Apparatus for forming a glass ribbon

Abstract

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods for forming a glass ribbon can include a support member to move a draw stack along a support surface. In some embodiments, a housing can define an exterior region positioned outside of a wall of the draw stack and downstream of the draw stack and the housing. The housing can include a vent configured to correct airflow from the exterior region through the vent to an exterior side of the housing and outside of the draw stack. In some embodiments, the draw stack can include a first gate and a second gate. Each gate can be provided with a corresponding array of conduits to cool a center edge plate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 135,029, filed January 8, 2021, pursuant to 35 U.S.SC §119, the contents of which are important herein and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to apparatus for forming glass, and more specifically, to apparatus for forming glass ribbons. Background Technology

[0004] Early foldable smartphones and other electronic devices included displays containing plastic substrates. While plastic substrates can be repeatedly bent or folded without elastic deformation, their surfaces are easily scratched or damaged, making the exposed surfaces unsightly. Furthermore, plastic substrates are known to have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”), requiring thicker substrates with sufficient strength to withstand repeated bending and folding. However, thicker plastic substrates increase the overall thickness of the electronic device and can interfere with the display's sensitivity.

[0005] On the other hand, glass ribbons have recently been used to manufacture displays for foldable / bendable electronic devices. Compared to plastic, glass ribbons have a relatively low CTE (Chip Equivalent Tolerance), allowing for the formation of thinner display substrates while still achieving comparable properties. Furthermore, glass ribbons are more resistant to scratches and other such damage, and have a smoother appearance. However, the properties and structure of glass ribbons are sensitive to fluctuations in manufacturing parameters (e.g., temperature), which must be maintained within small tolerances of target values. To maintain these manufacturing parameters, the equipment used to manufacture glass ribbons requires regular maintenance and has limited downtime. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following describes some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that any embodiment may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, the apparatus for forming a glass ribbon may include a stretch stack including a wall surrounding an inner region, the inner region including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet. The stretch stack may further include at least one drawing table within the inner region. Each drawing table may include a first pair of rollers and a second pair of drawing rollers, the first pair of rollers being configured to clamp a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and the second pair of drawing rollers being configured to clamp a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. The apparatus may further include a support member movable from a retracted position to an extended position to increase the height of the stretch stack. The support member may be movable between the extended position and the retracted position to decrease the height of the stretch stack. The support member may include an end portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the device may further include a track that receives the end portion of the support member to define a lateral travel path for the stretched stack.

[0009] In some implementations, the end portion includes a wheel.

[0010] In some implementations, the end portion includes an air bearing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device may further include a lateral locking member, the lateral locking member including a protrusion and a recess configured to receive the protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments, a method may include moving a glass ribbon in a downward direction through an inner region of the stretched stack, which is supported on a support surface, while the entrance of the inner region of the stretched stack is aligned to receive the glass ribbon. The method may further include moving the stretched stack in a horizontal direction relative to the support surface such that the entrance of the inner region is not aligned to receive the glass ribbon.

[0013] In some embodiments, after moving the stretch stack, the method may include continuing to move the glass strip in a vertically downward direction without passing through the inner region of the stretch stack.

[0014] In some implementations, the horizontal direction can be defined by a track mounted relative to the supporting surface.

[0015] In some implementations, the stretch stack may be suspended on an air cushion as it moves horizontally.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method may further include lifting the stretch stack in a vertically upward direction before the stretch stack is moved in a horizontal direction.

[0017] In some implementations, lifting the stretch stack unlocks the stretch stack to allow it to move horizontally.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method may further include unlocking the stretch stack before the stretch stack is moved in the horizontal direction to allow the stretch stack to move in the horizontal direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the apparatus for forming a glass ribbon may include a stretch stack including a wall surrounding an inner region, the inner region including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet. The stretch stack may further include at least one drawing table within the inner region. Each drawing table may include a first pair of rollers and a second pair of drawing rollers, the first pair of rollers configured to clamp a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and the second pair of drawing rollers configured to clamp a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. The apparatus may further include a housing surrounding a downstream portion of the stretch stack and the outlet of the inner region. The housing may define an outer region located outside the wall of the stretch stack and between the downstream portion of the stretch stack and the housing. The housing may include a vent configured to correct airflow from the outer region through the vent to a location outside the housing and outside the stretch stack.

[0020] In some implementations, the vent may be adjustable to regulate the airflow passing through it.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device may further include a baffle configured to guide a first number of input airflows through the outlet and into the interior region, and to guide a second number of the input airflows into the exterior region.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method of correcting the input airflow may include directing a first number of the input airflows through the outlet and into the interior region. The method may further include flowing the first number of input airflows along a direction from the outlet toward the inlet through the interior region of the stretched stack. The method may further include directing a second number of the input airflows into the exterior region. The method may further include causing the second number of input airflows to flow from the exterior region through the vent.

[0023] In some implementations, the method may further include adjusting the vent to regulate the flow rate of the second number of input airflows through the vent.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may further include cooling the downstream portion of the stretched stack by transferring heat from the downstream portion of the stretched stack to the second number of the input airflows flowing through the outer region.

[0025] In some implementations, the baffle may direct the first number of the input gases through the outlet and further direct the second number of the input gases into the external area.

[0026] In some embodiments, the stretch stack for forming the glass ribbon may include a wall surrounding an interior region including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet. The apparatus may further include at least one pulling table within the interior region. Each pulling table may include a first pair of rollers and a second pair of pulling rollers, the first pair of rollers configured to clamp a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and the second pair of pulling rollers configured to clamp a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. The apparatus may further include a first gate mounted relative to the wall for movement along a first extension direction relative to the wall. The first gate may include a first end edge comprising an outer surface of a first central edge plate laterally disposed between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The outer surface of the first central edge plate may protrude a first distance from the first lateral edge along the first extension direction. The outer surface of the first central edge plate may protrude a second distance from the second lateral edge along the first extension direction. The first gate may further include a first row of conduits disposed within an interior chamber of the first gate. The outlet of each conduit in the first row of conduits may face an inner surface of the first central edge plate. The device may further include a second gate mounted relative to the wall for movement along a second extending direction relative to the wall. The second gate may include a second end edge comprising the outer surface of a second central edge plate laterally disposed between a third and a fourth lateral edge. The outer surface of the second central edge plate may protrude a third distance from the third lateral edge along the second extending direction. The outer surface of the second central edge plate may protrude a fourth distance from the fourth lateral edge along the second extending direction. The second gate may also include a second row of conduits disposed within an internal cavity of the second gate. The outlet of each conduit in the second row of conduits may face the inner surface of the second central edge plate. The width of the inlet may be defined between the outer surfaces of the first and second central edge plates.

