Glass manufacturing apparatus and glass ribbon manufacturing method

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device configured to deliver a stream of molten material along a first axis. The first roller is configured to guide the stream of molten material to exit one side of the first roller and along a second axis that is within 20% of a radius of the first roller from the first axis. The first axis intersects a guide member positioned downstream of the first roller. The second axis does not intersect the guide member. The method includes contacting the stream of molten material traveling along the first axis with the first roller. The method includes guiding the stream of molten material to exit one side of the first roller and along the second axis. The first distance between the first axis and the second axis is within 20% of a radius of the first roller.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 338,163, filed May 4, 2022, the contents of which are relied upon and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to glass manufacturing apparatus and methods for producing glass ribbons, and more particularly to methods for producing glass ribbons that include cooling a molten material to form a glass ribbon. [Background technology]

[0003] Glass sheets can be used in photovoltaic or display applications, such as, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), and plasma display panels (PDPs). Glass sheets are typically fabricated by flowing molten material through a forming device, which can form glass ribbons in a variety of web-forming processes, such as, for example, slot draw, float, downdraw, fusion downdraw, rolling, tube draw, or updraw. The glass web can be periodically separated into individual glass sheets.

[0004] However, the use of such methods to form glass ribbons can be limited when using molten materials having low devitrification viscosities and / or high devitrification temperatures. Thus, there is a need for a glass ribbon manufacturing method that can be used with molten materials having low devitrification viscosities and / or high devitrification temperatures. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A simplified summary of the disclosure is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description. Aspects of the disclosure provide a guide member configured to cool a stream of molten material. The extent of cooling can be controlled by adjusting the distance between the guide member and the stream of molten material or the orientation of the guide member. A cooling fluid can be passed through the guide member to maintain the temperature of the surface of the guide member, thereby effectively cooling the stream of molten material. The guide member can also include a pair of guide members positioned on either side of the stream of molten material, thereby uniformly and effectively cooling the stream of molten material. Effective cooling of the stream of molten material can reduce the time and / or space required to cool the stream of molten material sufficiently to be handled, for example, by pull rollers. Effective cooling of the stream of molten material can allow the use of a stream of molten material with a lower viscosity (e.g., about 5,000 Pascal seconds or less, about 1,000 Pascal seconds or less) as the stream of molten material exits the delivery device to form a glass ribbon, for example, a molten material having a low devitrification viscosity and / or a high devitrification temperature.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a first roller positioned between the delivery device and the guide member, where the first roller is configured to guide the stream away from one side of the first roller. The first roller can be configured to cool the stream of molten material. In combination with the guide member, the first roller can more effectively cool the stream of molten material. Providing a guide member between the first roller and the pair of pull rollers can capture and / or redirect any portion of the molten material stream that deviates from the second axis along which the stream of molten material is configured to travel during normal operation, thereby preventing damage to other equipment in the glass manufacturing apparatus by such portion of the stream of molten material. When the guide member comprises a pair of guide members positioned on opposite sides of the stream of molten material, the distance between the pair of guide members can be adjusted, for example, such that the stream of molten material is formed into an intermediate ribbon of molten material by the pair of guide members (e.g., a pair of guide rollers). Forming an intermediate ribbon of molten material can reduce deviation of any portion of the molten material from the second axis and / or increase the distance that the molten material (e.g., stream, ribbon) can travel without becoming unstable. Additionally, the distance between the pair of guide rollers may allow a pool of molten material to form above the nip between the pair of guide rollers, which may produce a stable and / or uniform intermediate ribbon of molten material. When the stream of molten material contacts the guide member, maintaining a low temperature (e.g., below about 200° C.) at the surface of the guide member may reduce sticking of the molten material to the guide member.

[0007] During a process upset, for example when the first roller is temporarily removed and / or replaced, the stream of molten material may proceed along the first axis instead of the second axis. By providing a guide member, the stream of molten material may be redirected to proceed along a third axis that is closer to the second axis than the first axis is to the second axis, thereby reducing deviation of the stream of molten material from the second axis. For example, the third axis may impinge on a portion of a pull roller, which may then guide the material proceeding along the third axis between a pair of driven pull rollers (e.g., along the second process). Reducing deviation of the stream of molten material may reduce damage to other equipment in the glass manufacturing apparatus. Reducing deviation of the stream of molten material may allow the molten material to proceed through subsequent portions of the glass manufacturing apparatus to produce a glass ribbon, even during a process upset. When the guide member includes at least one guide roller, rotating the at least one guide roller may reduce splashing of the molten material, thereby reducing the risk of damage to other equipment and increasing the efficiency of the glass ribbon manufacturing method.

[0008] In an aspect, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device configured to deliver a stream of molten material to a first roller along a first axis extending in the direction of gravity. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first roller positioned downstream of the forming device and configured to guide the stream of molten material to flow out one side of the first roller and along a second axis extending in the direction of gravity and spaced a first distance from the first axis that is within 20% of a radius of the first roller. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a guide member positioned downstream of the first roller. The first axis intersects the guide member. The second axis does not intersect the guide member.

[0009] In another aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a pair of driven pull rollers positioned downstream of the guide member, the second shaft passing between the pair of driven pull rollers.

[0010] In another embodiment, the guide member comprises at least one guide roller, and a second distance between the first axis and a radial center of the at least one guide roller is less than or equal to 120% of a radius of the first roller.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the first roller is configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid therein.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the at least one guide roller is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is coupled to the motor such that an upper peripheral portion of the at least one guide roller rotates toward a second axis when the at least one guide roller is rotated by the motor.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the radius of at least one guide roller is in the range of about 3 centimeters to about 10 centimeters.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the distance along the second axis between the radial center of the first roller and the radial center of the at least one guide roller is in a range from about 10 centimeters to about 50 centimeters.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the at least one guide roller comprises a pair of guide rollers, and the second shaft passes between the pair of guide rollers.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the minimum distance between the periphery of the pair of guide rollers is adjustable.

[0017] In another embodiment, the guide member includes a contact surface that slopes downward in the direction of gravity toward the second axis.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the contact surface comprises a flat contact surface extending along a plane, the plane of the flat contact surface intersecting the second axis at an oblique angle in the range of about 5° to about 45°.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the angle of inclination of the contact surface is adjustable.

[0020] In an aspect, a method of forming a glass ribbon includes contacting a first roller with a stream of molten material from a forming device. The stream of molten material has a first viscosity upon exiting the forming device in a range of about 10 Pascal-seconds to about 5,000 Pascal-seconds. The stream of molten material advances along a first axis extending in the direction of gravity from the forming device to the first roller. The method includes guiding the stream of molten material with the first roller to flow out one side of the first roller and along a second axis extending in the direction of gravity. A first distance between the first axis and the second axis is within 20% of a radius of the first roller. The method includes cooling the stream of molten material with a guide member.

