JP6626491B2 - Glass manufacturing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

Description of the related application

  This application claims the benefit of priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 022,905, filed July 10, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Claims under Article 119.

  The present disclosure relates generally to glass manufacturing equipment and methods, and more specifically, to glass manufacturing equipment and methods that include float processes.

  The glass making apparatus and methods are used to form glass ribbons that can be separated or wound into glass sheets and used for displays and other applications. The glass manufacturing apparatus and method specific to the float process includes a float bath on which the glass ribbon is floated and on which the glass ribbon is drawn.

  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.

  In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device that generates a glass ribbon having a width. The glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a float bath with an upstream end and a downstream end. The glass making apparatus further includes a first traction roll device at least partially disposed between an upstream end and a downstream end of the float bath. The first pulling roll device is configured to draw the glass ribbon from the forming device on the float bath from an upstream end to a downstream end along a drawing path extending in a direction intersecting the width of the glass ribbon. I have. The first pulling roll device includes a first upstream roller disposed on a first major surface of the glass ribbon, and a second upstream roller disposed below a second major surface of the glass ribbon. ing.

  In an example of the first aspect, the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller sandwich the glass ribbon and generate a pinching force on the glass ribbon. In another example, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is adjustable to adjust the pinching force.

  In another example of the first aspect, the glass making apparatus comprises a second, downstream along the drawing path, at least partially disposed between the first pulling roll equipment and the downstream end of the float bath. It further includes a traction roll device. The second pulling roll device is configured to further draw the glass ribbon on the float bath along the drawing path from the first pulling roll device to a downstream end. The second pulling roll apparatus includes a first downstream roller disposed on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second downstream roller disposed below a second major surface of the glass ribbon. ing.

  In one example, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a control device. The control device is configured such that at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates at a substantially constant torque, and at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller is substantially constant. The first traction roll device and the second traction roll device are configured to operate to rotate at an angular velocity.

  In another example, the control device is further configured to substantially determine at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. It is configured to adjust a constant torque to the motor.

  In still another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller includes a cooling system. In one example, the cooling system cools at least an edge portion of the glass ribbon.

  In still another example of the first aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes an idle roller.

  In yet another example of the first aspect, the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

  In yet another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath.

  This first aspect may be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the first aspect discussed above.

  In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes forming a glass ribbon having a width. The method further includes extending the glass ribbon on the float bath from an upstream end of the float bath to a downstream end of the float bath. The method further includes sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first upstream roller and a second upstream roller of the first pulling roll device. The first traction roll device is at least partially disposed between an upstream end and a downstream end of the float bath. A first upstream roller is located on a first major surface of the glass ribbon, and a second upstream roller is located below a second major surface of the glass ribbon.

  In one example of the second aspect, the method further comprises the step of sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first downstream roller and a second downstream roller of a second pulling roll device. The second traction roll device is at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device and the downstream end of the float bath. A first downstream roller is located on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second downstream roller is located below a second major surface of the glass ribbon.

  In one example, the method operates at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller such that at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates at a substantially constant torque. The method further includes the step of: The method includes operating at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller such that at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. In addition.

  In another example, the method includes substantially determining at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. And adjusting the constant torque.

  In another example of the second aspect, the method further comprises cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon. In one example, this portion of the glass ribbon is an edge portion of the glass ribbon.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the method further comprises inducing a magnetic field in the float bath to circulate at least some amount of the float bath.

  This second aspect may be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the second aspect discussed above.

  These and other aspects will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Side view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of the first example Front view of glass manufacturing apparatus of second example FIG. 2 is a top view showing the glass manufacturing apparatus of the first example of FIG. The figure which showed the shaping apparatus of the glass manufacturing apparatus of the 2nd example of FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the glass manufacturing apparatus of the second example in FIG. 2. Perspective view of glass manufacturing equipment FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pulling roll device of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of another example glass making apparatus with rollers at least partially immersed in a float bath. Top view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of another example glass making apparatus with rollers positioned substantially outside the width of the float bath. Top view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. The figure which showed the detail of the glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Diagram showing a pulling roll device as an example of a glass manufacturing device The figure which showed the traction roll apparatus of another example of the glass manufacturing apparatus The figure which showed the traction roll apparatus of the example of FIG.

  Examples will now be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate example embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a first example glass manufacturing apparatus 101 includes examples of various features that can be used alone or in combination to manufacture a first glass ribbon 105. As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example may include a melting tank 107, a first forming apparatus 103, a first float tank 110, an annealing apparatus 115, a cooling area 120, and a lift-off area 125.

  In one example of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example, the melting tank 107 includes a furnace into which a glass batch material is introduced as indicated by an arrow 121. The glass batch material may be pre-mixed in some instances and may be added to the melting tank 107 continuously or intermittently. When entering the melting tank 107, the glass batch material is heated and melted to form a first molten glass 123. The first molten glass 123 then flows from the melting tank 107 over the first forming device 103 to the first float tank 110. In a further example, before forming the first glass ribbon 105 in the float tank 110, the first molten glass 123 may be treated or conditioned to remove impurities, bubbles, or other inclusions. Various forming equipment can be used to produce the first glass ribbon 105 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first forming apparatus 103 may include a spout 109, over which the first molten glass 123 flows to the first float tank 110. The first forming device 103 includes a first glass ribbon that includes a first width “W1” extending between a first edge portion 105a and a second edge portion 105b of the first glass ribbon 105. 105 is generated. In one example, the size of the first glass ribbon 105, such as the first width “W1”, can be controlled by changing the size of the spout 109 (eg, increasing or decreasing dimensions, such as width). In one example, a wider spout can produce a wider glass ribbon than a narrower spout that can produce a narrower glass ribbon.

