of the glass ribbon The second internal upstream part.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: transferring the second inner downstream portion of the second inner air curtain along the second inner downstream path in a direction toward the second major surface of the glass ribbon; and The second outer downstream part of the air curtain impacts the upstream at the second major surface of the glass ribbon, so that the second inner downstream part of the second inner air curtain impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, drawing the glass ribbon may include: drawing the glass ribbon between the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the second inner upstream portion of the second inner air curtain; The glass ribbon is drawn between the first inner downstream part of the air curtain and the second inner downstream part of the second inner air curtain.

In some embodiments, the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain may extend along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impacting the glass ribbon Between the first major surface of the second inner air curtain and the second inner downstream part of the second inner air curtain that impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon and the second outer downstream part of the second outer air curtain impacts the second major of the glass ribbon Between the surfaces, the glass sheet is separated from the glass ribbon along the drawing plane at a height.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include entraining debris in the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: impacting the first outer part of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon, and downstream of the second outer part of the second outer air curtain Partially impacts the upstream of the second main surface of the glass ribbon, sucking the debris carried in the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain into the vacuum.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include removing debris from a laterally defined area between the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the second inner upstream portion of the second inner air curtain.

In some embodiments, the area may be located upstream of the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain that impacts the first major surface of the glass ribbon and the second inner downstream portion of the second inner air curtain impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon. Upstream at the surface.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over the first outer surface of the first baffle, the first baffle being arranged to have a surface facing the glass ribbon The first inner surface of the first major surface; and then passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over the first downstream edge of the first baffle; and passing the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain Above the second outer surface of the second baffle, the second baffle is arranged to have a second inner surface facing the second main surface of the glass ribbon; and then the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain passes through the second Above the second downstream edge of the baffle.

In some embodiments, the method of processing a glass ribbon may include: passing a first cooling air flow through a first space defined between the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner surface of the first baffle, wherein the first cooling The air flow may travel in a first upstream direction opposite to the first downstream direction of the first outer air curtain; and pass the second cooling air flow through between the second main surface of the glass ribbon and the second inner surface of the second baffle The second space is defined, wherein the second cooling air flow can travel in a second upstream direction opposite to the second downstream direction of the second outer air curtain.

In some embodiments, drawing the glass ribbon may include drawing the glass ribbon between the first inner surface of the first baffle plate and the second inner surface of the second baffle plate.

In some embodiments, the downstream edge of the first baffle and the downstream edge of the second baffle may be symmetrically arranged relative to the drawing plane at a common upstream height relative to the drawing plane, and the first outer air curtain is The outer downstream part and the second outer downstream part of the second outer air curtain may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the drawing plane, thereby impacting the glass ribbon at a common downstream height with respect to the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the first baffle and the second baffle may be parallel to the drawing plane.

In some embodiments, the first baffle and the second baffle may extend along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include removing debris from an area laterally defined between the first baffle and the second baffle.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon may include: passing the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain over the first inner surface of the first baffle; and making the second inner upstream portion of the second inner air curtain Partially passes over the second inner surface of the second baffle.

In some embodiments, the method of processing a glass ribbon may include: passing a first cooling air flow through a first space defined between a first major surface of the glass ribbon and a first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain, wherein A cooling airflow may travel in a first upstream direction opposite to the first downstream direction of the first inner air curtain. The method may include: passing the second cooling air flow through a second space defined between the second main surface of the glass ribbon and the second inner upstream portion of the second inner air curtain, wherein the second cooling air flow may be in contact with the second inner air The second downstream direction of the curtain travels in the opposite second upstream direction.

In some embodiments, drawing the glass ribbon may include drawing the glass ribbon between the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain.

In some embodiments, the method for processing the glass ribbon may include: drawing the glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along the drawing plane in the drawing direction; and distributing the air flow along the drawing plane in the drawing direction to free the glass Remove debris from associated areas.

In some embodiments, purging may include distributing air flow along the entire width of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, purging may include distributing air flow to surround the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, washing may include: during the second stage, before distributing gas against the main surface of the glass sheet, washing the glass sheet with a washing liquid; and removing the washing liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet, wherein the deflecting plate It is oriented at an angle with respect to the direction of travel of the glass sheet to guide the washing liquid downward in the direction of gravity.

In some embodiments, at least one of the glass ribbon and the glass sheet separated from the glass ribbon may be vertically oriented.

It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide a summary or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the described and claimed embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and the accompanying drawings are incorporated into this specification and constitute a part of this specification. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, are used to explain the principle and operation of the present disclosure.

The apparatus and method will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. As far as possible, the same reference symbols are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

The glass sheet is usually made by flowing molten glass to the forming body, whereby the glass ribbon can be formed by various strip forming processes including floating, slot drawing, down-drawing, fusion down-drawing, up-drawing or any Other forming processes. The glass ribbon from any of these processes can then be divided sequentially to provide one or more glass sheets suitable for further processing in a desired application, including but not limited to display applications. For example, one or more glass sheets can be used in various display applications, including liquid crystal display (liquid crystal display; LCD), electrophoretic display (electrophoretic display; EPD), organic light emitting diode display (light emitting diode display; OLED), plasma display panel (PDP) or similar. The glass sheet can be transported from one location to another. The glass sheets can be transported using a conventional support frame, which is designed to fasten the stack of glass sheets in place. In addition, an intervening paper material can be placed between each adjacent glass sheet to help prevent contact between the original surfaces of the glass sheet and thus protect these original surfaces.

It should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be exemplary and therefore non-limiting. Therefore, the present disclosure relates to methods and equipment for processing at least one of glass ribbon and glass sheet. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon to be processed may be formed by glass manufacturing equipment, may be provided while the glass manufacturing equipment is forming the glass ribbon, may be provided by a roll of pre-formed glass ribbon that can be unwound from a reel, or may be used as a stand-alone glass Band provided. In some embodiments, the glass sheet to be processed may be formed by glass manufacturing equipment, may be provided as a glass sheet separated from a glass ribbon, may be provided as a glass sheet separated from another glass sheet, or may be unwound from a roll of glass sheet The glass sheet of, can be provided as a glass sheet obtained from the stack of glass sheets, or can be provided as a separate glass sheet.

A method and apparatus for processing at least one of a glass ribbon and a glass sheet will now be described through exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments include an embodiment of processing a glass ribbon formed by a glass manufacturing equipment and processing and separation of the glass ribbon The embodiment of the glass sheet. Other embodiments for processing at least one of the glass ribbon and glass sheet are also described, but it should be understood that for at least some embodiments, similar or identical techniques may also be applied to process the exemplary glass ribbons and glass sheets discussed above Any one or more of them.

The present disclosure provides for processing at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 to achieve desired properties. In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may be separated from the glass ribbon 103 . Further, the present disclosure provides an exemplary glass processing device, comprising Figures 1 to 25 100 and glass processing method is schematically illustrated in the glass processing device 2100 (see FIG. 25), this apparatus and method may be used for processing in accordance with The glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the glass processing apparatus 100 may include a plurality of exemplary processing stations, and these processing stations may be used alone or in combination with each other. As shown in the figure, the processing stations can be arranged in series with each other to process at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 to provide the required properties. In addition, further processing of the glass ribbon 103 or the glass sheet 104 may be required (for example, by the customer further processing the glass sheet 104 for display applications). In some embodiments, the methods and equipment provided herein can help prevent debris from contacting and contaminating the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 , thereby protecting the original features of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104. These original features can be various Required for display applications.

For explanatory purposes, two types of debris related to the glass processing apparatus 100 will now be described, but it should be understood that other types of debris may exist and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Referring to FIG . 10 , the separated debris 1001 may include debris associated with the glass separator 149 and generated by the glass separator 149 under any type of operating conditions of the glass processing apparatus 100 before, during, or after the separation process. In some embodiments, the separator 1001 may comprise debris from the belt 103 off the glass and glass pieces when the glass debris the volume generated when scribing glass 103 with glass fragments and debris and glass roll with a glass separator 149 separating the glass ribbon 103 . The separated debris 1001 may also include particles and other contaminants originating from the glass separator 149 and related components, such as mechanical dust, lubricants, particles, fibers, and any other types of debris. In some embodiments, separating debris 103 tape 1001 may also include a glass treatment failure due to accidental breakage, for example, from the glass band 103 off the glass fragments and debris when the glass roll cracking or chipping. Environmental debris 1002 may include debris from the environment surrounding the glass ribbon 103 , such as glass, glass particles, glass shards, glass roll debris, particles, fibers, dust, human contaminants, and any other types of debris. In some embodiments, environmental debris 1002 may include dust and other particles released from the floor or other nearby structures in the environment where the glass processing apparatus 100 is located. When experiencing airflow (such as ventilation, breeze, airflow from the glass processing equipment 100 ), or when agitated by people (for example, technicians, operators), machines, or other inducements, such environmental debris 1002 can become airborne of. Similarly, environmental debris 1002 can originate from a storage container in the environment that can be used to hold glass particles, including a vacuum port 1011 oriented to receive separated debris 1001 . Environmental debris 1002 may also include particles, such as fibers from clothing, dust, and other pollutants introduced into the environment by people (eg, technicians, operators, or other sources). The equipment and method provided herein can isolate the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 to avoid exposure to and contact with at least one of the separation debris 1001 and the environmental debris 1002 .

Further, using the processing device 100 expeditiously glass ribbon glass 103 and 104 may generate at least one high productivity glass 103 and glass 104 with at least one of. Moreover, the rapid processing of at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 can help prevent debris (eg, separation debris 1001 and environmental debris 1002 ) from adhering to the original surface of at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 . In fact, it falls on the main surface of the glass ribbon 103 (for example, the first main surface 213a , the second main surface 213b ) and the main surface of the glass sheet 104 (for example, the first main surface 214a , the second main surface 214b ) The longer the debris is in contact with the main surfaces 214a , 214b , the more tightly the debris can be adhered to the main surfaces 214a , 214b . Therefore, increasing the speed at which at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 moves between stations can allow rapid removal of debris remaining on the main surfaces 213a , 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 , In order to avoid strong bonding, which can complicate the removal of debris in the later stage. For example, if a station generates debris (for example, a glass separation station that separates the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 , and generates separated debris 1001 ), the glass sheet 104 can be placed in about 1 second to about 20 seconds (such as about Within 1 second to about 15 seconds), quickly move from that station to, for example, a washing station, where debris can be removed from the glass sheet 104 at the washing station.

Although an exemplary order of processing stations is shown, in some embodiments, the processing stations may be arranged in a different order. In some embodiments, the glass processing apparatus 100 may include more processing stations than the exemplary illustrated processing stations. In some embodiments, the glass processing apparatus 100 may include fewer processing stations than the exemplary illustrated processing stations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a single processing station may be provided, and this single processing station may be used to process at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 alone or in combination with any one or more other processing stations.

In some embodiments, the glass processing equipment 100 utilizes the glass manufacturing equipment 101 to provide the glass ribbon 103 , such as slot drawing equipment, floating bath equipment, pull-down equipment, pull-up equipment, pressing equipment, or other glass ribbons. Manufacturing Equipment. FIG 1 schematically illustrates a glass manufacturing apparatus 101, the apparatus comprises a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing device 101, 103 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon into glass 104 for subsequent processing.

The fusion pull-down apparatus 101 may include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109 . The batch material 107 can be introduced by the batch material conveying device 111 powered by the motor 113 . The optional controller 115 may be configured to activate the motor 113 to introduce the desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105 , as indicated by the arrow 117 . The glass melting probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in the standpipe 123 and transmit the measured information to the controller 115 via the communication line 125 .

The fusion pull-down device 101 may also include a clarification vessel 127 , which is arranged downstream of the melting vessel 105 and is coupled to the melting vessel 105 via a first connecting pipe 129 . In some embodiments, the melt 121 can be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the clarification vessel 127 via the first connecting duct 129 . For example, gravity can act to drive the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 through the inner path of the first connecting conduit 129 to the clarification vessel 127 . In the clarification vessel 127 , air bubbles can be removed from the melt 121 by various techniques.

The fusion down-drawing device 101 may further include a mixing chamber 131 , which may be arranged downstream of the clarification vessel 127 . The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogeneous composition of the melt 121 , thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneity streaks, which may originally exist in the melt 121 leaving the clarification vessel 127 . As shown in the figure, the clarification vessel 127 can be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 via the second connecting pipe 135 . In some embodiments, the melt 121 can be gravity fed from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 via the second connecting duct 135 . For example, gravity can act to drive the molten material 121 from the clarification container 127 through the internal path of the second connecting duct 135 to the mixing chamber 131 .

The fusion down-drawing device 101 may further include a conveying container 133 , which may be arranged downstream of the mixing chamber 131 . The conveying container 133 can adjust the molten material 121 to be fed into the glass former 140 . For example, the conveying container 133 may serve as a reservoir and/or a flow controller to regulate and provide a continuous flow of the molten material 121 to the glass former 140 . As shown in the figure, the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the delivery container 133 via the third connecting pipe 137 . In some embodiments, the melt 121 can be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the conveying container 133 via the third connecting duct 137 . For example, gravity can act to drive the melt 121 from the mixing chamber 131 through the internal path of the third connecting pipe 137 to the conveying container 133 .

As further illustrated, the conveying pipe 139 may be arranged to convey the molten material 121 to the glass former 140 of the fusion pull-down device 101 . As discussed more fully below, the glass former 140 can draw the melt 121 into the glass ribbon 103 from the root 145 of the forming container 143 . In the illustrated embodiment, the forming vessel 143 may include an inlet 141 which is oriented to receive the melt 121 from the conveying tube 139 of the conveying vessel 133 .

A cross-sectional perspective view of the device 101 of a fusion down 2 - 2 line in FIG. 2 along the line 1 in FIG. As shown, the shaped container 143 may include a groove 170 which is oriented to receive the melt 121 from the inlet 141 . The forming container 143 may further include a forming wedge 171 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 173 , 175 extending between opposite ends of the forming wedge 171 . The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 173 , 175 converge along the drawing direction 177 to form a root portion 145 . The drawing plane 181 extends through the root 145 , wherein the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn in the drawing direction 177 along the drawing plane 181 . As shown in the figure, the drawing plane 181 may bisect the root 145 , but the drawing plane 181 may extend in other orientations relative to the root 145 .

Referring to FIG . 2 , in some embodiments, the melt 121 can flow from the inlet 141 into the groove 170 of the forming container 143 . The melt 121 can then overflow from the groove 170 by simultaneously overflowing the corresponding weirs 172a , 172b and downwardly overflowing the outer surfaces 174a , 174b of the corresponding weirs 172a , 172b . The respective streams of the melt 121 then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 173 , 175 of the forming wedge 171 , and are drawn from the root 145 of the forming container 143 , where the fluid converges and melts into the glass ribbon 103 . The glass ribbon 103 can then be fused and drawn from the root 145 in the drawing direction 177 in the drawing plane 181 , wherein the glass sheet 104 can then be separated from the glass ribbon 103 subsequently.

As shown in FIG. 2, the glass processing apparatus 100 may include a glass shaped from a number of 140 to 121 on the frit glass formers along the plane of drawing 140 181 177 drawn glass ribbon drawing direction 103. From the root portion 145 may be drawn glass ribbon 103, the ribbon 103 having ribbon of glass 213a and the first main surface 103 with a second major surface 103, 213b. As shown, the first major surface of the glass ribbon 103, 213a of the second main surface 103 of the glass ribbon 213b may face in opposite directions and define the thickness of the strip 103, 'T', which may be less than or equal to a thickness of about 1 millimeter ( mm), less than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, less than or equal to about 500 microns (μm), such as less than or equal to about 300 microns, such as less than or equal to about 200 microns, or such as less than or equal to about 100 microns, but in some embodiments Other thicknesses can be used. In some embodiments, the thickness " T " of the glass ribbon 103 can be from about 100 microns to about 0.5 millimeters, from about 300 microns to about 0.4 millimeters, or from about 0.3 millimeters to about 500 microns, and everything in between. Sub-range. In some embodiments, the thickness " T " of the glass ribbon 103 can be from about 50 microns to about 500 microns, such as from about 50 microns to about 300 microns, such as from about 50 microns to about 200 microns, such as from about 50 microns to about 200 microns. About 100 microns, and all ranges and subranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the thickness " T " of the glass ribbon 103 may be greater than 1 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 3 mm and all sub-ranges between the two numbers. Regardless of the production source or method, in some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 separated from the glass ribbon 103 may include a thickness ranging from about 50 microns to 1000 microns, including all the ranges and sub-assemblies discussed above. Range, but other thicknesses can be provided in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 may be greater than or equal to about 20 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 50 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 100 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 500 mm, such as greater than or equal to About 1000 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 2000 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 3000 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 4000 mm, although other widths less than or greater than these widths may be provided in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 may be from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm. About 4000 mm, such as from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to About 3000 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 2000 mm to About 2500 mm, and all ranges and sub-ranges between the two numbers.

The glass ribbon 103 may include various compositions, including but not limited to soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may include a thermal expansion coefficient of ≦15 ppm/°C, ≦10 ppm/°C, or ≦5 ppm/°C, for example from about 5 ppm/°C to about 15 ppm/°C, such as from about 5 ppm/°C to about 15 ppm/°C. ppm/°C to about 10 ppm/°C, and all ranges and subranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may include a lateral movement of ≧50 mm/sec (mm/s), ≧100 mm/s, or ≧500 mm/s, for example, from about 50 mm/s to about 500 mm/s. s, such as from about 100 mm/s to about 500 mm/s, and all ranges and subranges between the two numbers.

The glass ribbon 103 can continue to be drawn from the root 145 along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 until the glass ribbon 103 leaves the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 . In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may undergo an annealing process before leaving the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 . Once leaving the lower opening 183 , the glass ribbon 103 can then be finally separated into one or more glass sheets 104 by a glass separator 149 . As shown, the glass former 140 downstream (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 along the drawing direction 177) disposed glass separator 149, and a glass separator 104 is oriented so that the glass sheet 103 separated from the glass band. Various glass separators 149 can be provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a moving anvil machine can be provided, and the traveling anvil machine can score along the scoring line and then break the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a glass separator 149 may include a first separator glass with the glass facing the first major surface 103 of the second main 213a and 149a facing the glass surface 213b of belt 103 The second glass separator 149b . In some embodiments, the first glass separator 149a and the second glass separator 149b may operate together to separate the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 (for example, along a lateral movement separation path 151 transverse to the drawing direction 177 along the glass Belt 103 width " W ").

In some embodiments, the glass separator 149 may include a robot 150 (e.g., a robotic arm) that is oriented to bend the glass sheet 104 relative to the glass ribbon 103 to move the separation path 151 along the lateral direction corresponding to the scribe line. 104 is separated from the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, a laser-assisted separation device may be provided as described in the following and also in the U.S. Patent No. 14/547,688 filed in the same application filed on November 19, 2014. The entire U.S. application The content is incorporated into this article by reference. Such laser-assisted separation devices may include, but are not limited to, laser scribing technology, which heats the glass ribbon 103 and then cools the glass ribbon 103 to create a vent in the glass ribbon 103 to separate the glass ribbon 103 . Such laser-assisted separation devices may also include laser cutting technology. These laser cutting technologies heat the glass ribbon 103 to generate stress areas in the glass ribbon 103 and then apply defects to the stress areas of the glass ribbon 103 to initiate cracks to separate. Glass ribbon 103 . FIG 1 illustrates a first exemplary glass general schematic of the separator 149, in which FIGS. 3 to FIG. 6, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a glass separator 149 of exemplary features. As shown in the figure, the exemplary glass separator 149 can move the separation path 151 laterally to separate the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103. This lateral movement and separation path extends along the width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 and is transverse to the glass former 140 the drawing direction 177, between the glass ribbon and the first vertical edge 153 of the glass 103 with the second vertical edge of 155,103.

In some embodiments, the separator 149 may be a glass separation path 163 in the vertical part of the central portion 161 of the external glass sheet 159 and the glass sheet 104 separating 104, a first lateral edge perpendicular to this separating movement along the path of glass sheet 104 165 The length " L " between the second laterally moving edges 167 of the glass sheet 104 extends. As shown, this technique can be implemented in a vertical orientation, but in some embodiments a horizontal orientation can be provided. In some embodiments, the vertical orientation may promote glass particles by gravity away, thereby preventing or otherwise reducing the original glass and the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon belt 103, 103 had contaminated the original second major surface 213b. In some embodiments, a glass separator 149 may include a vacuum 148, a vacuum system such as a chip former (in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 as schematically illustrated in vacuo and 148 illustrated in FIG. 13, a vacuum 148, in In some embodiments, a first vacuum 148a and a second vacuum 148b ) may be included, and this vacuum may be operated in a local area surrounding the glass separator 149 to remove the separation debris 1001 from the local area. In some embodiments, the vacuum 148 can be attached to the glass separator 149 and can be moved laterally with the glass separator 149 because the glass separator 149 can move relative to the glass ribbon 103 to separate the glass ribbon 103 . As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the glass ribbon facing the first major surface 103 of the first main surface 213a and 214a of the glass sheet 104 is disposed a first vacuum 148a, and the glass may face 103 of the second main belt The surface 213b and the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 are provided with a second vacuum 148b . At least one of the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b may be operated in a local area surrounding the glass separator 149 to remove the separation debris 1001 from the local area. In some embodiments, at least one of the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b can be attached to the glass separator 149 and can move laterally with the glass separator 149 because the glass separator 149 can be relative to the glass ribbon 103 Move and separate the glass ribbon 103 .

FIG 3 illustrates a schematic illustration showing a first moving laterally with respect to the separation path 151 separated glass 103 with glass separator 149 of one embodiment. It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the same or similar techniques may be used to separate the glass ribbon 103 and any other glass ribbon along any path and to separate the glass sheet 104 and any other glass sheet along any path. The glass separator 149 may include a laser beam generator 201 , which is configured to generate a laser beam 203 . In some embodiments, the laser beam generator 201 and the laser beam 203 may include CO ₂ lasers. The CO ₂ lasers may use relatively long pulses of laser light to heat the lateral movement separation path 151. These longer pulses may It is similar to the continuous flow of energy. Thus, the laser beam 203 may be designed to heat the glass ribbon moving laterally on the separation path 103 151 103 without damaging the glass ribbon. For this case the purpose of the present application, lateral movement of the separation path in the heating zone 103,151 without damaging the glass ribbon 103 is intended to mean not applied to the defect 703 would otherwise result in separation of the glass ribbon 103 moves laterally separated manner heating The path 151 does not damage the glass ribbon 103 . Some embodiments of heating the separation path 151 without damaging the glass ribbon 103 may include heating without melting the glass ribbon 103 , heating without ablating the glass ribbon 103 , heating without causing cracks in the glass ribbon 103 , and heating without Scribe the glass ribbon 103 . The laser beam 203 can avoid damaging the glass ribbon 103 to allow the separation path 151 along the lateral movement of the glass ribbon 103 to generate a thermal stress of the desired level without separating the glass ribbon 103 before applying the defect 703 , as discussed below.

As further shown in FIG. 3, a glass separator 149 may further include a series of mirrors 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d, and one or more optical lenses 207, these mirrors and the optical lens configured to provide a desired beam profile and a first outer edge of the glass ribbon portion 103. 211a, with the second glass portion 211b of outer edge 103 or 103 of the main surface of the glass ribbon (e.g., the first main surface 213a, a second main surface 213b) produced on the laser beam Spot 209 . In some embodiments, the glass separator 149 may include a polygonal reflection device 215 . The polygonal reflecting device 215 may include the illustrated octagonal reflecting device including eight mirrors 219a to 219h , but in some embodiments, other polygonal configurations with different numbers of mirrors may be provided.

In some embodiments, the method may include exposing the lateral movement separation path 151 to the laser beam 203 along the glass ribbon 103 by rotating the polygonal reflecting device 215 in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. For example, as FIGS. 3 to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, a polygon reflector means 215 may be rotated in the counterclockwise direction 217, then the mirror 219a to 219h eight disposed within the projection path of the laser beam 203 Of each. The diagram shown in the figures rotates the principle of sweeping the laser beam 203 . Polygonal reflecting means 215 of the actual configuration and / or rotation may depend on various factors, such as whether a first laser beam 203 in the vertical edge 103 of the glass ribbon from the ribbon 153 to 103 of the second vertical edge 155 whisk sweep between extreme positions or whether the laser beam sweep brush 103 away from the glass tape, as shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8.

