WO2021101678A1

WO2021101678A1 - Devices, assemblies, and methods for transporting sheets of brittle material

Info

Publication number: WO2021101678A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/057595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheng Nan CHOU; Ming Hua CHUANG; Yu-Hsuan Huang; Ya Hsien TSAI
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2019-11-20
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: CN114728751A; JP2023503242A; TW202138270A

Abstract

In embodiments, a device for transporting a sheet of brittle material includes a horizontal support, and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support. The horizontal support includes one or more top edge clamping devices for clamping a top edge of the sheet of brittle material. The one or more vertical supports includes one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material. At least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support.

Description

DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING SHEETS OF BRITTLE MATERIAL

BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial no. 62/937,974 filed on November 20, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present specification generally relates to devices, assemblies, and methods, and, more particularly, to devices, assemblies, and methods for vertically transporting sheets of brittle material.

Technical Background

[0003] Ribbons of brittle material, such as glass ribbons or the like, may be formed by processes such as the fusion draw process or other processes including float and slot draw. The fusion draw process produces ribbons of brittle material that have surfaces with superior flatness and smoothness when compared to ribbons of brittle material produced by other methods. Individual sheets of brittle material sectioned from ribbons formed by the fusion draw process can be used in a variety of devices including flat panel displays, touch sensors, photovoltaic devices and other electronic applications.

[0004] The individual sheets of brittle material may be transported to various locations. For example, in packing facilities, sheets of brittle material may be transferred between different packing stations. These packing stations may be on different levels or floors from one another. However, transporting sheets of brittle material between different levels may be difficult or space prohibitive where inclined transportation is used.

[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for alternative devices and methods for vertically transporting sheets of brittle material. SUMMARY

[0006] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description, which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description, which follows the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0007] In a first aspect, a device for transporting a sheet of brittle material includes a horizontal support, and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support. The horizontal support includes one or more top edge clamping devices for clamping a top edge of the sheet of brittle material. The one or more vertical supports includes one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material. At least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support.

[0008] In a second aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the one or more vertical supports include a first vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more first side edge clamping devices for clamping a first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, and a second vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more second side edge clamping devices for clamping a second side edge of the sheet of brittle material opposite the first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein a distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support is configured to be adjusted by translating the second vertical support relative to the horizontal support.

[0009] In a third aspect according to the second aspect, further including a lateral motion actuator coupled to the second vertical support and configured to adjustably position the second vertical support along the horizontal support.

[0010] In a fourth aspect according to any preceding aspect, further including a vertical motion actuator coupled to the horizontal support and configured to translate the device along a vertical axis.

[0011] In a fifth aspect according to any of the second through the fourth aspects, wherein at least one of the one or more top edge clamping devices, the one or more first side edge clamping devices, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices are arranged to hold the sheet of brittle material such that a major surface of the sheet of brittle material is orientated substantially parallel to a vertical axis.

[0012] In a sixth aspect according to any of the second through the fifth aspects, wherein the first vertical support is immovably coupled to the horizontal support.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, an assembly for transporting a sheet of brittle material includes an elevator tower defining at least a first level and a second level and a device moveably supported on the elevator tower. The device includes a horizontal support including one or more top edge clamping devices for clamping a top edge of the sheet of brittle material, and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material. At least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support.

[0014] In an eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect, , wherein the one or more vertical supports includes a first vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more first side edge clamping devices for clamping a first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, and a second vertical support adjustably coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more second side edge clamping devices for clamping a second side edge of the sheet of brittle material opposite the first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein a distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support is adjusted by translating the second vertical support relative to the horizontal support.

[0015] In a ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect, wherein the device further comprises a lateral motion actuator coupled to the second vertical support and configured to adjustably position the second vertical support along the horizontal support.

[0016] In a tenth aspect according to the seventh or the eighth aspect, wherein the device further includes a vertical motion actuator coupled to the horizontal support and the elevator tower, the vertical motion actuator configured to translate the device along the elevator tower.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect according to any of the eighth through the tenth aspects, wherein the one or more top edge clamping devices, the one or more first side edge clamping devices, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices are arranged to hold the sheet of brittle material such that a major surface of the sheet of brittle material is orientated substantially parallel to a vertical axis.

[0018] In an twelfth aspect according to any of the eighth through the eleventh aspects, wherein the first vertical support is immovably coupled to the horizontal support.

