Apparatus and method for forming thin glass

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for making glass articles include forming a glass ribbon from a glass delivery device, the glass ribbon extending in a transverse direction below the glass delivery device and including a first edge region, a center region, and a second edge region in the transverse direction, wherein each of the first edge region and the second edge region of the glass ribbon is in contact with a pair of edge rollers proximate the glass delivery device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 592678, filed October 24, 2023, pursuant to 35 USC §119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to apparatus and methods for forming thin glass, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for forming ultrathin flexible glass. Background Technology

[0004] In the production of glass products, such as glass sheets for displays in televisions and handheld devices (e.g., phones and tablets), molten glass is formed into glass sheets by flowing it from a forming apparatus into a glass ribbon. Depending on the glass composition and desired glass thickness, significant challenges can arise in producing glass sheets with acceptable properties, such as thickness uniformity. Furthermore, the width of the glass ribbon tends to taper below the forming apparatus; this phenomenon is commonly referred to as ribbon width decay. This decay not only reduces the volume of glass available in a given process but can also adversely affect properties such as thickness uniformity. Therefore, it is desirable to produce glass sheets with relatively uniform thicknesses from a variety of different glass compositions, such as increasingly wider and thinner sheets. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments disclosed herein include a method for manufacturing a glass article. The method includes forming a glass ribbon from a glass conveying device. The glass ribbon extends laterally below the glass conveying device and includes a first edge region, a center region, and a second edge region in the lateral direction. The method further includes contacting each of the first and second edge regions of the glass ribbon with a pair of edge rollers adjacent to the glass conveying device.

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein also include an apparatus for manufacturing glass articles. The apparatus includes a glass conveying device that extends laterally and includes a first edge region, a center region, and a second edge region. The apparatus further includes: a pair of edge rollers adjacent to the glass conveying device; and a pair of opposing movable common panels adjacent to the pair of edge rollers.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the following detailed description, and will be apparent in part from the description or to those skilled in the art by practice of the disclosed embodiments described herein (including the following detailed description, claims and drawings).

[0008] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claimed embodiments. Drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain their principles and operation. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of glass manufacturing equipment and processes;

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic perspective end view of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a conveying device with a conveying orifice;

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic perspective side view of a part of a glass manufacturing equipment;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus including edge rollers and a movable co-panel according to embodiments herein;

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic perspective end view of an example glass manufacturing equipment;

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 4 and Figure 5 A schematic perspective side view of an example glass manufacturing equipment;

[0015] Figure 7 A bottom cross-sectional view of an example glass strip according to an embodiment disclosed herein;

[0016] Figure 8 A side sectional view of an example edge roller according to an embodiment disclosed herein;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective end view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective end view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0020] In this document, a range may be expressed as from “about” a specific value and / or to “about” another specific value. When expressing this range, another embodiment includes from one specific value and / or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation, for example by using the antecedent “about,” it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that the endpoints of each range are meaningful relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0021] The directional terms used in this article—such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom—are used only with reference to the drawn diagrams and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0022] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is never intended to interpret any method set forth herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order, nor is it intended to require any particular orientation of any device. Therefore, it is never intended to infer any order or orientation where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps are followed, or where any device claim does not actually describe the order or orientation of individual components, or where the claims or description do not otherwise specifically state that the steps will be limited to a particular order, or where a particular order or orientation of the components of the device is not described. This applies to any possible non-expressive basis for interpretation, including: logical questions concerning the arrangement of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components, or the orientation of components; simple meanings derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0023] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” contain plural indicators. Thus, for example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a reference to the component “a” includes an aspect having two or more such components.

[0024] As used herein, the term "molten glass" refers to a glass composition at or above its liquidus temperature (above which the crystalline phase cannot coexist in equilibrium with the glass).

[0025] As used herein, the term “liquidous viscosity” refers to the viscosity of a glass composition at its liquidus temperature.

[0026] As used herein, the term "proximate the delivery orifice" means a distance of at least a portion of the delivery orifice of the glass conveying device that is less than or equal to about 50 mm.

[0027] As used herein, the term “proximity” to the “first edge region” of a glass strip refers to a location closer to the first edge of the glass strip in its transverse direction than the central region or second edge of the glass strip in its transverse direction.

[0028] As used herein, the term “proximity” to the “second edge zone” of a glass strip refers to a location that is closer to the second edge of the glass strip in its transverse direction than the central zone or the first edge of the glass strip in its transverse direction.

