TWI808065B - Apparatus and method for edge processing of a substrate sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for processing an edge of a substrate sheet. The apparatus includes a finishing member, a shroud, and a tubular member. The finishing member is rotatably maintained within a chamber of the shroud. The shroud includes a wall segment terminating at a major edge that defines a portion of a slot. The slot is configured to receive the edge of the substrate sheet, facilitating interface of the edge with the finishing member. The wall segment further defines a nozzle passageway that terminates at an opening in the major edge. The tubular member projects from the major edge and defines a passage in fluid communication with the nozzle passageway. Cooling agent delivered to the nozzle passageway is injected onto the finishing member via the tubular member even in the presence of vacuum induced cross-flow. In some embodiments, a spatial arrangement of the tubular member is adjustable.

Description

Apparatus and method for edge treatment of substrate sheets

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/427,293, filed November 29, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reliance and by reference in their entirety (as fully set forth below).

The present application generally relates to apparatus and methods for processing the edges of substrate sheets. More specifically, the present application relates to the delivery of liquid coolants in apparatus and methods for grinding or polishing the edges of substrates, such as the edges of glass sheets.

Processing glass sheets requiring high quality surface finish, such as those used in flat panel displays, typically involves cutting the glass sheet into a desired shape, then grinding and/or polishing the edges of the cut glass sheet to remove any sharp corners. For example, the grinding or polishing step may be performed by a finishing device or machine that includes at least one finishing member (eg, a grinding wheel such as a grinding wheel, buffing wheel, etc.). In many such machines, the finishing member is driven (eg, rotated), and the glass sheet is conveyed continuously so that the edge to be finished contacts the driven finishing member. Edges are machined at the point of contact. Some finishing equipment utilizes a finishing member (such as a grinding or buffing wheel having grooves on its outer periphery) that simultaneously processes the corners of the edge.

Due to the high process speeds and materials involved, excessive heat is generated at the glass sheet finishing member interface. Accordingly, many glass edge finishing machines include coolant systems that are typically designed to direct coolant flow to the area of the contact point between the glass sheet and the finishing member. The coolant is typically a liquid (eg, water) and is sprayed or injected towards the region of the glass sheet finishing member interface.

In addition to providing the necessary cooling of the finishing member and glass sheet, the delivered coolant is advantageously used to flush away particles (eg glass swarf) generated during the edge finishing process. It is desirable to collect as much particle-laden coolant as possible to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment and (after removal of the particles) to reuse the coolant. As such, numerous glass edge finishing machines position the finishing member within a shroud or housing. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the interior of the shroud and actively removes the particle-laden coolant. As a point of reference, shields are typically configured to provide walls or other housing features in close proximity to the intended glass sheet finishing member interface. Accordingly, coolant supply tubes are typically formed within the shroud structure itself, terminating at outlet holes or nozzles in the shroud wall, and directed generally toward the desired glass sheet finishing member interface. At normal operating pressures, the coolant exits the shield holes or nozzles in a jet. Although widely accepted, the use of shields and vacuum can inhibit optimal delivery of coolant. The exit orifice(s) created by the shroud are effectively fixed in space relative to the finishing member; despite being relatively close to the glass sheet finishing member interface, the exit orifice does not provide alternative injection directions. Also, the high velocity air cross flow caused by the vacuum can disturb and misdirect the coolant jets through the applied drag.

Accordingly, disclosed herein are alternative apparatus and methods for finishing the edge of a glass sheet in combination with conveyed coolant.

Some embodiments of the present application relate to an apparatus for processing an edge of a glass sheet. The equipment includes finishing components, shields and tubular components. A finishing member is configured to process the edge of the glass sheet and is rotatably retained within the chamber of the shield. The shroud includes a first wall segment terminating at the first major edge and a second wall segment terminating at the second major edge. The major edges are opposed to each other and join to define at least a portion of the slot leading to the chamber. The groove is configured to slidably receive the edge of the glass sheet to engage the edge with the finishing member. The first wall section further defines a nozzle channel for delivering fluid. The nozzle channel terminates at the opening of the first major edge. Finally, a tubular member protrudes from the first major edge and defines a passageway in fluid communication with the nozzle passage. With this structure, even in the presence of vacuum-induced cross flow, the cooling fluid delivered to the nozzle channel is precisely sprayed onto the finishing member via the tubular member. In some embodiments, the tubular member terminates at a dispensing end opposite the first major edge. In some embodiments, the distance between the finishing member and the dispensing end is less than the distance between the finishing member and the first major edge. In other embodiments, the spatial arrangement of the tubular member relative to the first major edge is adjustable. In other embodiments, one or more additional nozzle channels are defined in one or both wall segments, and one or more additional tubular members are associated with respective ones of the additional nozzle channels.

