Roller device

Abstract

A roller device can include a cylindrical roller body including a central bore including a first outer portion having a first tapered bore portion and a second outer portion having a second tapered bore portion. The roller device can also include a shaft extending through the central bore, a first coupling member slidably mounted to the shaft, and a second coupling member slidably mounted to the shaft. The first coupling member can include a first inwardly tapered surface that is pushed against a first inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body. The second coupling member can include a second inwardly tapered surface that is pushed against a second inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 946,632, filed December 11, 2019, pursuant to 35 U.S. SC § 119, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to roller assemblies, and more specifically to roller assemblies including a first coupling member and a second coupling member. Background Technology

[0003] A roller assembly having a roller body mounted on a shaft having a pair of bushings positioned in corresponding countersunk holes at the ends of bores extending through the axis of rotation of the roller assembly is known. While advantageous in some embodiments, expansion of the bushings during heating may potentially cause the roller body to crack and / or accelerate wear. Furthermore, such bushings are known to include flat surfaces abutting corresponding flat end faces of the countersunk holes, which may not address excessive total indicator runout (TIR).

[0004] It is also known to provide end caps at the ends of the roller body of a roller assembly to support the roller body as it rotates. While advantageous in some embodiments, adding end caps increases the additional length of the roller assembly, which may be undesirable for contact with articles engaging with the roller assembly. Therefore, adding end caps reduces the total usable length of the roller assembly, where the end caps may undesirably contact and potentially damage the articles. End caps may also further complicate the minimization of TIR (Total Intensity Reduction). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified overview of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some of the embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0006] In some embodiments, the roller assembly of this disclosure may include a first coupling member and a second coupling member for mounting a cylindrical roller body to a shaft of the roller assembly. Each coupling member may include an inwardly tapered surface portion that can be pushed against a corresponding first and second inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body, the first and second inwardly tapered surface portions defining corresponding first and second outer portions of a central bore. Pushing the inwardly tapered surface portion of the coupling member against the corresponding inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body helps to center the cylindrical roller body on the axis of rotation of the roller assembly to minimize total indicator runout (TIR). Furthermore, applying force to bias the tapered surface portions together can accommodate the expansion of the cylindrical roller body during heating, while reducing the pressure applied by the coupling members of this disclosure, compared to conventional fixed mounting hardware. For example, in some embodiments, a spring (e.g., a compression spring) may be associated with each coupling member to apply a force, which, in some embodiments, may compress during heating as the coupling member slides relative to the shaft to receive the expansion of the cylindrical roller body. Providing a spring that allows the cylindrical roller body to expand can prevent breakage and / or accelerated wear of the cylindrical roller body, which could otherwise occur on conventional fixed-mount hardware. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the coupling member may be embedded within a central bore in the cylindrical roller body to increase the overall usable length of the roller assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, the roller assembly may include a cylindrical roller body including a first axial end and a second axial end spaced apart from the first axial end along a rotational axis of the roller assembly. The cylindrical roller body further includes an outer cylindrical surface extending between the first and second axial ends and a central bore extending from the first axial end through the rotational axis to the second axial end. The central bore includes a first outer portion and a second outer portion, the first outer portion including a first tapered bore portion tapering inward from the first axial end along a first direction, and the second outer portion including a second tapered bore portion tapering inward from the second axial end along a second direction. The roller assembly may also include a shaft extending through the central bore, a first coupling member, and a second coupling member. The first coupling member is slidably mounted to the shaft. The first coupling member may include a first inwardly tapered surface that is pressed against a first inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body defining the first tapered bore portion. The second coupling member is slidably mounted to the shaft. The second coupling member may include a second inward tapering surface that is pressed against a second inward tapering surface portion of the cylindrical roller body that defines a second tapering orifice portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first coupling member may include a length extending in the direction of the rotation axis and a central hole that slidably receives the shaft. The ratio of the length to the diameter of the central hole of the first coupling member is from about 1 to about 3.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cone angle between the first inwardly tapered surface of the first coupling member and the axis of rotation is about 7° to about 60°.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first coupling member may be entirely positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the roller assembly may further include a first spring that pushes a first inwardly tapered surface of the first coupling member against a first inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the roller assembly may further include a second spring that pushes the second inwardly tapered surface of the second coupling member against the second inwardly tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first spring is fully positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the roller assembly may further include a first pressure member mounted to the shaft. A first spring may be positioned between a first coupling member and the first pressure member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first pressure member may include a plurality of radial holes radially spaced apart from the central hole of the first pressure member. A shaft may extend through the central hole of the first pressure member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first pressure member may be fully positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body may include molten silica.

[0018] In some embodiments, the shaft may include a first axial end positioned outward from a first axial end of the cylindrical roller body. The shaft may also include a second axial end positioned outward from a second axial end of the cylindrical roller body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first inwardly tapering surface of the first coupling member may include a conical surface, and the first inwardly tapering surface portion of the cylindrical roller body may include a conical surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the total runout of the indicator on the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller body may be less than or equal to about 50 micrometers.

