Methods and apparatus for maintaining glass ribbon cleanliness during glass manufacturing process

Abstract

A method of scoring a surface of a glass ribbon and separating the glass ribbon along the scored surface is disclosed. The method includes exhausting compressed air from an air knife in a path substantially parallel to a surface of the glass ribbon, the air knife including a bumper, an outlet gap, and a body including a distal edge and a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon, the bumper being located on the distal edge of the body, the outlet gap being located between the bumper and the flat surface, and the outlet gap being located between the bumper and the flat surface. And an outlet gap adjacent and spaced apart from the scored surface of the glass ribbon, the outlet gap located on the flat surface, spaced apart from the buffer and operable to exhaust the air perpendicular to the flat surface. Scribing apparatus and air knives are also described.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 515,935, filed on July 27, 2023, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining glass ribbon cleanliness during a glass manufacturing process. The present disclosure more particularly relates to a method, apparatus, and air knife for glass cutting during a glass manufacturing process. Background Art

[0004] As is known, glass sheets can be separated from a continuously moving glass ribbon, for example, by a glass separation device. The glass separation device includes a scoring device that travels along the glass separation device and scores the glass ribbon during its downward travel. After the scoring is completed, a robot bends the glass ribbon to complete the glass ribbon separation process. During the separation process, glass particles may be generated and may adhere to the surface of the glass ribbon. Conventionally, a vacuum is used to suck the glass particles during the separation process. Over time, such particles may become permanently bonded to the glass surface. Summary of the invention

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for cutting a glass product (e.g., a glass sheet or a glass ribbon). The method includes scoring a surface of the glass product and separating the glass product along the score. The method may also include discharging compressed air from an air knife in a path substantially parallel to a first surface of the glass product, the air knife including a buffer, an outlet gap, and a body, the body including a distal edge and a flat surface, the flat surface being substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon, the buffer being located on the distal edge of the body, adjacent to and spaced from the scored first surface of the glass ribbon, the outlet gap being located on the flat surface, spaced from the buffer, and the outlet gap being operable to discharge the air perpendicular to the flat surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the exhausted compressed air flows away from the glass article on a path along the flat surface. In some embodiments, the compressed air passes through at least one filter before being exhausted, and the at least one filter is operable to remove particles from the compressed air. In some embodiments, the exhausted compressed air creates a low pressure area near the separated glass article, thereby causing the glass particles to flow away from the separated glass article. In some embodiments, the air knife can exhaust the compressed air for between about 1.5 seconds and about 2 seconds. The exhaust can be initiated before the separation and terminated after the completion of the separation.

[0007] In some embodiments, the air knife can discharge the compressed air at a rate of about 2500 liters per minute (l / min) to about 2700 l / min. The air knife can be configured to discharge the compressed air at a speed between about 40 meters per second and about 50 meters per second. The air knife can be operable to receive the compressed air at a pressure of at least about 0.3 MPa. In some embodiments, during the separation, the buffer can be located between about 20 mm and about 25 mm from the surface of the glass article across the long axis of the buffer.

[0008] The method may further include: drawing the glass ribbon from a forming body supplied with molten glass. In an embodiment, the air knife may be coupled to a glass separation device located below the forming body, and during the separation of the glass ribbon, the glass separation device moves in the same direction and at the same rate as the glass ribbon. The method may further include: moving the air knife along an axis orthogonal to the surface of the glass ribbon.

[0009] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air knife, which has a main body, the main body including a distal edge, a flat surface and an inflation chamber, the inflation chamber is capable of receiving compressed air and directing the received compressed air to an outlet gap located on the flat surface of the main body, the outlet gap extends along the longitudinal axis of the flat bottom and is spaced from the distal edge, the distal edge includes at least one buffer spaced from the outlet gap, the buffer extends along the longitudinal axis, and the outlet gap is capable of operating to discharge the compressed air perpendicular to the flat surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air knife may include a filter located upstream of the outlet gap, the filter being operable to remove particles from the compressed air. In some embodiments, the at least one buffer includes a first buffer located near the flat surface of the distal edge of the body and a second buffer located near the top of the distal edge of the body. In some embodiments, the air knife also includes a valve that is operable to allow compressed air to flow through the outlet gap in a first configuration and to prevent compressed air from flowing through the outlet gap in a second configuration. In some embodiments, the air knife may be configured to discharge compressed air at a rate between about 2500 l / min and about 2700 l / min. The air knife may be configured to discharge the compressed air at a speed between about 40 m / sec and about 50 m / sec. The air knife may be operable to receive the compressed air at a pressure of at least about 0.3 MPa.