Other embodiments of the present application relate to apparatus for processing the edges of glass sheets. The equipment includes finishing components, shields and tubular components. A finishing member is configured for processing the edge of the glass sheet and is rotatably retained within the chamber of the shield. The shroud includes a wall segment terminating in a major edge defining at least a portion of a slot open to the chamber. The groove is configured to slidably receive the edge of the glass sheet to engage the edge with the finishing member. The wall segment further defines a nozzle channel for delivering fluid. The nozzle channel terminates at the opening of the main edge. A tubular member is removably fitted to the wall segment and protrudes from the main edge. The tubular member defines a passageway in fluid communication with the nozzle passage. In some embodiments, the tubular member is removably assembled to the wall segment via a threaded or press-fit interface.

Other embodiments of the present application relate to methods for processing the edges of glass sheets. The method includes the steps of directing an edge of the glass sheet through a slot in a shroud of a processing apparatus and into a chamber of the shroud. The slot is at least partially defined by the main edge of the shroud wall segment. The edges of the glass sheet are processed by a finishing unit located in the chamber. During the processing step, a flow of cooling fluid is directed onto the interface between the edge of the glass sheet and the finishing member through a tubular member protruding from the main edge. In this aspect, the tubular member defines a central passage that is in fluid communication with the nozzle passage defined in the wall segment. The tubular member advantageously directs the cooling fluid onto the interface at all times using the method of the application. In some embodiments, the method of the present application further includes the step of adjusting the arrangement of the tubular member relative to the main edge (and thus relative to the finishing member), for example, to account for wear of the finishing member.

Additional features and advantages will be described in the following [embodiments], and for those skilled in the art, according to the [embodiments] or by implementing the embodiments described herein (including the following [embodiments], patent claims and drawings), these additional features and advantages will be partly obvious.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following [Description of Embodiments] describe various embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of various embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of apparatus and methods for processing the edges of substrate sheets, such as the edges of glass sheets. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the appended drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

One embodiment of an apparatus 10 for processing the edges of glass sheets according to the principles of the present application is shown in FIG. 1 . Although apparatus 10 is described herein as being used for grinding or polishing the edges of glass sheets, it should be understood that apparatus 10 (and other embodiment apparatuses of the present application) may also be used to process other types of materials, such as polymer (e.g., Plexi-glass ^™ ), metal, or other substrate sheets. Accordingly, the device 10 of the present application should not be interpreted in a limiting manner.

Apparatus 10 includes a finishing member 12 and a shroud 14 . As a point of reference, a portion of shroud 14 is depicted as partially transparent in FIG. 1 to illustrate elements (eg, finishing member 12 ) disposed within shroud 14 . Generally, a finishing member 12 is rotatably retained within a chamber 16 (generally labeled) defined by shield 14 and is configured for processing (eg, grinding or polishing) the edge of a glass sheet. Additionally, as described in more detail below, apparatus 10 incorporates a coolant delivery system that includes one or more tubular members (not shown) for delivering coolant onto or toward the surface of finishing member 12. In this regard, apparatus 10 may include one or more inlet ports 18 to which a source of pressurized coolant (not shown) may be in fluid communication.

Finishing member 12 may take a variety of forms, and in some embodiments, finishing member 12 is a grinding wheel (eg, grinding wheels, buffing wheels, etc.) of the type known to those of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for machining the edges of glass sheets. As a non-limiting example, finishing member 12 may be a bonded wheel embedded with or having abrasive grains or abrasive media. In some embodiments, finishing member 12 may form one or more grooves having a desired profile on its periphery. The finishing member 12 may be driven (eg, rotated) by a motor 20 which is then mounted to (or supported relative to) the shroud 14 .

Shield 14 may take a variety of forms, and in some embodiments may include a cover 30 and a base 32 that combine to define chamber 16 . With this optional configuration, the lid 30 can be pivotally mounted to the base 32, such as by a hinge 34, to provide selective access to the chamber 16 (e.g., FIG. In some embodiments, shroud 14 may be defined by three or more elements; in other embodiments, shroud 14 may have a uniform or monolithic structure. Regardless, in some embodiments, shroud 14 may further include or provide an exhaust duct 36 (generally labeled) defining an exhaust passage 38 . Exhaust passage 38 is in fluid communication with chamber 16 . Additionally, exhaust conduit 36 is configured in fluid communication with a vacuum source (not shown), which operates through exhaust passage 38 to create a negative pressure or vacuum within chamber 16 . Alternatively, shield 14 may incorporate other structures or features for draining fluid from chamber 16 .