As discussed below, the laser beam 203 can heat the laterally moving separation path 151 on the glass ribbon 103 . Throughout the drawings, the lateral movement of the separating path 151 schematically illustrated as a dotted line, which should be understood that the actual path 103 can be overlapped with the glass ribbon, comprising a first outer edge 103 of the glass ribbon portion 211a, a second strip 103 of outer glass One or both of the edge portion 211b and the main surfaces 213a and 213b of the glass ribbon 103 overlap. As shown in FIG. 3, only one glass 149 embodiment, path 151 can be moved apart laterally with a first portion 211a of outer edge 103 along the glass, with a second outer edge portion 103 of the separator 211b and facing the glass a first vertical edge 153 of the first main surface 213a of belt 103 from the glass ribbon 103 extends to the second vertical edge of the glass ribbon of 155,103. In some embodiments, lateral movement along a separate path 151 may be a first major surface 103 of the glass or glass 213a with the second major surface 103 of any one band and 213b of the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the glass ribbon 103. 213a The second main surfaces 213b of 103 extend at an intermediate thickness. In fact, as shown in FIG lateral movement of the separation path 151 may extend Qieyi surface coincides with the main surface of the glass 103 of the first outer edge 103 of the glass ribbon and the glass portion 211a of the belt 103 beyond the second outer edge portion 211b 213a and 213b overlap and extend. Further, as shown, a first outer edge portion of the glass ribbon 103. 211a may include a first ribbon 153 and vertical edge 103 of the glass ribbon 103 of the second outer edge portion 211b may include a second ribbon 103 the vertical edges 155 a substantial portion of a width, wherein the lateral movement of the separation path 103, 151 along with glass "W" of the glass ribbon in or along the entire width "W" of extension 103. Similarly, referring to Figure 1, a first glass sheet 104 may include a lateral movement of the edge of the sheet 104 and the second 165 mobile lateral edge 167 of the glass sheet 104, wherein the vertical separation path 163 can be "L" along the entire length of the glass sheet 104 The substantial part of the glass sheet 104 may extend along the entire length " L ".

A non-limiting exemplary method of heating the laterally moving separation path 151 will now be discussed with reference to the exemplary polygonal reflecting device 215 . As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the first mirror surface 219a intersects with the path of the laser beam 203, a first edge region of the first mirror 219a and 221a initially intersect the path of the laser beam 203 to reflect the laser beam spot 209 And the first end position 221 of the laterally moving separation path 151 is exposed to the laser beam 203 along the glass ribbon 103 . In fact, as shown in the figure, the first end position 221 of the lateral movement separation path 151 can be exposed to the laser beam spot 209 , thereby heating the lateral movement separation path 151 at that position. When the polygonal reflecting device 215 rotates in the counterclockwise direction 217 , the angle of the first mirror 219a relative to the projected laser beam 203 changes so that the laser beam spot 209 faces the glass from the first outer edge portion 211a of the glass ribbon 103 The second outer edge portion 211b of the belt 103 travels in the sweep direction 225 .

FIG 4 illustrates a polygonal reflecting means 215, the polygon reflecting means rotated such that the first mirror 219a of intermediate portion 221 b and the path followed by the laser beam 203 reflected laser beam 203 intersects the transverse movement and the separation path The middle position 301 of 151 is exposed to the laser beam spot 209 , thereby heating the laterally moving separation path 151 at that position.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, may be even further rotated in the counterclockwise direction 217 on the polygonal reflecting means 215 so that the first mirror 219a of the second edge portion 221 c and the path followed by the laser beam 203 reflected laser beam intersects 203 and expose the second end position 401 of the lateral movement separation path 151 to the laser beam spot 209 , thereby heating the lateral movement separation path 151 at that position. The further incremental rotation in the counterclockwise direction 217 shown in Figure 5 can cause the first edge area 403 of the second mirror 219b to intersect the path of the laser beam 203 , where the laser beam spot 209 can move from the lateral direction to separate the path 151 the second end position 401 disappears, and the reproduction path moves laterally separating first end position 221 of the 151, as shown in Figure 3. Of course, when the actual laser beam 203 produces a laser beam spot 209 with a finite diameter instead of a single point, there may be a brief moment when the laser beam spot 209 can be reflected from adjacent parts of adjacent mirrors at the same time. At this moment, the laser beam spot 209 can simultaneously appear at the outer limit of the sweep path. By way of example, with reference to FIG. 5, in a short time, from the second beam spot 209 may be an edge portion of the first mirror 219a and 221 c from the first edge region 219b of the second mirror 403 while reflecting. At this time, the beam spot 209 may (e.g., separate lateral movement path 151 of the second end position 401) portion at the position presented in FIG. 5 and in the position shown in FIG 3 (e.g., lateral movement of the separation path 151 The first end position 221 ) is partially present.

Therefore, heating may include moving the separation path 151 in the lateral direction repeatedly through the laser beam spot 209 to generate thermal stress in the separation path 151 in the lateral movement. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, by repeatedly plaque 209 optionally comprises a laser beam in the direction of the brush sweep the laser beam spot 225 through 209 is repeated. In fact, as each of the mirrors 219a to 219h intersects the path of the laser beam 203 , and the polygonal reflector 215 rotates in the counterclockwise direction 217 as shown in the figure, the laser beam spot 209 can move from the lateral direction to separate the path 151 It moves in the sweeping direction 225 from the first end position 221 to the second end position 401 of the lateral movement separation path 151 . The laser beam spot 209 may travel along the sweep direction 225 at various speeds depending on the rotation speed of the polygonal reflection device 215 . In some embodiments, the laser beam spot 209 may travel from about 0.5 km/s to about 6 km/s, such as from about 1 km/s to about 5 km/s, such as from about 2 km/s to about 4 km/s. km/s, such as about 3 km/s.

In some embodiments, although not shown, the lateral movement separation path 151 can be heated in various ways. For example, a plurality of laser beam generators 201 may be provided and/or the laser beam 203 generated by the laser beam generator 201 may be split into two or more laser beams for different mirrors and/or self Different parts of the same mirror of the polygonal reflecting device 215 reflect the laser beam at the same time. Therefore, multiple laser beam spots can be provided, and these laser beam spots move simultaneously in the sweep direction 225 or in the opposite direction depending on the optical configuration. In some embodiments, the laser beam 203 generated by the laser beam generator 201 may be extended into an elongated laser beam spot 209 , which is configured to simultaneously heat the entire lateral movement separation path 151 . In such an embodiment, the laser beam spot 209 can remain stable while heating the entire lateral movement separation path 151 at the same time.

In some embodiments, a plurality of glass separators 149 may be provided, and each glass separator generates a section of the overall lateral movement separation path 151 . For example, as shown in FIG. 9 may be provided a plurality of glass separators 149, each separator is optionally glass and the glass of the separator 149 as previously described are similar or identical. It should be understood that although FIG. 9 depicts five glass separating apparatus 149, unless otherwise indicated, this should not limit the appended drawing in the case of the visible range of the patent application. Therefore, in some embodiments, any number of glass separation devices (eg, from one, two, three, four to five or more glass separation devices) may be used. Each glass separator 149 can generate a laser beam 802 , 804 , 806 , 808 , 810 , and this laser beam can move the corresponding sections 801 , 803 , 805 , 807 , 809 of the separation path 151 along the overall lateral direction to generate thermal stress. In some embodiments, the sections 801 , 803 , 805 , 807 , and 809 of the entire lateral movement separation path 151 may be arranged end to end. However, as shown in the figure, each section of the lateral movement separation path 151 may overlap at least one adjacent section of the lateral movement separation path 151 in the overlapping areas 811 , 813 , 815 , 817 so as to be in the sections 801 , 803 , Provide sufficient heating between 805 , 807 and 809 . In some embodiments, the overlapping regions 811 , 813 , 815 , and 817 may include an overlapping length that is about 5% to about 40% of the length of at least one of the sections 801 , 803 , 805 , 807 , and 809 , Such as about 10% to about 30%, such as about 10% to about 25% of the length of at least one of the sections 801 , 803 , 805 , 807 , and 809 . In some embodiments, each corresponding section 801 , 803 , 805 , 807 , and 809 of the entire lateral movement separation path 151 may have a length of about 800 mm, and each of the overlapping regions 811 , 813 , 815 , and 817 has a length of about 100 mm. The overlap length in mm. Entire separation path to provide lateral movement of the segments 801,151, 803, 805, 807, 809 and optionally the overlap region 811, 813, 815, 817 can help the glass ribbon along the entire path 103 extending laterally moved apart to achieve a sufficient level of 151 Thermal Stress.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure show the laser beam spot 209 traveling along a substantial portion (such as the entire size of the glass ribbon 103 ), and in some embodiments, also show the laser beam spot 209 moving away from the glass ribbon 103 . Thus, lateral movement along the separation path 151 may likewise of glass 103 extends a substantial portion (such as a glass with the overall size of 103) band. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam spot 209 can bring the entire width 'W' of 103 from the glass ribbon along a first vertical edge 103 of the glass ribbon 153 to a second vertical edge 103 of the transfer 155 such that The lateral movement separation path 151 extends along the entire width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 . Also, as further shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam spot 209 along the entire length of the glass sheet 104 "L" moves from the second lateral edge of the first lateral edge of the sheet 104 moving glass sheet 165 to pass 104 to 167 The vertical separation path 163 extends the entire length " L " of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, at least one of the lateral movement separation path 151 and the vertical separation path 163 may be from about 50 mm to about 5000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to about 1000 mm, but in some embodiments, the laser The beam spot 209 may be configured to move along a longer or shorter path.

The laser beam spot 209 may include a circular spot, but in some embodiments, an elliptical or other shaped spot may be provided. When / e ² is determined as the laser beam spot 209 of intensity profile of a focused laser beam spot at the waist of the smallest diameter 209 can be at from about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 2 mm, in some embodiments Other sizes are available. Likewise, the maximum length of an ellipse or other spot shape can be from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, but other sizes may be provided in some embodiments. For example, when a stationary laser beam is used, the shape of the laser beam spot 209 may be substantially elongated and have a length of tens of centimeters (cm), for example, the length exceeds 1 meter (m). One or more laser beams 203 can be used to expose and heat at least one of the lateral movement separation path 151 and the vertical separation path 163 .

FIGS. 3 to FIG. 6, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the laser beam 203 is swept between a first outer position the brush 405 and the second outer position 407. In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the laser beam 203 can move away from the glass ribbon 103 during the heating of the lateral movement separation path 151 . For example, as FIG. 6, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the laser beam is swept optionally brush 203 extends between the first 501 and the second outermost position of the outermost positions 503, most of these external located with the first vertical edge of the glass 153 and glass 103, the second belt 155 of the vertical outer edge 103. Allowing the laser beam 203 to move away from the glass ribbon 103 during heating can ensure that all parts of the glass ribbon 103 moving along the laterally moving separation path 151 achieve a sufficient level of thermal stress.

其中「F 」為透鏡207 之焦距，「D 」為透鏡之前的光束直徑，及「λ 」為波長。As further illustrated in Fig . 6 , although the lateral movement separation path 151 along the glass ribbon 103 is exposed to the laser beam 203 , the glass ribbon 103 may be arranged so that the entire lateral movement separation path 151 is in focus of the laser beam 203 In the depth " DOF ". The depth of focus " DOF " can be calculated by the following formula:

Where " F " is the focal length of the lens 207 , " D " is the beam diameter before the lens, and " λ " is the wavelength.

Entire separation path disposed laterally moving the laser beam focus within the depth of 203 "DOF" 151 can help increase the efficiency of the laser beam from the separation path 203 to the lateral movement 151 of energy transfer. Since the depth of focus " DOF " of the laser beam 203 during the separation period exceeds the curvature, thickness variation, and movement amplitude of the glass ribbon 103 , the depth of focus " DOF " enables the separation of non-flat glass with variable thickness. It is also possible to move or change the orientation relative to the laser beam 203 to some extent. In some embodiments, the depth of focus " DOF " may be from about 20 mm to about 400 mm, such as from about 20 mm to about 200 mm, but other depths of focus may be provided in some embodiments.

Further, in some embodiments, in addition to the transverse movement of the glass ribbon 103 outside the separation path 151, 103 may be disposed in the entire glass ribbon within the focal depth "DOF." The focal depth " DOF " of the laser beam 203 can be large enough to exceed the glass thickness, glass bending or other possible variations in the position of the glass ribbon 103 , and therefore the glass ribbon 103 can be placed on the glass ribbon 103 during the method of the present disclosure The entire lateral movement separation path 151 is exposed to the laser beam 203 . In some embodiments, the depth of focus " DOF " of the laser beam 203 may exceed the range of glass thickness variation, warping (for example, distortion) amplitude, glass motion amplitude relative to the beam source, or other variations in processing conditions. In addition, in some embodiments, when the laser beam spot 209 is repeatedly transmitted along the laterally moving separation path 151 (especially near the end of the laterally moving separation path 151 ), the laser beams on the main surfaces 213a and 213b of the glass ribbon 103 can be changed. The size of the beam spot 209 . For example, when the laser beam 203 is focused along the first sweep path 507 or the second sweep path 509 , the separation path 151 can be moved laterally to change the laser beam spots 209 on the main surfaces 213a , 213b of the glass ribbon 103 However, other paths can be provided while still maintaining the glass ribbon 103 within the depth of focus " DOF ".

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the brush travels along the second swept path 509 (shown in FIG. 6), the laser beam spot 209 may be changed by the diameter and shape of the laser beam spot 209 transversely of the movement of the separation path 151 Different power densities are applied along the laterally moving separation path 151 , as represented by the obliquely truncated elliptical power density area 601 in the figure. As shown in FIG. 7, the laser beam 203 Results embodiment intends to travel away from the glass band embodiment 103 to beveled surface 103 of the main glass ribbon 213a, an oval shape 601 on the power density region 213b. In some embodiments, a non-truncated elliptical power density can be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the power density of the elliptical end area of the glass ribbon can be positioned a first vertical edge 103 of the glass 153 and the second belt 103 of vertical edge 155. When the second outer edge portion of the glass with a first outer edge 103 of the glass portion 211a and 211b of the band 103 comprises a thickened edge portion, which may be even more beneficial for use in the thickened edge portion (e.g., edge bead) or near The two laser beams that produce the highest power density at the location separate the glass ribbon 103 , wherein multiple parts of the laser beam spot overlap in the central area of the glass ribbon 103 . Since the highest power density is placed closer to the thickened edge portion or at the thickened edge portion, higher thermal stress can be targeted at the thickened edge portion, resulting in increased thermal stress. At the same time, partially overlapping the relatively low power density provided by the tail of the laser beam path in the central area of the glass ribbon 103 can provide enhanced thermal stress due to the double exposure of the overlapping laser beam. Also in the overlap region 811 shown in FIG. 9, 813, 815, 817 provide this overlap, double exposure in which the separation path 151 resolves lateral movement of the segment 801, 803, 805, outer end 807, 809 of at The lower power density helps to achieve a sufficient level of thermal stress along the entire lateral movement separation path 151 that the glass ribbon 103 extends.

Lateral movement of the separation path 151 is heated locally between different parts of the glass with a temperature difference of 103, 151 thereby generating a thermal stress in the lateral movement of the separation path. The process of heating the laterally moving separation path 151 as discussed above can be implemented until the stress at a predetermined level is achieved. In some embodiments, the stress of the exemplary level may be about 70% to about 100%, such as from about 80% to about 100%, such as from about 80% to about 100% of the strain temperature point of the glass corresponding to the temperature along the lateral movement separation path 151 . About 90% to about 100%, such as about 95% to 100% stress from the strain temperature point of the glass. Heating at this level avoids the generation of residual stress in the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the stress at the predetermined level may be the stress corresponding to the temperature moving the separation path 151 in the lateral direction from the strain temperature point of the glass to the annealing point. Although a lower temperature may be possible, a relatively higher temperature may need to be reached to maximize the thermal stress along the lateral movement separation path 151 . Providing relatively high thermal stress can help reduce the separation time after applying the defect 703 discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the separation time may be about 0.1 second to about 3 seconds after the defect 703 is generated, but in some embodiments other separation times are possible.

The time required to heat the laterally moving separation path 151 to the desired level of thermal stress may depend on a wide range of factors, such as laser power, glass type, glass size, glass thickness, or other factors. In some embodiments, the lateral movement separation path 151 can be sufficiently heated in the range from about 0.1 seconds to about 5 seconds, where the CO ₂ laser power is from about 300 W to about 1.5 kW and the glass thickness is from about 0.1 mm To about 3 mm.

As explained above, an exemplary non-limiting method of separating the glass ribbon 103 may include exposing the lateral movement separation path 151 on the glass ribbon 103 to at least one laser beam 203 to generate thermal stress along the lateral movement separation path 151 without 103 damage to the glass ribbon. The method may also include: the lateral movement of the glass in the separating path 151 of belt 103 moves laterally separating path 151 at the same time exposed to thermal stress generated when the at least one laser beam 203, a defect in the lateral movement of the separation path 151 703. Thereafter, the glass ribbon 103 can be quickly separated along the lateral movement separation path 151 in response to the defect 703 .

In some embodiments, when the laterally moving separation path 151 is exposed to at least one laser beam 203 , the defect 703 may be generated after the thermal stress of a predetermined level is achieved along the laterally moving separation path 151 . In fact, when the entire lateral movement separation path 151 is under thermal stress at a predetermined level, the formation of the defect 703 can directly cause the glass ribbon 103 to quickly separate along the lateral movement separation path 151 in response to the defect 703 . Rapid separation may produce 703 or when the defect is a defect 703 immediately after the start. Therefore, the separation of the glass ribbon 103 can occur as a direct result of the defect 703 , thereby rapidly propagating the through-body crack 1505 along the entire lateral movement separation path 151 to separate the glass ribbon 103 . As used herein, the term through-body crack 1505 refers to a crack that extends through the entire thickness of the glass ribbon 103 (eg, the thickness “ T ”). The time required to separate the glass ribbon 103 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can significantly reduce the time required to separate the glass ribbon 103 compared with the separation of the glass ribbon 103 using conventional techniques. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be beneficial to applications that require the use of conventional techniques to quickly separate the glass ribbon 103 . For example, in applications where the drawing speed is increased, rapid separation can be beneficial to allow separation to occur within a given length of movement of the glass ribbon 103 . In addition, the method of the present disclosure can separate the glass ribbon 103 even under high temperature conditions. For example, although the separation can occur when the glass ribbon 103 is at room temperature, the separation can also occur when the glass ribbon 103 is at a high temperature that is generally lower than the strain point of the glass, such as at temperatures as high as 400°C. In some embodiments, other maximum temperatures may be provided. Therefore, the method of the present disclosure can provide separation during the forming process or before cooling the glass ribbon 103 during other processing procedures.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, as well as any of the embodiments discussed herein, may be moved apart transverse path 151 is exposed to at least a laser beam 203 to move laterally along the separating path 151 to generate heat The simultaneous execution of stress produces defects 703 . The generation of defects 703 while exposing the laterally moving separation path 151 to the laser beam 203 can help maintain a sufficient level of thermal stress along the laterally moving separation path 151 to provide rapid separation of the glass ribbon 103. This separation directly responds to the generation of defects 703 happened quickly. In some embodiments, the exposure of the lateral movement separation path 151 to the laser beam 203 may be completed after the defect 703 is generated and the exposure may even continue until the separation of the glass ribbon 103 along the lateral movement separation path 151 is completed. Another advantage of generating defects 703 while exposing the laterally moving separation path 151 to the laser beam 203 is that the probability of uncontrollable fracture is reduced. This fracture can be exposed to the laser beam 203 in the glass ribbon 103 (for example, heating) The period starts or when a defect 703 is generated before the glass ribbon 103 is exposed to the laser beam 203 . This can enable reliable separation of strengthened glass, laminated glass structure and any other glass with high internal stress. Another advantage of generating defects 703 while exposing the glass ribbon 103 to the laser beam 203 is that the total time required to separate the glass ribbon 103 is reduced.

Before some embodiments, defects may be generated just 703, 703 are generated when a defect, the defect 703 is generated immediately after a defect is generated or exposed lateral movement 703 shortly complete separation path 151. In such embodiments, when there is sufficient residual thermal stress along the laterally moving separation path 151 , the defect 703 may still be generated to provide rapid separation of the glass ribbon 103 along the laterally moving separation path 151 . After the same time, however, in some embodiments, defects may be generated by 703 and even in defects 703 (e.g., during the complete separation of the glass ribbon 103) continue with the glass 103 is exposed to a laser beam at least 203 To increase the speed of separation. In fact, continuously exposing the glass ribbon 103 to the laser beam 203 while the defect 703 is generated can increase the separation speed of the glass ribbon 103 by maintaining a predetermined thermal stress (such as the maximum thermal stress along the lateral movement of the separation path 151 ). However, it should be avoided to overexpose the lateral movement separation path 151 in the laser beam 203 to minimize or avoid residual stress along the separation edge due to excessive heating.

The defect 703 can be generated in various ways. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, it may be by mechanical engagement with the glass to produce 103 scriber 701 for example (e.g., scribing wheels, the diamond tip, etc.) or other mechanical means with Defect 703 . Indeed, as, shown in chain line in FIG. 8 tip 701. 703 may generate defects such as surface defects (e.g., surface crack). In some embodiments, the defects 703 may include point defects or scribe lines. Although not shown, a supporting device, such as an air bearing or a mechanical contact supporting member, may be provided to help counteract the force applied by the scribe 701 to promote the occurrence of the defect 703 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, with the laser 169 703 defects. In some embodiments, the laser 169 may include a pulsed laser, which is configured to produce defects 703 , such as surface defects, but can also provide subsurface defects. In some embodiments, the defect 703 generated by the laser 169 may include cracks, point defects, scribe lines, or other defects, where the defect 703 may be generated by an ablation process as appropriate.

In some embodiments, providing the defect 703 as a scribe line can be beneficial to help guide the proper through-body crack 1505 along the direction of the lateral movement separation path 151 . For example, the scribe line may have a length extending along the lateral movement separation path 151 and a width perpendicular to the lateral movement separation path 151 . Exemplary scribe lines can have a wide range of lengths and widths, such as lengths in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm and widths from about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm. If provided as a surface defect, the depth of the defect 703 can be from about 5 microns to about 500 microns depending on the glass type. For example, in the case of chemically strengthened glass, a defect 703 having a deeper depth may be provided to extend through the chemically strengthened layer of the glass ribbon 103 .

The defect 703 may be provided at any position along the lateral movement separation path 151 (including on the lateral movement separation path 151 ). In some embodiments, the defect 703 may be located at a first vertical edge of the glass ribbon 103, the ribbon 153 or 155 are near one vertical edge 103 of a second. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to place the defect 703 near the first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 , where the scanning of the laser beam spot 209 is started as described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first vertical edge of the glass with the glass 103 of the belt 153 between the second vertical edge of the applied defect 703 155 103, or in some embodiments, band 103 may be a glass Defects 703 are provided at the first vertical edge 153 and/or at the second vertical edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 . A first vertical edge of the glass with the glass 153 and the belt 103 between the second vertical edge 155,103 of the defect 703 may be applied to help ensure that the crack propagation at the beginning of the position of the defect 703, rather than with the first vertical edge 103 of the glass 153 And/or the edge defects that may exist at the second vertical edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 begin to spread. Further, in the glass with a first vertical edge 153 and 103 of the glass ribbon between the second vertical edge 703 155103 defect can lead to the application of the ribbon 103, a faster separation. In some embodiments, defects 703 may be generated on the edge curls commonly found at the first outer edge portion 211a and the second outer edge portion 211b of the glass ribbon 103 . Alternatively, as FIG. 8 and 9 shown below, the defect 703 may be provided inside the edge bead of the optionally. In some embodiments, the defect 703 can be generated at a distance from at least one edge of the glass ribbon 103 , wherein the distance is from about 1 mm to about 25 mm. For example, FIG. 8 and 9 as shown in FIG., In some embodiments, the glass ribbon may be 103 or 153 of a first vertical edge 103 of the glass ribbon edge 155 of the second vertical spacing distance "D" defects 703 , Where " D " can be from about 1 mm to about 25 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, but different distances can be provided in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the first band 103 of vertical edge 151 of the intermediate position 301 or lateral movement of the separation path 153 closer to the glass or glass with a second vertical edge 103 of the defects 155 703. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the glass ribbon than the second vertical edge 103 of the band 155 closer to a first vertical edge of the glass 103. 153 703 defects. As discussed above, when the laser beam spot 209 travels in the sweep direction 225 from the first vertical edge 153 to the second vertical edge 155 , it is closer to the first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 (for example, with the first vertical edge 153) . A vertical edge 153 spaced a distance " D ") to provide defects 703 can be particularly beneficial. In this embodiment, the first vertical edge 153 may be located upstream of the sweeping direction 225 of the laser beam spot 209 along the lateral movement separation path 151 . When the whole body crack 1505 tends to propagate in the sweep direction 225 of the laser beam spot 209 , placing the defect 703 closer to the first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 can help the whole body crack 1505 move along the lateral separation path 151 along the glass ribbon 103 quickly propagates downstream in the sweep direction 225 . In addition, the defect 703 can be placed at a distance " D " from the first vertical edge 153. However, this distance is sufficiently close to the first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 , which also allows the through-body crack 1505 to propagate upstream to meet the first vertical edge of the glass ribbon 103 . The vertical edges 153 intersect, thereby separating the glass ribbon 103 along the laterally moving separation path 151 .

