Apparatus and method for separating edge portions from glass ribbon

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus including a forming apparatus including an edge portion separating assembly. The edge portion separating assembly includes a scoring device coupled to a scoring tool, an auxiliary roller, a pair of stabilizing rollers configured to sandwich a central portion of the glass ribbon therebetween, and a separating roller configured to apply a separating force to an edge portion of the glass ribbon to separate the edge portion from the central portion. The edge portion separating apparatus may further include a first plurality of guide rollers positioned to guide the separated edge portion away from the central portion, and a second plurality of guide rollers configured to guide the central portion. The forming apparatus further includes a cross-cut assembly configured to separate the glass sheet from the central portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 223,736, filed July 20, 2021, the contents of which are reliably incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to glass manufacturing apparatus and methods, and more particularly to manufacturing apparatus and methods for separating edge portions from a glass ribbon while the ribbon is being drawn from a molten material. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known to score the width of the glass ribbon and then separate the ribbon to produce a glass sheet by bending the ribbon across the score using a separate handling apparatus. Typically, bending the glass ribbon using a handling apparatus creates unwanted excessive and / or uneven bending stresses in the glass ribbon due in part to the unscored edge portions. Upon separation, such excessive and / or uneven bending stresses can cause vibrations, warping and / or twisting of the glass ribbon, which can propagate up the glass ribbon to a viscous zone and / or setting zone, creating defects in the glass ribbon as it is formed. These defects can then be frozen into the glass ribbon in an elastic zone. After the glass sheet is formed, the edge portions of the glass sheet are removed in a downstream finishing process. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description. These and other features, aspects, and advantages will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0005] According to various embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed that includes a forming body configured to form a glass ribbon that descends from the forming body in a draw direction along a draw path that resides in a draw plane, and an edge portion separation assembly disposed below the forming body and configured to separate an edge portion of the glass ribbon from a center portion of the glass ribbon. The edge portion separation assembly can include a scoring device disposed below the forming body and configured to form a first score along a length of the glass ribbon in the draw direction. The scoring device can be moveable relative to the draw plane.

[0006] In an embodiment, the edge portion separation assembly may further include a separation roller disposed downstream of the scoring device and configured to apply a force to an edge portion of the glass ribbon that is outboard of the first score to separate the edge portion of the glass ribbon from the center portion. In various embodiments, the edge portion separation assembly may further include a pair of stabilizing rollers disposed proximate to the separation roller and arranged to sandwich the center portion of the glass ribbon that is inboard of the first score therebetween. In some embodiments, at least one stabilizing roller of the pair of stabilizing rollers may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the drawing direction. Each stabilizing roller of the pair of stabilizing rollers includes a rotation axis. The stabilizing roller axes may be parallel to each other. The rotation axis of the separation roller may be disposed downstream of the first horizontal plane and may be parallel to one or more of the rotation axes of the stabilizing rollers. The rotation axis of the separation roller may be rotatable in a second horizontal plane.

[0007] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can further include a first plurality of guide rollers disposed below the separation roller and arranged to guide the separated edge portion along a second path different from the drawing path. The first plurality of guide rollers can be movable in a direction perpendicular to the drawing direction. For example, each guide roller of the first plurality of guide rollers is coupled to an actuator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can further include a second scoring device disposed downstream of the first scoring device and configured to form a second score across a width of the central portion perpendicular to the draw direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can further include a chute, the chute configured to direct the separated edge portion to a collection receptacle disposed below the chute.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of separating edge portions from a moving glass ribbon is described that includes using a forming apparatus to form a glass ribbon moving along a draw path in a draw direction along a draw surface, the glass ribbon including a central portion having a first thickness and a first edge portion including an outer edge of the glass ribbon, adjacent the central portion, and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

[0011] The method can further include scoring the glass ribbon using a scoring tool that forms a score in the glass ribbon substantially parallel to the draw direction along the length of the glass ribbon at a predetermined distance from an outer edge while supporting a second major surface facing the scoring tool with an auxiliary roller. The method further includes, during scoring, clamping a central portion of the glass ribbon adjacent the score between a pair of stabilizing rollers, and contacting edge portions of the glass ribbon downstream of the scoring tool with a separation roller, the separation roller applying a force that creates a tensile stress across the score to separate the edge portions from the central portion downstream of the scoring tool.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method can further include contacting the separated edge portions with a first plurality of guide rollers to guide the edge portions away from the central portion. For example, the first plurality of guide rollers can be used to guide the separated edge portions into a chute, which directs the separated edge portions into a collection receptacle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method can include contacting the central portion with a second plurality of guide rollers positioned adjacent the drawing surface in the drawing direction.

[0014] In various embodiments, the method can further include cross-cutting the central portion to separate the glass sheet from the central portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a forming body configured to form a glass ribbon. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a glass ribbon showing an enlarged edge portion. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a molding apparatus illustrating an exemplary edge piece separation assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of edge portion guide rollers configured to divert separated edge portions away from a central portion of the glass ribbon. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of center portion guide rollers configured to stabilize and guide a center portion of the glass ribbon after separating the edge portions from the center portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of various components of an edge portion separation assembly showing the relative orientation of the components with respect to the glass ribbon. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a front view of the glass ribbon illustrating the relative orientation of various components of the edge portion separation assembly with respect to the glass ribbon. [Figure 9A] 13 is a schematic diagram of a rotatable arm configured to move components of an edge portion separation assembly toward or away from the glass ribbon by rotating the arm using an actuator. [Figure 9B] 13 is a schematic diagram of a rotatable arm configured to move components of an edge portion separation assembly toward or away from the glass ribbon by rotating the arm using an actuator. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of an example embodiment that uses rotatable arms to move components of an edge portion separation assembly toward or away from the glass ribbon by rotating the respective arms using actuators. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-cutting apparatus configured to separate a glass sheet from a center portion of the glass ribbon after separating the edge portions from the center portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0017] As used herein, the term "about" means that quantities, sizes, compositions, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, or need not be, exact, but are approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, and measurement errors, as well as other factors well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0018] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range can be understood either in relation to the other endpoint, or independently of the other endpoint.

[0019] As used herein, directional terms such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, etc. are used merely with reference to the figures and do not imply absolute orientation.

