Transport apparatus and method having adjustable fluid flow - Patents.com

Abstract

A method and apparatus for manufacturing glass articles includes a glass transport apparatus including a plenum chamber having a fluid inlet, a plurality of slide gates in fluid communication with the plenum chamber, the slide gates including a plurality of apertures and movable from a first position to a second position, and a fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate the plurality of slide gates.

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 Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 272,852, filed October 28, 2021, the contents of which are reliably incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to glass transport methods and apparatus, and more particularly to glass transport methods and apparatus having adjustable fluid flow. [Background technology]

[0003] In the production of glass articles such as glass sheets for display applications including televisions and handheld devices such as phones and tablets, a glass ribbon may flow from a forming apparatus. As the glass ribbon flows from the forming apparatus, it may be transported for further processing into individual glass articles or sheets. During such transport, it is preferable to minimize physical contact with quality regions (i.e., non-edge regions) of the glass ribbon to prevent scratches or other defects on the glass ribbon surface. As glass ribbons become thinner and / or wider, it becomes increasingly difficult to transport the glass ribbon without physically contacting the quality areas while at the same time preventing undesirable deformation (e.g., sagging) of the glass ribbon regions. Thus, improved methods of transporting thin and / or wide glass ribbons are increasingly desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An embodiment disclosed herein includes a glass article manufacturing apparatus. The apparatus includes a glass transport apparatus. The glass transport apparatus includes a plenum chamber including a fluid inlet. The glass transport apparatus also includes a plurality of slide gates in fluid communication with the plenum chamber and movable from a first position to a second position. Each of the plurality of slide gates includes a plurality of apertures. The glass transport apparatus also includes a fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate the plurality of slide gates. The plenum chamber is not in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one slide gate is in the first position and is in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one slide gate is in the second position.

[0005]

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein also include a glass transport apparatus. The glass transport apparatus includes a plenum chamber including a fluid inlet. The glass transport apparatus also includes a plurality of slide gates in fluid communication with the plenum chamber and movable from a first position to a second position. Each of the plurality of slide gates includes a plurality of apertures. The glass transport apparatus also includes a fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate to the plurality of slide gates. The plenum chamber is not in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one slide gate is in the first position and is in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one slide gate is in the second position.

[0006]

[0013] Embodiments disclosed herein also include a method for making a glass article. The method includes flowing a glass ribbon in a drawing direction from a forming device to a glass transport device. The glass transport device includes a plenum chamber including a fluid inlet. The glass transport device also includes a plurality of slide gates in fluid communication with the plenum chamber and movable from a first position to a second position. Each of the plurality of slide gates includes a plurality of apertures. The glass transport device also includes a fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate the plurality of slide gates. The plenum chamber is not in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one slide gate is in the first position and is in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one slide gate is in the second position.

[0007] The following detailed description will set forth additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein which will in part become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or which may be learned in part by practicing the embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] It is to be understood that the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are illustrative of embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments as set forth in the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus and process. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic side perspective view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus and process. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a portion of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a portion of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a portion of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a fluid diffuser according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a sliding gate according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a sliding gate according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 9C] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a sliding gate according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 9D] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a sliding gate according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a glass ribbon and glass transport apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a side schematic perspective view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus and process according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a side schematic perspective view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus and process according to embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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 and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, for example, by the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the values ​​form another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range can be significant in relation to the other endpoint, or independently of the other endpoint.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] As used herein, the term "cooling mechanism" refers to a mechanism that increases the transfer of heat from an area relative to conditions in the absence of such cooling mechanism. Heat transfer can occur through at least one of conduction, convection, or radiation.

[0016] As used herein, the term "heating mechanism" refers to a mechanism that reduces or increases the transfer of heat from or to an area compared to conditions in the absence of such heating mechanism. Heat transfer can occur through at least one of conduction, convection, or radiation.