[0029] As used herein, the term “near” the “central area” of a glass strip refers to a location closer to the central area of ​​the glass strip in its transverse direction than the first or second edge of the glass strip in its transverse direction.

[0030] As used herein, the term "thermally conductive" refers to a material having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to about 10 W / m·K at 25°C.

[0031] As used herein, the term “relatively farther” means a distance from an object, device, or area that is at least twice the distance from the object, device, or area “relatively closer”.

[0032] Figure 1 An exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown. In some instances, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a glass melting furnace 12 that may contain a melting vessel 14. In addition to the melting vessel 14, the glass melting furnace 12 includes one or more additional components, such as heating elements (described in more detail herein), which heat the raw material and convert it into molten glass. In another instance, the glass melting furnace 12 may include thermal management devices (e.g., insulation components) that reduce heat loss from the vicinity of the melting vessel. In yet another instance, the glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic and / or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting the raw material into a glass melt. Furthermore, the glass melting furnace 12 may include a support structure (e.g., a support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0033] The glass melting vessel 14 is typically constructed of refractory materials, such as refractory ceramic materials, including alumina or zirconium oxide. In some instances, the glass melting vessel 14 may be constructed of refractory ceramic bricks. Specific embodiments of the glass melting vessel 14 will be described in more detail below.

[0034] In some instances, a glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus to manufacture glass substrates, such as glass strips having a continuous length. In some instances, the glass melting furnace of this disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus, including slot drawing equipment, float glass bath equipment, down-drawing equipment (e.g., fusion process), up-drawing equipment, pressure roller equipment, tube drawing equipment, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the aspects disclosed herein.

[0035] Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 positioned upstream of glass melting vessel 14. In some instances, a portion or all of upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12.

[0036] As illustrated in the example shown, the upstream glass manufacturing equipment 16 may include a storage silo 18, a raw material conveying device 20, and an electric motor 22 connected to the raw material conveying device. The storage silo 18 may be configured to store a certain amount of raw material batch 24, which can be fed into the melting vessel 14 of the glass melting furnace 12, as indicated by arrow 26. The raw material batch 24 typically comprises one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material conveying device 20 may be powered by the electric motor 22, such that the raw material conveying device 20 conveys a predetermined amount of raw material batch 24 from the storage silo 18 to the melting vessel 14. In other examples, the electric motor 22 may power the raw material conveying device 20 to introduce the raw material batch 24 at a controlled rate based on the level of the molten glass sensed downstream of the melting vessel 14. The raw material batch 24 within the melting vessel 14 may then be heated to form molten glass 28.

[0037] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 positioned downstream of the glass melting furnace 12. In some instances, a portion of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. In some cases, the first connecting line 32 discussed below or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. Components of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus (including the first connecting line 32) may be formed of precious metals. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals or alloys thereof selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and palladium. For example, downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may be formed of a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising about 100% to about 60% by weight of platinum and about 0% to about 40% by weight of rhodium. However, other suitable metals may include molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof. Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) precious metal alloys are also possible.

[0038] Downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel, such as a refining vessel 34, located downstream of the molten vessel 14 and connected to the molten vessel 14 via the aforementioned first connecting conduit 32. In some instances, molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the molten vessel 14 to the refining vessel 34 via the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity may cause the molten glass 28 to pass through the internal passage of the first connecting conduit 32 from the molten vessel 14 to the refining vessel 34. However, it should be understood that other conditioning vessels may be located downstream of the molten vessel 14, for example, between the molten vessel 14 and the refining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning vessel may be employed between the molten vessel and the refining vessel, wherein molten glass from the main molten vessel is further heated to continue the melting process or cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the molten glass in the molten vessel before entering the refining vessel.

[0039] Various techniques can be used to remove air bubbles from the molten glass 28 within the clarifying vessel 34. For example, the feed batch 24 may contain a multivalent compound (i.e., a clarifying agent) that undergoes a chemical reduction reaction upon heating and releases oxygen, such as tin oxide. Other suitable clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and cerium. The clarifying vessel 34 is heated to a temperature higher than that of the molten vessel, thereby heating the molten glass and the clarifying agent. Oxygen bubbles generated by the chemical reduction induced by the temperature of one or more clarifying agents rise through the molten glass within the clarifying vessel, where gases generated in the molten glass in the furnace can diffuse or coalesce into oxygen bubbles generated by the clarifying agent. Subsequently, the enlarged bubbles can rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the clarifying vessel and then exit from the clarifying vessel. The oxygen bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the clarifying vessel.