[0020] Unless expressly stated otherwise, any method set forth herein should never be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, and any apparatus should never be construed as requiring a particular orientation. Thus, unless a method claim actually recites an order that its steps are to be followed, or an apparatus claim actually recites an order or orientation for individual components, or unless the claim or this specification specifically indicates that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, or recites a particular order or orientation for the apparatus components, no order or orientation is to be implied in any way. This applies on all possible non-express basis for interpretation, including logical considerations regarding sequence of steps, operational flow, component order or component orientation, general meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described herein.

[0021] As used herein, the singular indefinite articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the phrase "a component" includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] As used herein, the words "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof, are meant to serve as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Moreover, the examples are merely presented for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or constrain in any way the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure. It can be understood that numerous additional or alternative examples of various scopes could have been presented but have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "comprising" and variations thereof should be construed as synonymous and inclusive unless otherwise indicated. A list of elements following the transitional phrase "comprising" or "including" is a non-exclusive list, so there may be other elements than those specifically listed in the list.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof, are intended to describe a described feature being equal or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to describe a surface that is planar or nearly planar. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to describe two values ​​being equal or nearly equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" can describe values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0025] As used herein, "refractory" means a non-metallic material having chemical and physical properties that permit its application in components of structures or systems exposed to environments exceeding 538°C.

[0026] An exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a glass melting furnace 12 that includes a melting vessel 14. In addition to the melting vessel 14, the glass melting furnace 12 can optionally include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (e.g., combustion burners and / or electrodes) configured to heat the raw materials and convert them into a molten material, hereinafter referred to as molten glass. For example, the melting vessel 14 can be an electrically-boosted melting vessel in which energy is added to the raw materials by both combustion burners and direct heating, where an electric current is applied to the raw materials by passing an electric current through the raw materials, via Joule heating of the raw materials.

[0027] In further embodiments, the glass melting furnace 12 can include other thermal management devices (e.g., thermal insulation components) that limit heat loss from the melting vessel. In further embodiments, the glass melting furnace 12 can include electronic and / or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of the raw materials into a glass melt. The glass melting furnace 12 can also include a support structure (e.g., a support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0028] The melting vessel 14 may be formed from a refractory material including, for example, alumina or zirconia, although refractory ceramic materials may be used alternatively or in any combination, such as yttrium (e.g., yttria, yttria stabilized zirconia, yttrium phosphate), zircon (ZrSiO 4 ) or other refractory materials such as alumina-zirconia-silica, or chromium oxide. In some embodiments, the melting vessel 14 can be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks.

[0029] In some embodiments, the glass melting furnace 12 can be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to produce glass articles such as, for example, glass ribbons, while in further embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can be configured to form other glass articles such as, without limitation, glass rods, glass tubes, glass envelopes (e.g., glass envelopes for lighting devices such as light bulbs), and glass lenses, although many other glass articles are contemplated. In some examples, the melting furnace 12 can be included in a glass manufacturing apparatus including a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus (e.g., a fusion downdraw apparatus), an updraw apparatus, a pressing apparatus, a rolling apparatus, a tube drawing apparatus, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the present disclosure. As an example, FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 that fusion draws a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets or winding the glass ribbon onto a spool. As used herein, the fusion draw process involves flowing molten glass over sloping, e.g., converging, sides of a forming body such that the two resulting streams of molten material meet or "fuse" at the bottom of the forming body to form a ribbon.

[0030] Optionally, the glass manufacturing system 10 may include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 disposed upstream of the melting vessel 14. In some examples, part or all of the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glassmelting furnace 12.

[0031] As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a raw material storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device 20. The raw material storage bin 18 can be configured to store raw material 24 that can be fed to the melting vessel 14 of the glass melting furnace 12 through one or more feed ports as indicated by arrow 26. Typically, the raw material 24 includes one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material delivery device 20 can be driven by the motor 22 to deliver a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from the raw material storage bin 18 to the melting vessel 14. In a further example, the motor 22 can drive the raw material delivery device 20 to introduce the raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on a level of molten glass sensed downstream from the melting vessel 14 relative to the flow direction of the molten glass. The raw material 24 in the melting vessel 14 can then be heated to form molten glass 28. Typically, the raw material is added to the melting vessel as a particulate material, such as various "sands." The feedstock 24 may also include waste glass (i.e., cullet) from previous melting and / or forming operations. The melting process may be initiated using a combustion burner. In an electrically boosted melting process, once the electrical resistance of the feedstock has been sufficiently reduced by the combustion burner, an electrical boost may be initiated by generating an electrical potential between electrodes placed in contact with the feedstock, which typically results in an electrical current being established through the feedstock as it enters or is in a molten state.

[0032] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 disposed downstream of the glassmelting furnace 12 relative to the flow direction of the molten glass 28. In some examples, a portion of the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may be incorporated as part of the glassmelting furnace 12. However, in some cases, a first connecting conduit 32, described below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may be incorporated as part of the glassmelting furnace 12.

[0033] The downstream glass production apparatus 30 may include a first conditioning chamber, such as a fining vessel 34, disposed downstream of the melting vessel 14 and coupled to the melting vessel 14 by a first connecting conduit 32 as described above. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 via an internal passageway of the first connecting conduit 32. Thus, the first connecting conduit 32 provides a flow path for the molten glass 28 from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34. However, other conditioning chambers may also be disposed downstream of the melting vessel 14, such as between the melting vessel 14 and the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning chamber may be employed between the melting vessel and the fining chamber. For example, the molten glass from the primary melting vessel may be further heated in a secondary melting (conditioning) vessel or cooled in the secondary melting vessel to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the primary melting vessel before entering the fining chamber.

[0034] Bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 by a variety of techniques. For example, the raw material 24 can include multivalent compounds (i.e., fining agents), such as tin oxide, that undergo a chemical reduction reaction when heated to release oxygen. Other suitable fining agents can include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and / or cerium, although arsenic and antimony are toxic and therefore not recommended for some applications for environmental reasons. The fining vessel 34 is heated, for example, to a temperature higher than the internal temperature of the melting vessel, thereby heating the fining agents. Oxygen produced by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of one or more fining agents in the molten glass can diffuse into the bubbles that are generated during the melting process. This causes the enlarged and more buoyant bubbles to rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the fining vessel, where they can then be evacuated from the fining vessel, for example, through an exhaust in fluid communication with the atmosphere above the free surface.