[0017] As used herein, the term "housing" refers to an enclosure in which the glass ribbon is formed, and through which the glass ribbon typically cools from a relatively high temperature to a relatively low temperature. Although embodiments disclosed herein are described with reference to a fusion downdraw process in which the glass ribbon flows down the housing in a generally vertical direction, such embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming processes, such as float, slot draw, updraw and press rolling processes, in which the glass ribbon may flow in a variety of directions within the housing, such as generally vertical or generally horizontal.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some examples, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can include a glass melting furnace 12, which can include 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 a heating element (e.g., a combustion burner or an electrode) configured to heat the raw materials and convert the raw materials into molten glass. In a further example, the glass melting furnace 12 can include a thermal management device (e.g., an insulating component) that reduces heat loss from the vicinity of the melting vessel. In yet another example, the glass melting furnace 12 can include electronic and / or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of the raw materials into a glass melt. Additionally, the glass melting furnace 12 can also include a support structure (e.g., a support chassis, a support member, etc.) or other components.

[0019] The glass melting vessel 14 is typically constructed of a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material including alumina or zirconia. In some examples, the glass melting vessel 14 may be constructed of refractory ceramic bricks. Specific embodiments of the glass melting vessel 14 are described in further detail below.

[0020] In some examples, the glass melting furnace can be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus that produces glass substrates, such as continuous lengths of glass ribbons. In some examples, the glass melting furnace of the present disclosure can be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus, including a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus such as a fusion process, an updraw apparatus, a press rolling apparatus, a tube draw apparatus, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the aspects disclosed herein. As an example, FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 that processes a glass ribbon into individual glass sheets after fusion drawing.

[0021] Optionally, the glass manufacturing system 10 (e.g., the fusion downdraw system 10) may include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 disposed upstream relative to the glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, a portion or all of the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

[0022] As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device. The storage bin 18 can be configured to store an amount of raw material 24, as indicated by arrow 26, that can be fed to the melting vessel 14 of the glass melting furnace 12. 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 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. The raw material 24 in the melting vessel 14 can then be heated to form molten glass 28.

[0023] Optionally, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 disposed downstream relative to 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, a first connecting conduit 32, described below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. The elements of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus, including the first connecting conduit 32, may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group of metals consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 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 may include molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

[0024] The downstream glass production apparatus 30 may include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel, such as a fining vessel 34, disposed downstream of the melting vessel 14 and coupled to the melting vessel 14 by the first connecting conduit 32 described above. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 via the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity may pass the molten glass 28 from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 through an internal passage of the first connecting conduit 32. However, other conditioning vessels may 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 vessel may be employed between the melting vessel and the fining vessel, where the molten glass from the primary melting vessel is further heated to continue the melting process or cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the melting vessel before entering the fining vessel.

[0025] The molten glass 28 in the fining vessel 34 may be freed of bubbles by a variety of techniques. For example, the raw material 24 may include multivalent compounds (i.e., fining agents), such as tin oxide, that undergo a chemical reduction reaction upon heating to release oxygen. Other suitable fining agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and cerium. The fining vessel 34 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the melting vessel, thereby heating the molten glass and fining agents. Oxygen produced by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of the fining agent(s) may diffuse or fuse into bubbles that are generated in the molten glass during the melting process. This causes enlarged bubbles to rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the fining vessel, where they may then be expelled from the fining vessel. These bubbles may further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining vessel.

[0026] The downstream glass production apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36 for blending the molten glass. The mixing vessel 36 may be located downstream of the fining vessel 34. The mixing vessel 36 may be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition to reduce cords of chemical or thermal inhomogeneity that may be present in the molten glass exiting the fining chamber. As shown, the fining vessel 34 may be coupled to the mixing vessel 36 via a second connecting conduit 38. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 via the second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity may pass the molten glass 28 from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 through an internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38. Although the mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of the fining vessel 34, it may also be located upstream of the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 can include multiple mixing vessels, such as a mixing vessel upstream from fining vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream from fining vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels can be of the same design or of different designs.

[0027] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a delivery vessel 40, which may be positioned downstream of the mixing vessel 36. The delivery vessel 40 may condition the molten glass 28 being fed into the downstream forming apparatus. For example, the delivery vessel 40 may function as an accumulator and / or flow controller to condition and / or provide a consistent flow of the molten glass 28 to the forming body 42 via an outlet conduit 44. As shown, the mixing vessel 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 vessel 36 to the delivery vessel 40 via the third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity may drive the molten glass 28 from the mixing vessel 36 to the delivery vessel 40 through an internal passage of the third connecting conduit 46.