[0040] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36 for mixing molten glass. The mixing vessel 36 may be located downstream of the refining vessel 34. The mixing vessel 36 can be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing streaks with chemical or thermal inhomogeneities that may otherwise exist within the refined molten glass leaving the refining vessel. As shown, the refining vessel 34 may be connected to the mixing vessel 36 via a second connecting conduit 38. In some instances, molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the refining vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 via the second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity may cause the molten glass 28 to pass through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38 from the refining vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36. It should be noted that although the mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of the refining vessel 34, the mixing vessel 36 may be positioned upstream of the refining vessel 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, such as a mixing vessel upstream of the refining vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream of the refining vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels may have the same design or may have different designs.

[0041] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another regulating container, such as a conveying container 40, located downstream of the mixing container 36. The conveying container 40 regulates the molten glass 28 to be fed into the downstream forming apparatus. For example, the conveying container 40 may act as a reservoir and / or flow controller to regulate the continuous flow of the molten glass 28 and / or provide the continuous flow to the forming body 42 via an outlet line 44. As shown, the mixing container 36 may be connected to the conveying container 40 via a third connecting line 46. In some instances, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the mixing container 36 to the conveying container 40 via the third connecting line 46. For example, gravity may drive the molten glass 28 through the internal passage of the third connecting line 46 from the mixing container 36 to the conveying container 40.

[0042] Downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may further include forming equipment 48, which includes the glass conveying device 42 mentioned above and an inlet pipe 50. An outlet pipe 44 may be positioned to convey molten glass 28 from the conveying container 40 to the inlet pipe 50 of the forming equipment 48. For example, the outlet pipe 44 may be nested within and spaced apart from the inner surface of the inlet pipe 50, thereby providing a free surface for the molten glass positioned between the outer surface of the outlet pipe 44 and the inner surface of the inlet pipe 50. The glass conveying device 42 may include a conveying orifice (e.g., Figure 3As shown in the conveyor slit 142, molten glass flows through the conveyor orifice to produce individual glass strips 58. These individual glass strips 58 are drawn in the drawing or flow direction 60 by applying tension (e.g., by gravity, edge rollers 72, and traction rollers 82) to control the size of the glass strips as they cool and their viscosity increases. Thus, the glass strips 58 undergo a viscoelastic transition and acquire mechanical properties that give them stable dimensional characteristics. In some embodiments, the glass strips 58 can be separated into individual glass sheets 62 within the elastic region of the glass strip by a glass separation device 100. A robot 64 can then use a clamping tool 65 to transfer the individual glass sheets 62 to a conveyor system for further processing.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic perspective end view of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown, comprising a glass conveying device 42 with a conveying orifice (conveyor slot 142). Molten glass flows out from the conveyor slot 142 to form a glass ribbon 58. Specifically, the glass ribbon 58 flows out from the glass conveying device 42 and flows between a first forming roller 180A and a second forming roller 180B, each rotating in the direction indicated by the dashed line and the curved arrow. The glass ribbon 58 can be further drawn by applying tension to it (e.g., by gravity, a group of opposing edge rollers 72A and 72B, and a group of opposing traction rollers 82A and 82B) to control the size of the glass ribbon 58 as the glass cools and its viscosity increases. Furthermore, although... Figure 2 A set of opposing edge rollers and traction rollers is shown, but the embodiments disclosed herein may include more than one set of opposing edge rollers and / or more than one set of traction rollers.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, forming rollers 180A and 180B may be configured according to forming rollers shown and described in WO2009 / 070236, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Forming rollers 180A and 180B may be configured to provide controlled adhesion between forming rollers 180A and 180B and the glass strip 58. While not limited to any particular value, the diameters of forming rollers 180A and 180B may, for example, range from about 20 mm to about 500 mm and all ranges and subranges therein. Additionally, forming rollers 180A and 180B may be made of a refractory material, which, while not limited to any particular refractory material, may include metallic materials (e.g., stainless steel) and / or refractory ceramic materials.

[0045] The forming rollers 180A and 180B may also include one or more mechanisms for controlling their temperature, such as cooling mechanisms, wherein cooling fluid flows through or around the forming rollers 180A and 180B. For example, the forming rollers 180A and 180B may include at least one channel (not shown) configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through them. Depending on the configuration of the temperature control mechanism, the cooling fluid may include a liquid such as water, or a gas such as nitrogen or air.