[0027] In some embodiments, the distance between the first lateral edge and the third lateral edge along the first extension direction is from about twice the width of the entrance to about ten times the width of the entrance.

[0028] In some embodiments, the distance between the second lateral edge and the fourth lateral edge along the first extending direction is from about twice the width of the entrance to about ten times the width of the entrance.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method of correcting the temperature of the glass ribbon using the stretch stack may include cooling a first outer edge of the glass ribbon by radiating heat through a first lateral space between the first lateral edge and the third lateral edge. The method may further include cooling a second outer edge of the glass ribbon by radiating heat through a second lateral space between the second lateral edge and the fourth lateral edge.

[0030] In some embodiments, the glass strip may travel in the inner region along a direction of travel from the inlet toward the outlet, with the first outer edge and the second outer edge passing between the outer surfaces of the first central edge plate and the second central edge plate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method may further include cooling the width of the glass strip located between the outer surfaces of the first and second central edge plates by radiating heat from the width of the glass strip to the first and second central edge plates.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method may further include discharging gas from the outlet of at least one of the first column of conduits to allow heat from the first central edge plate to convect, and discharging gas from the outlet of at least one of the second column of conduits to allow heat from the second central edge plate to convect.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method may include changing the difference between the flow rates of gas contained in at least two conduits in the first column of conduits to adjust the thickness distribution profile across the width of the glass strip.

[0034] In some embodiments, cooling the first outer edge may include radiating heat to a first fluid cooling element through the first lateral space, and cooling the second outer edge may include radiating heat to a second fluid cooling element through the second lateral space.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting the width of the inlet such that the distance between the first lateral edge and the third lateral edge along the first extension direction is from twice the width of the inlet to ten times the width of the inlet.

[0036] In some implementations, the method may include adjusting the width of the inlet to provide a distance along the first extension direction between the second lateral edge and the fourth lateral edge, ranging from approximately twice the width of the inlet to approximately ten times the width of the inlet.

[0037] Additional embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the following specific embodiments. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description provide an overview or framework of embodiments intended to help understand the nature and characteristics of the embodiments of this application. The included drawings provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain their principles and operation. Attached Figure Description

[0038] These and other embodiments can be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and reading the following detailed description, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 Some exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for forming glass ribbons are illustrated schematically;

[0040] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the equipment formed by the line 2-2.

[0041] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 A schematic top view of the device in line 3-3;

[0042] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the equipment in line 4A-4A, wherein Figure 1 and Figure 3 The stretched stack is locked to prevent vertical and horizontal movement relative to the support surface;

[0043] Figure 5 It shows along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the equipment in line 4A-4A, wherein Figure 1 and Figure 3 The stretch stacking is unlocked from vertical movement while remaining locked for horizontal movement relative to the support surface;

[0044] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the equipment in line 4A-4A, wherein Figure 1 and Figure 3 The stretch stack is lifted vertically upwards to unlock the stretch stack horizontally;

[0045] Figure 7It shows along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the equipment in line 4A-4A, wherein Figure 1 and Figure 3 Stretch stacking such as Figure 6 The structure is lifted, and air cushions are used to suspend the stretched stack.

[0046] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the stretched stack of lines 8-8;

[0047] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the stretched stack of lines 9-9;

[0048] Figure 10 It shows along Figure 8 A perspective view of the first and second gates stretched and stacked along lines 10-10; and

[0049] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A perspective view of the interior portions of the first and second gates. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Reference is now made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used wherever possible in the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting it to the embodiments described herein.

[0051] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for forming glass ribbons (hereinafter referred to as "glass forming apparatus"). In some embodiments, the glass forming apparatus may include forming equipment for producing glass ribbons from a quantity of molten glass forming material. Throughout this application, "molten glass forming material" refers to a molten material that can be cooled into a glass material. Throughout this application, "molten glass forming ribbon" refers to a molten ribbon of material that can be cooled into a cooled elastic state glass ribbon. Unless otherwise stated, throughout this application, "glass ribbon" may be considered as a molten glass forming ribbon, a cooled glass ribbon in a cooled elastic state, or a ribbon of material transformed from a molten glass forming ribbon into a cooled elastic state glass ribbon. A variety of forming devices may be provided as part of the glass forming apparatus, such as a fusion-down drawing device, a pressure roller device, a slit drawing device, or other devices configured to produce glass ribbons from a quantity of molten glass forming material.

[0052] As described above, glass forming apparatus may include forming devices. Alternatively or additionally, glass forming apparatus may include processing devices to process glass ribbons produced by the forming devices. Therefore, for the purposes of this application, glass forming apparatus may include processing devices, either separately or in combination with the forming devices. In some embodiments, the processing devices may be separable from the forming devices. For example, the processing devices may be adjusted relative to the forming devices and / or support surfaces between aligned and misaligned orientations. In an aligned orientation, the internal region of the stretched stack of the processing devices may receive the glass ribbons produced by the forming devices for processing. Alternatively, the processing devices may be adjusted relative to the forming devices and / or support surfaces to a misaligned orientation, wherein the processing devices may be used for maintenance, repair, and modification. When the processing devices are misaligned, in some embodiments, the processing devices may not receive the glass ribbons still produced by the forming devices, which may instead be deposited in the shards for disposal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the processing apparatus may include a stretch stack comprising an upper transition zone having a pair of adjustable gates. Each adjustable gate is movable toward and / or away from the flow path of the glass ribbon entering the stretch stack to modify the cooling of the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the gates may be configured to provide cooling to the glass ribbon traveling between the gates. In a further embodiment, cooling along the end edges may vary along the length of the end edges to provide a desired cooling distribution profile to modify the thickness distribution profile along the width of the glass ribbon between the end edges passing through the adjustable gates. The pair of adjustable gates may also provide expanded lateral space to allow radiative cooling of the outer edges of the glass ribbon.

[0054] In some embodiments, a housing may be provided to surround the downstream portion of the stretch stack and the outlet of the internal region. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided to direct a first quantity of incoming airflow through the outlet of the internal region of the housing and to direct a second quantity of incoming airflow into the external region. These embodiments help control the cooling provided by the incoming gas flowing into the internal region of the stretch stack and may also utilize the gas flowing into the external region to help cool the outer surface of the stretch stack.

[0055] The method and apparatus for manufacturing glass will now be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment for forming a glass ribbon using a certain amount of molten glass forming material. Figure 1As illustratively shown, in some embodiments, the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 and a glass forming apparatus 101 including a forming device 140 designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 using a quantity of molten glass forming material 121. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may include a central portion 152 disposed between a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 opposite to the first outer edge 153. The first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 each extend along a travel direction 154 of the glass ribbon 103 and are separated by a width “W” extending along a width direction 156 perpendicular to the travel direction 154. The travel direction 154 may include a direction in which the glass ribbon 103 can be stretched from the forming device 140.