[0028] The downstream glass manufacturing system 30 may further include a forming apparatus 48 including the forming body 42 and inlet conduit 50 described above. 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. For example, the outlet conduit 44 may be nested within and spaced from the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50 to provide a free surface of molten glass located between the outer surface of the outlet conduit 44 and the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50. 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 converging forming surfaces 54 that converge in the draw direction along a lower end 56 of the forming body 42. The molten glass delivered to the forming body trough via the delivery vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, and the inlet conduit 50 overflows the sidewalls of the trough and descends along the converging forming surfaces 54 as separate streams of molten glass. The separate streams of molten glass join below and along the bottom end 56 to produce a single glass ribbon 58 that is drawn from the bottom end 56 in a drawing or flow direction 60 by applying tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge rolls 72 and pull rolls 82, to control the dimensions of the glass ribbon as the glass cools and the viscosity of the glass increases. Thus, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition to acquire mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional properties. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 58 can be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass separating device 100 in the elastic region of the glass ribbon. A robot 64 then transfers the individual glass sheets 62 using gripping tools 65 to a conveyor system where the individual glass sheets can be further processed.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10 and process. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 and process of FIG. 2 are similar to those of FIG. 1 except that in FIG. 2, the forming apparatus includes a forming vessel 142 including a slot 156 through which the glass ribbon 58 flows in a draw direction 60. Also in FIG. 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a pair of opposing forming rolls 160 downstream of the slot 156 that can be configured to contact opposing major surfaces of the glass ribbon 58. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 also includes a reorientation mechanism 170 configured to reorient the draw direction 60 from a substantially vertical 60A (i.e., parallel to the gravity vector) orientation between the forming apparatus (including the forming vessel 142) and the reorientation mechanism 170 to a substantially horizontal 60B orientation downstream of the reorientation mechanism 170. As shown in FIG. 2, the reorientation mechanism 170 includes a plurality of rollers 180, each configured to contact an edge region of the glass ribbon 58. Rollers 180 may also facilitate horizontal transport of glass ribbon 58 downstream of redirection mechanism 170 .

[0030] 3 is a top perspective view of a glass transport apparatus 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The glass transport apparatus 200 includes a plenum chamber 206 and a mounting bracket 208. The glass transport apparatus 200 also includes a fluid bearing table 202 that includes a plurality of orifices 204 (e.g., an array of orifices 204) each extending through a thickness of the fluid bearing table 202.

[0031] The plenum chamber 206 can include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, or Inconel. The fluid support table 202 can include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel, a ceramic material, or a polymeric material. The orifice 204 can have a diameter, for example, in a range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

[0032] 4 and 5 are top perspective views of a portion of a glass transport apparatus 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein, without showing the fluid support table 202. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the glass transport apparatus 200 includes a plurality of slide gates 210 in fluid communication with a plenum chamber 206. In FIG. 4, the slide gates 210 are movable in a direction indicated by a double-headed arrow "X", and in FIG. 5, the slide gates 210 are movable in a direction indicated by a double-headed arrow "Y". Specifically, in FIG. 4, the slide gates 210 are movable in a direction perpendicular to the drawing direction 60, and in FIG. 5, the slide gates 210 are movable in a direction parallel to the drawing direction 60.

[0033] 6 is a bottom perspective view of a glass transport apparatus 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the plenum chamber 206 includes a fluid inlet 212. The fluid inlet 212 can facilitate the flow of fluid into the plenum chamber 206 from a fluid source (not shown).

[0034] The fluid entering the plenum chamber 206 through the fluid inlet 212 can include at least one of a gas or a liquid, although in some exemplary embodiments the fluid includes a gas such as air. For example, the fluid can include at least one of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, argon, or combinations thereof. The fluid can also consist of or consist essentially of at least one of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, argon, or combinations thereof.

[0035] 7 is a side perspective view of a portion of a glass transport apparatus 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein, without showing the side of the plenum chamber 206. As shown in FIG 7, the glass transport apparatus 200 includes a fluid diffuser 214. The fluid diffuser 214 is disposed within the plenum chamber 206 and extends between the fluid inlet 212 and the plurality of sliding gates 210 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0036] 4, 6, and 7 show a glass transport apparatus 200 having a fluid support table 202 that includes a substantially flat surface. The embodiments disclosed herein can also include transport apparatus 200 having a fluid support table 202 that includes other surface geometries, such as a non-flat surface. For example, as shown by dashed lines "A" and "B" in FIG. 7, the fluid support table 202 can also have curved surfaces in one or more directions.