[0035] The downstream glass production apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning chamber, such as a mixing device 36, e.g., a stirring vessel, for mixing the molten glass flowing downstream from the fining vessel 34. The mixing device 36 may be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition, thereby reducing chemical and / or thermal inhomogeneities that may be present in the molten glass exiting the fining vessel. As shown, the fining vessel 34 may be coupled to the mixing device 36 via a second connecting conduit 38. Thus, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 34 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38 to the mixing device 36. For example, gravity may drive the molten glass 28 from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing device 36. Typically, the molten glass in the mixing device 36 includes a free surface, with a free (e.g., gas) volume extending between the free surface and the top of the mixing device. Although the mixing device 36 is shown downstream of the fining vessel 34 with respect to the flow direction of the molten glass 28, in other embodiments, the mixing device 36 may be located upstream of the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 can include multiple mixing devices, such as a mixing device upstream from the fining vessel 34 and a mixing device downstream from the fining vessel 34. When multiple mixing devices are used, they can be of the same design or of different designs. In some embodiments, one or more of the vessels and / or conduits can include static mixing vanes positioned therein to promote mixing and subsequent homogenization of the molten materials.

[0036] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning chamber, such as a delivery vessel 40 disposed downstream of the mixing device 36. The delivery vessel 40 may function as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate and / or provide a consistent flow of the molten glass 28 to the forming body 42 via an outlet conduit 44. In some embodiments, the molten glass in the delivery vessel 40 may include a free surface from which a free volume extends upwardly to the top of the delivery vessel. As shown, the mixing device 36 may be coupled to the delivery vessel 40 via a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the mixing device 36 to the delivery vessel 40 through an internal passage of the third connecting conduit 46.

[0037] The downstream glass manufacturing system 30 may further include a forming apparatus 48 including the forming body 42 described above, which includes an inlet conduit 50. The outlet conduit 44 may be positioned to deliver the molten glass 28 from the delivery vessel 40 to the inlet conduit 50 of the forming apparatus 48. The forming body 42 in a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing system may include a trough 52 disposed within an upper surface of the forming body, and opposing converging forming surfaces 54 that converge in a draw direction 56 along a lower end (root) 58 of the forming body. Molten glass delivered to the forming body trough 52 via the delivery vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, and the inlet conduit 50 overflows the walls of the trough 52 and descends along the converging forming surfaces 54 as separate streams of molten glass. The separate streams of molten glass merge below and along root 58 to produce a ribbon of molten glass 60 that is drawn in draw direction 56 from root 58 along a draw path in draw plane 62 (see FIG. 2 ) by applying a downward tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity and / or opposing counter-rotating pulling rolls (see FIG. 2 ). As the molten material cools and the viscosity of the material increases, the downward tension and the temperature of the molten material can be used to control the dimensions of the ribbon (hereinafter glass ribbon). Thus, glass ribbon 60 undergoes a viscosity transition from a viscous to a viscoelastic to an elastic state, acquiring mechanical properties that give glass ribbon 60 stable dimensional properties.

[0038] The components of the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30, including any one or more of the connecting conduits 32, 38, 46, the fining vessel 34, the mixing device 36, the delivery vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, or the inlet conduit 50, may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass manufacturing equipment may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy including about 70% to about 90% platinum and about 10% to about 30% rhodium by weight. However, other suitable metals for forming the downstream components of the glass manufacturing equipment may include molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

[0039] To ensure that the glass forming environment remains stable during the forming process, the forming body 42 and at least a portion of the path of travel of the glass ribbon below the forming body can be contained within an open-bottom enclosure 66. The enclosure 66 provides a controlled environment through which the glass ribbon travels as it descends from the forming body and cools.

[0040] In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 60 may be separated into individual glass sheets 68 by a glass separating device 70. In other embodiments, the glass ribbon may be wound onto a spool and stored for further processing.

[0041] Although the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 are shown and described as fusion downdraw glass manufacturing components, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of glass manufacturing processes. For example, melting vessels according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of glass manufacturing processes, such as fusion, slot draw, rolling, pressing, and float processes.

[0042] 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary glass ribbon 60 across a width W of the glass ribbon in the elastic viscosity region. The glass ribbon 60 includes a first major surface 72, a second major surface 74 opposite the first major surface 72, a first outer edge 76 extending in the draw direction 56 along the length of the glass ribbon 60, and a second outer edge 78 extending in the draw direction 56 along the length of the glass ribbon 60 opposite the first outer edge 76. The width W extends perpendicular to the draw direction 56 between the first outer edge 76 and the second outer edge 78.

[0043] As the glass ribbon 60 is drawn from the forming body 42, the glass ribbon width W decreases (thinns) until the glass ribbon develops an edge portion with a thickness greater than the thickness of the central portion of the glass ribbon. Thus, the glass ribbon 60 can include a first edge portion 80a of increased thickness relative to a thickness T1 of the central portion 82, including a first outer edge 76, and a second edge portion 80b of increased thickness, including a second outer edge 78 (T1 defined along a median longitudinal axis of the glass ribbon 60 between the first outer edge 76 and the second outer edge 78). The central portion 82 extends between the first edge portion 80a and the second edge portion 80b along a width W1 perpendicular to the draw direction 56. The widths W1a and W1b define portions of the glass ribbon 60 at the edges of the glass ribbon 60 designated to be removed to provide a substantially uniform thickness, such as thickness T1, in the central portion of the glass ribbon. The thickness T1 can be in the range of about 0.01 millimeters (mm) to about 3 mm, such as in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 2.5 mm, in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, or in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0044] Typically, the first and second edge portions 80a, 80b are removed from the glass sheet 68 after the glass sheet is cut from the glass ribbon 60. That is, the glass sheet 68 is first separated from the glass ribbon 60 in a cross-cutting operation, and then the first and second edge portions 80a, 80b are removed from the separated glass sheet in a further downstream cutting process. During the cross-cutting operation, the center portion 82 of the glass ribbon is scored, for example, perpendicular to the draw direction 56, and the first and second edge portions 80a, 80b are not scored. Accurate scoring across the thickened edge portions can be difficult due to their uneven shape. Once scored, a bend can be formed in the glass ribbon across the score to create tensile stress across the score that propagates a crack along the width W of the glass ribbon to separate the glass sheet 68 from the glass ribbon 60. However, because the first and second edge portions 80a, 80b are not scored, the large energy release upon edge breakage generates glass particles that may adhere to both the glass ribbon 60 upstream of the cut and the glass sheet 68 downstream of the cut, making cleaning of the glass sheet and subsequent glass sheets produced from the glass ribbon difficult. Additionally, the energy release creates perturbations in the glass ribbon that may propagate upward through the glass ribbon and cause variations in ribbon thickness in the transition zone between the viscous and elastic zones (i.e., the viscoelastic zone) that may freeze within the glass ribbon. Additionally, the downstream cutting process takes up factory floor space and adds additional time to the overall glass manufacturing process. Accordingly, an apparatus and method for continuous in-line edge removal prior to cross-cutting the glass ribbon is described.