[0056] In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a melting container 105 oriented to receive a batch 107 from a storage tank 109. The batch 107 may be introduced via a batch delivery device 111 driven by a motor 113. In some embodiments, an optional controller 115 may be operated to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch 107 into the melting container 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting container 105 may heat the batch 107 to provide molten glass forming material 121. In some embodiments, a melting probe 119 may be used to measure the level of molten glass forming material 121 within the riser 123 and transmit the measured information to the controller 115 via a communication line 125.

[0057] Additionally, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a first conditioning station comprising a refining container 127 and located downstream of the melting container 105 and connected to the melting container 105 via a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, molten glass forming material 121 may be gravity-fed from the melting container 105 to the refining container 127 via the first connecting conduit 129. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten glass forming material 121 from the melting container 105 through an internal path of the first connecting conduit 129 to the refining container 127. Furthermore, in some embodiments, air bubbles may be removed from the molten glass forming material 121 within the refining container 127 using various techniques.

[0058] In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may further include a second conditioning station comprising a mixing chamber 131 located downstream of the clarifying container 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogeneous composition of the molten glass forming material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneities that may exist within the molten glass forming material 121 leaving the clarifying container 127. As shown, the clarifying container 127 can be connected to the mixing chamber 131 via a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, the molten glass forming material 121 can be gravity-fed from the clarifying container 127 to the mixing chamber 131 via the second connecting conduit 135. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can drive the molten glass forming material 121 from the clarifying container 127 through an internal path of the second connecting conduit 135 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a third regulating station comprising a delivery container 133 located downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the delivery container 133 may regulate the molten glass forming material 121 to be fed into the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery container 133 may act as a collector and / or flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of the molten glass forming material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 may be connected to the delivery container 133 via a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, the molten glass forming material 121 may be gravity-fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery container 133 via the third connecting conduit 137. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten glass forming material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 through the internal path of the third connecting conduit 137 to the delivery container 133. As further shown, in some embodiments, delivery tube 139 may be positioned to deliver molten glass forming material 121 to glass forming apparatus 101, such as inlet conduit 141 of forming apparatus 140.

[0060] Glass forming apparatus 101 may include various embodiments of forming apparatus 140 according to the features of this disclosure, including but not limited to a fusion forming apparatus having a wedge for fusion-stretching glass strip, a forming apparatus having a slot for slot-stretching glass strip, or a pressure roll forming apparatus provided for drawing glass strip from the forming apparatus pressure roll. As an illustration, the forming apparatus 140 shown and disclosed herein may be provided to draw molten glass forming material 121 from forming wedge 201 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2The bottom edge (defined as root 145) of the molten glass forming material 121 is fused and drawn out to produce a strip of molten glass forming material 121 that can be stretched and cooled into a glass strip 103. For example, in some embodiments, the molten glass forming material 121 may be delivered from an inlet conduit 141 to the forming apparatus 140. The molten glass forming material 121 may then be shaped into a glass strip 103, at least in part, based on the structure of the forming apparatus 140. For example, as shown, the molten glass forming material 121 may be drawn out from the bottom edge (e.g., root 145) of the forming apparatus 140 along a glass strip travel path 204 extending in the travel direction 154 as a strip of molten glass forming material.

[0061] For the purposes of this application, the glass ribbon travel path 204 is a path at least partially defined by the glass forming apparatus 101 (when consistent with the glass forming apparatus described herein), through which the glass ribbon travels. Thus, for example, the glass ribbon travel path 204 may include the dimensions of the glass ribbon 103 traveling along and through the glass ribbon travel path 204. In some embodiments, a first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 may coincide with a corresponding first outer edge of the glass ribbon travel path 204, and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 may coincide with a corresponding second outer edge of the glass ribbon travel path 204. The glass ribbon travel path 204 may include a width extending in a width direction, which may include the width “W” of the glass ribbon 103 extending along a width direction 156 of the glass ribbon 103. The width direction of the width of the glass ribbon travel path 204 may extend perpendicularly to the travel direction 154 from the first outer edge of the glass ribbon travel path 204 to the second outer edge of the glass ribbon travel path 204. In some implementations, the width “W” of the glass strip 103 may be substantially equal to the width of the glass strip travel path 204.

[0062] In some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass strip 103 may be greater than or equal to about 20 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 50 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 100 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 500 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 2000 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 3000 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 4000 mm, but in further embodiments other widths less than or greater than the above widths may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass strip 103 may be from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, such as about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, such as about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, such as about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, such as about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, such as about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, such as about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, such as about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therein.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the forming apparatus 140 may include a tank 203 oriented to receive molten glass forming material 121 from an inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, for clarity, the molten glass forming material 121 is in... Figure 2 The forming apparatus 140 is shown in dashed lines. The forming apparatus 140 may further include a forming wedge 201, which includes a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 205, 207 extending between opposite ends of the forming wedge 201. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 205, 207 of the forming wedge 201 may converge along a travel direction 154 to intersect along a root 145 of the forming apparatus 140. A stretching plane 209 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may extend along a travel direction 154 through the root 145. In some embodiments, the glass strip 103 may be stretched along the stretching plane 209 in the travel direction 154. As shown, the stretching plane 209 may bisect the forming wedge 201 through the root 145, but in some embodiments, the stretching plane 209 may extend in other orientations relative to the root 145.

[0064] Molten glass forming material 121 can flow into and along the groove 203 of the forming apparatus 140. Subsequently, the molten glass forming material 121 can flow out of the groove 203 while simultaneously flowing over the corresponding weirs 211, 213 and downwards over the outer surfaces 215, 217 of the corresponding weirs 211, 213. Then, each flow of molten glass forming material 121 flows along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 205, 207 of the forming wedge 201 and is pulled out from the root 145 of the forming apparatus 140, wherein the flows converge and fuse into a strip of molten glass forming material. The strip of molten glass forming material can then be pulled out from the root 145 in the stretching plane 209 along the travel direction 154 and cooled into a glass ribbon 103.

[0065] Refer again Figure 1 The glass forming apparatus 101 may also include a glass processing apparatus 157. When the glass processing apparatus 157 is aligned with the forming apparatus 140, the glass strip 103 formed by the forming apparatus 140 can be processed by the glass processing apparatus 157. In some embodiments, the glass processing apparatus 157 engages the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass strip 103 to stretch the glass strip 103, thereby drawing molten glass forming material 121 from the root 145 of the forming apparatus 140.

