WO2017040128A1

WO2017040128A1 - Score apparatus including a score device and methods of scoring a glass ribbon

Info

Publication number: WO2017040128A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/048270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas Dominic Cavallaro Iii; Zung-Sing Chang; Keith Mitchell Hill; Yousef Kayed QAROUSH; George Davis Treichler
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2016-08-24
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Also published as: TWI676605B; JP2018530505A; KR20180037061A; CN107922239A; TW201722873A

Abstract

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

Description

SCORE APPARATUS INCLUDING A SCORE DEVICE AND METHODS OF

SCORING A GLASS RIBBON

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of

U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/211046, filed on August 28, 2015, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to score apparatus and methods of scoring and, more particularly, to score apparatus including a score device and methods of scoring a glass ribbon.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to separate a sheet of glass from a glass ribbon. Known separation techniques can include forming a score line in the glass ribbon to facilitate separation of the glass sheet from the glass ribbon along the score line.

SUMMARY

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description.

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect, a score apparatus includes a score device including a support member mounted with respect to a base wherein the support member is rotatable with respect to the base about a rotational axis of the support member. The support member may further be movable with respect to the base along an axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member. The score device further includes a score element coupled to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the rotational axis of the support member. The score device still further includes a limit device that limits the rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member. As used herein, the term coupled in the context of a first object coupled to a second object can mean either directly coupled (e.g., the first object directly mounted to or connected to the second object), or indirectly coupled (e.g., one or more additional objects between the first object and the second object). [0006] In one example of the first aspect, the limit device comprises a protrusion extending from one of the support member and the base positioned within an elongated opening defined by the other of the support member and the base. In one example, the elongated opening may be axially tapered along a travel path defined by the elongated opening such that the limit of the rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member varies depending on a position of the protrusion within the elongated opening along the travel path. In another example, the support member is positionable in a fully extended axial position with respect to the base wherein the limit device provides the support member with a first limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis. The support member can also be positionable in an at least partially retracted axial position with respect to the base wherein the limit device provides the support member with a second limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis that can be greater than the first limit of rotational movement.

[0007] In another example of the first aspect, the base includes a fluid bearing configured to support the support member with a cushion of fluid. In one example, the score device further comprises a friction member biased against one of the support member and the base to provide a predetermined level of resistance against the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member.

[0008] In still another example of the first aspect, the score apparatus further includes a support device configured to support a second major surface of a glass ribbon while the score element scores a first major surface of the glass ribbon. In one example, the support device comprises a support roller configured to engage the second major surface of the glass ribbon while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

[0009] The first aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the first aspect discussed above.

[0010] In accordance with a second aspect, a method of scoring a glass ribbon with the score device of the first aspect is provided. The method includes the steps of landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and generating a score line with the score element by traversing the score device relative to the glass ribbon. The support member can be axially moved relative to the base in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member from a fully extended axial position relative to the base to an at least partially retracted axial position. The score element generates a portion of the score line having a vent depth while the support member is in the at least partially retracted axial position.

[0011] In one example of the second aspect, the score element can be pressed against the glass ribbon with a substantially constant force while the score device scores at the vent depth along the portion of the score line.

[0012] In another example of the second aspect, the limit device provides the support member with a first limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the fully extended axial position and a second limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the at least partially retracted axial position that may be greater than the first limit of rotational movement.

[0013] In still another example of the second aspect, the method further comprises the step of supporting the support member with a cushion of fluid to facilitate the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member and to facilitate the axial movement of the support member with respect to the base along the axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member. In a further example, the method also includes the step of applying a predetermined level of resistance against the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member.

[0014] In a further example of the second aspect, the method further includes the step of landing a support element on a second major surface of the glass ribbon, and the step of traversing the support element together with the score element while generating the score line with the score element.

[0015] The second aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the second aspect discussed above.

[0016] In accordance with a third aspect, a score apparatus includes a score device including a support member mounted with respect to a fluid bearing of a base. The support member is rotatable with respect to the base about a rotational axis of the support member. The score device can further include a score element mounted with respect to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the rotational axis of the support member.

[0017] In one example of the third aspect, the support member is movable with respect to the base along an axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member.

[0018] In another example of the third aspect, the score device further comprises a limit device that limits the rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member. In a further example, the score device further comprises a friction member in addition to the limit device. The friction member is biased against one of the support member and the base to provide a predetermined level of resistance against the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member.

[0019] In another example of the third aspect, the score device further comprises a friction member without the limit device. The friction member is biased against one of the support member and the base to provide a predetermined level of resistance against the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member.

[0020] In a further example of the third aspect, the score apparatus further includes a support device configured to support a second major surface of a glass ribbon while the score element scores a first major surface of the glass ribbon. In one example, the support device comprises a support roller configured to engage the second major surface of the glass ribbon while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

[0021] The third aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the third aspect discussed above.

[0022] In accordance with a fourth aspect, a method of scoring a glass ribbon with the score device of the third aspect is provided. The method comprises the step of supporting the support member with a cushion of fluid provided between the fluid bearing and the support member to facilitate the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member. The method further includes the step of landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and the step of generating a score line with the score element by traversing the score device relative to the glass ribbon.

[0023] In one example of the fourth aspect, the cushion of fluid further facilitates an axial movement of the support member with respect to the base along an axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member. In one example, the score device generates a substantially constant force of the score element against the glass ribbon while the score device scores along a portion of the score line. In another example, the support member may be moved relative to the base in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member from a fully extended axial position relative to the base to an at least partially retracted axial position. The support member may be in the at least partially retracted axial position while scoring a portion of the score line. In one particular example, the support member includes a first limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the fully extended axial position and a second limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the at least partially retracted axial position that may be greater than the first limit of rotational movement.

[0024] In another example of the fourth aspect, the method further includes the step of applying a predetermined level of resistance against the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member.

[0025] In a further example of the fourth aspect, the method further includes the step of landing a support element on a second major surface of the glass ribbon, and the step of traversing the support element together with the score element while generating the score line with the score element.

[0026] The fourth aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the fourth aspect discussed above.

[0027] In accordance with a fifth aspect, a method of scoring a glass ribbon is provided. The glass ribbon includes a first bead defining a first outer limit of the glass ribbon, a second bead defining a second outer limit of the glass ribbon, and a width defined between the first outer limit and the second outer limit. A thickness of a central portion of the glass ribbon can be less than a thickness of the first bead and a thickness of the second bead. Each bead includes a substantially flat surface defined between an inner edge and an outer edge of the bead. The method includes the step (I) of passing a score element of a score device over the substantially flat surface of the first bead while traveling at a transverse score velocity of at least 500 mm/s prior to contacting the glass ribbon with the score element. The method then includes the step (II) of landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon at a landing point that may be located a distance of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge of the substantially flat surface of the first bead while the score element may be traveling at the transverse score velocity, for example in a range from about 2 mm to about 20 mm.

