KR20190082980A - Apparatus and method for edge processing of a substrate sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

An edge processing apparatus for a substrate sheet. The apparatus includes a finishing member, a shroud, and a tubular member. The finishing member is rotatably held in the chamber of the shroud. The shroud includes a month segment that ends at the primary edge that defines a portion of the slot. The slot facilitates the interface between the finishing member and the edge and is configured to slidably receive an edge of the glass sheet. The wall segment further defines a nozzle passage terminating in an opening in the primary edge. The tubular member defines a passage that protrudes from the main edge and is in fluid communication with the nozzle passage. The coolant conveyed to the nozzle passage is injected onto the finishing member via the tubular member even in the presence of a vacuum induced cross-flow. In some embodiments, the spatial arrangement of the tubular members is adjustable.

Description

Apparatus and method for edge processing of a substrate sheet

This application claims the benefit of US provisional application No. 62 / 427,293, filed November 29, 2016, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatus and methods for edge processing of a substrate sheet. More specifically, it relates to the transport of liquid coolant using devices and methods for grinding or polishing the edge of a substrate, such as the edge of a glass sheet.

Processing glass sheets requiring high quality surface finishing, such as those used in flat panel displays, generally involves cutting the glass sheet into the desired shape, and then cutting the cut glass sheet to remove any sharp corners 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > The grinding or polishing steps may be performed, for example, by a finishing device or machine including at least a finishing member (e.g., an abrasive wheel such as a grinding wheel, a polishing wheel, etc.). With many such machines, the finishing member is driven (e. G., Rotated) and the glass sheet is continuously conveyed to bring the edge into contact with the driven finishing member. The edge is machined at the point of contact. Some finishing devices use a finishing member that simultaneously processes the opposite corners of the edge, such as a grinding wheel or polishing wheel with grooves on the outer periphery.

Excessive heat is generated at the interface of the glass sheet-finishing member due to high processing speeds and associated materials. Thus, many glass edge finishing machines incorporate a coolant system designed to direct the flow of coolant generally toward the area of the point of contact between the glass sheet and the finishing member. The coolant is often liquid (e.g., water) and is sprayed or injected toward the area of the glass sheet-finishing member interface.

In addition to providing the requisite cooling of the finishing member and the glass sheet, the transferred coolant advantageously serves to flush particles (e.g., glass debris) produced during the edge finishing process. It is required to collect as much of the particle-filled coolant as possible in order to reuse the coolant (following removal of the particles) as well as to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment. Thereby, many glass edge finishing machines place the finishing member inside the shroud or housing. The vacuum source is in fluid communication with the interior of the shroud and actively removes particle-filled coolant. As a reference, a shroud is typically configured to provide a wall or other enclosure feature within the proximity to the expected glass sheet-finishing member interface. Thus, the coolant supply lines are generally formed within the shroud structure itself, terminated at the exit orifice or nozzle within the shroud wall, and directed toward the generally expected glass sheet-finishing member interface. At normal drive pressures, the coolant exits the shroud orifice or nozzle as a jet flow. Although appropriately tolerated, the use of a shroud or vacuum can interfere with optimal delivery of the coolant. The shroud-generated exit orifice (s) are effectively fixed within the space for the finishing member, while the exit orifices relatively close to the glass sheet-finishing member interface may not provide a selective injection direction. In addition, the vacuum-induced, high-speed cross-flow of air can disturb or o-direct the coolant jet through the exerted drag force.

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

The aspects described herein are intended to solve some of the problems described above.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an edge processing apparatus for a glass sheet. The apparatus includes a finishing member, a shroud, and a tubular member. The finishing member is configured to process the edge of the glass sheet and is held rotatable within the chamber of the shroud. The shroud includes a first month segment ending at a first major edge and a second month segment ending at a second main edge. The primary edges are opposed to each other and are coupled to define at least a portion of the open slot in the chamber. The slot facilitates the interface between the finishing member and the edge and is configured to slidably receive an edge of the glass sheet. The first wall segment further defines a nozzle passageway for transporting the fluid. The nozzle passage terminates at an opening in the first main edge. Finally, the tubular member defines a passage that protrudes from the first major edge and is in fluid communication with the nozzle passage. With this arrangement, even in the presence of the cross-flow in which the cooling fluid conveyed to the nozzle passage is vacuum-induced, it is precisely injected onto the finishing member through the tubular member. In some embodiments, the tubular member is terminated at a dispensing end opposite the first major edge. In some embodiments, the distance between the finishing member and the dispensing end is less than the distance between the finishing member and the first major edge. In other embodiments, the spatial arrangement of the tubular member relative to the first major edge is adjustable. In still other embodiments, one or more additional nozzle passages are defined within one or all of the wall segments, and one or more additional tubular members are associated with the individual ones of the additional nozzle passages.