Regardless of the exact configuration, and as shown in FIG. 1 , the shape or footprint of the shroud 14 mimics the perimeter shape of the finishing member 12 at least in the X-Y plane (as defined by the X, Y, and Z coordinate system designated in FIG. 1 ). Thus, in some embodiments, shroud 14 has a generally circular shape in the X-Y plane that corresponds relatively closely to circular finishing member 12 . Other shapes are also contemplated.

As shown in the greatly simplified cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 , the shroud 14 forms a slot 40 leading to the chamber 16 . For further understanding, the overall position of the slot 40 is also indicated in FIG. 1 . Slot 40 is generally configured (eg, sized and shaped) to slidably receive an edge of a glass sheet (not shown), thereby allowing the edge to enter chamber 16 and engage finishing member 12 . Exhaust passage 38 is also generally indicated in FIG. 2 .

Shroud 14 may form slot 40 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, shroud 14 may be considered to include or define a first wall segment 50 and a second wall segment 52 that combine to form at least a portion of the perimeter of slot 40 . The first wall segment 50 and the second wall segment 52 may be provided in different forms; for example, the first wall segment 50 may be part of or attached to the cover 30 ( FIG. 1 ), and the second wall segment 52 may be part of or attached to the base 32 ( FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, the first wall segment 50 and the second wall segment 52 may be integrally formed as part of a single uniform structure. Regardless, the first wall segment 50 terminates at a first major edge 60 . The second wall segment 52 terminates in a second major edge 62 . Wall segments 50 and 52 are arranged such that first major edge 60 is opposite and spaced from second major edge 62 , wherein major edge 60 and major edge 62 each define at least a portion of the perimeter of slot 40 . In some embodiments, one or both of major edge 60 and major edge 62 may include a chamfer in the Y-Z plane relative to the remainder of wall segment 50 and wall segment 52 (see, eg, FIG. 3 ). For example, first wall segment 50 may be considered to define exterior face 70 and interior face 72 . First major edge 60 represents the transition edge adjoining outer face 70 and inner face 72 and forms a non-perpendicular angle with both face 70 and face 72 . With respect to the central plane P of the slot 40 , an alternative chamfer configuration can be described as a first major edge 60 that is non-perpendicular and non-parallel with respect to the central plane P. As shown in FIG. Alternatively or additionally, an optional chamfer arrangement may be described as protruding first main edge 60 extending from the outer face 70 to a central plane P of the inner face 72 . The second major edge 62 may have a similar or identical chamfer configuration extending between the corresponding outer and inner faces of the second wall segment 52 . Finally, one or more tubular members 80 (generally labeled) protruding from one or both of the first major edge 60 and the second major edge 62 are provided with the apparatus 10 for reasons clearly explained below.

The shroud wall segment 50 with one or more tubular members 80 (generally labeled) and the shroud wall segment 52 are shown in more detail in FIG. 3 in addition to the remainder of the shroud 14 . One or both of wall segment 50 and wall segment 52 define at least one nozzle passage. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 3, the first wall segment 50 defines a first nozzle passage 90a, a second nozzle passage 90b, and a third nozzle passage 90c, respectively, and the second wall segment 52 defines a first nozzle passage 92a, a second nozzle passage 92b, and a third nozzle passage 92c, respectively. Any other number of nozzle channels (more or less) is equally acceptable (eg, first wall segment 50 may provide one or more nozzle channels, while second wall segment 50 may not have any nozzle channels, or vice versa). In other words, the present application is in no way limited to three nozzle channels in each of wall segment 50 and wall segment 52 . Regardless of the exact number provided, nozzle channel(s) 90a-90c and 92a-92c are each configured for conveying or conveying a fluid (eg, coolant or cooling liquid), and may each terminate at openings in major edges 60 and 62 of corresponding wall segments 50 and 52. For example, and with additional reference to FIG. 4A (which additionally shows wall segment 50 and wall segment 52 isolated from tubular member 80 removed), first nozzle channel 90a of first wall segment 50 terminates at first opening 100a in first major edge 60. The first opening 100a serves as a nozzle-shaped orifice through which pressurized fluid is expelled from the channel 90a. The plan or shape of the first opening 100a corresponds to the plan or shape of the first major edge 60 (eg, the first opening 100a follows or mimics the optional chamfer arrangement of the first major edge 60). In other words, the first major edge 60 may be a continuous, relatively smooth or planar surface, and the first opening 100a forms this continuous, relatively smooth and planar surface. However, it will be appreciated that due to the optional curved shape of the first wall segment 50 (i.e., as described above with respect to FIG. 1 , the shroud 14 can mimic the curvature of the perimeter of the finishing member 12; the first wall segment 50 optionally includes this same curvature), the first major edge 60 is also curved in the X-Y plane.