[0021] In another aspect, directing the stream of molten material includes directing the entire stream of molten material away from one side of the first roller.

[0022] In another embodiment, the first viscosity is in the range from about 100 Pascal-seconds to about 1,000 Pascal-seconds.

[0023] In another aspect, after cooling the stream of molten material with the guide members, the method further includes passing the stream of molten material between a pair of driven pull rollers to form a ribbon of molten material. The method further includes cooling the ribbon of molten material to form a glass ribbon.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the stream of molten material passing between the pair of driven pull rollers is about 10 4 Pascal seconds ~ approx. 10 6 It has a second viscosity in the range of Pascal seconds.

[0025] In another aspect, the method further includes maintaining the guide member at a temperature of about 200° C. or less during cooling.

[0026] In another aspect, the method further includes moving the first roller out of contact with the stream of molten material such that the stream of molten material advances along the first axis to a guide member that guides the stream of molten material along a third axis in the direction of gravity. A fourth distance between the third axis and the second axis is less than or equal to 120% of a radius of the first roller.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the guide member comprises at least one guide roller, the at least one guide roller having a peripheral surface, the at least one guide roller being maintained at the temperature by flowing a cooling fluid therethrough.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the method further includes rotating the at least one guide roller such that an upper peripheral portion of the at least one guide roller rotates toward the second axis.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the at least one guide roller comprises a pair of guide rollers, the stream of molten material passing between the pair of guide rollers to form an intermediate ribbon of molten material having a thickness substantially equal to a nip distance of a nip region between corresponding peripheral surfaces of the pair of guide rollers.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the stream of molten material forms a puddle of molten material above the nip region supported by a pair of guide rollers. The molten material is drawn from the puddle of molten material through the nip region to form an intermediate ribbon of molten material.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the method further includes adjusting a distance between the stream of molten material and a circumferential surface of the at least one guide roller to adjust cooling of the stream of molten material.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the guide member comprises at least one sloping plate.The method further includes flowing a cooling fluid through the at least one sloping plate.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, at least one inclined plate has a flat contact surface that extends along a plane that is inclined downward in the direction of gravity toward the second axis and intersects the second axis at an inclination angle in the range of about 5° to about 45°.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the method further includes adjusting the tilt angle of the at least one tilt plate to adjust cooling of the stream of molten material.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the guide member includes a pair of inclined plates, the stream of molten material passing between the pair of inclined plates.

[0036] Additional features and advantages of the aspects disclosed herein are set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or may be learned by practicing the aspects described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are presented only to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the aspects disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation of the present disclosure.

[0037] These and other features, aspects, and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a pair of guide rollers and a first roller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a pair of guide rollers forming a pool of molten material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a pair of inclined plates and a first roller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a pair of guide rollers taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 when a first roller is not in contact with the stream of molten material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a glass manufacturing apparatus with a pair of inclined plates taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 when a first roller is not in contact with the stream of molten material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figures are used throughout this disclosure to highlight certain aspects, and therefore, unless expressly indicated otherwise, the relative sizes of various regions, parts, and substrates shown in the figures should not be assumed to be in proportion to their actual relative sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which show illustrative embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals 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.

[0041] The present disclosure relates to a glass ribbon manufacturing method that can be used with a glass manufacturing apparatus and can be employed in a method for producing a glass ribbon from a stream of molten material. For example, Figures 1-6 show a glass manufacturing apparatus including a downdraw apparatus (e.g., press-rolling, slot-draw) in the context of producing a glass ribbon from a stream of molten glass. Unless otherwise noted, the description of features of the glass manufacturing apparatus embodiments can be equally applied to the corresponding features of other forming apparatuses used in the production of glass ribbons, such as glass articles or glass-ceramic articles. Examples of downdraw glass forming apparatuses include slot-draw, press-rolling, or other glass manufacturing apparatuses that can be used as delivery devices to form glass ribbons from a stream of molten material. In embodiments, the glass ribbon from any of these processes can then be split to provide a plurality of glass ribbons suitable for further processing into electronic devices. For example, the split glass ribbons can be used in a wide variety of applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), touch sensors, photovoltaics, home appliances (e.g., range tops), and the like. Such displays may be incorporated into, for example, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, watches, wearable devices, and / or touch-enabled monitors or displays.

[0042] As shown generally in FIG. 1, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 comprises a glass forming apparatus 101 including a forming device 140 designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 from a stream of molten material 121. As used herein, "molten material" refers to a material that can be cooled to glass (i.e., a glass ribbon). In embodiments, the molten material can be lithia-free or lithia-containing and can include silicate, borosilicate, aluminosilicate, aluminoborosilicate, or soda-lime based compositions. As shown, the glass ribbon 103 can include a central portion 152 disposed between opposing edge beads formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. Additionally, the glass sheet 104 can be separated from the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 with a glass separator 149 (e.g., a scrubber, a scoring wheel, a diamond tip, a laser). If there are edge beads formed along the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155, the edge beads can be removed before or after the glass sheet 104 is separated from the glass ribbon 103 to provide the central portion 152 as a glass sheet 104 of a more uniform thickness.

[0043] The glass ribbon 103 and / or glass sheet 104 can be formed into glass or ceramic articles. As used herein, "glass" refers to an amorphous material that includes at least 30 mole percent (mol%) silica (SiO2). Amorphous materials (e.g., glass) can be strengthened. As used herein, the term "strengthened" can refer to a material that is chemically strengthened, for example, by ion-exchanging larger ions with smaller ions at the surface of the sheet. However, other strengthening methods can be used to form the strengthened sheet, such as, for example, thermal tempering or using a mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients between portions of the sheet to create compressive and central tensile stress areas. Exemplary glass materials can include soda-lime glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, alkali-containing aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing phosphosilicate glass, and alkali-containing aluminophosphosilicate glass, with or without lithia. Glass materials can include alkali-containing or alkali-free glasses, both with or without lithia. In embodiments, the glass material can be alkali-free and / or include low alkali metal content (e.g., about 10 mol% or less R2O, where R2O includes at least one of Li2O, Na2O, or K2O).