[0045] 4-8 , in an exemplary embodiment, the forming apparatus 48 includes an edge portion separation assembly 100 configured to remove an edge portion of the glass ribbon 60 as the glass ribbon 60 advances in the draw direction 56 from the root 58. The edge portion separation assembly 100 can include a scoring assembly 102, a backing roller 104, a pair of opposing ribbon stabilizing rollers 106a and 106b, and / or a separation roller 108 configured to apply a separation force to the edge portion to separate the edge portion from the glass ribbon 60 downstream of the scoring assembly 102. In various embodiments, the forming apparatus 48 can include a pair of such components positioned to remove an edge portion from each of opposing outer edges of the glass ribbon. Although one such edge portion separation assembly 100 (e.g., first edge portion separation assembly 100a, see FIG. 1 ) configured to remove a first edge portion 80a from the glass ribbon 60 is described herein, unless otherwise indicated, it should be understood that the forming apparatus 48 can also include a second such edge portion separation assembly 100 (e.g., edge portion separation assembly 100b, see FIG. 1 ) positioned laterally opposite the first edge portion separation assembly 100a and configured to remove a second edge portion 80b from the glass ribbon. The edge portion separation assembly 100b can be similar or identical to the edge portion separation assembly 100a.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the scoring assembly 102 includes a scoring device 103 including a body portion 110 and a scoring tool 112 coupled to the body portion 110. The scoring assembly 102 is configured to generate scores 114 (see FIG. 7 ) in the first major surface 72 that extend longitudinally along the glass ribbon 60 parallel or substantially parallel to the draw direction 56. The scoring tool 112 can include a mechanical score wheel or scriber, such as a diamond or carbide scriber. For example, in various embodiments, the scoring tool 112 can be a score wheel rotatable about an axis of rotation 116. In some embodiments, the scoring tool 112 can be configured to move relative to the glass ribbon 60, for example, toward or away from the first surface 72. For example, the scoring assembly 102 can include a first actuator 118 that couples the scoring device 103 to a frame or other support member. The first actuator 118 may include a pneumatic actuator, such as a pneumatic piston, a linear motor, or any other suitable displacement mechanism capable of moving the scoring device 103 between a first extended position in which the scoring device 103 (e.g., the body portion 110 and the scoring tool 112) moves closer to the glass ribbon 60 and a second retracted position in which the scoring device 103 moves away from the first major surface 72.

[0047] The scoring assembly 102 can further include a second actuator 120, such as a pneumatic piston, that couples the scoring tool 112 to the body portion 110 and moves the scoring tool 112 relative to the body portion 110 toward or away from the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., first major surface 72). In various embodiments, the second actuator 120 can be configured to move the scoring tool 112 a shorter distance and / or at a slower rate of movement than the first actuator 118 moves the body portion 110. Thus, in various embodiments, coarse movement of the scoring tool 112 can be achieved by using the first actuator 118 to move the scoring device 103 toward or away from the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., first surface 72), and fine adjustment of the scoring tool 112 can be achieved by using the second actuator 120 to move the scoring tool 112 relative to the body portion 110. At least one of the first actuator 118 or the second actuator 120 can be used to place the scoring tool 112 in contact with the glass ribbon 60 with a force sufficient to generate scores 114 as the glass ribbon moves in the draw direction 56 past the scoring tool 112. In some embodiments, the first actuator 118 can be used to bring the scoring tool 112 close to the first surface 72 while the second actuator 120 can be used to contact the scoring tool 112 with the first surface 72 and apply a predetermined scoring force to the first surface 72. The second actuator 120 can be configured to generate a substantially constant scoring force from the scoring tool 112 onto the first major surface 72. For example, the scoring device 103 can include a force sensor in signal communication with a controller configured to maintain a constant force on the glass ribbon 60 by varying the force applied by the second actuator 120.In a further embodiment, the first actuator 118 can be used to bring the scoring tool 112 into contact with the first surface 72 while the second actuator 120 can be used to maintain a constant scoring force against the first surface 72.

[0048] Although the scoring assembly 102 can be configured to move the scoring tool 112 toward or away from the glass ribbon 60, the scoring assembly generally does not move in a vertical direction, such as in the draw direction 56. Thus, the scoring tool 112 remains substantially vertically fixed during the scoring operation. As used herein, substantially vertically fixed means that the scoring tool does not intentionally move vertically during the scoring operation. Thus, the relative movement between the scoring tool 112 and the glass ribbon 60 to generate the scores 114 is provided by the movement of the glass ribbon 60 as it is drawn downward in the draw direction 56, such as by the pulling rolls 64. In any event, the scoring device 103 generates a score that extends longitudinally along the glass ribbon at a predetermined distance from the first outer edge 76. The term "inboard" score is used herein to indicate a direction extending from a reference point (e.g., score 114) toward the longitudinal centerline of the ribbon (the centerline extending along the length of the ribbon halfway between the first outer edge 76 and the second outer edge 78), while the term "outboard" score means a direction extending from the reference point toward the first outer edge 76. Thus, if the reference point is the first outer edge, then score 114 is generated inboard of the first outer edge 76.

[0049] The edge portion separation assembly 100 may further include an auxiliary roller 104 disposed opposite the scoring tool 112 and rotatable about a rotation axis 122 (see FIG. 7 ), the auxiliary roller 104 acting as an auxiliary support (e.g., anvil) for the glass ribbon 60 and exerting an equal and opposite reaction force on the second major surface 74 to the scoring force imparted by the scoring tool 112. Thus, the glass ribbon 60 is supported by the auxiliary roller 104 and prevented from moving in response to the scoring force imparted by the scoring tool 112 to the first major surface 72. Disposed opposite in this context means that the contact between the scoring tool and the glass ribbon is at the same vertical and horizontal location as the contact between the auxiliary roll and the glass ribbon, but on the opposite side of the glass ribbon.

[0050] While the scoring assembly 102 has been described above as including a mechanical scoring tool, in another embodiment, the scoring assembly 102 can also include a laser that directs a laser beam onto the glass ribbon surface to heat the glass ribbon and create stresses in the glass ribbon surface that generate cracks that extend longitudinally along the glass ribbon as it moves in the draw direction. In such cases, an auxiliary roller may not be required.