[0021] In some embodiments, the roller assembly may include a cylindrical roller body including a first axial end and a second axial end spaced apart from the first axial end along a rotational axis of the roller assembly. The cylindrical roller body may further include an outer cylindrical surface extending between the first and second axial ends. A central bore extends from the first axial end through the rotational axis to the second axial end. The central bore may include a first outer portion including a first tapered bore portion that tapers inward from the first axial end along a first direction. The central bore may also include a second outer portion including a second tapered bore portion that tapers inward from the second axial end along a second direction. The roller assembly may also include a shaft extending through the central bore. The shaft may include a first axial end positioned outward from the first axial end of the cylindrical roller body. The shaft may include a second axial end positioned outward from the second axial end of the cylindrical roller body. The roller assembly may also include a first coupling member slidably mounted to the shaft. The first coupling member may include a first inwardly tapering conical surface. The roller assembly may further include a first pressure member mounted on a shaft and a first compression spring that applies force between a first coupling member and the first pressure member. The first compression spring can push a first inwardly tapered conical surface of the first coupling member against a first inwardly tapered conical surface portion defining a first tapered orifice portion of the cylindrical roller body. The roller assembly may further include a second coupling member slidably mounted to the shaft. The second coupling member may include a second inwardly tapered conical surface. The roller assembly 107 may further include a second pressure member mounted to the shaft and a second compression spring that applies force between the second coupling member and the second pressure member. The second compression spring can push a second inwardly tapered conical surface of the second coupling member against a second inwardly tapered conical surface portion defining a second tapered orifice portion of the cylindrical roller body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first coupling member may include a length extending in the direction of the rotation axis, and a central hole slidably receives the shaft. The ratio of the length to the diameter of the central hole of the first coupling member is from about 1 to about 3.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cone angle between the first inwardly tapered conical surface of the first coupling member and the axis of rotation is about 7° to about 60°.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first coupling member and the first compression spring are both positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first pressure member may include a plurality of radial holes radially spaced apart from the central hole of the first pressure member. A shaft may extend through the central hole of the first pressure member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body may include molten silica.

[0027] In some embodiments, the total indicator jump on the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller body is less than or equal to about 50 micrometers.

[0028] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the following detailed description, and based on this description, those skilled in the art will understand in part the invention, or will recognize other features and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure by practicing the embodiments described herein (including the following detailed description, claims, and drawings). It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, explain their principles and operation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 An exploded view of the typeface of an exemplary roller device of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 This shows the effect when viewed from the front. Figure 1 The view Figure 2 An enlarged view of the first end of the disassembled roller assembly, taken at point A (where part of the roller body has been disassembled), and a view from the rear. Figure 1 The view Figure 2 Enlarged view of the second end of the disassembled roller assembly, taken at point B (where part of the roller body has been disassembled);

[0032] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 An end view of an exemplary embodiment of the coupling member of an exemplary roller device, taken from line 3-3;

[0033] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2 An end view of an exemplary embodiment of the pressure member of an exemplary roller device, taken by line 4-4;

[0034] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Front assembly view of an exemplary roller assembly;

[0035] Figure 6 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the assembled roller assembly taken from line 6-6;

[0036] Figure 7 This shows the effect when viewed along the first cross-sectional direction. Figure 6 The view Figure 7 The magnified cross-section of the first end of the assembled roller assembly taken at point A, and the cross-section viewed along a second cross-sectional direction opposite to the first cross-sectional direction. Figure 6 The view Figure 7 An enlarged cross-section of the second end of the assembly roller device, taken at point B; and

[0037] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the assembled roller assembly is taken from line 8-8. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. Throughout the drawings, the same component symbols are used to refer to the same or similar parts whenever possible. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0039] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a roller assembly 101 including a cylindrical roller body 103 is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the cylindrical roller body 103 may include a first axial end 105 and a rotation axis 501 along the roller assembly 101 (see figure). Figure 5 The second axial end 107 is spaced apart from the first axial end. For example... Figure 1-2 and Figure 5-7 As shown, although a non-planar surface may be provided in further embodiments, the first axial end 105 may include a flat surface, and / or the second axial end 107 may include a flat surface. Figure 5-6 As further shown, the first axial end 105 may include a plane in a direction 503 perpendicular to the rotation axis 501 of the roller assembly 101. As further shown, additionally or alternatively, the second axial end 107 may include a plane in a direction 503 perpendicular to the rotation axis 501.