[0044] As used herein, "ceramic" refers to a crystalline phase. A ceramic sheet includes one or more crystalline phases that collectively constitute at least 50% by weight of the ceramic sheet. The ceramic material can be strengthened (e.g., chemically strengthened). In an embodiment, the ceramic material can be formed by heating a substrate including a glass material to form a ceramic (e.g., crystalline) portion. In another embodiment, the ceramic material can include one or more nucleating agents that can promote the formation of the crystalline phase(s). In an embodiment, the ceramic material can include one or more oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides, carbides, borides, and / or silicides.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage vessel 109. The batch material 107 is introduced by a batch delivery device 111 driven by a motor 113. When necessary, a controller 115 can be operated to operate the motor 113 to introduce a quantity of the batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 heats the batch material 107 to provide molten material 121. In an embodiment, a glass melting probe 119 can be employed to measure the level of the molten material 121 in the standpipe 123 and communicate the measurement information to the controller 115 over communication line 125. The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a fining vessel 127 located downstream of the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by a first connecting conduit 129. Air bubbles can be removed from the molten material 121 in the fining vessel 127. The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can further include a mixing chamber 131 located downstream from the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can reduce inhomogeneity in the molten material 121 exiting the fining vessel 127. Additionally, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include an outflow vessel 133 located downstream from the mixing chamber 131. The outflow vessel 133 regulates the molten material 121 provided to the inlet conduit 141. For example, the outflow vessel 133 can function as an accumulator and / or a flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. In an embodiment, gravity can deliver molten material 121 into glass making apparatus 100, for example, from melting vessel 105 to fining vessel 127 through a first connecting conduit 129, from fining vessel 127 to mixing chamber 131 through a second connecting conduit 135, and / or from mixing chamber 131 to delivery vessel 133 through a third connecting conduit 137. As shown, delivery conduit 139 is positioned to deliver molten material 121 to an inlet conduit 141 of a forming device 140.

[0046] In accordance with features of the present disclosure, various forming devices can be provided, including forming devices with wedges for fusion draw forming the glass ribbon, forming devices with slots for slot draw forming the glass ribbon, or forming devices with press rollers for press rolling the glass ribbon from the forming device. The molten material 121 delivered to the forming device 140 is formed into a glass ribbon 103 based at least in part on the configuration of the forming device 140. In an embodiment, a width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 is defined between a first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. In an embodiment, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 can be about 20 mm to about 4,000 mm, about 100 mm to about 3,500 mm, about 500 mm to about 3,000 mm, about 1,000 mm to about 2,500 mm, or any range or subrange therebetween.

[0047] 2-6 illustrate schematic cross-sectional views along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of an exemplary embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus 100 including a glass forming apparatus 101 with a forming device 140. As shown, the forming device 140 includes a trough 201 configured to receive molten material 121 from an inlet conduit 141 (see FIG. 1). The forming device 140 further includes a forming wedge 209 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b extending between opposite ends of the forming wedge 209 that converge along a direction of travel 154 and intersect along a bottom edge of the forming wedge 209 to define a root 145 of the forming device 140. The molten material 121 delivered to the trough 201 simultaneously flows over the weirs 203a and 203b and downward over the outer surfaces 205a and 205b of the weirs 203a and 203b and the corresponding downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a and 207b of the forming wedge 209, thereby overflowing the trough 201 as respective streams 211 and 212 of molten material 121, which can converge and merge into stream 217 of molten material 121 at the root 145 of the forming device 140.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the forming device 140 is configured to deliver a stream 217 of molten material 121 along a first axis 213 in a travel direction 154. As shown, the first axis 213 can intersect the root 145 of the forming wedge 209. In an embodiment, as shown, the first axis 213 can extend in a direction of gravity 214 and / or the travel direction 154 can coincide with the direction of gravity 214. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the forming device 140 is configured to deliver a stream 217 of molten material 121 along the first axis 213 to a first roller 231. As used herein, "downstream" is a relative measure of the location of the travel direction 154 along the travel path of the molten material. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the first roller 231 is positioned downstream of the forming device 140 because the molten material 121 traveling along the traveling path (e.g., along the first axis 213 between the root 145 and the first roller 231) in the traveling direction 154 is directed from the forming device 140 to the first roller 231. The distance 229 (i.e., minimum distance) between the forming device 140 (e.g., root 145) and the circumferential surface 235 of the first roller 231 along the traveling direction 154 can be adjusted to maintain the stability of the stream of molten material 217. As used herein, the stability of a stream of molten material refers to the ability of the stream to maintain a constant cross-section (i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity and in a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction) as the stream travels in the traveling direction. Without being bound by theory, a less stable stream of molten material may exhibit Plateau-Rayleigh instability by separating into smaller, non-continuous bundles of molten material that tend to become spherical or teardrop shaped. Without being bound by theory, the maximum distance over which the stream of molten material can remain stable is a function of the viscosity of the molten material stream and the flow rate per stream width of the molten material stream. For example, the distance 229 can be from about 1 centimeter (cm) to about 20 cm, from about 2 cm to about 10 cm, from about 3 cm to about 8 cm, from about 3 cm to about 5 cm, or any range or subrange therebetween.In embodiments, the flow rate of the stream 217 of molten material 121 per unit width “W” of the resulting glass ribbon 103 can be from about 0.1 kilograms / hour / mm width (kg / h·mm) to about 5 kg / h·mm, from about 0.15 kg / h·mm to about 2 kg / h·mm, from about 0.2 kg / h·mm to about 1.5 kg / h·mm, from about 0.5 kg / h·mm to about 1 kg / h·mm, or any range or subrange therebetween.

[0049] The first roller 231 can be configured to cool the stream 217 of molten material 121. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first roller 231 can be configured to receive a cooling fluid (indicated by arrow 252) therein, for example from a conduit 251. The cooling fluid can be passed through the first roller 231 to maintain and / or enhance the cooling of the stream 217 of molten material 121. In another embodiment, the cooling fluid can include a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as air or nitrogen, or a material that changes from a gas to a liquid while cooling the first roller 231, such as steam, ammonia, or a commercially available refrigerant. Although not shown in FIGS. 3-4, the first roller 231 can be cooled using a cooling fluid, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the first roller 231 can be configured to rotate in a direction 233 (e.g., clockwise in the side view shown) to guide the stream 217 of molten material 121 contacting the peripheral surface 235 of the first roller 231 out of the side 238b of the first roller 231, resulting in the stream 217 of molten material 121 advancing in a travel direction 154 along the second axis 223. In an embodiment, as shown, the first roller 231 can be configured to guide the entire stream 217 of molten material 121 away from the side 238b of the first roller 231 (i.e., without directing the molten material away from the other side 238a opposite the side 238b). As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the first roller 231 is configured to rotate such that an upper peripheral portion 234 of the first roller 231 rotates in a direction 233 toward the second axis 223. 3, the first roller 231 can be coupled to a motor 351 that rotates the first roller 231 in the direction 233, for example at a constant or variable speed. Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first roller can be coupled to a motor as shown in FIG.