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon, wherein the glass ribbon is drawn, scored, and separated. The apparatus includes an air knife located near a scored portion of the glass ribbon, the air knife being operable to cause glass particles to flow away from the glass ribbon by discharging compressed air in a path parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon, the air knife including a buffer, an exit gap, and a body, the body including a distal edge and a flat surface, the buffer being located on the distal edge of the body, adjacent to and spaced from the scored portion of the glass ribbon, the exit gap being located on the flat surface, spaced from the buffer, and operable to discharge the compressed air substantially perpendicularly to the flat surface, and wherein the flat surface is substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air knife may be configured to discharge compressed air during the time when the separator breaks the glass ribbon. For example, the air knife may be operable to discharge the compressed air for between about 1.5 seconds and about 2 seconds. In some embodiments, the buffer may be located between the glass ribbon and the body and the outlet gap. In some embodiments, the discharged compressed air creates a low pressure area near the separated glass ribbon, thereby causing the discharged compressed air to flow away from the glass ribbon along the flat surface. The discharged compressed air may cause the flow of glass particles generated by breaking the glass to move away from the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the buffer may be spaced apart from the separated glass ribbon by a distance between about 20 mm and about 25 mm over the entire longitudinal axis (e.g., length) of the buffer. In some embodiments, the outlet gap may be spaced apart from the surface of the glass ribbon by a distance between about 30 mm and about 35 mm over the entire longitudinal axis (e.g., length) of the outlet gap. In some embodiments, the buffer may include a high temperature resistant silicone material.

[0013] In an embodiment, the air knife may be coupled to a glass separation device configured to move in the same direction and at the same rate as the glass ribbon.The air knife may be configured to move along an axis orthogonal to a major surface of the glass ribbon.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and various modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the basic principles described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various embodiments are disclosed below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts. The same figure numbers on different drawing views identify identical or functionally similar structural elements.

[0016] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram of elements of an exemplary apparatus suitable for practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a side bottom perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary glass ribbon separation apparatus suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 8 is a close-up side view of an exemplary glass ribbon separation apparatus suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, materials, and modifications described, and therefore these may vary. In addition, the terminology used herein is only for describing specific aspects and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claims are also not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.Any methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of example embodiments.

[0026] As used herein, the term "substantially" is synonymous with terms such as "almost," "very close," "about," "approximately," "around," "adjacent," "close," "substantially," "adjacent," and such terms may be used interchangeably when they appear in the specification and claims. The term "adjacent" is synonymous with terms such as "near," "close," "adjacent," "near," "immediately," and such terms may be used interchangeably when they appear in the specification and claims. The term "about" is intended to indicate a value within ten percent of a specified value.

[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, "or" as used in this application refers to a "non-exclusive" arrangement. For example, when stating "item x is A or B", it should be understood that this may mean one of the following situations: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. In other words, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, an "exclusive or" arrangement for stating "item x is A or B" would require that x can only be one of A and B. In addition, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to represent a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be understood as any of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element, and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0028] As used herein, the phrases "comprising at least one of the following" and "including at least one of the following" in combination with a system or element are intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of the following: a first element; a second element; and a third element is intended to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising the first element; a device comprising the second element; a device comprising the third element; a device comprising the first element and the second element; a device comprising the first element and the third element; a device comprising the first element, the second element, and the third element; or, a device comprising the second element and the third element. When the phrase "for at least one of the following:" is used herein, a similar interpretation is also intended.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air knife positioned near a score line region of a glass article (e.g., a glass ribbon) that uses a passive airflow from the air knife to redirect glass particles generated when the glass article is separated along the score line in a direction away from the glass article during a glass manufacturing process, away from the glass article, to reduce contamination of the surface of the glass article.

[0030] The air knife may be supplied with ultra-clean filtered and compressed air to produce a high-velocity exhaust airflow at the outlet of the air knife. Embodiments provide that the exhausted air flows along the curved surface of the air knife, moving away from the glass product. Due to the high-velocity airflow at the outlet of the air knife, a low-pressure area is created near the glass product, which redirects glass particles away from the glass product.