[0040] like Figure 1-2 and Figure 5-8 As shown, the cylindrical roller body 103 may further include an outer cylindrical surface 109, which includes a length 505 extending in the direction 503 along the rotation axis 501 between the first axial end 105 and the second axial end 107 (see...). Figure 5 ).like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the outer cylindrical surface 109 may include a diameter 507, which may be substantially the same along the substantially entire length 505 of the outer cylindrical surface 109 to engage the main surface of the substrate pressed by the roller assembly 101. Although not shown, in other embodiments, the diameter of the cylindrical roller body may vary along its length, for example, to receive substrates having curved surfaces and / or bent into a curved configuration when pressed by the roller assembly. As shown, in some embodiments, the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103 may include a smooth surface. Providing a smooth surface may be beneficial in helping to maintain a smooth surface and flatten the substrate pressed by the roller assembly 101.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the cylindrical roller body 103 may further include a central hole 201 that extends from the first axial end 105 through the rotation axis 501 of the roller assembly 101 to the second axial end 107. As also shown, the central axis of the central hole 201 may include the geometric central axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103 (see figure). Figure 2 and 6 -8), the geometric center axis can substantially coincide with the rotation axis 501 of the roller assembly 101. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the central hole 201 may include a first outer portion 601a and a second outer portion 601b. The first outer portion 601a includes a first end of the central hole 201, and the second outer portion 601b includes a second end of the central hole 201, with the second end opposite to the first end of the central hole 201. As shown, the first end of the first outer portion 601a of the central hole 201 opens at the first axial end 105 of the cylindrical roller body 103, while the second end of the second outer portion 601b of the central hole 201 opens at the second axial end 107 of the cylindrical roller body 103.

[0042] The first outer portion 601a and the second outer portion 601b of the central hole 201 may each include an inwardly tapering portion. For example, as... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the first outer portion 601a of the central hole 201 may include a first tapering portion 203a, which tapers inward from the first axial end 105 toward the center portion of the cylindrical roller body 103 in a first inward direction 205a of the geometric central axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103. Figure 2 and Figure 6As further shown, the second outer portion 601b of the central hole 201 may include a second tapering portion 203b, which tapers inward from the second axial end 107 toward the center portion of the cylindrical roller body 103 in a second inward direction 205b of the geometric center axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103. As shown, the first inward direction 205a may be opposite to the second inward direction 205b, wherein the first tapering portion 203a and the second tapering portion 203b may each taper inward and towards each other.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first outer portion 601a and / or the second outer portion 601b of the central hole 201 may include an outer hole segment, wherein the tapered hole portion is positioned between the outer hole segment and the intermediate hole segment of the central hole. For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the first outer portion 601a of the central hole 201 may include a first tapered portion 203a of the central hole 201, which is positioned between the first outer hole section 207a of the central hole 201 and the intermediate hole section 208 of the central hole 201. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As further shown, the second outer portion 601b of the central hole 201 may include a second tapered portion 203b of the central hole 201, positioned between the second outer section 207b of the central hole 201 and the intermediate section 208 of the central hole 201. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the first outer portion 601a and / or the second outer portion 601b of the central hole 201 may be provided without the outer sections 207a, 207b. Instead, the tapered portion may extend from the open end of the central hole at the respective axial end of the cylindrical roller body to the intermediate section of the central hole.

[0044] like Figure 2 and 8 As shown, the outer bore segments 207a and 207b may each include a circular cavity extending 209 from the respective axial ends 105 and 107. The outer bore segments 207a and 207b of the central bore 201 may include a first cross-sectional diameter 211 along a plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis 801. As shown, in some embodiments, although the first cross-sectional diameter 211 may vary along a portion or the entire length 209 in other embodiments, it may be substantially the same along substantially the entire length 209 of the outer bore segments 207a and 207b.

[0045] In some embodiments, the intermediate hole segment 208 of the central hole 201 may include a circular hole segment extending along the length of the intermediate hole segment 208. In some embodiments, the intermediate hole segment 208 may include a circular hole segment having a second cross-sectional diameter 213 along a plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis 801. As shown in the figure, by Figure 6 It is understood that although the second cross-sectional diameter 213 may vary along a portion or the entire length of the intermediate hole segment 208 in other embodiments, the second cross-sectional diameter 213 may be substantially the same along substantially the entire length of the intermediate hole segment 208. In some embodiments, as shown, the outer hole segments 207a, 207b and the intermediate hole segment 208 may be linearly aligned together along the same geometric central axis 801, wherein the first cross-sectional diameter 211 of the outer hole segments 207a, 207b may be larger than the second cross-sectional diameter 213 of the intermediate hole segment 208.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body 103 may comprise a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the roller assembly 101 may be used to extrude a substrate (e.g., a glass substrate, a ceramic substrate) that may have a temperature up to about 1000°C, for example from about 400°C to about 900°C. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body 103 may comprise a material that does not thermally degrade (e.g., by melting, deformation) but maintains structural integrity at operating temperatures up to 1100°C. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body 103 may comprise molten silica, Nickel-chromium-based superalloys, silicon nitride, graphite, or other materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to approximately 1100°C. Manufacturing the cylindrical roller body 103 from fused silica avoids excessive wear during use and increases the lifespan of the cylindrical roller body 103. Fused silica also helps prevent contamination of the pressed substrate (e.g., a glass-based or ceramic-based substrate) and / or the environment surrounding the pressed substrate. This maintains a clean environment that prevents contamination of the substrate pressed by the roller assembly 101. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body 103 may comprise a monolithic one-piece body of fused silica or other materials (e.g., as mentioned above), wherein the central hole 201 can be machined within the monolithic one-piece body. Although the cylindrical roller body 103 may be formed from multiple parts connected together, providing the cylindrical roller body 103 as an integral, one-piece body helps to maintain the dimensional stability and structural integrity of the cylindrical roller body 103 during heating and cooling (e.g., between 20°C and 1000°C) in use and / or during heating and cooling cycles in use or when starting or stopping the roller assembly 101.