[0046] Although not limited to any specific value, the nearest distance between the glass conveying device 42 and the forming rollers 180A and 180B can be, for example, in the range of about 50 mm to about 1,000 mm and all ranges and subranges in between.

[0047] Figure 3 exhibit Figure 2 A schematic perspective side view of a portion of the glass manufacturing equipment 10 shown in the image. Figure 3 As can be seen, molten glass flows out from the conveying trough 142 of the glass conveying device 42 to form a glass ribbon 58, which is formed between the first forming roller 180A and the second forming roller 180B. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) flows between [various points]. The glass ribbon 58 flows in the transverse direction (in [various directions]). Figure 3 (Indicated by arrow 'W') extends below the conveyor slot 142. As... Figure 3 As shown, the lateral extension of the glass strip 58 shortens or attenuates below the conveying slot 142 from a first width (shown as 'W1') near the conveying slot 142 to a second width (shown as 'W2') at a certain distance below the conveying slot, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width (the attenuation is indicated by arrow 'A'). Figure 3 The image further shows that the glass strip 58 includes a first edge region 'E1', a central region 'C', and a second edge region 'E2' in the lateral direction.

[0048] Figure 4 A schematic bottom view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10 according to embodiments herein, comprising edge rollers 300A to 300D and movable common panels 200A to 200B. Specifically, the edge rollers 300A to 300D comprise a first edge roller 300A near the first edge region 'E1' adjacent to the transport chute 142 and an opposing second edge roller 300B. The edge rollers 300A to 300D also comprise a third edge roller 300C near the second edge region 'E2' adjacent to the transport chute 142 and an opposing fourth edge roller 300D. The movable common panels 200A to 200B comprise a first movable common panel 200A near the center region 'C' adjacent to the transport chute 142 and an opposing second movable common panel 200B.

[0049] Figure 5 The illustration includes edge rollers 300A to 300D and movable common panels 200A to 200B, according to embodiments herein. Figure 4 A schematic perspective end view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10. (See example...) Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the movable panels 200A to 200B can each move between a first position relatively farther from the transport slot 142 and a second position relatively closer to the transport slot 142. For example, these panels can slide between the first position and the second position (in... Figures 4 to 5 (Indicated by arrow 'S'). This sliding movement can be achieved by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as by using a servo motor and / or a counterweight mechanism.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the movable common panels 200A to 200B may include a material having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 2 W / m·K at 25°C, for example, less than or equal to about 1 W / m·K at 25°C, and further, for example, less than or equal to about 0.5 W / m·K at 25°C, and further, for example, less than or equal to about 0.2 W / m·K at 25°C, and even further, for example, less than or equal to about 0.1 W / m·K at 25°C, including from about 0.001 W / m·K at 25°C to about 2 W / m·K at 25°C, for example, from about 0.01 W / m·K at 25°C to about 1 W / m·K at 25°C, and further, for example, from about 0.05 W / m·K at 25°C to about 0.5 W / m·K at 25°C.

[0051] While not limited to any particular material, in some exemplary embodiments, the movable common panels 200A to 200B may include at least one material selected from refractory insulating ceramic materials, such as refractory insulating ceramic materials including at least one of alumina or mullite, including, but not limited to, refractory insulating materials including alumina available from Zircar Ceramics.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the movable common panels 200A to 200B may be housed or positioned adjacent to a plurality of parallel conduits (not shown) configured to allow fluid, such as air, to flow through them, with the fluid flowing toward the delivery slot 142. The movable common panels 200A to 200B may also be housed or positioned adjacent to a fluid-containing enclosure or channel, such as a water-containing enclosure or channel (not shown). The parallel conduits and / or fluid-containing enclosures or channels may be movable independently relative to each other and / or relative to the movable common panels 200A to 200B, and may further enable heat transfer in the vicinity of the delivery slot 142 (e.g., to further enable thickness control of the glass strip 58, etc.). Furthermore, although Figure 5The common panels 200A to 200B are shown positioned at a height higher than the edge rollers 300A to 300D, but the embodiments disclosed herein include embodiments in which the common panels 200A to 200B are positioned at the same height as or lower than the edge rollers 300A to 300D.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the movable co-panels 200A to 200B may include or be coated with a refractory thermally conductive material, such as silicon carbide (SiC). For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the movable co-panels 200A to 200B may include a base portion covered by a thermally conductive material (e.g., SiC) layer or a thermal insulation material layer (e.g., including at least one of alumina or mullite). In some exemplary embodiments, the movable co-panels 200A to 200B may include a low-emissivity surface layer to minimize radiative heat transfer between the transport slot 142 and / or the glass strip 58 and the movable co-panels 200A to 200B. Exemplary low-emissivity surface layer materials include, but are not limited to, polished metals, such as polished platinum.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, edge rollers 300A and 300B are positioned below the conveyor sluice 142 such that they contact the glass strip 58 at a vertical distance below the conveyor sluice, the vertical distance being the same as the vertical distance between the conveyor sluice 142 and the rotation axis of the edge rollers 300A and 300B (in [the context of the diagram]). Figure 5 (The same applies as shown in the diagram 'VD'). In an exemplary embodiment, edge rollers 300A and 300B contact the glass strip 58 at a vertical distance of less than about 25 mm, for example less than about 20 mm, and further for example less than about 15 mm, including about 5 mm to about 25 mm and further including about 10 mm to about 20 mm from the conveyor slit 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of each of the pair of edge rollers 300A and 300B (in the diagram) is approximately the same as the diameter of the glass strip 58. Figure 5 (Displayed as 'RD') in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm, for example about 10 mm to about 25 mm, and further for example about 15 mm to about 20 mm. In exemplary embodiments, edge rollers 300A and 300B may comprise refractory metal and / or ceramic materials.