[0050] In an embodiment, as shown, the second axis 223 is parallel to the first axis 213 and / or extends in the direction of gravity 214 and / or in the direction of travel 154. The second distance 249 (i.e., the minimum distance) between the first axis 213 and the second axis 223 can be within 20% of the first radius 237 of the first roller. Throughout this disclosure, "within X% of the first radius" means that the distance is in the range from the first radius minus X% of the first radius to the first radius plus X% of the first radius (i.e., 100-X% of the first radius to 100+X% of the first radius). In another embodiment, the second distance can be within 20% of the first radius 237, within 15% of the first radius 237, within about 10% of the first radius 237, within 8% of the first radius 237, within 5% of the first radius 237, within 2% of the first radius 237, or within 1% of the first radius 237. In another embodiment, the second distance 249 can be within 5 mm, within 3 mm, within 2 mm, within about 1 mm, or within about 0.5 mm of the first radius 237. In an embodiment, the first radius 237 of the first roller 231 can be about 3 cm or more, about 5 cm or more, about 10 cm or less, or about 8 cm or less, for example, in a range of about 3 cm to about 10 cm, about 5 cm to about 8 cm, or any range or subrange therebetween.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a guide member 170. As shown, the guide member 170 is positioned on the opposite side of the first roller 231 from the forming device 140, and is therefore positioned downstream from the forming device 140 and the first roller 231 (if present). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the guide member 170 can include at least one guide roller (e.g., a pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b). In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the guide member 170 can include at least one inclined plate (e.g., a pair of inclined plates 441a and 441b). Although two guide members (e.g., guide rollers 241a and 241b, or inclined plates 441a and 441b) are shown for the guide member 170, in another embodiment, a single guide member or three or more guide members can be provided. Although not shown, the guide member may comprise a combination of a guide roller and a ramp plate, e.g., a guide roller intersecting the first axis paired with a ramp plate. It should be understood that unless otherwise indicated, the description of the features of guide roller 241a applies equally to second guide roller 241b, and the features of ramp plate 441a apply equally to second ramp plate 441b. Providing a guide member between the first roller and the pair of pull rollers may capture and / or redirect any portion of the molten material stream that deviates from the second axis along which the molten material stream is configured to travel during normal operation, thereby preventing damage to other equipment in the glass manufacturing apparatus by such portion of the molten material stream.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the guide member 170 can include at least one first guide roller 241a that intersects the first axis 213 but not the second axis 223. As a result, the stream 217 of molten material 121 traveling along the second axis 223 may not contact the first guide roller 241a, as shown in Figure 2. In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the radial center 246a of the first guide roller 241a can be no more than 120% of the first radius 237 of the first roller 231 from the first axis 213. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the third distance 259 between the radial center 246a of the first guide roller 241a and the first axis 213 can be less than 120% of the first radius 237 of the first roller 231, and as shown in FIG. 3, the third distance 259 between the radial center 246a of the first guide roller 241a and the first axis 213 can be substantially zero (i.e., the first axis 213 intersects with the radial center 246a of the first guide roller 241). In another embodiment, the third distance 259 between the radial center 246a of the first guide roller 241a and the first axis 213 can be about 120% or less of the first radius 237, about 110% or less of the first radius 237, about 105% or less of the first radius 237, about 100% or less of the first radius 237, about 50% or less of the first radius 237, about 20% or less of the first radius 237, or about 10% or less of the first radius 237. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the second axis 223 can pass within the first radius 237 from the circumferential surface 245a of the first guide roller 241a, and for example, the minimum distance 242a between the circumferential surface 245a of the first guide roller 241a and the second axis 223 can be smaller than the first radius 237. Furthermore, second shaft 223 can pass within first radius 237 from peripheral surface 245a of first guide roller 241a without intersecting with first guide roller 241a. Minimum distance 242a between peripheral surface 245a of first guide roller 241a and second shaft 223 is adjustable as shown by arrow 248a, and for example, the minimum distance 242a can be reduced from the configuration shown in FIG. 2 to realize the configuration shown in FIG.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the first guide roller 241a can be configured to rotate in a direction 243a (e.g., clockwise in the illustrated side view) about a radial center 246a of the first guide roller 241a. For example, an upper peripheral portion 254a of the first guide roller 241a rotates in a direction 243a toward the second axis 223. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the first guide roller 241a can be coupled to a motor 353a that rotates the first guide roller 241a in the direction 243a, for example, at a constant or variable speed. Rotating the first guide member can reduce splashing of molten material, thereby reducing the risk of damage to other equipment and increasing the efficiency of the glass ribbon manufacturing method. Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first guide roller can be coupled to a motor as shown in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the second radius 247a of the first guide roller 241a can be about 3 cm to about 10 cm, about 5 cm to about 8 cm, or any range or subrange therebetween. For example, second radius 247a can be substantially equal to first radius 237. As shown in Figures 2-3, second distance 239 between radial center 236 of first roller 231 and radial center 246a of first guide roller 241a in traveling direction 154 can be about 10 cm to about 50 cm, about 15 cm to about 40 cm, about 20 cm to about 30 cm, or any range or subrange therebetween.

[0054] The first guide roller 241a can be configured to cool the stream 217 of molten material 121 traveling along the second axis 223. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the first guide roller 241a can radiatively cool the stream 217 of molten material 121, whereas in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the first guide roller 241a can further cool the stream 217 of molten material 121 by conduction when the molten material 121 contacts the circumferential surface 245a of the first guide roller 241a. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first guide roller 241a can be configured to receive a cooling fluid (indicated by arrows 256a) through its interior, for example, from a conduit 253a. The cooling fluid can maintain the temperature of the circumferential surface 245a of the first guide roller 241a, thereby effectively cooling the stream 217 of molten material 121. For example, the peripheral surface 245a of the first guide roller 241a can be maintained at a temperature of about 200° C. or less, about 180° C. or less, or about 150° C. or less, which can reduce sticking of the molten material in contact with the peripheral surface of the first guide roller. Throughout this disclosure, "effectively cooling" the stream of molten material refers to cooling the stream of molten material effectively while providing a high heat flux (from the stream of molten material to the glass making apparatus) (e.g., about 10 kilowatts per square meter (kW / m) of ribbon of molten material). 2 ) or more, approximately 20kW / m 2 More than 30kW / m 2 Approximately kW / m 2 or more), which reduces the temperature of the ribbon of molten material.