[0031] refer to Figure 1, shows a side view of an exemplary air knife 102 suitable for carrying out embodiments of the present disclosure. The air knife 102 includes a body 106, a distal edge 108, a flat surface 110, a plenum 112, an exit gap 114, and bumpers 116, 118. The plenum 112 is disposed along a longitudinal axis L (e.g., length, such as 106) of the body 106 of the air knife 102. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 As shown, the plenum 112 and the outlet gap 114 are connected from the inlet 302 (also shown in FIG. Figure 3 ) extends along the full length of the longitudinal axis L of the air knife 102. The plenum 112 is operable to receive compressed air, such as from an air box, and direct the compressed air to the outlet gap 114.

[0032] Embodiments of the air knife 102 are operably connected to Figure 7 and Figure 8 700. The glass separation device 700 includes an air knife 102, a scoring assembly 702, and a fulcrum 704. During the glass manufacturing process, a heating furnace may be used to heat the precursor material to form a molten glass. The molten glass is then fed to a forming body 701 at a continuous and constant rate. The glass ribbon 104 may be passed through a series of rollers 703 (such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is drawn from the forming body 701 in a downward direction toward the glass separation device 700. The glass separation device 700 is operable to move in the same direction (e.g., downward) as the glass ribbon 104 and at the same rate as the glass ribbon 104. Therefore, when both the glass ribbon 104 and the glass separation system 700 move together at the same rate and in the same direction during the manufacturing process, the portion of the glass ribbon 104 adjacent to the air knife 102, the scoring assembly 702, and the fulcrum 704 does not change. After separating the glass sheet from the glass ribbon, the glass separation device 700 is further operable to move in an upward direction to a starting position. Therefore, the glass separation device 700 starts at the starting position, moves downward at the same speed as the glass ribbon, performs a separation action (e.g., with the assistance of the separator device 718), and then moves upward to the starting position to restart the cycle, each cycle producing a glass sheet of a predetermined length from the glass ribbon.

[0033] The scoring assembly 702 includes a reciprocating scoring device 706 and a scoring tool 708 (e.g., a scoring wheel, a carbide scorer, etc.) coupled to the scoring device 706 and operable to score the surface of the glass ribbon 104. The scoring assembly 702 is spaced apart from and vertically below the planar surface 110 of the air knife 102. The scoring device 706 is operable to move the scoring tool 708 toward and away from the glass ribbon 104 parallel to the planar surface 110, as indicated by arrow 710, so that the scoring tool 708 can be in contact with the glass ribbon 104 and spaced apart from the glass ribbon 104. During scoring of the glass ribbon 104, the scoring device 706 is operable to move the scoring tool 708: (1) toward the glass ribbon 104 so that the scoring tool 708 can score the surface of the glass ribbon 104, and (2) perpendicular to the long axis of the glass ribbon 104 and parallel to the flat surface 110 along the width of the glass ribbon 104, thereby scoring the surface of the glass ribbon 104 perpendicular to the long axis of the glass ribbon 104 and along the width of the glass ribbon 104. Once scoring of the glass ribbon 104 is completed, the scoring device 706 is operable to move the scoring tool 708 away from the glass ribbon 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 710.

[0034] The fulcrum 704 is connected to the front portion 606 (eg Figure 6 714 and 715. The glass ribbon 104 is spaced apart from the air knife 102 and positioned so that the glass ribbon 104 is located between the air knife 102 and the fulcrum 704. The fulcrum 704 includes a buffer 712 that is operable not to melt when in contact with the glass ribbon 104. For example, the buffer 712 may include a silicone material. The fulcrum 704 is operably connected to a movable bracket so that it can move the fulcrum 704 toward the glass ribbon 104 and away from the glass ribbon 104 along arrow 716. The bracket 714 is operable to maintain the position of the fulcrum 704 relative to the glass ribbon 104 and the air knife 102 so that the fulcrum 704 does not move relative to these elements. During the glass separation process of the glass ribbon 104, when the glass ribbon 104 is moved toward the fulcrum 704 by a separator device 718 (e.g., a robot) and pressed against the buffer 712, the fulcrum 704 and the buffer 712 are operable to maintain their positions until the glass ribbon 104 is separated along the scored surface of the glass ribbon 104. The fulcrum 704 is also operable to maintain the position of the glass ribbon 104 relative to the scoring tool 708 during scoring of the surface of the glass ribbon 104. In this regard, the bumper 712 of the fulcrum 704 is located on the side of the glass ribbon 104 opposite the scoring tool 708 so that the scoring tool 708 applies pressure to the glass ribbon 104 and the fulcrum 704.