[0055] Figure 6 exhibit Figure 4 and Figure 5 A schematic perspective side view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10. (See example...) Figure 6As shown, edge rollers 300B and 300D contact the glass strip 58 below the conveying slit 142. Specifically, edge roller 300B contacts the first edge region 'E1' of the glass strip 58, and edge roller 300D contacts the second edge region 'E2' of the glass strip 58, wherein the central region 'C' of the glass strip 58 extends between the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' in the transverse direction of the glass strip 58.

[0056] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, the minimum temperature of the first edge zone 'E1' contacted by the edge roller 300B is shown as T. min1 The minimum temperature of the second edge zone 'E2' contacted by edge roller 300D is shown as T. min2 And the maximum temperature in the central area 'C' is displayed as T. max Additionally, the maximum viscosity of the first edge region 'E1' contacted by edge roller 300B is shown to be V. max1 The maximum viscosity of the second edge region 'E2', which is contacted by the edge roller 300D, is shown to be V. max2 The minimum viscosity of the central region 'C' is shown as V. min T min1 With T min2 The lowest temperature between is specified as T. min (Minimum temperature of the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2'), and V max1 With V max2 The highest viscosity between is specified as V. max (Maximum viscosity of the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2').

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the viscosity of the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' contacted by the edge rollers 300B or 300D is in the range of about 250 kpoise (kP) to about 1 megapoise (MPa), for example about 300 kpoise (kP) to about 600 kpoise (kP), and further, for example, about 350 kpoise (kP) to about 500 kpoise (kP). In some exemplary embodiments, the minimum temperature T of the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' contacted by the edge rollers 300B or 300D is... min The maximum temperature T of the central region 'C' between the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' in contact with the edge rollers 300B or 300D is [not specified]. max The difference between them is less than about 30°C, for example less than about 25°C, and further, for example less than about 20°C, for example about 5°C to about 30°C, and further, for example about 15°C to about 25°C. In some exemplary embodiments, the maximum viscosity V of the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' contacted by the edge rollers 300B or 300D is... maxThe minimum viscosity V between the central region 'C' and the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' in contact with edge rollers 300B or 300D min The difference between them is less than about 500 kpoll (kP), for example less than about 250 kpoll (kP), including about 50 kpoll (kP) to about 500 kpoll (kP), and further, for example, about 100 kpoll (kP) to about 250 kpoll (kP).

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment described above, the glass strip 58 located at a predetermined distance below the transport slit 142 has at least a minimum width relative to the width of the transport slit. For example, referring to... Figure 3 The glass strip may be adjacent to the transport slit 142 and have a first width 'W1' that is substantially equal to the width of the transport slit 142, and a second width 'W2' that is less than the width of the transport slit 142 at a predetermined distance below the transport slit 142. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein include embodiments in which the width of the glass strip 58 100 mm below the transport slit 142 is at least about 85%, for example at least about 90%, and further, for example at least about 95%, comprising about 85% to about 95%.