[0047] like Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figures 5-8, the roller assembly 101 may further include a shaft 111 extending through the central bore 201. Figure 5 Further, the shaft 111 may include a length 509 extending in a direction 503 along the axis of rotation 501 between a first axial end 113a and an opposing second axial end 113b of the shaft 111. As shown, the length 509 of the shaft 111 may be greater than the length 505 of the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103, wherein the first axial end 113a of the shaft 111 is positioned outwardly from the first axial end 105 of the cylindrical roller body 103, and the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111 is positioned outwardly from the second axial end 107 of the cylindrical roller body 103. Figure 5 As shown, the portion of the shaft 111 extending beyond the respective axial ends 105, 107 of the cylindrical roller body 103 may include optional circumferential grooves 511 or other optional features to facilitate mounting the shaft to a mounting structure (not shown) designed to grip the axial ends of the shaft 111.

[0048] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, shaft 111 may include a tube, the hollow interior of which can help cool the roller assembly 101. For example, in some embodiments, natural airflow may pass through the hollow interior of shaft 111, or a liquid coolant may circulate through the hollow interior to promote convective heat transfer, which can help prevent overheating of components of roller assembly 101. In some embodiments, shaft 111 may include stainless steel or other materials. Furthermore, shaft 111 may optionally be treated to help prevent corrosion. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second cross-sectional diameter 213 of the intermediate hole segment 208 of the center hole 201 can be larger than the outer diameter 215 of the shaft 111 to prevent the cylindrical roller body 103 from contacting the shaft 111. Preventing contact between the shaft 111 and the cylindrical roller body 103 helps to keep the total indicator runout (TIR) ​​of the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103 less than or equal to about 50 micrometers, as described below.

[0049] Preventing contact between the shaft 111 and the cylindrical roller body 103 can be achieved by using one of a pair of coupling members to slidably couple each end of the cylindrical roller body 103 to the shaft. For example... Figure 1-3 and Figure 6-7 As shown, embodiments of the roller assembly 101 may include a first coupling member 115a and a second coupling member 115b. As... Figure 7 As shown, the first coupling member 115a and the second coupling member 115b are each slidably mounted to the shaft 111 to slide axially along the axis of rotation 501 of the roller assembly 101. Figure 3As shown, the first coupling member 115a and the second coupling member 115b may each include a central hole 301. The central holes 301 of the coupling members 115a and 115b may have a sufficiently large diameter 303 to slidably receive the outer diameter 215 of the shaft 111. Figure 7 As shown, each coupling member 115a, 115b may include a length 701 extending in a direction 503 along the axis of rotation 501, the length being long enough to help prevent significant tilting of the coupling member 115a, 115b relative to the axis 111, while the coupling member 115a, 115b may translate relative to the axis 111. In some embodiments, to suppress significant tilting of the coupling member 115a, 115b relative to the axis 111, the ratio of the length 701 of the coupling member 115a, 115b to the diameter 303 of the central hole 301 (i.e., length 701 divided by diameter 303) may be from about 1 to about 3, for example from about 1 to about 2. In some embodiments, the coupling member 115a, 115b may include a sleeve 703 that may increase the length 701 of the coupling member 115a, 115b to provide a desired length 701 to diameter 303 ratio (e.g., from about 1 to about 3).

[0050] like Figure 7 As further shown, the first coupling member 115a may include a first inwardly tapering surface 705a, and the second coupling member 115b may include a second inwardly tapering surface 705b. The first inwardly tapering surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a may taper inwardly from the first axial end 105 toward the center portion of the cylindrical roller body 103 in a first inward direction 205a of the geometric center axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103. The second inwardly tapering surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b may taper inwardly from the second axial end 107 toward the center portion of the cylindrical roller body 103 in a second inward direction 205b of the geometric center axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103. Figure 6 As shown, the first inward direction 205a can be opposite to the second inward direction 205b, wherein the first inward tapering surface 705a and the second inward tapering surface 705b can each taper inward toward each other. In some embodiments, as by Figure 3 and Figure 7 It is understood that the first inwardly tapered surface 705a and the second inwardly tapered surface 705b may each include a rotationally symmetric surface, although in some embodiments a non-rotationally symmetric surface may be provided. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, a rotationally symmetric surface may include a conical surface. In such an example, a first inwardly tapering surface 705a includes the first inwardly tapering conical surface shown, and a second inwardly tapering surface 705b includes the second inwardly tapering surface shown. In another embodiment, the tapering surface may include a parabolic surface formed by a parabolic function that follows the tapering surface when it is rotated about the rotation axis 501, to produce a tapering parabolic surface. Thus, the cone may include a linear cone (e.g., a conical surface) or a nonlinear cone, such as a parabola or other function.