Still other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for processing an edge of a glass sheet. The apparatus includes a finishing member, a shroud, and a tubular member. The finishing member is configured for processing the edge of the glass sheet and is rotatably held within the chamber of the shroud. The shroud includes a wall segment that terminates at a major edge defining at least a portion of a slot opening into the chamber. The slot facilitates the interface between the finishing member and the edge and is configured to slidably receive an edge of the glass sheet. The wall segment further defines a nozzle passage for transporting the fluid. The nozzle passage terminates at an opening in the main edge. The tubular member is removably assembled to the wall segment and projects from the main edge. The tubular member defines a passage in fluid communication with the nozzle passage. In some embodiments, the tubular member is removably assembled to the wall segment by a threaded interface or press fit interface.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of edge processing of a glass sheet. The method includes directing the edge of the glass sheet through a slot in a shroud of a processing apparatus into a chamber of the shroud. The slot is at least partially defined by the main edge of the wall segment of the shroud. The edge of the glass sheet is processed by a finishing member disposed in the chamber. During the processing step, the flow of cooling fluid is directed via a tubular member projecting from the main edge onto the interface between the edge of the glass sheet and the finishing member. In this regard, the tubular member defines a central passageway in fluid communication with the nozzle passageway defined within the wall segment. By the methods of the present disclosure, the tubular member constantly and advantageously directs the cooling fluid onto the interface. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise adjusting the arrangement of the tubular member with respect to the primary edge, and thus with respect to the finishing member, for example to resolve wear of the finishing member.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description, or may be learned from the following description, including the accompanying drawings, Will be recognized by practicing the embodiments.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed technical features. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein and serve to explain the principles and operation of claimed technical features in conjunction with the detailed description.

1 is a perspective view of an edge processing apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of portions of the apparatus of Figure 1 including shroud wall segments and tubular members.
Figure 4a is an enlarged perspective view of the shroud wall segments of Figure 3;
Figure 4b is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the tubular members of Figure 3 removed.
Figure 5 is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view of the circular segment and tubular member of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative tubular member assembled in the wall segment of Figure 5, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a simplified top plan view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1;
8A and 8B are enlarged, simplified cross-sectional views of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing coolant transfer flow patterns with and without a tubular member.
9A is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of another edge processing apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, wherein portions are shown in block form.
FIG. 9B is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 9A showing the alternative arrangement of the tubular member component of the apparatus from that of FIG. 9A.
9C is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 9A showing the alternative arrangement of the tubular member components of the device to the arrangements of Figs. 9A and 9B.
Figure 10 is a simplified top plan view of a portion of a glass edge processing system using the apparatus of Figure 1 in the processing stage of a glass sheet.
11 is an enlarged, simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 10, including an edge of a glass sheet being processed by the apparatus.

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

One embodiment of an apparatus 10 according to the principles of the present disclosure for edge processing of a glass sheet is shown in Fig. Although device 10 is shown here as being used to grind or polish one edge of a sheet of glass, device 10 (as well as devices of other embodiments of the present disclosure) may also be made of polymers (e.g., plexi -glass ( ^TM )), metals, or other substrate sheets. Thus, the apparatus 10 of the present disclosure should not be construed in a limited manner.

The apparatus 10 includes a finishing member 12 and a shroud 14. 1 is depicted as being partially transparent to illustrate the components (such as finishing member 12) disposed within shroud 14. As shown in FIG. In general terms, the finishing member 12 is held rotatable within the chamber 16 (generally referred to) defined by the shroud 14 and is used to process the edge of the glass sheet (e.g., Grinding or polishing). Additionally, as discussed in greater detail below, the apparatus 10 employs a coolant delivery system that includes one or more tubular members (not shown) for transferring the coolant onto or onto the surface of the finishing member . In this regard, the device 10 may include one or more inlet ports 18 that may be in fluid communication with a source of compressed coolant (not shown).