  The first glass ribbon 105 from the first float tank 110 can be further stretched or transported through an annealing device 115, as shown in FIG. The features of the first float tank 110 will be described more fully below. In one example, the annealing device 115 includes a plurality of rollers (not shown) on which the first glass ribbon 105 is transported. In another example, the annealing device 115 includes an annealing furnace 116 that cools the first glass ribbon 105. In yet another example, the first glass ribbon 105 may be cooled slowly to prevent stress from building up in the first glass ribbon 105. Once passed through the annealing device 115, the first glass ribbon 105 may be passed through the cooling area 120 and further stretched or transported. In one example, first glass ribbon 105 continues to cool and harden in cooling area 120. Once the first glass ribbon 105 has been sufficiently cooled, the first glass ribbon can be further processed. In one example, the first glass ribbon may also be trimmed or cut to remove edges of the first glass ribbon that may be damaged by the first pulling roll device 102 (as described more fully below). Good. In another example, the first glass ribbon 105 may be cut into first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b of a predetermined size. In the lift-off area 125, a robot arm or other equipment (not shown) may lift the first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b to move the individual first glass sheets to different positions. For example, the first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b may be moved to a vehicle or other transport equipment (not shown) in order to transfer the first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b to a location located away from the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example. Good. In still other examples, the first individual glass sheets 127a, 127b may be saved for later use or may be stacked. In yet another example, rather than cutting the first glass ribbon 105 into first individual glass sheets, the first glass ribbon 105 may remain substantially continuous over a period of time; For example, it may be wound on a roll (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 2, a second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 includes examples of various features that can be used alone or in combination to manufacture a second glass ribbon 205. As illustrated, the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example includes a melting tank 207, a fining tank 209, a mixing tank 211, a delivery tank 213, a second molding device 203, a second float tank 210, and a separation device 219. obtain.

  In the melting tank 207, a glass batch material is introduced and melted as indicated by arrow 221 to form a second molten glass 223. The refining tank 209 has a high-temperature processing area that receives the second molten glass 223 (not shown at this time) from the melting tank 207. It is in this refining tank 209 that air bubbles can be removed from the second molten glass 223. Further, the refining tank 209 is connected to the mixing tank 211 by a connection pipe 225 from the finer to the stirring chamber. The mixing tank 211 is connected to the delivery tank 213 by a connection pipe 227 from the stirring chamber to the bowl. The delivery tank 213 delivers the second molten glass 223 to the inlet 231 through the downcomer pipe 229 and further into the second forming apparatus 203.

  As noted above, various molding equipment can be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, second forming device 203 may include an opening 233 that receives a second molten glass 223 flowing into trough 235. As best shown in FIG. 4, the second molten glass 223 overflows the trough 235 and flows down the two side surfaces 237a and 237b of the second forming device 203 before the second forming device 203 Coalesce at the bottom 239. The bottom 239 is where the two sides 237a, 237b come together and, at this bottom 239, the two overflowing second molten glasses flowing over each of the two sides 237a, 237b. The wall of 223 fuses as a second glass ribbon 205. In one example, a portion of the second glass ribbon 205 is stretched away from the bottom 239 and into the viscous zone 241 where the second glass ribbon 205 begins to thin to its final thickness. In other examples, the second glass ribbon may include a curing zone 243 and / or an elastic zone 245. Referring back to FIG. 2, the second forming apparatus 203 generates a second glass ribbon 205, and the second glass ribbon 205 is connected to the first edge portion 205 a of the second glass ribbon 205 and the second glass ribbon 205. Includes a second width “W2” extending between edge portion 205b. The second glass ribbon 205 may then flow to the second float tank 210 or may be drawn into the second float tank 210. Its features are described more fully below. As further shown in FIG. 5, after the second glass ribbon 205 has left the second float tank 210, a separating device 219 is provided to allow a plurality of second glass ribbons 205 to be separated from the second glass ribbon 205 over a period of time. Of the second individual glass sheets 247a, 247b may be sequentially separated. In another example, the second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 may be provided without a separation device 219 so that the second glass ribbon 205 may remain substantially continuous for a period of time. For example, in some instances, a glass ribbon may be wrapped around a storage roll, in which case the winding of the glass ribbon fills the storage roll, and then the glass ribbon is unwound at a point after the storage roll is unwound. Separation equipment may be provided for separation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the first example glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and the second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 have a first pulling roll apparatus 102 and a second pulling roll apparatus 202, respectively. In addition, the first glass ribbon 105 and the second glass ribbon 205 are drawn from the first forming device 103 and the second forming device 203 to the first float tank 110 and the second float tank 210. You may help. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a first example glass manufacturing apparatus 101 moves a first glass ribbon 105 from a spout 109 to a first float tank 110 along a first drawing path 104. A first pulling roll device 102 may be provided that is configured to assist in stretching. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 moves the second glass ribbon 205 from the bottom 239 to the second float tank 210 in the second stretching path 204. A second pull roll device 202 may be provided that is configured to assist in stretching along.