[0051] like Figure 2 and 7 As further shown, the cylindrical roller body 103 may also include a first inwardly tapered surface portion 707a defining a first tapered orifice portion 203a and a second inwardly tapered surface portion 707b defining a second tapered orifice portion 203b. The first inwardly tapered surface portion 707a of the cylindrical roller body 103 may match the shape of the first inwardly tapered surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the first inwardly tapered surface portion 707a may include a conical surface whose shape matches the conical surface of the first inwardly tapered conical surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a. For example... Figure 7 As further shown, in some embodiments, the first inwardly tapered surface 705a (e.g., the first inwardly tapered conical surface) of the first coupling member 115a can be pressed against the first inwardly tapered surface portion 707a (e.g., the first inwardly tapered conical surface portion) of the cylindrical roller body 103 by the first spring 709a.

[0052] The second inwardly tapering surface portion 707b of the cylindrical roller body 103 can match the shape of the second inwardly tapering surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the second inwardly tapered surface portion 707b may include a conical surface whose shape matches the conical surface of the second inwardly tapered conical surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b. For example... Figure 7 As further shown, in some embodiments, the second inwardly tapered surface 705b (e.g., the second inwardly tapered conical surface) of the second coupling member 115b can be pushed against the second inwardly tapered surface portion 707b (e.g., the second inwardly tapered original conical surface portion) of the cylindrical roller body 103 by means of the second spring 709b.

[0053] In some embodiments, although not shown, the tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body may not match the tapered surface of the coupling member. For example, one of the tapered surface portion of the cylinder or the tapered surface of the coupling member may include a conical surface, while the other may include a spherical segment. However, providing a mating surface can increase the contact surface area, where the resulting increased friction can suppress (e.g., prevent) relative rotation between the coupling member and the cylindrical roller body, thereby reducing wear and performance of the device.

[0054] Pressing the first inwardly tapered surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a against the first inwardly tapered surface portion 707a of the cylindrical roller body 103, and pressing the second inwardly tapered surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b against the second inwardly tapered surface portion 707b of the cylindrical roller body 103, helps to orient the geometrical central axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103 substantially coincident with the axis of rotation 501 of the roller assembly 101, thereby reducing the total indicator runout (TIR) ​​of the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103 to less than or equal to about 50 micrometers, less than or equal to about 20 micrometers, and / or less than or equal to about 10 micrometers. For the purposes of this application, the TIR is measured by fixing each end of the shaft to a fixed bracket. Then, the probe is positioned laterally at a location on the outer cylindrical surface 109, between the first axial end 113a and the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111, to engage the outer cylindrical surface 109. Then, while measuring the radial distance the probe travels during a complete rotation of the cylindrical roller body 103, the cylindrical roller body 103 is rotated a full revolution around the rotation axis 501 of the roller assembly 101. This process is repeated at each lateral position on the outer cylindrical surface 109. The maximum radial displacement at all lateral positions is considered the total indicator runout (TIR).

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, a cone angle "A" can be defined between the first inwardly tapered surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a and the rotation axis 501. The cone angle "A" can also be defined between the second inwardly tapered surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b and the rotation axis 501. The cone angle "A" is the angle between the cross-sectional profile of the inwardly tapered surface and the rotation axis 501, wherein the cross-sectional profile is generated by a cross-section including the rotation axis 501, as shown. Figure 7As shown. When using a linear tapered member, an angle “A” is measured between the linear direction of the cross-sectional profile and the axis of rotation 501. With a non-linear tapered member, angle “A” is considered to be the average angle of the tapered surface along the axis of rotation 501. In some embodiments, the taper angle “A” can be from about 7° to about 60° and / or from about 10° to about 45°. Providing a taper angle “A” greater than about 7° or greater than about 10° can help prevent press-fit locking between the inward tapered surface of the coupling member and the corresponding inward tapered surface portion of the cylindrical roller body. Furthermore, providing a taper angle “A” less than about 60° or less than about 45° can avoid excessive compressive forces that could be used to encourage the automatic orientation (if successful) of the geometrical central axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103, which can substantially coincide with the axis of rotation 501 of the roller assembly 101 provided by the interaction between the tapered surfaces. Excessive forces can lead to undesirable wedging, resulting in further damage and breakage to the cylindrical roller body 103. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a cone angle “A” greater than 45° or greater than 60° may be less effective or ineffective in facilitating the automatic orientation of the geometric center axis 801 to substantially coincide with the rotation axis 501.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the first spring 709a and the second spring 709b may comprise compression springs, although other types of springs may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown, the compression spring may comprise a wave spring, which can provide the desired spring characteristics in a compact design. In some embodiments, the first spring 709a may be positioned between the first coupling member 115a and the first pressure member 711a. In another embodiment, the second spring 709b may be positioned between the second coupling member 115b and the second pressure member 711b. The pressure members 711a, 711b may comprise retaining rings, clamps, or any block of material. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 4 and 7-8, pressure members 711a and 711b may include pressure plates, such as the annular pressure plate shown. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, one or both of the first pressure member 711a and the second pressure member 711b may include a plurality of radial holes 401 radially spaced apart from the central hole 403 of the pressure members 711a, 711b. The plurality of radial holes 401 may optionally be provided to allow heated air to escape from the central hole 201 to aid in cooling the roller assembly 101 during use. A shaft 111 can be inserted through the central hole 403 to slidably mount the pressure members 711a, 711b onto the shaft.