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect according to any of the seventh through the twelfth aspects, further including a separation floor between the first level and the second level of the elevator tower, wherein a slot opening is positioned in the separation floor to accommodate movement of the device through the separation floor.

[0020] In a fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect, further including a moveable access panel configured to move over and retract from the slot opening to isolate the first level from the second level when the device is clear of the slot opening.

[0021] In a fifteenth aspect according to any of the seventh through the fourteenth aspects, wherein the second level is at least 10 meters from a base of the first level.

[0022] In a sixteenth aspect, a method of transporting a sheet of brittle material includes engaging the sheet of brittle material with a device. The devices includes a horizontal support including one or more top edge clamping devices that clamp a top edge of the sheet of brittle material, and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support to accommodate a size of the sheet of brittle material. The method further includes transporting the sheet of brittle material with the device along an elevator tower between a first level and a second level.

[0023] In a seventeenth aspect according to the sixteenth aspect, further including actuating a moveable access panel to a first position to reveal a slot opening in a separation floor between the first level and the second level thereby allowing the device to travel through the slot opening. [0024] In an eighteenth aspect according to the seventeenth aspect, further including actuating the moveable access panel back over the slot opening after the device and the sheet of brittle material are clear of the slot opening to isolate the first level from the second level.

[0025] In a nineteenth aspect according to any of the sixteenth aspect through the eighteenth aspect, wherein the one or more vertical supports includes a first vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more first side edge clamping devices that clamp a first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, and a second vertical support adjustably coupled to the horizontal support and including one or more second side edge clamping devices that clamp a second side edge of the sheet of brittle material opposite the first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein a distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support is adjusted by translating the second vertical support relative to the horizontal support to accommodate the size of the sheet of brittle material.

[0026] In a twentieth aspect according to the any of the sixteenth aspect through the nineteenth aspect, wherein the device further includes a vertical motion actuator coupled to the horizontal support and the elevator tower, the vertical motion actuator configured to translate the device along the elevator tower.

[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description, explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an assembly transporting a sheet of brittle material, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0029] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a moveable access panel moveable over, and retractable from, a slot formed in a separation floor, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0030] FIG. 3 A schematically illustrates a front view of a device for transporting a sheet of brittle material, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0031] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates the device of FIG. 3A adjusted in a widthwise dimension, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0032] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates engagement between the device of FIGS. 3A and 3B with an elevator tower, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0033] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a front view of a device for transporting a sheet of brittle material, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0034] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates engagement between the device of FIG. 5 and an elevator tower, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0035] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a clamping device, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0036] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a clamping device, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0037] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of transporting a sheet of brittle material, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of devices, assemblies, and methods, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. FIG. 1 schematically depicts an assembly for transporting a sheet of brittle material. The assembly generally includes an elevator tower and a device moveably supported on the transportation elevator. The elevator tower may define various levels such as a first level (e.g., a first floor within a building) and a second level (e.g., a second floor within a building). The device may move along the elevator tower between the various levels to transport a sheet of brittle material from one level to another. As will be described in greater detail herein, sheets of brittle material may come in a variety of sizes (e.g., heights of about 300 mm or less to about 3000 mm and beyond, and widths of about 400 mm or less to about 3500 mm and beyond). To facilitate movement of these different sized sheets the devices described herein may include an adjustable frame that includes a horizontal support for supporting a top edge of the sheet and first and second vertical supports for supporting opposite side edges of the sheet. As will be described in greater detail below, a position of at least one of the vertical supports is adjustable in a widthwise direction so as to allow the first and second vertical supports to clamp to opposite side edges of the sheet so that the sheet is supported along at least three sides. By engaging the sheet along three sides, the effects of vibrations that may be transferred to the sheet during transportation may be reduced. Devices, assemblies, and methods for transporting sheets of brittle material will be described in more detail herein with specific reference to the appended figures.

[0039] Directional terms as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any device or assembly claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an device or assembly is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0041] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an illustrative assembly 100 transporting a sheet 10 of brittle material is schematically depicted. As used herein “brittle material” refers to material which may break or shatter including e.g., glass, glass ceramic, ceramic, or the like. The sheet 10 may include a top edge 11, a first side edge 13, second side edge 15, and a bottom edge 17. While the sheet 10 is illustrated as a rectangle, other shaped sheets are contemplated and possible (e.g., any regular or irregular polygonal or non-polygonal shapes). The sheet 10 may have a height 12 and a width 14. As noted above, a sheet 10 may come in a variety of sizes (e.g., heights of about 300 mm or less to about 3000 mm and beyond, and widths of about 400 mm or less to about 3500 mm and beyond). As will be described in greater detail herein, the assembly 100 may be adjusted in order to facilitate transport of sheets of various sizes.