[0037] 8 is a top perspective view of a fluid diffuser 214 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid diffuser 214 includes a plurality of perforations or orifices 216 that allow fluid to pass from one major surface of the fluid diffuser 214 (i.e., the surface facing the fluid inlet 212) to the other major surface (i.e., the surface facing the sliding gate 210). When positioned within the plenum chamber 206, such as shown in FIG. 7, the fluid diffuser 214 functions to redistribute fluid flow such that the area of ​​the plenum chamber between the fluid diffuser 214 and the sliding gate 210 (i.e., the area of ​​the plenum chamber 206 above the fluid diffuser 214 shown in FIG. 7) has a more even fluid flow and pressure distribution than the area of ​​the plenum chamber 206 between the fluid inlet 212 and the fluid diffuser 207 (i.e., the area of ​​the plenum chamber 206 below the fluid diffuser 214 shown in FIG. 7).

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the fluid diffuser 214 can include stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel, a ceramic material, or a polymeric material. The perforations or orifices 216 can have a diameter in the range of, for example, about 0.1 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

[0039] 9A-9D are top perspective views of slide gates 210A-D according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 9A, slide gate 210A includes a plurality of apertures 218A that are substantially the same in size, shape, and distance relative to one another. As shown in FIG. 9B, slide gate 210B includes a plurality of apertures 218B that are substantially the same in size and shape but at different distances relative to one another. Specifically, slide gate 210B includes apertures 218B that are more dense near end regions than in a central region. As shown in FIG. 9C, slide gate 210C includes a plurality of apertures 218C that are substantially the same in size and shape but at different distances relative to one another. Specifically, slide 210C includes apertures 218C that are less dense near end regions than in a central region. As shown in FIG. 9D, slide gate 210D includes a plurality of apertures 218D that are at least partially different in size, shape, and distance relative to one another.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the sliding gates 210A-D can include stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel, a ceramic material, or a polymeric material. The apertures 218A-D can have diameters ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 1 centimeter, for example.

[0041] 10 and 11 are side cross-sectional perspective views of a portion of a glass transport apparatus 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a fluid support table 202 and a portion of a slide gate 210 disposed in a first position relative to the fluid support table 202. As shown in FIG. 10, the slide gate 210 is disposed adjacent to and below the fluid support table 202, but the orifice 204 of the fluid support table 202 is not in fluid communication with the aperture 218 of the slide gate 210, and thus the plenum chamber 206 is not in fluid communication with the orifice 204. In contrast, FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of the fluid support table 202 and a portion of the slide gate 210 disposed in a second position relative to the fluid support table 202, with the slide gate 210 moving relative to the fluid support table 202 as indicated by the arrow "M." As shown in FIG. 11 , the orifice 204 in the fluid support table 202 is axially aligned with the aperture 218 in the sliding gate 210 such that the orifice 204 in the fluid support table 202 is in fluid communication with the aperture 218 in the sliding gate 210 such that the plenum chamber 206 is in fluid communication with the orifice 204.

[0042] Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the plenum chamber 206 is not in fluid communication with the at least one orifice 204 when the at least one sliding gate 210 is in a first position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10 ), and the plenum chamber 206 is in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one sliding gate 210 is in a second position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11 ).

[0043] 12 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a glass ribbon 58 and a glass transport apparatus 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 12 illustrates that the glass ribbon 58 can be positioned and / or transported above the fluid support table 202 such that a fluid cushion 158 extends between the fluid support table 202 and the glass ribbon 58. The fluid cushion 158 can be generated, for example, when the at least one sliding gate 210 is in a second position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11 ) such that the plenum chamber 206 is in fluid communication with the at least one orifice 204, such that fluid from the plenum chamber 206 flows through the orifice 204 toward the glass ribbon 58 (the plenum chamber 206 can be in fluid communication with the glass ribbon 58), thereby facilitating the glass ribbon 58 to lift onto the fluid cushion 158.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass ribbon 58 positioned and / or transported above the fluid support table 202 has a thickness of less than about 0.5 millimeters, such as from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters, including from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.4 millimeters, or even less than about 0.3 millimeters, or even less than about 0.2 millimeters.