[0057] First, we will refer to the explanation. Figure 1The description is intended to illustrate an exemplary method of assembling the roller assembly 101, but it should be understood that alternative methods may be provided in other embodiments. For example, the order of the assembly steps described is merely exemplary, and in further embodiments, these steps may be performed in a different order. As an illustration, in some embodiments, the method may include inserting the shaft 111 through the center hole 201, such that... Figure 1 As shown, the first axial end 113a of the shaft 111 is positioned outward from the first axial end 105 of the cylindrical roller body 103, and the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111 is positioned outward from the second axial end 107 of the cylindrical roller body 103. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 115a can be slidably positioned on the shaft 111 by axially inserting the first axial end 113a of the shaft 111 through the center hole 301 of the first coupling member 115a, thereby causing the first inwardly tapered surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a to face the first inwardly tapered surface portion 707a of the cylindrical roller body 103. The first spring 709a can then be positioned on the shaft by axially inserting the first axial end 113a of the shaft 111 through the center hole of the first spring 709a. The first pressure member 711a can then be slidably positioned on the shaft by axially inserting the first axial end 113a of the shaft 111 through the center hole 403 of the first pressure member 711a. Once the first pressure member 711a is mounted on the shaft 111, the first spring 709a is positioned between the first coupling member 115a and the first pressure member 711a. The first coupling member 115a, the first spring 709a, and the first pressure member 711a can slide downward onto the shaft 111 until the first retaining groove 217a of the shaft 111 is axially positioned between the first axial end 113a of the shaft 111 and the first pressure member 711a. In some embodiments, a first retaining ring 713a can then be mounted into the first retaining groove 217a of the shaft 111, such that the first retaining ring 713a acts as an axial stop to prevent the first pressure member 711a, the first spring 709a, and / or the first coupling member 115a from moving axially rearward in the first retaining groove 217a.

[0058] The second coupling member 115b is slidably positioned on the shaft 111 by axially inserting the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111 through the center hole 301 of the second coupling member 115b, thereby allowing the second inwardly tapered surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b to face the second inwardly tapered surface portion 707b of the cylindrical roller 103, thus enabling the assembly process to continue. The second spring 709b can then be positioned on the shaft by axially inserting the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111 through the center hole of the second spring 709b. The second pressure member 711b can then be slidably positioned on the shaft 111 by axially inserting the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111 through the center hole 403 of the second pressure member 711b. Once the second pressure member 711b is mounted on the shaft 111, the second spring 709b is positioned between the second coupling member 115b and the second pressure member 711b. The second coupling member 115b, the second spring 709b, and the second pressure member 711b can be pressed downwards until the second retaining groove 217b of the shaft 111 is axially positioned between the second axial end 113b of the shaft 111 and the second pressure member 711b. The second retaining ring 713b can then be inserted into the second retaining groove 217b, such that the second retaining ring 713b acts as an axial stop to prevent the second pressure member 711b, the second spring 709b, and / or the second coupling member 115b from moving axially backwards in the second retaining groove 217b. As described above, once the second retaining ring 713b is installed, the roller assembly 101 is assembled from the cylindrical roller body 103, and the roller assembly 101 is mounted to the shaft 111 via the first and second coupling members 115a, 115b. Once the roller assembly 101 is assembled, the first spring 709a can be compressed between the first pressure member 711a and the first coupling member 115a, such that the first inwardly tapered conical surface 705a of the first coupling member 115a is pushed against the first inwardly tapered conical surface portion 707a of the cylindrical roller body 103 (by means of the first compression spring 709a). Furthermore, once the roller assembly 101 is assembled, the second spring 709b can be compressed between the second pressure member 711b and the second coupling member 115b, such that the second inwardly tapered conical surface 705b of the second coupling member 115b is pushed against the second inwardly tapered conical surface portion 707b of the cylindrical roller body 103 (by means of the second compression spring 709b). Pressing the inwardly tapered conical surfaces 705a and 705b of the coupling members 115a and 115b against the inwardly tapered conical surfaces 707a and 707b of the cylindrical roller body 103 helps to align the cylindrical roller body 103 with respect to the coupling members 115a and 115b, and thus properly orients the cylindrical roller body 103 relative to the axis 111, so that the geometric center axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103 substantially coincides with the rotation axis 501 of the roller assembly 101.By using the matching tapered conical surfaces of the coupling members and the corresponding tapered conical surface portions of the cylindrical roller body 103, the correct orientation of the cylindrical roller body 103 relative to the axis 111 can reduce the total indicator runout (TIR) ​​of the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103 to less than or equal to about 50 micrometers, less than or equal to about 20 micrometers, and / or less than or equal to about 10 micrometers. The reduced TIR allows the roller assembly 101 to compactly press the substrate without significant TIR, which would otherwise significantly alter the thickness, shape, or other properties of the substrate being pressed by the roller assembly 101.