[0043] The assembly 100 generally includes an elevator tower 102 and a device 130 moveably supported on the elevator tower 102. The assembly 100 may further include a control unit 101, which allows an operator to control movement of the device 130 along the elevator tower 102 and/or size adjustment of the device 130, as will be described in greater detail herein. To facilitate control of the device 130, the control unit 101 may be communicatively coupled to the device 130. The control unit 101 may comprise a processor and a non-transitory memory storing logic (e.g., computer readable and executable instructions) which, when executed by the processor, causes, for example, the device 130 to grip and/or release a sheet 10, adjustment of the device 130 to facilitate gripping of various sized sheets, the device 130 to travel up and/or down the elevator tower 102, etc.

[0044] The elevator tower 102, may include a frame assembly 110 comprising a plurality of sub-frame assemblies (e.g., 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f, etc.) stacked on top of and rigidly coupled to one another. The elevator tower 102 may define at least a first level 104 and a second level 106. That is, the elevator tower 102 may be of a height to travel between two or more floors of a building (e.g., a packing facility, warehouse, laboratory, etc.). The first level 104 and the second level 106 may extend any distance 103 from each other. In embodiments, the second level 106 is at least 10 meters from a base 109 (or floor) of the first level 104.

[0045] A separation floor 108 may be positioned between the first level 104 and the second level 106 of the elevator tower 102 and provide separation between the first level 104 and the second level 106. The elevator tower 102 may extend through an opening of the separation floor 108. One or more support members 122 may couple the elevator tower 102 to the separation floor 108 to stabilize the elevator tower 102. The one or more support members 122 may prevent swaying or other instability within the frame assembly 110 of the elevator tower 102 as the device 130 moves up and/or down the elevator tower 102. [0046] To guide motion of the device 130 along the elevator tower 102, the elevator tower 102 may include one or more guiderails coupled to and extending along at least one side of the elevator tower 102. That is, the one or more guide rails may extend along the frame assembly 110 for transport of the device 130 between the first level 104 and the second level 106 (or any additional levels). The one or more guiderails may include a first guiderail 114a positioned along a first edge 11 la of the frame assembly 110 and a second guiderail 114b positioned at a second edge 111b of the frame assembly 110. When mounted thereto, the device 130 may simultaneously engage both the first guiderail 114a and the second guiderail 114b. Engagement with the first guiderail 114a and the second guiderail 114b may restrain the device 130 so that the device 130 remains aligned with a vertical plane (e.g., the XZ plane of the depicted coordinate axes) during transportation of a sheet 10 of brittle material.

[0047] To accommodate movement of the device 130 through the separation floor 108, the separation floor 108 may include a slot opening 120 extending through the separation floor 108. Referring also to FIG. 2, a side view of the elevator tower 102 extending through the separation floor 108 is schematically illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, a moveable access panel 180 is optionally mounted to the separation floor 108. The moveable access panel 180 may be configured to move over and retract from the slot opening 120 to isolate the first level 104 from the second level 106 when the device 130 is clear of the slot opening 120 (i.e., when the device 130 is not positioned within the slot opening 120). The moveable access panel 180 may be coupled to the separation floor 108 at a position proximate to the slot opening 120 with a support frame 182. The moveable access panel 180 may be slidably supported on the support frame 182 to allow the moveable access panel 180 to slide back and forth over the slot opening 120. Movement of the moveable access panel 180 may be facilitated by one or more sliding actuators 184 (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or other actuators). The one or more sliding actuators 184 may be coupled to the moveable access panel 180 and may be arranged to extend the moveable access panel 180 over the slot opening 120 or retract the moveable access panel 180 from over the slot opening 120. When the moveable access panel 180 is positioned over the slot opening 120, the moveable access panel 180 may isolate the first level 104 from the second level 106. For example, in instances where a sheet 10 of brittle material, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is inadvertently dropped, the moveable access panel 180 may aid in preventing the sheet 10 from dropping to lower levels. Operation of the moveable access panel 180 may be controlled via inputs received and/or logic executed by the control unit 101. That is, the control unit 101 may be communicatively coupled to the one or more sliding actuators 184 to move the moveable access panel 180 over the slot opening 120 or retract the moveable access panel 180 from the slot opening 120.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a front view of a device 130. The device 130 generally includes a horizontal support 140 and one or more vertical supports. For example, the device 130 may include a first vertical support 150a and a second vertical support 150b. One or more clamping devices (e.g., one or more top edge clamping devices and/or one or more side edge clamping devices) may be arranged along each of the horizontal support 140, first vertical support 150a, and second vertical support 150b. For example, the horizontal support 140 may include one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the first vertical support 150a may include one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b, and the second vertical support 150b may include one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c. The device 130 may further include one or more lateral motion actuators 170, and one or more vertical motion actuators 175.

