TW201817687A - Method and apparatus for glass ribbon thermal management - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass article includes forming a glass ribbon in a housing and applying a heating mechanism to a central region of the glass ribbon at an exit of the housing and applying a cooling mechanism to at least one of the first and second bead regions of the glass ribbon. The cooling mechanism can be configured to direct a flow of fluid from a fluid source toward at least one surface of the first and second bead regions.

Description

Method and apparatus for glass ribbon thermal management

This application is based on the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/401,467, filed on Sep. 29, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. .

The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for making glass articles, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing improved thermal management of glass ribbons in the manufacture of glass articles.

In the production of glass products, such as glass sheets for display applications (including televisions and handheld devices such as cell phones and tablets), glass articles can be produced from glass ribbons that continuously flow through the outer casing. Eventually, the ribbon exits the enclosure into a generally lower temperature environment. The difference between the interior of the outer casing and the external environment may result in thermal curvature of the ribbon, resulting in undesirable shape and stress of the ribbon due to changes in the unknown or uncontrolled cooling rate. The thermal curvature is particularly difficult to understand and control in the case where the temperature of the glass differs in the widthwise direction, for example when the relatively thin region of the glass is cooled to a higher temperature than the relatively thick region of the glass. . Accordingly, it is desirable to more understand and control the thermal curvature of the glass ribbon as it exits the outer casing to provide improved thermal management in the manufacture of the glass article.

Embodiments disclosed herein include methods for making glass articles. The method includes forming a glass ribbon in a housing, the glass ribbon including a first edge, a second edge on a side of the glass ribbon opposite the first edge in a lateral direction, and the first edge in the lateral direction a central region extending between the second edge, a first bead region extending between the first edge and the central region in the lateral direction, and the second edge and the central region in the lateral direction A second beaded region extending between. The method also includes applying a heating mechanism to the central region of the glass ribbon at the exit of the outer casing. Additionally, the method includes applying a cooling mechanism to the outlet of the outer casing to at least one of the first beaded region and the second beaded region of the glass ribbon.

The method disclosed herein also includes applying a cooling mechanism to at least one of a first beaded region and a second beaded region of the glass ribbon, wherein the cooling mechanism includes directing a flow of fluid from the fluid source to the first beaded region And at least one surface of the second beaded region.

Embodiments disclosed herein also include apparatus for making glass articles. The apparatus includes a housing configured to form a glass ribbon in the housing, the glass ribbon including a first edge, a second edge on a side of the glass ribbon opposite the first edge in a lateral direction, a central region extending between the first edge and the second edge in a lateral direction, a first bead region extending between the first edge and the central region in the lateral direction, and in the lateral direction a second beaded region extending between the second edge and the central region. The apparatus also includes a heating mechanism configured to apply heat from the heat source to the central region of the glass ribbon at the exit of the outer casing. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cooling mechanism configured to direct flow of fluid from the fluid source to at least one surface of the first beaded region and the second beaded region.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the description which follows. For example, the disclosed embodiments include the following embodiments, the scope of the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an example of an overview or architecture of the nature of the claimed embodiments. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and the drawings are incorporated in this specification and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure, and are in the

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments embodiments The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

Ranges may be expressed herein as "about" a particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is indicated, another embodiment encompasses from the particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by way of example, It will be further understood that the endpoint of each range is meaningful to the other endpoint and is independent of the other endpoint.

The directional terms used herein—for example, up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom—are only made with reference to the drawings drawn, and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, any method described herein is not intended to be construed as requiring the steps of the method to be carried out in a particular order, or in any device-specific orientation. Thus, when a method request item does not actually describe the order in which the steps of the method are to be followed, or when any device request item does not actually recite the order or orientation of the individual components, or when in the scope of the patent application or specification The ordering or orientation is in no way intended to be inferred in any way, unless the specific order is to be limited to a particular order, or when a particular order or orientation of the components of the device is not described. This applies to any feasible non-intelligible representation for explanation, including: logical arrangements for the arrangement of steps, operational procedures, order of components, or orientation of components; simple meanings derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; The number or type of the described embodiments.

"an," Thus, for example, reference to "a" or "an"

As used herein, the term "heating mechanism" refers to a mechanism that provides reduced heat transfer from at least a portion of the glass ribbon relative to the absence of the heating mechanism. Reduced heat transfer can occur via at least one of conduction, convection, and radiation. For example, the heating mechanism can provide a reduced temperature differential between at least a portion of the glass ribbon and its environment relative to the absence of a heating mechanism. By way of example, the heating mechanism can also reduce the flow of fluid in the vicinity of at least a portion of the glass ribbon relative to the absence of a heating mechanism.