The finishing member 12 may assume various shapes, and in some embodiments it is a grinding wheel (e.g., a grinding wheel, polishing wheel, etc.) of the type known to those skilled in the art for machining the edges of the glass sheet . As a non-limiting illustrative method, the finishing member 12 may be an abrasive particle or a glued wheel embedded or carrying it with the abrasive media. In some embodiments, the finishing member 12 may form one or more grooves of the desired profile in its outer periphery. The finishing member 12 may be driven (e. G., Rotated) by a motor 20 mounted to or supported against the shroud 14. The finishing member 12 may be a motor.

The shroud 14 may include a cover 30 and a base 32, which may assume various formats and may be coupled to define the chamber 16 in some embodiments. The cover 30 may be pivotably mounted to the base 32 as by a hinge 34 to provide selective access to the chamber 16 , Figure 1 reflects that the cover 30 is in the closed position relative to the base 32 and may optionally be rotated away from the base 32 when access to the chamber 16 is required). In some embodiments, the shroud 14 may be defined by three or more components; In other embodiments, the shroud 14 may have a homogeneous or monolithic configuration. Regardless, the shroud 14 may further include or provide an exhaust duct 36, which in some embodiments defines an exhaust passageway 38 (generally referred to herein). The exhaust passage 38 is in fluid communication with the chamber 16. Furthermore, the exhaust duct 36 is configured for fluid connection with a vacuum source (not shown), and their actuation forms a negative pressure or vacuum within the chamber 16 through the exhaust passage 38. Alternatively, the shroud 14 may incorporate other structures or features for evacuating fluid from the chamber 16.

Regardless of the actual configuration and what is reflected by FIG. 1, the footprint shape of the shroud 14 is at least in the XY plane (as defined by the X, Y, Z coordinate system specified in FIG. 1) 12 can be mimicked. Thus, in some embodiments, the shroud 14 generally has a circular shape in the X-Y plane that is relatively close to the circular finishing member 12. Other shapes may also be envisioned.

The shroud 14 forms an open slot 40 with respect to the chamber 16, as shown in the highly simplified schematic diagram of Fig. For purposes of further understanding, the general location of the slot 40 is also identified in FIG. The slot 40 is generally configured to slidably receive an edge of a glass sheet (not shown), thereby allowing the edge to enter the chamber 156 and abut the finishing member 12. The exhaust passage 38 is also generally indicated in Fig.

The slot 40 may be formed by the shroud 14 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the shroud 14 can be seen to include or define first and second wall segments 50, 52 coupled to form the periphery of at least a portion of the slot 40. The first and second wall segments 50,52 may be provided in other forms, for example the first wall segment 50 may be part of or attached to the cover 30 (FIG. 1) , And the second wall segment 52 may be part of or affixed to the base 32 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the first and second wall segments 50, 52 may be integrally formed as part of a single, homogeneous structure. Regardless, the first month segment 50 ends at the first major edge 60. The second month segment 52 ends at the second main edge 62. The wall segments 50,52 are arranged such that the first major edge 60 is opposite and away from the second major edge 62 and each of the major edges 60,62 is spaced from the periphery of the slot 40 As shown in FIG. In some embodiments, one or both of the primary edges 60 and 62 are chamfered in the YZ plane with respect to the remaining portion of the corresponding wall segment 50,52 (see, e.g., Fig. 3) . ≪ / RTI > For example, the first month segment 50 may be seen as defining an outer surface 70 and an inner surface 72. The first major edge 60 represents the transition edge adjacent to the outer and inner surfaces 70, 72 and forms an angle that is not perpendicular to both the surfaces 70, 72. With respect to the central plane P of the slot 40, the optional chamfered arrangement can be described as the first major edge 60 being not perpendicular to the center plane P and not parallel. Alternatively or additionally, the optional chamfered arrangement can be depicted as the first major edge 60 projecting away from the central plane P at an extension from the outer surface 70 to the inner surface 72 have. The second major edge 62 may have a similar or identical chamfered configuration at the extension between the corresponding outer and inner surfaces of the second wall segment 52. Finally, for reasons that will be apparent below, one or more tubular members 80 (generally referred to) are provided in the apparatus 10 and one of the first and second major edges 60, 62 Or both.