[0059] Once assembled, the compression springs 709a and 709b can push the tapered surfaces 705a and 705b of the coupling members 115a and 115b against the tapered surface portions 707a and 707b of the cylindrical roller body 103, wherein the friction between the mating surfaces prevents relative rotation between the coupling members 115a and 115b and the cylindrical roller body 103. Furthermore, the corresponding ends of compression springs 709a and 709b can be pressed against coupling members 115a and 115b and pressure members 711a and 711b. The friction between the ends of compression springs 709a and 709b and coupling members 115a and 115b, as well as the relative rotation between compression springs 709a and 709b and pressure members 711a and 711b, prevents relative rotation between compression springs 709a and 709b and coupling members 115a and 115b, and between compression springs 709a and 709b and pressure members 711a and 711b. Additionally, compression springs 709a and 709b push pressure members 711a and 711b against retaining rings 713a and 713b, resulting in increased friction, which may prevent relative rotation between retaining rings 713a and 713b and pressure members 711a and 711b. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​engagement between retaining rings 713a and 713b and shaft 111, and the increased friction caused by compression springs 709a and 709b pressing retaining rings 713a and 713b against the inner walls of retaining grooves 217a and 217b, prevent relative rotation between retaining rings 713a and 713b and shaft 111. Therefore, Figure 5-6 The assembled roller assembly 101 shown is configured to rotate as a whole about its rotation axis 501. In some embodiments, the ends of the shaft 111 including its axial ends 113a, 113b can be mounted in a rotating shaft bearing (not shown) that allows the shaft to rotate about the shaft 501 together with supplementary components of the roller assembly 101. Providing rotation of the roller assembly 101 as a unit can help reduce the TIR of the roller assembly 101, which keeps the geometric center axis 801 of the cylindrical roller 103 aligned with the rotation axis 501 of the roller assembly 101.

[0060] like Figure 5-7As shown, after assembly, in some embodiments, one or both of the first coupling member 115a and the second coupling member 115b may be partially or completely positioned within the central hole 201 of the cylindrical roller body 103. For example... Figure 5-7 As further shown, after assembly, in some embodiments, one or both of the first spring 709a and the second spring 709b may be partially or completely positioned within the central hole 201 of the cylindrical roller body 103. For example... Figure 5-7 As further shown, after assembly, in some embodiments, one or both of the first pressure member 711a and the second pressure member 711b may be partially or fully positioned within the central hole 201 of the cylindrical roller body 103. For example, as shown, the first coupling member 115a, the first spring 709a, and the first pressure member 711a may be fully positioned within the first outer portion 601a of the central hole 201, although in further embodiments, one of the first coupling member 115a, the first spring 709a, and the first pressure member 711a may be partially positioned within the first outer portion 601a of the central hole 201. As further shown, for example, the second coupling member 115b, the second spring 709b, and the second pressure member 711b may be entirely positioned within the second outer portion 601b of the central bore 201, although in another embodiment, one of the second coupling member 115b, the second spring 709b, and the second pressure member 711b may be partially positioned within the second outer portion 601b of the central bore 201. Positioning one or more of the coupling members 115a, 115b, compression springs 709a, 709b, and / or pressure members 711a, 711b partially or entirely within the central bore 201 increases the effective length of the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103, allowing a larger percentage of the total length of the roller assembly 101 to be dedicated to potentially pressing the substrate; thereby allowing the roller assembly 101 to press a wider substrate over its entire length and avoiding potential contact between the mounting hardware and the substrate in use.

[0061] In use, the first inwardly tapered surface 705a (e.g., a conical surface) of the first coupling member 115a can be pressed against the first inwardly tapered conical surface portion 707a of the cylindrical roller body 103 by the first compression spring 709a. Furthermore, the second inwardly tapered surface 705b (e.g., a conical surface) of the second connecting member 115b can be pressed against the second inwardly tapered conical surface portion 707b of the cylindrical roller body 103 by the second compression spring 709b. As shown, some embodiments may include two compression springs, wherein the first compression spring 709a is associated with the first coupling member 115a and the second compression spring 709b is associated with the second coupling member 115b. Although not shown, a single compression spring may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, a single compression spring 709a may be provided and associated with a first coupling member 115a, wherein the force applied by the single compression spring 709a can push the force against the corresponding inwardly tapered surfaces of the cylindrical roller body on the two inwardly tapered surfaces of the coupling member. In some embodiments, providing a single spring can simplify the design and reduce the number of parts. In some embodiments, providing two springs can reduce the force applied by each spring. Regardless of whether one or two springs are provided, the mating tapered surfaces can align the cylindrical roller body 103 relative to the axis 111, such that the geometrical central axis 801 of the cylindrical roller body 103 substantially coincides with the axis of rotation 501 of the roller assembly 101; thereby ideally reducing the total indicator runout (TIR) ​​of the outer cylindrical surface 109 of the cylindrical roller body 103 to less than or equal to about 50 micrometers, less than or equal to about 20 micrometers, and / or less than or equal to about 10 micrometers. Providing a reduced TIR can prevent deformation of the substrate (e.g., a glass-based substrate, a ceramic-based substrate), which can have a sufficiently high temperature so that the substrate can deform while being compressed and planarized during the transfer process. Furthermore, the coupling members 115a, 115b, slidably mounted to the shaft 111, can also accommodate the thermal expansion of the cylindrical roller body 103. For example, in some embodiments, the cylindrical roller body 103 can be made of a material (e.g., fused silica) with a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that used for the hardware rotatably mounted to the shaft (e.g., stainless steel). Since the coupling members 115a, 115b are slidably mounted to the shaft 111 and biased to engage with the cylindrical roller body 103, thermal expansion and contraction when the coupling members 115a, 115b slide relative to the shaft 111 can cause compression or decompression of the compression springs 709a, 709b to accommodate the expansion or contraction of the cylindrical roller body 103 relative to the length of the shaft 111. Furthermore, during use, the radial holes 401 of the pressure members 711a, 711b (if provided) can help release heated gas (e.g., air) from the central hole 201 to prevent gas from stagnating in the central hole 201, which could cause partial overheating of the roller assembly 101.