In addition, referring to Fig . 9 , the laser beams 802 , 804 , 806 , 808 , and 810 may be time-limited to allow the laser beam spot 209 generated by each laser beam to follow the corresponding sweep directions 225a , 225b , 225c , 225d , 225e travels in a continuous pattern, so that laser beam spots from adjacent laser beams can coexist along the overlapping regions 811 , 813 , 815 , and 817 . Therefore, the laser beam spot 209 can travel substantially continuously along the overall size of the glass ribbon 103 along the sweeping directions 225a , 225b , 225c , 225d , 225e to help move each corresponding section 801 , 803 of the separation path 151 along the overall lateral direction . , 805 , 807 , and 809 quickly drive the full-body crack 1505 to move the separation path 151 along the overall lateral direction to separate the glass ribbon 103 .

Any method discussed herein can be used to separate glass (for example, glass ribbon 103 , glass sheet 104 ), including but not limited to the exemplary types of glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments discussed about the glass ribbon 103 can also be applied to the glass sheet 104 . For example, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 1, a first path 151 laterally moved apart vertical edges 153 and 103 of the glass ribbon along the glass ribbon may be between the second vertical edge of the glass 155,103 with a width of "W" 103, extend. In such embodiments, the glass sheet 104 can defects 703 and 103 separated from the glass ribbon, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments also the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 of the vertical separation path 163 may be moved laterally along the first edge of the sheet of glass 104 104 167 between the edge 165 and the second lateral moving glass sheet 104 The length " L " extends. In such embodiments, the defects 703 make the outer portion 159 and central portion 161 of the glass sheet 104 separated glass sheet 104.

In some embodiments, any of the disclosed methods can facilitate the separation of a wide range of glass including glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104. The glass may be flat (as shown) or may have non-planar (for example, warped) ) Configuration, such as bending into a C shape, S shape or other configuration. In addition, any of the disclosed methods can facilitate the separation of glass including the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 and having a uniform thickness or an uneven variable thickness. For example, as shown in the figure, a glass ribbon 103 having a relatively thick edge curl and a relatively thin central portion 161 can be separated.

In some embodiments, when the glass is relatively fixed or when the glass is in motion, the glass including the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 can be separated. For example, glass can be formed in a self-drawing a glass ribbon 140 is simultaneously moved in the 103 or 103 if the separation of the glass ribbon when the glass ribbon 103 relative to the glass former 140 swing slightly and / or twisted. Still further, any method of the present disclosure can be used to separate the glass including the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 at a high temperature not exceeding about the strain point of the glass.

In addition, the method of the present disclosure can be used to separate non-strengthened glass or strengthened glass, including non-strengthened glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 or strengthened glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 . For example, a method can be used to separate strengthened glass (eg, chemically strengthened glass), which includes at least one outer layer under compression and another layer under tension. In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure can be used to separate strengthened glass that is strengthened on both sides, where the two main surfaces of the glass are in compression and the central part of the glass is in tension.

In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure can be used to separate glass including laminated glass layers. In some embodiments, the laminated structure may include a compressed surface layer and a center layer under tension. In some embodiments, the laminated structure may include two compressed surface layers and a center layer sandwiched between the two compressed layers under tension. In still further embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to separate laminated glass layers, wherein at least two of the plurality of layers include different compositions and/or different thermal expansion coefficients. In some embodiments, the glass may be chemically or thermally strengthened glass, where the glass includes a surface compressive stress layer generated by ion exchange or heat treatment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may be implemented so that the glass ribbon separation methods 103, 103 without bending the glass ribbon or glass sheet 104, 104 includes an outer portion 159 of the glass sheet. In fact, as shown in FIG. 1, a glass separator 149 and allows the glass sheet 104 separated from the glass ribbon 103, the ribbon while the glass sheet 104 and 103 maintain the vertical orientation. In this embodiment, it may be drawn vertically downward by gravity debris generated during the separation (e.g., FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 of 1001 chips separated), thus avoiding horizontal or inclined surfaces Otherwise, debris may fall on this surface when the glass ribbon 103 or glass sheet 104 includes a curved (eg, non-vertical) orientation. Also, since the glass ribbon 103 and a vertical orientation, environmental debris 1002 glass 104 (see FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13) may be less likely to come into contact with the glass 103 and glass 104, and therefore also by The environmental debris 1002 is sucked downward by gravity. Although it is recognized that subsequent procedures for removing debris from the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 can be used, in some embodiments it may be necessary to completely avoid surface contamination of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 or at least reduce the debris from the glass ribbon. The main surfaces 213a , 213b of 103 or the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 are in contact with each other so as to reduce the chance of relatively strong adhesion between the debris and the glass ribbon 103 or the glass sheet 104 .

In some embodiments, in addition to the vacuum 148 (e.g., a first vacuum 148a, 148b of the second vacuum) is removed from the glass band separating debris 103 1001 148 in addition to or alternatively vacuum, in order to further promote the separation of debris shift 1001 In addition, the separation debris 1001 can be carried in the air curtain and quickly taken away from the glass ribbon 103 and/or glass sheet 104 , thereby even further reducing the separation debris 1001 contacting and attaching to the original main surface of the glass ribbon 103 213a , 213b and the probability of the original main surface 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, 140 may be disposed adjacent to the first glass formers elongate gas ports 185a and 185b of the second elongated gas port, such as a glass with a lower portion 103 away from the glass former 140 near the opening 183. A first elongated and second elongated gas port 185a gas port 185b may be oriented, for example along the entire width of the glass ribbon "W" 103, or even greater than the entire width of the glass ribbon "W" of 103 are distributed first and second outer air curtain 187a Two external air curtain 187b . In some embodiments, the first elongated gas ports 185a and the second elongated gas ports 185b may be oriented to distribute the first outer gas curtain 187a and the second outer gas curtain 187b , respectively, along the entire width " W " less than the glass ribbon 103 . In addition, in some embodiments, the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b can completely surround the glass ribbon 103 , and in some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can be isolated from pollution with environmental debris 1002 . The first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b can be used to isolate the glass ribbon 103 , regardless of the temperature of the glass ribbon 103 , including relatively high temperatures. Under these relatively high temperatures, traditional surface coatings and protective agents generally cannot be applied to On the glass ribbon 103 . For example, when the temperature of the glass ribbon 103 is at 200°C or lower, at 150 °C or lower than 150 °C, or at 100°C or lower than 100°C, some traditional surface coatings and protective agents may be applicable; however, , When the glass ribbon 103 includes a temperature above 100℃, above 150℃, above 200℃, above 300℃, above 400℃, above 500℃ or any other temperature of the glass ribbon 103 , the first external air of this application can be used The curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b isolate the glass ribbon 103 . The first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include a single elongated nozzle, port, ejector, etc. that can distribute gas or a plurality of nozzles, ports, ejectors, etc. that can distribute gas to form a continuous and uniform air curtain, This air curtain can inhibit or even prevent environmental debris 1002 from penetrating. In some embodiments, each of the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include any one or more of a continuous elongated slot and a plurality of elongated slots, and these elongated slots are oriented The first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b are respectively distributed.

In some embodiments, (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative of the embodiment of FIG. 11), a first elongated and second elongated gas port 185a gas port 185b are also oriented to the distribution of The first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d . In some embodiments, the first and second inner air curtain 187c 187d may be internal air curtain with the entire width 'W' in a glass of 103 or even greater than the entire width of the glass ribbon "W" of extension 103. In some embodiments, the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may also be oriented to distribute the first inner gas curtain 187c and the second inner gas curtain 187d , respectively , and the two inner gas curtains may be smaller than the glass The entire width " W " of the belt 103 extends. In addition, in some embodiments, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d can completely surround the glass ribbon 103 , and can make the glass ribbon 103 and the glass ribbon 103 with at least one of environmental debris 1002 and separation debris 1001 Pollution isolation. In some embodiments, the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d may include the same, similar or different features as the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b . For example, in some embodiments, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d may be used to isolate the glass ribbon 103 , regardless of the temperature of the glass ribbon 103 , including relatively high temperature (eg, 100°C or higher, 150°C). ℃ above, above 200℃, above 300℃, above 400℃, above 500℃ or any other temperature of the glass ribbon 103 ), under this relatively high temperature, traditional surface coatings and protective agents usually cannot be applied to the glass ribbon 103 . The first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include a single elongated nozzle, port, ejector, etc. that can distribute gas or a plurality of nozzles, ports that can distribute gas to form one or more continuous and uniform air curtains , Ejectors, etc., these air curtains can inhibit or even prevent environmental debris 1002 from penetrating. In some embodiments, each of the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include any one or more of a continuous elongated slot and a plurality of elongated slots, and these elongated slots are oriented The first outer air curtain 187a and the first inner air curtain 187c , and the second outer air curtain 187b and the second inner air curtain 187d are respectively distributed.

As FIG. 1, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 further illustrates, glass processing device 100 may include a vacuum port 1011 (e.g., an elongated vacuum port), the vacuum port 149 is disposed downstream of the glass through the separator (e.g. As shown in the drawing along the second direction in FIG. 177) and oriented to receive a first outer air curtain 187a and 187b of the second outer air curtain entrained debris. In some embodiments, the vacuum port 1011 may be oriented to receive debris entrained in the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d . The vacuum source 1013 can separate the debris entrained in any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d (eg, separate Debris 1001 and environmental debris 1002 ) are sucked into the vacuum port 1011 . The vacuum source 1013 may include a blower, a vacuum chamber, a pump, a fan, or other suitable mechanisms that generate negative pressure (eg, negative pressure, suction) at the vacuum port 1011 .

As shown, a first outer air curtain 187a may include a first major surface 103 of the glass ribbon 213a spaced apart a first upstream portion 188a and the outer face of the glass ribbon 213a of the first major surface 103 and an inwardly converging shock glass ribbon The first outer downstream portion 189a of the first main surface 213a of 103 . Similarly, the second outer air curtain 187b may include a second upstream portion 188b of the second outer major surface 103 of the glass ribbon 213b spaced apart and toward the second major surface 103 of the glass ribbon 213b of the inwardly converging and impact of the glass ribbon 103 The second outer downstream portion 189b of the two main surfaces 213b . As shown in the figure, the first outer upstream portion 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b may be parallel to the drawing plane 181 . As further illustrated, a first outer air curtain downstream of the first outer portion 189a and 187a of the second outer air curtain downstream 187b of the second outer portion 189b may be drawn with respect to the plane 181 and is disposed symmetrically relative to the plane of drawing 181 Impact the glass ribbon 103 at a common height. The symmetrical placement of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b with respect to the drawing plane 181 can be used to apply the same size and direction from the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b on the glass ribbon 103 Opposite force. Advantageously, applying equal and opposite forces on the opposite main surfaces of the glass ribbon 103 (for example, the first main surface 213a and the second main surface 213b ) can minimize the stress induced in the glass ribbon 103 by the external force and also The glass ribbon 103 can be maintained along the drawing plane 181 in a vertical orientation, thereby reducing debris (eg, separation debris 1001 , environmental debris 1002 ) contacting the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass in some embodiments Possibility of the second major surface 213b of the ribbon 103 because such debris can travel downwards away from the glass ribbon 103 due to gravity at least in part. As shown in the figure, the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn between the first outer upstream portion 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b , and then the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn in the first outer air downstream portion 189a between the first outer and second outer screen 187a of the downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 103 187b of drawing a glass ribbon.

As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, a first inner air curtain 187c may include a first outer interposed upstream portion of the first major surface of the glass ribbon 103 213a of the first outer air curtain 188a and 187a and between The first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 is spaced apart first inner upstream portion 188c . A first inner air curtain toward the glass ribbon 187c may comprise a first major surface 103 of the impact and 213a inwardly converging upstream of the glass ribbon at 103 in a first outer first outer air curtain downstream portion 189a 187a of the impact of the glass ribbon 103 A first inner downstream portion 189c of a major surface 213a . Similarly, the second inner air curtain 187d may include the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b and spaced apart from the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 The second inner upstream part 188d . A second inner air curtain toward the glass ribbon 187d may also include a second main surface 213b of the inwardly converging and 103 upstream of the impact with the glass at 103 in the downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b of the second outer shock of the glass ribbon 103 The second inner downstream portion 189d of the two main surfaces 213b .

In some embodiments, the first upstream portion of the first inner gas curtain inside the second inner upstream portion 187c and 188c of the second inner air curtain 187d 188d may be drawn parallel to the plane 181. As further illustrated, the first gas curtain inside the first interior downstream portion 189c and 187c of the second inner air curtain downstream portion of the second internal 187d 189d may be drawn with respect to the plane 181 and is disposed symmetrically relative to the plane of drawing 181 Impact the glass ribbon 103 at a common height. In some embodiments, the symmetrical placement of the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d with respect to the drawing plane 181 can be used to separate the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain on the glass ribbon 103 . 187d exerts equal and opposite forces. Advantageously, applying equal and opposite forces on the opposite main surfaces of the glass ribbon 103 (for example, the first main surface 213a and the second main surface 213b ) can minimize the stress induced in the glass ribbon 103 by the external force and also The glass ribbon 103 can be maintained along the drawing plane 181 in a vertical orientation, thereby reducing debris (eg, separation debris 1001 , environmental debris 1002 ) contacting the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass in some embodiments Possibility of the second major surface 213b of the ribbon 103 because such debris can travel downwards away from the glass ribbon 103 due to gravity at least in part. As shown, between the second interior upstream portion 188d of the first upstream portion 188c of the first inner gas inside the curtain 187c and 187d of the second inner gas curtain drawn glass ribbon 103, and a first internal gas may then be 189d drawn between the second interior downstream portion 189c of the first interior downstream portion 187c of the curtain and 187d of the second inner gas curtain 103 of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the gas forming any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d may include air, an inert gas (For example, nitrogen or other suitable gas), clean and dry air, humid air or the like. As in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, may be placed in the filter 1006 by the filter between the gas (compressed gas storage tank, air compressor, etc.) a pressurized gas source 1004 to elongate from the first The gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b provide clean gas. In addition, in some embodiments, the moisture content of the gas can be greatly reduced. Compared with the gas with higher moisture content, this can reduce the adhesion of debris to the first main surface 213a and the second main surface of the glass ribbon 103 213b or the possibility of the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the temperature of the gas can be controlled. For example, the gas can be heated or cooled to help control the stress, compactness, or other properties of the glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 as needed. In some embodiments, with or without temperature control, the gas flow rate can be controlled to also help control the stress, tightness, or other properties of the glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 as needed.

In some embodiments, any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d may be adjacent to the glass ribbon 103 The surfaces (for example, the first main surface 213a , the second main surface 213b ) are about 1 mm apart. This distance can be defined as the lateral distance between the adjacent main surfaces of the glass ribbon 103 (for example, the first main surface 213a , the second main surface 213b ) and the corresponding first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b , since These elongated gas ports are respectively distributed with a first outer gas curtain 187a and a first inner gas curtain 187c, and a second outer gas curtain 187b and a second inner gas curtain 187d . Of course, this distance can be changed, and unless otherwise indicated, this disclosure should not limit the scope of the patent application accompanying this case. For example, any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d to the adjacent main surface of the glass ribbon 103 (eg , The distance between the first main surface 213a and the second main surface 213b ) may be between about 1 mm and about 50 mm, between about 5 mm and 40 mm, between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or Changes in the drawing direction 177 along the glass ribbon 103 itself. In some embodiments, the distance from at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a and the first inner air curtain 187c to the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 or to the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 may be greater or less than The distance from at least one of the second outer air curtain 187b and the second inner air curtain 187d to the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 or to the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 .

In some embodiments, under normal conditions, the glass former 140 can suck the cooling airflow 1003 through the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 . For example, the glass ribbon 103 may tend to heat the gas in the inside of the glass former 140 , and due to the pressure difference, at least based on natural convection, the hot air may rise in the inside of the glass former 140 , thereby generating a gas passing through the glass former 140 . The cooling air flow 1003 sucked by the opening 183 under the 140 . In some embodiments, the cooling gas flow 1003 may include gas provided from the first outer gas curtain 187a of the first elongated gas port 185a and the second outer gas curtain 187b of the second elongated gas port 185b . Also, in some embodiments, the cooling air flow 1003 may include a first elongate gas from the first port 185a of the inner air curtain 187c and the inner gas in the second gas curtain gas port 185b of the second elongate self 187d provided. Therefore, the cooling air flow 1003 may include clean air filtered by the filter 1006 disposed between the pressurized air source 1004 and the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b .

In some embodiments, the gas entering the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 through the cooling airflow 1003 can be controlled, and any contaminants and particles that could interfere with the glass former 140 can be removed. For example, in some embodiments, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d may flow to offset (eg, slow down) the flow of the cooling airflow 1003 , thereby preventing any debris entrained in the cooling airflow 1003 (For example, separation debris 1001 , environmental debris 1002 ) enter the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 . By canceling the flow stream 1003 is cooled, the cooling air flow is also entrained debris in 1003 and 1003, for example, a cooling air flow traveling at a higher speed compared with the entrained debris to more easily drawn into the vacuum port 148 and vacuum At least one of 1011 . In addition, by providing the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d , the gas entering the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 through the cooling air flow 1003 can be controlled , And remove any contaminants and particles that could interfere with the glass former 140 . In some embodiments, the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d can also prevent debris from recirculating between the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b . In some embodiments, recirculation of debris (for example, can occur when the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d are not provided) can contaminate the glass ribbon 103 and can enter the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 in. Therefore, in some embodiments, the features of the present disclosure can be used to produce the glass ribbon 103 , which can include higher quality attributes and characteristics, including the original first major surface 213a and the original second major surface of the glass ribbon 103 213b . In addition, by reducing and preventing the glass ribbon 103 from being contaminated by debris, subsequent cleaning steps such as removing debris from the glass ribbon 103 can be reduced, more conveniently performed, and in some embodiments are also avoided.

In some embodiments, baffles (for example, the first baffle 1005a , the second baffle 1005b ) may be provided to avoid interference between the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b , wherein the cooling air flow 1003 It is sucked into the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 . In some embodiments, any baffle plate of the present disclosure may extend downstream in a direction away from the glass former 140 . In some embodiments, it may be (such as the whole of the outside of the glass former 140) is disposed the case of the disclosure in any baffle 140 is at least partially outside of the glass former. In a further example, at least a portion of any baffle of the present disclosure may partially extend within the glass former 140 . As shown in the figure, the cooling air flow 1003 can be transmitted between the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the first inner surface 1007a of the first baffle 1005a and also on the second main surface 213b and the second stop of the glass ribbon 103 Between the second inner surface 1008a of the plate 1005b . The cooling airflow 1003 may travel in an upstream direction opposite to the downstream direction of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the first flap and the second flap 1005a 1005b may be glass ribbon along the entire width "W" of extension 103, and as shown, may be greater than the glass ribbon along the entire width "W 103, "extend. In some embodiments, the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may extend along less than the entire width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 .

Similarly, in some embodiments, the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may be provided to avoid the gap between the first outer air curtain 187a and the first inner air curtain 187c , and the second outer air curtain 187b and the second inner air curtain 187c . Interference between curtain 187d . In some embodiments, it can be used between the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the first internal upstream portion 188c of the first internal air curtain 187c and also between the second main surface 213b and the second main surface of the glass ribbon 103 The transmission between the second inner upstream portion 188d of the inner air curtain 187d draws the cooling airflow 1003 into the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 . The cooling airflow 1003 may travel in an upstream direction opposite to the downstream direction of the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d .

In addition, the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can extend the first outer upstream part 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer upstream part 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b to control the first outer air curtain 187a The first outer downstream portion 189a impacts the height of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b impacts the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the first flap and the second flap 1005a 1005b may extend inside a second inner portion of the first upstream portion upstream 188c of the first internal air curtain 187c and 187d of the second inner air curtain to 188d a first internal control downstream portion 187c of the first internal air curtain 189c impact height of the glass ribbon 213a of the first major surface 103 and a second internal control 187d of the second inner air curtain downstream portion 189d of the impact with the second major surface of the glass 103 The height of 213b .

In some embodiments, the first baffle 1005a and/or the second baffle 1005b may be adjustable so that the height " H " of each of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can be selectively adjusted, Then it can control the height of the first outer downstream part 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a impacting the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream part 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b impacting the second glass ribbon 103 The height of the main surface 213b . Similarly, in some embodiments, selectively adjustable by the respective first flap 1005a and 1005b of the second flap height "H" to control the first gas curtain inside the first interior downstream portion 189c 187c of the impact with the glass and controlling the height of the second inner air curtain a second downstream portion 187d of the inner glass ribbon 189d impact height 103 of the second main surface 213b of the first major surface 103 of 213a.

As in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 is further illustrated, a first elongate gas port 185a may be oriented in a first distribution screen 187a so that external air through the outside surface of the first shutter 1005a (e.g., the first outer surface 1007b) above, followed downstream beyond the first edge of the first shutter 1005a 1009a. Similarly, the second elongated gas ports 185b can be oriented to distribute the second outer gas curtain 187b so as to pass over the outer surface of the second baffle 1005b (eg, the second outer surface 1008b ), and then pass the second baffle 1005b . The downstream edge 1009b . As shown in the figure, after passing over the first downstream edge 1009a , the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b converge to impact the corresponding first main surface 213a and second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and then follow The first major surface 213a and the second major surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 travel close to promote the entrainment of debris in the separation zone. The debris entrained in the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b can then be sucked into the vacuum port 1011 by gravity and by the vacuum source 1013, and the debris can be subsequently discarded in the vacuum port. In some embodiments, a first vacuum source may be, for example, by a second vacuum source 147a and 147b (FIG. 13) will be entrained in the outer air curtain of the first 187a and the second external debris sucked into the air curtain 187b In the vacuum 148 (for example, the first vacuum 148a , the second vacuum 148b ), the debris can be subsequently discarded in the vacuum. In some embodiments, the first vacuum source 147a and the second vacuum source 147b may include a blower, a vacuum chamber, a pump, a fan, or generate negative pressure (for example, a negative pressure) at the first vacuum source 147a and the second vacuum source 147b . , Suction) other suitable institutions.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the first elongate gas port 185a may be oriented in a first distribution such that the inner air curtain through 187c of the inner surface of the first shutter 1005a (e.g., a first inner surface 1007a) Above. In some embodiments, a first inner air curtain 187c may pass over the first inner surface 1007a of the first shutter 1005a, and then over the first flap of the first downstream edge 1009a 1005a. Likewise, the second elongated gas ports 185b can be oriented to distribute the second inner gas curtain 187d so as to pass over the inner surface (eg, the second inner surface 1008a ) of the second baffle 1005b . In some embodiments, a second inner air curtain 187d may be passed over a second surface of the second shutter 1005b 1008a, 1009b and then over the second downstream edge of the second shutter 1005b. As shown in the figure, after passing over the first downstream edge 1009a , the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d can converge to impact the corresponding first main surface 213a and second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and then The first main surface 213a and the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 travel close to each other to promote the entrainment of debris in the separation zone. The debris entrained in the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d can then be sucked into the vacuum port 1011 by gravity and by the vacuum source 1013, and the debris can be subsequently discarded in the vacuum port. In some embodiments, the debris entrained in the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d can be sucked into the vacuum 148 (for example, the first vacuum source 147a and the second vacuum source 147b) . In the vacuum 148a , the second vacuum 148b ), the debris can be subsequently discarded in the vacuum. In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a impacts the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 or the upstream or second major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 The second outer downstream portion 189b of the outer air curtain 187b impacts at least one of the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 or the upstream of the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 , and the first inner air curtain 187c and the second The debris entrained in the inner air curtain 187d is sucked into the vacuum 148 (for example, the first vacuum 148a , the second vacuum 148b ).