[0055] Effective cooling of the stream of molten material using the first roller and guide member (e.g., at least one guide roller) allows for the use of a stream of molten material that has a lower viscosity as it exits the delivery device to form the glass ribbon, such as a molten material having a low devitrification viscosity (e.g., about 30,000 Pa·s or less, about 20,000 Pa·s or less) and / or a high devitrification temperature (e.g., about 750° C. or more, about 800° C. or more). Throughout this disclosure, devitrification refers to the crystallization of a material. As used herein, devitrification viscosity is the minimum viscosity at which a material can devitrify at 1 atmosphere pressure, and devitrification temperature is the maximum temperature at which a material can devitrify at 1 atmosphere pressure. For example, a molten material can have a low viscosity if it has a low devitrification viscosity (e.g., about 20,000 Pa·s or less, about 10,000 Pa·s or less, or about 8,000 Pa or less) and / or a high devitrification temperature (e.g., about 800° C. or more, or about 1,000° C. or more, or about 1,200° C. or more). In another embodiment, the cooling fluid can include one or more of the states of matter and / or materials described above for the cooling fluid with reference to the first roller. Although not shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first guide roller can be cooled with a cooling fluid as shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] The guide member 170 also includes a second guide roller 241b positioned on the opposite side of the stream 217 of molten material 121 from the first guide roller 241a, which can evenly and effectively cool the stream 217 of molten material 121 (as defined above). As used herein, "evenly cool" means that the difference in local heat flux centered on different points along the width of the ribbon of molten material is small (e.g., about 30% or less of the average heat flux, about 20% or less of the average heat flux, about 10% or less of the average heat flux). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second axis 223 can pass between a pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b. In an embodiment, the second guide roller 241b can include a radius 247b that falls within one or more of the ranges for the second radius 247a and / or is substantially equal to the second radius 247a. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the second guide roller 241b can be configured to rotate about its radial center 246b in a direction 243b (e.g., counterclockwise in the side view shown) opposite to the direction 243a (e.g., clockwise in the side view shown) in which the first guide roller 241a can be configured to rotate about its radial center 246a. For example, the upper peripheral portion 254b of the second guide roller 241b rotates in a direction 243b toward the second axis 223. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second guide roller 241b can be coupled to a motor 353b that rotates the second guide roller 241b in the direction 243b, for example, at a constant or variable speed. Rotating the second guide member can reduce splashing of molten material, which reduces the risk of damage to other equipment and increases the efficiency of the glass ribbon production method. Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the second guide roller can be coupled to a motor as shown in FIG. 3. 2, the second guide roller 241b can be configured to receive a cooling fluid (indicated by arrow 256b) therethrough, for example from a conduit 253b. The cooling fluid can maintain a temperature of the circumferential surface 245b of the second guide roller 241b, which can be substantially equal to the temperature of the circumferential surface 245a of the first guide roller 241a.In another embodiment, the cooling fluid may include one or more of the states of matter and / or materials described above for the cooling fluid with reference to the first roller. Although not shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cooling fluid may be used to cool the first ramp as shown in Figure 2.

[0057] A minimum distance 242b between circumferential surface 245b of second guide roller 241b and second axis 223 can be substantially equal to minimum distance 242a, such that second axis 223 bisects nip distance 244 (i.e., the minimum distance between circumferential surfaces 245a and 245b of guide rollers 241a and 241b). Minimum distances 242a and 242b can be adjusted (as indicated by arrows 248a and 248b) to adjust nip distance 244 and the degree of cooling provided to stream 217 of molten material 121 by guide rollers 241a and 241b.

[0058] In embodiments, the nip distance 244 shown in FIG. 2 can be reduced to a nip distance 344 shown in FIG. 3. For example, the nip distance 344 can be substantially equal (e.g., within about 1 mm, within about 5 mm, or within about 10 mm) to the thickness 215 between the first major surface 103a and the second major surface 103b opposite the first major surface 103a of the resulting glass ribbon 103. As shown in FIG. 3, the nip distance 344 can be reduced to form an intermediate ribbon 303 of molten material 121 having a thickness substantially equal to the nip distance 344. As shown in FIG. 3, the nip distance 344 can be configured to form a pool 341 of molten material 121 above a nip region 342 corresponding to the location thereof, which can be used to create a stable (see definition of "stability" above) and / or uniform intermediate ribbon of molten material. As used herein, "uniformity" refers to the difference in local thickness of the intermediate ribbon cross section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel at different locations along the width of the intermediate ribbon, and a "uniform" intermediate ribbon has substantially no local thickness deviation across the cross-sectional width of the intermediate ribbon. The pool 341 of molten material 121 is supported by a pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b. Forming an intermediate ribbon of molten material can reduce deviation of any portion of the molten material from the second axis and / or increase the distance the molten material (e.g., stream, ribbon) can travel without becoming unstable.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the guide member 170 can include at least one first inclined plate 441a that intersects the first axis 213 but not the second axis 223. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the stream 217 of the molten material 121 traveling along the second axis 223 may not contact the first inclined plate 441a. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the cross-sectional center 446a of the first inclined plate 441a (i.e., the center of the cross-section shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) can be within 120% of the first radius 237 of the first roller 231 from the first axis 213 (or within one or more narrower ranges described above for the third distance 259). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the third distance 449 between the cross-sectional center 446a of the first inclined plate 441a and the first axis 213 is less than 120% of the first radius 237 of the first roller 231. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance 439 between the radial center 236 of the first roller 231 and the cross-sectional center 446a of the first inclined plate 441a in the traveling direction 154 can be within one or more of the ranges mentioned above for the second distance 239.

[0060] 4, the second shaft 223 can pass within the first radius 237 from the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a, and for example, a minimum distance 442a between the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a and the second shaft 223 can be smaller than the first radius 237. Furthermore, the second shaft 223 can pass within the first radius 237 from the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a without intersecting with the first inclined plate 441a. Also, a distance 459 between the outer periphery 451a of the contact surface 445a and the second shaft 223 can be larger than the first radius 237 of the first roller 231, and for example, can be approximately twice the first radius 237 or more, thereby redirecting the molten material flowing out from the other side 238a of the first roller 231. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the projected width 456 of the first inclined plate 441a can be equal to or greater than the first radius 237, where the projected width 456 is defined between the outer periphery 451a and the inner periphery 457a of the first inclined plate 441a in the direction 404 of the first radius 237 perpendicular to the direction of travel 154. In another embodiment, the projected width 456 of the first inclined plate 441a can be equal to or greater than twice the first radius 237. The minimum distance 442a and / or the distance 459 between the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a and the second axis 223 can be adjustable, as shown by the arrow 447a. Adjusting the minimum distance 442a can adjust the amount of cooling that the inclined plate 441a provides to the stream 217 of the molten material 121.