[0066] The glass strip 103 includes a first main surface 219 and a second main surface 221, which face opposite directions and define a thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) at the central portion 152 of the glass strip 103. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass strip 103 may be less than or equal to about 2 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to about 1 mm, less than or equal to about 0.5 mm, for example, less than or equal to about 300 micrometers (μm), less than or equal to about 200 μm, or less than or equal to about 100 μm, but other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass strip 103 may be about 50 μm to about 750 μm, about 100 μm to about 700 μm, about 200 μm to about 600 μm, about 300 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 700 μm, about 50 μm to about 600 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 400 μm, about 50 μm to about 300 μm, about 50 μm to about 200 μm, about 50 μm to about 100 μm, encompassing all ranges and subranges of thicknesses therein. Furthermore, the glass strip 103 may comprise various compositions, including but not limited to soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass. In further embodiments, the glass strip may comprise glass ceramic.

[0067] As previously described, the glass forming apparatus 101 may include a separate glass processing apparatus 157 or be combined with the forming apparatus 140. Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the glass processing apparatus 157 may include a stretch stack 159. (As illustrated...) Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the stretch stack may include a wall 801 surrounding an inner region 803, the inner region 803 including an inlet 805 and an outlet 807 located downstream of the inlet 805 along the travel direction 154. The stretch stack 159 may further include at least one drawing stage 809, 811 within the inner region 803, each drawing stage 809, 811 including a first pair of drawing rollers 810a configured to clamp a first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 (see...). Figure 3 and 8 ) and the second pair of pull rollers 810b configured to hold the second outer edge 155 of the glass strip 103 (see Figure 3 ).Although Figure 8 At least one pull station 809, 811 is shown, including a first pull station 809 and a second pull station 811, but in a further embodiment, the at least one pull station may include a single pull station or more than two pull stations.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a support device 161 may be provided to support the stretch stack 159 on a support surface 163. In some embodiments, the support surface 163 may include a base plate of an upper chamber 165 positioned above a lower chamber 167. In some embodiments, the support device 161 may be configured to movably support the stretch stack 159 at locations where the stretch stack 159 is aligned with the forming apparatus 140 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (as shown by the solid line in the image) and the position where the stretch stack 159 is not aligned with the forming device 140 (as shown by the solid line in the image) Figure 1 (As shown by the dashed lines in the diagram) move laterally along directions 169a and 169b.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the support device 161 may include support arms 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d. As illustrated, the upper portion of each support arm may be mounted to, for example, the four upper corner portions of a stretch stack 159. Figure 1 As shown, the optional platform 170 ( Figure 3(Not shown) may be provided and mounted between two support arms to allow a user access to the upper part of the stretch stack 159. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lower part of each support arm may be mounted to, for example, a base 303. Although four support arms are shown, in further embodiments, fewer or more than four support arms may be provided. The support device 161 may also include a support member comprising an end having a moving device designed to reduce movement in the alignment position (in... Figure 1 (shown in solid lines) and misaligned positions (in) Figure 1 The forces acting between the stacked objects (shown as dashed lines in the middle) are moving. Figures 4 to 7 It shows along Figure 3 An implementation scheme for a mobile device intercepted along line 4A-4A, wherein along Figure 3 The moving device intercepted by line 4B-4B may be the same, or may not include, for example... Figures 4 to 7 The transverse lock is shown. In some embodiments, as shown, the moving device may include a wheel 401 at the end 403 of the support member 405. In some embodiments, four wheels may be provided at each section 4A-4A, 4B-4B, wherein the support device 161 may allow rotation with the wheel 401 to reduce frictional pushing or pulling of the stack 159. Other alternative rotary moving devices may be provided, such as cylindrical rollers or spherical bearings. In further embodiments, non-rotational moving devices may be provided. For example, a self-lubricating material (e.g., Teflon) may be used instead of the wheel 401 to reduce friction between the end of the support member and the support surface. In a further embodiment, as shown, the end portion 407 of the support member 409 may include a gas bearing designed to generate an air cushion 701 (see...). Figure 7 This allows the support device 161 to suspend together with the stretch stack 159. In some embodiments, a wheel 401 may be provided as an alternative support member for the gas bearing, or as an additional support member for the gas bearing. If additionally provided, the mode of operation may be selected, or the wheel 401 may be provided as a backup for the gas bearing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the support device 161 may include a lateral lock 171, which is designed to suppress [the movement of objects along the sides]. Figure 1 The movement along the horizontal axes 169a and 169b. See also Figure 4 In some embodiments, the lateral lock 171 may include a protrusion 411 and a recess 413 configured to receive the protrusion 411. The recess 413 may be configured as part of a bracket that can be securely mounted to the support surface 163. Figures 4 to 5As shown, when the protrusion 411 is received in the recess 413, the lateral lock 171 inhibits movement in the lateral direction. An optional latching device 415, which may include a laterally movable latching member 417, may be provided to help prevent the protrusion 411 from being accidentally removed from the recess 413 along the locking orientation. Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the protrusion 411 can be removed from the recess 413 to unlock the support device 161, and thus allow the support device 161 to move laterally along the horizontal directions 169a, 169b together with the stretch stack 159.

[0071] Different embodiments of the lateral lock can be provided to allow the protrusion 411 to be selectively received by the recess 413 to laterally lock the support device 161, or to be removed from the recess 413 to unlock the support device 161 for movement in the horizontal direction 169a. For example, the protrusion may be movable relative to the base 303. For example, a crank may be provided to move the protrusion into and out of the recess 413 as needed. Alternatively, as Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the entire base 303, support arms 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, and stretch stack 159 can be lifted together with the protrusion 411 to lift the protrusion out of the recess 413. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 409 can be moved from a retracted position relative to the base 303 (see [reference]). Figures 4 to 5 Move to the extended position (see) Figures 6 to 7 This increases the height of the stretch stack 159 while moving the protrusion 411 out of the recess 413 to laterally unlock the support device 161. The support member 409 can also be extended from its extended position (see...). Figures 6 to 7 Move to the retracted position (see...) Figures 4 to 5 This reduces the height of the stretch stack 159 while inserting the protrusion 411 into the recess 413 to laterally lock the support device 161.

[0072] In some implementation schemes, such as Figures 3 to 7 As shown, a track 305 may be provided to receive the end of the support member, thereby defining a lateral travel path 307 for the support device 161 and the stretch stack 159. Figure 1As shown, when the stretch stack 159 is moved back to alignment with the forming device 140, the track 305 provides precise alignment. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the track 305 may include a channel having a lower plate 309 and side flanges 311a, 311b, the lower plate 309 for bearing loads from the support member, and the side flanges 311a, 311b for helping to maintain proper alignment during lateral movement of the support device 161. Furthermore, the channel arrangement can help trap gas during the formation of the air cushion 701 to prevent escape, providing a more stable air cushion that not only suspends the end portion 407 but also allows for self-alignment of the end portion 407 within the channel via the air cushion also formed between the lateral portion of the end portion 407 and the side flanges 311a, 311b along the lateral portion of the end portion 407.