As used herein, the term "cooling mechanism" refers to a mechanism that provides increased heat transfer from at least a portion of a glass ribbon relative to the absence of the cooling mechanism. Increased heat transfer can occur via at least one of conduction, convection, and radiation. For example, the cooling mechanism can provide an increased temperature differential between at least a portion of the glass ribbon and its environment relative to the absence of a cooling mechanism. By way of example, the cooling mechanism can also increase the flow of fluid in the vicinity of at least a portion of the glass ribbon relative to the absence of a cooling mechanism.

As used herein, the term "housing" refers to a cladding in which a glass ribbon is formed, wherein the ribbon is typically cooled from a relatively high temperature to a relatively low temperature as the ribbon travels through the outer casing. Although the embodiments disclosed herein have been described with reference to a melt down process in which the glass ribbon flows down through the outer casing in a substantially vertical direction, it should be understood that the embodiments can also be applied to other glass forming processes, such as floating (float). A process, a slot draw process, a pull up process, and a press-rolling process, wherein the glass ribbon can flow through the outer casing in various directions, such as substantially vertical or substantially horizontal.

As used herein, the term "outlet of the outer casing" refers to the area in which the glass ribbon transitions from within the outer casing to the exterior of the outer casing after traveling through the outer casing.

As used herein, the term "upset" or "interference state" refers to any state in which the glass manufacturing process is interrupted such that a high quality glass article such as a glass sheet is at least temporarily unavailable. Examples of the interference include a state in which the formation of a high-quality glass article falls at least temporarily significantly out of a predetermined specification, including a state in which the outer casing in which the molten glass ribbon is formed starts to fill the molten glass in an undesired manner.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some examples, glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can include a glass furnace 12 that can include a melting tank 14. In addition to the melting tank 14, the glass furnace 12 can optionally include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (eg, burners or electrodes) that heat the feedstock and convert the feedstock to molten glass. . In a further example, the glass furnace 12 can include thermal management devices (eg, thermal insulation components) that reduce heat lost from the vicinity of the furnace. In still further examples, the glass furnace 12 can include electronic devices and/or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting the feedstock into a glass melt. Still further, the glass furnace 12 can include support structures (eg, support bases, support members, etc.) or other components.

The glass melting tank 14 is typically comprised of a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, for example, a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconia. In some examples, the glass melting tank 14 can be constructed of refractory ceramic tiles. Specific embodiments of the glass melting tank 14 will be described in more detail below.

In some examples, a glass melting furnace can be incorporated as part of a glass making apparatus to make a glass substrate, for example, a continuous length of glass ribbon. In some examples, the glass furnace of the present disclosure may be incorporated as part of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a orifice stretching apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a pull down apparatus such as a melt process, and a pull up Equipment, roll-to-roll equipment, tube drawing equipment or any other glass manufacturing equipment that would benefit from the aspects disclosed herein. By way of example, Figure 1 schematically illustrates the glass furnace 12 as part of a molten down glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for melt drawing a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets.

The glass making apparatus 10 (eg, the melt down apparatus 10) can optionally include an upstream glass making apparatus 16 positioned upstream relative to the glass melting tank 14. In some examples, a portion of the upstream glass making apparatus 16 or the entire upstream glass making apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a storage bin 18, a feedstock delivery device 20, and a motor 22 coupled to the feedstock delivery device. The storage bin 18 can be configured to store a plurality of feedstocks 24 that can be fed into the melt tank 14 of the glass furnace 12, as indicated by arrow 26. Feedstock 24 typically includes one or more glass forming metal oxides and one or more modifying agents. In some examples, the feedstock delivery device 20 can be powered by the motor 22 such that the feedstock delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of feedstock 24 from the storage bin 18 to the melt tank 14. In a further example, the motor 22 can power the feedstock delivery device 20 to introduce the feedstock 24 at a controlled rate based on the level of molten glass sensed downstream of the melt tank 14. The feedstock 24 within the melt tank 14 can then be heated to form a molten glass 28.

Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may also optionally include downstream glass making equipment 30 positioned downstream relative to glass furnace 12. In some examples, one portion of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can be incorporated as part of the glass furnace 12. In some cases, the first connecting conduit 32 discussed below or other portions of the downstream glass making apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass furnace 12. The components of the downstream glass making equipment (including the first connecting conduit 32) may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable noble metals comprise a platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and palladium or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass making equipment can be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising from about 70% to about 90% by weight platinum and from about 10% to about 30% by weight bismuth. However, other suitable metals may include molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) tank, such as a fining vessel 34, which is located downstream of the melting tank 14 and coupled to the melt by the first connecting conduit 32 described above. Slot 14. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the melting tank 14 to the clarification tank 34 by the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity can cause molten glass 28 to pass through the internal path of first connecting conduit 32 from melting tank 14 to clarifying tank 34. However, it should be understood that other conditioning slots may be positioned downstream of the melting tank 14, for example between the melting tank 14 and the clarification tank 34. In some embodiments, an adjustment tank may be employed between the melting tank and the clarification tank, wherein the molten glass from the main melting tank is further heated to continue the melt treatment, or cooled to be lower than in the melting tank before entering the clarification tank The temperature of the temperature of the molten glass.

Air bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 in the clarification tank 34 by various techniques. For example, feedstock 24 can comprise a multivalent compound (ie, a fining agent), such as tin oxide, which undergoes a chemical reduction reaction upon heating and releases oxygen. Other suitable fining agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and antimony. The clarification tank 34 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the melting tank, thereby heating the molten glass and the clarifying agent. The oxygen bubbles generated by the chemical reduction induced by the temperature of one or more fining agents rise through the molten glass in the clarification tank, wherein the gas in the molten glass produced in the furnace can diffuse or coalesce to the clarifier In the oxygen bubble. The enlarged bubble can then rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the clarification tank and subsequently drain from the clarification tank. Oxygen bubbles can further cause mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the clarification tank.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning tank, such as a mixing tank 36 for mixing molten glass. The mixing tank 36 can be located downstream of the clarification tank 34. The mixing tank 36 can be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing the risk of chemical or thermal inhomogeneities that may otherwise be present in the clarified molten glass exiting the clarification tank. As shown, the clarification tank 34 can be coupled to the mixing tank 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the clarification tank 34 to the mixing tank 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity can cause molten glass 28 to pass through the internal path of second connecting conduit 38 from clarifying tank 34 to mixing tank 36. It should be noted that although the mixing tank 36 is shown downstream of the clarification tank 34, the mixing tank 36 may be positioned upstream of the clarification tank 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass making apparatus 30 can include a plurality of mixing tanks, for example, a mixing tank upstream of the clarification tank 34 and a mixing tank downstream of the clarification tank 34. These multiple mixing tanks can have the same design or they can have different designs.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning tank, such as a trough 40 that may be located downstream of the mixing tank 36. The trough 40 can condition the molten glass 28 to feed the molten glass 28 into the downstream forming apparatus. For example, the trough 40 can act as a accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and/or provide a consistent flow of molten glass 28 to the body 42 by the outlet conduit 44. As shown, the mixing tank 36 can be coupled to the trough 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the mixing tank 36 to the trough 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity can drive the molten glass 28 through the internal path of the third connecting conduit 46 from the mixing tank 36 to the trough 40.

The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include a forming apparatus 48 that includes the forming body 42 and inlet conduit 50 described above. The outlet conduit 44 can be positioned to convey the molten glass 28 from the trough 40 to the inlet conduit 50 forming the apparatus 48. For example, in an example, the outlet conduit 44 can be nested within the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50 and spaced from the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50, thereby providing positioning on the outer surface of the outlet conduit 44 and the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50. The free surface between the molten glass. The forming body 42 in the molten downdraw glass making apparatus can include a trough 52 positioned in a surface forming the body and a converging forming surface 54 that converges in a pulling direction that forms a bottom edge 56 of the body. The molten glass that has been transported through the trough 40, the outlet duct 44, and the inlet duct 50 to form the main body groove overflows the side wall of the trough and descends along the converging forming surface 54 into a branched molten glass. The split molten glass is joined under the bottom edge 56 and along the bottom edge 56 to create a single glass ribbon 58 by applying tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge roller 72, and draw roller 82, in the draw direction 60. The glass ribbon is drawn from the bottom edge 56 to control the size of the glass ribbon as it cools and the viscosity of the glass increases. Thus, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition and imparts mechanical properties that impart stable dimensional characteristics to the glass ribbon 58. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 58 can be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by the glass separation apparatus 100 in the elastic regions of the glass ribbon 58. The robot 64 can then use the gripping tool 65 to transport the individual glass sheets 62 to the conveyor system where individual glass sheets can be further processed.