The second nozzle channel 90b and the third nozzle channel 90c of the first wall segment 50 may be substantially identical to the first nozzle channel 90a described above, with the second nozzle channel 90b terminating at the second opening 100b in the first major edge 60 and the third nozzle channel 90c terminating at the third opening 100c in the first major edge 60. The nozzle channels 90a-90c of the first wall section 50 are spaced apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 4B (which otherwise illustrates a portion of device 10 with tubular member 80 ( FIG. 3 ) removed in some embodiments), openings 100 a - 100 c may be radially offset from one another in the X-Y plane along the curvature of first major edge 60 due to the optional curvilinear shape of first major edge 60 in the X-Y plane, such that the centerlines CL1 - CL3 of each opening 100 a - 100 c (thus being defined by one of openings 100 a - 100 c ). The spraying directions implemented by each) generally intersect at the center of the finishing member 12 .

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A , the nozzle channels 92 a - 92 c of the second wall segment 52 may be similar or identical to the nozzle channels 90 a - 90 c of the first wall segment 50 described above. Thus, the first nozzle channel 92a can terminate in the first opening 102a in the second major edge 62, the second nozzle channel 92b can terminate in the second opening 102b in the second major edge 62, and the third nozzle channel 92c can terminate in the third opening 102c in the second major edge 62. Wall segments 50 and 52 may be arranged in final assembly so as to substantially align corresponding ones of first wall segment openings 100a-100c with corresponding ones of second wall segment openings 102a-102c in the Z direction (e.g., first opening 100a in first wall segment 50 aligns in Z direction with first opening 102a in second wall segment 52, etc.). In other embodiments, the nozzle channels 90a-90c and 92a-92c and/or the openings 100a-100c and 102a-102c of the first wall segment 50 and the second wall segment 52 may differ from each other in shape and/or location.

Referring specifically to Figure 3, each tubular member 80 acts as an extension of the corresponding nozzle passage, as described in more detail below. Tubular members 80 may have a structurally strong construction, wherein the materials and dimensions of each of tubular members 80 are selected to maintain a selected or desired spatial orientation under anticipated operating conditions (e.g., tubular members 80 are formed and assembled to shroud 14 ( FIG. 1 ) so as not to deflect appreciably when subjected to resistance associated with vacuum-induced lateral flow). For example, the tubular member 80 may be formed of plastic, metal (eg, brass), vulcanized rubber, and the like.

In some embodiments, a tubular member is provided for each nozzle passage opening associated with shroud 14 ( FIG. 1 ). Thus, for example, first tubular member 110a, second tubular member 110b, and third tubular member 110c may be associated with corresponding nozzle passage openings 90a-90c of first wall segment 50, respectively, and first tubular member 112a, second tubular member 112b, and third tubular member 112c may be associated with corresponding nozzle passage openings 92a-92c of second wall segment 52, respectively. In other embodiments, the tubular member may be configured to accommodate less than all of the available nozzle channel openings. In other embodiments, the device of the present application may only include a single tubular member 80 . Although three nozzle channels and three tubular members in each of wall segments 50 and 52 have been shown and described, embodiments of the present application may utilize any other number, whether larger or smaller.

In some embodiments, the tubular members 110a-110c and 112a-112c may be similar such that the following explanations regarding the first tubular member 110a as shown in FIG. 5 may equally apply to the remaining tubular members 110b, 110c and 112a-112c. As a point of reference, FIG. 5 shows the outer face 70 and the inner face 72 of the first wall segment 50 and shows that the first nozzle channel 90a may be formed in the thickness of the first wall segment 50 between the outer face 70 and the inner face 72 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the central longitudinal axis CA of the first nozzle passage 90a may be parallel to the outer face 70 and the inner face 72 . In embodiments where first wall segment 50 (or second wall segment 52 (FIG. 2)) provides two or more nozzle channels (e.g., nozzle channels 90a-90c and 92a-92c (FIG. 3)), some or all of the nozzle channels may be provided with this optional parallel arrangement of their respective central longitudinal axes relative to the outer and inner faces of the corresponding wall segment.