  FIG. 6 illustrates an example glass manufacturing apparatus 301 including an example float tank 310 and an example pull roll apparatus 302 according to an example of the present disclosure. The float tank 310 and the pulling roll device 302 of this example may be used alone, or the first float tank 110 and the second float tank 210, the first pulling roll device 102, and the second pulling roll It may be used in combination with any of the features of the first example glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and the second example glass manufacturing apparatus 201 discussed above, such as replacing the apparatus 202. Further, by way of example forming equipment 303, which may include any of the first and / or second forming equipment 103 and / or 203 described above, as well as any other forming equipment configured to produce glass ribbons. The glass ribbon 305 of this example will be described with the understanding that an example glass ribbon 305 can be formed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the float tank 310 may include a container or tank for holding a material such as a float bath material (hereinafter generally referred to as “float bath 317”). As further shown, the float bath 317 has an upstream end 318 and a downstream end 319, with the upstream end 318 located closer to the forming equipment 303 than the downstream end 319. In one example, float bath 317 contains molten material. In another example, the float bath 317 contains molten tin or liquid tin. In still other examples, float bath 317 may include lead or other alloys having a low melting point. In yet another example, the float tank 310 may contain a shallow pool of the float bath 317.

  As further shown in FIG. 6, when the glass ribbon 305 leaves the forming equipment 303 and enters the float tank 310, the glass ribbon 305 can, for example, flow out onto the surface 323 of the float bath 317, at which time the glass ribbon 305 can float on this surface 323. In one example, when the glass ribbon 305 floats on the surface 323 of the float bath 317, based on at least gravity “g” acting on the glass ribbon 305 in a direction opposite to the surface tension resistance “r” of the float bath 317. , The glass ribbon 305 may naturally flatten or spread around the float tank 310. Such spontaneous flattening or spreading of the glass ribbon 305 may help produce a thin glass ribbon having a width "W" and a thickness "t". As will be described more fully below, in another example, a mechanical device (eg, a traction roll device) applies a force to the glass ribbon 305 to cause the glass ribbon 305 to have various widths, lengths, or thicknesses. The properties can be further manipulated or controlled.

  In one example, the glass ribbon 305 may have a first major surface 321 and a second major surface 322, where the thickness “t” is the thickness of the first major surface 321 and the second major surface 322. Is defined in between. In another example, at least a portion of second major surface 322 may be in contact with surface 323 of float bath 317 and may float on surface 323. In yet another example, the first major surface 321 may be opposite the second major surface 322 and substantially parallel to the second major surface 322. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first major surface 321 may include a surface opposite the second major surface 322, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface 322 is It floats on surface 323 and is in contact with surface 323.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in one example, the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 includes a pulling roll apparatus 302. An example traction roll device 302 is shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure with some features of the glass making device 301 removed for clarity, but in a further example, the structure of other traction roll devices And configurations can be provided.

  The pulling roll device 302 forms the glass ribbon 305 on the float bath 317 from the upstream end 318 to the downstream end 319 along a stretching path 304 extending in a direction intersecting the width “W” of the glass ribbon 305. There is provided a first pulling roll device 701 configured to stretch from (shown in FIG. 6). In another example, the first traction roll device 701 is at least partially disposed between the upstream end 318 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. In yet another example, the first pulling roll device 701 is disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed on the first major surface 321 as shown). A first upstream roller 711 and a second main surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially under the second main surface 322 as shown). ) A second upstream roller 715. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 7, in addition to, or instead of, the first traction roll device 701, the traction roll device 302 may include another first traction roll device 701. A roll device 703 may be provided, wherein the first pulling roll device 703 is disposed on a first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially as shown in the first major surface). Another first upstream roller 713 (disposed over 321) and a second main surface 322 disposed (eg, at least partially as shown) below second major surface 322 of glass ribbon 305. And another second upstream roller 717 (underneath). As further shown in FIG. 7, a first traction roll device 701 may be disposed on one side of the glass ribbon 305 to interact with a first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305; The other first pulling roll device 703 may be located on another side, such as the opposite side of the glass ribbon 305, to interact with the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305. In another example, the first traction roll device 701 and the other first traction roll device 703 are configured to draw the glass ribbon in a direction along the drawing path 304 as indicated by arrow 720. Can be configured. The first pulling roll device 701 and the other first pulling roll device 703 are further configured to stretch the glass ribbon 305 in a direction substantially intersecting with the drawing path 304, as indicated by arrow 721. Can be done.

  As further shown in FIG. 7, the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 each include a first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305 therebetween. May be provided with respective refractory roll covers 731, 735 configured to engage with. At least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include a respective motor 741, 745. For example, as shown, both the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include respective motors 741, 745. In a further example, only one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include a motor, where the other upstream roller is a first upstream roller 711 and a second upstream roller Bearings may be provided such that only one of the 715 is driven.

  Similarly, additionally or alternatively, the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 of the other first pulling roll device 703 may each have a glass ribbon 305 therebetween. May comprise a respective refractory roll cover 733, 737 configured to engage with the second edge portion 305b of the second roll. At least one of the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 may include a respective motor 743,747. For example, as shown, both the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 may have respective motors 743, 747. In a further example, only one of the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 may be equipped with a motor, where the other upstream roller is the other. A bearing may be provided such that only one of the first upstream roller 713 and the other second upstream roller 717 is driven.