[0049] The horizontal support 140 may extend between a first end 142 and a second end 144 and is configured to support a horizontal edge (e.g., the top edge 11) of a sheet 10 with the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a when a sheet 10 of brittle material is positioned in the device 130 and clamped by the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a. The horizontal support 140 provides a base structure or frame to which the various components (e.g., the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the first vertical support 150a, the second vertical support 150b, etc.) of the device 130 are mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a are coupled to the horizontal support 140. For example, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a may be coupled to an upper edge 146 of the horizontal support 140. As illustrated, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a may include a plurality of top edge clamping devices 160a (e.g., at least two top edge clamping devices, at least three top edge clamping devices, at least four top edge clamping devices, or more). The top edge clamping devices 160a may be regularly or irregularly spaced across the upper edge 146 of the horizontal support 140. Each of the top edge clamping devices 160a may be aligned along a common axis (e.g., along an axis parallel to the X-axis of the depicted coordinate axes) to engage the top edge 11 of the sheet 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It is noted that while FIG. 3 A illustrates the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a as being attached to the upper edge 146 of the horizontal support 140, they may instead be positioned further down from the upper edge 146 in the -Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. [0050] The first vertical support 150a may be coupled to and extend from a first end 142 of the horizontal support 140. The first vertical support 150a may extend from the first end 142 of the horizontal support 140 in the -Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. The first vertical support 150a may be rigidly coupled to the horizontal support 140 such that the first vertical support 150a is immovable relative to the horizontal support 140.

[0051] One or more first side edge clamping devices 160b may be coupled to the first vertical support 150a and positioned to engage the first side edge 13 of a sheet 10 of brittle material with the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b when the sheet 10 is positioned in the device 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring still to FIG. 3 A and 3B, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b may include a plurality of first side edge clamping devices (e.g., at least two first side edge clamping devices, at least three first side edge clamping devices, at least four first side edge clamping devices, or more). The first side edge clamping devices 160b may be regularly or irregularly spaced along a length of the first vertical support 150a. Each of the first side edge clamping devices 160b may be aligned along a common axis (e.g., along an axis parallel to the Z-axis of the depicted coordinate axes).

[0052] The second vertical support 150b may extend from the horizontal support 140 in the -Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes and may be adjustably coupled to the horizontal support 140. For example, the second vertical support 150b may be slidably coupled to the horizontal support 140 so as to translate toward and away from the first vertical support 150a along the +/-X axis of the depicted coordinate axes. In particular, FIG. 3B illustrates the second vertical support 150b positioned away from the second end 144 of the horizontal support 140 toward the first end 142 of the horizontal support 140 and the first vertical support 150a. By adjusting a position of the second vertical support 150b relative to the first vertical support 150a, the device 130 may be adjusted to facilitate transportation of differently sized sheets of brittle material.

[0053] One or more second side edge clamping devices 160c may be coupled to the second vertical support 150b and positioned to engage the second side edge 15 of a sheet 10 with the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c when the sheet 10 is positioned in the in the device 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring still to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c may include a plurality of second side edge clamping devices (e.g., at least two first side edge clamping devices, at least three first side edge clamping devices, at least four first side edge clamping devices, or more). The second side edge clamping devices 160c may be regularly or irregularly spaced along a length of the first vertical support 150a. The second side edge clamping devices 160c may be aligned along a common axis (e.g., aligned along an axis parallel to the Z-axis of the depicted coordinate axes).

[0054] Still referring to FIG. 3A and 3B, in embodiments, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b may be arranged to mirror the position of the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c. For example, in embodiments, each of the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b may be positioned in direct opposition to one of the second side edge clamping devices 160c. Alternatively, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b may be offset from the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c in a vertical direction. In embodiments, the first vertical support 150a and the second vertical support 150b may include the same number of clamping devices (e.g., at least one clamping device, at least two clamping devices, at least three clamping devices, at least four clamping devices, etc.). However, it should be understood that other arrangements are contemplated and possible, such as arrangements in which one of the first vertical support 150a and the second vertical support 150b comprises more clamping devices than the other of the first vertical support 150a and the second vertical support 150b.