[0061] The first inclined plate 441a can be configured to cool (e.g., radiatively cool) the stream 217 of molten material 121 traveling along the second axis 223. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first inclined plate 441a can be configured to receive a cooling fluid (indicated by arrow 454a) therein, for example from a conduit 453a. The cooling fluid can maintain a temperature of the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a, which can effectively cool the stream 217 of molten material 121 (as defined above). For example, the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a can be maintained at a temperature of about 200° C. or less, about 180° C. or less, or about 150° C. or less, which can reduce sticking of the molten material in contact with the contact surface of the first inclined plate. Effectively cooling the stream of molten material can reduce the time and / or space required for the stream of molten material to cool sufficiently to be handled for subsequent processing. Effective cooling of the stream of molten material allows for the use of a stream of molten material that has a lower viscosity (e.g., about 5,000 Pascal-seconds or less, about 1,000 Pascal-seconds or less) as it exits the delivery device to form the glass ribbon, e.g., a molten material having a low devitrification viscosity and / or a high devitrification temperature (as defined above). In another embodiment, the cooling fluid can include one or more of the states of matter and / or materials described above for the cooling fluid with reference to the first roller. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the cooling fluid can be used to cool the first inclined plate as shown in FIG. 4.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the contact surface 445a of the first sloping plate 441a can be inclined downwardly in the direction of gravity 214 toward the second axis 223 such that the inner periphery 457a approaches the second axis 223 and is at a lower height than the outer periphery 451a. In an embodiment, as shown, the contact surface 445a can comprise a flat contact surface extending along a plane 455a. As used herein, the inclination angle of a sloping plate comprising a contact surface is defined as the interior angle formed at the intersection of the plane along which the contact surface extends and the second axis 223. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, the inclination angle 443a of the first sloping plate 441a is defined as the interior angle formed at the intersection of the plane 455a and the second axis 223. The inclination angle 443a can be about 5° or more, about 15° or more, about 20° or more, about 45° or less, about 35° or less, or about 25° or less. In embodiments, the tilt angle 443a can be from about 5° to about 45°, from about 15° to about 35°, from about 20° to about 25°, or any range or subrange therebetween. Providing a tilt angle within one or more of the above ranges can guide molten material contacting the contact surface away from the contact surface, for example under gravity. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the tilt of the first tilt plate 441a (e.g., tilt angle 443a) can be adjusted, as shown by arrow 448a, to vary the degree of cooling from the tilt plate 441a to the stream 217 of molten material 121.

[0063] The guide member 170 also includes a second inclined plate 441b positioned on the opposite side of the stream 217 of the molten material 121 from the first inclined plate 441a, which can evenly and effectively cool the stream 217 of the molten material 121 (as defined above). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second axis 223 can pass between the pair of inclined plates 441a and 441b. As shown, the second inclined plate 441b includes a contact surface 445b that can be inclined downward in the direction of gravity 214 toward the second axis such that the inner periphery 457b approaches the second axis 223 and is at a lower height than the outer periphery 451b. In an embodiment, as shown, the contact surface 445b can include a flat contact surface extending along a plane 455b. As shown, the inclination angle 443b of the second inclined plate 441b is defined as the included angle formed at the intersection of the plane 455b and the second axis 223, and can be within one or more of the ranges described above for the inclination angle 443a and / or can be substantially equal to the inclination angle 443a. In an embodiment, the inclination (e.g., the inclination angle 443b) of the second inclined plate 441b can be adjusted as shown by the arrow 448b. The minimum distance 442b between the contact surface 445b of the second inclined plate 441b and the second axis 223 can be substantially equal to the minimum distance 442a, so that, for example, the minimum distance 444 between the contact surface 445a of the first inclined plate 441a and the contact surface 445b of the second inclined plate 441b is bisected by the second axis 223. A minimum distance 442b between the contact surface 445b of the second ramp plate 441b and the second axis 223 can be adjustable, as shown by arrow 447b. For example, minimum distances 442a and 442b can be adjusted together (as shown by arrows 447a and 447b) to adjust the minimum distance 444 and to adjust the degree of cooling that the ramp plates 441a and 441b provide to the stream 217 of molten material 121. Adjusting minimum distance 442a and / or 442b and / or minimum distance 444 can adjust the degree of cooling that the ramp plate 441a provides to the stream 217 of molten material 121. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second ramp plate 441b can be configured to receive a cooling fluid (shown by arrow 454b) therein, for example from a conduit 453b.The cooling fluid can maintain a temperature of the contact surface 445b of the second ramp 441b within one or more of the ranges described above and / or substantially equal to the temperature at which the contact surface 445a of the first ramp 441a can be maintained. In another embodiment, the cooling fluid can include one or more of the states of matter and / or materials described above for the cooling fluid with reference to the first roller. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the cooling fluid can be used to cool the second ramp as shown in FIG.

[0064] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-6, the glass forming apparatus 101 can include one or more heating devices 218a and / or 218b. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the one or more heating devices 218a and / or 218b can be positioned at approximately the same height (with respect to the gravity direction 214) as the first roller 231, while in other embodiments, they can be positioned at a height between the forming device 140 and the first roller 231. Providing one or more heating devices can reduce the occurrence of devitrification of the molten material before it is guided away from the first roller. In another embodiment, the one or more heating devices 218a and / or 218b can include an electrical resistance heating element or heat sink configured to receive a flow of a heating fluid (e.g., steam) therein.

[0065] In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 2-6, the glass forming apparatus 101 can optionally include one or more cooling devices 219a and / or 219b. As shown in Figures 2-4, the one or more cooling devices 219a and / or 219b can be positioned between the first roller 231 and the guide member 170. Additionally, as shown, the one or more cooling devices 219a and / or 219b can be positioned further from the second axis 223 than the guide member 170. The one or more cooling devices 219a and / or 219b can radiatively cool the stream of molten material 121.