  As further shown in FIG. 7, in another example, the traction roll device 302 moves from the first traction roll device 701 along a stretching path 304 that extends in a direction that intersects the width “W” of the glass ribbon 305. It comprises a second pulling roll device 702 configured to further stretch the glass ribbon 305 on the float bath 317 (shown in FIG. 6) to the downstream end 319. In another example, the second traction roll device 702 is at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device 701 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. In yet another example, the second pull roll device 702 is disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed on the first major surface 321 as shown). A first downstream roller 712 and a second main surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (e.g., at least partially under the second main surface 322 as shown). ) A second downstream roller 716. In yet another example, the traction roll device 302 may include another second traction roll device 704 in addition to, or instead of, the second traction roll device 702, wherein The second pulling roll device 704 is disposed on a first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially disposed on the first major surface 321 as shown). One downstream roller 714 and another second roller 714 disposed below the second major surface 322 of the glass ribbon 305 (e.g., at least partially disposed below the second major surface 322 as shown). And two downstream rollers 718. As shown in FIG. 7, a second traction roll device 702 may be disposed on one side of the glass ribbon 305 to interact with a first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305, and Another second pull roll device 704 may be located on another side, such as the opposite side of glass ribbon 305, to interact with second edge portion 305b of glass ribbon 305. In another example, the second traction roll device 702 and the other second traction roll device 704 are configured to draw the glass ribbon in a direction along the drawing path 304, as indicated by arrow 722. Can be configured. The second traction roll device 702 and the other second traction roll device 704 are further configured to stretch the glass ribbon 305 in a direction substantially intersecting the drawing path 304, as indicated by arrow 723. Can be done.

  As further shown in FIG. 7, the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 of the second pulling roll device 702 each include a first edge portion 305a of the glass ribbon 305 therebetween. May be provided with respective refractory roll covers 732, 736. At least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 may include a respective motor 742, 746. For example, as shown, both the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 may include respective motors 742,746. In a further example, only one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 may include a motor, with the other downstream roller comprising a first downstream roller 712 and a second downstream roller 712. Bearings may be provided such that only one of the 716 is driven.

  Similarly, or in addition, the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 of the other second pulling roll device 704 each include a glass ribbon between them. A respective refractory roll cover 734, 738 that engages the second edge portion 305b of 305 may be provided. At least one of the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 may include a respective motor 744, 748. For example, as shown, both the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 may include respective motors 744, 748. In a further example, only one of the other first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 may have a motor, with the other downstream roller being the other. Bearings may be provided such that only one of the first downstream roller 714 and the other second downstream roller 718 is driven.

  In another example (not shown), glass manufacturing apparatus 301 may include a third traction roll device, located anywhere between first traction roll device 701 and second traction roll device 702. . In still other examples, glass making apparatus 301 may include any number of additional traction roll equipment located at various locations along the glass ribbon. This third traction roll device and any number of additional traction roll devices may include any or all features of the first traction roll device and the second traction roll device disclosed herein in any combination. . Similarly, this third traction roll device and any number of additional traction roll devices may operate as disclosed herein.

  In yet another example, the pulling roll device can stretch and stretch the glass ribbon 305 in various directions. For example, the glass ribbon 305 can be stretched downward from the forming device 303 in a substantially vertical direction. Further, the glass ribbon 305 may be stretched on the float bath 317 in a substantially horizontal direction such that at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305 floats on the surface 323 of the float bath 317. Further, the glass ribbon 305 can be stretched away from the float bath 317 for further processing of the glass ribbon 305.

  In yet another example, the traction roll device 302, including the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 discussed throughout this application, can be used alone or with the first traction roll described herein. There may be additional features or configurations that may be used in combination with any of the features of device 701 and second traction roll device 702. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, with respect to a first traction roll device 701 and another first traction roll device 703 (which features a second traction roll device 702 and another second traction device). With the understanding that, besides the roll equipment 704, it is equally applicable to any of the features of the traction roll apparatus 302 discussed herein), any of the rollers may be vertically downwardly inclined relative to the glass ribbon 305, or A horizontal level roll may be used. For example, as shown, any rollers (horizontal level or downward slope) may be positioned to have a predetermined horizontal angle θ, with each face of the roll being a respective first primary of glass ribbon 305. It will be positioned at this horizontal angle with respect to surface 321 and second major surface 322. This horizontal angle θ may be desirable to provide an appropriate level of transverse stretch tension 721 and / or to accommodate the taper effect that can occur when a normal roll wears.

  FIG. 15 shows a first pulling roll device 701 including a first upstream roller 711 and a second upstream roller 715, and another first upstream roller 713 and another second upstream roller 717. An example is shown in which the other provided first pulling roll device 703 can include a roll inclined vertically downward with respect to the glass ribbon 305. The downward tilt angle of any roller may be different or the same as any other roller, depending on process considerations. The downward slope of the first upstream rollers 711, 713 and / or the second upstream rollers 715, 717 may provide a desired level between the first pulling roll device 701 and the other first pulling roll device 703. A transverse stretching tension 721 can be provided. Similarly, the downward slope of the first downstream roller 712, 714 and / or the second downstream roller 716, 718 (not shown) may cause the second traction roll device 702 and the other second traction roll device 704 to A desired level of transverse stretching tension 723 (FIG. 7) can be provided. In some examples, the controller 339 may be configured to operate an automatic positioner (not shown) to control (or adjust) the average transverse stretching tension 721, 723 across the glass ribbon 305. Alternatively, a manual mechanism may be used to adjust the downward tilt position of the vertically tilted roller.