[0062] As used herein, the terms “the,” “an,” or “a” mean “one or more” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, references to “component” include embodiments having two or more such components.

[0063] As used herein, the term "about" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or endpoint of a range, this disclosure is to be understood to include the specific value or endpoint referred to. Regardless of whether the numerical values ​​or endpoints of a range in the specification are described as "about," the numerical values ​​or endpoints of a range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It will also be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0064] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “essentially,” and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially flat” surface is intended to mean a flat or approximately flat surface. Furthermore, as defined above, “substantially similar” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially similar” may mean values ​​that differ from each other by about 10%, for example, by about 5%, or by about 2%.

[0065] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “including” and “contains” and their variations shall be interpreted as synonymous and open-ended.

[0066] Although various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific examples, this disclosure should not be considered limited thereto, as many modifications and combinations of the disclosed features may be contemplated without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A roller device, comprising: A cylindrical roller body includes a first axial end and a second axial end spaced apart from the first axial end along the rotation axis of the roller assembly. The cylindrical roller body further includes an outer cylindrical surface extending between the first axial end and the second axial end and a central hole extending from the first axial end through the rotation axis to the second axial end. The central hole includes a first outer portion and a second outer portion. The first outer portion includes a first tapered hole portion that tapers inward from the first axial end along a first direction, and the second outer portion includes a second tapered hole portion that tapers inward from the second axial end along a second direction. A shaft extending through the central hole; A first coupling member, slidably mounted to the shaft, the first coupling member including a first inwardly tapering surface; A first pressure member is mounted to the shaft; A first compression spring applies force between the first coupling member and the first pressure member, wherein the first inwardly tapered surface of the first coupling member is pushed by the first compression spring against the first inwardly tapered surface portion defining the first tapered orifice portion of the cylindrical roller body. and A second coupling member, slidably mounted to the shaft, the second coupling member including a second inwardly tapering surface; A second pressure member is mounted to the shaft; and A second compression spring applies force between the second coupling member and the second pressure member, wherein the second inwardly tapering surface of the second coupling member is pushed by the second compression spring against the second inwardly tapering surface portion defining the second tapering orifice portion of the cylindrical roller body.

2. The roller device of claim 1, wherein the first coupling member includes a length extending in the direction of the rotation axis and a central hole slidably receiving the shaft, and the ratio of the length to the diameter of the central hole of the first coupling member is 1 to 3.

3. The roller device of claim 1, wherein the cone angle between the first inwardly tapering surface of the first coupling member and the axis of rotation is 7° to 60°.

4. The roller assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first coupling member is entirely positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

5. The roller assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first spring that pushes the first inwardly tapered surface of the first coupling member against a portion of the first inwardly tapered surface on the cylindrical roller body.

6. The roller assembly of claim 5, further comprising a second spring that pushes the second inwardly tapered surface of the second coupling member against a portion of the second inwardly tapered surface on the cylindrical roller body.

7. The roller device of claim 5, wherein the first spring is entirely positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

8. The roller device of claim 5, wherein the first spring is positioned between the first coupling member and the first pressure member.

9. The roller device of claim 8, wherein the first pressure member includes a plurality of radial holes radially spaced apart from the central hole of the first pressure member, and the shaft extends through the central hole of the first pressure member.

10. The roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pressure member is entirely positioned within the central hole of the cylindrical roller body.

11. The roller device of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical roller body comprises molten silica.

12. The roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a first axial end positioned outward from the first axial end of the cylindrical roller body, and the shaft includes a second axial end positioned outward from the second axial end of the cylindrical roller body.

13. The roller device of claim 1, wherein the first inwardly tapering surface of the first coupling member comprises a conical surface, and the first inwardly tapering surface portion of the cylindrical roller body comprises a conical surface portion.

14. The roller device of claim 1, wherein the total indicator runout of the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller body is less than or equal to 50 micrometers.

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