[0028] In other examples, the step (II) of landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon may include landing the score element on the first major surface of the glass ribbon at a landing point that is located a distance in a range from about 25 mm to about 75 mm from a first lateral edge in a width direction of the glass ribbon while the score element may be traveling at the transverse score velocity.

[0029] In one example of the fifth aspect, the transverse score velocity may be from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s.

[0030] In another example of the fifth aspect, after step (II), the method further comprises the step of traversing the score element at the transverse score velocity to produce a score line in the first major surface of the glass ribbon that has a vent depth from about 8% to about 12% of the thickness of the central portion of the glass ribbon. The vent depth may be reached less than or equal to about 5 mm from the landing point.

[0031] In still another example of the fifth aspect, the score device includes a support member configured for a rotational movement about a rotational axis of the support member. The score element may be mounted with respect to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance of greater than 2 mm from the rotational axis of the support member. A ratio of the transverse score velocity to the offset distance may be less than or equal to about 267 s^"1.

[0032] In yet another example of the fifth aspect, after step (Π), the method further includes the step of traversing the score element at the transverse score velocity to produce a score line in the first major surface of the glass ribbon. The method further includes the step of lifting the score element off the first major surface at a lift off point that may be located a distance of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge of the second bead while the score element may be traveling at the transverse score velocity.

[0033] In other examples, after step (II), the method may further include the step of lifting the score element off the first major surface at a lift off point that may be located a distance in a range from about 25 mm to about 75 mm from a second lateral edge in a width direction of the glass ribbon while the score element may be traveling at the transverse score velocity.

[0034] In a further example of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises the step of landing a support element on a second major surface of the glass ribbon and the step of traversing the support element together with the score element at the transverse score velocity while generating the score line with the score element.

[0035] The fifth aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the fifth aspect discussed above.

[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments as they are described and claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can be further understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0038] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to facilitate a process of separating a glass ribbon;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a score device in accordance with an example of the disclosure; [0041] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the score device of FIG. 3 along line 4-

4 of FIG. 3;

[0042] FIG. 5 is an interior view of a sidewall of a base of the score device shown in FIG. 4;

[0043] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a score element positioned laterally outside of a first outer limit of a glass ribbon with a support element and the score element being traversed together at a transverse score velocity;

[0044] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the support element and the score element being traversed together at the transverse score velocity just after the score element has passed over a substantially flat surface of a first bead of the glass ribbon and prior to contacting the glass ribbon with the score element;

[0045] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and landing the support element on a second major surface of the glass ribbon while the support element and the score element are traveling at the transverse score velocity;

[0046] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the step of traversing the score element at the transverse score velocity to generate a score that reaches a vent depth;

[0047] FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic view of the score reaching the vent depth at view 10 of FIG. 9;

[0048] FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic view of a score in the first major surface of the glass ribbon with the score element located in a position just prior to lifting off the first major surface of the glass ribbon at view 11 of FIG. 12;

[0049] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the score element just prior to being lifted off of the first major surface of the glass ribbon after generating the score line while the score element is traveling at the transverse score velocity;

[0050] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates the support element and the score element being traversed together at the transverse score velocity after the score element has been lifted off the first major surface of the glass ribbon and the support element has been lifted off the second major surface of the glass ribbon;

[0051] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the support element and the score element being traversed together at the transverse score velocity after the score element has passed over a substantially flat surface of a second bead of the glass ribbon with the score element positioned laterally outside of a second outer limit of the glass ribbon; and

[0052] FIG. 15 illustrates a plot of an example ratio of transverse score velocity of the score element with respect to an offset distance of the score element that is expected to produce a score line with desired features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0054] Various glass manufacturing apparatus and methods of the disclosure may be used to produce a glass ribbon that may be further processed into one or more glass sheets. For instance, the glass manufacturing apparatus may be configured to produce a glass ribbon by a down-draw, up-draw, float, fusion, press rolling, slot draw, or other glass forming techniques.

[0055] The glass ribbon from any of these processes may be subsequently divided to provide sheet glass suitable for further processing into a desired application, for example a display application. The glass sheets can be used, for example, in a wide range of display applications such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), or the like.

[0056] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example glass manufacturing apparatus

101 configured to draw a glass ribbon 103. For illustration purposes, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 is illustrated as a fusion down-draw apparatus although other glass manufacturing apparatus configured for up-draw, float, press rolling, slot draw, etc. may be provided in further examples. Moreover, as mentioned above, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to producing glass ribbon. Indeed, the concepts presented in the present disclosure may be used in a wide range of glass manufacturing apparatus to produce a wide range of glass articles. [0057] As illustrated, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a melting vessel 105 configured to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. The motor 113 can introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 may then melt the batch material 107 into a quantity of molten material 121.

[0058] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can also include a fining vessel

127, for example a fining tube, located downstream from the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by way of a first connecting tube 129. A mixing vessel 131, for example a stir chamber, can also be located downstream from the fining vessel 127 and a delivery vessel 133 may be located downstream from the mixing vessel 131. As shown, a second connecting tube 135 can couple the fining vessel 127 to the mixing vessel 131 and a third connecting tube 137 can couple the mixing vessel 131 to the delivery vessel 133. As further illustrated, an optional delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 from the delivery vessel 133 to a fusion draw machine 140. As discussed more fully below, the fusion draw machine 140 may be configured to draw the molten material 121 into the glass ribbon 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the fusion draw machine 140 can include a forming vessel 143 provided with an inlet 141 configured to receive molten material from the delivery vessel 133 either directly or indirectly, for example by the delivery pipe 139. If provided, the delivery pipe 139 can be configured to receive molten material from the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 141 of the forming vessel 143 can be configured to receive molten material from the delivery pipe 139.

[0059] As shown, the melting vessel 105, the fining vessel 127, the mixing vessel

131, delivery vessel 133, and forming vessel 143 are examples of molten material stations that may be located in series along the glass manufacturing apparatus 101.