[0055] Still referring to FIG. 3 A, to support movement of the second vertical support 150b relative to the first vertical support 150a, the horizontal support 140 may include one or more sliding support rails to which the second vertical support 150b is slidably mounted. For example, the horizontal support 140 may include a first sliding support rail 147a and a second sliding support rail 147b. The second vertical support 150b may be slidably engaged with the first sliding support rail 147a at a first position and a second sliding support rail 147b at a second position beneath the first position in the -Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes.

[0056] In embodiments, the second vertical support 150b may be manually positioned along the one or more sliding support rails 147a, 147b to adjust the position of the second vertical support 150b relative to the first vertical support 150a. However, other embodiments are contemplated and possible. For example, in embodiments, the device 130 may include one or more lateral motion actuators 170 coupled to the second vertical support 150b and configured to adjustably position (e.g., slide) the second vertical support 150b along the horizontal support 140. The one or more lateral motion actuators 170 may include any combination of devices to impart translational motion to the second vertical support 150b member along the horizontal support 140. For example, any numbers, of motors, pulleys, gears, belts, linear actuators (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electrical actuators, etc.), or the like may be used to move the second vertical support 150b along the horizontal support 140 (e.g., +/- X direction). The one or more lateral motion actuators 170 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 101, such that the control unit 101 may execute logic to move the second vertical support 150b to a desired position along the horizontal support 140 relative to the first vertical support 150a.

[0057] When a sheet 10 has a widthwise dimension (along the x-axis of the depicted coordinate axes) of, for example, 3500 mm, the second vertical support 150b may be translated along the one or more sliding support rails 147a, 147b thereby spacing the second vertical support 150b from the first vertical support 150a such that the first side edge 13 and the second side edge 15 of the sheet 10 (see FIG. 1) may be simultaneously clamped by the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c. However, where a subsequent sheet to be transported by the device 130 has a width of less than 3500 mm (or larger than 3500 mmm), the position of the second vertical support 150b may be adjusted (e.g., with the one or more lateral motion actuators 170) relative to the first vertical support 150a to accommodate the dimensions of the subsequent sheet. This adjustability allows for sheets of various dimensions to be transported with the device 130.

[0058] It is noted that while the first vertical support 150a is illustrated and described as being immovably coupled to the horizontal support 140, it is contemplated the first vertical support 150a may be adjustably mounted to the horizontal support 140 in a manner similar to that described above in regards to the second vertical support 150b. That is, both the first vertical support 150a and the second vertical support 150b may be moveable along the horizontal support 140 to provide for dual adjustability.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, the device 130 is illustrated as mounted to the elevator tower 102 with a portion of the elevator tower 102 is removed to further illustrate the device 130. In particular, one or more vertical motion actuators 175 may be coupled to the horizontal support 140 (e.g., via a mounting bracket 143). The vertical motion actuator 175 may be any device configured and arranged to move the device 130 along a vertical axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the +/-Z-axis of the depicted coordinate axes.) The vertical motion actuator 175 may include any combination of devices to provide motion to the device 130 along the elevator tower 102. For example, any numbers, of motors, pulleys, gears, belts, linear actuators (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electrical actuators, etc.), or the like may be used to move the device 130 along the elevator tower 102.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical motion actuator 175 includes a driven pinion gear 182 (e.g., a driven cam gear), which may be driven by a motor (not depicted). The driven pinion gear 182 may be engaged with a rack 127 than extends along the elevator tower 102 between the first and second guiderails 114a, 114b (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1). The driven pinion gear 182 may rotate to cause the device 130 to climb and/or descend the rack 127 so as to travel along the elevator tower 102 to different levels. The vertical motion actuator 175 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 101, such that the control unit 101 may execute logic to move the device 130 to a desired position along the elevator tower 102.