Tubular member 110a is a tubular body defining a central passageway 120a that leads to opposing inlet end 122a and dispensing end 124a. Tubular member 110a is associated with first wall segment 50 such that tubular member 110a protrudes from first major edge 60 and central passage 120a is in fluid communication with first nozzle passage 90a via inlet end 122a. For example, the inlet end 122a can be inserted into the first nozzle passage 90a through the opening 100a (generally labeled) (eg, the outer diameter of the tubular member 110a approximates the diameter of the opening 100a). Alternatively, inlet end 122a may be assembled on the face of first major edge 60 with central passage 120a aligned with opening 100a. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the tubular member 110a may be assembled or mounted to the first wall segment 50 in various ways including, but not limited to, threaded joints, press fitting, adhesive bonding, welding, and the like. In a related embodiment, the tubular member(s) of the present application, such as tubular member 110a, may be assembled or retrofitted to existing glass edge processing equipment. A gasket or other sealing element (not shown) may optionally be provided to better facilitate a fluid seal at the interface between the first wall segment 50 and the tubular member 110a. In other embodiments, the tubular member 110a is an integrally formed element of the first wall segment 50 . Regardless, tubular member 110a effectively extends nozzle passage 90a beyond opening 100a in first major edge 60 with pressurized fluid delivered to nozzle passage 90 exiting dispensing end 124a. Although the tubular member 110a is shown as being generally linear or straight, in other embodiments curved or curvilinear shaped geometries may be provided; a non-limiting example of such a tubular member 110a is shown as the tubular member 80' of FIG.

3, the size, geometry and spatial arrangement of each of the tubular members 110a-110c and 112a-112c extending from the respective major edge 60 and major edge 62 need not be the same, and may be selected according to the operating parameters of the apparatus 10 (FIG. 1). For example, the simplified top cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of tubular members 110 a - 110 c protruding from first major edge 60 of first wall segment 50 relative to finishing member 12 . As shown, the length and angular orientation of the first tubular member 110a and the third tubular member 110c are different from the length and angular orientation of the second tubular member 110b. The approximate intersection of the respective flow paths Q1-Q3 established by the tubular members 110a-110c is located at the periphery of the finishing member 12 with this one possible arrangement, resulting in concentrated cooling at the intended point of contact between the finishing member 12 and the edge of the glass sheet (not shown) undergoing the finishing operation. By comparison and cross-reference to FIG. 4B (recall that FIG. 4B shows a portion of apparatus 10 with tubular members removed), without tubular members 110a-110c, coolant flow exiting each of openings 100a-100c would engage the perimeter of finishing member 12 at discrete locations, resulting in less effective cooling of the intended contact points between finishing member 12 and the glass sheet. The flow paths Q1-Q3 created by the size, shape and/or spatial arrangement (relative to first major edge 60) of one or more tubular members 110a-110c differ from the centerlines CL1-CL3 of the corresponding openings 100a-110c.

An additional benefit demonstrated by a comparison of FIGS. 4B and 7 is that the dispensing end 124a-124c of each tubular member 110a-110c is physically closer to the finishing member 12 than the corresponding opening 100a-100c. Therefore, the flow of the delivered or injected coolant is less likely to be interrupted. For example, FIG. 8A shows first nozzle channel 90a of finishing member 12 removed relative to first tubular member 110a (FIG. 7). The first gap G1 is defined as the linear distance between the opening 100 a and the finishing member 12 . The pressurized fluid flow (coolant) Q1 provided to the first nozzle passage 90a is indicated by the arrow and initially exits the opening 100a as a focused spray or jet and is directed towards the intended point of contact between the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet (not shown). Under typical glass sheet edge finishing conditions such as grinding or polishing, the finishing member 12 rotates at high speed, entraining air and creating a high velocity air flow around the finishing member. Additionally, as described above, a negative pressure (eg, vacuum) is established in chamber 16 (generally labeled) relative to the ambient pressure outside chamber 16 to remove particle laden fluid. Thus, vacuum-induced high-velocity air cross-flow typically appears to disturb and misdirect fluid jet Q1 through the applied drag. The fluid flow Q1 is thus disrupted and less concentrated upon reaching the finishing member 12 . Such a possible effect is schematically shown in Figure 8A. In contrast, Figure 8B shows a configuration similar to that of Figure 8A, but including a tubular member 110a. A second gap G2 is established between the dispensing end 124a and the finishing member 12 . The distance of the second gap G2 is smaller than that of the first gap G1 ( FIG. 8A ). The pressurized fluid flow Q1 provided to the first nozzle passage 90a is again indicated by the arrow and exits the dispensing end 124a as a focused spray or jet in close proximity to the finishing member 12 (and thus in close proximity to the desired point of contact between the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet (not shown)). Tubular member 110a shields fluid flow Q1 from the aforementioned cross-flow resistance. By injecting the fluid stream Q1 as close as possible to the finishing member 12, the velocity of the pressurized fluid stream Q is maintained and thus breaks the air barrier created around the finishing member 12 more easily. Accordingly, fluid flow Q1 is more focused on reaching finishing member 12 than in the case of FIG. 8A .