[0060] The melting vessel 105 and features of the forming vessel 143 are typically made from a refractory material, for example refractory ceramic (e.g. ceramic brick, ceramic monolithic forming body, etc.). The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may further include components that are typically made from platinum or platinum- containing metals for example platinum-rhodium, platinum-iridium and combinations thereof, but which may also comprise other refractory metals, for example molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, ruthenium, osmium, zirconium, and alloys thereof and/or zirconium dioxide. The platinum-containing components can include one or more of the first connecting tube 129, the fining vessel 127 (e.g., finer tube), the second connecting tube 135, the mixing vessel 131 (e.g., a stir chamber), the third connecting tube 137, the delivery vessel 133, the delivery pipe 139, the inlet 141 and features of the forming vessel 143.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. As shown, the forming vessel 143 can include a trough 200 configured to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet 141. The forming vessel 143 further includes a forming wedge 201 comprising a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 203, 205 extending between opposed ends of the forming wedge 201. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 203, 205 converge along a draw direction 207 to form a root 209. A draw plane 211 extends through the root 209 wherein the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn in the draw direction 207 along the draw plane 211. As shown, the draw plane 211 can bisect the root 209 although the draw plane 211 may extend at other orientations with respect to the root 209.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, in one example, the molten material 121 can flow from the inlet 141 into the trough 200 of the forming vessel 143. The molten material 121 can then overflow from the trough 200 by simultaneously flowing over corresponding weirs 202a, 202b and downward over the outer surfaces 204a, 204b of the corresponding weirs 202a, 202b. Respective streams of molten material then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 203, 205 of the forming wedge 201 to be drawn off the root 209 of the forming vessel 143, where the flows converge and fuse into the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 may then be drawn off the root 209 in the draw plane 211 along draw direction 207.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn from the root 209 with a first major surface 213 and a second major surface 215. As shown, the first major surface 213 and the second major surface 215 face opposite directions with a thickness 217 that can be less than or equal to about 1 mm, for example, from about 50 μπι to about 750 μηι, for example from about 100 μιη to about 700 μπι, for example from about 200 μηι to about 600 μπι, for example from about 300 μιη to about 500 μπι, and all subranges of the ranges referenced above.

[0064] In some embodiments, glass manufacturing apparatus 101 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon can also include at least one edge roll assembly 149a, 149b. Each illustrated edge roll assembly 149a, 149b can include a pair of edge rolls 221 configured to provide proper finishing of corresponding opposed edge portions 223a, 223b of the glass ribbon 103. In further examples, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a first and second pull roll assembly 151a, 151b. Each illustrated pull roll assembly 151a, 151b can include a pair of pull rolls 153 configured to facilitate pulling of the glass ribbon 103 in the draw direction 207 of the draw plane 211.

[0065] In one example, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can also include a glass score apparatus 161a configured to facilitate a process of separating the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 163 extending across a width "W" of the glass ribbon 103. The glass score apparatus 161a may separate the glass ribbon along the separation path 163 into a glass sheet 104. In one example, after a sufficient length of glass ribbon 103 is drawn from the forming vessel 143, the glass score apparatus 161a may operate to facilitate separation of the glass sheet 104 from the remainder of the glass ribbon 103. In operation, the glass score apparatus 161a may periodically separate respective glass sheets 104 from the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon is drawn from the forming vessel. Furthermore, as illustrated, the score apparatus 161a may travel along direction 165 that is in the same direction as the draw direction 207 of the draw plane 211. Moreover, in operation, the score apparatus 161a may travel at the same velocity as the velocity that the glass ribbon 103 is being drawn in the draw direction 207. Consequently, during a scoring procedure, moving tracks 167a, 167b defining a travel path for a support device 169a and a score device 169b, substantially move together with the glass ribbon 103 at the same velocity so there may be little or no relative movement between the glass ribbon 103 and the moving tracks 167a, 167b during the scoring procedure. For example, the score device 169b may traverse one moving track while the support device 169a traverses the other moving track. At the same time, the support device 169a and score device 169b are configured to travel together along the moving tracks 167a, 167b at a transverse score velocity along direction 168 while generating a score that reaches a vent depth. For example, moving tracks 167a, 167b may be located along opposite sides of glass ribbon 103 and run parallel to each other.

[0066] In another example, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can alternatively include a glass score apparatus 161b also configured to facilitate a process of separating the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 163 extending across a width "W" of the glass ribbon 103. The glass score apparatus 161b may also separate the glass ribbon along the separation path 163 into the glass sheet 104. In one example, after a sufficient length of glass ribbon 103 is drawn from the forming vessel 143, the glass score apparatus 161b may operate to facilitate separation of the glass sheet 104 from the remainder of the glass ribbon 103. In operation, the glass score apparatus 161b may periodically separate respective glass sheets 104 from the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon is drawn from the forming vessel. Furthermore, as illustrated, the score apparatus 161b may include stationary tracks 171a, 171b that define a travel path for the support device 169a and the score device 169b. For example, the score device 169b may traverse one stationary track while the support device 169a traverses the other stationary track. The stationary tracks 171a, 171b can remain at a fixed position while the glass ribbon 103 travels with respect to the stationary tracks 171a, 171b along draw direction 207. For example, stationary tracks 171a, 171b may be located along opposite sides of glass ribbon 103 and run parallel to each other. Furthermore, the support device 169a and the score device 169b travel together along the travel paths defined by the stationary tracks 171a, 171b at a resultant velocity vector 175 that includes a horizontal velocity component 177 parallel with the separation path 163 and a vertical velocity component 179. The vertical velocity component 179 extends in the same direction and has the same magnitude as the velocity vector of the glass ribbon 103 in the draw direction 207. As such, each score apparatus 161a, 161b are two alternative example configurations that may define a travel path for the support device 169a and the score device 169b that may generate score lines along a separation path 163 that, for example, may comprise a path that may be perpendicular to the draw direction 207. Although not shown, further configurations may provide an appropriate travel path for the support device 169a and the score device 169b. For example, a robot may be designed to provide appropriate movement of the support device and the score device without the need for moving or stationary track(s).

[0067] In further examples, the glass ribbon 103 may be further processed (e.g., by adding electrical components, etc.) prior to operating the glass score apparatus to separate a processed glass sheet (e.g., a sheet including electrical components) from the remainder of the glass ribbon.

[0068] In addition or alternatively, in further examples, the glass ribbon 103 may be stored as a spool of glass ribbon. In some examples, the glass ribbon may be drawn from the forming vessel 143 and coiled into a spool of glass ribbon with or without further processing the glass ribbon before spooling the glass ribbon. In further examples, the glass ribbon may be further processed (e.g., by adding electrical components, cleaning, finishing, treating, etc.) prior to coiling the glass ribbon into a spool of glass ribbon. In such embodiments, once a sufficient amount of glass ribbon is spooled, the glass score apparatus 161a, 161b may be operated to score and subsequently separate the spooled glass ribbon from the remainder of the glass ribbon being drawn from the forming vessel 143. In further examples, glass ribbon may eventually be unwound from the spool of glass ribbon. In such examples, the glass score apparatus 161a, 161b may be used to score and subsequently separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon as the ribbon is unwound from the spool of glass ribbon.

[0069] The score apparatus, such as the above-referenced score apparatus 161a,

161b, can each include a score device such as the illustrated score device 169b shown schematically in FIGS. 3-14. As shown in FIG. 3, the score device 169b can include a base 303 and a support member 301 configured to move with respect to the base 303. In some examples, the base 303 can include various features of the score device 169b that do not move together with the support member 301. For instance, in the illustrated example, the base 303 can optionally include a housing 305. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 305 can define an interior area 401 configured to receive an inner end 301a of the support member 301. In some examples, the housing 305 may be configured to provide the interior area 401 with pressurized fluid (e.g., air) from one or more pressure ports 405. To simplify construction, the housing 305 may optionally include end caps 403a, 403b configured as a fluid restriction mechanism (e.g., a fluid seal) to provide the interior area 401 as a pressure chamber.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, in some examples, the support member 301 may be movably mounted with respect to the base 303. For instance, as shown, the score device 169b may be configured for a rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 about a rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. In addition or alternatively, the support member 301 may be movable with respect to the base 303 along an axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301.