[0061] As noted above, the elevator tower 102 may include one or more guiderails 114a, 114b. The one or more guiderails 114a, 114b may be arranged on either side of the rack 127. The horizontal support 140 may be slidably coupled to the one or more guiderails 114a, 114b to maintain alignment of the device 130 with respect to the elevator tower 102. For example, the horizontal support 140 may be slidably coupled to the first guiderail 114a and the second guiderail 114b. The first and second guiderails 114a, 114b may aid in maintaining vertical alignment of the device 130 with respect to the elevator tower 102.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative device 130'. The alternative device 130' is similar to the device 130 discussed above. However, in this embodiment, the horizontal support 140' is enlarged so as to support a first and a second vertical motion actuator 175a', 175b'. Additionally, the enlarged horizontal support 140' may provide additional support to the first vertical support 150a' and the second vertical support 150b' and additional rigidity to the entire alternative device 130'. For example, the horizontal support 140' may include a plurality of frame members 145' to which the first vertical support 150a' and the second vertical support 150b' are coupled. The first vertical support 150a' may be coupled to a plurality of spaced horizontal frame members 148' and define the first end 142' of the horizontal support 140'. The plurality of spaced horizontal frame members 148' may be coupled to and support the first vertical support 150a' at a plurality of positions such that a substantial majority (e.g., over 50%) of the overall length of the first vertical support 150a' is supported by the horizontal support 140' along the Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. Additionally, the enlarged horizontal support 140' allows for the one or more sliding support rails (e.g., 147a¹, 147b¹) to be positioned so as to provide a greater range of support along a length of the second vertical support 150b' in along the Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. Such increased range of support may allow for smoother movement of the second vertical support 150b' by providing support closer to a vertically inferior end 151 ' of the second vertical support 150b'.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 depicts the alternative device 130' mounted to the elevator tower 102. A portion of the elevator tower 102 is not depicted in FIG. 6 to further illustrate portions of the alternative device 130'. As depicted in the rear perspective view of the alternative device 130' of FIG. 6, the alternative device 130' includes the first vertical motion actuator 175a' and the second vertical motion actuator 175b'. The first and second vertical motion actuators 175a', 175b' may be identical to the vertical motion actuator 175 described above with respect to FIG. 4. For example, the first and second vertical motion actuators 175a', 175b' may include any number of motors, pulleys, gears, belts, linear actuators (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electrical actuators, etc.), or the like that may be used to move the alternative device 130' along the elevator tower 102. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the second vertical motion actuator 175b' may be identical to the first vertical motion actuator 175a' and may be positioned below the first vertical motion actuator 175a'. For example, the first and second vertical motion actuators 175a', 175b' may each include a driven pinion gear 182' (e.g., a driven cam gear), which may be driven by a motor (not depicted). The driven pinion gear 182' may be engaged with the rack 127 that extends along the elevator tower 102 between the first and second guiderails 114a, 114b. The driven pinion gears 182' may rotate in synchronization with one another to cause the alternative device 130' to climb and/or descend the rack 127 and thereby travel along the elevator tower 102 to different levels. In embodiments, the first and second vertical motion actuators 175a', 175b' may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 101, such that the control unit 101 may execute logic to move the alternative device 130' to a desired position along the elevator tower 102. Use of first and second vertical motion actuators 175a', 175b' may facilitate movement of greater weights up and/or down the elevator tower 102 than capable with a single vertical motion actuator. However, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, only a single vertical motion actuator may be used. It is noted that the one or more vertical motion actuators 175a', 175b' in the present embodiment are positioned more centrally on the alternative device 130' with respect to the height-wise dimension of the alternative device 130' (i.e., the +/-Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the figures), which may provide for increased stability. [0064] In any of the illustrated embodiments, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c may be substantially similar to one another. For example, the clamping devices may include be any device configured to be affixed to and hold an edge of a sheet 10 of brittle material. Such clamping devices may include suction devices, which engage a single major surface of the sheet 10, or may include gripping devices that engage opposing major surfaces of the sheet 10. As used herein, the term “major surface” refers to the predominate planes of a sheet (e.g., the front or back surfaces of the sheet).

[0065] For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a first type of clamping device, which may be used as either a side edge clamping device or a top edge clamping device. The first type of clamping device illustrated in FIG. 7 is a pivoting clamp 162. The pivoting clamp 162 may include a stationary arm 166 and a pivoting arm 164 that pivots relative to the stationary arm 166. During operation the pivoting arm 164 may pivot about a pivot axis 165 from an open position to a close position to clamp an edge of a sheet 10 positioned between the stationary arm 166 and the pivoting arm 164. Similarly, during release, the pivoting arm 164 may be pivoted from the closed position to the open position to release the sheet 10. The pivoting arm 164 and the stationary arm 166 may include a clamping material 168 (e.g., rubber or similar material) to securely hold the sheet 10 without damaging the sheet 10 of brittle material. The pivoting clamp 162 may be automated with an actuator 163 and controllable via the control unit 101. That is, the control unit 101 may be communicatively coupled to the pivoting clamp 162 to control movement of the pivoting clamp 162 thereby clamping or releasing the sheet 10 of brittle material. In particular, the actuator 163 may facilitate pivoting the pivoting arm 164 relative to the stationary arm 166.