[0059] The embodiments disclosed herein include embodiments in which the width of the glass strip 58 at a predetermined distance below the transport slit 142 is relatively insensitive to the flow density of the glass strip 58. These embodiments include embodiments in which, when the flow density of the glass strip changes by 10%, the width change of the glass strip 58 100 mm below the transport slit 142 is less than about 2%, for example less than about 1.5%, and further, for example less than about 1%, comprising about 0.5% to about 2%, and further comprising about 1% to about 1.5%.

[0060] Figure 7 A bottom cross-sectional view of an example glass strip 58 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is shown. The glass strip 58 includes a first edge region 'E1', a center region 'C', and a second edge region 'E2' in the lateral direction. The first edge region 'E1' has a maximum thickness ( Figure 7 The second edge region has the maximum thickness (shown as 'TE1' in the middle). Figure 7 (displayed as 'TE2' in the middle), and the central area has the minimum thickness ( Figure 7(Displayed as 'TC'). In some exemplary embodiments, the minimum thickness 'TC' of the central region 'C' is less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, for example less than or equal to about 75 micrometers, and further for example less than or equal to about 50 micrometers, for example about 20 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, and further for example about 25 micrometers to about 75 micrometers, and further for example about 30 micrometers to about 50 micrometers. In some exemplary embodiments, the maximum thickness 'TE1' of the first edge region 'E1' and the maximum thickness 'TE2' of the second edge region 'E2' are less than about 5 times, for example less than about 4 times, and further for example less than about 3 times, for example about 1.5 times to about 5 times, and further for example about 2 times to 4 times, and further for example about 2.5 times to 3 times. The embodiments disclosed herein include the following embodiments: the boundary between the central region 'C' and each of the first edge region 'E1' and the second edge region 'E2' is defined as occurring when the thickness of the glass strip 58 from the central region to each edge region first reaches at least 1.12 times the minimum thickness 'TC' of the central region 'C'.

[0061] Figure 8 This image shows a side sectional view of an example edge roller 300 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The edge roller 300 is positioned on a shaft 302 and includes a central internal channel 304 and an annular internal channel 306 circumferentially surrounding the central internal channel 304. The central internal channel 304 is configured to allow working fluid to flow into the edge roller 300 (in...). Figure 8 (Indicated by arrow 'FI'), and the annular internal channel 306 is configured to allow the working fluid to flow out from the edge roller 300 (in Figure 8 (Indicated by the arrow 'FO').

[0062] The embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the working fluid comprises a liquid (e.g., water) and / or a gas, such as air, nitrogen, or an inert gas (e.g., helium, neon, argon, etc.). In some exemplary embodiments, the working fluid flowing into the edge roller 300 may comprise both liquid and gas, such as a spray or mist of a liquid (e.g., water) flowing within a gas stream (e.g., air). As the liquid and gas streams flow through the edge roller 300, some or all of the liquid may evaporate, thereby producing an evaporative cooling effect within the edge roller 300.

[0063] While not limited to any particular temperature range, in some exemplary embodiments, the working fluid may have a temperature in the range of about 0°C to about 100°C, for example about 10°C to about 90°C, and further, for example, about 20°C to about 80°C. The flow rate and temperature of the working fluid may be adjusted or varied according to methods known to those skilled in the art in order to achieve a desired level of heat transfer between the edge roller 300 and the glass strip 58.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass strip 58 may include a glass composition comprising a liquidus viscosity less than or equal to about 100 kiloposide (kP), for example, a liquidus viscosity in the range of about 100 poise (p) to about 100 kiloposide (kP), and further, for example, a liquidus viscosity in the range of about 500 poise (p) to about 50 kiloposide (kP), and further, for example, a liquidus viscosity in the range of about 1 kiloposide (kP) to about 20 kiloposide (kP) and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass strip may include a glass composition having a liquidus temperature greater than or equal to about 900°C, for example, a liquidus temperature in the range of about 900°C to about 1,450°C, and further, for example, a liquidus temperature in the range of about 950°C to about 1,400°C, and even further, for example, a liquidus temperature in the range of about 1,000°C to about 1,350°C.