3, the size, shape or other physical characteristics of the tubular members 110a-110c and 112a-112c can differ from each other and can be individually selected for a particular end-use application based on the desired spatial position of the respective dispensing end (e.g., dispensing end 124a labeled for first tubular member 110a in FIG. 3) relative to the finishing member 12 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, one, more than one, or all of tubular members 110a - 110c and 112a - 112c are removably assembled to corresponding wall segments 50 and 52 . Utilizing this arrangement some or all of the tubular members 110a-110c and 112a-112c may be replaced as desired operating conditions change. For example, the beneficial length of each of tubular members 110a-110c and 112a-112c may vary depending on the diameter or size of finishing member 12 (e.g., finishing member 12 experiences wear and may reduce outer diameter over time, and different finishing operations mean using different configurations or sizes of finishing members, etc.), the rotational speed of finishing member 12 for a particular finishing application, the speed at which a substrate travels relative to finishing apparatus 10 ( FIG. 1 ), and the like.

In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present application may be configured to automatically adjust or change the spatial orientation of the tubular member(s). For example, FIG. 9A shows, in simplified form, portions of another embodiment of a finishing apparatus 200 in accordance with the principles of the present application. Apparatus 200 may be highly similar to apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) described above, and includes a shroud 202, a finishing member (not shown, but similar to finishing member 12 (FIG. 1) described above), at least one tubular member 204, an actuator 206, and a controller 208. In general, tubular member 204 protrudes from a section of shroud 202 and is configured to be spatially manipulated by actuator 206 . Controller 208 is electrically connected to actuator 206 and is configured (eg, programmed) to prompt operation of actuator 206 in a selected manner.

Shield 202 may have any of the forms or features described above with respect to shield 14 ( FIG. 1 ), and includes a wall segment 220 terminating in a major edge 222 that defines at least a portion of a slot 224 (generally labeled) through which a glass sheet (not shown) may be slidably received. Nozzle channels 226 are defined in wall segment 220 .

Tubular member 204 is connected to and in fluid communication with nozzle passage 226 via an opening in main edge 222 , and defines a central passage 230 that leads to dispensing end 232 . As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9A , the spatial position or arrangement of the dispensing end 232 relative to the main edge 222 (and thus relative to the finishing member (not shown)) is adjustable. In some embodiments, tubular member 204 is configured to be expandable and retractable in length, such as via the telescoping configuration referred to in FIG. 9A. Other expandable and retractable structures are also conceivable, such as by means of bellows-like members, hinge mechanisms, and the like. In other embodiments, the form of connection between tubular member 204 and wall segment 220 may be configured to allow selective expansion/retraction of tubular member 204 relative to major edge 222 (eg, tubular member 204 is slidably mounted to wall segment 220 ). Regardless, tubular member 204 may be hinged to expand or retract dispensing end 232 relative to major edge 222 in the direction indicated by arrow "L" in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows an example of tubular member 204 in an extended arrangement (ie, dispensing end 232 has been moved away from main edge 222 as compared to the arrangement of FIG. 9A ).

Additionally or as an alternative to providing expansion and retraction, tubular member 204 and/or the form of connection between tubular member 204 and wall segment 220 may be configured to allow lateral deflection or articulation of dispensing end 232 relative to main edge 222 . For example, a hinged or pivotal connection (eg, a ball joint) may be established between tubular member 204 and wall segment 220 . Alternatively or additionally, the tubular member 204 may comprise a plurality of elements or segments pivotally connected to one another, a plurality of flexible elements or segments, and the like. Regardless, tubular member 204 may be hinged to deflect dispensing end 232 in any lateral direction relative to major edge 222 (as generally indicated by arrow "T" in FIG. 9A ). Figure 9C shows an example of a tubular member 204 in a transversely hinged arrangement (compared to the arrangement of Figure 9B).

Returning to FIG. 9A , the actuator 206 may take various forms suitable for adjusting the tubular member 204 relative to the major edge 222 and will vary depending on the particular design of the tubular member 204 . For example, actuator 206 may be or include a servomotor mechanically connected to one or more elements of tubular member 204 in such a manner that operation of the servomotor moves at least one element of tubular member 204 relative to another element. Other actuator forms are equally acceptable (eg, hydraulic-based actuators and pneumatic-based actuators, etc.). Where the apparatus 200 includes a plurality of tubular members 204 , a single actuator 206 may be provided for each tubular member 204 .