  In a further example, one or more pairs of draw rolls may be horizontal rolls relative to the glass ribbon. For example, FIG. 16 shows a top view of a traction roll device 302 including a first traction roll device 701 and a second traction roll device 702, which can be at a horizontal level with respect to the glass ribbon 305, at which time. The axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicular to the drawing path 304 of the glass ribbon 305. As better shown in FIG. 17, providing the first upstream rollers 711, 713 and the second upstream rollers 715, 717 of the first pulling roll device 701 as horizontal level rolls is achieved by providing a roll between the rollers. This may be desirable where lateral tension across the width of the glass ribbon 305 is not required. Similarly, providing the first downstream rollers 712, 714 and the second downstream rollers 716, 718 of the second pulling roll device 702 as horizontal level rolls traverses the width of the glass ribbon 305 between the rollers. This may be desirable where lateral tension is not required.

  As further shown in FIG. 17, traction roll device 302 may include a first traction roll device 701 with a first upstream roller pair 711, 713 and a second upstream roller pair 715, 717. . A first upstream roller pair 711, 713 may be connected to a first upstream handle 791, and a second upstream roller pair 715, 717 may be connected to a second upstream handle 793. Similarly, traction roll device 302 may include a second traction roll device 702 with a first downstream roller pair 712, 714 and a second downstream roller pair 716, 718. The first pair of downstream rollers 712, 714 may be connected to a first downstream handle 792, and the second pair of downstream rollers 716, 718 may be connected to a second downstream handle 794. At least one of the first upstream roller pair 711, 713 and the second upstream roller pair 715, 717 includes a respective motor 795, 797, and connects the first upstream handle portion 791 to the first upstream roller pair 711, 713 and / or the second upstream handle 793 can be rotated with the second pair of upstream rollers 715,717. Further, at least one of the first downstream roller pair 712, 714 and the second downstream roller pair 716, 718 includes respective motors 796, 798 to connect the first downstream handle 792 to the first downstream roller pair. 712, 714 and / or the second downstream handle 794 can be rotated with the second pair of downstream rollers 716, 718. In a further example, only one of the first pair of upstream rollers 711, 713 or the second pair of upstream rollers 715, 717 may include a motor 795 or 797, where the other pair of rollers is the first pair of rollers. A bearing may be provided such that only one of the upstream roller pair 711, 713 or the second upstream roller pair 715, 717 is driven. Similarly, in a further example, only one of the first downstream roller pair 712, 714 or the second downstream roller pair 716, 718 may include a motor 796 or 798, where the other roller pair is Bearings may be provided such that only one of the first pair of downstream rollers 712, 714 or the second pair of downstream rollers 716, 718 is driven.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the glass making apparatus 301 is configured to operate the traction roll apparatus 302 (eg, “programmed”, “encoded”, “designed”, and / or “ Fabricated "), and may further include controls 779, 780 (eg, a programmable logic controller). The controls may include separate controls 779, 780 as shown, or may include a single control configured to operate traction roll device 302. In another example, glass making apparatus 301 may include multiple controls, each configured to operate one or more separate components of traction roll apparatus 302. As shown, the upstream control device 779 includes the first pulling roll device 701 including the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715, and the other first upstream roller 713 and the other second And the other first pulling roll device 703 including the upstream roller 717. Further downstream control device 780 includes a second pulling roll device 702, including a first downstream roller 712 and a second downstream roller 716, and a second first downstream roller 714 and another second downstream roller 702. 718 may be configured to operate with the other second traction roll device 704.

  As described above, the traction roll device 302 may include at least one motor. The motor may include a servomotor, which may optionally include a gearbox for driving each roller. The servomotor, if provided, can provide torque and / or angular velocity measurements back to the control devices 779, 780, which can then be used by the control devices 779, 780 to provide the desired results. Can be implemented. Alternatively, the control devices 779, 780 can interact with other types of motor controllers, such as variable frequency drives, to control the angular speed and / or torque of each motor. In this example, the operating condition may be detected using a torque sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor, and feedback of the detected condition may be provided to the controller 779, 780.

  In one example, the control devices 779, 780 can be configured to execute a control loop. The control loop may include various control parameters for operating the traction roll device 302, including the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702. For example, the control devices 779, 780 may be configured to execute a control loop including various control parameters for operating the traction roll device 302 to address long-term process drift. Long-term process drift may include, for example, changes in the glass manufacturing apparatus 301, including changes in the properties of the glass ribbon 305 that may occur over a relatively long period of time. In one example, long-term process drift can occur over a relatively long period of time, on the order of hours. In another example, long-term process drift may cause a corresponding change in operating conditions of the traction roll device 302, including at least one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702. 305 may include changes in properties. For example, the operating conditions may be dependent on the properties of the glass ribbon 305. Further, a corresponding change in this operating condition can affect the quality of the glass ribbon 305, for example. For example, a change in the viscosity of the glass ribbon 305, such as at the spout 109 or at the bottom 239, of the forming device 303 may affect the tension of the glass ribbon being drawn or flowing from the forming device 303. The viscosity of the glass ribbon 305 at the forming device 303 can change, for example, due to a change in the temperature of the glass ribbon 305. The temperature of the glass ribbon 305 may change, for example, as a result of a thermal change in any one or combination of components of the glass making apparatus 301 and / or a change in ambient temperature. In addition to, or in a manner separate from, the control equipment 779, 780, a thermal change is intentionally imparted to the glass manufacturing apparatus 301, including the glass ribbon 305, to produce glass including the glass ribbon 305. Changes in the temperature of the device 301 may be controlled. As described above, such thermal changes can affect the viscosity and / or hardness of the glass ribbon 305, for example.