In some embodiments, the inner surface of each of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b (for example, the first inner surface 1007a , the second inner surface 1008a ) may be the same as the main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 , 213b is separated by a distance " b ", which is sufficient to allow the cooling airflow 1003 entering the lower opening 183 of the glass former 140 to develop. In some embodiments, the distance " b " can be from about 2 centimeters (cm) to about 200 cm, from about 10 cm to about 150 cm, from about 25 cm to about 125 cm, from about 60 cm to about 65 cm, Approximately 63.5 cm, and all subranges between the two numbers. A first flap and a second flap 1005a and 1005b of the glass ribbon 103 such distance "b" may be selected so as not to interfere with the stability of the glass 103 and the glass 149 in separator 103, any movement of the glass ribbon to provide sufficient clearance . Similarly, in some embodiments, the inner surface of each of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may be separated from the respective main surfaces 213a , 213b of the glass ribbon 103 by a distance "b", which is sufficient to allow entry into the glass The development of the cooling air flow 1003 of the lower opening 183 of the former 140 and provides space for the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d to be between the respective first baffle 1005a and the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and between the second shutter 1005b of the glass ribbon travel between the second main surface 213b so as not to interfere with 103 of 103 of the glass ribbon and the glass stability separator 149 along with any movement of the glass to provide sufficient clearance of 103.

In some embodiments, the first flap and the second flap 1005a 1005b may be disposed such that at any height within a range of each fixed by a first flap 1005a and 1005b of the second flap height "H ", the range is from about 0 meters (m) to about 2.5 meters, from about 0 meters to about 0.9 meters, from about 2 centimeters (cm) to about 250 centimeters, from about 2 centimeters to about 200 centimeters, From about 10 cm to about 150 cm, from about 25 cm to about 125 cm, and all subranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the first flap and the second flap 1005a 1005b may be selectively adjustable to selectively adjust the height of each of such persons may first flap 1005a and 1005b of the second shutter in a range " H ", the range is from about 0 meters (m) to about 2.5 meters, from about 0 meters to about 0.9 meters, from about 2 centimeters (cm) to about 250 centimeters, from about 2 centimeters to about 200 Cm, from about 10 cm to about 150 cm, from about 25 cm to about 125 cm, and all subranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the adjustable heights of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may correspond to the height of the glass separator 149 in the drawing direction 177 relative to the drawing plane 181 to make the glass sheet 104 and The position of the glass separator 149 when the glass ribbon 103 is separated. For example, in some embodiments, when the glass separator 149 travels from an upstream position to a downstream position along the drawing direction 177 , the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can define the smallest baffle 1005a , 1005b . The retracted position of the height extends to the extended position defining the maximum height of the baffles 1005a and 1005b . Similarly, in some embodiments, when the glass separator 149 travels from a downstream position to an upstream position along the drawing direction 177 , the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can define the maximum height of the baffles 1005a and 1005b . The extended position is retracted to the retracted position defining the minimum height of the baffle 1005a , 1005b .

In some embodiments, the height from the "H" shaped bottom glass 140 to a first flap of the first downstream edge 1009a 1005a of measuring the amount of the first shutter 1005a of the glass and can be formed from the bottom to a second 140, the amount of the second flap downstream edge 1009b 1005b 1005b of the second flap of the measured height "H." In some embodiments, the height " H " of the first baffle 1005a can be defined from the first elongated gas port 185a (for example, the first elongated gas port where the first outer gas curtain 187a and the first inner gas curtain 187c can be distributed The vertical distance measured from the outlet of 185a ) to the first downstream edge 1009a of the first baffle 1005a , and the height " H " of the second baffle 1005b can be defined as the second elongated gas port 185b (for example, the second The vertical distance measured from the outlet of the second elongated gas port 185b of the outer air curtain 187b and the second inner air curtain 187d to the second downstream edge 1009b of the second baffle 1005b .

As in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, may be provided a first flap and a second flap 1005a 1005b as a pair, wherein the glass ribbon facing the surface 103 of each baffle within a respective face of the main The surfaces 213a , 213b and the outer surface of each baffle face away from the glass ribbon 103 . For example, as shown in FIG. 12, it may be drawn for a first plane 181 disposed within a first surface of the flap 1005a 1007a. Similarly, for the drawing of a first planar face 181 and the inner surface of the first shutter 1005a 1007a 1005b of the second flap is disposed a second inner surface 1008a. A first elongate gas port 185a may be oriented to dispense a first outer air curtain above the first outer surface 187a such that the first shutter 1005a through 1007b, the first and then passes over the downstream edge of the first shutter 1005a 1009a. A second elongated gas port 185b may be oriented to dispense a second outer air curtain 187b such that the second outer surface pass over the second flap 1005b 1008b, then passes through a second downstream edge of the second shutter 1005b 1009b.

In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first shutter 1005a may be disposed in separate (e.g., division, division) a first elongate gas port 185a such that the first elongate gas port 185a may be oriented to assigning a first outer air curtain above the first outer surface 187a such that the first shutter 1005a through 1007b, the then passes over the first edge of the downstream of the first shutter 1005a 1009a, and a first internal gas distribution curtain 187c through the first gear such that Above the first inner surface 1007a of the plate 1005a . The second baffle 1005b may be positioned to separate (eg, divide, divide) the second elongated gas port 185b so that the second elongated gas port 185b may be oriented to distribute the second outer gas curtain 187b so as to pass through the second baffle 1005b Above the second outer surface 1008b , then passing over the second downstream edge 1009b of the second baffle 1005b , and the second inner air curtain 187d is distributed so as to pass over the second inner surface 1008a of the second baffle 1005b .

In some embodiments, the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include a single elongated nozzle, port, ejector, etc., which can be separated by a first baffle 1005a and a second baffle 1005b, respectively. The gas is distributed from the above so as to pass over the two sides of each of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b to form a continuous and uniform air curtain, which can inhibit or even prevent environmental debris 1002 from penetrating . In some embodiments, the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include a plurality of nozzles, ports, ejectors, etc., and the above may be arranged at both the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b . The gas can be distributed on the side and from the above to form a continuous and uniform air curtain, which can inhibit or even prevent the environmental debris 1002 from penetrating. In some embodiments, each of the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include any one or more of a continuous elongated slot and a plurality of elongated slots, and these elongated slots are oriented The first outer air curtain 187a and the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b and the second inner air curtain 187d are distributed respectively .

The first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may be parallel to the drawing plane 181 , and in some embodiments, may extend along the entire width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 . Similarly, any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d may extend along the entire width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 . 1008a may be drawn between the first inner surface of the first shutter 1005a 1007a and 1005b of the second surface of the second flap 103 of the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the second downstream edge of the first flap of the first downstream edge 1009a 1005a and 1005b of the second shutter 1009b may be drawn with respect to the plane 181 relative to a common plane 181 drawn upstream height symmetrically disposed such that the first outer air curtain of the first outer second outer downstream portion 187a 189b 189a and a second downstream portion 187b of the outer air curtain may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the plane of drawing 181 and 181 with respect to the plane of drawing of the downstream common height 103 impacts the glass ribbon.

As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may be parallel to the drawing plane 181 of the glass former 140 and parallel to the glass ribbon 103 (for example, at a zero angle relative to the vertical. Orientation, where vertical is defined as a direction parallel to the drawing plane 181 ), but in some embodiments, other orientations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can be oriented in a fixed or selectively adjustable orientation, inwardly facing the drawing plane 181 from about 0° to about The angle in the range of 45°, the inward-facing drawing plane 181 forms an angle from about 0° to about 30° with respect to the vertical, and the inward-facing drawing plane 181 forms an angle from about 0° to about 15° with respect to the vertical. The angle within the range, the inward facing drawing plane 181 forms an angle ranging from about 0° to about 5° with respect to the vertical, and all angles and sub-angles between the two numbers. If the baffle is angled too far inward toward the drawing plane 181 (for example, the inward direction toward the drawing plane 181 is at an angle greater than 45° with respect to vertical), the air curtain (for example, the first outer air curtain 187a , the first Any one or more of the inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d ) may converge too quickly and impact the glass ribbon 103 at a height higher than the required height. On the contrary, in some embodiments, if the baffle is too far away from the drawing plane 181 at an angle (for example, it is at an angle greater than 5° from vertical to the drawing plane 181 ), the air curtain (for example, the first Any one or more of an outer air curtain 187a , a first inner air curtain 187c , a second outer air curtain 187b, and a second inner air curtain 187d ) may be difficult to converge or may not converge at all, and therefore may not impact the glass The belt 103 prevents the generation of a suitable air curtain to isolate the glass belt 103 from at least one of environmental debris 1002 and separation debris 1001 .

In some embodiments, each of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may be made of a rigid material that maintains a shape when subjected to an applied force or a flexible material that can deflect and change shape when subjected to an applied force. to make. For example, in some embodiments, the rigid material from which the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can be made can provide a structure that maintains a predetermined shape during operation. In contrast, in some embodiments, the flexible material from which the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b can be made can provide adjustments to define a shape or a plurality of shapes during operation.

In some embodiments, each of the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b may be provided as a segmented baffle. The segmented baffle has at least two parts, and each of the at least two parts is perpendicular to Orientate at different angles. For example, in some embodiments, the segmented baffle may include an upper part of the segmented baffle and a lower part of the segmented baffle. The lower part of the plate is located downstream of the upper part of the segmented baffle, and is oriented in a fixed or selectively adjustable orientation, inwardly facing the drawing plane 181 at an angle ranging from about 0° to about 45° with respect to the vertical. The inner drawing plane 181 is at an angle ranging from about 0° to about 30° with respect to vertical, and the inward drawing plane 181 is at an angle ranging from about 0° to about 15° with respect to the vertical. The drawing plane 181 forms an angle in a range from about 0° to about 5° with respect to vertical, and all angles and sub-angles between the two numbers. As discussed above, if the lower part of the segmented baffle is angled too far inward toward the drawing plane 181 (for example, the inward drawing plane 181 is at an angle greater than 45° with respect to vertical), then the air curtain (such as , Any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d ) can converge too quickly and be higher than the required height The height of the impact glass ribbon 103 . Conversely, in some embodiments, if the segment under the baffle portion 181 outwardly away from the plane of the drawing at an angle too far (e.g., drawn outwardly away from the perpendicular plane 181 with respect to the angle of greater than 5 °), the gas Curtains (for example, any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d ) may be difficult to converge or may not converge at all, and Therefore, the glass ribbon 103 may not be impacted, thereby preventing the generation of a suitable air curtain to isolate the glass ribbon 103 from at least one of environmental debris 1002 and separation debris 1001 .

In some embodiments, the speeds of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b can be controlled (eg, increased or decreased) to adjust (eg, extend, shorten) the first outer portion of the first outer air curtain 187a The upstream portion 188a and the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b control the height of the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a impacting the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and control the second outer air The second outer downstream portion 189b of the curtain 187b impacts the height of the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the speeds of the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d can be controlled (eg, increased or decreased) to adjust (eg, extend, shorten) the speed of the first inner air curtain 187c the second inner upstream portion 188d of the first upstream portion 188c and the inner air curtain 187d of the second internal controls the first internal air curtain downstream portion of the first inner glass ribbon 189c 187c of the impact of the height of the first major surface 103 and a control section 213a The second inner downstream portion 189d of the two inner air curtains 187d impacts the height of the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the temperature of the gas can be controlled, adjusted and maintained, whereby the gas forms any one of the first outer gas curtain 187a , the first inner gas curtain 187c , the second outer gas curtain 187b, and the second inner gas curtain 187d Or more.

In some embodiments, the flow rate of any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d can be controlled (for example, each Volume of gas per unit time) to provide any one or more of the first outer gas curtain 187a , the first inner gas curtain 187c , the second outer gas curtain 187b, and the second inner gas curtain 187d . Different flow rates and maintain constant and adjust the flow rate of any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d . For example, in some embodiments, the first inner gas curtain 187c may include 0% (eg, no flow) to about 40%, for example, from about 0% of the flow rate of the gas provided from the first elongated gas port 185a Flow rate within the range of about 20%. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first outer gas curtain 187a may include a corresponding range of 100% to about 60%, for example, from about 100% to about 80%, of the flow rate of the gas provided from the first elongated gas port 185a . Flow rate. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second inner gas curtain 187d may include 0% (eg, no flow) to about 40%, for example, from about 0% to about 40% of the flow rate of the gas provided from the second elongated gas port 185b . Flow rate within 20%. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second outer gas curtain 187b may include a corresponding range of 100% to about 60%, for example, from about 100% to about 80%, of the flow rate of the gas provided from the second elongated gas port 185b . Flow rate. It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the flow rate of any one or more of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d may be different The case beyond the scope of this disclosure includes other flow rates, including flow rates not explicitly disclosed in this article.

In some embodiments, only the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b may be provided during operation to create a controlled environment, in which the glass ribbon 103 can be isolated from the environmental debris 1002 . In some embodiments, a first outer air curtain 187a , a first inner air curtain 187c , a second outer air curtain 187b, and a second inner air curtain 187d may be provided during operation to generate a controlled environment, which may be The glass ribbon 103 is isolated from at least one of environmental debris 1002 and separation debris 1001 . In some embodiments, the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second outer air curtain 187b may be selectively provided during operation (for example, at least one of continuous, intermittent, periodic, etc.) Any one or more of the second internal air curtain 187d can selectively generate a controlled environment in which the glass ribbon 103 can be isolated from at least one of the environmental debris 1002 and the separation debris 1001 .

As in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, a first outer air curtain air curtain 187a and the second outer major surface 187b of the respective first 103 and 213a of the glass ribbon along the glass ribbon may be of a second main surface 213b 103 Travel along the lateral movement separation path 151 . Therefore, the separated debris 1001 can be entrained in the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b , and the separated debris can quickly pass over the glass sheet 104 , with relatively little time to attach or otherwise contact the glass sheet 104 The first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b . In addition, the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b may generate air barriers that the environmental debris 1002 will not penetrate (for example, an effective cleaning room). In addition, the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b can also carry environmental debris 1002 and separate debris 1001. The two types of debris can then pass over the glass sheet 104 quickly, with relatively little time for attachment or The first main surface 214a and the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 are contacted in other ways, and then deposited in the vacuum port 1011 . In addition, the first external air curtain 187a and the second external air curtain 187b can isolate the glass ribbon 103 from the ambient air and move the separation path 151 laterally to maintain a higher temperature of the glass ribbon 103 , which may be advantageous during some separation processes Therefore, when the glass ribbon 103 is provided at a relatively high temperature, these processes can be better promoted.

As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the first inner and second internal air curtain air curtain 187c 187d may correspond to the first major surface 103 of the glass ribbon along the glass ribbon 213a and the second main surface 213b in the lateral direction 103 The moving separation path 151 travels. Therefore, the separated debris 1001 can be entrained in the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d , and the separated debris can quickly pass over the glass sheet 104 , with relatively little time to attach or otherwise contact the glass sheet 104 The first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b . In addition, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d can generate air barriers that the environmental debris 1002 will not penetrate (for example, an effective clean room). In addition, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d can also carry environmental debris 1002 and separate debris 1001. The two types of debris can then quickly pass over the glass sheet 104 , with relatively little time for attachment or The first main surface 214a and the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 are contacted in other ways, and then deposited in the vacuum port 1011 . In addition, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d can isolate the glass ribbon 103 from the ambient air and move the separation path 151 laterally to maintain a higher temperature of the glass ribbon 103 , which may be advantageous during some separation processes Therefore, when the glass ribbon 103 is provided at a relatively high temperature, these processes can be better promoted.

In addition, in some embodiments, the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d can also carry environmental debris 1002 and separate debris 1001 , which can then cause the two types of debris to quickly pass over the glass ribbon 103 , There is relatively little time to attach or otherwise contact the first main surface 213a and the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 , and then deposit in the corresponding first vacuum 148a and second vacuum 148b . For example, a first upstream portion inside the second inner upstream portion 188c of the first internal air curtain 187c and 187d of the second inner air curtain may travel to 188d in the interior of the glass along the respective first path upstream of the upstream path and the second internal The belt 103 passes over the glass separator 149 on the two main sides. The corresponding first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b can then draw the respective first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d into the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b . In some embodiments, the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b can also combine the gas components from the first outer gas curtain 187a and the second outer gas curtain 187b , for example, which can be at least partially based on natural convection moving in the upstream direction. It is sucked into the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b , thereby entraining and separating at least one of the debris 1001 and the environmental debris 1002 during the process and preventing the contamination of the glass ribbon 103 .

As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, may impact downstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon 103. 213a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 in a first outer air curtain downstream of the first portion 189a 187a of the outer The drawing direction 177 ) The glass separator 149 is installed. In some embodiments, a glass separator 149 may be disposed downstream of the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b where it impacts the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . Further, in some embodiments, the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a may impact the downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain 187b A glass separator 149 is arranged downstream of the second main surface 213b of the impact glass ribbon 103 at 189b . The glass ribbon is hit by at least one of the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a at the downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b The glass separator 149 is arranged downstream of the second main surface 213b of 103 , and the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a is impacted downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 downstream portion 189b and second outer air curtain 187b of the second external impact with the glass of the second major surface 103 so that the glass sheet 213b at the downstream band 103 separated from the glass 104, 187a may be a first and a second outer air curtain external gas At least one of the curtains 187b immediately entrains and separates debris 1001 . The separated debris 1001 entrained in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b may then be sucked into the vacuum port 1011 under the negative pressure applied to the vacuum port 1011 . By entraining the separated debris 1001 in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b and then sucking the separated debris 1001 into the vacuum port 1011 , it can move from the area surrounding the glass ribbon 103 It removes the separated debris 1001 and prevents the separated debris from contacting and adhering to the main surfaces 213a , 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 .

As shown in Figure 11, in some embodiments, the first external impact may be a first outer air curtain downstream portion of the glass ribbon 189a 187a 103 upstream of the first main surface 213a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 The drawing direction 177 ) The glass separator 149 is installed. In some embodiments, a glass separator 149 may be arranged upstream of the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b where it impacts the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . Further, in some embodiments, the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a may impact upstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain 187b A glass separator 149 is arranged upstream of the second main surface 213b of the impact glass ribbon 103 at 189b . The glass ribbon is impacted by at least one of the first external downstream portion 189a of the first external air curtain 187a upstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second external downstream portion 189b of the second external air curtain 187b The glass separator 149 is arranged upstream of the second major surface 213b of the 103 , and the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a is impacted upstream of the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 downstream portion 189b and second outer air curtain 187b of the second external impact with the glass of the second major surface 103 so that the glass sheet 213b at the upstream band 103 separated from the glass 104, 187a may be a first outer and a second outer air curtain gas The horizontally defined area 1212 between the curtains 187b isolates the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 , so as to avoid environmental debris that could contact and adhere to the main surfaces 213a , 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 1002 . As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, at least one of the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a may impact upstream and the second outer air curtain 187b at the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 The second outer downstream portion 189b impacts the upstream placement area 1212 at the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the separation debris 1001 generated in the area 1212 can be removed from the area 1212 under the operation of the vacuum 148 . In addition, the separated debris 1001 may travel downward by gravity and may be entrained in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b . The separated debris 1001 entrained in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer air curtain 187b may then be sucked into the vacuum port 1011 under the negative pressure applied to the vacuum port 1011 .

As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, glass may impact downstream portion 189c of the first interior of the first air curtain 187c inside the belt 213 a of the first main surface 103 of the downstream (e.g., as in FIG. 2 Show the drawing direction 177 ) Install a glass separator 149 . In some embodiments, a glass separator 149 may be disposed downstream of the second inner downstream portion 189d of the second inner air curtain 187d that impacts the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the first inner downstream portion 189c of the first inner air curtain 187c may impact the glass ribbon 103 downstream of the first main surface 213a and the second inner downstream portion 189d of the second inner air curtain 187d may impact the glass A glass separator 149 is arranged downstream of the second main surface 213b of the belt 103 . With the first interior downstream portion 187c of the first internal air curtain is at least one impact with downstream glass 189c and a second inner air curtain at the first main surface 213a 103 187d of the downstream portion of the second inner glass ribbon 189d impact A glass separator 149 is arranged downstream of the second main surface 213b of 103 , and the first inner downstream portion 189c of the first inner air curtain 187c is impacted downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and second internal downstream portion 189d of the second inner air curtain 187d of the impact with the second major surface of the glass 103 so that the glass sheet 213b at the downstream band 103 separated from the glass 104, 187c may be a first inner air curtain and the second internal gas At least one of the curtains 187d immediately entrains and separates debris 1001 . The separated debris 1001 entrained in at least one of the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d can then be sucked into the vacuum port 1011 having a negative pressure applied to the vacuum port 1011 and the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum. At least one of the vacuum 148b . By entraining the separated debris 1001 in at least one of the first inner air curtain 187c and the second inner air curtain 187d , and then sucking the separated debris 1001 into the vacuum port 1011 and the first vacuum 148a and the second vacuum 148b In at least one, the separated debris 1001 can be removed from the area surrounding the glass ribbon 103 and can prevent the separated debris from contacting and adhering to the main surfaces 213a , 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 .

As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the first external impact may be a first outer air curtain downstream portion of the glass ribbon 189a 187a 103 upstream of the first main surface 213a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 The drawing direction 177 ) and the first inner downstream portion 189c of the first inner air curtain 187c impacts the glass separator 149 downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b can impact the glass at the upstream of the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the second inner downstream portion 189d of the second inner air curtain 187d can impact the glass A glass separator 149 is arranged downstream of the second main surface 213b of the belt 103 . In some embodiments, the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a can impact the glass at the upstream of the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b can impact the glass The upstream of the second main surface 213b of the ribbon 103 and the first internal downstream portion 189c of the first internal air curtain 187c impact the downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second internal downstream of the second internal air curtain 187d The part 189d impacts the glass separator 149 downstream of the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 .

In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 can be isolated in an area 1212 defined laterally between the first external air curtain 187a and the second external air curtain 187b , so as to prevent the glass ribbon 103 from contacting and sticking to the glass ribbon 103 . Environmental debris 1002 on the main surfaces 213a , 213b and the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . For example, in some embodiments, the upstream and second outer air curtains at the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 can be impacted by the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a in the region 1212 the second outer downstream portion 189b 187b of the main shock of the glass ribbon surface 103 of the second 213b disposed at the upstream of the separator 149 to the glass spacer 103 and the glass 104 with glass. Further, by the impact of the first interior downstream portion 189c of the first internal air curtain downstream portion 187c of the glass ribbon 189d and the second internal downstream second inner air curtain 103 at 187d of the first main surface 213a in the region 1212 A glass separator 149 is arranged downstream of the second main surface 213b of the impact glass ribbon 103 to isolate the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 . Therefore, the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a impacts the upstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b impacts the glass ribbon 103 The upstream of the second main surface 213b and the first inner downstream portion 189c of the first inner air curtain 187c impact the downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second inner downstream portion 189d of the second inner air curtain 187d . downstream of the glass ribbon at the second main surface 213b so that the glass sheet 103 and 104 separated from the glass ribbon 103, 1212 may be isolated in the region of the glass ribbon and the glass sheet 103 and the environment 104 so as to avoid separation of debris and 1002 of at least a debris 1001者contact.

