Method and apparatuse for supporting forming bodies of glass forming apparatuses

Abstract

A glass forming apparatus may include a forming body comprising a first forming surface and a second forming surface converging at a root. The apparatus may also include at least one cradle assembly comprising a first contact surface and a second contact surface oriented in a V-configuration. The contact surfaces may be engaged with the forming surfaces. The contact surfaces may impart a holding force to the forming body, the holding force having an upward vertical force component. The forming body may also include at least one end block engaged with an end face of the forming body. The at least one end block may impart a compression force to the forming body in a direction parallel to a length of the forming body and perpendicular to the restraining force component.

Description

[0001] background [0002] Cross References to Related Applications [0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. Application Serial No. 14 / 992532, filed January 11, 2016, the contents of which are based upon and incorporated herein in its entirety. technical field [0004] This specification relates generally to glass forming apparatus, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for supporting a forming body of glass forming apparatus. Background technique [0005] The fusion process is a technique for forming glass ribbons. The fusion process produces glass ribbons with relatively low defect counts and excellent flatness of the surface compared to other processes for forming glass ribbons, such as float and slot draw processes. Therefore, the fusion process is widely used to produce glass substrates used in the manufacture of LED and LCD displays and other substrates that require excellent flatness and smoothness. [0006] In the fusion pro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the mechanical properties of even the most temperature stable refractory ceramics can degrade over time at elevated temperatures, which can lead to degradation of the properties of glass ribbons produced from them or even failure of the forming body

Either situation may cause interruption of fusion process, decrease of yield and increase of production cost

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