[0045] The amount of overall fluid communication between the plenum chamber 206 and the glass ribbon 58 can be changed or adjusted by moving one or more slide gates 210 relative to the fluid support table 202. For example, embodiments disclosed herein include embodiments in which none of the plurality of slide gates 210 are in the first position or the second position and / or do not move from the first position to the second position, embodiments in which only a portion of the plurality of slide gates 210 are in the first position or the second position and / or move from the first position to the second position, or embodiments in which all of the plurality of slide gates 210 are in the first position or the second position and / or move from the first position to the second position. For example, as the slide gate 210 moves, a certain percentage of the orifices 204 become fluidly connected to the plenum chamber 206 (i.e., via fluid flow through the apertures in the slide gate 210) depending on the configuration of the slide gate 210, including the arrangement of the apertures on the slide gate 210 (e.g., as shown in Figures 9A-9D), and the configuration of the fluid support table 202, including the arrangement of the orifices 204 on the fluid support table 202.

[0046] For example, when at least one of the plurality of slide gates 210 is in a first position, less than about 75% of the orifices 204, such as less than about 50%, even less than about 25%, or even less than about 10%, such as about 0% to about 75%, even about 1% to about 50%, even about 2% to about 25%, or even about 3% to about 10%, of the orifices 204 can be in fluid communication with the plenum chamber 206. Conversely, when at least one of the plurality of slide gates 210 is in a second position, more than about 25% of the orifices 204, such as more than about 50%, even more than about 75%, or even more than about 90%, such as about 25% to about 100%, even about 50% to about 99%, even about 75% to about 98%, or even about 90% to about 97% of the orifices 204 can be in fluid communication with the plenum chamber 206.

[0047] Thus, the fluid cushion 158 between the fluid support table 202 and the glass ribbon 58 can be dynamically controlled or adjusted in real time, for example, by moving one or more of the plurality of slide gates 210 between a first position and a second position. By controlling or adjusting one or more of the plurality of slide gates 210 in response to process conditions including, for example, the geometry (e.g., width and / or thickness) and / or drawing speed of the glass ribbon 58, the overall pressure exerted by the glass transport apparatus 200 on the glass ribbon 58 can be controlled or adjusted.

[0048] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic perspective side views of an example glass manufacturing apparatus 10 and process according to embodiments disclosed herein. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 and process of Figures 13 and 14 are similar to that of Figure 2, except that in Figures 13 and 14, one or more glass transport devices 200 are disposed along the drawing direction 60 of the glass ribbon 58 (and replace some or all of the rollers 180).

[0049] Specifically, Figure 13 shows glass conveying apparatus 200 disposed below glass ribbon 58 along substantially horizontal 60B drawing direction 60. Figure 13 also shows glass conveying apparatus 200 disposed below glass ribbon 58 between substantially vertical 60A and substantially horizontal 60B drawing directions 60 (i.e., oriented at an oblique angle relative to substantially vertical 60A and substantially horizontal 60B drawing directions 60). Figure 13 also shows rollers 180 disposed between and / or around glass conveying apparatus 200 along drawing direction 60 to show glass manufacturing apparatus 10 including both rollers 180 and glass conveying apparatus 200.

[0050] Similar to Fig. 13, Fig. 14 also shows at least one glass transport apparatus 200 disposed along a substantially horizontal 60B drawing direction 60 below the glass ribbon 58, and at least one glass transport apparatus 200 disposed between the substantially vertical 60A and substantially horizontal 60B drawing directions 60 below the glass ribbon 58. Fig. 14 also shows two opposing glass transport apparatus 200 disposed along a substantially vertical 60A drawing direction 60 (i.e., disposed on either side of the glass ribbon 58 along the substantially vertical 60A drawing direction 60). Fig. 14 also shows a glass transport apparatus 200 disposed along a substantially horizontal 60B drawing direction 60 above the glass ribbon 58, and two glass transport apparatus 200 disposed between the substantially vertical 60A and substantially horizontal 60B drawing directions 60 above the glass ribbon.