  Here, various control schemes may be used, such as the various control schemes may be used, for example, to operate any one of the features of the traction roll devices 102, 202, and 302 described herein. A description will be given with respect to the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 with the understanding that it can be applied to any one.

  In one example, the control devices 779, 780 can be configured to operate the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 in a master / slave configuration. For example, the second traction roll device 702 may include a master motor, and the first traction roll device 701 may include a slave motor. The control devices 779, 780 may be configured to operate the master motor to rotate at least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 at a constant angular velocity. The control devices 779, 780 may cause at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 to rotate at a torque that matches a predetermined percentage of the master motor torque of the second pulling roll device 702. May be further configured.

  In another example, the control devices 779, 780 indicate that at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 rotates with a substantially constant torque, and further the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 712. The first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 may be configured to operate independently such that at least one of the rollers 716 rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. For the purposes of this disclosure, independent operation of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 refers to one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 and the other Of the second pulling roll device 702 and the first pulling roll device 701 can be operated without being affected. Thus, for example, in the independent operation of the first traction roll device 701 using the control device 779, the control device can be operated by the first traction roll device 702 without considering changes in the operating parameters of the second traction roll device 702. 701 can be operated.

  In yet another example, the control devices 779, 780 indicate that at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 rotates with a substantially constant torque, and that the first downstream roller 712 and the second The first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702 can be configured to operate such that at least one of the downstream rollers 716 rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. In yet another example, the control devices 779, 780 may include a first upstream roller of the first traction roll device 701 based on operating conditions of at least one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702. A substantially constant torque of at least one of 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may be configured to regulate.

  In one example, the operating condition is any one of torque, angular velocity, temperature, or any other input, output, or internal state of at least one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702. And any combination of operating conditions of at least one of the first traction roll device 701 and the second traction roll device 702, such as one or a combination thereof. In another example, the operating condition is an operating condition of the pulling roll device 302, such as any one or combination of operating conditions of the first pulling roll device 701, including the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715. Any one or combination may be included. In yet another example, the operating conditions include operating conditions of the pulling roll device 302, such as any one or combination of operating conditions of the second pulling roll device 702, including the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716. May be included in any one or a combination of In yet another example, the operating condition may be determined over a period of time. For example, the operating condition may be monitored, observed, recorded, or otherwise determined once or incrementally or continuously over a period of time.

  In another example shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 sandwich the glass ribbon 305 with a pinching force. "P" (FIGS. 10 and 13) may be generated. In yet another example, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 is adjustable to adjust the pinching force “P” on the glass ribbon 305. As mentioned above, the other rollers of the pulling roll devices 102, 202, and 302 may be configured in the same or similar manner to create a pinching force on the glass ribbon at other locations across the glass ribbon.

  8-13, the first traction roll device 701 is at least partially disposed between the upstream end 318 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317, as described above. obtain. In yet another example, the traction roll device 302 includes a second traction roll device 702, which may be at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device 701 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. Is also good. As further shown in FIGS. 8-10, the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 may be at least partially submerged in the float bath 317. In one example, the second upstream roller 715 is completely immersed in the float bath 317. In another example, shown in FIGS. 11-14, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701 is substantially equal to the width 800 of the float bath 317. It is located outside. In one example, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 is disposed completely outside the width 800 of the float bath 317. It should be noted that any of the traction roll devices 701, 702, 703, and 704 may be located at any of the locations described herein, as well as other locations not shown, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. I want to be understood. For example, any or all of the traction roll devices 701, 702, 703, and 704 may be located inside the width 800 of the float bath 317, may be located outside the width 800 of the float bath 317, and / or Or, it may be at least partially submerged in the float bath 317, or none of the traction roll devices 701, 702, 703, and 704 may be located inside the width 800 of the float bath 317, It may not be located outside the width 800 of the bath 317 and / or may not be soaked. As further shown in FIG. 14, the glass ribbon 305 may extend outside the width 800 of the float bath 317 and be stretched on a first pulling roll device 701. In one example, the float bath 317 may overflow the wall of the float tank 310, and the glass ribbon 305 may continue to float on the float bath 317 as the float bath overflows the wall of the float tank 310. In another example, a lubricant 327 may be provided where the glass ribbon 305 extends outside the width 800 of the float bath 317. Lubricant 327 is applied to the glass ribbon 305 and the walls of the float tank 310 so that they are not scratched or affected by the walls of the float tank 310 when the glass ribbon 305 is stretched and stretched. A surface or barrier can be provided that reduces friction between the surface and the barrier.