2 and 3 schematically show a top cutaway view and an end cutaway view of the thermal management system 250 at the outlet 240 of the outer casing 200. The outer casing 200 can include any material capable of holding a molten glass ribbon at elevated temperatures (e.g., temperatures ranging from about 200 ° C to about 1200 ° C) while maintaining structural integrity for an extended period of time. For example, the outer casing 200 can comprise steel, which can optionally be lined with a refractory ceramic material.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the glass ribbon 58 flows down through the outer casing 200 and out of the outlet 240. The glass ribbon 58 includes a first edge 58A, a second edge 58E on the opposite side of the glass ribbon 58 from the first edge 58A in the lateral direction, and a second edge 58E extending between the first edge 58A and the second edge 58E in the lateral direction. The central region 58C, a first beaded region 58B extending between the first edge 58A and the central region 58C in the lateral direction, and a second beaded region extending between the second edge 58E and the central region 58C in the lateral direction 58D. As shown in Fig. 2, the beaded regions 58B and 58D have a greater thickness than the central region 58C.

In certain example embodiments, the temperature of the central region 58C of the glass ribbon 58 at the exit 240 of the outer casing 200 ranges from about 300 ° C to about 700 ° C, such as from about 350 ° C to about 650 ° C, and Further, for example, from about 400 ° C to about 600 ° C.

The thermal management system 250 includes a heating mechanism 202 and a cooling mechanism 226. As shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the heating mechanism 202 extends partially along one of the sides of the glass ribbon 58 in the lateral direction, although it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the heating mechanism 202 is only along the glass. An embodiment in which one side of the belt 58 extends (not shown).

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the heating mechanism 202 includes at least one heating element 204 that is placed at a predetermined distance from at least one surface of the central region 58C. In particular, the heating mechanism 202 includes a plurality of heating zones having heating elements 204 (illustrated in Figure 2 as four zones on each side of the tape), each of which can be independently controlled.

Each heating element 204 can include a heater, such as a resistive heater or an infrared heater, that can be placed at a predetermined distance from at least one surface of the central region 58C. For example, when a resistive heater is used, for example, the heater can be placed at a distance from about 2 吋 to about 10 与 from at least one surface of the central region 58C, including from about 4 吋 to about 6 The distance from the hustle and bustle.

The amount of power supplied to each heating zone can be independently controlled and can be a function of many factors, such as the number of zones, the distance of zones and belts, the thickness of the belt, and the belt at a given location in the transverse direction of the belt. The temperature includes the difference between the temperature of the strip measured in the lateral direction and the desired temperature of the strip in the lateral direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when four heating zones are used on each side of the belt, the amount of power supplied to each heating zone can range from about 1200 watts to about 3600 watts, such as from about 1800 watts to about 3,000 watts, including about 2,400 watts.

As shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, a cooling mechanism 226 is applied to the surface of each of the first beaded region 58B and the second beaded region 58D, although it should be understood that the implementation disclosed herein Examples include those in which a cooling mechanism is applied to the surfaces on either side of each of the first beaded region and the second beaded region (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 2-5B, the cooling mechanism 226 includes a bottom plate 212, a mounting bracket 214, a positioning controller 216, a retraction actuator 218, and a probe assembly 224, and the probe assembly 224 includes a probe. Block 220 and probe extension 222.

The bottom plate 212 provides a support mechanism for mounting the cooling mechanism 226 to the outer casing 200 and is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket 214. Positioning controller 216 is movably coupled to mounting bracket 214 and may include at least one motor, such as at least one servo motor that enables two-dimensional movement of positioning controller 216 (in arrows 4 and Y in Figure 4) Illustrated) to accurately position the probe assembly 224 at a predetermined position with respect to the following distance: in the thickness direction of the strip (i.e., in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in Fig. 4) The distance between the tip end 228 of the extension 222 and the closest surface of the glass ribbon 58, and the probe extension in the lateral direction of the strip (i.e., in the direction indicated by the arrow X in Figure 4) The distance between the tip 228 of the 222 and the closest edge of the glass ribbon 58. The positioning controller 216 can also be moved by the operator using a manually operated sliding mechanism for two-dimensional movement (i.e., as indicated by arrows X and Y in FIG. 4).