[0035] The air knife 102 includes an exit gap 114 defined by a first surface 120 and a spaced-apart second surface 122 of the body 106. The first surface 120 is defined by a front portion 606 (also referred to as Figure 6 In an embodiment, the front portion 606 may have a thickness of at least 0.05 mm. The width of the front portion 606 is the width of the outlet clearance surface 608 and its distal edge 610 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The first surface 120 and the second surface 122 are curved, respectively, and the portions connecting the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 to the bottom of the front portion 606 and the flat surface 110 are curved. The outlet gap 114 is located along the flat surface 110 of the body 106. The outlet gap 114 extends along the longitudinal axis L of the body 106. Figure 1 10. As shown, the distal edge 108 is not perpendicular to the flat surface 110, but is angled relative to the flat surface 110 such that the angle between the distal edge 108 and the flat surface 110 is between about 45 degrees and about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle between the distal edge 108 and the flat surface 110 can be 90 degrees. The outlet gap 114 can be equidistant from the distal edge 108 along the entire longitudinal axis L of the body 106. The flat surface 110 can extend between the outlet gap 114 and the proximal edge 124 along the entire length of the body 106. Between the outlet gap 114 and the distal edge 108 of the body 106 is the flat surface 111. The flat surface 111 extends along the entire length of the body 106 between the distal edge 108 and the outlet gap 114. The outlet gap 114 is operable to discharge compressed air from the plenum 112 substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 110. Alternatively, embodiments may include that the outlet gap 114 is operable to discharge compressed air at an angle between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees relative to the planar surface 110 .

[0036] The bumpers 116, 118 can be located on the distal edge 108 of the body 106. For example, the bumper 116 can be located at the interface of the distal edge 108 and the flat surface 110. The bumper 118 can be located on the distal edge 108, adjacent to the top surface 126 of the body 106. Embodiments of the bumpers 116, 118 provide that the bumpers 116, 118 can be fixedly attached to the body 106 or removably attached to the body 106. Embodiments provide that the bumpers 116, 118 extend along the distal edge 108 of the body 106 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The bumpers 116, 118 can include a plurality of bumpers spaced apart along the distal edge 108. Figure 6One embodiment of the bumper 118 is shown, wherein the bumper 118 includes two bumpers located at a first end 602 and a second end 604 of the distal edge 108 of the body 106. Embodiments of the bumpers 116, 118 may be made of a high temperature resistant silicone material that is operable to not melt below about 400 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, the bumpers 116, 118 may be made of a high temperature resistant silicone material that does not melt below 250 degrees Celsius. Embodiments provide that the bumpers 116, 118 are operable to not melt when in contact with or in close proximity to the glass ribbon 104. The bumpers 116, 118 provide a physical barrier between the body 106 and the glass ribbon 104 so that the glass ribbon 104 does not twist, stick, or fold if the bumpers come into contact with the glass ribbon 104. The bumpers 116 , 118 are operable to not melt when exposed to heat from the glass ribbon 104 , such that the bumpers 116 , 118 do not adhere to the glass ribbon 104 when the bumpers 116 , 118 are in contact with the glass ribbon 104 .

[0037] refer to Figure 4 , shows a top perspective view of the air knife 102. Figure 4 As shown, the bumper 118 can be located on the track 402. In an embodiment, the bumper 118 can be slidably engaged with the track 402 such that the bumper 118 can slide within the track 402 along the longitudinal axis L. For example, the bumper 118 can move along the track 402 to accommodate the width of the glass ribbon 104. In other words, the bumper 118 can be located within the track 402 such that it is adjacent to the glass ribbon 104. The bumpers 116, 118 can operate to prevent the glass ribbon 104 from contacting the body 102. Embodiments provide that when the glass ribbon 104 is separated, the bumper 116 can be located between about 20 mm and about 25 mm from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 over the entire length of the bumper 116 (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis L).