Similarly, the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 can be isolated in the region 1212 defined laterally between the first internal air curtain 187c and the second internal air curtain 187d , so as to prevent the glass ribbon 103 from contacting and adhering to the main surface 213a , 213b and at least one of environmental debris 1002 and separation debris 1001 on the main surfaces 214a and 214b of the glass sheet 104 . As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, at least one of the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a may impact upstream and the second outer air curtain 187b at the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 The second outer downstream portion 189b impacts the upstream placement area 1212 at the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, at least one of the first inner downstream portion 189c of the first inner air curtain 187c may impact upstream of the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second inner downstream of the second inner air curtain 187d The portion 189d impacts the upstream placement area 1212 at the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 .

Therefore, in some embodiments, a glass separator 149 may be placed between the first outer air curtain 187a and the first inner air curtain 187c facing the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 , and the second outer air curtain may be A glass separator 149 is arranged between 187b and the second inner air curtain 187d facing the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 . A first outer air curtain 187a, a first inner air curtain 187c, 187b and a second outer air curtain air curtain second inner confinement glass 187d may thus splitter 149 and the belt 103 in contact with the glass and adhesion to the glass master 103 with the At least one of the separated debris 1001 and the environmental debris 1002 on the surfaces 213a and 213b is isolated. In some embodiments, for example, a vacuum 148 (e.g., a first vacuum 148a, 148b of the second vacuum) under the operation, the separation of debris may be removed in the region of 1212 1001 is generated 1212 from the region. In addition, the separated debris 1001 can be moved downward by gravity and can be carried in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d . The separation entrained in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d can then be broken under the negative pressure applied to the vacuum port 1011 The debris 1001 is sucked into the vacuum port 1011 .

As further shown, the glass processing apparatus 100 may include an optional gas distributor 1200 that includes a gas outlet 1202 that is oriented to distribute the gas flow 1205 along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 . May be a glass former 140 downstream (e.g., the direction of draw 177 shown in the FIG. 2) and the separator 149 upstream of glass (e.g., the direction of draw 177) disposed gas outlet 1202. In some embodiments, the gas outlet 1202 may be oriented to distribute the air flow 1205 along the entire width of the drawing plane 181 along the drawing plane 181 (eg, along the entire width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 ). In some embodiments, the gas outlet 1202 may be oriented to distribute the gas flow 1205 along the drawing plane 181 to surround the drawing plane 181 (eg, to surround the glass ribbon 103 ). As in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14, the gas distributor 1200 can be drawn around the plane 181 (e.g., around the glass ribbon 103) and a gas distributor disposed laterally between the first flap and the second flap 1005a 1005b 1200 gas outlet 1202 . Like the gas provided to the first outer gas curtain 187a and the second outer gas curtain 187b , the gas provided to the gas distributor 1200 can be filtered and any contaminants can be removed.

The gas distributor 1200 can remove debris, including separated debris 1001 and any environmental debris 1002 , which can penetrate the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , and the second outer air curtain from the area 1212 Any one or more of 187b and the second inner air curtain 187d . As shown in the figure, the gas distributor 1200 can distribute the air flow 1205 along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 . In some embodiments, the airflow 1205 may extend along the entire width “ W ” of the glass ribbon 103 , and in some embodiments, the airflow 1205 may surround the drawing plane 181 and may surround the glass ribbon 103 . It should be understood that the gas outlet 1202 of the gas distributor 1200 may include any one or more nozzles, ports, ejectors, etc., which may be oriented individually or in combination to distribute the air flow 1205 along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 . . In some embodiments, the gas outlet 1202 may include any one or more of a continuous elongated slot and a plurality of elongated slots, these elongated slots are oriented to distribute along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 Airflow 1205 . In some embodiments, the gas distributor may be made without air rinse zone in the region of 1212 1212 case where no such particles are recycled. In addition, the gas distributor 1200 can be selectively operated to remove debris from the area 1212 at the beginning of the glass manufacturing process, periodically throughout the glass manufacturing process, and at the end of the glass manufacturing process.

As indicated by arrow 1301 in FIG. 15 as indicated by the glass processing apparatus 100 also includes a washer 1303, this may have been washed with 103 separated from the glass after the glass sheet 104 outer portion 159 and / or the glass sheet 104 has central receiving the glass sheet 104 relatively quickly after separating portion 161, as described above with reference to FIG. 1 discussed. In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may be quickly moved between the separation station (for example, the glass separator 149 ) and the washing station (for example, the washer 1303 ). As discussed above, moving the glass sheet 104 relatively quickly from the glass separator 149 to be received by the scrubber 1303 can help prevent debris (eg, glass shards, particles, etc.) from adhering to the original major surface (eg, the first glass sheet 104 ). A major surface 214a and a second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 ). In fact, the main surface of the glass sheet 104 at the time chips 214a, 214b are formed glass sheet 104 falls rapidly during the separation step prior to the effective removal of bonding the main surface 214a, the debris 214b. In some embodiments, relatively rapid movement of the glass sheet 104 (1321 represented by FIG. 1 and the traveling direction in FIG. 15) may involve from about 1 second to about 20 seconds (such as from about 1 second to about 15 seconds) The time elapses from the time the glass sheet 104 leaves the separation station until the glass sheet 104 starts to be received by the scrubber 1303 .

The scrubber 1303 may include a housing 1305 and a first liquid distributor 1307 (for example, a plurality of first liquid distributors 1307 ), and the first liquid distributor includes a first liquid nozzle 1309 (for example, a plurality of first liquid nozzles 1309 ) The first liquid nozzle is oriented to dispense liquid against the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . Although not shown, the exemplary washing 1303 abut the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 and a liquid dispensing both the second main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214b. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the description of the unilateral allocation should not limit the scope of the patent application attached to this case, because the description is implemented for the purpose of visual clarity. As shown in the figure, the first liquid nozzle 1309 can rotate around the rotation axis as appropriate, as indicated by the rotation arrow 1311 . In some embodiments (not shown), the first liquid nozzle 1309 may be fixed and non-rotating. Suitable nozzles may include any one or more of cone nozzles, flat nozzles, solid stream nozzles, hollow cone nozzles, fine atomization nozzles, oval nozzles, square nozzles, and the like. In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a flow rate of from about 0.25 to about 2500 gallons per minute (gpm) operating at a pressure of from about 0 psi to about 4000 psi. In some embodiments, other nozzle types and designs may be provided, including nozzles not explicitly disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the beam may be substantially surrounded by a housing 1305, but the first side wall 15 has been removed to reveal features of FIG 1305 of the inner housing. In some embodiments, the housing 1305 may include a partition 1313 that divides the interior of the housing 1305 into a first area 1315a and a second area 1315b . The second area 1315b may be disposed downstream of the first area 1315a (for example, along the travel direction 1321 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first area 1315a may include a first liquid distributor 1307 . A discharge port 1316 may be provided to remove the liquid with any debris from the washing process in the first region 1315a . A vent 1318 may also be provided to prevent pressure buildup and allow vapor and/or gas to escape from the first region 1315a of the housing 1305 . As shown, the exemplary embodiment can process the glass sheet 104 in a vertical orientation. Appropriate mechanisms for this vertical orientation and movement are described in U.S. Application No. 62/066,656, which was filed on October 21, 2014, and the same in application. The entire content of the above U.S. application is incorporated herein by reference. .

As shown in the figure, the scrubber 1303 may further include an air knife 1317 disposed downstream of the first liquid distributor 1307 (for example, along the traveling direction 1321 ) (such as in the second region 1315b of the housing 1305 ). The air knife 1317 may include a gas nozzle 1319 (e.g., an elongated nozzle) that is oriented to extend along the entire length " L " of the glass sheet 104 and is oriented to distribute the gas against the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 Liquid is removed from the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . The air knife 1317 can be oriented at a first angle " A1 " relative to the traveling direction 1321 of the glass sheet 104 passing through the scrubber 1303 . In some embodiments, the first angle " A1 " may be about 90° (for example, vertical), about 45°, from about 45° to about 90°, for example, from about 60° to about 85°, for example, from about 70° ° to about 80°, and all ranges and subranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the first angle " A1 " may be about 135 °, from about 90° to about 135 °, for example from about 95° to about 120°, for example from about 100° to about 110°, and two numbers All ranges and sub-ranges between. Air knife 1317 may be designed to abut the main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214a, 214b to the gas distribution from the main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214a, 214b to remove the liquid. Suitable gases include but are not limited to air, nitrogen, low-humidity gases and the like.

As further illustrated, the second area 1315b may optionally include a second liquid distributor 1323 , the second liquid distributor including a second liquid nozzle 1327 , the second liquid nozzle is oriented to be upstream of the air knife 1317 (for example, along the direction of travel 1321 ) At the position of washing the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the second liquid distributor 1323 may include a liquid flow of lower pressure when compared to the pressure of the liquid flow generated by the first liquid distributor 1307 in the first region 1315a . Indeed, a second lower pressure liquid stream of the dispenser 1323 may be a main surface of the glass sheet 104. influx 214a, 214b to remove any cleaning agent, chemicals, debris or other impurities remain on the glass sheet 104. As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the deflection plate 1325 may be disposed downstream of the second liquid distributor 1323 (for example, in the direction of travel 1321 ) and upstream of the air knife 1317 . The deflection plate 1325 may be oriented to direct a certain amount of liquid from the second liquid distributor 1323 away from the air knife 1317 . As shown in the figure, the deflection plate 1325 (such as a wiper blade) can be oriented at a second angle " A2 " with respect to the traveling direction 1321 of the glass sheet 104 through the washer 1303 . As shown in the figure, the first angle " A1 " and the second angle " A2 " can be substantially equal to each other; however, unless otherwise instructed, this description should not limit the scope of the patent application accompanying this case, because in some In the embodiment, different angles (inclined to the direction of travel, acute angles, etc.) can be provided. In addition, as shown in the figure, the second liquid distributor 1323 may also optionally include a second liquid nozzle 1327 (for example, an elongated liquid nozzle), which passes through the direction of travel 1321 of the washer 1303 relative to the glass sheet 104 . The deflection plate 1325 and the air knife 1317 are oriented at a similar or same angle. The deflection plate 1325 can guide the liquid from the second liquid distributor 1323 downward and away from the air knife 1317 , thereby reducing the amount of liquid that the air knife 1317 needs to remove from the glass sheet 104 .

Although FIG. 15 illustrates a characteristic effect of 214a, 214b of a single person, to be understood that the main surface of the glass sheet 104, may provide the same or similar features to the first glass sheet was washed thoroughly on both sides of the glass sheet 104 104 Both the main surface 214 a and the second main surface 214 b of the glass sheet 104 . Thus, left side perspective view of the washer 1303 may be a mirror image of the right side 1303 of the perspective view illustrated in FIG. 15 of the scrubber, and to make the above discussion and FIG. 15 is depicted for visual clarity purposes.

As indicated by arrow 1401 in FIG. 15 as indicated, may be as shown in Figure 16 followed by the coating application chamber 1403 leaving a clean and dry glass scrubber 104 1303 104 to protect the clean glass surface 214a of the main , 214b . Alternatively, as indicated by arrows 1402 in FIG. 15 as indicated, may comprise subsequently by FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 of the coating chamber shown in the exemplary embodiment 1403 of the surface of the device applying a protective sheet leaves scrubber 1303 The clean and dry glass sheet 104 protects the clean main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the coating chamber 1403 may be provided alone or in combination with any one or more of the features of the mist chamber 1453 , the plasma deposition chamber, or other suitable coating chambers to provide paint to coat the glass sheet 104 At least one of the first main surface 214a and the second main surface 214b .

Figure 16 a schematic perspective view of a glass-based processing apparatus 100 of the coating station of the coating. Referring to Figure 16, although showing only one side of the glass sheet 104 is coated, it is to be understood that both sides of the coated glass sheet 104 to protect the glass sheet 104 and 214a of the first major surface of the glass sheet 104 Both main surfaces 214b . Thus, left side perspective view of the coating chamber 1403 shown in FIG. 16 may be a right side perspective view of the coating chamber 1403 of the mirror. The coating chamber 1403 may be provided with a vent or exhaust pipe to evacuate multiple parts or all of the coating chamber 1403 . As shown, the exemplary embodiment can process the glass sheet 104 in a vertical orientation. Appropriate mechanisms for this vertical orientation and its movement are described in U.S. Application No. 62/066,656, which was filed on October 21, 2014. The entire content of the above U.S. application is incorporated by reference. This article.

As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the coating chamber 1403 may include a dispensing port 1405 (e.g., a plurality of distribution ports 1405), such as an atomizing nozzle, the dispensing port located on the side of the glass sheet or two 104 On the side, it is oriented to dispense paint on the major surfaces of the glass sheet 104 (eg, the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b ). In some embodiments, a first plurality of distribution ports 1405 and a second plurality of distribution ports 1405 may be provided. Each of the first plurality of distribution ports may be oriented to distribute paint on the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 and each of the second plurality of distribution ports may be oriented to distribute the paint on the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 Dispense paint. Although not required, any one or more of the distribution ports 1405 may include a plasma deposition port, which is oriented to distribute plasma to coat one of the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 or Both. The coating on the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 may include a polymer that can be easily removed during the downstream process discussed below. In some embodiments, the paint may provide a protective layer on at least one of the major surfaces 214a and 214b of the glass sheet 104 .

In some embodiments, hydrocarbon precursors may be used for coatings, such coatings are resistant to temperatures greater than 400°C. Functional groups are added on top of the hydrocarbon coating via working gas or by additional precursors, so that exemplary hydrocarbon coatings can have a tunable surface energy spectrum from 30 mJ/m ² to 75 mJ/m ² . In some embodiments, an organometallic coating may be deposited, which can withstand temperatures higher than 400°C. In yet additional embodiments, a combination of hydrocarbon and organosilicon precursors can be used for the coating. Such coatings can withstand temperatures greater than 400° C. and have a tunable surface energy between 30 and 75 mJ/m ² . In some embodiments, the surface energy can also be controlled by adding other functional groups to the organometallic coating or by controlling the coating (top) composition or porosity, such as but not limited to amine groups. , Hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups.

The terms "plasma", "atmospheric pressure plasma" and their variations as used herein are intended to mean gas passing through a high-frequency electric field. Encountering an electromagnetic field produces ionization of gas atoms and releases electrons, thereby accelerating to high speed and therefore high kinetic energy. Some of the high-speed electrons ionize other atoms by colliding with the outermost electrons, and their free electrons can then generate additional ionization, causing a cascade ionization effect. The resulting plasma can flow in a stream and can project high-energy particles captured in the stream toward an object (for example, the glass sheet 104 ).

In various embodiments, the plasma may be atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma and thermal or non-thermal plasma. For example, the temperature of the plasma may range from room temperature (for example, about 25°C) to higher temperatures, such as up to about 300°C. By way of non-limiting example, the temperature of the plasma may range from about 25°C to about 300°C, such as from about 50°C to about 250°C, or from about 100°C to about 200°C, including between the two numbers. All ranges and sub-ranges. The plasma may include at least one gas selected from the group consisting of argon, helium, nitrogen, air, hydrogen, water vapor, and mixtures thereof, to name a few. According to some embodiments, argon gas may be used as the plasma gas.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the plasma may also include at least one hydrocarbon, which may exist in the form of a gas. Suitable hydrocarbons may include, but are not limited to, C ₁ -C ₁₂ hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, ten Dioxane and the above combinations are just a few examples. According to various embodiments, volatile hydrocarbons having a low boiling point (for example, less than 100° C.), such as C ₁ -C ₆ hydrocarbons, may be used. In still further embodiments, the hydrocarbon may be methane or ethane. The plasma may include, for example, from about 1 vol% to about 20 vol% of at least one hydrocarbon, such as from about 2 vol% to about 18 vol%, from about 3 vol% to about 15 vol%, from about 4 vol% to about 12% by volume, from about 5% by volume to about 10% by volume, or from about 6% by volume to about 8% by volume, including all ranges and subranges between the two numbers.

Any suitable means known in the art can be used to achieve the contact between the plasma and the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104. For example, any number of plasma jets, nozzles or blowtorches can be used to scan the main surface of the glass sheet 104 . Surfaces 214a , 214b . The scanning speed can be changed as needed to achieve the desired coating density and/or efficiency for a particular application. For example, the scanning speed may range from about 5 mm/s to about 100 mm/s, such as from about 10 mm/s to about 75 mm/s, from about 25 mm/s to about 60 mm/s, Or from about 40 mm/s to about 50 mm/s, including all ranges and sub-ranges between the two numbers

The residence time (for example, the time period during which the plasma contacts the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 ) may also vary depending on the scanning speed and the desired coating properties. By way of non-limiting example, the residence time can range from less than one second to several minutes, such as from about 1 second to about 10 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 9 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 8 minutes, from About 2 minutes to about 7 minutes, from about 3 minutes to about 6 minutes, or from about 4 minutes to about 5 minutes, including all ranges and subranges between the two numbers. In various embodiments, the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 can be in contact with the plasma in a single execution, or in some embodiments, multiple executions, such as 2 or more executions, 3 times Or more executions, 4 or more executions, 5 or more executions, 10 or more executions, 20 or more executions, etc.

As depicted in Figure 16, after contact with the plasma, the main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214a, 214b may be coated with at least a portion of the hydrocarbon layer are exemplary. In some embodiments, the entire main surface 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 may be coated with a hydrocarbon layer. In some embodiments, desired portions of the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 can be coated, such as, for example, the edge or periphery, the central area, or any other areas or patterns of the glass sheet 104 as needed. In various embodiments, the coated portions of the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 may have a total surface energy of less than about 50 mJ/m ² , such as less than about 45 mJ/m ² and less than about 40 mJ/m ² , Less than about 35 mJ/m ² , less than about 30 mJ/m ² , or less than about 25 mJ/m ² , including all ranges and sub-ranges between the two numbers. The polar surface energy can be, for example, less than about 15 mJ/m ² , such as less than about 10, less than about 9 mJ/m ² , less than about 8 mJ/m ² , less than about 7 mJ/m ² , less than about 6 mJ/m ² , Less than about 5 mJ/m ² , less than about 4 mJ/m ² , less than about 3 mJ/m ² , less than about 2 mJ/m ² , or less than about 1 mJ/m ² , including all ranges between the two numbers and Sub-range. In certain embodiments, the dispersion energy of the coated portion may be greater than about 25 mJ/m ² , such as greater than about 30 mJ/m ² , greater than about 35 mJ/m ² , or greater than about 40 mJ/m ² , including two All ranges and subranges between numbers.

According to various embodiments, after contact with the plasma, the coated portions of the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 may have a contact angle ranging from about 20 degrees to about 95 degrees, such as from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees. , From about 40 degrees to about 85 degrees, from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees, or from about 60 degrees to about 70 degrees, including all ranges and sub-ranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon layer may also be removed from the glass sheet 104 as needed (for example, before the finishing glass sheet 104 is applied for the end use). As discussed above with respect to the methods disclosed herein, wet and/or dry cleaning methods can be used to remove the hydrocarbon layer. After cleaning, the contact angle (for example, as low as 0 degrees) of the previously coated main surfaces 214a and 214b of the glass sheet 104 can be greatly reduced. For example, the contact angle during coating can be as high as 95 degrees, and after cleaning, the contact angle can be less than 20 degrees, such as less than 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, less than 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, or less than 1 degree, including all ranges and sub-ranges between two numbers.

FIG 17 based on a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the device surface protective glass coating chamber processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment 1403 of the sheet, and the first line in FIG. 18 along the line 17 of FIG. 15-- application chamber 15 Cross-sectional view of 1403 . As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, exemplary non-limiting coating chamber 1403 may include a spray chamber 1453, this mist chamber may include one or more housing (e.g., the first and the second cover 1451 At least one of the outer covers 1452 ). The coating chamber 1403 may also include a mist generator (for example, a first mist generator 1461 , a second mist generator 1462 ) to provide mist (schematically illustrated as mist 1463 and mist 1464 ) to the outer cover (for example, separate The first outer cover 1451 and the separate second outer cover 1452 ). In some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 may include passages (for example, the first opening 1457 , the second opening 1458 ) in the outer cover (for example, the respective first outer cover 1451 and the respective second outer cover 1452 ), and the mist may go from there The channel leaves the outer cover to contact at least one major surface 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the mist may be condensed in at least one major surface of the glass sheet 104. 214a, the 214b, and the haze of a coating deposited onto the at least one glass sheet 104 main surface 214a, on 214b.

In some embodiments, only a single housing may be provided, and in some embodiments, more than one housing may be provided. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the drawings should not limit the scope of the patent application attached to this article. In some embodiments, the glass processing equipment 100 may include a mist chamber 1453 , which includes at least one of a first outer cover 1451 and a second outer cover 1452 , a first mist generator 1461 that provides mist 1463 to the first outer cover 1451 , and At least one of the mist 1464 to the second mist generator 1462 of the second outer cover 1452 is provided. Mist chamber 1453 may include a first housing 1451 in a first channel (e.g., first opening 1457) and a second housing 1452 in a second channel (e.g., the second opening 1458) of the at least one mist of self-1463 A passage leaves the first outer cover 1451 to contact the first main surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 , and the mist 1464 can leave the second outer cover 1452 from the second passage to contact the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the first channel (for example, the first opening 1457 ) may face this channel (for example, the second opening 1458 ). In some embodiments, the first channel (for example, the first opening 1457 ) may be spaced apart from the second channel (for example, the second opening 1458 ) by a predetermined distance 1459 . The predetermined distance 1459 may define a travel path 1481 of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the travel path 1481 may extend laterally between the first channel and the second channel along the first channel and the second channel. Therefore, in some embodiments, the predetermined distance 1459 between the first channel and the second channel may be selected to provide an area between the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 , and the glass sheet 104 may be placed in this area. Exposure to fog.

It should be understood that the mist chamber 1453 including the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 may include any shape and structure. Therefore, although the fog chamber 1453 including the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 is illustrated as a rectangular outer cover (for example, a box), unless otherwise indicated, this drawing should not limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the location where the mist chamber 1453 can be placed and used may include other components. Therefore, in some embodiments, the position, shape, structure, etc. (including any components in the environment) of the environment where the mist chamber 1453 is used can at least partially control the shapes of the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 . In some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the mist chamber 1453 including the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 can be constructed with any one or more shapes and features, and includes these shapes and features . Additionally, it should be understood that in some embodiments, a single mist generator may be provided. For example, a single mist generator can provide mist, and the mist can be delivered (for example, via pipelines, pipes, conduits, etc.) to the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 of the mist chamber 1453 . Similarly, in some embodiments, a plurality of mist generators may be provided to generate mist, and the mist may be transported (for example, via pipelines, pipes, ducts, etc.) to the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 of the mist chamber 1453 . In some embodiments, one or more may be disposed mist generator 1451 in the first housing and the second housing 1452 to provide at least one of the mist in the first housing 1451 and the second housing 1452 is at least one, There is no need to use pipelines, pipes, conduits, etc. to transport mist.

In some embodiments, the mist generator may include any one or more of an ultrasonic mist generator, an atomizer mist generator, an ultrasonic or pneumatic atomizer, an airless atomizer, and any other device that generates mist . For example, in some embodiments, the mist generator may include a Prototype Vicks ultrasonic mist generator, a Mainland Mart ultrasonic mist generator, a TSI atomizer sprayer, and an atomic layer deposition or aerosol coating system purchased from Beneq Any one or more of them. In some embodiments, the mist generator may include a mist system manufactured by Atomizing Systems Inc., and this mist system may include any one or more of a pump, a motor, a water filter, a control panel, a nozzle, and a pipe. In some embodiments, the Atomizing Systems mist system can operate at an adjustable working pressure between about 400 psi and about 3200 psi. In some embodiments, the mist system may include any one or more nozzles with orifices ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm and from about 0.01 gallons per minute at 1000 psi (gallons per minute; gpm) to about 0.12 gpm; for example, the orifice is about 0.11mm (about 0.014 gpm to about 0.017 gpm), about 0.13 mm (about 0.020 gpm), about 0.14 mm (about 0.025 gpm), about 0.15 mm ( About 0.026 gpm), about 0.20 mm (about 0.046 gpm), about 0.25 mm (about 0.072 gpm), about 0.30 mm (about 0.092 gpm), and about 0.38 mm (0.120 gpm). In some embodiments, the mist system may include a nozzle that includes a stainless steel body with a ruby orifice, an impact pin, and a polypropylene filter to avoid trapping particles in the base of the nozzle. A high-pressure liquid can then be provided to the nozzle, where the fine liquid ejector is fired against the impact pin to generate mist. Non-limiting examples of nozzles may include ASI-4R, ASI-45R, ASI-5R, ASI-55R, ASI-6R, ASI-8R, ASI-10R, ASI-12R, and ASI-15R. In some embodiments, the mist generator may include a mist system manufactured by Mee Industries, Inc., which may include a MeeFog brand impact pin spray nozzle, which includes a 150 micron diameter opening and generates at an operating pressure of about 2000 psi fog. In some embodiments, other fog systems not explicitly disclosed herein can be used.