It is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3 that the shroud wall segments 50 and 52 are spaced from the remaining portion of the shroud 14 with the tubular member (s) 80 (generally referred to). One or both of the month segments 50, 52 define at least one nozzle passage. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 3, the first wall segment 50 defines first, second, and third nozzle passages 90a, 90b, 90c, respectively, The first nozzle passage 52 defines first, second, and third nozzle passages 92a, 92b, and 92c, respectively. Any other number of nozzle passages may be equally acceptable (e.g., the first wall segment 50 may provide more than one nozzle passages and the second wall segment 50 may provide more than one Nozzle passages may be absent, or vice versa). In other words, the present disclosure is not limited at all to the three nozzle passages within each of the wall segments 50, 52. Regardless of the number actually provided, nozzle passage (s) 90a-90c, 92a-92c are each configured for transferring or transferring fluid (e.g., coolant or coolant) , 52, respectively, in the openings in the main edges 60, For example, referring additionally to FIG. 4A (which shows wall segments 50 and 52 separately from the removed tubular members 80), the first of the first wall segments 50 The nozzle passage 90a is terminated at the first opening 100a in the first main edge 60. [ The first opening 100a acts as an orifice, such as a nozzle, through which the compressed fluid exits the passage 90a. The surface or shape of the first opening 100a corresponds to the surface or shape of the first major edge 60 (e.g., the first opening 100a corresponds to the surface or shape of the first major edge 60) . In other words, the first major edge 60 can be a continuous, relatively smooth or even surface, and the first opening 100a is formed into such a continuous, relatively smooth or flat surface. However, due to the optional curved shape of the first wall segment 50 (i.e., as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the shroud 14 can be configured to simulate the curvature of the periphery of the finishing member 12) And the first month segment 50 optionally incorporates this same curvature), it will be appreciated that the first major edge 60 is also curved in the XY plane.

The second and third nozzle passages 90b and 90c of the first month segment 50 may be substantially identical to the first nozzle passage 90a as described above and the second nozzle passage 90b may be substantially the same as the first nozzle passage 90b, The third nozzle passage 90c terminates at the second opening 100b in the first major edge 60 and the third nozzle passage 90c ends at the third opening 100c in the first major edge 60. [ The nozzle passages 90a-90c of the first month segment 50 are spaced from one another. Due to the selectively curved shape of the first major edge 60 in the XY plane, the centerlines CL1-CL3 of the individual openings 100a-100c in some embodiments, and thus the openings 100a The spraying direction fermented by each of the tubes 10-100c in the center of the finishing member 12 as shown by Figure 4b (which shows a portion of the apparatus 10 from which the tubular member 80 (Figure 3) has been removed) The openings 100a-100c may be offset radially from each other along the curvature of the first major edge 60 in the XY plane.

3 and 4A, the nozzle passages 92a-92c of the second wall segment 52 are similar to the nozzle passages 90a-90c of the first wall segment 50 as discussed above Can be the same. The first nozzle passage 92a may terminate at the first opening 102a in the second main edge 62 and the second nozzle passage 92b may terminate at the second opening 62a in the second main edge 62 102b and the third nozzle passage 92c may terminate at the third opening 102c in the second main edge 62. [ The wall segments 50,52 are configured to generally align the individual ones of the first wall segment openings 100a-100c with the individual ones of the second wall segment openings 102a-102c in the X direction The first opening 100a in the first wall segment 50 is aligned in the X direction with the first opening 102a in the second wall segment 52) In other embodiments, the nozzle passages 90a-90c, 92a-92c, and / or the openings 100a-100c, 102a-102c of the first and second wall segments 50, Or position.

Referring to Fig. 3, each of the tubular members 80 serves as an extension of the corresponding nozzle passage as will be described in more detail below. The tubular members 80 may have a structurally robust configuration with the materials and dimensions of each of the tubular members 80 to maintain the spatial orientations selected or required under the expected driving conditions (e.g., The tubular members 80 are formed and assembled into the shroud 14 (FIG. 1) so that they are not apparently deflected when a drag force associated with the vacuum induced cross-flow is applied. For example, tubular members 80 may be formed of plastic, metal (e.g., brass), cured rubber, or the like.

In some embodiments, a tubular member is provided for each of the nozzle passage openings associated with the shroud 14 (FIG. 1). Thus, for example, each of the first, second, and third tubular members 110a, 110b, and 110c may be associated with corresponding ones of the nozzle passage openings 90a-90c of the first wall segment 50 And the first, second and third tubular members 112a, 112b and 112c may be associated with corresponding ones of the nozzle passage openings 92a-92c of the second wall segment 52 . In other embodiments, the tubular member may be provided smaller than all of the possible nozzle passage openings. In yet other embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure may include only a single tubular member 80. Although three nozzle passages and three tubular members are shown and described with respective wall segments 50,52, embodiments of the present disclosure may use any other number that is larger or smaller.