[0066] The embodiments disclosed herein enable the production of glass articles, such as thin glass sheets for electronic devices, using various glass compositions comprising, but not limited to: glass compositions comprising 58 to 65 wt% SiO2, 14 to 20 wt% Al2O3, 8 to 12 wt% B2O3, 1 to 3 wt% MgO, 5 to 10 wt% CaO, and 0.5 to 2 wt% SrO; alkali-free glass compositions comprising 58 to 65 wt% SiO2, 16 to 22 wt% Al2O3, 1 to 5 wt% B2O3, 1 to 4 wt% MgO, 2 to 6 wt% CaO, 1 to 4 wt% SrO, and 5 to 10 wt% BaO; and alkali-free glass compositions comprising 57 to 61 wt% SiO2, 17 to 21 wt% Al2O3, 5 to 8 wt% B2O3, 1 to 5 wt% MgO, 3 to 9 wt% CaO, 0 to 6 wt% SrO, and 0 to 7 wt% SrO. Alkali-free glass compositions comprising BaO; or alkali-containing glass compositions comprising 55 to 72 wt% SiO2, 12 to 24 wt% Al2O3, 10 to 18 wt% Na2O, 0 to 10 wt% B2O3, 0 to 5 wt% K2O, 0 to 5 wt% MgO and 0 to 5 wt% CaO, wherein in some embodiments, the compositions may further comprise 1 to 5 wt% K2O and 1 to 5 wt% MgO.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein also enable increased flexibility in using the same production equipment for different glass compositions (e.g., glass compositions with different liquidus temperatures or liquidus viscosities) and / or different glass ribbon material densities to produce ultrathin flat glass sheets, wherein the glass sheets are produced using glass ribbon tension within the working range, with reduced glass ribbon attenuation (i.e., more usable glass ribbon width) and / or minimized undesirable glass ribbon stress (which can, for example, lead to process disruptions and / or undesirable glass ribbon shapes for producing these glass sheets).

[0068] For example, the embodiments disclosed herein include the following embodiment: a glass strip comprising a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region in the transverse direction is contacted at each of its edge regions by a pair of edge rollers, wherein the first and second edge regions contacted by the edge rollers have a viscosity in the range of about 250 kiloposide (kP) to about 1 megaposide (MP), and the minimum temperature T of the first and second edge regions contacted by the edge rollers is... min The maximum temperature T in the central area between the first edge zone and the second edge zone in contact with the edge rollers. max The temperature difference between them is less than about 30°C, and the maximum viscosity V in the first and second edge regions contacted by the edge rollers is... max The minimum viscosity V in the central region between the first edge region and the second edge region contacted by the edge rollers min The difference between them is less than about 500 kpoll (kP), the glass strip comprises a glass composition having a liquidus temperature greater than or equal to about 900°C, the width of the glass strip 100 mm below the glass conveyor is at least about 85% of the width of the glass conveyor, the central region of the glass strip has a minimum thickness of less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, the maximum thickness of the first edge region and the second edge region is less than about 5 times the minimum thickness of the central region, and / or when the flow density of the glass strip changes by 10%, the width of the glass strip 100 mm below the glass conveyor changes by less than about 2%.

[0069] Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to the slot drawing process, it should be understood that these embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming processes, such as fusion, float, updraw, tube drawing and roll forming.

[0070] For example, although Figures 1 to 6A glass conveying device 42 with a conveying slot 142 is shown, but the embodiments disclosed herein are also applicable to glass conveying devices including a glass forming apparatus comprising two sides on which molten glass flows and converges at a root, the molten glass flowing from the root to form a glass ribbon, as shown and described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,338,696 and 3,682,609, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] For example, Figure 9 A schematic perspective end view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10' including a glass forming device 42' comprising two sides on which molten glass flows and converges at a root 142', from which the molten glass flows to form a glass ribbon 58. According to an embodiment herein, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10' includes edge rollers 300A to 300D and movable co-panels 200A to 200B. The movable co-panels 200A to 200B are each movable between a first position relatively farther from the root 142' and a second position relatively closer to the root 142'. For example, these plates can slide between the first position and the second position (in... Figures 4 to 5 (Indicated by arrow 'S'). This sliding movement can be achieved by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as by using a servo motor and / or a counterweight mechanism.

[0072] like Figure 9 As can be seen, the movable common panels 200A to 200B are located at a height higher than the root 142' of the glass forming device 42', while the edge rollers 300A to 300D are located at a height lower than the root 142' of the glass forming device 42'. Specifically, the edge rollers 300A and 300B are located below the root 142', such that they contact the glass strip 58 at a vertical distance below the root 142', said vertical distance being the vertical distance between the root 142' and the rotation axis of the edge rollers 300A and 300B (in... Figure 9 The two edge rollers 300A and 300B are substantially the same (shown as 'VD' in the text). In an exemplary embodiment, the edge rollers 300A and 300B contact the glass strip 58 at a vertical distance of less than about 25 mm, for example less than about 20 mm, and further for example less than about 15 mm, including about 5 mm to about 25 mm and further including about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from the root 142'. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of each of the pair of edge rollers 300A and 300B (in the text) is approximately the same. Figure 9 (Displayed as 'RD') in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm, for example about 10 mm to about 25 mm and further for example about 15 mm to about 20 mm.