Controller 208 may be or include a computer or computer-type device (eg, a programmable logic controller). Controller 208 may include a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the processor. A set of computer readable instructions may be stored in memory and, when executed by the processor, provide instructions to at least actuator 206 to modify the spatial position of dispensing end 232 relative to primary edge 222. Controller 208 (eg, hardware, software, circuit elements, etc.) may optionally be programmed to cause operation of actuator 206 in a predetermined manner. For example, the controller 208 may be programmed to cause the actuator 206 to expand or retract the tubular member 204 in a predetermined manner based on the particular format of the finishing member (e.g., size and number of grooves, etc.) and based on expected or sensed wear of the finishing member, etc. In some embodiments, the controller 208 may be programmed with one or more algorithms and/or lookup tables that relate predetermined spatial positions of the dispensing end 232 relative to the primary edge 222 to the time of operation of the finishing member (e.g., when a new finishing component is first installed, the algorithm(s) and/or lookup table(s) identify a first spatial position of the dispensing end 232; after a first period of time in which the finishing member is used to finish the substrate edge, The algorithm(s) and/or lookup table(s) to identify a second spatial location of the dispensing end 232 that is generally farther from the main edge 222 (as compared to the first spatial location); following a second period of time in which the finishing member is further used to finish the edge of the substrate, the algorithm(s) and/or lookup table(s) to identify a third spatial location of the dispensing end 232 that is generally farther from the main edge 222 (as compared to the second spatial location and so on). In other embodiments, the controller 208 may include or consist of a user input device on which a user may select a desired spatial arrangement of the tubular member 204 . The controller 208 may be electrically connected to the actuator 206 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. In some embodiments, controller 208 may be a controller operable to control other operations of apparatus 200 and/or a finishing system on which apparatus 200 is installed.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the method of the present application includes the steps of operating apparatus 10 to process the edge of a substrate (eg, the edge of a glass sheet). In some embodiments, and with additional reference to FIG. 10 , one or more of the edge processing devices 10 may be arranged as part of an edge processing system 300 further comprising a delivery device 302 of a type known in the art. Conveyor 302 operates to convey glass sheet 304 (or other substrate) toward edge processing apparatus 10 . Edge 306 of glass sheet 304 enters shroud 14 via slot 40 (generally labeled) as glass sheet 304 is continuously conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the system 300 may include one or more additional processing devices for processing the opposite edge 308 of the glass sheet 304 and for additional edge processing downstream of the apparatus 10, among others. Regardless, referring to FIG. 11 , upon entering the shroud 14 , the edge 306 contacts the finishing member 12 which is otherwise being driven (eg, rotated) to obtain the desired treatment (eg, grinding or polishing). Simultaneously, the coolant flow Q1 (indicated by the arrow) is delivered to the nozzle channel 90a. Coolant flow Q1 is forced through central passage 120a of tubular member 110a and then directed or injected via dispensing end 124a onto interface 310 between finishing member 12 and edge 306 . Coolant may also be injected onto the interface 310 from other provided tubular members (not shown). The method of the present application further optionally includes the step of periodically adjusting the spatial arrangement of the tubular member 110a relative to the main edge 60 (and thus relative to the finishing member 12 ) as described above. In some embodiments, the adjustment of tubular member 110a is performed automatically based on the wear of finishing member 12 .

Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, this specification is intended to cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein (provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents).

10‧‧‧equipment 12‧‧‧finishing member 14‧‧‧shroud 16‧‧‧chamber 18‧‧‧inlet port 20‧‧‧motor 30‧‧‧cover 32‧‧‧base 34‧‧‧hinge 36‧‧‧exhaust duct 38‧‧‧exhaust passageway 40‧‧‧groove 50‧‧‧first wall section 52‧‧‧second wall section 60‧‧‧first main edge 62‧second main edge 70‧‧external face 7 2‧‧‧inner surface 80‧‧‧tubular member 80'‧‧‧tubular member 90a‧‧‧first nozzle passage 90b‧‧‧second nozzle passage 90c‧‧‧third nozzle passage 92a‧‧‧first nozzle passage 92b‧‧‧second nozzle passage 92c‧‧‧third nozzle passage 100a‧‧‧first opening 100b‧‧‧second opening 100c‧‧‧third opening 102a‧‧‧first opening 102b‧‧‧second opening 1 02c‧‧‧third opening 110a‧‧‧first tubular member 110b‧‧‧second tubular member 110c‧‧‧third tubular member 120a‧‧‧central passage 122a‧‧‧inlet end 124a‧‧‧dispensing end 124b‧‧‧dispensing end 124c‧‧‧dispensing end 200‧‧‧equipment 202‧‧‧shroud 204‧‧‧tubular member 206‧‧‧actuator 208‧ ‧‧controller 220‧‧‧wall section 222‧‧main edge 224‧‧‧groove 226‧‧‧nozzle channel 230‧‧‧central channel 232‧‧‧dispensing end 300‧‧‧edge processing system 302‧‧‧transfer device 304‧‧‧glass sheet 306‧‧‧edge 308‧‧‧edge 310‧‧‧interface