In some embodiments, the mist generator may be operated periodically to provide mist (for example, when the glass sheet 104 is provided in the mist chamber 1453 ) or continuously operated to provide mist (for example, whether or not glass is provided in the mist chamber 1453) . Sheet 104 to maintain the fog in the fog chamber 1453 ). In some embodiments, continuously providing mist in the mist chamber 1453 may provide a more uniform and consistent mist, which may better coat the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 than, for example, providing mist periodically or intermittently. Alternatively, in some embodiments, periodic provision of mist alone or in combination with continuous provision of mist may facilitate, for example, adding additional mist to mist chamber 1453 , displacing mist that has been exhausted from mist chamber 1453 , and leaving mist in mist chamber 1453. Internal circulation and redistribution to provide uniform and continuous fog in the fog chamber 1453 .

In some embodiments, the mist can apply a mist coating chemical to the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the mist may provide a mist coating chemical to provide a coating that includes wettability (eg, the contact angle where the liquid-vapor interface meets one of the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 ) The contact angle is about 30° to about 60°, for example, about 45° to about 60°, for example, about 55° to about 60°, including all ranges and sub-ranges between the two numbers. In some embodiments, the chemical fog coating adhesion of contaminants can be reduced (e.g., environmental debris separating debris 1001 and 1002 of at least one) to the main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214a, 214b, and the protective glass 104 to avoid Scratches and crumbs. In some embodiments, the mist coating chemicals can collect debris (for example, at least one of environmental debris 1002 and separation debris 1001 ), prevent the debris from contacting the glass surface, and can be subsequently washed from the glass sheet by, for example, 104 Remove debris. In some embodiments, the mist coating chemistry may include a single-layer or multi-layer coating, which may be deposited on the major surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . The mist may include various chemical components and compounds. Unless otherwise indicated, the specific composition of these chemical components and compounds is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the mist may include at least one hydrocarbon, which may exist in the form of a gas. Suitable hydrocarbons may include, but are not limited to, C ₁ -C ₁₂ hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, ten Dioxane and the above combinations are just a few examples. According to various embodiments, volatile hydrocarbons having a low boiling point (for example, less than 100° C.), such as C ₁ -C ₆ hydrocarbons, may be used. In still further embodiments, the hydrocarbon may be methane or ethane. The plasma may include, for example, from about 1 vol% to about 20 vol% of at least one hydrocarbon, such as from about 2 vol% to about 18 vol%, from about 3 vol% to about 15 vol%, from about 4 vol% to about 12% by volume, from about 5% by volume to about 10% by volume, or from about 6% by volume to about 8% by volume, including all ranges and subranges between the two numbers. In addition, in some embodiments, the mist may include particles, such particles including a particle size (eg, droplet size) of about 5 μm to about 15 μm, for example, about 10 μm to about 15 μm, for example, about 10 μm to about 12 μm. μm, including all ranges and sub-ranges between two numbers. In some embodiments, mist including particle sizes within these ranges may provide a better quality (eg, more uniformly distributed) surface coating than mist including, for example, particle sizes outside these ranges. However, in some embodiments, a mist having particles of any particle size may be provided, including particle sizes not explicitly disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, one or more fans (for example, the first fan 1495 , the second fan 1496 ) may be provided to circulate the mist in at least one of the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 . In some embodiments, for example, the first fan 1495 and the second fan 1496 can redistribute particles having at least one of different sizes and weights, and these particles can originally develop in the fog chamber 1453 based on the gravity acting on the fog Uneven fog distribution. For example, in some embodiments, larger and heavier mist particles can settle toward the bottom of the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 based on gravity, and the first fan 1495 and the second fan 1496 can be operated to face The tops of the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 redistribute larger and heavier mist particles to offset the gravity. In some embodiments, providing mist having a uniform distribution of particles can produce a mist coating of better quality on the glass sheet 104 than, for example, providing mist having an uneven distribution of particles.

As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, processing device 100 may comprise a glass conveyor 1480, the conveyor defining a first channel (e.g., first opening 1457) and the second channel (e.g., the second opening 1458 ) At least one of the extended travel paths 1481 . In some embodiments, the conveyor 1480 may be oriented to move the glass sheet 104 laterally along the travel path 1481 . For example, in some embodiments, the conveyor 1480 may include a pulley system, a track, or a conveyor belt, and the bracket 1483 and the clip 1482 may be connected to the conveyor belt. Clip 1482 may be held in the glass sheet 104 can be directed from the suspended glass sheet conveyor 104 1480, 1481 so that the glass sheet 104 can travel through the mist chamber 1453 along the path of travel. In some embodiments, the conveyor 1480 may be oriented to move the glass sheet 104 laterally along the travel path 1481 between the first channel and the second channel. In some embodiments, when the glass sheet 104 travels along the travel path 1481 , the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 may face the first channel (for example, the first opening 1457 ) of the first outer cover 1451 and the first main surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 The two main surfaces 214b may face the second passage (for example, the second opening 1458 ) of the second housing 1452 .

In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, the height H1 of the first passage (for example, the first opening 1457 ) and the second passage (for example, the second opening 1458 ) may be higher than the first outer cover 1451 (or the second outer cover 1452 ) It extends between the inner surface of the top wall and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the first outer cover 1451 (or second outer cover). In some embodiments, the height H1 of the first channel (for example, the first opening 1457 ) and the second channel (for example, the second opening 1458 ) may be greater than the height H2 of the glass sheet 104 . Therefore, in some embodiments, when the glass sheet 104 travels along the travel path 1481 , the entire height H2 of the first main surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 may face the first channel of the first housing 1451 and the second main surface of the glass sheet 104 The entire height H2 of the surface 214b may face the second passage of the second outer cover 1452 . When the glass sheet 104 travels along the travel path 1481 , the entire first main surface 214a and the second main surface 214b can be exposed (for example, uniformly exposed) away from the respective first channels (for example, the first opening 1457 ) and the second Channel (for example, second opening 1458 ) in the mist.

In some embodiments, the width W1 of the first opening 1457 may be smaller than the width W2 of the glass sheet 104 , but in further embodiments, the width W1 may be equal to or greater than the width W2 of the glass sheet 104 . When the glass sheet 104 travels along the travel path 1481 , the entire width W2 of the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 may eventually face the respective openings 1457 , 1458 , respectively. Thus, although the opening 1457, the width W1 1458 may be less than the width W2 of the glass sheet 104, but the main surface of the glass sheet 104 can 214a, of the whole width W2 214b exposed to the fog 1463, 1464.

In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may travel through the fog chamber 1453 along the travel path 1481 once (eg, a single execution). In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may travel along the travel path 1481 through the mist chamber 1453 multiple times (eg, multiple executions). In some embodiments, the glass sheet along the path of travel 104 1481 1481 forward and backward along the travel path (e.g., in the opposite direction) of travel through the at least one spray chamber 1453. In some embodiments, the glass sheet can be placed (eg, manually placed) into the fog chamber 1453 . In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 can be held in a stationary position (for example, without moving laterally along the travel path 1481 ), while the fog condenses on at least one major surface 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the conveyor 1480 can provide the glass sheet 104 to the fog chamber 1453 , where the glass sheet 104 can be exposed to the fog, and then the conveyor 1480 can transport the glass sheet 104 from the fog chamber 1453 , where the fog The coating chemical is applied to the glass sheet 104 .

For the purpose of describing the fog chamber 1453 , if the occupied area of the main surface area protruding away from the main surface in the direction perpendicular to the main surface passes through the channel, the area of the main surface of the glass sheet is regarded as "facing" the channel. Region of the first main surface 214a of the first opening 1457 of FIG. 18 illustrates the fog to be exposed to the first face 1463 of the housing 1451. In fact, in the region of the first main surface facing away from the vertical projection 214a of the first main surface 214a in the direction of the first main surface 214a of the occupied area 1457 through the first opening. Likewise, in a similar manner, the area of the second main surface 214b may face the second opening 1458 in the second outer cover 1452 to be exposed to the mist 1464 .

In some embodiments, along the broken line 15A - 15A of segments (i.e., opposite to the first section 15 in FIG. 17 - A 15) may be presented as a mirror image 18 of FIG. Therefore, in some embodiments, the feature (eg, size) of the first channel (eg, first opening 1457 ) may be the same as the feature (eg, size) of the second channel (eg, second opening 1458 ). Therefore, although Fig . 18 illustrates an embodiment in which only a single side of the glass sheet 104 (for example, the first main surface 214a ) is coated with fog, the mirror image of Fig . 18 along the line 15A - 15A of Fig . 17 can represent Embodiments in which both the first main surface 214a and the second main surface 214b are simultaneously coated with mist 1463 and 1464 passing through the respective channels, for example to protect the first main surface 214a and the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 Both.

In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of the first opening 1457 and/or the second opening 1458 , the passage of the mist chamber 1453 may optionally include a slot nozzle 1490 , which is arranged in the first opening along the travel path 1481 . An opening 1457 upstream or downstream. For example, as shown, in one embodiment, with respect to the glass sheet may be disposed upstream of the first opening of the slot nozzle 14901457, wherein a direction of travel 1402 through the inlet 1471 will be the first to meet the groove 18 as in FIG. Slit nozzle 1490 , then encounter first opening 1457 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the passage of the mist chamber 1453 may include a slot nozzle 1490 disposed upstream or downstream of the second opening 1458 along the travel path 1481 . For example, when a cross-sectional view along line 17 of FIG. 15A - 15A when the view, of FIG. 18 may represent a mirror 1458 with respect to a second opening disposed upstream of the nozzle slot 1490, 1402 wherein the direction of travel through the glass inlet 1471 The sheet 104 will first encounter the slot nozzle 1490 and then the second opening 1458 .

As shown in FIG . 18 , in some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 can provide mist to multiple areas of the first main surface 214a and/or the second main surface 214b , such as each along the entire height H2 of the glass sheet 104 . Slot nozzle 1490 area. Therefore, in some embodiments, the mist can leave the first housing 1451 through the slot nozzle 1490 to contact the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the slot nozzle 1490 may include elongated apertures or a plurality of elongated apertures through which mist can be delivered. In some embodiments, the elongated aperture may include a height H3 , which may be greater than or equal to the height H2 of the glass sheet 104 , so that the mist passing through the slot nozzle 1490 can be exposed to the height H2 of the glass sheet 104 (for example, the entire Height H2 ). In some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 may include a plurality of slot nozzles 1490 (eg, two slot nozzles, three slot nozzles, etc.), and these slot nozzles can be aligned with respect to each other (such as parallel) and Along the travel path 1481, they are separated successively at intervals. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of elongated apertures may be spaced apart along the travel path 1481 that the channel of the mist chamber 1453 extends.

In some embodiments, in addition to the first opening 1457 , the second opening 1458 and/or the slot nozzle 1490 or instead of these openings and/or slot nozzles, the channel of the mist chamber 1453 may optionally include a diffuser nozzle 1491 , This diffuser nozzle is arranged upstream or downstream of the first opening 1457 along the travel path 1481 . For example, as shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, may be along the path 1481 is disposed downstream relative to the first opening of the diffuser nozzle 1457 1491, 1402 through which the direction of travel of the glass sheet inlet 1471 First encounter the first opening 1457 , and then encounter the diffuser nozzle 1491 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the passage of the mist chamber 1453 may include a diffuser nozzle 1491 disposed upstream or downstream of the second opening 1458 along the travel path 1481 . For example, when a cross-sectional view along line 17 of FIG. 15A - 15A when the view, of FIG. 18 may represent a mirror along the path of the second opening 1481 with respect to the diffuser 1458 is disposed upstream of the nozzle 1491, 1481 along the path through which the The glass sheet 104 traveling at the entrance 1471 will first encounter the second opening 1458 , and then encounter the diffuser nozzle 1491 .

As shown in FIG . 18 , in some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 can provide mist to multiple areas of the first main surface 214a and/or the second main surface 214b , such as each along the entire height H2 of the glass sheet 104 . The area of the diffuser nozzle 1491 . Therefore, in some embodiments, the mist can leave the first outer cover 1451 or the second outer cover 1452 and pass through the respective diffuser nozzle 1491 to contact the respective first major surface 214a or the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the diffuser nozzle 1491 may include a plurality of apertures 1492 through which mist can be transferred. The diffuser nozzle 1491 can include any number of apertures 1492 of any size, shape, and distribution. For example, the plurality of apertures 1492 may be arranged in a pattern including at least one of staggered apertures and equally spaced apertures.

The embodiment of the channel of the mist chamber 1453 may include a single or any combination of the first opening 1457 , the slot nozzle 1490, and the diffuser nozzle 1491 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the openings, slot nozzles, and diffuser nozzles may all have any one or more of them partially or completely disabled. For example, the shield may be partially or fully disposed above one or more of the passages (for example, the first opening 1457 , the slot nozzle 1490, and/or the diffuser nozzle 1491 ) to suppress (such as prevent) fogging from the shield. Pass through the passage at the hood position.

Therefore, although the first housing 1451 has been illustrated, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 may include: a first slot nozzle 1490 disposed relative to the first opening 1457 , wherein the mist may pass through the first groove The slot nozzle 1490 leaves the first housing 1451 to contact the first main surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 ; and a second slot nozzle (not shown) arranged in the second opening 1458 , wherein the mist can leave through the second slot nozzle The second outer cover 1452 is to contact the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, each of the first slot nozzle 1490 and the second slot nozzle may include elongated pores or a plurality of elongated pores through which mist can be transferred. Similarly, in some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 may include: a first diffuser nozzle 1491 positioned opposite to the first opening 1457 , wherein the mist may leave the first housing 1451 via the first diffuser nozzle 1491 to contact the glass sheet 104 The first main surface 214a ; and a second diffuser nozzle (not shown) positioned opposite to the second opening 1458 , wherein the mist can leave the second housing 1452 through the second diffuser nozzle to contact the second main surface of the glass sheet 104 214b . In some embodiments, each of the first diffuser nozzle 1491 and the second diffuser nozzle may include a plurality of apertures 1492 through which mist can be transferred. In some embodiments, the diffuser nozzle 1491 may provide a permeable barrier layer, both of which contain the mist in the first housing 1451 and also allow the mist to pass through the plurality of apertures 1492 of the diffuser nozzle 1491 to contact the glass sheet 104 .

In some embodiments, the fog chamber 1453 may include an inlet 1471 , which defines an inlet path 1473 extending from the exterior 1440 of the fog chamber 1453 through the inlet 1471 to the interior 1444 of the fog chamber 1453 . Inlet 1471 may be oriented to receive the glass sheet 104 from the inside along the external mist chamber mist chamber 1453 to 1440 of the inlet 1453 of the transmission path 1473 1444. In some embodiments, chamber 1453 may include an inlet gas gate 1475 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 17 but not shown for clarity in FIG. 18), for selectively blocking the inlet 1471. In some embodiments, the direction 1402 may extend through the inlet 1471 and extend laterally between the first channel (eg, the first opening 1457 ) and the second channel (eg, the second opening 1458 ). In addition, when there is no glass sheet 104 , in some embodiments, the first channel (for example, the first opening 1457 ) may face the second channel (for example, the second opening 1458 ), and the first channel may be connected to the second channel The predetermined distance 1459 is spaced apart to define the travel path 1481 of the glass sheet 104 . As shown, the travel path 1481 may extend through the inlet 1471 and extend laterally between the first passage and the second passage.

In some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 may include an outlet 1472 , which defines an outlet path 1474 extending from the interior 1444 of the mist chamber 1453 through the outlet 1472 to the exterior 1440 of the mist chamber 1453 . Outlet 1472 may be oriented to outside of the inner glass sheet 104 received in 1453 from the mist chamber mist chamber 1444 to the outlet 1453 1440 1474 travel path. In some embodiments, the mist chamber 1453 may include 1476 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 17, and for clarity are not shown in FIG. 18) exit door for selectively blocking an outlet 1472. In some embodiments, the travel path 1481 may extend through the inlet 1471 , extend laterally between the first channel and the second channel, and extend through the second opening 1458 .

In some embodiments, the method for processing the glass sheet 104 may include: providing the glass sheet 104 to the mist chamber 1453 ; providing the mist 1463 , 1464 to at least one of the first outer cover 1451 and the second outer cover 1452 of the mist chamber 1453 ; and At least one of the fog passing from the first outer cover 1451 through the first passage including the first opening 1457 in the first outer cover 1451 and from the second outer cover 1452 through the second passage including the second opening 1458 in the second outer cover 1452 One is to make at least one main surface 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 contact the mist. In some embodiments, contacting the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 may include passing the mist from the first housing 1451 through another channel in the form of a slot nozzle 1490 . In such examples, contacting the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 may include passing mist from the second housing 1452 through the elongated aperture of the slot nozzle 1490 positioned relative to the first opening 1457 . In some embodiments, the channel may include a diffuser nozzle 1491 , wherein contacting the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 includes transmitting mist from the first housing 1451 through a plurality of diffuser nozzles 1491 positioned relative to the first opening 1457 One pore 1492 . Similarly, contacting the second main surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 with the mist may include passing the mist from the second outer cover 1452 through the second opening 1458 relative to the second outer cover 1452 . In some embodiments, contacting the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 may include a second extension that transmits mist from the second housing 1452 through a second slot nozzle (not shown) positioned relative to the second opening 1458 Pores. In some embodiments, contacting the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 may include a second plurality of mists passing from the second housing 1452 through a second diffuser nozzle (not shown) disposed relative to the second opening 1458 A hole.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a mist chamber 1453 through the inlet 1471 to the interior of the spray chamber of the inlet path 1453 1444 1473 104 along lateral movement glass mist chamber from the outside of 14,401,453. In some embodiments, the method may include: opening the entrance door 1475 that selectively blocks the entrance 1471 ; laterally moving the glass sheet 104 along the entrance path 1473 from the outside 1440 of the fog chamber 1453 through the entrance 1471 to the inside 1444 of the fog chamber 1453 ; And then close the entrance door 1475 to block the entrance 1471 . In some embodiments, the method may include: a mist chamber through an outlet of the outlet path 1472 1453 1474 104 along the glass sheet from lateral movement inside the spray chamber of 14,441,453. In some embodiments, the method may comprise: selectively opening the exit barrier mist chamber exit door 1472 1453 1476; 1472 through the outer outlet to the outlet path of the fog chamber 1453 1440 1474 haze from lateral movement along the interior of the chamber 14441453 Glass sheet 104 ; and then close the exit door 1476 to block the exit 1472 . In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a first direction between the inlet passage and the second passage from the mist chamber 1481 along the path 1453 of the first channel and the second channel 1471 extending transversely to the mist conveying chamber outlet 1453 of 1472 104 pieces of glass.

In some embodiments, by selectively opening and closing the entrance door 1475 that selectively blocks the entrance 1471 and the exit door 1476 that blocks the exit 1472 , the fog in the fog chamber 1453 can be controlled and the fog can be contained in the fog chamber 1453 without Disperse into the environment where the fog chamber 1453 is used. Therefore, in some embodiments, the entrance door 1475 can block the entrance 1471 and the exit door 1476 can block the exit 1472 to provide a sealed enclosure that can contain mist, thus allowing entry and exit of the mist chamber 1453 when needed. In addition, in some embodiments, the mist may include chemicals. Compared with being dispersed in the environment where the mist chamber 1453 is used, these chemicals need to be controlled and contained in the mist chamber 1453 . The entrance door 1475 and the exit door 1476 can thus prevent the mist including any chemicals in the mist from escaping into the environment. In some embodiments, the inlet 1471 or the outlet 1472 may be separately provided, and the glass sheet 104 may be provided to the fog chamber 1453 and transported out of the fog chamber only through the inlet 1471 or only the outlet 1472 .

Although the new coated glass sheet 104 may already have the desired predetermined size, in some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may also be sized to provide a final size of the glass sheet 104 to customer needs. For example, as Figure 16 and arrow 1501 in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is illustrated by arrow 1502, the glass sheet 104 optionally proceeds to FIG. 19, the size adjustment station, wherein the glass sheet 104 is separated into the final required size. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-body crack 1505 can be propagated by dragging the laser heating region 1509 by the cooling zone 1507 , but in some embodiments, other techniques such as scribing and/or breaking can be provided. Regardless of the technique used, by using the coating chamber 1403 to coat the corresponding first coating 1503a on the first main surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 and the second coating 1503b on the second main surface of the glass sheet 104 surface 214b, any debris generated during the contact separation may prevent the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 and the second main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214b.

As arrows in FIG. 19, as indicated in 1601, then the glass sheet 104 may be transmitted to the edge 20 shown in FIG finishing station, this station may be an edge finishing glass sheet 104 to remove damage the glass sheet 104 may be present The strength of microcracks or other defects. In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, multiple grinding devices 1603 may be provided to reduce processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the grinding devices 1603 may provide different finishing operations. For example, one grinding device 1603 can provide a rough grinding step, and another grinding device 1603 (for example, with a finer grinding wheel) can provide a fine grinding or polishing step. In addition, although not shown, another similar device may have a cleaning wheel designed to remove debris generated during polishing and/or grinding.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 21 , the spindle 1701 can drive the grinding wheel 1703 to rotate around the rotation axis 1705 . The grinding wheel 1703 can be moved vertically (eg, as indicated by the double arrow 1707 ) to expose suitable grooves in the grinding wheel 1703 to receive the corresponding edge 1709 of the glass sheet 104 . As shown in FIG. 21, the edges of the glass sheet 104 may be received 1709 via an opening 1711 of the shield 1713 laterally. A fluid lubricant and/or coolant (not shown) may be applied to the edge 1709 of the glass sheet 104 in the interior of the shield 1713 , for example as a fluid stream. The shield 1713 can shield the protective coating of the glass sheet 104 on the outside of the shield 1713 to avoid obvious debris entrained in the fluid coolant generated during edge machining technology. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the fluid stream can, leaving 1803 1801 away from the fluid outlet port 104 disposed glass sheet, rather than deposited on the glass sheet 104 in the fluid flow.

As further shown in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the fluid can flow 1805 (e.g., a lubricant) impact on the working surface of the wheel 1703 in order to remove embedded debris wheel 1703, thereby updating the grinding wheel 1703 ability. In some embodiments, one or more grinding device gas nozzles 1807a , 1807b can guide gas toward the lateral opening 1711 to prevent the fluid in the shield 1713 from migrating toward the inside of the glass sheet 104 . Therefore, the gas nozzles 1807a and 1807b of the grinding device can further promote the functionality of the shield 1713 , thereby reducing the exposure of the central part of the glass sheet 104 to debris and fluid. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the rear end of the polishing means may be provided to clean the edge of the nozzle 1809 (e.g., the shroud 1713) prevent debris entrained liquid. As further illustrated, a grinding device air knife 1811 can also be provided to more thoroughly remove any residual fluid remaining on the glass sheet 104 from the machining process.

As in FIG. 20 by arrow 1901, once the finishing edge of the glass sheet 104, the protective coating may be removed in the coating removal station 1903 of FIG. 23 (e.g., a first coating layer 1503a, the second Second coating 1503b ). In some embodiments, a plurality of washing heads 1905 may be provided to expose both sides of the glass sheet 104 to a liquid designed to remove the protective coating. For example, the liquid may include an alkali and/or cleaning agent, with or without brushing or other techniques designed to remove the protective layer from the glass sheet 104 . Liquid can also be used to wash away any debris deposited on the protective layer.