[0071] In some examples, the score device 169b can further include a limit device that limits the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. In addition or alternatively, the limit device or other mechanism may be configured to limit the axial movement 311 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 along the axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the score device 169b includes a limit device 407 configured to limit the rotational movement 307 and the axial movement 311. Although not shown, the limit device, if provided, may be configured to only limit the rotational movement or only limit the axial movement in further examples.

[0072] In one example, the limit device 407 can include a protrusion extending from one of the support member and the base that may be positioned within an elongated opening defined by the other of the support member and the base. For instance, by way of illustration, the limit device 407 may include a protrusion 409 extending from the support member 301 that may be positioned within an elongated opening 411 defined in the base 303. Although not shown, in an alternative example, the protrusion may extend from the base 303 and be positioned within an elongated opening defined in the support member 301.

[0073] With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the protrusion 409 can comprise a shank with one end that may be connected (e.g., by threaded connection) to the inner end 301a of the support member 301. As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the example shank can also include an opposed end comprising the illustrated head positioned within the elongated opening 411 defined in the base 303. [0074] The illustrated elongated opening 411 comprises a through slot extending through a sidewall 413 of the housing 305 although the opening can comprise a blind surface groove countersunk within an interior surface of the sidewall 413 in further examples. If the elongated opening 411 is provided with the illustrated through slot, a seal plate 415 may be provided to facilitate maintenance of fluid pressure within the interior area 401 of the base 303.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, the interaction between the protrusion 409 and the inner wall(s) defining the elongated opening 411 can limit the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the rotational axis 309. For example, if permitted, any rotational movement 307 would result in movement of the protrusion 409 along directions 503a, 503b that are perpendicular to the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. The movement of the protrusion 409 along directions 503a, 503b is limited to a dimension of the protrusion 409 (e.g., the illustrated diameter of the head equal to twice the radius "2R1") subtracted from a width 505 of the elongated opening 411 at the location of the protrusion 409. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 409 can be located in a first position "PI" where the width 505 may be equal to the dimension of the protrusion 409 (e.g., "2R1") wherein the limiting device inhibits, such as prevents, the support member 301 from rotating about the rotational axis 309. Alternatively, as shown in a second position "P2", limited movement of the protrusion 409 in directions 503a, 503b permit limited rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the rotational axis 309.

[0076] As discussed above, the limit device 407 can therefore vary the extent, if any, of rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 about the rotational axis 309 depending on a position of the protrusion 409 within the elongated opening 411. For example, the elongated opening can be axially tapered along a travel path 501 that can be parallel to the rotational axis 309. Indeed, as shown, the elongated opening 411 can be tapered in an extension direction 507 from an at least partially retracted position "P2" of the support member 301 relative to the base 303 to a fully extended position "PI" of the support member 301 relative to the base 303. Due to the optional tapered nature of the elongated opening 411 in the extension direction 507, the support member 301 can have relatively little or no rotational movement 307 in the fully extended position "PI" and a greater limited rotational movement 307 in the at least partially retracted position "P2".

[0077] As such, referring to FIGS. 3-5, the support member 301 may be positionable in the fully extended axial position "PI" with respect to the base 303 wherein the limit device 407 provides the support member 301 with a first limit of rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309. For instance, at the fully extended axial position "PI" shown in FIG. 5, the limit device 407 provides a first limit of substantially 0° of rotational movement 307 since the protrusion 409 (e.g., the head of the illustrated shank) may be snuggly seated within an end portion of the elongated opening 411, thereby preventing movement of the protrusion 409 in directions 503a, 503b relative to the elongated opening 411. Furthermore, the support member 301 can be positionable in an at least partially retracted axial position "P2 with respect to the base 303 wherein the limit device 407 provides the support member 301 with a second limit of rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309 that may be greater than the first limit of rotation movement. Indeed, the limit device 407 provides a second limit of greater than 0° of rotational movement 307 since the protrusion 409 (e.g., the head of the illustrated shank) may be permitted to have limited movement in directions 503a, 503b depending on the difference of the width 505 of the elongated opening 411 at the location of the protrusion compared to the dimension (e.g., diameter) of the protrusion.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the interaction between the protrusion 409 and the elongated opening 411 can further limit the axial movement 311 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 along an axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion (e.g., the head of the illustrated shank) may move in the extension direction 507 along the travel path 501 to the fully extended position "PI" wherein interaction between the protrusion and the edge of the elongated opening along abutment area 509 prevents further extension of the support member 301 relative to the base 303. As further illustrated, the protrusion may move in the opposite retraction direction along the travel path 501 to the fully retracted position "P3" wherein interaction between the protrusion and the edge of the elongated opening along abutment point or area 511 prevents further retraction of the support member 301 relative to the base 303. In one example, the abutment area 509 corresponding to the fully extended position can include a radius Rl that may be less than a radius R2 of an abutment area 511 corresponding to the fully retracted position, wherein R2 may be greater than Rl.

[0079] In further examples, the base 303 can include a fluid bearing 417 configured to support the support member 301 with a cushion of fluid. The fluid can comprise a liquid such as water or other fluid, such as a detergent for cleaning, a lubricant to facilitate the scoring procedure or other liquid. The fluid can alternatively comprise air or other gas. In any case, the cushion of fluid may be generated between the outer surface of the support member 301 (e.g., the outer surface of the illustrated shaft) and the inner surface of the bore defined by the fluid bearing 417. The cushion of fluid can act to levitate the support member 301 within the bore of the fluid bearing 417 to reduce friction that would otherwise exist by direct contact of the support member 301 with the base 303.

[0080] As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the score device 169b can further comprise a friction member 419 that can biased (e.g., with spring 421) against one of the support member 301 and the base 303 to provide a predetermined level of resistance against the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. In some examples, the friction member may comprise the illustrated friction block designed to provide resistance against rotation by friction generated by the friction block being biased in direct contact with one of the support member and the base. In the illustrated embodiment, a compression spring can be placed in compression such that the friction block may be pressed against the outer surface of the support member 301. In some examples, the friction member 419 may be constructed to apply more frictional resistance to rotational movement of the support member relative to the base than frictional resistance to axial movement of the support member relative to the base. For instance, the block may comprise one or more engagement ribs extending in the direction of the rotational axis 309. Consequently, a desired reduced friction can still be achieved with respect to axial movement of the support member relative to the base while a desired amount of friction can be introduced with respect to rotational movement of the support member relative to the base. [0081] The score device 169b can further include a score element 312 mounted with respect to an outer end 313 of the support member 301 at an offset distance "D" from the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. The score element 312 can comprise a scribe wheel, stationary scribe point or other suitable scribe device configured to score the surface of a glass sheet. In some examples, the score element 312 may be loaded in a removable cartridge configured to be removably attached with respect to the outer end 313 of the support member 301.