[0051] The edge portion separation assembly 100 may further include a pair of stabilizing rollers 106a and 106b. The stabilizing rollers 106a and 106b are rotatable about rotational axes 124a and 124b, respectively, and are arranged to stabilize the position of the glass ribbon 60 by pinching the glass ribbon 60 between the opposing stabilizing rollers when the scoring tool 112 is applied to the first major surface 72. That is, the first stabilizing roller 106a may be arranged to contact the first major surface 72 of the glass ribbon 60, and the second stabilizing roller 106b may be arranged to contact the second major surface 74 of the glass ribbon 60. In various embodiments, the rotational axes 124a and 124b may be parallel to each other. Also, the rotational axes 124a and 124b may be perpendicular to the draw direction 56.

[0052] Both stabilizer rollers 106a, 106b contact the glass ribbon 60 diametrically opposite each other at the same vertical and horizontal positions with a gap between them sized to receive the glass ribbon 60. The stabilizer rollers 106a, 106b can be freewheel rollers (non-driven), although in further embodiments, one or both of the stabilizer rollers can be driven rollers. The stabilizer rollers 106a and 106b can be located downstream from the scoring assembly 102, such as downstream from the auxiliary roller 104. Although not shown, the stabilizer rollers 106a and 106b can be independently movable relative to the drawing surface 62 such that the pinch force on the glass ribbon can be controlled, such as to a predetermined value. For example, the gap between the stabilizer rollers can be narrowed or widened. The ability to move at least one of the stabilizer rollers away from the drawing surface can also facilitate initial loading of the glass ribbon between the stabilizer rollers. Once loaded, at least one of the stabilizer rollers can be moved to apply a predetermined pinch force to the respective surface of the glass ribbon. For example, at least one of the stabilizer rollers 106a or 106b can be coupled to an actuator configured to move the respective stabilizer roller toward or away from the drawing surface (e.g., glass ribbon 60). In some embodiments, each stabilizer roller can be coupled to an actuator configured to move the respective stabilizer roller toward or away from the drawing surface. In either case, the glass ribbon is captured between the stabilizer rollers with a predetermined pinch force.

[0053] The edge portion separation assembly 100 may further include a separation roller 108 disposed downstream of the scoring assembly 102, e.g., downstream of the auxiliary roller 104, and rotatable about a rotation axis 126. In some embodiments, the rotation axis 126 may be parallel to the drawing plane 62 such that a surface of the separation roller 108 is inclined relative to the drawing plane. However, in further embodiments, the rotation axis 126 may be non-parallel to the drawing plane 62. The separation roller 108 may be configured to apply a separation force against the outboard first major surface 72 of the score 114, i.e., against the first edge portion 80a. The separation force applied by the separation roller 108 to the first edge portion 80a may separate the first edge portion 80a from the glass ribbon 60, e.g., below the scoring tool 112, by creating tensile stresses across the score 114 that cause the score to crack through the full thickness of the glass ribbon 60. In other words, the separation force applied by the separation roller 108 has the effect of bending the first edge portion toward the central portion 82, which creates tensile stresses on both sides of the score 114. Additionally or alternatively, the separation roller 108 can be barrel-shaped, i.e., have a curved surface that includes a curvature perpendicular to the circumference of the separation roller (see FIG. 6). That is, the circumference of the separation roller can vary along the length of the separation roller. In some embodiments, the maximum circumference of the separation roller 108 can be located near the center of the separation roller (halfway between the ends of the roller). The separation roller 108 can be located downstream of the stabilizing rollers 106a, 106b such that the horizontal plane in which the rotation axis 138 lies is located below the horizontal plane in which the rotation axes 124a, 124b of the stabilizing rollers 106a and 106b lies. The separation roller 108 can be a freewheeling (non-driven) roller.

[0054] In some embodiments, the separation roller 108 can be coupled to an actuator that can move the separation roller 108 closer to or farther from the drawing surface 62. For example, the separation roller 108 can be coupled to an actuator that moves the separation roller 108 toward or away from the drawing surface 62. The separation roller 108 can be coupled to a slide that is coupled to an actuator that moves the separation roller 108 along the slide between a first direction toward the drawing surface 62, where the separation roller 108 contacts the glass ribbon 60, and a second direction away from the drawing surface 62, where the separation roller 108 is no longer in contact with the glass ribbon 60.

[0055] In some embodiments, the scoring assembly 102 can include one or more rotatable arms that utilize a rotational motion to move components of the scoring assembly toward or away from the glass ribbon 60. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the rotatable arm 128 can be mounted on a suitable shaft 130 and arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation 132, such as a vertical axis of rotation, in a plane perpendicular to the drawing plane 62. The rotatable arm 128 can be configured such that the shaft 130 forms a fulcrum. Thus, the rotatable arm 128 includes a first end 134 and a second end 136 opposite the first end 134, with the shaft 130 (and axis of rotation 132) disposed between the first end 134 and the second end 136. The shaft 130 can pass through a suitably sized passage in the rotatable arm 128. 9A and 9B show a generic device 138 coupled to the rotatable arm 128 at a first end 134 and a first actuator 118 coupled to the rotatable arm 128 at a second end 136. The generic device 138 can be any one of the scoring device 103, the auxiliary roller 104, the stabilizing rollers 106a and 106b, and / or the separation roller 108. As discussed above, the first actuator 118 may include a pneumatic actuator, such as a pneumatic piston, a linear motor, or other suitable mechanism that is movable from a first position, such as an extended position in the embodiment shown in Figure 9A, in which rotation of the rotatable arm 128 about the axis of rotation 132 in a first rotational direction moves the generic device 138 (e.g., the scoring tool 112) closer to, e.g., contacting, the first major surface 72, and from a second position, such as a retracted position in the embodiment shown in Figure 9B, in which rotation of the rotatable arm 128 about the axis of rotation 132 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction moves the generic device away from the first major surface 72. The first actuator 118 may be coupled to the rotatable arm 128 by a hinge coupling 140 that allows rotation between the first actuator 118 and the rotatable arm 128.