[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a second type clamping device, which may be used as either a side edge clamping device or a top edge clamping device. The second type clamping device illustrated in FIG. 8 is a sliding clamp 172. The sliding clamp 172 may include a first arm 174 and a second arm 176. The first arm 174 and the second arm 176 may be coupled to one another with an actuator 173, such as an actuated slide or the like, configured to slide at least one of the first arm 174 and the second arm 176 toward the other of the first arm 174 and the second arm 176 to clamp a sheet 10 of brittle material therebetween. Similar to the above pivoting clamp 162, each of the first arm 174 and the second arm 176 may include a clamping material 178 (e.g., rubber or similar material) to securely hold the sheet 10 of brittle material without damaging the sheet 10. The actuator of the sliding clamp 172 may be controllable via the control unit 101. That is, the control unit 101 may be communicatively coupled to the sliding clamp 172 to control movement of the sliding clamp 172 to clamp onto or release a sheet 10.

[0067] Referring again to FIG. 1, as noted herein, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c may include one or more pivoting clamps and/or one or more sliding clamps. For example, in some embodiments all of the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c are pivoting clamps. Alternatively, all of the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c are sliding clamps. In embodiments the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a may be pivoting clamps and the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c are sliding clamps or vice versa. The clamping devices may be simultaneously or independently actuated. When engaged with a sheet 10 of brittle material positioned in the device 130, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c are arranged to hold the sheet 10 such that a major surface of the sheet 10 is orientated substantially parallel to a vertical axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the Z axis of the depicted coordinate axes).

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow chart depicting a method 200 of transporting a sheet 10 of brittle material is depicted. It is noted that while various steps are illustrated in a particular order, more or fewer steps may be included in any order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The method 200 may include, at step 202, engaging a sheet 10 of brittle material with a device 130. Step 202 may include adjusting the second vertical support 150b by moving (e.g., with the lateral motion actuator 170) the second vertical support 150b along the horizontal support 140 to accommodate a size of the sheet 10. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1-5, for a large sheet, the second vertical support 150b may be moved toward the second end 144 of the horizontal support 140, whereas a smaller sheet may require that the second vertical support 150b be moved away from the second end 144 of the horizontal support 140 toward the first vertical support 150a so as to be able to engage at least three edges of the sheet 10. During engagement, the one or more top edge clamping devices 160a may be operated (e.g., by the control unit 101) to clamp a top edge 11 of the sheet 10 (e.g., outside a quality area of the sheet 10). Similarly, the one or more first side edge clamping devices 160b may be operated (e.g., by the control unit 101) to clamp a first side edge 13 of the sheet 10, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices 160c may be operated to clamp the second side edge 15 of the sheet 10. Accordingly, three edges of the sheet 10 may be supported by the horizontal support 140, the first vertical support 150a and the second vertical support 150b.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 130 may orient the sheet 10 such that a major surface of the sheet 10 is substantially parallel to the vertical axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the Z-axis of the depicted coordinate axes). Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 and 9, at step 204, the method 200 further includes transporting the sheet 10 with the device 130 (e.g., with the vertical motion actuator 175) along the elevator tower 102 between the first level 104 and the second level 106. Transporting the sheet 10 such that a major surface of the sheet 10 is oriented substantially parallel to the vertical axis allows for the sheet 10, if inadvertently dropped, to fall vertically. However, if the sheet 10 were tilted relative to the vertical axis, the sheet 10 may fall down and away from the transportation tower, which may not be desirable. Additionally, transporting the sheet 10 in a vertical orientation may provide additional space savings in the form of, for example, a narrower slot opening.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, at step 206, the method 200 may further include actuating the moveable access panel 180 to a first position to reveal a slot opening 120 in a separation floor 108 between the first level 104 and the second level 106 to allow the device 130 to travel through the slot opening 120. At step 208, the method 200 may further include actuating the moveable access panel 180 back over the slot opening 120 after the device 130 and the sheet 10 are clear of the slot opening 120 to isolate the first level 104 from the second level 106.