[0082] As mentioned above, the score apparatus 161a, 161b may further include the support device 169a discussed above and schematically represented in FIGS. 1 and 2. One example of the support device 169a is further schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6-14. The support device 169a can be configured to support a second major surface 215 of a glass ribbon 103 while the score element 312 scores a first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. Referring, for example, to FIG. 6, in one example, the support device 169a may comprise a carriage base 621 that may move along direction 168 of track 167a at the transverse score velocity matching the transverse score velocity of the score device 169b. The support device 169a can further include an extension base 623 extendable relative to the carriage base 621 in direction 625 toward the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon, for example, by the illustrated drive gear 627. The drive gear 627 can alternatively retract extension base 623 relative to the carriage base 621 in a direction opposite direction 625, i.e., away from second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon. The support device 169a can further include a support element such as the illustrated wheel 629 that may be extendable or retractable by arm 631 relative to the extension base 623. In one example, the arm may be biased by an air cylinder or other biasing device to the extended position shown, for example, in FIG. 6. The illustrated wheel 629 comprises an idle wheel that is not driven although driven wheels may be provided in further examples. The wheel can include a flat outer surface 633 although the outer surface may have other shaped (e.g., a curved shape) in further examples.

[0083] Methods of scoring a glass ribbon will now be described. In some examples, the method can include the step of landing the score element 312 on the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates the score element 312 landing on the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 at landing point 801. In the illustrated example, landing can occur while the score device 169b travels in direction 168 of track 167b. Indeed, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 8, the score device 169b can include a carriage base 803 that may move along direction 168 of track 167b at a transverse score velocity matching the transverse score velocity of the support device 169a. The score device 169b can further include an extension base 805 extendable relative to the carriage base 803 in direction 807 toward the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon, for example, by the illustrated drive gear 809. The drive gear 809 can alternatively retract extension base 805 relative to the carriage base 803 in a direction opposite direction 807, i.e., away from the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon.

[0084] The step of landing can include biasing the support member 301 toward the extended position relative to the base 303 of the score device 169b that may be incorporated as part of the extension base 805. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the interior area 401 of the base 303 may be pressurized with a source of fluid (e.g., liquid, gas) by way of a pressure source placed in fluid communication with pressure port 405. In one example, a pressurized air source may be placed in communication with the interior area 401 by way of the pressure port 405. A valve or other pressure regulation mechanism may control the pressure within the interior area 401 and consequently the biasing force of the support member 301. In some examples, the pressure within the interior area 401 may be maintained at a substantially constant pressure by a pressure control system. Alternatively, the pressure within the interior area 401 may be controlled to vary during the score procedure by a pressure control system. In further examples, the pressure within the interior area 401 may be controlled to provide a substantially constant force, for example a force that does not vary by more than 5% from a nominal applied force, while the support member 301 may be in an at least partially retracted axial position. For example, at the initial landing of the score element 312 as shown in FIG. 8, the support member 301 may be in the fully extended position. As the extension base 805 may be further extended relative to the carriage base 803 by the drive gear 809, the force applied by the support member can be maintained substantially constant as the support member 301 reaches the partially retracted position shown in FIG. 9. Consequently, the score element 312 may traverse back and forth in direction 807 or opposite direction 807, to a limited extent, while the force that score element 312 is pressed against the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 remains substantially constant.

[0085] The method of scoring the glass ribbon 103 can also include the step of generating a score line 1001 shown in FIG. 10. As discussed above, FIG. 8 illustrates initial landing of the score element 312 at landing point 801. The score element 312 continues traversing in direction 168 at the full score velocity until a full vent depth "V" is achieved as shown in FIG. 10. Due to the floating biased support member 301, the score element 312 may be pressed against the glass ribbon 103 with a substantially constant force as it travels along the length of the score line 1001, thereby providing a substantially constant vent depth "V" along a majority of the score line 1001 from the point 1003 shown in FIG. 10 to point 1101 shown in FIG. 11 where the score element 312 begins lifting in a direction away from the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103

[0086] It will therefore be appreciated that the support member 301 may be axially moved relative to the base 303 in the axial direction 311 of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. Indeed, the support member 301 can be axially moved relative to the base 303 from the fully extended axial position relative to the base 303 (shown in FIG. 8) to an at least partially retracted axial position (shown in FIG. 9). As apparent in FIG. 10, the score element 312 generates a portion of the score line 1001 (having a vent depth "V") while the support member 301 is in the at least partially retracted axial position.

[0087] Furthermore, the score element 312 may be pressed against the glass ribbon 103 with a substantially constant force while the score device 169b scores at the vent depth "V" along the portion of the score line 1001. Indeed, by way of a biasing device, such as the fluid spring provided by the pressurized interior area 401, the score device 169b may generate a substantially constant force of the score element 312 against the glass ribbon 103 while the score device 169b scores along a portion of the score line 1001. As such, the score element 312 may traverse over minor surface irregularities while the score element continues to be biased against the glass ribbon with substantially the same force and thereby continue to score the score line 1001 with substantially the same vent depth "V" along a substantial portion of the score line 1001.

[0088] The method of scoring the glass ribbon 103 can also include the step of providing the support member 301 with a first limit of rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309 in the fully extended axial position and a second limit of rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309 in the at least partially retracted axial position that may be greater than the first limit of rotational movement 307. As such, in the fully extended position shown in FIGS. 6-8 a limited rotational movement 307 (e.g., 0° axial movement) may be provided such that the score element 312 may be properly prealigned behind the rotational axis 309 by distance "D" along the travel direction 168 prior to initial landing of the score element 312 on the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. As such, uncontrolled initial movement of the score element may be avoided that may otherwise occur as the score element 312 may tend to swing into an equilibrium position behind the rotational axis 309 along the direction of travel 168. At the same time, the partial retracted position allows limited rotational movement 307 once initial contact is made to allow natural following of the score element 312 behind rotational axis 309 along the travel direction 168 due to the offset distance "D" of the score element 312 relative to the rotational axis 309. Consequently, reduced score line irregularities can be provided by avoiding uncontrolled initial movement during initial contact while further providing the benefits of allowing limited rotational movement about rotational axis 309 after initial contact with the glass ribbon 103.