[0073] The method for processing glass ribbons will first refer to Figure 1 and 2 Description. One method may include forming the glass ribbon 103 by one of the methods described above. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the glass strip 103 can be stretched from the root 145 forming the wedge 201. (As indicated...) Figure 1 As shown, the stretch stack 159 can be aligned with the forming wedge 201 to allow the glass ribbon 103 to travel along the glass ribbon travel path 204 and through the entrance 805 of the inner region 803 of the stretch stack 159. A first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 can be held between a first pair of traction rollers 810a of at least one pull table 809, 811, and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 can be held between a second pair of traction rollers 810b of at least one pull table 809, 811. The glass ribbon can be stretched using at least one pull table along a travel direction 154 extending from the entrance 805 of the stretch stack 159 toward the exit 807. Thus, the moving glass ribbon 103 can travel in a downward direction (e.g., along the direction of gravity) through the inner region 803, while the stretch stack 159 is supported on a support surface 163 by a support device 161. The moving glass ribbon 103 can also travel downward through the inner region 803, while the entrance 805 of the inner region 803 is aligned with the forming device 140 to receive the glass ribbon 103 traveling from the forming device 140 along the glass ribbon travel path 204. Subsequently, the glass ribbon can travel through the opening 821 in the partition 172 (see...). Figure 8 This allows the glass ribbon to travel into the lower chamber 167 (see...). Figure 1 In the glass strip 103, the lower chamber 167 may include a cleaning chamber to help suppress (e.g., prevent) dust or other debris from contaminating the surface of the glass strip 103. Once sufficient length is obtained, the glass separation device 175 can separate the strip into separate sheets 177 along the width “W” of the strip, which can be held and conveyed by a robot 178 to a storage container, conveyor or other downstream processing station.

[0074] After a period of time, maintenance of the stretch stack 159 may be required. For example, maintenance may be required of the heating elements, cooling elements, pull rollers, or other components of the stretch stack 159. In some embodiments, the stretch stack 159 may be moved laterally relative to the support surface 163 in a horizontal direction 169a (e.g., perpendicular to gravity or at another angle relative to gravity), such that the inlet 805 of the inner region 803 of the stretch stack 159 is misaligned with the forming apparatus 140, preventing the glass ribbon travel path 204 from traveling through the inlet 805 of the stretch stack 159. Once misaligned, the working components, including the heating elements of the stretch stack 159, can be de-energized, and the stretch stack 159 can be repaired. When the stretch stack 159 is misaligned, the glass ribbon 103 may continue to be fed in a vertically downward direction (e.g., the travel direction 154) without passing through the inner region 803 of the stretch stack 159. Conversely, the glass ribbon 103 can continue to be fed vertically downward through the partition 172 (e.g., top / bottom plate) between the upper chamber 165 and the lower chamber 167 to the opening 821 and into the broken glass 173. In this way, glass ribbon production via the forming apparatus 140 can continue uninterrupted, which reduces downtime and the costs associated with shutting down the entire glass production line to maintain the stretch stack.

[0075] In some implementations, the stretch stack 159 can be horizontally unlocked before it is moved along the horizontal direction 169a. For example, the lateral lock 171 can be as follows: Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 5 The engagement is shown. Subsequently, the protrusion 411 can be lifted out of the recess 413 to horizontally unlock the stretch stack 159, thereby allowing movement of the stretch stack 159 in the horizontal direction 169a. To lift the protrusion 411 out of the recess 413, the protrusion can be moved vertically relative to the base 303. Alternatively, as... Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the stretch stack 159, base 303, and protrusion 411 can be lifted together in a vertically upward direction 601a to horizontally unlock the stretch stack 159. For example, an actuator 603 (e.g., the illustrated hydraulic cylinder) can be pressurized by a hydraulic source 606 to cause a piston 605 to extend relative to the base 303 in direction 601b to extend the support member 409, thereby lifting the stretch stack 159, base 303, and protrusion 411 together in a vertically upward direction 601a to horizontally unlock the stretch stack 159. Once unlocked, the stretch stack 159 can be moved in a horizontal direction 169a to misalign the stretch stack 159. Figure 1 The maintenance location is indicated by the dashed line. In some embodiments, the latching device 415 (if provided) can be unlocked before lifting to allow the protrusion 411 to move out of the recess 413.

[0076] In some implementation schemes, such as Figure 7 As shown, a pressurized gas source 703 can be activated to generate an air cushion 701 to suspend the stretch stack 159 and support device 161, while facilitating the lifting of the stretch stack 159 relative to the base 303 by the support member 409 in the extended position. The air cushion 701 reduces the forces exerted on the support device 161 and the stretch stack 159 moving in the horizontal direction 169a. In other embodiments, a wheel 401 may be provided as an alternative to or addition to the support member 409. For example, as shown, the wheel 401 may be mounted to the base 303 via the support member 405, wherein the wheel 401 is not configured to move vertically relative to the base 303. Alternatively, although not shown, the wheel 401 may extend to lift the stretch stack 159. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel 401 may serve as a backup mechanism to support the weight of the stretch stack 159 when the support member 409 is retracted.

[0077] In some embodiments, movement of the stretched stack 159 along direction 169a can be restricted by track 305 to travel along a lateral travel path 307. For example, as shown, the end portion 407 of the support member 409 can be received within the inner region of the track defined by the lower plate 309 and the side flanges 311a, 311b to guide the stretched stack 159 along direction 169a. Subsequently, as shown... Figure 1 The stretch stack 159 is maintained at the maintenance position indicated by the dashed line. Once completed, the stretch stack 159 can then be raised again by extending the support member 409, and an air cushion 701 can be created as the stretch stack 159 moves in the opposite direction 169b until the protrusion 411 aligns with the recess 413 of the transverse lock 171. Once aligned with the recess 413, the stretch stack 159 aligns with the forming device 140. The pressurized gas source 703 can then be shut off, or disengaged from the end portion 407, to eliminate the air cushion 701. The support member 409 can then be retracted to lower the stretch stack to the aligned working position, in which the stretch stack again receives the glass strip through the inlet 805 of the inner region 803. Once lowered, the protrusion 411 can be received in the recess 413 such that the transverse lock 171 laterally locks the stretch stack 159 in the correctly aligned orientation. In some embodiments, a latching device 415 (if provided) can be engaged to vertically lock the protrusion 411 within the recess 413. The glass strip 103 can then be further processed using glass processing equipment 157.