In some embodiments, the following description of the first tubular members 110a shown in FIG. 5 may be applied to the tubular members 110a, 110b, 110c, -110c, 112a-112c may be similar. 5 is a side view of a first wall segment 70 that identifies the outer and inner surfaces 70 and 72 of the first wall segment 50 and defines a first nozzle passage 90a between the first and second inner walls 70 and 72, Can be formed within the thickness of the segment (50). In some non-limiting embodiments, the central longitudinal axis CA of the first nozzle passage 90a may run parallel to the outer and inner surfaces 70, 72. It is contemplated that the first month segment 50 (or second month segment 52) may be used to provide two or more nozzle passages (e.g., nozzle passages 90a-90c, 92-92c For example, this selective parallel arrangement of corresponding central longitudinal axes for corresponding wall segment outer and inner surfaces may be provided for some or all of the nozzle passages.

Tubular member 110a is a tubular body defining opposing inlet and central openings 120a to dispensing ends 122a and 124a. The tubular member 110a projects from the first main edge 60 and the center passage 120a is in fluid communication with the first nozzle passage 90a via the inlet end 122a, Is associated with the month segment (50). For example, the inlet end 122a can be inserted into the first nozzle passage 90a via the opening 100a (generally referred to) (e.g., the outer diameter of the tubular member 110a is smaller than the outer diameter of the opening 100a). Alternatively, the inlet end 122a can be assembled on the face of the first major edge 60, and the center passageway 120a can be aligned with the opening 100a. Assembly or mounting of the tubular member 110a relative to the first month segment 50 may be accomplished by any suitable means including, but not limited to, threaded interface, press fit, adhesive bond, weld, ≪ / RTI > In related embodiments, the tubular member (s) of the present disclosure (such as tubular member 110a) may be retrofitted or assembled to an existing glass edge processing device. A gasket or other sealing component (not shown) may optionally be provided to further promote the fluid tight seal at the interface between the first wall segment 50 and the tubular member 110a. In yet other embodiments, the tubular member 110a is an integral part of the first wall segment 50. Irrespective of this, the tubular member 110a efficiently extends the nozzle passage 90a beyond the opening 100a in the first main edge 60, and the compressed fluid transferred to the nozzle passage 90 flows from the dispensing end 124a. Tubular member 110a is shown generally linear or straight while in other embodiments a curved or curved geometry may be provided and a non-limiting example of which is tubular member 80 ').

3, the dimensions, geometries, and spatial arrangement of each of the tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c in the extension from the corresponding primary edge 60 need not be the same, May be selected according to the driving parameters of the controller 10 (FIG. 1). 7 illustrates a non-limiting example of tubular members 110a-110c projecting from a first major edge 60 of a first wall segment 50 relative to a finishing member 12, / RTI > As shown, the length and angular orientation of the first and third tubular members 110a, 110c is different from that of the second tubular member 110b. For such an arrangement, the approximate intersection of the individual flow paths Q1-Q3 constructed by the tubular members 110a-110c is located at or around the periphery of the finishing member 12, Resulting in focused cooling at the expected point of contact between the edge of the glass sheet (not shown) and the finishing member 12. As a method of comparison, when cross-referencing Fig. 4b (again referring to Fig. 4b, which shows a portion of the device 10 from which the tubular members have been removed), with the members of the tubular members 110a-110c, The coolant flow representative of each of the cooling elements 10a-100c will interface with the outer periphery or periphery of the finishing member 12 at distinct locations and the less efficient cooling of the expected contact point between the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet ≪ / RTI > The flow paths Q1-Q3 produced by one or more of the tubular members 110a-110c in size, shape, and / or spatial arrangement (for the first major edge 60) (CL1-CL3).