  Returning to FIG. 6, in another example, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 may include a cooling system 900. In one example, the cooling system 900 can cool at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305. In another example, the cooling system 900 includes a first upstream cooling line 903 and a second upstream cooling line 905 for supplying a cooling fluid, such as a liquid, to the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715, respectively. May be provided. In yet another example, the cooling fluid is first cooled from a cooling system 900 (which can remove heat from the fluid) to a first upstream roller 711 and a second upstream roller 715 (which can add heat to the fluid). In the first upstream cooling line 903 and the second upstream cooling line 905. In yet another example, heat from the glass ribbon 305 is transferred from the glass ribbon 305 to the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 by conductive heat transfer, or to the first upstream by convective or radiant heat transfer. Fluid is circulated through at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 so that it can be transmitted to the media or environment surrounding the roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715. , The first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 can be cooled. In yet another example, the cooling system 900 may cool at least an edge portion of the glass ribbon, such as the first edge portion 305a or the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305. In one example, by cooling the first edge portion 305a and the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305, the glass ribbon can form a hardened edge portion (or bead portion), which is a traction roll device 302 may act as a frame structure to assist in contact with and operation of the rollers. As mentioned above, this contact can scratch or damage the edge of the glass ribbon, which can later be removed by trimming or cutting. As with other features described herein, not shown, the cooling system 900 may be used alone or in combination with any of the other rollers of the traction roll device 302.

  In still another example shown in FIG. 3, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include idle rollers 901, 902, such as non-driven rollers. In one example, the idle roller may be configured to act as a heat sink, and heat may be extracted from at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305, such as by cooling. In one example, the idle roller may comprise a material or structure for conducting heat transfer from the glass ribbon to the idle rollers 901, 902. In another example, idle rollers 901 and 902 can include a cooling system, such as cooling system 900 described above, to cool at least a portion of the glass ribbon.

  Here, by executing a method of manufacturing the glass ribbon 305 similar to, for example, the same method, the first glass ribbon 105 can be manufactured by the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 of the first example shown in FIG. Under the understanding that the second glass ribbon 205 can be manufactured by the glass manufacturing apparatus 201 of the second example shown in FIG. 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  In one example, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon 305 includes forming a glass ribbon 305 having a width “W”. The method further includes extending the glass ribbon 305 on the float bath 317 from an upstream end 318 of the float bath 317 to a downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. The method further includes sandwiching the glass ribbon 305 between the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 of the first pulling roll device 701. The first traction roll device 701 may be at least partially disposed between the upstream end 318 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. Further, a first upstream roller 711 may be disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially on the first major surface 321 as shown) and a second upstream roller 711. Roller 715 may be positioned below second major surface 322 of glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially below second major surface 322 as shown).

  In one example of the second aspect, the method further includes sandwiching the glass ribbon 305 between the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 of the second pull roll device 702. The second traction roll device 702 may be at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device 701 and the downstream end 319 of the float bath 317. Further, a first downstream roller 712 may be disposed on the first major surface 321 of the glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially on the first major surface 321 as shown), and a second downstream roller 712. Roller 716 may be positioned below second major surface 322 of glass ribbon 305 (eg, at least partially below second major surface 322 as shown).

  In one example, the method includes providing the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 such that at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 rotates with a substantially constant torque. The method further includes the step of operating at least one. The method includes controlling at least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 such that at least one of the first downstream roller 712 and the second downstream roller 716 rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity. The method further includes the step of operating.

  In another example, the method includes at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device 701 and the second pulling roll device 702. Adjusting the substantially constant torque of

  In another example of the second aspect, the method further comprises cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon 305. In one example, this portion of the glass ribbon is the edge portions 305a, 305b of the glass ribbon 305.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the second upstream roller 715 is at least partially immersed in the float bath 317.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first upstream roller 711 and the second upstream roller 715 is disposed substantially outside the width 800 of the float bath 317.

  In yet another example of the second aspect, the method further comprises inducing a magnetic field 1001 in the float bath 317 to circulate at least some amount of the float bath 317. As shown in FIG. 6, the glass manufacturing apparatus 301 may include an apparatus 1000 for inducing a magnetic field 1001 in the float bath 317, for example, a linear motor. As shown, the device 1000 induces a magnetic field 1001 at the edge of the float tank 310 so that the float bath 317 can be moved to further stretch or stretch the glass ribbon 305. In another example, the device 1000 can cause at least some amount of the float bath 317 to circulate by creating a current in the float bath 317, where the current is naturally, for example, along the sides of the float tank 310. The natural buoyancy flow of the float bath, which can flow, can be promoted. In yet another example, the device 1000 may reduce at least some amount of the float bath 317 from a cooler region of the float bath to a warmer region of the float bath, or from a warmer region of the float bath to a cooler region of the float bath. A magnetic field 1001 can be induced in the float bath 317 to circulate. In one example, the apparatus 1000 circulates an amount of the float bath 317 near at least one of the first edge portion 305a and the second edge portion 305b of the glass ribbon 305 to cause the first edge portion of the glass ribbon 305 to circulate. At least one of the 305a and the second edge portion 305b can be cooled.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described separately.

Embodiment 1
In glass manufacturing equipment,
Forming equipment for producing a glass ribbon having a width,
A float bath having an upstream end and a downstream end, and
A first pulling roll device, at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, wherein the glass ribbon is removed from the forming device on the float bath; A first pulling roll device configured to extend from the upstream end to the downstream end along a stretching path extending in a direction that intersects the width of the glass ribbon;
With
A first upstream roller disposed on a first major surface of the glass ribbon; and a second upstream roller disposed below a second major surface of the glass ribbon. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

Embodiment 2
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller sandwich the glass ribbon to generate a sandwiching force on the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 3
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is adjustable so as to adjust the pinching force.

Embodiment 4
A second traction roll device, downstream along the stretching path, at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device and the downstream end of the float bath, wherein the glass ribbon A second traction roll device configured to further extend on the float bath from the first traction roll device to the downstream end along the stretching path.
Further comprising
The second pulling roll device includes a first downstream roller disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second downstream roller disposed below the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a downstream roller.