[0078] To aid in the processing of glass ribbon 103, the stretch stack 159 allows for careful control of the temperature conditions of the glass ribbon being processed as it passes through the internal region 803 of the stretch stack 159. For example... Figure 8As shown, the glass ribbon can pass through a viscoelastic region 813a where the thickness of the glass ribbon 103 can be varied, and then the glass ribbon 103 can travel along the direction of travel 154 to a solidification region 813b where the glass ribbon changes from a viscoelastic state to a cooled elastic state. Subsequently, the glass ribbon 103 can continue to travel along the direction of travel 154 until the glass ribbon 103 cools to an elastic state in the elastic region 813c. Because it is heated by the glass ribbon 103, the internal gas flow 815 can travel upwards due to the buoyancy of the gas. The internal gas flow 815 can be supplemented by a first quantity 817 of input gas 819 entering the internal region 803. In some embodiments, the input gas 819 can travel upwards through an opening 821 in a partition 172 between the upper chamber 165 and the lower chamber 167. In some embodiments, the lower chamber 167 may include a clean chamber, wherein the input gas 819 (e.g., input air) from the clean chamber is filtered to prevent contaminants (e.g., dust, debris) from being drawn into the stretch stack 159 and contaminating the original surface of the glass strip 103.

[0079] In some implementation schemes, such as Figures 8 to 9 As shown, a housing 825 may be provided, which surrounds the downstream portion 828 of the stretch stack 159 and the outlet 807 of the inner region 803. The housing 825 may define an outer region 827 positioned outside the wall 801 of the stretch stack 159 and between the downstream portion 828 of the stretch stack 159 and the housing 825. The housing 825 may include a vent 829 configured to correct airflow from the outer region 827 through the vent to a position 830 outside the housing 825 and outside the stretch stack 159. In some embodiments, the vent 829 may be adjustable to regulate the flow of glass through the vent 829. For example, as shown, a sliding closure 831 may be provided to adjust the opening size of the vent 829, thereby controlling the flow rate of gas traveling through the vent.

[0080] In some embodiments, a baffle 833 may be provided to guide a first quantity 817 of input gas 819 through the outlet 807 of the inner region 803 of the stretch stack 159, and subsequently into the inner region 803, flowing upward toward the inlet 805 of the inner region 803 due to the buoyancy of the gas heated by the glass strip 103. The baffle 833 may also guide a second quantity 835 of input gas 819 to flow into the outer region 827. In some embodiments, the baffle may include a first portion 837a and a second portion 837b, which are separated from each other in an upward direction and each serves to divide the input gas 819 into a first quantity 817 and a second quantity 835 of gas. In some embodiments, as shown, the first portion 837a and the second portion 837b may be symmetrically arranged around the glass strip travel path 204. A channel may be defined between the respective lower portions of the first and second portions 837a, 837b, which may be laterally aligned with the outlet 807 of the inner region 803. The upper portion is separable to guide a second quantity 835 of input gas 819 to the outer region 827.

[0081] A method for calibrating the input gas 819 may include directing a first quantity 817 of input gas 819 through an outlet 807 and into an inner region 803 of a stretched stack 159. The first quantity of input gas 819 flowing within the inner region 803 may flow in a direction from the outlet 807 toward an inlet 805 of the inner region 803. The method may further include directing a second quantity 825 of input gas 819 into an outer region 827. Subsequently, a second quantity 835 of input gas 819 may flow from the outer region 827 through a vent 829 to a location 830 outside the outer region 827. As shown, a baffle 833 may divide the input gas 819 into a first quantity 817 of input gas 819 directed through the outlet 807 and a second quantity 835 of input gas 819 flowing into the outer region 827. In some embodiments, the first and second portions 837a, 837b may be adjustable relative to each other to adjust the distribution ratio of the input gas 819. For example, the first and second portions 837a, 837b may be moved laterally closer together to reduce the first quantity 817 of input gas 819 entering the inner region 803 while increasing the second quantity 835 of input gas 819 entering the outer region 827. In a further example, the first and second portions 837a, 837b may be moved laterally further apart from each other to increase the first quantity 817 of input gas 819 entering the inner region 803 while reducing the second quantity 835 of input gas 819 entering the outer region 827. Adjusting the ratio of the first quantity 817 and the second quantity 835 of input gas 819 passing through can adjust the ratio of input gas cooling the glass ribbon within the inner region 803. In some embodiments, the downstream portion 828 of the stretched stack 159 can be cooled by transferring heat from the downstream portion 828 of the stretched stack 159 to the second quantity 835 of input gas flow passing through the outer region 827. The sliding closure 831 of the vent 829 can also be adjusted to regulate the flow rate of the second quantity 835 of input gas 819 flowing through the vent 829. For example, adjusting the sliding closure 831 to reduce the size of the vent 829 will reduce the second quantity 835 of input gas flowing through the outer region 827 and out of the vent 829, while increasing the first quantity 817 of input gas 819 entering the inner region 803. In another embodiment, adjusting the sliding closure 831 to increase the size of the vent 829 will increase the second quantity 835 of input gas flowing through the outer region 827 and out of the vent 829, while decreasing the first quantity 817 of input gas 819 entering the inner region 803. Maximum cooling of the belt using the input gas 819 can be achieved by maximizing the amount of input gas 819 flowing into the inner region 803.Therefore, the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 using the input gas 819 can be adjusted by appropriately changing the size of the vent 829 to achieve optimal cooling with the input gas 819. Furthermore, the downstream portion 828 of the stretch stack 159 can be cooled by a second quantity 835 of input gas 819 flowing through the outer region 827. Cooling of the downstream portion 828 of the stretch stack 159 enhances radiative heat transfer from the glass ribbon 103 to the downstream portion 828 of the stretch stack 159. However, convective cooling provided by a first quantity 817 of input gas 819 provides greater cooling of the glass ribbon 103 compared to the cooling of the downstream portion 828 of the stretch stack 159 provided by the second quantity 835 of input gas 819.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, inlet 805 may be defined at least in part by a first gate 839a and a second gate 839b. In some embodiments, the first gate 839a may be similar to or the same as the second gate 839b. Unless otherwise stated, features of one of the first gates and the second gate described below may be applied to the other of the first gates and the second gate.

[0083] The first gate 839a can be mounted relative to the wall 801 to move relative to the wall 801 along the first extending direction 840a. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the first gate 839a may include a first end edge 841a, the first end edge 841a including the outer surface 843a of a first central edge plate 845a laterally disposed between a first lateral edge 847a and a second lateral edge 849a. In some embodiments, the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a may protrude a first distance 851a from the first lateral edge 847a along a first extending direction 840a. In some embodiments, the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a may protrude a second distance 853a from the second lateral edge 849a along the first extending direction 840a. As shown, in some embodiments, the first distance 851a may be substantially equal to the second distance 853a, but in further embodiments, different distances may be provided. The first gate 839a may also include a first row of conduits 855a disposed within an internal chamber 857a of the first gate 839a. The outlet 859a of each conduit in the first row of conduits 855a may face and be spaced apart from the inner surface 861a of the first central edge plate 845a.