[0051] In addition, in situations where a very wide glass ribbon 58 is transported along the drawing direction 60, one or more glass transport devices 200 may be disposed along the width of the glass ribbon 58.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass transport apparatus 200 may include or be provided with a cooling mechanism and / or a heating mechanism to provide heat transfer between the glass transport apparatus 200 and the glass ribbon 58. The cooling mechanism may result from normal operation of the glass transport apparatus 200, for example, where fluid from the plenum chamber 206 flows through the orifices 204 toward the glass ribbon 58. The cooling mechanism may also include one or more components that provide additional heat transfer between the glass transport apparatus 200 and the glass ribbon 58, such as convection enhancers (e.g., cooling fans) and / or systems that include a circulating cooling fluid, such as a multi-phase cooling system. The heating mechanism may include, for example, electrical resistance-based, combustion-based, or induction-based heating components.

[0053] Embodiments disclosed herein may enable the production of thin and / or wide glass articles, such as thin and / or wide glass sheets having a flat surface with minimal surface defects, such as glass sheets having a thickness of less than about 0.5 millimeters, such as from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters, including from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.4 millimeters, or even less than about 0.3 millimeters, or even less than about 0.2 millimeters.

[0054] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to fusion downdraw and slot draw processes, it should be understood that such embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming processes, such as float, updraw, and press rolling processes.

[0055] Such processes can be used, for example, to manufacture glass articles that can be used in electronic devices and other applications.

[0056] 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]

[0057] 60 Pulling direction 200 Glass conveying device 202 Fluid Support Table 204 Orifice 206 Plenum Chamber 208 Mounting bracket

Claims

1. A glass article manufacturing apparatus comprising a glass conveying device, wherein the glass conveying device comprises: A plenum chamber including a fluid inlet; A plurality of slide gates in fluid communication with the plenum chamber, movable from a first position to a second position, each including a plurality of apertures; A fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate to the plurality of slide gates; The plenum chamber is configured such that at least one orifice is not in fluid communication with at least one slide gate when the at least one slide gate is in the first position, and at least one orifice is in fluid communication with at least one slide gate when the at least one slide gate is in the second position. An apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The apparatus further comprises a forming device, and the forming device is configured to flow a glass ribbon in a drawing direction from the forming device towards the glass conveying device. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The slide gate is movable in a direction parallel to the drawing direction. The apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The slide gate is movable in a direction perpendicular to the drawing direction. The apparatus according to claim 2.

5. A plenum chamber including a fluid inlet; A plurality of slide gates in fluid communication with the plenum chamber, movable from a first position to a second position, each including a plurality of apertures; A fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate to the plurality of slide gates; The plenum chamber is configured such that at least one orifice is not in fluid communication with at least one slide gate when the at least one slide gate is in the first position, and at least one orifice is in fluid communication with at least one slide gate when the at least one slide gate is in the second position. A glass conveying device characterized by the above.

6. The apparatus further comprises a fluid diffuser between the fluid inlet and the plurality of slide gates. The apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The apertures are substantially the same in size, shape, and distance from each other. The apparatus according to claim 5.

8. At least one of the size, shape, or distance from each other of the apertures is different. The apparatus according to claim 5.

9. The fluid support table includes a substantially flat surface. The apparatus according to claim 5.

10. The fluid support table includes a non-flat surface. The apparatus according to claim 5.

11. The device includes at least one of a heating mechanism or a cooling mechanism. The device according to claim 5.

12. A method for manufacturing a glass article, comprising flowing a glass ribbon in a drawing direction from a forming device toward a glass conveying device, wherein the glass conveying device includes: A plenum chamber including a fluid inlet; A plurality of slide gates that are in fluid communication with the plenum chamber and are movable from a first position to a second position, each including a plurality of apertures; A fluid support table including a plurality of orifices proximate to the plurality of slide gates; And wherein the plenum chamber is not in fluid communication with at least one orifice when at least one slide gate is in the first position and is in fluid communication with at least one orifice when at least one slide gate is in the second position. A method characterized by the above.

13. Manufactured by the method according to claim 12, A glass article characterized by the above.

14. An electronic device characterized by including the glass article according to claim 13. ​

Images