[0038] The air knife 102 is operable to discharge compressed air at high velocity from the exit gap 114 to pull particles away from the glass ribbon 104 (eg, Figure 1 In an embodiment, the compressed air may pass through one or more filters so that the compressed air contains a small amount of particulate matter. Figure 2As shown, the embodiment provides that the air knife 102 can be fluidly connected to the air box 202 and can be operated to receive compressed air from the air box, and the air box is fluidly connected to the flow valve 204, the filter 206, the large capacity regulator 208, the large capacity solenoid valve 210, the second filter 212, the second flow valve 214, the large capacity flow switch 216, the pressure switch 218 and the third filter 220. The air box 202 is operable to contain compressed air and allow the compressed air to flow through the flow valve 204, and the flow valve is operable to allow the compressed air to flow in one configuration and prevent the compressed air from flowing in a second configuration. The filters 206, 212 and 220 are operable to remove particles from the compressed air passing through the filters 206, 212 and 220. The large capacity regulator 508 is operable to reduce the pressure of the compressed air so that the pressure of the compressed air is less than about 0.3 MPa. The large capacity solenoid valve 210 is operable to selectively allow and prevent the compressed air from flowing therethrough. The flow valve 214 is operable to receive compressed air from the filter 212 and is operable to allow the flow of compressed air in one configuration and to prevent the flow of compressed air in a second configuration. The high-volume flow switch 216 is operable to receive the flow of compressed air from the flow valve 214 and is operable to change the flow rate of the compressed air passing therethrough. The pressure switch 218 is operable to receive the flow of compressed air from the high-volume flow switch 216 and regulate the pressure of the compressed air flowing to the third filter 220 and the air knife 102. Embodiments provide that the air knife 102 is operable to receive compressed air at a pressure of at least 0.3 MPa from the air tank 202.

[0039] Embodiments of the air knife 102 may be implemented by allowing the compressed air discharged from the outlet gap 114 to flow along the curved portion of the outlet gap 114 connected to the flat surface 110, such that the air flows along the flat surface 110 (eg, Figure 1 The air knife 102 is configured to provide a uniform passive flow along the width of the glass ribbon 104 (as shown by arrows 128 in the figure). Passive flow refers to air flow that is responsive to the exhausted air but in a direction different from the direction of the exhausted air. Embodiments of the air knife 102 can be operated to exhaust compressed air near the glass ribbon 104 while maintaining the stability of the glass ribbon 104 because the air knife 102 does not draw air directly from the glass ribbon 104. During the manufacturing process of the glass ribbon 104, the glass ribbon 104 is as shown in FIG. Figure 7The glass ribbon 104 is shown to move at a constant rate in a vertical downward direction. In order for the glass ribbon 104 to have a uniform thickness without defects (e.g., crystal contamination on the glass), the glass ribbon 104 should not be allowed to flex, vibrate, twist, fold, or bend. The stability of the glass ribbon 104 means that the glass ribbon 104 moves at a continuous and constant rate in a vertical downward direction during the manufacturing process without flexing, vibrating, twisting, folding, or bending. The embodiment of the air knife 102 also does not discharge compressed air directly toward the glass ribbon 104. In other words, the compressed air discharged from the air knife 102 does not cause (1) the glass ribbon 104 to move toward the air knife 102, (2) the glass ribbon 104 to move away from the air knife 102, or (3) the glass ribbon 104 to fold, bend, or twist.

[0040] Embodiments provide that the air knife 102 can be located at a constant distance from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 throughout the manufacturing and / or separation process of the glass ribbon 104. Embodiments also provide that the air knife 102 can be movably disposed near the glass ribbon 104, such that the distance between the air knife 102 and the glass ribbon 104 can be manually adjusted or changed by a user, or automatically adjusted or changed in response to a step in the manufacturing process. For example, embodiments provide that the air knife 102 can be moved relative to the glass ribbon 104, such that the distance between the air knife 102 and the glass ribbon 104 can increase or decrease when the glass ribbon 104 is separated. In embodiments, when the air knife 102 is not exhausting air, the air knife can be moved away from the glass ribbon 104 to reduce the likelihood of the glass ribbon 104 contacting the air knife 102 (e.g., during the separation process). In other embodiments, the position of the air knife 102 relative to the glass ribbon 104 can be fixed during the entire glass manufacturing process.