[0071] It should now the understood that the present disclosure is directed to transportation assemblies, devices, and methods. Transportation assemblies as described herein generally include an elevator tower and a device moveably supported on the transportation elevator. The elevator tower may define various levels such as a first level (e.g., a first floor) and a second level (e.g., a second floor). The device may move along the elevator tower between the various levels to transport a sheet from one level to another. As noted above, sheets may come in a variety of sizes (e.g., heights of about 300 mm or less to about 3000 mm and beyond, and widths of about 400 mm or less to about 3500 mm and beyond). To facilitate these different sized sheets, devices include an adjustable frame that includes a horizontal support for supporting a top edge of the sheet and first and second vertical supports. A position of at least one of the vertical supports is adjustable in a widthwise direction so as to allow the first and second vertical supports to clamp to opposite side edges of the sheet so that the sheet is supported along at least three sides.

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for transporting a sheet of brittle material, the device comprising: a horizontal support comprising one or more top edge clamping devices for clamping a top edge of the sheet of brittle material; and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more vertical supports comprise: a first vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more first side edge clamping devices for clamping a first side edge of the sheet of brittle material; and a second vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more second side edge clamping devices for clamping a second side edge of the sheet of brittle material opposite the first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein a distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support is configured to be adjusted by translating the second vertical support relative to the horizontal support.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a lateral motion actuator coupled to the second vertical support and configured to adjustably position the second vertical support along the horizontal support.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising a vertical motion actuator coupled to the horizontal support and configured to translate the device along a vertical axis.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more top edge clamping devices, the one or more first side edge clamping devices, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices are arranged to hold the sheet of brittle material such that a major surface of the sheet of brittle material is orientated substantially parallel to a vertical axis.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein the first vertical support is immovably coupled to the horizontal support.

7. An assembly for transporting a sheet of brittle material, the assembly comprising: an elevator tower defining at least a first level and a second level; and a device moveably supported on the elevator tower and comprising: a horizontal support comprising one or more top edge clamping devices for clamping a top edge of the sheet of brittle material; and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the one or more vertical supports comprises: a first vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more first side edge clamping devices for clamping a first side edge of the sheet of brittle material; and a second vertical support adjustably coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more second side edge clamping devices for clamping a second side edge of the sheet of brittle material opposite the first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein a distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support is adjusted by translating the second vertical support relative to the horizontal support.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the device further comprises a lateral motion actuator coupled to the second vertical support and configured to adjustably position the second vertical support along the horizontal support.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the device further comprises a vertical motion actuator coupled to the horizontal support and the elevator tower, the vertical motion actuator configured to translate the device along the elevator tower.

11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more top edge clamping devices, the one or more first side edge clamping devices, and the one or more second side edge clamping devices are arranged to hold the sheet of brittle material such that a major surface of the sheet of brittle material is orientated substantially parallel to a vertical axis.

12. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the first vertical support is immovably coupled to the horizontal support.

13. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a separation floor between the first level and the second level of the elevator tower, wherein a slot opening is positioned in the separation floor to accommodate movement of the device through the separation floor.

14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a moveable access panel configured to move over and retract from the slot opening to isolate the first level from the second level when the device is clear of the slot opening.

15. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the second level is at least 10 meters from a base of the first level.

16. A method of transporting a sheet of brittle material, the method comprising: engaging the sheet of brittle material with a device comprising: a horizontal support comprising one or more top edge clamping devices that clamp a top edge of the sheet of brittle material; and one or more vertical supports coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more side edge clamping devices for clamping a side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical supports is configured to be adjusted by translating the at least one of the one or more vertical supports relative to the horizontal support to accommodate a size of the sheet of brittle material; and transporting the sheet of brittle material with the device along an elevator tower between a first level and a second level.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising actuating a moveable access panel to a first position to reveal a slot opening in a separation floor between the first level and the second level thereby allowing the device to travel through the slot opening.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising actuating the moveable access panel back over the slot opening after the device and the sheet of brittle material are clear of the slot opening to isolate the first level from the second level.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more vertical supports comprise: a first vertical support coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more first side edge clamping devices that clamp a first side edge of the sheet of brittle material; and a second vertical support adjustably coupled to the horizontal support and comprising one or more second side edge clamping devices that clamp a second side edge of the sheet of brittle material opposite the first side edge of the sheet of brittle material, wherein a distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support is adjusted by translating the second vertical support relative to the horizontal support to accommodate the size of the sheet of brittle material.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the device further comprises a vertical motion actuator coupled to the horizontal support and the elevator tower, the vertical motion actuator configured to translate the device along the elevator tower.