Embodiment 5
At least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates at a substantially constant torque, and at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller has a substantially constant angular velocity. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 4, further comprising: a control device configured to operate the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device so as to rotate at: .

Embodiment 6
The control device substantially controls at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on an operating condition of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 5, further configured to adjust a constant torque.

Embodiment 7
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller includes a cooling system.

Embodiment 8
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 7, wherein the cooling system cools at least an edge portion of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 9
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising an idle roller.

Embodiment 10
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second upstream roller is at least partially immersed in the float bath.

Embodiment 11
The glass according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside a width of the float bath. manufacturing device.

Embodiment 12
A method of manufacturing a glass ribbon,
Forming a glass ribbon having a width;
Extending the glass ribbon on a float bath from an upstream end of the float bath to a downstream end of the float bath; and
Sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first upstream roller and a second upstream roller of a first pulling roll device;
Including
The first traction roll device is at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, and further wherein the first upstream roller is a first of the glass ribbon. And wherein the second upstream roller is located below a second major surface of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 13
Sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first downstream roller and a second downstream roller of a second pulling roll device;
Further comprising
The second traction roll device is at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device and the downstream end of the float bath; and wherein the first downstream roller comprises the glass ribbon. 13. The method of embodiment 12, wherein the second downstream roller is positioned below the second main surface of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 14
Operating at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller such that at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates with a substantially constant torque; and,
Operating at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller such that at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity;
14. The method of embodiment 13 further comprising:

Embodiment 15
Applying the substantially constant torque of at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. 15. The method of embodiment 14, further comprising the step of adjusting.

Embodiment 16
Embodiment 16. The method as in any one of embodiments 12-15, further comprising cooling at least a portion of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 17
17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the portion of the glass ribbon is an edge portion of the glass ribbon.

Embodiment 18
Embodiment 16. The method of any of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the second upstream roller is at least partially submerged in the float bath.

Embodiment 19
Embodiment 16. The method according to any of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside a width of the float bath. .

Embodiment 20
Embodiment 16. The method of any of embodiments 12 to 15, further comprising inducing a magnetic field in the float bath to circulate at least some amount of the float bath.

101, 201, 301 Glass manufacturing apparatus 102, 202, 302 Pulling roll apparatus 103, 203, 303 Forming equipment 104, 204, 304 Stretching path 105, 205, 305 Glass ribbon 110, 210, 310 Float tank 317 Float bath 318 Upstream end Part 319 Downstream end 321 First main surface 322 Second main surface 701 First pulling roll device 702 Second pulling roll device 711 First upstream roller 712 First downstream roller 715 Second upstream roller 716 Second downstream roller 900 cooling system

Claims (10)

In glass manufacturing equipment,
Forming equipment for producing a glass ribbon having a width,
A float bath having an upstream end and a downstream end ,
A first pulling roll device, at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, wherein the glass ribbon is removed from the forming device on the float bath; A first pulling roll device configured to extend from the upstream end to the downstream end along a stretching path extending in a direction intersecting the width of the glass ribbon; and
A second traction, at least partially disposed between the first traction roll device and the downstream end of the float bath, configured to further extend the glass ribbon to the downstream end. Roll equipment,
With
A first upstream roller disposed on a first major surface of the glass ribbon; and a second upstream roller disposed below a second major surface of the glass ribbon. Wherein the second pulling roll device is disposed below the second major surface of the glass ribbon and a first downstream roller disposed on the first major surface of the glass ribbon. And a second downstream roller . At least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates at a substantially constant torque, and at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller has a substantially constant angular velocity. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control device configured to operate the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device so that the device rotates. . The control device substantially controls at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on an operating condition of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising adjusting a constant torque. Wherein in the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller across the glass ribbon, a glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 to 3 or 1, wherein said generating a Kyoryoku to the glass ribbon. The glass according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is disposed substantially outside the width of the float bath. manufacturing device. A method of manufacturing a glass ribbon,
Forming a glass ribbon having a width;
Extending the glass ribbon on a float bath from an upstream end of the float bath to a downstream end of the float bath; and
The glass ribbon, the step of sandwiching between the first upstream roller and a second upstream roller of the first pulling roll apparatus, and
Sandwiching the glass ribbon between a first downstream roller and a second downstream roller of a second pulling roll device;
Including
The first traction roll device is at least partially disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end of the float bath, and further wherein the first upstream roller is a first of the glass ribbon. And the second upstream roller is disposed below a second major surface of the glass ribbon, and wherein the second pulling roll device comprises: a first pulling roll device; At least partially disposed between the float bath and the downstream end, further comprising the first downstream roller disposed on the first main surface of the glass ribbon; and The method of claim 1, wherein a downstream roller is located below the second major surface of the glass ribbon . Operating at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller such that at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller rotates with a substantially constant torque; and,
  Operating at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller such that at least one of the first downstream roller and the second downstream roller rotates at a substantially constant angular velocity;
The method of claim 6, further comprising: Applying the substantially constant torque of at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller based on operating conditions of at least one of the first pulling roll device and the second pulling roll device. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of adjusting. 9. The method according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of the first upstream roller and the second upstream roller is arranged substantially outside a width of the float bath. .   The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising the step of inducing a magnetic field in the float bath to circulate at least some of the float bath.

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