[0056] 10 illustrates some exemplary embodiments of the edge portion separation assembly 100 with various components disposed on a rotatable arm. For example, according to various embodiments, the edge portion separation assembly can include a first rotatable arm 128a including a first end 134a and a second end 136a. The first rotatable arm 128a can be rotatably coupled to a shaft 130, which is further supported by a support member 142. The scoring device 103 can be attached to the first end 134a, and the actuator 118a can be coupled to the second end 136a, for example, by a hinge coupling 140a. The actuator 118a can be configured to rotate the first arm 128a about the shaft 130 between a first position in which the scoring tool 112 is disposed in contact with the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., the first major surface 72) and a second position in which the scoring tool 112 is no longer in contact with the glass ribbon 60.

[0057] Also shown is a second rotatable arm 128b including a first end 134b and a second end 136b, and rotatably coupled to the shaft 130 between the first end 134b and the second end 136b. The second rotatable arm 128b has an auxiliary roller 104 rotatably coupled to it at the first end 134b. Although not shown, an actuator can be coupled to the second end 136b and configured to rotate the second rotatable arm 128b about the shaft 130 between a first position in which the auxiliary roller 104 is disposed in contact with the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., the second major surface 74) and a second position in which the auxiliary roller is no longer in contact with the glass ribbon 60.

[0058] Also shown is a third rotatable arm 128c including a first end 134c and a second end 136c opposite the first end 134c. The third rotatable arm 128c is rotatably coupled to the shaft 130 between the first end 134c and the second end 136c. The first stabilizing roller 106a can be rotatably coupled to the third rotatable arm 128c at the first end 134c. The actuator 118c can be attached to the second end 136c using, for example, a hinge coupler 140c and configured to rotate the third rotatable arm 128c about the shaft 130 between a first position in which the first stabilizing roller 106a can be placed in contact with the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., the first major surface 72) and a second position in which the first stabilizing roller 106a is no longer in contact with the glass ribbon 60.

[0059] Also shown is a fourth rotatable arm 128d including a first end 134d and a second end opposite the first end 134d, not visible in the figure. The fourth rotatable arm 128d is rotatably coupled to the shaft 130 between the first end 134d and a second end. The second stabilizing roller 106b may be rotatably coupled to the fourth rotatable arm 128d at the first end 134d. Although not shown, an actuator may be attached to the second end, for example, using a hinge coupler, configured to rotate the fourth rotatable arm 128d about the shaft 130 between a first position in which the second stabilizing roller 106b may be placed in contact with the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., the second major surface 74) and a second position in which the second stabilizing roller 106b is no longer in contact with the glass ribbon 60.

[0060] Also shown is a fifth rotatable arm 128e including a first end 134e and a second end 136e opposite the first end 134e. The fourth rotatable arm 128e is rotatably coupled to the shaft 130 between the first end 134e and the second end 136e. The fourth rotatable arm 128e can be rotatably coupled to the separation roller 108 at the first end 134e. The actuator 118e can be attached to the second end 136e using, for example, a hinge coupler 140e and configured to rotate the fifth rotatable arm 128e about the shaft 130 between a first position in which the separation roller 108 can be placed in contact with the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., the first major surface 72 at the first edge portion 80a) and a second position in which the separation roller is no longer in contact with the first edge portion 80a.

[0061] As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, the edge portion separation assembly 100 can further include a first plurality of guide rollers 144, such as edge portion guide rollers 144a-144e rotatable about rotation axes 146a-146e (see Figure 7), disposed downstream of the separation roller 108 to contact and guide the separated first edge portion 80a away from the central portion 82 of the glass ribbon 60 as the first edge portion 80a is removed from the glass ribbon 60. Although five edge portion guide rollers are shown in Figures 4, 5, 7 and 8, in other embodiments there can be fewer or more than five edge portion guide rollers, such as one edge portion guide roller, two edge portion guide rollers, three edge portion guide rollers, four edge portion guide rollers, six edge portion guide rollers, etc. The edge portion guide rollers 144 can be disposed such that each subsequent edge portion guide roller along the draw direction 56 is below the preceding edge portion guide roller. Each subsequent edge portion guide roller can be offset from the preceding edge portion guide roller along a guide axis toward or away from the drawing surface 62 (e.g., perpendicular to the drawing direction 56 and drawing surface 62). Thus, the first edge portion 80a, upon separation from the central portion 82, can be guided progressively away from the glass ribbon 60 (e.g., the central portion 82) along a different path of travel than that followed by the central portion 82. The edge portion guide rollers 144 can be coupled to respective actuators 148, such as actuators 148a-148e, configured to set the path of travel of the first edge portion 80a after separation from the central portion 82 by moving the respective edge portion guide rollers 144a-144e along their respective guide axes 150a-150e. Thus, in some embodiments, the actuators 148 can be positioned to move the first edge portion 80a closer to or farther from the drawing surface 62 and the central portion 82 of the glass ribbon 60, as shown by the double-headed arrows in FIG. 5. Each of the multiple rotation shafts 146a to 146e can be parallel to another edge portion guide roller rotation shaft 146a to 146e.Diverting the separated first edge portion 80a away from the central portion 82 can avoid potential damage to the central portion 82, such as the newly formed outer edge surface of the central portion 82, due to contact between the newly formed outer edge surface 152 of the central portion 82 and the first edge portion 80a. The edge portion guide rollers 144 can be freewheeling (non-driven) rollers.

[0062] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the edge portion separation assembly 100 can further include a second plurality of guide rollers 154, such as center portion guide rollers 154a-154e rotatable about respective rotational axes 156a-156e, disposed downstream of the separation roller 108. The center portion guide rollers 154 are positioned to contact and guide the center portion 82 of the glass ribbon 60 after the edge portions (the edge portion guide rollers are omitted in Figure 6 for clarity) are separated from the glass ribbon 60. Although five center portion guide rollers 154 are shown in Figures 4 and 6, in other embodiments, there can be fewer or more than five center portion guide rollers, such as one center portion guide roller, two center portion guide rollers, three center portion guide rollers, four center portion guide rollers, six center portion guide rollers, etc. The center portion 82 can be guided by the center portion guide rollers 154 to a downstream cross-cut scoring device 70 configured to separate the glass sheet from the glass ribbon 60, specifically from the center portion 82. The central portion guide rollers 154 may be positioned perpendicular to the stretch direction 56 adjacent to the stretch surface 62 along the stretch surface 62, with the trailing central portion guide roller 154 positioned below the leading central portion guide roller 154 (e.g., central portion guide roller 154b may be positioned below central portion guide roller 154a). Thus, the central portion guide rollers may be positioned in a vertically aligned array. The central portion guide rollers 154 may be positioned to contact the central portion 82 adjacent to the newly formed outer edge surface 152 of the central portion 82 just inboard of the outer edge surface 152. In some embodiments, the central portion guide rollers 154 may be rotatably coupled to a common frame 157 and movable as a group by one or more actuators. However, although not shown, the center portion guide rollers 154, like the edge portion guide rollers 144, can also be individually coupled to their respective actuators, so that the center portion guide rollers 154 can be individually positioned to provide the appropriate movement path for the center portion 82 into the crosscut scoring device 70.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 4, the first edge portion 80a can be guided by the edge portion guide roller 144 to a collection vessel 158, such as a bin or other suitable container. The first edge portion 80a can be further guided into the collection vessel 158 by the chute 160. For example, the edge portion guide roller 144 can be used to guide the first edge portion 80a into the chute 160, which in turn guides the first edge portion into the collection vessel 158. The first edge portion 80a can be broken into smaller pieces by contact with the inner surface of the chute 160, contact with the collection vessel 158, or contact with the contents in the collection vessel 158. However, other mechanical methods can be used to break the separated edge portion into smaller pieces, if necessary. The glass collected in the collection vessel 158 (hereinafter, cullet 162) can be reused. For example, the cullet 162 collected in the collection vessel 158 can be combined with the raw material (batch material) 24 and fed back into the melting vessel 14.