A further advantage attested by the comparison of Figures 4b and 7 is that the dispensing ends 124a-124c of each of the tubular members 110a-110c, as compared to the corresponding openings 100a-100c, ). ≪ / RTI > As a result, there is a possibility that the flow of cooled or injected coolant may be less disturbed. For example, FIG. 8A illustrates a first nozzle passage 90a for the finishing member 12 from which the first tubular member 110a (FIG. 7) has been removed. The first gap G1 is defined as a linear distance between the opening 100a and the finishing member 12. The compressed fluid flow (coolant) Q1 provided in the first nozzle passage 90a is represented by the arrows and the opening 100a is first exited as the focused spray or jet and the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet Not shown). Under normal glass sheet edge finishing (e.g., grinding or polishing) conditions, the finishing member 12 entrains air and creates a high velocity air barrier around the finishing member and rotates at high speed. Moreover, a negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) against atmospheric pressure outside the chamber 16 (as generally recited) is built into the chamber 16 as described above to remove the particle-filled fluid. As a result, there is generally a vacuum-induced, high-speed cross-flow of air that can disturb or mis-orient the fluid flow jet Q1 through the drag force that is fermented. Fluid flow Q1 is thus disturbed and is less focused when it reaches finishing member 12. This possible effect is schematically represented in FIG. 8A. In contrast, FIG. 8B shows the same arrangement as in FIG. 8A, but an arrangement in which the tubular member 110a is included. A second gap G2 is established between the dispensing end 124a and the finishing member 12. The distance of the second gap G2 is smaller than the first gap G1 (Fig. 8A). The compressed fluid flow Q1 provided in the first nozzle passage 90a is again represented by the arrows and the proximity of the finishing member 12 (and thus the finishing member 12 and the glass sheet (not shown) Leaving the dispensing end 124a as a focused spray or jet within the expected contact point between the spray tip and the nozzle. Tubular member 110a shields fluid flow Q1 from the cross-flow drag described above. By infusing the fluid flow Q1 close to the possible finishing member 12, the velocity of the compressed fluid flow Q1 is maintained and therefore the more immediate destruction of the air barrier created around the finishing member 12 It is possible. As a result, the fluid flow Q1 becomes more focused as it reaches the finishing member 12 (as compared to the scenario of Fig. 8A).

3, the size, shape, or other physical characteristics of the tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c may differ from one another and may be different for the finishing member 12 (FIG. 1) (E.g., the dispensing end 124a shown for the first tubular member 110a of Fig. 3) that is located at the end of the first tubular member 110a. In some embodiments, one, more than one, or all of the tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c are releasably assembled to corresponding wall segments 50,52. With this configuration, some or all of the tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c can be replaced when the expected driving conditions change. For example, the advantageous length of each of the tubular members 110a-110c, 112a-112c may be adjusted by the diameter or size of the finishing member 12 (e.g., over time, the finishing member 12 experiences wear The rotational speed of the finishing member 120 for a particular finishing application, the rotational speed of the finishing device 10 for a particular finishing application, The speed of the substrate moving relative to the substrate (Figure 1), etc.

In other embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure may be configured to automatically adjust or change the spatial arrangement of the tubular member (s). For example, FIG. 9A illustrates, in simplified form, portions of another embodiment of the finishing apparatus 200 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The apparatus 200 may be highly similar to the apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) described above and may include a shroud 202, a finishing member (similar to the finishing member 12 (FIG. 1) At least one tubular member 204, an actuator 206, and a controller 208. In general terms, the tubular member 204 protrudes from a segment of the shroud 202 and is configured to be spatially manipulated by the actuator 206. The controller 208 is electronically coupled to the actuator and is configured (e.g., programmed) to prompt operation of the actuator 206 in a selected manner.

The shroud 202 may have any of the formats or features described above with reference to the shroud 14 (FIG. 1) and includes a main edge 222 defining at least a portion of the slot 224 And a glass sheet (not shown) can be slidably received through the slot 224. The nozzle passage 226 is defined within the wall segment 220.

The tubular member 204 is connected to and in fluid communication with the nozzle passage 226 via the opening in the primary edge 222 and defines a central passage 230 open to the dispensing end 232. 9A, the spatial position or arrangement of the dispensing end 232 relative to the main edge 222 (and thus to the finishing member (not shown)) is adjustable. In some embodiments, the tubular member 204 is configured to be extendible and retractible in length, for example, via a telescoping configuration as illustrated in FIG. 9A. Other extensible and retractable configurations are also envisioned, such as by a bellows component, an articulating mechanism, and the like. The connection format between the tubular member 204 and the wall segment 220 may be configured to allow selective expansion / contraction of the tubular member 204 relative to the primary edge 222 The tubular member 204 can be slidably mounted to the wall segment 220). Regardless, the tubular member 204 may be connec- tive to expand or contract the dispensing end 232 relative to the main edge 222 in the direction indicated by the arrow "L" in Fig. 9a. 9B shows an example in an expanded arrangement of the tubular member 204 (i.e., the dispensing end 232 is moved away from the main edge 222 when compared to the arrangement of FIG. 9A).