The example embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the positioning controller 216 positions the probe assembly 224 such that the tip end 228 of the probe extension 222 sits at a predetermined distance from the closest surface and edge of the glass ribbon 58 during operating conditions. Example. For example, the position controller 216 can position the probe assembly 224 such that the tip end 228 of the probe extension 222 is positioned at a distance from the closest edge of the glass ribbon 58 from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 2 From a millimeter to about 10 mm, and further, for example, from about 3 mm to about 7 mm. Positioning controller 216 can also position probe assembly 224 such that tip end 228 of probe extension 222 is positioned at a distance from the closest surface of glass ribbon 58 from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

The retraction actuator 218 is fixedly coupled to the positioning controller 216 and includes a mechanism that enables the probe assembly 224 to automatically retract from, for example, the first position to a second position, wherein the first position is relatively more than the second position Near the surface of the glass ribbon 58, such as the surface of the beaded region. For example, the retraction actuator 218 can include a motor or pneumatic mechanism that causes the retraction actuator 218 to automatically position the probe assembly 224 from the first when, for example, the interference state is sensed The position is retracted to the second position. In that regard, FIGS. 5A and 5B are end cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of the probe assembly 224, wherein the probe assembly is in the first position in FIG. 5A and retracted to the first in FIG. 5B Two positions, wherein the movement between the first position and the second position is indicated by arrow A in Figure 5B.

For example, the first position can be a position established by the positioning controller 216, for example, the tip end 228 of the probe extension 222 is positioned about 5 mm to about 50 mm from the closest surface of the glass ribbon. . Conversely, the second position may cause the tip end 228 of the probe extension 222 to be substantially further from the closest surface of the glass ribbon, such as from about 5 吋 to about 10 距离 from the closest surface of the glass ribbon.

When a pneumatic mechanism is used in the retracting actuator 218, the mechanism may be contained in the outer casing for protection, and may include a cylindrical bore, such as a hole made of a metallic material such as aluminum, wherein The pressure and thrust of the contained fluid are adjusted to enable the probe assembly 224 to move between the first position and the second position. For example, when probe assembly 224 is desired to be automatically retracted quickly, for example, when an interference condition is sensed, a relatively high pressure of contained fluid can be used. Conversely, when the probe assembly 224 is desired to move relatively slowly, such as by way of example, when moving the probe assembly 224 from the second position to the first position, a relatively low pressure of contained fluid can be used.

Probe assembly 224 is movably coupled to retract actuator 218 and includes a probe extension 222 that can be detachably coupled to probe block 220. For example, probe block 220 can include a clamping mechanism, such as a toggle clamping mechanism that enables removal or replacement of probe extension 222.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of probe extension 222 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, the probe extension 222 includes a tip 228 having a slotted opening 230 from which the flow of fluid from the fluid source can be directed, for example, to the first beaded region 58B and the second bead of the glass ribbon 58 At least one surface of the region 58D. The probe extension 222 also includes a position marker 232 that can be used to assist in the orientation of the slotted opening 230.

6B illustrates an exploded view in the area of the broken line of FIG. 6A. As shown in FIG. 6B, the slotted opening 230 has a height H and a width W, wherein the height H is in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 58. Extending, the width W extends in a direction approximately parallel to the lateral direction of the glass ribbon 58, wherein the length of W is greater than H. For example, in certain example embodiments, the ratio of the length of W to H may be at least 2:1, such as at least 5:1, and further, for example, at least 10:1, and may, for example, range from about 2: From 1 to about 20:1, such as from about 3:1 to about 15:1, and further, for example, from about 4:1 to about 12:1.

Although FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate probe extensions 222 having slotted (or rectangular) openings 230, the embodiments disclosed herein may also include other openings, such as circular, elliptical, square, triangular, and having five A polygon with sides or more sides. And although the shape of the openings is within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein, Applicants have unexpectedly discovered that the slotted openings, such as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, may be at a predetermined desired location (e.g., having a maximum Thicker beaded regions 58B and 58D) provide more concentrated and controllable cooling. This, in turn, enables more precise control and uniform cooling of the glass ribbon 58 because the beaded regions 58B and 58D tend to cool more slowly than the remainder of the glass ribbon 58 due to their greater thickness.

Although FIGS. 2-5B illustrate cooling mechanism 226 at outlet 240 of outer casing 200, it should be understood that embodiments herein include those in which at least one cooling mechanism may be present at other locations, such as housing 200. At least one location within the relatively higher position along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 58 is, for example, when the glass ribbon 58 (including the beaded regions 58B and 58D) is at a relatively higher temperature than the outlet 240 of the outer casing 200. In this manner, the cooling mechanism 226 can be applied to at least one of the first beaded region 58B and the second beaded region 58D at various locations along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 58.