[0089] The method of scoring the glass ribbon 103 can also include the step of supporting the support member 301 with a cushion of fluid to facilitate the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. In addition or alternatively, the cushion of fluid further facilitates the axial movement 311 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 along an axial direction of the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For instance, fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.) can be provided between the fluid bearing of the base 303 and the support member 301 to facilitate the rotational movement 307 and/or the axial movement 311. In just one example, as shown by the exemplary schematic pressure ports 315 located in two example locations, pressurized air (or other gas) may be introduced to an outer peripheral area 423 of a bearing pressure chamber 425 defined by housing 305. Pressurized air can then pass through the fluid bearing. Indeed, the fluid bearing may comprise a porous material, wherein pressurized fluid (e.g., air) may pass from the outer peripheral area 423, through the porous fluid bearing 417, and then accumulate as a cushion of fluid (e.g., air) at the peripheral inner space 427 defined between the outer peripheral surface of the support member 301 and the inner peripheral bore surface of the fluid bearing 417. The pressure port 315 can be placed in fluid communication with a source of fluid, such as a source of pressurized air that may be regulated either manually or automatically by a valve and/or control mechanism.

[0090] The fluid bearing 417 can greatly reduce the friction between the base 303 and the support member 301. Indeed, as the support member 301 may essentially float on a cushion of fluid (e.g., air), a large friction force due to actual contact between the base 303 and the support member 301 can be reduced or eliminated. At the same time, a fluid stream may be permitted to bleed from the outer interface 429, thereby creating a stream of fluid directed toward the score element 312. Consequently, glass chips naturally generated during the scoring procedure may be desirably blown away by the fluid stream being emitted from the outer interface 429. As such, the pressurized fluid can act to provide a fluid bearing while also providing benefits of removing undesired residual glass chips that may otherwise contaminate one or both of the pristine major surfaces 213, 215 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0091] As discussed above, providing a cushion of fluid with the fluid bearing

417 can reduce the friction between the base 303 and the support member 301. As such, the score element 312 may have a reduced impact against the glass sheet when landing (see FIG. 8). Indeed, the reduced friction consequently reduces resistance to retraction of the support member 301 relative to the base 303. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the support member 301 can have a reduced mass provided by removing portions of the support member. For instance, in just one example, the support member 301 can comprise a substantially hollow tube generated by a bore 431 axially extending along the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. Reducing the mass further reduces the impact force of the score element 312 when the score element 312 lands against the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. Due to the reduced mass of the support member 301 and the reduced friction between the base 303 and the support member 301, landing of the score element 312 against the first major surface 213 can be achieved relatively quickly while reducing impact forces that may otherwise cause damage to the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon.

[0092] Reduced friction between the base 303 and the support member 301 and/or reduced mass of the support member 301 can also facilitate quickly lifting the score element 312 off of the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. Indeed, in one example, the interior area 401 may be depressurized wherein the support member 301 can be quickly retracted relative to the base 303 thanks to the reduced friction provided by the fluid bearing and the reduced mass provided by the support member 301. Moreover, drive gear 809 can quickly pull the score device 169b away from the glass ribbon 103 thanks to the reduced mass provided by the support member 301.

[0093] While a certain level of reduced resistance to rotation of the support member 301 about rotational axis 309 can be desired, there may also be a desire to reintroduce a predetermined level of resistance (e.g., by the friction member 419) against the rotational movement 307 of the support member 301 with respect to the base 303 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301. For example, reintroducing a predetermined level of resistance against rotational movement 307 can help further inhibit uncontrolled initial movement of the score element as the score element 312 initially lands on the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. In addition or alternatively, the above mentioned limit device 407 can also help properly prealigned the score element 312 behind the travel direction 168 by distance "D". As such, in some examples, both the predetermined level of resistance (e.g., provided by the friction member 419) and the limit device 407 can act together to help prevent uncontrolled movement of the score element that may otherwise occur as the score element 312 swings to the equilibrium position behind the rotational axis 309 along the direction of travel.

[0094] The method of scoring the glass ribbon 103 can also include the step of landing the support element (e.g., the wheel 629) on the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon 103. Indeed, as shown in FIGS. 6-14, in some examples, the support element can travel together with the score element 312 such that score line 1001 can be generated with the score element 312 while the wheel 629 provides appropriate support and force against the second major surface 215 that may correspond or match the force provided by the score element 312 against the first major surface. Furthermore, the support element may apply a substantially constant force (e.g., by a fluid cylinder) wherein the arm 631 may allow the wheel 629 move in direction 625 or opposite direction 625 to allow the wheel 629 to travel over surface irregularities while still providing a substantially constant force.

[0095] Further example methods will now be further described with further reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6-14. In some examples, the method can be applied to scoring the glass ribbon 103 illustrated in FIG. 1 that may include a first bead 225a defining a first outer limit 227a of the glass ribbon 103, a second bead 225b defining a second outer limit 227b of the glass ribbon 103, and a width "W" defined between the first outer limit 227a and the second outer limit 227b. As shown in FIG. 6, a thickness 217 of a central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103 may be less than a thickness 605 of the first bead 225a. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 12, the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 may be less than a thickness 605 of the second bead 225b. In some examples, the thickness 605 of the first bead 225a may be substantially equal to the thickness 605 of the second bead 225b although the beads may have different thickness in further examples that are each greater than the thickness 217 of the central portion 603. Each bead 225a, 225b also includes a substantially flat surface 607a, 607b defined between respective inner edges 609a, 610a and the respective outer edges 609b, 610b of the respective bead. In some examples, the substantially flat surfaces 607a, 607b are provided by the edge rolls 221 of the edge roll assemblies 149a, 149b. Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, the edge rolls 221 may comprise the illustrated knurled surfaces that consequently provide the substantially flat surfaces 607a, 607b with knurled surfaces that are shown in FIG. 1. Despite the knurled surfaces, the surfaces 607a, 607b are considered substantially flat in that they each extend along respective planes 635a, 635b. In some examples, as shown, the respective planes 635a, 635b are substantially parallel with respect to one another.

[0096] For purposes of this application, first inner edge 609a of each bead 225a,

225b is defined as the innermost line of the respective bead where a first plane 636a intersects the respective bead that is parallel to the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 and offset from the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon by 10% of the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, for purposes of this application, second inner edge 610a of each bead 225a, 225b is defined as the innermost line of the respective bead where a second plane 636b intersects the respective bead that is parallel to the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon 103 and offset from the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon by 10% of the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0097] Throughout the application, as shown in FIG. 6, the first plane 636a and the second plane 636b can be spaced apart from one another by distance 612 that is 20% greater than the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103. Moreover, as shown, the first plane 636a and second plane 636b are each spaced one half (½) the distance of 612 from a central symmetrical plane 216 of the central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0098] For purposes of this application, first outer edge 609b of each bead 225a,

225b is defined as the outermost line of the respective bead where the first plane 636a intersects the respective bead. As mentioned previously, the first plane 636a is parallel to the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 and offset from the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon by 10% of the thickness 217 of the glass ribbon 103. For purposes of this application, second outer edge 610b of each bead 225a, 225b is defined as the outermost line of the respective bead where the second plane 636b intersects the respective bead. As mentioned previously, the second plane 636b is parallel to the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon 103 and offset from the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon by 10% of the thickness 217 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0099] The construction of some embodiments provide benefits in that landing the score element 312 on the first major surface 213 can occur relatively quickly after passing over the first inner edge 609a of the first bead 225a while traversing at a score velocity along direction 168. Indeed, landing can even occur without slowing the score device 169b down, thereby allowing relatively fast scoring of the score line 1001 compared to alternative procedures that slow the score device down prior to landing. Moreover, due to the relatively low mass of the support member 301 and relatively low friction provided by the fluid bearing 417, the support member 301 can be extended relatively quickly to achieve landing of the score element 312 without adversely impacting the glass ribbon (thereby causing potential stress cracks and factures) that may otherwise occur with a support member 301 with relatively high mass.