[0041] Reference now Figure 3 , which illustrates a bottom perspective view of the air knife 102 and the glass ribbon 104. In practice, the air knife 102 will be positioned spaced apart from the glass ribbon so that the longitudinal axis L of the air knife 102 is parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon 104 (e.g., Figure 3 The air knife 102 can be spaced apart from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 such that the buffer 116 is located between about 20 mm and about 25 mm from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 when the glass ribbon 104 is separated. Figure 7 and Figure 8704 ) can be configured to move the scoring tool 708 toward the glass ribbon 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 710 until the scoring tool 708 contacts the glass ribbon 104 and has applied sufficient pressure on the glass ribbon 104 to score its surface. The scoring device 706 will then move across the width W of the glass ribbon 104 and score the surface of the glass ribbon 104 from the first edge 304 to the second edge 306 with the scoring tool 708. The scoring device 702 is then moved away from the glass ribbon 104 as indicated by arrow 710. The separator device 718 moves the portion of the glass ribbon 104 located vertically below the fulcrum 704 horizontally toward the fulcrum 704. The separator device 718 then separates the glass ribbon 104 into the first portion 308 and the second portion 310 along the score from the first edge 304 to the second edge 306. Separating the glass ribbon 104 can result in the release of glass particles into the surrounding air. In response to the movement of the separator device 718 causing separation or at the completion of the scoring of the glass ribbon 104, by opening the flow valves 204 and 214, compressed air will be allowed to flow from the air box 202 through the inlet 302 into the plenum 112. The compressed air is then discharged or exhausted through the outlet gap 114. In an embodiment, the air knife 102 may discharge the compressed air for between about 1.5 seconds and about 2 seconds. For example, in an embodiment, the air knife 102 may begin to discharge the compressed air when the separator device 718 begins to move toward the glass ribbon 104, and then stop discharging the compressed air when the separator 718 reaches a predetermined position relative to the fulcrum 704, at which time the glass ribbon 104 is expected to be separated. The discharged compressed air may be discharged at about 90 degrees to the flat surface 110 and parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon 104. Alternatively, an embodiment may include discharging the compressed air in a direction away from the glass ribbon 104 at an angle between about 45 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the flat surface 110. The exhausted compressed air will flow along the planar surface 110 away from the glass ribbon 104 and pull the surrounding air and particles away from the glass ribbon 104 along the planar surface 110, as indicated by arrows 312. The exhausted compressed air creates a low pressure area near the glass ribbon 104, thereby causing the glass particles to flow away from the separated glass ribbon 104. The exhausted compressed air pulls the surrounding air and particles away from the glass ribbon 104, as indicated by arrows 314.

[0042] Embodiments provide that the air knife 102 is operable to discharge compressed air at a rate of about 2500 l / min to about 2700 l / min. The air knife 102 is also operable to discharge compressed air at a velocity between about 40 meters / second (m / s) to about 50 m / s.

[0043] In an embodiment, the air knife 102 can be integrated into existing glass ribbon manufacturing equipment and located near the glass ribbon 104 to redirect air particles away from the glass ribbon via the Bernoulli effect. Embodiments of the air knife 102 do not discharge air directly toward the glass ribbon 104 and do not draw air to one or more points. Discharging air directly toward the glass ribbon 104 or drawing air from the direction of the glass ribbon 104 can cause the glass ribbon 104 to bend, flutter, or twist, which can cause defects in the glass ribbon 104, such as stress and related shape changes. Defects in the glass ribbon 104 are generally undesirable for commercial products. In contrast, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for air and particles to be uniformly directed away from the glass ribbon along the width of the glass ribbon.

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for the use of passive airflow to redirect glass particles away from the glass ribbon after separation of the glass ribbon to reduce contamination of the surface of the glass ribbon. Embodiments provide: (1) passive airflow away from the glass ribbon to minimize impact on the stability of the glass ribbon during manufacturing; (2) air knives with higher efficiency than conventional vacuum equipment; (3) the ability to direct airflow in a specific direction to redirect the direction of glass particles, as opposed to conventional vacuum equipment that pulls air from all directions to a single location; (4) the ability to introduce a uniform supply of ultra-clean, high-velocity air to reduce contamination on the glass ribbon during manufacturing; and (5) a relatively easy and low-cost supply of compressed air for the air knife.