The connection format between the tubular member 204 and / or the tubular member 204 and the wall segment 220, in addition or as an alternative to providing expansion and contraction, And may be configured to allow transverse deflection or concatenation. For example, a hinge or pivot connection (e.g., a ball joint) may be constructed between the tubular member 204 and the wall segment 220. Alternatively or additionally, the tubular member 204 may be comprised of a number of components or sections, such as flexible, connected rotatably relative to one another. Regardless, the tubular member 204 may be contiguous to deflect the dispensing end 232 in any lateral direction relative to the primary edge 222, as generally indicated by the arrow "T" have. Fig. 9c shows an example of a tubular member 204 (as compared to the arrangement of Fig. 9b) in a laterally connected arrangement.

9A, the actuator 206 may assume various forms suitable for adjusting the tubular member 204 with respect to the primary edge 222 and may vary as a function of the function and specific design of the tubular member 204 will be. For example, the actuator 206 may be configured to move one or more components of the tubular member 204 to a mechanically linked servo (not shown) in such a manner that the actuation of the servo-motor moves at least one component of the tubular member 204 relative to the other. - Can be or include a motor. Other actuator formats are equally acceptable (e.g., hydraulic based actuators, pneumatically based actuators, etc.). While the device 200 includes a plurality of tubular members 204, an individual one of the actuators 206 may be provided for each of the tubular members 204.

The controller 208 may or may not be a computer or computer-type device (e.g., a programmable logic controller). The controller 208 may include a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. A computer readable instruction set may be stored in memory and when executed by a processor at least provides instructions to the actuator 206 thereby altering the spatial location of the dispensing end 232 relative to the primary edge 222 . The controller 208 is optionally programmed (e.g., hardware, software, electrical circuit components, etc.) to drive the actuator 206 in a predetermined manner. For example, the controller 208 may determine the desired or sensed wear of the finishing member based on a particular format (e.g., size, number of grooves, etc.) of the finishing member, 204 to extend or retract the actuators 206. The actuators 206 can be programmed to extend or contract the actuators 206, 204, respectively. In some embodiments, the controller 208 may be programmed to have one or more algorithms and / or look-up tables associated with the driving time of the finishing member (e.g., a new finishing member may be initially installed Up table (s) identifies the initial spatial position of the dispensing end 232. After the first period in which the finishing member is used to finish the edges of the substrates, the algorithm (s) and / or the look- The algorithm (s) and / or the look-up table (s) identify a second spatial location of the dispensing end 232 that is generally further from the primary edge 222 as compared to the first spatial location; Up table (s) are typically moved from the primary edge 222 to the second spatial position relative to the second spatial position after a subsequent second period in which the substrate (s) are further used to finish the substrate edges Identifying a third spatial location of the dispensing end 232 that is further away, and so on). In other embodiments, the controller 208 may comprise or be configured with a user input device that allows the user to select the required spatial arrangement of the tubular member 204. [ The controller 208 may be electronically coupled to the actuator 206 by a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the controller 208 may be controller driven to control other operations of the apparatus 200 and / or the finishing system in which the apparatus 200 is installed.

Returning to Fig. 1, the methods of the present disclosure include driving the apparatus 10 to process an edge of a substrate, such as an edge of a glass sheet. 10, one or more of the edge processing devices 10 may be part of an edge processing system 300 that further includes a transfer device 302 of a type known in the art Can be provided. The transfer device 302 drives the glass sheet 304 (or other substrate) to be transported toward the edge processing device 10. The edge 306 of the glass sheet 304 is guided to the shroud 14 via the slot 40 (generally cited) as the glass sheet 304 is continuously conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. ≪ / RTI > In some embodiments, the system 300 includes one or more additional processing devices for processing the opposite edge 308 of the glass sheet 304 for further edge processing, etc. downstream of the device 10 . 11, when entering the shroud 14, the edge 306 is otherwise driven (e. G., Rotated) to achieve the desired processing (e. G., Grinding or polishing) A contact with the finishing member 12 is formed. At the same time, the coolant flow Q1 (represented by an arrow) is transferred to the nozzle passage 90a. The flow Q1 of coolant is forced through the central passage 120a of the tubular member 110a and thereafter passes through the interface 310 between the finishing member 12 and the edge 306 via the dispensing end 124a Lt; / RTI > The coolant may also be injected onto interface 310 from other tubular members (not shown) if provided. The methods of the present disclosure optionally further comprise periodically adjusting the spatial arrangement of the tubular member 110a relative to the primary edge 60 (and thus to the finishing member 12) as described above. In some embodiments, adjustment of the tubular member 110a is performed automatically as a function of wear of the finishing member 12.