In operation, the cooling mechanism 226 can direct the flow of fluid from the fluid source to at least one surface of the first beaded region 58B and the second beaded region 58D of the glass ribbon 58. In particular, fluid can flow from the tip end 228 of the probe extension 222 to the first beaded region 58B and the second beaded region 58D, and the type of fluid, flow rate, and temperature can be controlled to achieve the desired cooling effect. For example, when a relatively large cooling effect is desired, a higher fluid flow rate, higher thermal conductivity can be employed as long as the combination of fluid flow rate, type, and temperature does not adversely affect the conditions necessary for stable belt management. At least one of a fluid and a fluid of a lower temperature.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the fluid is a gas and may, for example, include at least one gas selected from the group consisting of air, nitrogen, water vapor, and an inert gas such as helium. The temperature of the fluid should be lower than the temperature of the beaded region to which the cooling mechanism is applied, for example, from about 0 ° C to about 250 ° C, such as from about 10 ° C to about 150 ° C, Further, for example, from about 20 ° C to about 100 ° C. The flow rate of fluid from each probe extension 222 can range, for example, from about 1 standard cubic inch per hour to about 200 standard cubic inches per hour, such as from about 5 standard cubic inches per hour to about 100 standards per hour. The cubes are further, for example, from about 10 standard cubic inches per hour to about 50 standard cubic meters per hour.

Although the embodiments disclosed herein illustrate the cooling mechanism 226 directing the flow of fluid from the fluid source to the first beaded region 58B of the glass ribbon 58 in a fluid flow direction that is substantially orthogonal to the strip 58 (see, for example, FIG. 2). And at least one surface of the second beaded region 58D, but it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may include those embodiments in which the cooling mechanism 226 directs the flow of the fluid at an angle, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,037,716. The full text of the case is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments disclosed herein can further include measuring the temperature of the glass ribbon, such as measuring the temperature of the glass ribbon in the lateral direction of the exit of the outer casing. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the embodiments disclosed herein can include a temperature sensor 210 that extends from the support structure 206 via an extension 224 (although Figures 2 and 3) The figure illustrates a temperature sensor on one side of the glass ribbon 58, but it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may include more than one temperature sensor, such as at least one temperature sense on each side of the glass ribbon Detector). In certain exemplary embodiments, temperature sensor 210 may include an infrared line scanner that measures the temperature of glass ribbon 58 at a constant height over the entire width of glass ribbon 58. . Temperature sensor 210 is operative to provide feedback regarding the capabilities of at least one of the heating mechanism and the cooling mechanism.

Embodiments disclosed herein can further include measuring the position of the glass ribbon, such as measuring the position of the glass ribbon at the exit of the outer casing. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the embodiments disclosed herein can include a position sensor 208, for example, using at least one of optical and ultrasonic sensing to measure over time Sensor at least one location (although Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a position sensor on one side of the glass ribbon 58, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may include more than one position sensor For example, at least one position sensor on each side of the glass ribbon). For example, the position sensor can measure the position of the glass ribbon in the thickness direction of the glass ribbon at about an intermediate position in the lateral direction of the glass ribbon over a period of time, which can be provided in relation to the heating mechanism 202 and the cooling mechanism 226. At least one of the feedback on the effect of the shape.

For example, at least one of temperature sensor 210 and position sensor 208 can be communicatively coupled to a controller (not shown) that is responsive to the detected temperature of glass ribbon 58 and At least one of the positions controls the heating mechanism 202, for example by controlling the amount of power supplied to the at least one heating element 204 of the heating mechanism 202 to provide improved shape control of the glass ribbon 58, such as in International Patent Application WO 2014 The feedback control method described in /078262, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, at least one of the temperature sensor 210 and the position sensor 208 is communicatively coupled to a controller (not shown) that is responsive to the detected temperature and position of the ribbon 58 At least one of the control mechanisms 226, for example, by controlling at least one of: a flow rate of fluid from the fluid source toward at least one surface of the first beaded region 58B and the second beaded region 58D, the probe The tip 228 of the extension portion 222 faces the distance between the first bead region 58B and the second bead region 58D, and the type of fluid that guides at least one surface of the first bead region 58B and the second bead region 58D, and is guided. The temperature of the fluid of at least one of the first beaded region 58B and the second beaded region 58D.