[0066] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-6, the glass forming apparatus 101 can include a pair of driven pull rollers 270 positioned downstream of the guide member 170. As shown, the pair of driven pull rollers 270 can include a first driven pull roller 271a and a second driven pull roller 271b, with the second shaft 223 passing therebetween. The first driven pull roller 271a can be configured to rotate in a direction 273a (e.g., clockwise in the side view shown), which can be the same as the direction 233 and / or the first guide roller 241a (see FIGS. 2-3 and 5). The second driven pull roller 271b can be configured to rotate in a direction 273b opposite the direction 273a of the first driven pull roller 271a (e.g., counterclockwise in the side view shown). 3, the first driven pull roller 271a can be coupled to a motor 275a that rotates the first driven pull roller 271a in a direction 273a, e.g., at a constant or variable speed, and / or the second driven pull roller 271b can be coupled to a motor 275b that rotates the second driven pull roller 271b in a direction 273b, e.g., at a constant or variable speed. The pair of driven pull rollers 270 can contact the stream 217 of molten material 121 (see FIGS. 2 and 4-6) or the intermediate ribbon 303 (see FIG. 3). In an embodiment, the pair of driven pull rollers 270 can form a ribbon of molten material 121 having a thickness 215, which can be cooled to form the glass ribbon 103.

[0067] A method of producing glass ribbon 103 from a stream of molten material 121 will now be described. With reference to Figures 2-4, a forming device 140 can be advanced along a first axis 213 in an advancing direction 154 (e.g., in the direction of gravity 214) to deliver a stream 217 of molten material 121 to a first roller 231. Although not shown, the stream of molten material can include, for example, an elongated stream extending along the length of the forming device (e.g., into the page as shown in the figures) and / or along the length of the first roller (e.g., perpendicular to first radius 237 and into the page).

[0068] As used herein, the average viscosity is measured using ASTM C965-96(2017) when the molten material is above its softening point, and ASTM C1351M-96(2017) when the molten material is below its softening point. For example, the viscosity can be determined by measuring the viscosity using one of the above-mentioned ASTM standards when a sample of the molten material is heated to the average temperature of the molten material at the corresponding location. As used herein, the average temperature is measured using ASTM E1256-17 or ASTM E2758-15, for example, using an Optris PI 640 infrared camera. The average viscosity of the stream 217 of molten material 121 exiting the molding device 140 can be substantially equal to the average viscosity of the stream 217 of molten material 121 at the root 145. In embodiments, the average viscosity of stream 217 of molten material 121 at root 145 can be about 10 Pascal seconds (Pa·s) or more, about 50 Pa·s or more, about 100 Pa·s or more, about 200 Pa·s or more, about 400 Pa·s or more, about 5,000 Pa·s or less, about 2,000 Pa·s or less, about 1,000 Pa·s or less, about 800 Pa·s or less, or about 600 Pa·s or less. In embodiments, the average viscosity of stream 217 of molten material 121 at root 145 can be about 10 Pa·s to about 5,000 Pa·s, about 50 Pa·s or more to about 2,000 Pa·s, about 100 Pa·s to about 1,000 Pa·s, about 200 Pa·s to about 800 Pa·s, about 400 Pa·s to about 600 Pa·s, or any range or subrange therebetween. By providing a first roller and / or guide member, the stream of molten material can be effectively cooled (as defined above) to form a glass ribbon from molten material having a low viscosity (e.g., within one or more of the ranges set forth above), which can be formed into a glass ribbon in subsequent processing.

[0069] The method can include cooling the stream 217 of molten material 121 with at least a first roller 231. As shown in Figures 2-4, the first roller 231 contacts the stream 217 of molten material 121, which contact can enhance the cooling effect of the first roller 231 on the stream 217 of molten material 121. For example, as shown, a cooling fluid (indicated by arrows 252) can be flowed through the first roller 231 to maintain the first roller 231 at a predetermined temperature, thereby cooling (e.g., radiatively cooling) the stream 217 of molten material 121 passing near the first roller 231 and / or cooling (e.g., conductively cooling) a portion of the stream 217 of molten material 121 that contacts a peripheral surface 235 of the first roller 231. As shown, the first roller 231 can rotate in a direction 233 to further cool the stream 217 of molten material 121 while directing the stream 217 of molten material 121 away from one side 238b of the first roller 231 such that the stream 217 of molten material 121 travels along the second axis 223. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the entire stream 217 of molten material 121 can be directed away from one side 238b of the first roller 231 (i.e., without directing the molten material away from the other side 238a). Additionally, cooling devices 219a and / or 219b, if present, can cool the stream 217 of molten material 121 traveling along the second axis 223 and / or can facilitate cooling of the first roller 231.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the method can include cooling the stream 217 of molten material 121 with a guide member 170. For example, the guide member can radiatively cool the stream 217 of molten material 121. Without being bound by theory, the rate of radiative cooling can be proportional to the fourth power of the temperature difference, so lowering the temperature of the guide member can enhance cooling of the molten material stream. The guide member 170 (e.g., the peripheral surfaces 245a, 245b of the guide rollers 241a, 241b and / or the contact surfaces 445a, 445b of the inclined plates 441a, 441b) can be maintained at a temperature of about 200° C. or less, about 180° C. or less, or about 150° C. or less, for example, by flowing a cooling fluid therethrough (as shown by arrows 256a, 256b and / or 454a, 454b in FIGS. 2 and 4). Maintaining the guide member at these temperatures can also reduce sticking of the molten material contacting the peripheral surface of the first guide roller. In aspects, the degree of cooling by the guide member 170 can be adjusted by adjusting the distance (e.g., minimum distance 242a, 242b, 442a, or 442b) between the guide member 170 (e.g., guide rollers 241a and 241b, or inclined plates 441a and 441b) and the second axis 223, and / or, if the guide member comprises a pair of guide members, by adjusting the distance (e.g., nip distance 244 or minimum distance 444) between the pair of guide members (e.g., guide rollers 241a and 241b, or inclined plates 441a and 441b). The method can include further cooling the stream 217 of molten material 121 to form a glass ribbon 103.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the stream 217 of molten material 121 can pass within a first radius 237 of the guide member 170. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a minimum distance 242a or 442a between the first guide roller 241a or the first inclined plate 441a and the second axis 223 along which the stream 217 of molten material 121 travels is less than the second distance 249 and / or the first radius 237. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a nip distance 344 between the pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b can be substantially equal to a thickness 215 of the intermediate ribbon 303 and / or the resulting glass ribbon 103, which is less than the first radius 237. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-6, a portion of the stream 217 of molten material 121 can contact the guide member 170 (e.g., the first guide roller 241a or the first inclined plate 441a).

[0072] As shown in Figures 2-4, when the stream 217 of molten material 121 travels along the second axis 223, the stream 217 of molten material 121 and / or the second axis 223 do not intersect the guide member 170. However, as shown in Figures 2-6, the first axis 213 intersects the guide member 170. For example, the first axis 213 can intersect the first guide roller 241a (see Figures 2-3 and 5) or the first inclined plate 441a (see Figures 4 and 6). By providing a guide member that intersects the first axis, the glass manufacturing apparatus can compensate for a process upset (e.g., if the first roller is temporarily removed) and / or redirect at least a portion of the stream of molten material that deviates from the second axis. Redirecting at least a portion of the stream of molten material can reduce damage to other equipment from the molten material and / or allow the molten material to pass through a subsequent portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus to produce a glass ribbon even during a process upset.