Various modifications and alterations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the claimed technical features. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, as long as such variations and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

An edge processing apparatus for a substrate sheet,
A finishing member for processing the edge of the substrate sheet;
A shroud defining a chamber in which the finishing member is rotatably held,
A first wall segment terminating at a first major edge,
And a second month segment terminating at a second major edge opposite the first major edge,
The first and second major edges being coupled to define at least a portion of a slot open to the chamber, the slot being configured to slidably receive the edge of the substrate sheet to interface with the finishing member,
The first wall segment defining a first nozzle passage for transferring fluid and the first nozzle passage terminating in a first opening in the first major edge; And
And a first tubular member projecting from the first major edge and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the first nozzle passageway. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first tubular member is configured to direct a flow of cooling agent from the first nozzle passage onto the finishing member. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first tubular member is terminated at a dispensing end opposite the first major edge and a distance between the dispensing end and the finishing member is less than a distance between the first major edge and the finishing member Of the substrate sheet. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said first wall segment further defines opposing outer and inner surfaces, said first major edge extending between said outer and inner surfaces and adjoin said outer and inner surfaces. Edge processing device. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first nozzle passage is defined within the thickness of the first wall segment between the outer and inner surfaces. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first major edge is chamfered with respect to the remaining portion of the first wall segment. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the arrangement of the first tubular member with respect to the first major edge is adjustable. 8. The method of claim 7,
And an actuator coupled to the first tubular member and configured to adjust the tubular member relative to the first major edge. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first tubular member is removably assembled to the first wall segment. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 17 > The method according to claim 1,
Characterized in that a second nozzle passage for transporting the fluid is defined in the first wall segment and the second nozzle passage is spaced from the first nozzle passage and terminating in a second opening in the first main edge,
The apparatus further comprises a second tubular member projecting from the first major edge and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the second opening. The method according to claim 1,
Characterized in that a second nozzle passage for transporting the fluid is defined in the second wall segment and the second nozzle passage terminates in a second opening in the second main edge,
The apparatus further comprises a second tubular member projecting from the second major edge and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the second opening. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the shroud further defines an exhaust passageway and wherein the exhaust passageway is in fluid communication with the chamber for removing contaminants from the chamber in the presence of a vacuum applied to the exhaust passageway. An edge processing apparatus for a substrate sheet,
A finishing member for processing the edge of the substrate sheet;
A shroud defining a chamber, the finishing member being rotatable within the chamber, the shroud including a wall segment,
Wherein the wall segment is terminated at a primary edge and the primary edge defines at least a portion of a slot open to the chamber and the slot is configured to slidably receive the edge of the substrate sheet to interface with the finishing member Said wall segment defining a nozzle passage for transporting fluid and said nozzle passage terminating at an opening in said main edge; And
And a tubular member that is removably assembled to the wall segment and projects from the main edge and defines a passageway in fluid communication with the nozzle passageway. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the tubular member is removably assembled to the wall segment by at least one of a threaded connection and a press fit connection. A method of edge processing a substrate sheet,
Directing the edge of the substrate sheet through a slot in the shroud of the processing apparatus and into the chamber of the shroud wherein the slot is at least partially defined by the main edge of the wall segment of the shroud;
Processing the edge of the substrate sheet using a finishing member disposed within the chamber; And
Directing a flow of coolant through the tubular member projecting from the main edge onto the interface between the edge of the glass sheet and the finishing member during the processing step,
Wherein the tubular member defines a central passage in fluid communication with a nozzle passage defined within the wall segment. 16. The method of claim 15,
Further comprising adjusting the arrangement of the tubular members with respect to the main edge. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein said adjusting comprises changing a distance between the dispensing end of the tubular member and the main edge. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein said adjusting comprises changing an angular relationship of a central axis of the tubular member with respect to the main edge. 17. The method of claim 16,
The adjusting step
Monitoring wear of the finishing member; And
And varying the spatial arrangement of the tubular member relative to the primary edge based on wear of the finishing member. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the monitoring step is performed by a computer apparatus running on software programmed to prompt a change in the spatial arrangement of the tubular member relative to the main edge.

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