For example, embodiments disclosed herein include those in which at least one of temperature sensor 210 and position sensor 208 are communicatively coupled to a controller (not shown) that is responsive to Both the heating mechanism 202 and the cooling mechanism 226 are controlled by at least one of the detected temperature and position of the glass ribbon 58. In this manner, a larger shape of the glass ribbon 58 can be achieved than when only one of the heating mechanism 202 or the cooling mechanism 226 is controlled in response to at least one of the detected temperature and position in response to the glass ribbon 58. control. For example, by simultaneously controlling both the heating mechanism 202 and the cooling mechanism 226, the difference in cooling rate between the central region 58C and the bead regions 58B and 58D can be more accurately controlled, which in turn provides stress distribution within the glass ribbon 58. Greater control, thereby providing better control of the thermal curvature, and allowing the belt to be formed into a more desirable shape for the sheet removal process. The precise control of the difference in cooling rate between the central region 58C and the beaded regions 58B and 58D is particularly important at the outlet 240 of the outer casing 200 where the glass ribbon 58 additionally undergoes a sudden change in cooling rate.

Embodiments disclosed herein may further include an interference sensor (not shown) that periodically or continuously senses interference conditions within the enclosure, such as rubicon or crack out event. For example, at least one infrared sensor can be placed at a predetermined location relative to the glass ribbon 58, such as, for example, near at least one of the first edge 58A and the second edge 58E of the glass ribbon 58 along the ribbon. The predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction. When a boundary or split occurs, at least one edge of the band is expected to fall out, so that at least one sensor will no longer detect a relatively high temperature band, but a much lower temperature is detected. Thereby indicating that an interference event is detected. Once the interference event is detected, the control mechanism is operable to retract the probe assembly 224 from the first position to the second position via, for example, the action of the retraction actuator 218. The control mechanism can automatically cause the retraction actuator 218 to retract the probe assembly 224 without requiring the operator to participate in the retraction step, for example. The control mechanism can also alert the operator to retract the probe assembly 224, such as by activating an alarm, such as by manually or by remote control (eg, a remote control mechanism to initiate the retraction actuator 218 to retract the probe). Needle assembly 224) to alert the operator to retract probe assembly 224.

Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to a melt down process, it should be understood that the embodiments can be applied to other glass forming processes such as a floating process, a flow stretching process, a pull up process, and a roll process.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations as the modifications and variations of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

10‧‧‧Glass manufacturing equipment / melt down equipment

12‧‧‧ glass furnace

14‧‧‧Glass melting tank

16‧‧‧Upstream glass manufacturing equipment

18‧‧‧Storage warehouse

20‧‧‧Material conveying device

22‧‧‧Motor

24‧‧‧Materials

26‧‧‧ arrow

28‧‧‧Solder glass

30‧‧‧Down glass manufacturing equipment

32‧‧‧First connecting catheter

34‧‧‧Clarification tank

36‧‧‧Mixed tank

38‧‧‧Second connection catheter

40‧‧‧ conveyor

42‧‧‧ Forming the subject

44‧‧‧Export conduit

46‧‧‧ Third connecting conduit

48‧‧‧ forming equipment

50‧‧‧Inlet catheter

52‧‧‧ slots

54‧‧‧Convergence forming surface

56‧‧‧ bottom edge

58‧‧‧glass ribbon

58A‧‧‧First edge

58B‧‧‧First beaded area

58C‧‧‧Central area

58D‧‧‧Second beaded area

58E‧‧‧ second edge

60‧‧‧ Pull direction

62‧‧‧Stainless glass

64‧‧‧ Robot

65‧‧‧Clamping tools

72‧‧‧Edge roller

82‧‧‧ Pulling roller

100‧‧‧glass separation equipment

200‧‧‧ Shell

202‧‧‧heating mechanism

204‧‧‧ heating element

206‧‧‧Support structure

208‧‧‧ position sensor

210‧‧‧temperature sensor

212‧‧‧floor

214‧‧‧ mounting bracket

216‧‧‧ Positioning Controller

218‧‧‧Retracting actuator

220‧‧‧ probe block

222‧‧‧Probe extension

224‧‧‧ probe assembly

226‧‧‧Cooling mechanism

228‧‧‧The tip of the probe extension

230‧‧‧ slotted opening

232‧‧‧Location Mark

240‧‧‧Export

250‧‧‧ Thermal Management System

A‧‧‧ arrow

H‧‧‧ Height

L‧‧‧ length

W‧‧‧Width

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary molten drop glass making apparatus and process;

2 is a top cutaway view of a thermal management system at an exit of a housing in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the end portion of the embodiment shown in Figure 2;

4 is a top cutaway view of a cooling mechanism illustrating movement of a positioning controller in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein;

5A and 5B are end cross-sectional schematic views of a cooling mechanism illustrating movement of a probe assembly in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

6A illustrates a perspective view of a probe extension having a slotted opening in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

Fig. 6B is an exploded view showing the slotted opening of the probe extension of Fig. 6A.