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an edge processing device according to the principles of the present application;

Figure 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of portions of the apparatus of Figure 1, the portions including shroud wall sections and tubular members;

Figure 4A is an enlarged perspective view of the shield wall section of Figure 3;

Figure 4B is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the tubular member of Figure 3 removed;

Figure 5 is an enlarged simplified cross-sectional view of the wall section and tubular member of Figure 3;

6 is an enlarged simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative tubular member assembled to the wall segment of FIG. 5 in accordance with the principles of the present application;

Figure 7 is a simplified top plan view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1;

8A and 8B are enlarged simplified cross-sectional views of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and illustrate flow patterns for coolant delivery without and with tubular members;

9A is an enlarged simplified cross-sectional view, partially shown in block form, of a portion of another edge processing apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present application;

Fig. 9B is an enlarged simplified cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 9A, and Fig. 9B shows an alternative arrangement of tubular member elements of the apparatus different from the arrangement of Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9C is an enlarged simplified cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 9A, and Fig. 9C shows another alternative arrangement of tubular member elements different from the arrangement of Fig. 9A and the arrangement of Fig. 9B;

10 is a simplified top plan view of a portion of a glass edge processing system including the apparatus of FIG. 1 in processing glass sheets; and

11 is an enlarged simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 10 including the edge of a glass sheet being processed by the apparatus.

Domestic deposit information (please note in order of depositor, date, and number) None

Overseas storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, number) None

50‧‧‧first wall section

52‧‧‧Second wall section

60‧‧‧First main edge

62‧‧‧Second main edge

80‧‧‧tubular member

90a‧‧‧The first nozzle channel

90b‧‧‧Second Nozzle Channel

90c‧‧‧The third nozzle channel

92a‧‧‧The first nozzle channel

92b‧‧‧The second nozzle channel

92c‧‧‧The third nozzle channel

110a‧‧‧first tubular member

110b‧‧‧second tubular member

110c‧‧‧The third tubular member

124a‧‧‧distribution terminal

Claims (8)

An apparatus for processing an edge of a substrate sheet, the apparatus comprising: a finishing member for processing the edge of the substrate sheet; a shield defining a chamber in which the finishing member is rotatably retained, the shield comprising: a first wall segment terminating at a first major edge of the first wall segment, a second wall segment terminating at a second major edge of the second wall segment opposite the first major edge of the first wall segment edge, wherein the first major edge and the second major edge combine to define at least a portion of a slot leading to the chamber, and the first major edge and the second major edge are configured to slidably receive the edge of the substrate sheet for engagement with the finishing member, and further wherein the first wall segment defines a first nozzle channel for delivering fluid, the first nozzle channel terminating in a first opening in the first major edge; extending between and adjacent to the outer face and the inner face; and a first tubular member extending from the first major edge Projecting and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the first nozzle passage, the first tubular member configured to direct a flow of coolant from the first nozzle passage onto the finishing member, wherein an arrangement of the first tubular member relative to the first major edge is adjustable. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first tubular member terminates at a dispensing end opposite the first major edge, and a distance between the dispensing end and the finishing member is less than a distance between the first major edge and the finishing member. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second nozzle passage for delivering fluid is defined in the first wall segment, the second nozzle passage being spaced apart from the first nozzle passage and terminating in a second opening in the first major edge, the apparatus further comprising a second tubular member protruding from the first major edge and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the second opening. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second nozzle channel for delivering fluid is defined in the second wall segment, the second nozzle channel terminating at a second opening in the second major edge, the apparatus further comprising a second tubular member protruding from the second major edge and defining a channel in fluid communication with the second opening. A method of processing an edge of a substrate sheet, the method comprising the steps of: directing the edge of the substrate sheet through a slot in a shield of a processing apparatus and into a chamber of the shield, the slot being at least partially defined by a major edge of a wall section of the shield extending between and adjoining opposing outer and inner faces; treating the edge of the substrate sheet with a finishing member disposed within the chamber; Leading to an interface between the edge of the substrate sheet and the finishing member, the tubular member defining a central passageway defined in the wall segment in fluid communication with a nozzle passage, and adjusting an arrangement of the tubular member relative to the major edge. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of: changing a distance between a dispensing end of the tubular member and the main edge. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the adjusting step includes the step of changing an angular relationship of a central axis of the tubular member with respect to the main edge. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of adjusting comprises the steps of: monitoring wear of the finishing member; and A spatial arrangement of the tubular member relative to the major edge is altered based on wear of the finishing member.