[0084] The second gate 839b may be mounted relative to wall 801 to be movable relative to wall 801 along a second extending direction 840b. The second gate 839b may include a second end edge 841b, the second end edge 841b including an outer surface 843b of a second central edge plate 845b laterally disposed between a third lateral edge 847b and a fourth lateral edge 849b. In some embodiments, the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b may protrude a third distance 851b from the third lateral edge 847b along the second extending direction 840b. In a further embodiment, the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b may protrude a fourth distance 853b from the fourth lateral edge 849b along the second extending direction 840b. The second gate 839b may further include a second row of conduits 855b disposed within an internal chamber 857b of the second gate 839b. The outlet 859b of each conduit in the second row of conduits 855b may face and be spaced apart from the inner surface 861b of the second central edge plate 845b.

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, the width 1001 of the inlet 805 can be defined between the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a and the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b. The width 1001 can be adjustable to control the rate at which a first quantity 817 of input gas 819 exits the inlet 805. For example, the width 1001 of the inlet 805 can be reduced by moving the first gate 839a along the first extension direction 840a and by moving the second gate 839b along the second extension direction 840b, which is opposite to the first extension direction 840a. The first gate 839a and the second gate 839b can be moved in a retraction direction (opposite to the extension direction) to increase the width 1001 of the inlet 805, thereby increasing the rate at which the first quantity 817 of input gas 819 exits the inlet 805.

[0086] In some embodiments, the distance 1003 between the first lateral edge 847a and the third lateral edge 847b along the first extending direction 840a can be from about twice the width 1001 of the entrance 805 to about ten times the width 1001 of the entrance 805, for example, from about twice the width 1001 of the entrance 805 to about five times the width 1001 of the entrance 805. Figure 10 As shown, distance 1003 may include the width of a first lateral space 1007a, which may facilitate radiation of the edge of the glass strip 103 located between the outer surfaces 843a, 843b of the central edge plates 845a, 845b.

[0087] In a further example, the distance 1005 between the second lateral edge 949a and the fourth lateral edge along the first extending direction 840a can be from approximately twice the width 1001 of the entrance 805 to approximately ten times the width 1001 of the entrance 805, for example, from approximately twice the width 1001 of the entrance 805 to approximately five times the width 1001 of the entrance 805. Figure 10 As shown, distance 1005 may include the width of a second lateral space 1007b, which may facilitate radiation of the edge of the glass strip 103 located between the outer surfaces 843a, 843b of the central edge plates 845a, 845b.

[0088] A method for cooling a glass strip 103 using a stretch stack 159 will now be described. The glass strip 103, traveling in a direction of travel 154, passes through an inlet 805 of the stack. In some embodiments, the entire width of the glass strip 103 may be contained within the width 1001 of the inlet 805 between the outer surfaces 843a, 843b of the central edge plates 845a, 845b. In some embodiments, the glass strip 103 travels in the direction of travel 154 from the inlet 805 toward the outlet 807 within an inner region 803, while the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass strip 103 pass between the outer surfaces 843a and 843b of the first central edge plate 845a and the second central edge plate 845b.

[0089] Since the glass ribbon 103 remains within the viscoelastic region 813a, its width can be reduced by the pull roller 810a. To further influence the thickness and / or cooling of the glass ribbon 103, the method may include delivering gas from a gas source (not shown) through conduits and discharging it from the outlet 859a of at least one conduit in the first column of conduits 855a to convect heat from the first central edge plate 845a, and discharging gas from the outlet 859b of at least one conduit in the second column of conduits 855b to convect heat from the second central edge plate 845b. The central edge plate may serve as a radiant heat sink for radiative heat transfer from the glass ribbon 103 to the central edge plate.

[0090] In some embodiments, the method may include cooling the width “W” of the glass strip 103 positioned between the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a and the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b by radiating heat from the width “W” of the glass strip 103 to the first central edge plate 845a and the second central edge plate 845b.

[0091] like Figure 11As shown, in some embodiments, the conduits of the first gate 839a can be uniformly spaced apart from each other by passing through corresponding holes 1103a in the alignment member 1101. Empty holes 1103b can be used in the second gate 839b to uniformly space the conduits, while the holes 1103a in the alignment member 1101 of the second gate 839b can be empty. Thus, the first row of conduits 855a can be staggered relative to the second row of conduits 855b along the direction of the glass ribbon 103 width to allow for greater control over the heat distribution profile across the glass ribbon 103 width. Further thickness variation across the glass ribbon 103 width can be achieved by changing the flow rate of the gas contained in one or more conduits of the first and / or second row of conduits 855a, 855b. For example, the difference in gas flow rate contained in at least two conduits of the first row of conduits 855a can be adjusted to adjust the thickness distribution profile across the glass ribbon width. Additional or alternative, the difference in gas flow rate contained in at least two conduits of the second conduit 855b can be adjusted to further adjust the thickness distribution curve across the width of the glass strip.

[0092] In some embodiments, the method may further include cooling the first outer edge 153 of the glass strip 103 by radiating heat through a first lateral space 1007a between the first lateral edge 847a and the third lateral edge 847b. In a further embodiment, the method may include cooling the second outer edge 155 of the glass strip 103 by radiating heat through a second lateral space 1007b between the second lateral edge 849a and the fourth lateral edge 849b. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the width 1001 of the inlet 805 such that the distance 1003 between the first lateral edge 847a and the third lateral edge 847b along a first extension direction 840a is from approximately twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to approximately ten times (or approximately five times) the width 1001 of the inlet 805. In a further embodiment, the method may include adjusting the width 1001 of the inlet 805 such that the distance 1005 between the second lateral edge 849a and the fourth lateral edge 849b along the first extension direction 840a is from about twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to about ten times (or about five times) the width 1001 of the inlet 805.

[0093] Lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b, with corresponding distances 1003 and 1005, provide space for radiative heat transfer from outer edges 153 and 155, which facilitates cooling of the glass strip 103 passing through inlet 805. To further enhance radiative heat transfer, the method can cool the first outer edge 153 of the glass strip 103 by radiating heat through the first lateral space 1007a to the first fluid cooling element 1011a (schematically shown in dashed lines). The method can also cool the second outer edge 155 of the glass strip 103 by radiating heat through the second lateral space 1007b to the second fluid cooling element 1011b (schematically shown in dashed lines). The first and second fluid cooling elements 1011a and 1011b are shown as laterally spaced from the corresponding lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b. Although not shown, the fluid cooling elements may be located above or below gates 839a and 839b. Although not shown, the fluid cooling element may be positioned at least partially within or laterally within the lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b, and simultaneously disposed above or below the lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b.