[0064] 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary edge portion separation assembly 100 including a scoring tool 112, such as a scoring wheel, configured to rotate about a rotation axis 116 to generate scores 114 on the first major surface 72, and an auxiliary roller 104 disposed adjacent the second major surface 74 opposite the scoring tool 112 and rotatable about a rotation axis 122. The body portion 110 of the scoring device 103 has been omitted to more clearly show the scoring tool 112 and its position relative to the auxiliary roller 104. In an embodiment, the rotation axis 116 of the scoring tool 112 can be parallel to the rotation axis 122 of the auxiliary roller 104, and can be disposed at a vertical position equal to the vertical position of the rotation axis 122 relative to the root 58, for example. The rotation axis 116 can be parallel to the drawing surface 62.

[0065] 7 also shows stabilizing rollers 106a, 106b positioned vertically downstream of the scoring tool 112, with a first stabilizing roller 106a positioned adjacent the first major surface 72 and a second stabilizing roller 106b positioned opposite the first stabilizing roller 106a adjacent the second major surface 74. In various embodiments, the axis of rotation 124a is parallel to the axis of rotation 124b and is positioned at a vertical position equal to the vertical position of the axis of rotation 124b.

[0066] 7 further illustrates a separation roller 108 that is rotatable about a rotation axis 126 and positioned to apply a separation force to the first edge portion 80a, i.e., the outboard side of the score 114. In some embodiments, the rotation axis 126 can be parallel to either or both of the rotation axis 124a or the rotation axis 124b. However, in other embodiments, the rotation axis 126 can be non-parallel to the rotation axis 124a and / or the rotation axis 124b. For example, the rotation axis 126 can be tilted at a non-zero angle relative to the stretching plane 62 such that it intersects with the stretching plane 62. The tilt of the rotation axis 126 relative to the stretching plane 62 can increase the tensile force applied across the score 114.

[0067] Also shown in Figure 7 is a first plurality of edge portion guide rollers 144 (e.g., 144a-144e), each rotatable about a respective axis of rotation (e.g., 146a-146e). The axes of rotation 146a-146e can be parallel to the drawing plane 62. The center portion guide roller 154 has been omitted from Figure 7 for clarity.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a front view of the glass ribbon 60 showing the arrangement of various components of the edge portion separation assembly 100, including the scoring device 103 and auxiliary rollers 104, stabilizing rollers 106a, 106b, separation roller 108, edge portion guide rollers 144 (e.g., 144a-144e), and center portion guide rollers 154 (e.g., 54a-154b).

[0069] 4, the forming apparatus 48 can include a glass separator 70 configured to separate the glass sheet 68 from the glass ribbon 60. Specifically, the separator 70 is a cross-cut glass separator configured to separate the glass sheet from the central portion 82 after the edge portions have been removed from the central portion.

[0070] 11 , in various embodiments, the cross-cut glass separating apparatus 70 includes a second scoring assembly 200 configured to score the central portion 82 across its width along a scoring axis perpendicular to the draw direction 56. For example, the second scoring assembly 200 can be coupled to a rail or other member that can drive the second scoring assembly 200 by a suitable drive device.

[0071] The second scoring assembly 200 includes a second scoring device 202. The second scoring device 202 can include a second scoring tool 204 coupled to a body 206 and configured to generate a score on the first major surface 72 of the central portion 82 perpendicular to the extension direction 56 as the central portion 82 descends from the base 58. For example, the second scoring tool 204 can include a mechanical score wheel or scriber, such as a diamond or carbide scriber. In embodiments, the second scoring tool 204 can be coupled to the body 206 by an actuator 208 arranged to move the second scoring tool 204 toward or away from the first surface 72. The second scoring assembly 200 may further include a backing member 210 disposed against the second scoring tool 204, the backing member 210 including a support member 212 and a resilient nosing 214, such as a polymer ribbon having a hardness selected to prevent damage to the glass ribbon 60 when the polymer material comes into contact. The backing member 210 is configured to support the central portion 82 and prevent movement of the central portion 82 in response to a scoring force applied by the second scoring tool 204 against the first major surface 72. Thus, when the second scoring tool 204 is pressed against the first major surface 72, the backing member 208 provides an opposing force against the second major surface 74 that resists the applied scoring force.

[0072] In various embodiments, one or more nosing assemblies 216 can be used to stabilize the central portion 82 during the scoring operation. In some embodiments, each nosing assembly 216 can include a support member 218 and a resilient nosing member 220 coupled to the support member. For example, in some embodiments, the support member 218 can include an elongated metallic member and the nosing member 220 can be a polymer ribbon having a hardness selected to prevent damage to the glass ribbon 60 if the polymer material comes into contact with it.