Although not shown, the glass sheet 104 can then be dried by, for example, an air knife or other drying procedure. As in FIG. 23 as indicated by arrow 2001, the glass sheet 104 may then be transmitted through the inspection station shown in FIG. 24 2003, wherein the glass sheet detecting means 2005 may detect one or more attributes 104 to ensure the quality of the glass and determine Whether the slice 104 meets one or more requirements that can be set by the customer. The detection device 2005 can be designed to sense bubbles, inclusions, surface particles, streaks, thickness, squareness, size, edge quality, scratches, cracks, surface defects, surface shapes, surface features or other properties of the glass sheet 104 One or more of them.

If the glass sheet 104 meets the testing requirements, the clean glass sheet 104 can be packaged with other glass sheets 104 . In some embodiments, the glass sheets 104 may be placed in a stack with high-quality insert paper or other materials (eg, polymeric materials) placed between adjacent glass sheets 104 . High-quality insert paper or other materials can be selected to avoid any contamination of the glass sheet 104 with chemicals or fibers.

Will now be described with reference to FIG. 25 a glass 103 and glass 104 with the processing of FIG. 25 schematically illustrates the glass disclosed processing method according to embodiments of 2,100 herein. The glass processing method 2100 may start at a separation step 2101 , where, for example, a glass separator 149 may be used to separate the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the glass sheet 104 may be separated from the glass band 103. In some embodiments, the outer portion 159 of the glass sheet 104 may be separated from the central portion 161 of the glass sheet 104. In either case, the procedures employed above with reference to FIGS. 14 through 10 of FIG discussed in any or all. For example, air curtains (e.g., first outer air curtain 187a , second outer air curtain 187b , first inner air curtain 187c , second inner air curtain 187d ) can be generated to carry debris generated during the separation process ( For example, separating debris 1001 ) and preventing environmental debris 1002 from contacting the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 .

The glass processing method 2100 can then proceed to the debris removal step 2103 , where the scrubber 1303 described with reference to FIG . 15 can be used to remove the debris generated during the separation step 2101 . The glass processing method 2100 may then proceed to a coating application step 2105 . During coating the coating step 2105, 1503b can protect the main surface 104 of the glass sheet 214a, 214b by FIG. 16 discussed above with reference to the coating application chamber 1403 1503a first coating and the second coating layer. In some embodiments, after the debris removal step 2103 , but before applying the protective layer during the coating application step 2105 , the cleaned and dried glass sheet 104 may be inspected during the optional inspection step 2127 . In some embodiments, the detection device 2005 may be used in the detection step 2127 .

After the coating step 2105 , if the glass sheet 104 needs to be further adjusted in size, the glass sheet 104 may proceed to the size adjustment step 2109 . During the sizing step 2109 , the glass sheet 104 can be sized as discussed above with reference to FIG . 19 . Alternatively, if the glass sheet 104 already has the desired size, the glass sheet 104 can omit the size adjustment step 2109 . In either case, the glass processing method 2100 can then proceed to an edge finishing step 2115 . During edge finishing step 2115, may be described above with reference to FIG. 20 described finishing Figure 22 by the edge of the protective glass 104.

If the client wishes to receive the removed protective coating 104 of glass, the glass sheet having a finished edge 104 may then proceed to step 2121 to remove the coating, wherein the protective coating is removed as hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 23 (For example, the first coating 1503a , the second coating 1503b ). Once dried, the glass sheet 104 may then be transmitted to the detecting step with reference to FIG. 24 described inspection station 2123 and 2003. The clean and dry glass sheet 104 can then be packaged for shipment during the final packaging and shipping step 2125 .

It may be necessary to provide customers with glass sheets without protective surfaces to reduce the processing time of the customers. However, shipping original glass sheets without protective coatings can present challenges. For example, without a protective surface, the chance that the glass can be damaged during transportation increases. In addition, if the surface itself is not protected, insert paper can be used to separate the glass sheets in the package or stack, and relatively expensive insert paper can be used to reduce fiber shedding or other effects that are not conducive to the glass sheet, because the inserted paper material will directly Touch the glass piece. Furthermore, without surface protection, debris can be introduced after encapsulation, which may prove to be unacceptable to customers.

It can be beneficial to leave a protective coating during transportation and remove the coating in situ by the customer. For example, the protective coating can avoid possible damage to the glass surface. In some embodiments, any debris generated during transportation can be removed with the protective coating during the subsequent coating removal step 2131 . Also illustrates one possible method of treatment of the glass sheet 104 in FIG. 25, in the case where the shipment of glass having a protective coating. In fact, after the coating application step 2105 and the optional sizing step 2109 , the glass sheet 104 may be subsequently finished during the edge finishing step 2115 . Instead of removing the coating in the coating removal step 2121 , the glass sheet 104 can then be packaged and shipped as indicated by the packaging and shipping step 2129 . Since the glass sheet 104 has been protected by a protective coating, a cheaper insert paper can be used. In fact, any peeling of the inserted paper can be removed during the subsequent coating removal step 2131 , in which the protective coating is removed as described above with reference to FIG . 23 . As discussed above, the subsequent coating removal step 2131 may be implemented after the glass sheet 104 is delivered to the customer. In some embodiments, the subsequent coating removal step may be similar or identical to the coating removal step 2121 discussed above.

The method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: drawing the glass ribbon 103 from a large amount of molten material 121 along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 ; transferring the first outer upstream part of the first outer air curtain 187a along the first outer upstream path 188a, this first external glass ribbon upstream path 103 of the first main surface 213a spaced apart; transmitting a first outer air curtain along the path downstream of the first external surface toward the first main direction of the glass ribbon 103, 213a of the first 187a a downstream outer portion 189a; and a first outer air curtain downstream portion 187a of the first outer shock 189a of the first major surface of the glass ribbon 103 213a. The method may further include: passing the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b along a second outer upstream path, which may be spaced apart from the second major surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 ; passing a second portion of the second outer downstream 187b of the outer air curtain downstream path 189b along the second direction of the second outer major surface 213b of the 103; and the second outer zone 189b downstream portion 187b of the second outer air curtain shock glass 103 The second main surface 213b .

In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 may process comprising: passing a first portion 188c of the first inner upstream inner air curtain 187c upstream of the first inner path along this path upstream of the first inner glass 103 of the first main belt 213a spaced apart surface; a first pass a first interior downstream portion 187c of the inner air curtain 189c along a first path inside the downstream direction towards the first major surface of the glass ribbon 103, 213a; and a first interior of the first air curtain 187c of An inner downstream portion 189c impacts the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 . The method may further include: passing the second inner upstream portion 188d of the second inner air curtain 187d along a second inner upstream path, which may be spaced apart from the second major surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 ; transmitting second major surface 103 of the second interior downstream portion 189d 187d of the second inner air curtain along a second path inside the downstream direction 213b; a second interior downstream portion 189d and 187d of the second inner air curtain of impact with the glass 103 The second main surface 213b .

In some embodiments, the method may include: passing the first outer upstream portion 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a over the first outer surface 1007b of the first baffle 1005a , the first baffle being arranged to face the glass ribbon 103 The first inner surface 1007a of the first main surface 213a ; and then the first outer upstream portion 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a passes over the first downstream edge 1009a of the first baffle 1005a . In some embodiments, the method may include: passing the cooling airflow 1003 through a first space defined between the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the first inner surface 1007a of the first baffle 1005a , wherein the cooling airflow 1003 can be Travel in the first upstream direction opposite to the first downstream direction of the first outer air curtain 187a . The method may also include: a second upstream portion of the second outer air curtain external 188b through 187b of the second outer surface of the second upper shutter 1005b 1008b, through this second baffle having a second major surface disposed facing the glass ribbon 103, The second inner surface 1008a of 213b ; and then the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b passes over the second downstream edge 1009b of the second baffle 1005b . In some embodiments, the method may include: passing the cooling airflow 1003 through a second space defined between the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the second inner surface 1008a of the second baffle 1005b , wherein the cooling airflow 1003 can Travel in a second upstream direction opposite to the second downstream direction of the second outer air curtain 187b .

In some embodiments, the method may include: passing the first inner upstream portion 188c of the first inner air curtain 187c over the first inner surface 1007a of the first baffle 1005a , the first baffle being arranged to have a facing away from the glass ribbon 103 The first outer surface 1007b of the first main surface 213a ; and then the first inner upstream portion 188c of the first inner air curtain 187c passes over the first downstream edge 1009a of the first baffle 1005a . In some embodiments, the method may include: passing the cooling airflow 1003 through a first space defined between the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the first inner upstream portion 188c of the first inner air curtain 187c , wherein the cooling airflow 1003 may travel in a first upstream direction opposite to the first downstream direction of the first inner air curtain 187c . The method may also include: passing the second inner upstream portion 188d of the second inner air curtain 187d over the second inner surface 1008a of the second baffle 1005b , which is arranged to have a second main surface facing away from the glass ribbon 103 The second outer surface 1008b of 213b ; and then the second inner upstream portion 188d of the second inner air curtain 187d passes over the second downstream edge 1009b of the second baffle 1005b . In some embodiments, the method may include: passing a cooling airflow 1003 through a second space defined between the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 and the second inner upstream portion 188d of the second inner air curtain 187d , wherein the cooling airflow 1003 may travel in a second upstream direction opposite to the second downstream direction of the second inner air curtain 187d .

In some embodiments, the method may include: drawing the glass ribbon 103 between the first outer upstream portion 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b ; between a first outer downstream portion 189a of the outer air curtain 187a and 189b of the second outer downstream portion 187b of the second outer air curtain 103 drawing a glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a first between the inner surface of the first shutter 1008a 1005a 1007a and the second 1005b second flap 103 of the surface of drawn glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a second upstream portion of the first inner interior upstream portion 188c of the first internal air curtain 187c and 187d of the second inner gas curtain drawing a glass ribbon 103 between 188d; and subsequently the first drawn between the downstream portion 189d of the second inner gas curtain inside a first interior 187c of the downstream portion 189c and 187d of the second inner gas curtain 103 of the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a first outer air curtain in the downstream portion of the first outer shock of the glass ribbon 189a 187a at the downstream surface 103 of the first main 213a, so that the glass sheet 104 and 103 separated from the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a first outer air curtain in the downstream portion 189a 187a of the first outer shock of the glass ribbon 103 upstream of the first main surface 213a, so that the glass sheet 104 and 103 separated from the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: impacting the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a downstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and at the second outer air curtain 187b downstream portion 189b of the second outer shock second major surface 103 of the glass ribbon at the downstream 213b of the glass sheet 104 and 103 separated from the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: impacting the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a upstream of the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and at the second outer air curtain 187b downstream portion 189b of the second outer shock second major surface 103 of the glass ribbon at an upstream 213b of the glass sheet 104 and 103 separated from the glass ribbon.

In some embodiments, the method may include: impacting the first inner downstream portion 189c of the first inner air curtain 187c against the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a Between the first main surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 , the glass sheet 104 is separated from the glass ribbon 103 along the drawing plane 181 at a height. In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: impacting the second main surface 213b of the glass ribbon 103 at the second inner downstream portion 189d of the second inner air curtain 187d and the second outer air curtain 187b . external downstream portion 189b of the impact between the ribbon 103 of the second main surface 213b, at a height along the plane of the drawing so that the glass sheet 181 with 104 and 103 separated from the glass.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: entraining in at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d Debris generated when the glass sheet 104 is separated from the glass ribbon 103 (for example, separation debris 1001 ). In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: entraining at least one of the first outer air curtain 187a , the first inner air curtain 187c , the second outer air curtain 187b, and the second inner air curtain 187d debris sucked into the negative pressure is applied to the vacuum port having a vacuum port 1011 of at least 1011 and a vacuum source 147a having respective first and second vacuum source 148 147b (e.g., a first vacuum 148a, 148b of the second vacuum) of In.

In some embodiments, the method of processing the glass ribbon 103 may include: removing debris from the area 1212 associated with the glass ribbon 103 (for example, using a gas distributor 1200 to remove separated debris 1001 and environmental debris 1002 ). In some embodiments, an area 1212 may be defined laterally between the first outer upstream portion 188a of the first outer air curtain 187a and the second outer upstream portion 188b of the second outer air curtain 187b . In some embodiments, an area 1212 may be laterally defined between the first baffle 1005a and the second baffle 1005b . In some embodiments, region 1212 may be laterally bounded between the second inner upstream portion 188d of the first upstream portion 188c of the first inner gas inside the curtain 187c and 187d of the second inner gas curtain. In some embodiments, the area 1212 may be upstream of the first outer downstream portion 189a of the first outer air curtain 187a where it impacts the first major surface 213a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer downstream portion 189b of the second outer air curtain 187b The impact glass ribbon 103 is upstream of the second main surface 213b . In some embodiments, region 1212 may be at a first interior downstream portion 187c of the first internal air curtain impact the downstream portion 189c 189d and the second internal upstream second inner air curtain 187d of the glass ribbon surface 103 of the first main 213a The impact glass ribbon 103 is upstream of the second main surface 213b . In some embodiments, purging may include: distributing the air flow 1205 along the drawing plane 181 in the drawing direction 177 . In some embodiments, the removal may include: distributing the air flow 1205 along the entire width " W " of the glass ribbon 103 ; and distributing the air flow 1205 to surround the glass ribbon 103 .

In some embodiments, the method may include: separating the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 ; and subsequently washing the glass sheet 104 (e.g., in a washer 1303 ) to remove the major surface of the glass sheet 104 (e.g., the first major surface) 214a , the second main surface 214b ) remove debris (for example, separation debris 1001 , environmental debris 1002 ). In some embodiments, washing may include: the first stage, distributing liquid against the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 (for example, using a first liquid dispenser 1307 including a first liquid nozzle 1309 ) to move the liquid in the liquid. in addition to entrainment of debris and the debris is at least one; and a second stage, the glass sheet against the surface 104 of the main 214a, 214b distribute gas (e.g., using a gas knife comprises a gas nozzle 1319 1317) from the glass sheet 104 to The main surfaces 214a , 214b remove liquid.

In some embodiments, during washing, the glass sheet 104 may be vertically oriented and travel along the travel direction 1321 . In some embodiments, the gas may be distributed at a second angle " A2 " relative to the traveling direction 1321 of the glass sheet 104 during the second stage to guide the liquid downward in the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the washing may include: during the second stage, before distributing gas against the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 , using a rinse liquid (for example, a second liquid from the second liquid nozzle 1327 including the second liquid dispensing 1323) rinsing the main surface of the glass sheet 104. 214a, 214b; and 104 from the main surface of the glass sheet 214a, 214b to remove rinsing liquid, wherein the deflector plate 1325 with respect to the direction of travel of the glass sheet 104 at an angle 1321 to be oriented in a gravity Direct the flushing liquid downwards in the direction.

In some embodiments, the process may include the glass ribbon 103: after washing the main surface of the slide glass 104 104 214a, 214b coated with a protective layer (e.g., a first coating layer 1503a, the second coating layer 1503b ). In some embodiments, the protective layer may include a polymer. In some embodiments, the protective layer may be coated on the main surfaces 214a , 214b of the glass sheet 104 by plasma deposition (for example, in the coating chamber 1403 ).

It should be understood that the various embodiments disclosed may involve specific features, elements, or steps described in conjunction with the specific embodiments. It should also be understood that, although described with respect to a specific embodiment, specific features, elements, or steps can be interchanged or combined with alternative embodiments in various combinations or permutations not shown.

It should also be understood that the term "the" or "a/an" used herein refers to "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless the contrary is clearly indicated. Therefore, for example, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, references to "a light source" include embodiments having two or more such light sources. Similarly, "plurality" or "array" is intended to mean "more than one." Therefore, a "plurality" of cavities or an "array" of cavities includes two or more such elements, such as three or more such cavities.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one specific value and/or to "about" another specific value. When expressing this range, the embodiment includes from one specific value and/or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about", it should be understood that the specific value forms another aspect. It should be further understood that the endpoints of each range are valid relative to or independent of the other endpoint.

The terms "substantially", "substantially" and variations thereof used herein are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, "substantially flat" surface is meant to mean a flat or nearly flat surface. In addition, as defined above, "substantially similar" means that two values are equal or approximately equal.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is by no means intended to treat any of the methods set forth herein as requiring steps to be performed in a specific order. Therefore, when the method claim does not actually state the order in which the steps are followed, or the specific stated steps are not limited to a specific order in the scope of the patent application or the description, the method claim is never intended to be inferred to any specific order.

Although the transitional term "comprising" can be used to disclose the features, elements or steps of a particular embodiment, it should be understood that this implicit alternative embodiment includes the use of the transitional term "consisting of" or "essentially consisting of ...Composition of these alternative embodiments described in Thus, for example, implicit alternatives to devices containing A+B+C include embodiments in which the device consists of A+B+C and embodiments in which the device consists essentially of A+B+C.

It will be obvious to those who are familiar with this technique that various modifications and changes can be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Since those who are familiar with this technique may have modified combinations, sub-combinations and changes of the disclosed embodiments that incorporate the spirit and substance of this disclosure, this disclosure should be regarded as including the scope of the attached patent application and its equivalents Any matter within the scope.

100‧‧‧Glass processing equipment 101‧‧‧Fusion pull-down equipment 103‧‧‧Glass ribbon 104‧‧‧Glass sheet 105‧‧‧Melting vessel 107‧‧‧Batch 109‧‧‧Storage 111‧‧‧Batch Conveying device 113‧‧‧Motor 115‧‧Optional controller 117‧‧‧Arrow 119‧‧‧Glass melting probe 121‧‧‧Melting material 123‧‧‧Vertical pipe 125‧‧‧Communication line 127‧‧‧ Clarification vessel 129‧‧‧First connecting pipe 131‧‧‧Mixing chamber 133‧‧‧Transporting container 135‧‧‧Second connecting pipe 137‧‧‧Third connecting pipe 139‧‧‧Transport pipe 140‧‧‧Glass Former 141‧‧‧Inlet 143‧‧‧Forming vessel 145‧‧‧Root 147a‧‧‧First vacuum source 147b‧‧‧Second vacuum source 148‧‧‧Vacuum 148a‧‧‧First vacuum 148b‧‧‧ Second vacuum 149‧‧‧Glass separator 149a‧‧‧First glass separator 149b‧‧‧Second glass separator 150‧‧‧Robot 151‧‧‧Horizontal movement separation path 153‧‧‧First vertical edge 155 ‧‧‧Second vertical edge 159‧‧‧Outer part 161‧‧‧Central part 163‧‧‧Vertical separation path 165‧‧‧First lateral movement edge 167‧‧‧Second lateral movement edge 169‧‧‧Laser 170‧‧‧ Groove 171‧‧‧Forming wedge 172a‧‧‧Weir 172b‧‧‧Weir 173‧‧‧Surface portion 174a‧‧Outer surface 174b‧‧‧Outer surface 175‧‧‧Surface portion 177‧‧‧ Drawing direction 181‧‧‧Drawing plane 183‧‧‧Lower opening 185a‧‧‧First extending gas port 185b‧‧‧Second extending gas port 187a‧‧‧First external air curtain 187b‧‧‧Second external Air curtain 187c‧‧‧First internal air curtain 187d‧‧‧Second internal air curtain 188a‧‧‧First external upstream part 188b‧‧‧Second external upstream part 188c‧‧‧First internal upstream part 188d‧‧ ‧Second internal upstream part 189a‧‧‧First external downstream part 189b‧‧‧Second external downstream part 189c‧‧‧First internal downstream part 189d‧‧‧Second internal downstream part 201‧‧‧Laser beam generation 203‧‧‧laser beam 205a‧‧‧mirror 205b‧‧‧mirror 205c‧‧‧mirror 205d‧‧‧mirror 207‧‧optical lens 209‧‧‧laser beam spot 211a‧‧‧first outer edge Part 211b‧‧‧Second outer edge part 213a‧‧‧First major surface 213b‧‧‧Second major surface 214a‧‧‧First major surface 214b‧‧‧Second major surface 215‧‧‧Polygonal reflecting device 217‧‧‧Counterclockwise 219a‧‧‧Mirror 219b‧‧‧Mirror 219c‧‧‧Mirror 219d‧‧‧Mirror 219e‧‧‧Mirror 219f‧‧‧Mirror 2 19g‧‧‧Mirror 219h‧‧‧Mirror 221‧‧‧First end position 221a‧‧‧First edge area 221b‧‧‧Middle part 221c‧‧‧Second edge part 225‧‧‧Sweeping direction 225a‧‧ ‧Sweeping direction 225b‧‧‧Sweeping direction 225c‧‧‧Sweeping direction 225d‧‧‧Sweeping direction 225e‧‧‧Sweeping direction 301‧‧‧Middle position 401‧‧‧Second end position 403‧‧‧ First edge area 405‧‧‧First external position 407‧‧‧Second external position 501‧‧‧First outermost position 503‧‧‧Second outermost position 507‧‧‧First sweep path 509‧‧ ‧Second sweep path 601‧‧‧Elliptical power density area 701‧‧‧Scriber 703‧‧‧Defect 801‧‧‧Section 802‧‧‧Laser beam 803‧‧‧Section 804‧‧‧ Laser beam 805‧‧‧Section 806‧‧‧Laser beam 807‧‧‧Section 808‧‧‧Laser beam 809‧‧‧Section 810‧‧‧Laser beam 811‧‧‧Overlap area 813‧ ‧‧Overlap area 815‧‧‧Overlap area 817‧‧‧Overlap area 1001‧‧‧Separated debris 1002‧‧‧Environmental debris 1003‧‧‧Cooling airflow 1004‧‧‧Pressurized air source 1005a‧‧‧First Baffle 1005b‧‧‧Second baffle 1006‧‧‧Filter 1007a‧‧‧First internal surface 1007b‧‧‧First external surface 1008a‧‧‧Second internal surface 1008b‧‧‧Second external surface 1009a‧ ‧‧First downstream edge 1009b‧‧‧Second downstream edge 1011‧‧‧Vacuum port 1013‧‧‧Vacuum source 1200‧‧‧Gas distributor 1202‧‧‧Gas outlet 1205‧‧‧Airflow 1212‧‧‧Region 1301 ‧‧‧Arrow 1303‧‧‧Scrubber 1305‧‧‧Shell 1307‧‧‧First Liquid Distributor 1309‧‧‧First Liquid Nozzle 1311‧‧‧Rotating Arrow 1313‧‧‧Separator 1315a‧‧‧First Area 1315b‧‧‧Second area 1316‧‧‧Discharge port 1317‧‧‧Air knife 1318‧‧‧Vent 1319‧‧‧Gas nozzle 1321‧‧‧Travel direction 1323‧‧‧Second liquid distributor 1325‧‧ ‧Deflection plate 1327‧‧‧Second liquid nozzle 1401‧‧‧Arrow 1402‧‧‧Arrow/direction 1403‧‧‧Coating chamber 1405‧‧Distribution port 1440‧‧‧External 1444‧‧‧Internal 1451‧‧ ‧First cover 1452‧‧‧Second cover 1453‧‧‧Mist chamber 1457‧‧‧First opening 1458‧‧‧Second opening 1459‧‧‧Predetermined distance 1461‧‧‧First fog generator 1462‧‧‧ The second fog generator 1463‧‧‧fog 1464‧‧‧ fog 1471‧‧‧ entrance 1472‧‧‧ exit 1473‧‧‧ entrance path 14 74‧‧‧Exit path 1475‧‧‧Entrance door 1476‧‧‧Exit door 1480‧‧‧Conveyor 1481‧‧‧Travel path 1482‧‧‧Clip 1483‧‧‧Carriage 1490‧‧‧Slot nozzle 1491 ‧‧‧Diffuser nozzle 1492‧‧‧Aperture 1495‧‧‧First fan 1496‧‧‧Second fan 1501‧‧‧arrow 1502‧‧‧arrow 1503a‧‧‧first coating 1503b‧‧‧second coating Layer 1505‧‧‧Full body crack 1507‧‧‧Cooling zone 1509‧‧‧Laser heating zone 1601‧‧‧Arrow 1603‧‧‧Grinding device 1701‧‧‧Mandrel 1703‧‧‧Grinding wheel 1705‧‧‧Rotating shaft 1707 ‧‧‧Double arrow 1709‧‧‧Edge 1711‧‧‧Horizontal opening 1713‧‧‧Shield 1801‧‧‧Fluid outlet port 1803‧‧‧Fluid outlet port 1805‧‧‧Fluid flow 1807a‧‧‧Grinding device gas nozzle 1807b‧‧‧Grinding device gas nozzle 1809‧‧‧Back end grinding device nozzle 1811‧‧‧Grinding device air knife 1901‧‧Arrow 1903‧‧‧Coating removal station 1905‧‧‧Washing head 2001‧‧‧Arrow 2003‧‧‧Detection station 2005‧‧‧Detection device 2100‧‧‧Glass processing method 2101‧‧‧Separation step 2103‧‧‧Debris removal step 2105‧‧‧Coating coating step 2109‧‧‧Size adjustment step 2115‧‧‧Edge finishing step 2121‧‧‧Coating removal step 2123‧‧‧Detection step 2125‧‧‧Final packaging and shipping step 2127‧‧‧Optional inspection step 2129‧‧‧Packaging and shipping step 2131‧ ‧‧Subsequent coating removal step A1‧‧‧First angle A2‧‧‧Second angle D‧‧‧Distance DOF‧‧‧Depth of focus H‧‧‧Height H1‧‧‧Height H2‧‧‧Height H3‧ ‧‧Height L‧‧‧Length T‧‧‧Thickness W‧‧‧Width W1‧‧‧Width W2‧‧‧Width

When reading with reference to the accompanying drawings, these and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure can be further understood:

1 a schematic view of a glass-based processing equipment, the processing apparatus comprises a glass fusion downdraw apparatus for drawing the glass ribbon;

; 2 fusion cross-sectional perspective view of a pull-down device - 2 of FIG. 2 along the lines of a first line in FIG.