[0094] After passing through inlet 805, the glass ribbon 103 may optionally be further exposed to one or more other cooling elements 863 to help control the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 as it passes through viscoelastic region 813a. The walls 801 within solidification region 813b and / or elastic region 813c may include heating and / or cooling elements to further control the cooling of the glass ribbon 103.

[0095] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a housing 825 and a baffle 833 that divides the input gas 819 into a first quantity 817 and a second quantity 835. The first quantity 817 of input gas can travel upward through the inner region 803 to aid in the convective heat transfer cooling of the glass ribbon 103 traveling along the direction of travel 154 within the inner region 803. Adjustable vents 829 can help regulate the ratio of the first quantity 817 to the second quantity 835 of input gas 819 to help fine-tune the degree to which the first quantity 817 cools the glass ribbon 103 as it travels upward through the inner region 803. Furthermore, the width 1001 of the inlet 805 can be adjusted via first and second gates 839a, 839b to help control the rate at which the first quantity 817 of input gas leaves the inner region 803, further controlling the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 within the stretch stack 159. Furthermore, gates 839a and 839b may include conduits 855a and 855b to allow for thickness control of the glass ribbon 103, wherein a desired thickness distribution can be provided by adjusting the gas flow rate through conduits 855a and 855b. Additionally, gates 839a and 839b may be arranged with lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b, which may have a width greater than the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to facilitate radiative cooling of the outer edges 153 and 155 of the glass ribbon 103. Furthermore, the stretch stack 159 may be supported by a support device 161 to allow the stretch stack 159 to be moved to a maintenance position for maintaining the stretch stack without stopping the glass production process if the stretch stack 159 is not aligned with the forming apparatus 140 in the maintenance position.

[0096] It should be understood that although various embodiments have been described in detail with reference to certain illustrative and specific examples, this disclosure should not be considered limited thereto, and numerous modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for forming a glass ribbon, comprising: A stretch stack, the stretch stack including a wall surrounding an inner region including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet, the stretch stack further including at least one pulling table in the inner region, each of the at least one pulling table including a first pair of rollers and a second pair of pulling rollers, the first pair of rollers being configured to clamp a first outer edge of the glass strip, and the second pair of pulling rollers being configured to clamp a second outer edge of the glass strip; A housing that surrounds the downstream portion of the stretch stack and the outlet of the inner region, the housing defining an outer region located outside the wall of the stretch stack and between the downstream portion of the stretch stack and the housing, the housing including a vent configured to regulate airflow from the outer region through the vent to a location outside the housing and outside the stretch stack; as well as A support member is movable from a retracted position to an extended position to increase the height of the stretched stack, and the support member is movable between the extended position and the retracted position to decrease the height of the stretched stack, the support member including an end portion.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a track receiving the end portion of the support member to define a lateral travel path for the stretched stack.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the vent is adjustable to regulate the airflow passing through the vent.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a baffle configured to guide a first number of input airflows through the outlet and into the inner region, and to guide a second number of the input airflows into the outer region.

5. A method for forming a glass ribbon using the apparatus of claim 1, comprising: The glass strip is moved downward through the inner region of the stretch stack, which is supported on a support surface, and the entrance of the inner region of the stretch stack is aligned to receive the glass strip. as well as The stretch stack is moved horizontally relative to the support surface so that the entrance in the inner region is not aligned to receive the glass strip.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, After moving the stretch stack, the method includes continuing to move the glass strip in a vertically downward direction without passing through the inner region of the stretch stack.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising lifting the stretch stack in a vertically upward direction before the stretch stack is moved in the horizontal direction.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein lifting the stretch stack unlocks the stretch stack to allow movement of the stretch stack along the horizontal direction.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein before the stretch stack moves along the horizontal direction, the method further includes unlocking the stretch stack to allow movement of the stretch stack along the horizontal direction.

10. A method for regulating input airflow using the device of claim 1, the method comprising: A first quantity of input airflow is directed through the outlet and into the interior region; The first quantity of the input airflow flows through the internal region of the stretched stack in a direction from the outlet toward the inlet; The second number of the input airflows are directed into the external region; The second number of input airflows are made to flow from the external area through the vent.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting the vent to adjust the flow rate of the second number of input airflows through the vent.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising cooling the downstream portion of the stretched stack by transferring heat from the downstream portion of the stretched stack to the second number of the input airflows flowing through the outer region.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stretch stacking further comprises: A first gate mounted relative to the wall for movement along a first extending direction relative to the wall, the first gate includes a first end edge, the first end edge including the outer surface of a first central edge plate laterally disposed between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the outer surface of the first central edge plate protruding a first distance from the first lateral edge along the first extending direction, and the outer surface of the first central edge plate protruding a second distance from the second lateral edge along the first extending direction, the first gate further including a first row of conduits disposed within the inner cavity of the first gate, the outlet of each conduit in the first row of conduits facing the inner surface of the first central edge plate; as well as A second gate, mounted relative to the wall for movement along a second extending direction relative to the wall, includes a second end edge. The second end edge includes the outer surface of a second central edge plate laterally disposed between a third and a fourth lateral edge. The outer surface of the second central edge plate protrudes a third distance from the third lateral edge along the second extending direction, and protrudes a fourth distance from the fourth lateral edge along the second extending direction. The second gate further includes a second row of conduits disposed within an internal cavity of the second gate, the outlet of each conduit facing the inner surface of the second central edge plate. The width of the inlet is defined between the outer surface of the first central edge plate and the outer surface of the second central edge plate.

14. A method for correcting the temperature of a glass ribbon using the device of claim 13, the method comprising: The first outer edge of the glass strip is cooled by radiating heat through the first lateral space between the first lateral edge and the third lateral edge; as well as The second outer edge of the glass strip is cooled by radiating heat through the second lateral space between the second lateral edge and the fourth lateral edge.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the glass strip travels in the inner region along a direction of travel from the inlet toward the outlet, and the first outer edge and the second outer edge pass between the outer surface of the first central edge plate and the outer surface of the second central edge plate.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising cooling the width of the glass strip located between the outer surfaces of the first and second center edge plates by radiating heat from the width of the glass strip to the first and second center edge plates.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising discharging gas from the outlet of at least one of the first conduits to allow heat from the first central edge plate to convect, and discharging gas from the outlet of at least one of the second conduits to allow heat from the second central edge plate to convect.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising changing the difference between the flow rates of gas contained in at least two conduits in the first column of conduits to adjust the thickness distribution profile across the width of the glass strip.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein cooling the first outer edge includes radiating heat to a first fluid cooling element through the first lateral space, and cooling the second outer edge includes radiating heat to a second fluid cooling element through the second lateral space.

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