[00100] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in one example, the score element 312 of the score device 169b may be passed over the substantially flat surface 607a, 607b of the first bead 225a while traveling at a transverse score velocity of at least 500 mm/s prior to contacting the glass ribbon 103 with the score element 312. In some examples, the transverse score velocity may be from about 500 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s, such as from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s.

[00101] As shown in FIG. 8, the method can further include the step of landing the score element 312 on the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 at the landing point 801 that may be located a distance 804 of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge 609a of the substantially flat surface 607a of the first bead 225a while the score element 312 may be traveling at the above-referenced transverse score velocity. Providing the landing point 801 at the distance 804 of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge 609a can help maximize the length of the score line 1001 while still providing a relatively quick formation of the score line since the score device 169b can land at the velocity that the score device 169b travels when scoring the score line 1001 at the full vent depth "V".

[00102] In other embodiments, the score element 312 may be landed on the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 at the landing point that is located a distance in a range from about 25 mm to about 75 mm from a lateral edge in a width direction of the glass ribbon 103 while the score element 312 may be traveling at the above-referenced transverse score velocity.

[00103] A full vent depth "V" is considered to be from about 8% to about 15% of the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103, including all ranges and subranges therebetween, for example in a range from about 8% to about 12% or in a range from about 10% to about 15%. In some examples, after landing the score element 312, the method can further include the step of traversing the score element 312 at the transverse score velocity to produce a score line 1001 in the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103 that has a vent depth "V" from about 8% to about 15% of the thickness 217 of the central portion 603 of the glass ribbon 103, including all ranges and subranges therebetween, for example in a range from about 8% to about 12% or in a range from about 10% to about 15%. In some examples, due to the proper application of substantially constant force of the score element 312, the vent depth "V" can be reached less than or equal to about 5 mm from the landing point 801. As such, features of the disclosure can provide a score line 1001 with a full vent depth "V" relatively close to the inner edge 609a while the score device 169a travels at the full score velocity.

[00104] As mentioned above, the support member 301 may be configured for a rotational movement 307 about the rotational axis 309 of the support member 301, wherein the score element 312 may be mounted with respect to an outer end 313 of the support member 301 at the offset distance "D". In some examples, the offset distance "D" can be greater than 2 mm to provide effective alignment behind the rotational axis after the score element 312 contacts the surface of the glass ribbon. Indeed, providing the offset distance "D" of greater than 2 mm can help prevent swinging of the score element about the rotational axis to create a relatively straight score line. FIG. 15 illustrates modeled results of velocity with respect to offset distance "D" where the vertical or Y- axis is the velocity in mm/s while the horizontal or X-axis is the offset distance "D" in mm. The depicted curve represents a ratio of transverse score velocity to offset distance "D" of 267 s^"1, effective to produce good alignment behind the rotational axis. As such, providing a ratio less than or equal to about 267 s^"1 will help suppress oscillations that may interfere with the quality of the score line 1001.

[00105] As shown in FIG. 9, after landing the score element 312, the score element 312 may transverse at the above-referenced score velocity to produce the score line 1001 in the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon to the full vent depth "V" at point 1003 as shown in FIG. 10. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, the score element 312 may be lifted off the first major surface 213 at a lift off point 1103 that may be located a distance 1201 of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge 609a of the substantially flat surface 607a of the second bead 225b while the score element 312 may be traveling at the transverse score velocity. Due to the low friction provided by the fluid bearing 417 and the relatively low mass of the support member 301, the score element 312 may be quickly lifted off the glass ribbon, thereby allowing the score element to score a relatively longer time while still being able to clear the thickness of the second bead 225b. Consequently, a longer effective score line can be achieved relatively quickly since the score element 312 can be lifted off the glass ribbon at the full score velocity.

[00106] As shown in FIG. 8, the method can also include the step of landing the support element (e.g., wheel 629) on the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon 103 traversing the support element 629 together with the score element 312 at the transverse score velocity while generating the score line 1001 with the score element 312.

[00107] It will be appreciated that the features of the score apparatus and methods herein allow enhanced score line formation relatively quickly with reduced irregularities of the score line at touch down. Indeed, due to the relatively low mass of the support member 301 and the low friction provided by the fluid bearing 417 allowing axial movement of the support member, the score device 169b does not have to be slowed down at the time the score element 312 lands on the glass ribbon. Indeed, the score device 169b can be traveling at the full score velocity (e.g., greater than 500 mm/s, such as from about 500 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s, such as from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s) during landing. As such, the full score line may be generated relatively quickly when compared to alternative configurations that slow the scoring device down at the time the score element lands on the glass ribbon to avoid stress fractures as the score element impacts the glass ribbon at touch down. Quick formation of the score line can reduce the vertical area necessary to complete the scoring process and can also be desirable for larger width glass ribbons that otherwise require a longer time to score the entire width of the glass ribbon.

[00108] Furthermore, the limiting device and/or friction member 419 help reduce uncontrollable or wild oscillations during touch down while the offset distance "D" allows proper alignment of the score element 312 behind the rotational axis 309 after landing.

[00109] In operation, in one example as shown in FIG. 6, the score device 169b and the support device 169a may both travel together at the same full score velocity in direction 168 wherein the score element 312 is located outside the outer edge 609b of the first bead 225a. The score element 312 and the wheel 629 then both pass over the respective flat surfaces 607a, 607b and over the respective inner edges of the flat surfaces 607a, 607b

[00110] Referring to FIG. 8, while still traversing at the same full score velocity along direction 168, the drive gears 627, 809 respectively extend the wheel 629 to engage the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon 103 and the score element 312 to engage the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. In various examples, timing between contact of score element 312 with the glass surface and contact of wheel 629 with the opposite glass can be controlled such that wheel 629 contacts a respective adjacent glass surface prior to contact of score element 312 with the opposite glass surface to ensure sufficient support to the glass ribbon as scoring commences. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, while still traversing at the same full score velocity along direction 168, the score device 169b generates the score line 1001 having a full vent depth "V". As shown in FIG. 12, after formation of the full depth portion of the score line, the drive gears 627, 809 respectively retract the wheel 629 from engaging the second major surface 215 of the glass ribbon 103 and the score element 312 from engaging the first major surface 213 of the glass ribbon 103. The wheel 629 and the score element 312 then pass over the respective flat surfaces and outside the second bead 225b at the full transverse score velocity.