[0045] The present disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to various embodiments, but it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the presently disclosed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be covered by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for cutting a glass product, the method comprising: scoring the surface of the glass article to produce a score line; separating the glass article along the score line; as well as Compressed air is discharged from an air knife in a path substantially parallel to the surface of the glass article, the air knife comprising: a body including a distal edge and a planar surface substantially perpendicular to the glass article; a bumper located on the distal edge, adjacent to and spaced apart from the scored surface of the glass article; and an outlet gap located on the planar surface, spaced apart from the bumper and operable to discharge the compressed air perpendicular to the planar surface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the exhausted compressed air flows away from the glass article on a path along the planar surface.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressed air passes through at least one filter before being exhausted, the at least one filter being operable to remove particles from the compressed air.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the exhausted compressed air creates a low pressure area near the separated glass article, thereby causing the glass particles to flow away from the separated glass article.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the air knife discharges the compressed air for between 1.5 seconds and 2 seconds.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said expelling is initiated prior to said separating and terminated after completion of said separating.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the air knife discharges the compressed air at a rate of 2500 l / min to 2700 l / min and a speed between 40 m / s to 50 m / s.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the air knife receives the compressed air at a pressure of at least 0.3 MPa.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein during said separating, said bumper is located between 20 mm and 25 mm from said surface of said glass article across its long axis.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the glass article comprises a glass ribbon, the method further comprising drawing the glass ribbon from a forming body supplied with molten glass.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the air knife is coupled to a glass separation device located below the forming body, the glass separation device moving in the same direction and at the same rate as the glass ribbon during said separating the glass ribbon.

12. The method of claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising: The air knife is moved along an axis normal to the surface of the glass ribbon.

13. An air knife comprising: A body comprising a distal edge, a flat surface and an inflation chamber, the inflation chamber being operable to receive compressed air and direct the received compressed air to an outlet gap located on the flat surface of the body, the outlet gap extending along the longitudinal axis of the flat bottom and spaced from the distal edge, the distal edge comprising at least one buffer spaced from the outlet gap, the buffer extending along the longitudinal axis, and the outlet gap being operable to discharge the compressed air perpendicular to the flat surface.

14. The air knife of claim 12, wherein the air knife includes a filter located upstream of the outlet gap, the filter being operable to remove particles from the compressed air.

15. An air knife as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the at least one bumper comprises a first bumper located adjacent the planar surface and a second bumper located adjacent a top of the distal edge.

16. The air knife of claim 12, further comprising a valve operable to allow compressed air to flow through the outlet gap in a first configuration and to prevent compressed air from flowing through the outlet gap in a second configuration.

17. The air knife of claim 12, wherein the air knife is configured to discharge the compressed air at a rate between 2500 l / min and 2700 l / min.

18. The air knife of claim 12, wherein the air knife is configured to discharge the compressed air at a velocity between 40 m / s and 50 m / s.

19. The air knife of claim 12, wherein the air knife is operable to receive the compressed air at a pressure of at least 0.3 MPa.

20. An apparatus for making a glass ribbon, wherein the glass ribbon is scored and separated, the apparatus comprising: An air knife is positioned adjacent to a scored portion of the glass ribbon and is operable to cause glass particles to flow away from the glass ribbon by discharging compressed air in a path parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon, the air knife comprising: a body including a distal edge and a planar surface substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon; a bumper positioned on the distal edge of the body, adjacent to and spaced apart from the scored portion of the glass ribbon; and an exit gap positioned on the planar surface, spaced apart from the bumper and operable to discharge the compressed air substantially perpendicular to the planar surface.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the air knife is configured to discharge compressed air for a period of between 1.5 seconds and 2 seconds.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the buffer is positioned between the glass ribbon and the body.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the exhausted compressed air creates a low pressure area near the separated glass ribbon, thereby causing the exhausted compressed air to flow along the planar surface and away from the glass ribbon.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the discharged compressed air causes a stream of glass particles generated by breaking the glass to move away from the glass ribbon.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the bumper is spaced apart from the glass ribbon by a distance between 20 millimeters and 25 millimeters throughout the length of the bumper.

26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the exit gap is spaced apart from the first surface of the glass ribbon by a distance between 30 mm and 35 mm throughout the length of the exit gap.

27. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the buffer comprises a high temperature resistant silicone material having a melting point above 400 degrees Celsius.

28. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the air knife is coupled to a glass separation apparatus configured to move in the same direction and at the same rate as the glass ribbon.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the air knife is configured to move along an axis normal to a major surface of the glass ribbon.

Images