[0073] In various embodiments, the cross-cut glass separator 70 can be mounted on a gantry configured to move in the draw direction at a speed matching the speed of the glass ribbon 60. Thus, no relative motion occurs between the second scoring device 202 and the glass ribbon 60 during the scoring operation. Thus, the scoring device scores the central portion across its entire width, for example, by moving downward at the draw speed (the speed of the moving glass ribbon) while moving laterally, such as horizontally, across the width of the central portion 82. The second scoring device 202 can be mounted on a cartridge assembly coupled to the gantry, for example, such that during the scoring operation, the cartridge assembly and scoring device traverse the width W1 of the central portion.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, the cross-cut glass separation apparatus 70 may further include at least one robot 300 including a robot arm 302 and a glass handling tool 304 coupled to the robot arm 302. The glass handling tool 304 includes a central cross-member 306 to which a distal end of the robot arm 302 is coupled and to which engagement arms 308a, 308b are coupled at either end. One or both engagement arms 308a, 308b may be configured to extend outwardly from the cross-member 306. For example, at least one engagement arm may be movable in a direction parallel to the cross-member 306. With reference to FIG. 1, two engagement arms are shown, with at least one engagement arm being movable in a direction toward (away from) the opposing engagement arm via an actuator coupled to the engagement arm and the cross-member. The engagement arms may include suction cups 310 in communication with a vacuum source to aid in engaging and holding a glass product (e.g., a glass ribbon or a glass sheet).

[0075] As the glass ribbon 60 descends from the root portion 58 and cools, it is captured between the stabilizing rollers 106a and 106b. For example, the central portion 82 can be pinched between the stabilizing rollers by actuating at least one of the stabilizing rollers using a coupled actuator to narrow the gap between the stabilizing rollers. Meanwhile, the auxiliary roller 104 located above the first and second stabilizing rollers is actuated to contact the second major surface 74. Also, the scoring device 103 is actuated to contact the first scoring tool 112 with a predetermined scoring force against the first major surface 72. Actuation of the scoring device 103 can be accomplished using the actuator 118 and / or the second actuator 120. As a result, the first scoring tool 112 creates scores 114 on the first major surface 72 along a path parallel to the draw direction 56 as the glass ribbon 60 moves downward relative to the scoring tool 112. The separating roller 108 is actuated into contact with the first edge portion 80 a. The separating roller 108 is pressed against the first edge portion 80 a with sufficient force to create a tensile force across the scores 114, inducing a crack through the thickness of the glass ribbon and separating the first edge portion 80 a from the central portion 82 beneath the first scoring tool 112.

[0076] As the glass ribbon 60 continues to descend, the first edge portion 80a below the contact point of the first scoring tool 112, and the glass ribbon 60, which is now free from the central portion 82, is guided out of the draw plane by the edge portion guide roller 144. For example, the actuator 148 may move the edge portion guide roller so that it contacts the first edge portion 80a and bends the first edge portion 80a out of the draw plane 62 and away from the newly formed outer edge surface 152 of the central portion 82.

[0077] The first edge portion 80 a , which was connected to the central portion 82 above the contact point of the first scoring tool 112 , continues to descend and is captured by the first cullet chute 160 and delivered to the collection bin 158 .

[0078] Once the score is complete, the robot arm 302 moves to the glass ribbon 60 and the glass handling tool 304 is placed in contact with the first major surface 72. A vacuum is applied to the suction cup 310 so that it grips the first major surface 72. The actuator(s) stretches at least one movable engagement arm outwardly away from the opposing engagement arm, thereby pulling the central portion 82 of the glass ribbon below the lateral score to flatten the center portion. The robot 300 tilts the robot arm 302, bending the central portion 82 and creating tensile stresses throughout the score, inducing a crack through the thickness of the central portion until the glass sheet 68 is separated from the central portion 82. The robot then moves the separated glass sheet to a receiving station ready to receive the subsequent glass sheet.

[0079] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 56 Stretching direction 60 Molten Glass Ribbon 62 Stretched surface 70 Glass Separator 72 First main surface of the glass ribbon 74 Second main surface of glass ribbon 80a First edge portion 82 Center part 100 Edge Part Separation Assembly 102 Scoring Assembly 103 Scoring Device 104 Auxiliary roller 106a, 106b ribbon stabilizing rollers 108 Separation roller 110 Main body of scoring device 112 Scoring Tools 118 First Actuator 120 Second Actuator 144 Edge guide roller 148 Actuator 154 Center guide roller 158 Collection Container 160 shots 162 Carret 200 Second Scoring Assembly 202 Second Scoring Device 204 Second Scoring Tool 206 Main body of second scoring device 210 Auxiliary Materials

Claims

1. 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: a forming body configured to form a glass ribbon that descends from the forming body in a draw direction along a draw path that lies in the draw plane; an edge portion separation assembly disposed below the forming body and configured to separate an edge portion of the glass ribbon from a central portion of the glass ribbon; the edge portion separation assembly comprising: a scoring device disposed below the forming body and configured to form first scores along a length of the glass ribbon in the draw direction; a separation roller disposed downstream of the scoring device and configured to apply a force to the edge portion of the glass ribbon outboard of the first score to separate the edge portion of the glass ribbon from the central portion; Including, A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

2. a pair of stabilizing rollers disposed adjacent to the separation roller and arranged to sandwich the central portion of the glass ribbon inward of the first score therebetween; The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 .

3. a first plurality of guide rollers disposed below the separation roller and arranged to guide the separated edge portion along a second path different from the stretching path; The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 .

4. a second scoring device disposed downstream of the first scoring device and configured to form a second score across a width of the central portion perpendicular to the stretch direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 .

5. the first scoring device further includes a chute configured to direct the separated edge portion to a collection receptacle disposed below the chute. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first plurality of guide rollers are movable in a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3.

7. 1. A method for separating an edge portion from a moving glass ribbon, comprising: forming, using a forming device, a glass ribbon moving along a draw path in a draw direction along a draw surface, the glass ribbon including a central portion having a first thickness and a first edge portion including an outer edge of the glass ribbon, adjacent the central portion, the first edge portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness; scoring the glass ribbon substantially parallel to the draw direction along a length of the glass ribbon at a predetermined distance from the outer edge using a scoring tool while supporting the glass ribbon with an auxiliary roller; during the scoring, clamping the central portion of the glass ribbon inboard of the score between a pair of stabilizing rollers; forming a separated edge portion by contacting the edge portion of the glass ribbon downstream of the scoring tool with a separation roller, the separation roller applying a force to the edge portion outboard of the score that creates a tensile stress across the score to separate the edge portion from the central portion downstream of the scoring tool; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. contacting the separated edge portions with a first plurality of guide rollers to guide the edge portions away from the central portion. The method according to claim 7.

9. the first plurality of guide rollers guide the separated edge portions into a chute. The method according to claim 8.

10. contacting the central portion with a second plurality of guide rollers downstream of the separation roller. The method according to claim 8.

Images