[00111] Once the score line is complete, the glass ribbon 103 may be broken along the score line by applying stress along the score line. For instance, thermal stress may be applied. In one example, a laser (e.g., C0₂ laser) may be applied to the score line to break the glass ribbon along the score line. In another example, the laser may be followed by a fluid cooling stream configured to further increase the stress and likewise further encourage breaking along the score line. In still further examples, mechanical bending of the glass ribbon may be carried out to break the glass ribbon along the score line. Such mechanical bending may be carried out, for example, by a robot that grabs the glass ribbon and bends the glass ribbon about the score line.

[00112] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A score apparatus comprising a score device including:

a support member coupled to a base, the support member rotatable about a rotational axis and movable along an axial direction defined by the rotational axis of the support member;

a score element coupled to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the rotational axis of the support member; and

a limit device that limits rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member.

2. The score apparatus of claim 1, wherein the limit device comprises a protrusion extending from one of the support member and the base positioned within an elongated opening defined by the other of the support member and the base.

3. The score apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongated opening is axially tapered along a travel path defined by the elongated opening such that the limit of the rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member varies depending on a position of the protrusion within the elongated opening along the travel path.

4. The score apparatus of claim 2, wherein the support member is positionable in a fully extended axial position such that the limit device provides the support member with a first limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis, and the support member is further positionable in an at least partially retracted axial position wherein the limit device provides the support member with a second limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis that is greater than the first limit of rotation movement.

5. The score apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base includes a fluid bearing configured to support the support member with a cushion of fluid.

6. The score apparatus of claim 5, wherein the score device further comprises a friction member biased against one of the support member and the base, the friction member providing a predetermined resistance against the rotational movement of the support member.

7. The score apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support device configured to support a second major surface of a glass ribbon while the score element scores a first major surface of the glass ribbon.

8. The score apparatus of claim 7, wherein the support device comprises a support roller configured to engage the second major surface of the glass ribbon while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

9. A method of scoring a glass ribbon with the score device of claim 1, the method comprising:

landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon;

generating a score line with the score element by traversing the score element relative to the glass ribbon; and

moving the support member in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member from a fully extended axial position relative to the base to an at least partially retracted axial position, wherein the score element generates a portion of the score line having a vent depth while the support member is in the at least partially retracted axial position.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising pressing the scoring element against the glass ribbon with a substantially constant force while the score device scores at the vent depth along the portion of the score line.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising limiting rotational movement of the support member at a first limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the fully extended axial position.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising limiting rotational movement of the support member at a second limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the at least partially retracted axial position that is greater than the first limit of rotational movement.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising supporting the support member with a cushion of fluid that facilitates the rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member and also facilitates the axial movement of the support member along the axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising applying a predetermined resistance against the rotational movement of the support member.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

landing a support element on a second major surface of the glass ribbon; and traversing the support element together with the score element while generating the score line with the score element.

16. A score apparatus comprising a score device including:

a support member mounted to a base with a fluid bearing, the support member rotatable about a rotational axis of the support member; and

a score element mounted to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance from the rotational axis of the support member.

17. The score apparatus of claim 16, wherein the support member is movable along an axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member.

18. The score apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a limit device that limits rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member.

19. The score apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a friction member biased against one of the support member and the base, the friction member providing a predetermined resistance against the rotational movement of the support member.

20. The score apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a friction member biased against one of the support member and the base, the friction member providing a predetermined resistance against rotational movement of the support member.

21. The score apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a support device configured to support a second major surface of a glass ribbon while the score element scores a first major surface of the glass ribbon.

22. The score apparatus of claim 21, wherein the support device comprises a support roller configured to engage the second major surface of the glass ribbon while the score element scores the first major surface of the glass ribbon.

23. A method of scoring a glass ribbon with the score device of claim 16, the method comprising:

supporting the support member with a cushion of fluid provided between the base and the support member, the cushion of fluid facilitating rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis of the support member;

landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon; and generating a score line with the score element by traversing the score device relative to the glass ribbon.

24. The method of claim 23, pressing the score element against the glass ribbon with a substantially constant force while the score device scores along a portion of the score line.

25. The method of claim 23, moving the support member in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the support member from a fully extended axial position relative to the base to an at least partially retracted axial position, wherein the support member is in the at least partially retracted axial position while scoring a portion of the score line.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising limiting the rotational movement of the support member at a first limit of rotational movement about the rotational axis in the fully extended axial position.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising limiting the rotational movement of the support member about the rotational axis at a second limit of rotational movement in the at least partially retracted axial position that is greater than the first limit of rotational movement.

28. The method of claim 23, further including applying a predetermined resistance against the rotational movement of the support member with respect to the base about the rotational axis of the support member.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

30. A method of scoring a glass ribbon including a first bead defining a first outer limit of the glass ribbon, a second bead defining a second outer limit of the glass ribbon, and a width defined between the first outer limit and the second outer limit, wherein a thickness of a central portion of the glass ribbon is less than a thickness of the first bead and a thickness of the second bead, and wherein each bead includes a substantially flat surface defined between an inner edge and an outer edge of the bead, the method comprising:

(I) passing a score element of a score device over the substantially flat surface of the first bead while traveling at a transverse score velocity of at least 500 mm/s prior to contacting the glass ribbon with the score element; and

(II) landing the score element on a first major surface of the glass ribbon at a landing point that is located a distance of less than or equal to about 20 mm from the inner edge of the substantially flat surface of the first bead while the score element is traveling at the transverse score velocity.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the transverse score velocity is from about 750 mm/s to about 1500 mm/s.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising traversing the score element at the transverse score velocity to produce a score line in the first major surface of the glass ribbon that has a vent depth from about 8% to about 12% of the thickness of the central portion of the glass ribbon, wherein the vent depth is reached less than or equal to about 5 mm from the landing point.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the score device includes a support member rotatable about a rotational axis of the support member, the score element mounted to an outer end of the support member at an offset distance of greater than 2 mm from the rotational axis of the support member, and wherein a ratio of the transverse score velocity to the offset distance is from about 25 s^"1 to about 267 s^"1.

34. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

traversing the score element at the transverse score velocity to produce a score line in the first major surface of the glass ribbon; and

lifting the score element off the first major surface at a lift off point located a distance of from about 2 mm to about 20 mm from the inner edge of the substantially flat surface of the second bead while the score element is traveling at the transverse score velocity.

35. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

landing a support element on a second major surface of the glass ribbon; and traversing the support element together with the score element at the transverse score velocity while generating a score line with the score element.