[0073] Figure 10 A schematic perspective end view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10' including a glass forming device 42' is shown. The glass forming device 42' includes two sides on which molten glass flows and converges at a root 142', from which the molten glass flows to form a glass ribbon 58. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10' includes an edge roller (…). Figure 10 (Not shown in the image) and movable co-panels 200A to 200B. Each of the movable co-panels 200A to 200B includes a base portion 202A to 202B of a thermally insulating material (e.g., including at least one of alumina or mullite), which is partially covered by a thermally conductive material layer 204A to 204B (e.g., SiC), wherein the thermally conductive material layer 204A to 204B extends between the glass forming apparatus 42' and the base portion 202A to 202B.

[0074] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10' further includes a first movable coplanar housing 400A to 400B located below movable coplanar panels 200A to 200B, and a second movable coplanar housing 500A to 500B located below the first movable coplanar housing 400A to 400B. The first movable coplanar housing 400A to 400B houses a plurality of parallel conduits 402A to 402B configured to allow fluid (e.g., air) to flow through them, wherein the fluid flows toward the root 142'. The second movable coplanar housing 500A to 500B houses fluid (e.g., water) receiving channels 502A to 502B. The first movable coplanar housings 400A to 400B and the second movable coplanar housings 500A to 500B can move independently relative to each other and / or the movable coplanar panels 200A to 200B, and can further achieve heat transfer near the root 142' (e.g., to further achieve thickness control of the glass strip 58, etc.).

[0075] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure cover such modifications and variations, provided that they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing glass articles, comprising: A glass strip is formed from a glass conveying device, the glass strip extending laterally below the glass conveying device, the glass strip including a first edge region, a center region and a second edge region in the lateral direction; as well as Each of the first and second edge regions of the glass strip is brought into contact with a pair of edge rollers adjacent to the glass conveying device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the edge roller contacts the glass strip at a vertical distance of less than about 25 mm from the glass conveying device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first edge region and the second edge region contacted by the edge roller have a viscosity in the range of about 250 kiloposide (kP) to about 1 megaposide (MP).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the minimum temperature T of the first edge region and the second edge region contacted by the edge roller is... min The maximum temperature T in the central region between the first edge region and the second edge region in contact with the edge rollers. max The difference between them is less than about 30°C.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the maximum viscosity V of the first edge region and the second edge region contacted by the edge roller is... max The minimum viscosity V in the central region between the first edge region and the second edge region contacted by the edge rollers min The difference is less than approximately 500 kilopoises (kP).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glass ribbon comprises a glass composition having a liquidus temperature greater than or equal to about 900°C.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the width of the glass strip 100 mm below the glass conveying device is at least about 85% of the width of the glass conveying device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the central region has a minimum thickness of less than or equal to about 100 micrometers.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maximum thickness of the first edge region and the second edge region is less than about 5 times the minimum thickness of the central region.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the flow density of the glass strip changes by 10%, the width of the glass strip 100 mm below the glass conveying device changes by less than about 2%.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the pair of edge rollers has a diameter ranging from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the working fluid flows through each of the pair of edge rollers.

13. A glass product manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A glass conveying device that extends in the lateral direction and includes a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region; A pair of edge rollers, which are close to the glass conveying device; as well as A pair of opposing movable common panels, which are close to the pair of edge rollers.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the edge roller is configured to rotate about a central axis located at a vertical distance of less than about 25 mm from the glass conveying device.

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each of the pair of edge rollers has a diameter ranging from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

16. The device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each of the pair of edge rollers is configured to allow working fluid to flow through it.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein each of the pair of edge rollers comprises at least one of a refractory metal or a ceramic material.

18. The device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the device comprises at least one of: a pair of first movable coplanar housings, each of the first movable coplanar housings including a plurality of parallel conduits configured to allow flow through therethrough; and a pair of second movable coplanar housings, each of the second movable coplanar housings including a fluid receiving channel, wherein each of the first movable coplanar housings, the second movable coplanar housings and / or the opposing movable coplanar panels is movable independently relative to each other.

19. A glass article prepared by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

20. An electronic device comprising the glass article according to claim 19.

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