FIG. 3 along line diagram of a first 13--3 a cross-section of an exemplary schematic diagram of a glass separator, wherein the laser beam is exposed to a first end position of the path of the glass ribbon;

FIG 4 illustrates an intermediate position exposed to the laser beam path of the glass ribbon;

FIG 5 illustrates the path of exposure of the laser beam on the glass ribbon in the second end position;

Figure 6 shows the path on the glass ribbon placed within the focal depth of the laser beam;

FIG 7 based on the power density change in a side view of the ribbon of FIG. 6, illustrating the path of the belt along the glass;

Figure 8 shows defects in the glass ribbon on the path;

Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary method, in which a plurality of paths is exposed to the laser beam, the laser beam for each respective section of the thermal stress is generated along the path;

Figure 10 along the lines of the first line in FIG. 1 10 - 10 of the fusion device of the pull-down cross-sectional view illustrating a glass separator located at the downstream position;

Figure 11 along the lines of the first line in FIG. 1 10 - a cross-sectional view of a fusion downdraw apparatus 10, illustrating the separator of the glass at the upstream position;

; Fusion cross-sectional view of the pull-down equipment 12 - FIG. 12 along line 12 and line 11 of FIG. 10 FIG.

FIG fused lines 13 of FIG. 11 pull-down device of the exemplary embodiment;

; Cross-sectional view of a fusion device 14 of the drop - FIG. 14 along line 13, line 14 of FIG.

Figure 15 a schematic perspective view of the washing system of a glass processing station of the apparatus;

Figure 16 a schematic perspective view of a coating system coated glass treatment station of the apparatus;

FIG 17 based on a schematic perspective view of another coating to the glass treatment station of the apparatus;

; Cross-sectional schematic view of a coating station of the coating station 15 - FIG. 18 along line 17, line 15 of FIG.

Figure 19 a schematic perspective view of size-based glass treatment station of the apparatus of adjustment;

FIG 20 based on a schematic perspective view of a finishing station of a glass processing apparatus;

FIG 21 along the line system of FIG. 20 17-- local edge finishing equipment 17 a schematic cross-sectional view;

FIG 22 along the line system 21 of FIG. 18 - a schematic cross-sectional view of an edge finishing apparatus 18;

FIG 23 based on a partial schematic perspective view of the glass treatment station to remove the coating equipment;

Figure 24 a schematic perspective view partially based inspection station of a glass processing equipment; and

FIG 25 illustrates a system flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the process of step with the glass of the present embodiment of the disclosure.

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100‧‧‧Glass processing equipment

103‧‧‧glass ribbon

104‧‧‧glass sheet

140‧‧‧Glass Former

148‧‧‧Vacuum

149‧‧‧glass separator

150‧‧‧Robot

151‧‧‧Horizontal movement separation path

183‧‧‧Lower opening

185a‧‧‧First extended gas port

185b‧‧‧The second extended gas port

187a‧‧‧First external air curtain

187b‧‧‧Second external air curtain

188a‧‧‧The first external upstream part

188b‧‧‧Second external upstream part

189a‧‧‧First external downstream part

189b‧‧‧Second external downstream part

213a‧‧‧First main surface

213b‧‧‧Second major surface

214a‧‧‧First main surface

214b‧‧‧Second major surface

1001‧‧‧Separation of debris

1002‧‧‧Environmental debris

1003‧‧‧Cooling airflow

1004‧‧‧Pressurized air source

1005a‧‧‧First baffle

1005b‧‧‧Second baffle

1006‧‧‧Filter

1007a‧‧‧First inner surface

1007b‧‧‧First outer surface

1008a‧‧‧Second inner surface

1008b‧‧‧Second outer surface

1009a‧‧‧First downstream edge

1009b‧‧‧Second downstream edge

1011‧‧‧Vacuum port

1013‧‧‧Vacuum source

1200‧‧‧Gas distributor

1205‧‧‧Airflow

1212‧‧‧area

H‧‧‧Height

Claims (128)

A device for processing a glass ribbon, the device comprising: a glass shaper for drawing a glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along a drawing plane of the glass shaper in a drawing direction; and a baffle plate , Having an inner surface facing the drawing plane; and an elongated gas port oriented to distribute an external air curtain so that it passes over an outer surface of the baffle and then passes over a downstream edge of the baffle. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a glass separator arranged downstream of the glass former and oriented to make a glass along a width of the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction The sheet is separated from the glass ribbon. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a vacuum port arranged downstream of the glass separator and oriented to receive debris entrained in the external air curtain. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a vacuum source arranged to suck the debris carried in the external air curtain into the vacuum port. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated gas port is oriented to distribute an internal gas curtain such that it passes over the inner surface of the baffle. The equipment according to claim 5, further comprising: A glass separator arranged downstream of the glass former and oriented to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a width of the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction; and a vacuum port, It is positioned downstream of the glass former and oriented to receive debris entrained in the internal air curtain. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a vacuum source arranged to suck the debris entrained in the internal air curtain into the vacuum. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a scrubber comprising a first liquid dispenser, the first liquid dispenser comprising a first liquid nozzle, the first liquid nozzle being oriented to abut against the Liquid is distributed on one of the major surfaces of the glass sheet separated by the glass ribbon. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the scrubber further comprises an air knife disposed downstream of the first liquid distributor, the air knife comprising a gas nozzle, the gas nozzle being oriented to abut the main body of the glass sheet The surface distributes gas to remove liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the air knife is oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel of the glass sheet through the scrubber. The device according to claim 9, wherein the scrubber package A housing is included, the housing includes a partition, and the partition divides an interior of the housing into a first area containing the first liquid distributor and a second area arranged downstream of the first area, the second The area contains the air knife. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second area further includes a second liquid dispenser, the second liquid dispenser includes a second liquid nozzle, and the second liquid nozzle is oriented to be upstream of the air knife Rinse the main surface of the glass sheet at a location. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the scrubber further comprises a deflector plate disposed downstream of the second liquid distributor and upstream of the air knife, the deflector plate being oriented to transfer a certain amount of liquid from the second liquid The distributor guides away from the air knife. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the deflection plate is oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel of the glass sheet through the washer. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a coating chamber, the coating chamber including a distribution port oriented to distribute a main surface of the glass sheet separated from the glass ribbon coating. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the distribution port comprises a plasma deposition port, and the plasma deposition port is oriented to distribute plasma to coat the main surface of the glass sheet. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and 6 to 16, wherein at least one of the glass ribbon and the glass sheet is in a vertical orientation. A device for processing a glass ribbon, the device comprising: a glass shaper for drawing a glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along a drawing plane of the glass shaper in a drawing direction; and a gas distribution A device comprising a gas outlet oriented to distribute an air flow along the drawing plane in the drawing direction, wherein the gas outlet of the gas distributor is arranged downstream of the glass former; and a glass separator The glass separator is arranged downstream of the gas outlet of the gas distributor and is oriented to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the gas outlet is oriented to distribute the air flow along the drawing plane along an entire width of the drawing plane. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the gas outlet is oriented to distribute the air flow along the drawing plane to surround the drawing plane. The device according to claim 18, wherein the gas distribution The device surrounds the drawing plane. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a first baffle having a first inner surface facing the drawing plane; a second baffle having a surface facing the drawing plane and the first baffle A second inner surface of the first inner surface; a first elongated gas port oriented to distribute a first outer gas curtain so that it passes over a first outer surface of the first baffle, and then passes through the first Above a first downstream edge of a baffle; and a second elongated gas port oriented to distribute a second outer air curtain so that it passes over a second outer surface of the second baffle and then passes through the second baffle Above a second downstream edge of a plate, wherein the gas outlet of the gas distributor is arranged transversely between the first baffle and the second baffle. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first elongated gas port is oriented to distribute a first inner gas curtain such that it passes over the first inner surface of the first baffle, and wherein the second elongated gas port It is oriented to distribute a second inner air curtain so that it passes over the second inner surface of the second baffle. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a scrubber comprising a first liquid distributor, the first liquid distributor comprising a first liquid nozzle, the first liquid nozzle being oriented to The liquid is dispensed against a major surface of the glass sheet separated from the glass ribbon. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the scrubber further comprises an air knife disposed downstream of the first liquid distributor, the air knife comprising a gas nozzle, the gas nozzle being oriented to abut the main body of the glass sheet The surface distributes gas to remove liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the air knife is oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel of the glass sheet through the scrubber. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the scrubber includes a housing, the housing includes a partition, and the partition divides an interior of the housing into a first area including the first liquid distributor and is disposed in the A second area downstream of the first area, the second area containing the air knife. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the second area further comprises a second liquid dispenser, the second liquid dispenser comprises a second liquid nozzle, the second liquid nozzle is oriented to be upstream of the air knife Rinse the main surface of the glass sheet at a location. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the scrubber further comprises a deflector plate arranged downstream of the second liquid distributor and upstream of the air knife, the deflector plate being oriented to remove a certain amount of liquid from the The second liquid distributor is guided away from the air knife. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the deflection plate is oriented at an angle relative to a direction of travel of the glass sheet through the washer. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a coating chamber, the coating chamber including a distribution port oriented to distribute a distribution port on a major surface of the glass sheet separated from the glass ribbon coating. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the distribution port comprises a plasma deposition port, and the plasma deposition port is oriented to distribute plasma to coat the main surface of the glass sheet. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein at least one of the glass ribbon and the glass sheet is in a vertical orientation. A method for processing a glass ribbon, the method comprising the steps of: drawing a glass ribbon from a large amount of molten material along a drawing plane in a drawing direction; and transferring a first external air curtain along a first external upstream path A first outer upstream portion, the first outer upstream path is spaced apart from a first major surface of the glass ribbon; the first outer downstream path is passed along a first outer downstream path in a direction toward the first major surface of the glass ribbon An external air curtain And make the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impact the first main surface of the glass ribbon. The method of claim 34, wherein the first external upstream path is parallel to the drawing plane. The method of claim 34, wherein the first outer air curtain extends along the entire width of one of the glass ribbons. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of: impacting downstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain, so that a glass sheet and the glass ribbon Separate. The method according to claim 37, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of: entraining debris in the first outer air curtain. The method according to claim 39, further comprising the step of sucking the debris entrained in the first outer air curtain into the vacuum port under a negative pressure applied to a vacuum port. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of: impacting upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain, so that a glass sheet and the glass ribbon Separate. The method according to claim 41, wherein the separating step includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of: passing along a first inner upstream path disposed between the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the first main surface of the glass ribbon A first inner air curtain and a first inner upstream part. The method according to claim 43, further comprising the step of: transferring a first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain along a first inner downstream path in a direction toward the first main surface of the glass ribbon; And the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impacts the upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon, so that the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain impacts the first inner downstream portion of the glass ribbon One main surface. The method according to claim 44, wherein the first internal The air curtain extends along the entire width of one of the glass ribbons. The method according to claim 44, further comprising the step of: entraining debris in the first internal air curtain. The method according to claim 46, further comprising the step of: impacting the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon, and in the first inner air curtain The entrained debris is sucked into a vacuum. The method according to claim 44, further comprising the step of: impacting the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the first outer air curtain The outer downstream part impacts between the first major surface of the glass ribbon, separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon along the drawing plane at a height. The method according to claim 48, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of: separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon; and then washing the glass sheet to remove debris from a major surface of the glass sheet. The method of claim 50, wherein the step of washing includes the following steps: a first stage, distributing liquid against the main surface of the glass sheet to remove at least one of debris and entrained debris in the liquid And a second stage, distributing gas against the main surface of the glass sheet to remove the liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet. The method of claim 51, wherein during washing, the glass sheet is vertically oriented and travels in the direction of travel. The method of claim 52, wherein the gas is distributed at an angle relative to the traveling direction of the glass sheet during the second stage to guide the liquid downward in the direction of gravity. The method of claim 52, wherein the step of washing comprises the following steps: during the second stage, before distributing the gas against the main surface of the glass sheet, washing the glass sheet with a washing liquid; and The main surface of the glass sheet removes the washing liquid, and a deflecting plate is oriented at an angle with respect to the traveling direction of the glass sheet to guide the washing liquid downward in the direction of gravity. The method according to claim 50, further comprising the step of: after washing the glass sheet, coating the main surface of the glass sheet with a protective layer. The method according to claim 55, wherein the protective layer comprises a polymer. The method according to claim 55, wherein the protective layer is coated on the main surface of the glass sheet by plasma deposition. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over a first outer surface of a first baffle, the first baffle being arranged to have A first inner surface facing the first main surface of the glass ribbon; and then passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over a first downstream edge of the first baffle. The method according to claim 58, further comprising the step of: passing a first cooling air flow through a first surface defined between the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner surface of the first baffle Space, the first cooling airflow travels in a first upstream direction opposite to a first downstream direction of the first outer air curtain. The method according to claim 58, wherein the first baffle is parallel to the drawing plane. The method of claim 58, wherein the first baffle extends along the entire width of one of the glass ribbons. The method described in claim 58, further comprising the following steps: The first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impacts the downstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 62, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 62, further comprising the step of: entraining debris in the first outer air curtain. The method according to claim 64, further comprising the step of sucking the debris entrained in the first outer air curtain into the vacuum port under a negative pressure applied to a vacuum port. The method according to claim 58, further comprising the step of impacting the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon, so that a glass sheet and the glass ribbon Separate. The method according to claim 66, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method described in claim 58 further includes the following Step: Make a first inner upstream part of a first inner air curtain pass over the first inner surface of the first baffle. The method according to claim 68, further comprising the step of: passing a first cooling air flow through a boundary defined between the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain In the first space, the first cooling airflow travels in a first upstream direction opposite to a first downstream direction of the first inner air curtain. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of: passing a second outer upstream part of a second outer air curtain along a second outer upstream path, the second outer upstream path and the second outer upstream part of the glass ribbon The main surfaces are spaced apart; a second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain is transferred along a second outer downstream path in a direction toward the second main surface of the glass ribbon; and the second outer air curtain is The second outer downstream portion impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 70, wherein the step of drawing the glass ribbon includes the following steps: the first outer upstream part of the first outer air curtain and the second outer upstream part of the second outer air curtain The glass ribbon is drawn separately; and then the glass ribbon is drawn between the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain. The method according to claim 70, wherein the first outer downstream part of the first outer air curtain and the second outer downstream part of the second outer air curtain are symmetrically arranged with respect to the drawing plane and are arranged relative to the drawing plane. The glass ribbon is impacted at a common height of the drawing plane. The method of claim 70, wherein the first outer upstream path and the second outer upstream path are parallel to the drawing plane. The method of claim 70, wherein the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain extend along an entire width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the steps of: impacting downstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain and at the second outer air curtain The second outer downstream part impacts the downstream of the second main surface of the glass ribbon to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 75, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method described in claim 75 further includes the following Step: Entrain debris in the first external air curtain and the second external air curtain. The method according to claim 77, further comprising the step of sucking the debris entrained in the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain under a negative pressure applied to a vacuum port into the In the vacuum port. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of impacting the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon and at the second outer air curtain The second outer downstream portion impacts the upstream of the second major surface of the glass ribbon to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 79, wherein the separating step includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of: removing a region laterally defined between the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain and the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain Crumbs. The method according to claim 81, wherein the area is The first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impacts upstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon Upstream of the office. The method according to claim 81, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing an air flow along the drawing plane in the drawing direction. The method according to claim 81, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing an air flow so that the air flow surrounds the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of: passing along a second inner upstream path disposed between the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain and the second main surface of the glass ribbon A second inner air curtain and a second inner upstream part. The method according to claim 85, further comprising the step of: transferring a second inner downstream portion of the second inner air curtain along a second inner downstream path in a direction toward the second main surface of the glass ribbon; And the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain impacts the upstream of the second main surface of the glass ribbon, so that the second inner downstream portion of the second inner air curtain impacts the first glass ribbon Two main surfaces. The method according to claim 86, wherein the step of drawing the glass ribbon comprises the following steps: between the first inner upstream part of the first inner air curtain and the second inner upstream part of the second inner air curtain Drawing the glass ribbon in between; and then drawing the glass ribbon between the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the second inner downstream portion of the second inner air curtain. The method of claim 86, wherein the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain extend along an entire width of the glass ribbon. The method of claim 86, further comprising the step of: impacting the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first inner downstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the first outer air curtain The outer downstream part impacts between the first major surface of the glass ribbon, and the second inner downstream part of the second inner air curtain impacts the second major surface of the glass ribbon and the second outer air curtain The second outer downstream part impacts between the second main surface of the glass ribbon, and separates a glass sheet from the glass ribbon along the drawing plane at a height. The method according to claim 89, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 89, further comprising the step of: entraining debris in the first internal air curtain and the second internal air curtain. The method according to claim 91, further comprising the steps of: impacting upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon at the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain, and at the second outer air curtain The second outer downstream part impacts the upstream of the second main surface of the glass ribbon, sucking the debris entrained in the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain into a vacuum. The method according to claim 86, further comprising the step of: removing a region laterally defined between the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain and the second inner upstream portion of the second inner air curtain Crumbs. The method according to claim 93, wherein the region is located upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon where the first inner downstream part of the first inner air curtain impacts and the second inner air curtain of the second inner air curtain The inner downstream portion impacts upstream of the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 93, wherein the step of clearing includes the following steps: allocating a drawing along the drawing plane in the drawing direction airflow. The method according to claim 95, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing an air flow so that the air flow surrounds the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over a first outer surface of a first baffle, the first baffle being arranged to have A first inner surface facing the first main surface of the glass ribbon; and then passing the first outer upstream portion of the first outer air curtain over a first downstream edge of the first baffle; and making the The second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain passes over a second outer surface of a second baffle that is arranged to have a second inner surface facing the second main surface of the glass ribbon ; And then the second outer upstream portion of the second outer air curtain passes over a second downstream edge of the second baffle. The method according to claim 97, further comprising the step of: transmitting a first cooling air flow through a first surface defined between the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner surface of the first baffle. space, The first cooling airflow travels in a first upstream direction opposite to a first downstream direction of the first outer air curtain; and transmitting a second cooling airflow through the second main surface of the glass ribbon and the first A second space is defined between the second inner surfaces of the two baffles, and the second cooling airflow travels in a second upstream direction opposite to a second downstream direction of the second outer air curtain. The method according to claim 97, wherein the step of drawing the glass ribbon comprises the following steps: drawing the glass ribbon between the first inner surface of the first baffle and the second inner surface of the second baffle Glass ribbon. The method of claim 97, wherein the first downstream edge of the first baffle plate and the second downstream edge of the second baffle plate are at a common upstream height relative to the drawing plane relative to the drawing plane The first outer downstream part of the first outer air curtain and the second outer downstream part of the second outer air curtain are symmetrically arranged with respect to the drawing plane, and in relation to the drawing plane Impact the glass ribbon at a common downstream height. The method according to claim 97, wherein the first baffle and the second baffle are parallel to the drawing plane. The method of claim 97, wherein the first baffle and the second baffle extend along an entire width of the glass ribbon. The method described in claim 97 further includes the following steps: The first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain impinges downstream of the first major surface of the glass ribbon and the second outer downstream portion of the second outer air curtain impinges the second glass ribbon Downstream from the main surface, a glass sheet is separated from the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 103, wherein the step of separating includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a width of the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction. The method according to claim 103, further comprising the step of: entraining debris in the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain. The method according to claim 105, further comprising the step of sucking the debris entrained in the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain under a negative pressure applied to a vacuum port to the In the vacuum port. The method according to claim 97, further comprising the step of impacting the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain upstream of the first main surface of the glass ribbon and on the second outer air curtain The second outer downstream portion impacts the upstream of the second major surface of the glass ribbon to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon. The method described in claim 107, wherein the separation step The step includes the following steps: separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along a separation path transverse to the drawing direction along a width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 97, further comprising the step of removing debris from an area laterally defined between the first baffle and the second baffle. The method according to claim 109, wherein the area is located upstream of the first outer downstream portion of the first outer air curtain where the first main surface of the glass ribbon is impacted and the second outer air curtain The outer downstream portion impacts upstream of the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 109, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing an air flow along the drawing plane in the drawing direction. The method according to claim 109, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing an air flow so that the air flow surrounds the glass ribbon. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of: passing a first inner upstream part of a first inner air curtain over the first inner surface of the first baffle; and making a second inner air curtain One of the second inner upstream part passes through the first Above the second inner surface of the two baffles. The method of claim 113, further comprising the step of: passing a first cooling air flow through a boundary defined between the first main surface of the glass ribbon and the first inner upstream portion of the first inner air curtain In the first space, the first cooling airflow travels in a first upstream direction opposite to a first downstream direction of the first inner air curtain; and the second main airflow transmitting a second cooling airflow through the glass ribbon A second space defined between the surface and the second inner upstream portion of the second inner air curtain, the second cooling airflow being in a second upstream direction opposite to a second downstream direction of the second inner air curtain Move on. The method according to claim 113, wherein the step of drawing the glass ribbon includes the following steps: drawing the glass ribbon between the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 115, wherein the glass ribbon has a vertical orientation. A method for processing a glass ribbon, the method comprising the steps of: drawing a glass ribbon from a large amount of melt along a drawing plane in a drawing direction; and by distributing a glass ribbon along the drawing plane in the drawing direction An air flow removes debris from an area associated with the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 117, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing the airflow along an entire width of the glass ribbon. The method according to claim 117, wherein the step of removing includes the following steps: distributing the airflow so that the airflow surrounds the glass ribbon. The method of claim 117, further comprising the steps of: separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon; and then washing the glass sheet to remove debris from a major surface of the glass sheet. The method according to claim 120, wherein the washing step comprises the following steps: a first stage, distributing liquid against the main surface of the glass sheet to remove at least one of debris and entrained debris in the liquid And a second stage, distributing gas against the main surface of the glass sheet to remove the liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet. The method according to claim 121, wherein during the washing, the glass sheet is vertically oriented and travels in a traveling direction. The method of claim 122, wherein the gas is distributed at an angle relative to the direction of travel of the glass sheet during the second stage to guide the liquid downward in the direction of gravity. The method according to claim 122, wherein the step of washing comprises the following steps: during the second stage, pressing against the glass Before distributing the gas on the main surface of the sheet, rinse the main surface of the glass sheet with a washing liquid; and remove the washing liquid from the main surface of the glass sheet, wherein a deflecting plate is relative to the travel of the glass sheet The direction is oriented at an angle to guide the flushing liquid downward in the direction of gravity. The method according to claim 120, further comprising the step of: after washing the glass sheet, coating the main surface of the glass sheet with a protective layer. The method of claim 125, wherein the protective layer comprises a polymer. The method according to claim 125, wherein the protective layer is coated on the main surface of the glass sheet by plasma deposition. The method according to any one of claims 117 to 127, wherein the glass ribbon has a vertical orientation.

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