Domestic deposit information (please note according to the order of the depository, date, number)

Foreign deposit information (please note in the order of country, organization, date, number)

Claims (23)

A method for manufacturing a glass article, the method comprising the steps of: forming a glass ribbon in a casing, the glass ribbon comprising a first edge opposite the first edge in a lateral direction of the glass ribbon a second edge on the upper portion, a central region extending between the first edge and the second edge in the lateral direction, and a first portion extending between the first edge and the central region in the lateral direction a beaded region and a second beaded region extending between the second edge and the central region in the lateral direction; applying a heating mechanism to the central region of the glass ribbon at an exit of the outer casing; And applying a cooling mechanism to the outlet of the outer casing to at least one of the first beaded region and the second beaded region of the glass ribbon. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating mechanism comprises a resistive heater placed at a predetermined distance from at least one surface of the central region. The method of claim 1, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises the step of directing a flow of fluid from a fluid source to at least one surface of the first bead region and the second bead region. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of measuring a temperature of the glass ribbon in the lateral direction at the exit of the outer casing. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the step of measuring a position of the glass ribbon at the exit of the outer casing. The method of claim 2 wherein the electrical resistance heater comprises a plurality of independently controllable heating zones. The method of claim 3, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a probe assembly that is retractable from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is relatively more than the second position Adjacent to the at least one surface of the first beaded region and the second beaded region. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: sensing an interference condition within the housing, and automatically returning the probe assembly from the first position when the interference condition is sensed Retract to the second position. The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature of the central region of the glass ribbon at the exit of the outer casing ranges from about 300 ° C to about 700 ° C. The method of claim 5, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: controlling a temperature and a position of the glass ribbon at the exit of the outer casing, controlling a heating amount applied by the heating mechanism and controlling A cooling amount applied by the cooling mechanism. A method for manufacturing a glass article, the method comprising the steps of: forming a glass ribbon in a casing, the glass ribbon comprising a first edge opposite the first edge in a lateral direction of the glass ribbon a second edge on the upper portion, a central region extending between the first edge and the second edge in the lateral direction, and a first portion extending between the first edge and the central region in the lateral direction a beaded region and a second beaded region extending between the second edge and the central region in the lateral direction; applying a heating mechanism to the central region of the glass ribbon at an exit of the outer casing; And applying a cooling mechanism to at least one of the first bead region and the second bead region of the glass ribbon, wherein the cooling mechanism includes directing flow of fluid from a fluid source to the first bead region And at least one surface of the second beaded region. The method of claim 11, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a probe assembly that is retractable from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is relatively more than the second position Adjacent to the at least one surface of the first beaded region and the second beaded region. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: sensing an interference condition within the housing, and automatically detecting the probe assembly from the first position when the interference condition is sensed Retract to the second position. The method of claim 12, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe block and a probe extension, wherein the probe extension is detachably coupled to the probe block. The method of claim 12, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe extension, wherein the probe extension comprises a slotted opening. An apparatus for making a glass article, the apparatus comprising: an outer casing configured to form a glass ribbon in the outer casing, the glass ribbon including a first edge, in a lateral direction of the glass ribbon a second edge on the opposite side of the first edge, a central region extending between the first edge and the second edge in the lateral direction, the first edge and the central region in the lateral direction a first beaded region extending therebetween and a second beaded region extending between the second edge and the central region in the lateral direction; a heating mechanism configured to the outer casing Applying heat from a heat source to the central region of the glass ribbon at an outlet; and a cooling mechanism configured to direct flow of fluid from a fluid source to the first bead region and the second At least one surface of the beaded region. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the heating mechanism comprises a resistive heater placed at a predetermined distance from at least one surface of the central region. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the electrical resistance heater comprises a plurality of independently controllable heating zones. The device of claim 16, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a probe assembly that is retractable from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is relatively more than the second position Adjacent to the at least one surface of the first beaded region and the second beaded region. The device of claim 19, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe block and a probe extension, wherein the probe extension is detachably coupled to the probe block. The device of claim 19, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe extension, wherein the probe extension comprises a slotted opening. A glass article made by the method of claim 1. An electronic device comprising the glass article of claim 22.