[0073] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the guide member 170 can include at least one guide roller 241a and / or 241b including a peripheral surface 245a and / or 245b, which can be maintained at a predetermined temperature by flowing a cooling fluid through the at least one guide roller, as shown in FIG. 2 by arrows 256a and 256b. The at least one guide roller 241a and / or 241b can rotate in a direction 243a and / or 243b such that an upper peripheral portion 254a and / or 254b rotates toward the second axis 223. Rotating the at least one guide roller can reduce splashing of molten material, thereby reducing the risk of damage to other equipment and increasing the efficiency of the glass ribbon manufacturing method. In another embodiment, as shown, the guide member 170 can include a pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b between which a stream 217 of molten material 121 can pass. 3, a pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b can shape the stream 217 of molten material 121 into an intermediate ribbon 303. For example, as shown, the stream 217 of molten material 121 can form a puddle 341 of molten material 121 supported by the pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b above a nip region 342, and the molten material 121 can be drawn from the puddle 341 of molten material 121 through the nip region 342 to form an intermediate ribbon 303 having a thickness corresponding to a nip distance 344 (i.e., the minimum distance between the peripheral surfaces 245a and 245b of the pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b). Alternatively, in another aspect, the nip distance 244 between the pair of guide rollers 241a and 241b and / or the minimum distance 242a or 242b between the peripheral surface 245a or 245b of the guide roller 241a or 241a and the second axis 223 can be adjusted as shown by arrows 248a or 248b to adjust the thickness of the intermediate ribbon 303 and / or to adjust the cooling of the stream 217 of molten material 121.

[0074] In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the guide member 170 can include at least one inclined plate 441a and / or 441b including contact surface 445a and / or 445b, which can be maintained at a predetermined temperature by flowing a cooling fluid through the at least one inclined plate, as shown by arrows 456a and 456b in Figure 4. The contact surface 445a and / or 445b of the at least one inclined plate 441a and / or 441b can include a flat contact surface and can be inclined downward in the direction of gravity toward the second axis at an inclination angle 443a and / or 443b. In another embodiment, the guide member 170 can include a pair of inclined plates 441a and 441b between which the stream 217 of molten material 121 can pass. In yet another embodiment, the tilt angle 443a and / or 443b of the contact surfaces 445a and / or 445b can be adjusted as shown by arrows 448a and / or 448b to adjust the cooling of the stream 217 of molten material 121. In yet another embodiment, the minimum distance 444 between the contact surfaces 445a and 445b of the pair of tilted plates 441a and 441b and / or the minimum distance 442a or 442b between the contact surface 445a or 445b of the tilted plate 441a or 441a and the second axis 223 can be adjusted as shown by arrows 447a or 447b to adjust the cooling of the stream 217 of molten material 121.

[0075] 2-6, the method may include passing a stream 217 of molten material 121 or an intermediate ribbon 303 of molten material 121 between a pair of driven pull rollers 270 to form a ribbon of molten material 121 that may then be cooled into a glass ribbon 103. In an embodiment, the average viscosity of the molten material 121 as it passes between the pair of driven pull rollers 270 is about 10 4 Pa·s or more, approximately 2×10 4 Pa·s or more, approximately 5×10 4 Pa·s or more, about 10 6 Pa·s or less, approximately 5×10 5 Pa s or less, or about 10 5In an embodiment, the average viscosity of the molten material 121 when the molten material 121 passes between the pair of driven pull rollers 270 is about 10 4 Pa·s~approx. 10 6 Pa·s, approx. 2×10 4 Pa·s~approx. 5×10 5 Pa·s, approx. 5×10 4 Pa·s~approx. 10 5 It can be Pa·s, or any range or subrange therebetween.

[0076] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the method can include moving a first roller (not shown) out of contact with the stream 217 of molten material 121 such that the stream 217 of molten material 121 travels along the first axis 213 from the molding device 140 to the guide member 170. As shown, the molten material 121 traveling along the first axis 213 contacts the guide member 170, which guides the stream 217 of molten material along the third axis 533. The third axis 533 extends in the direction of travel 154 and / or the direction of gravity 214 and is parallel to the first axis 213 and the second axis 223. A fourth distance 539 (e.g., a minimum distance) between the third axis 533 and the second axis 223 can be less than the first radius 237. For example, the third axis 533 is closer to the second axis 223 than the first axis 213 is to the second axis 223. 5, the guide member 170 can include at least one guide roller 241a and / or 241b, and the stream 217 of molten material 121 can contact a circumferential surface 245a of the at least one guide roller 241a, thereby guiding the stream 217 of molten material 121 along the third axis 533. In another embodiment, as shown, the radial center 246a of the at least one guide roller 241a can be farther away from the second axis 223 than the first axis 213 is from the second axis 223 by a distance 549 (e.g., about 5% or more, about 10% or more, or about 20% or more of the second radius 247a), thereby guiding substantially all (e.g., the entire) stream of molten material 217 contacting the circumferential surface 245a away from that side and along the third axis 533. In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 6 , the guide member 170 can include at least one inclined plate 441a and / or 441b, and the stream 217 of molten material 121 can contact the contact surface 445a of the at least one inclined plate 441a, thereby propelling the stream 217 of molten material 121 along the third axis 533.During a process upset, for example when the first roller is temporarily removed and / or replaced, the provision of guide member 170 can redirect stream 217 of molten material 121 to travel along third axis 533 that is closer to second axis 223 than first axis 213 is to second axis 223, thereby reducing deviation of the stream of molten material from the second axis. Reducing deviation of stream 217 of molten material 121 using guide member 170 can reduce damage to other equipment in the glass making apparatus. Reducing deviation of the stream of molten material can allow the molten material to pass through subsequent portions of the glass making apparatus and produce glass ribbon, even during a process upset.

[0077] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the stream 217 of molten material 121 can travel along a third axis 533 until it reaches a pair of driven pull rollers 270. In yet another embodiment, as shown, the third axis 533 can impinge on a first driven pull roller 271a, such that the stream 217 of molten material 121 traveling along the third axis 533 can be guided by the first driven pull roller 271a to travel along the second axis 223, such as when passing between the pair of driven pull rollers 270. In yet another embodiment, not shown, the third axis 533 can coincide with the second axis 223, such that the stream 217 of molten material 121 can pass between the pair of driven pull rollers 270. As described above, the pair of driven pull rollers 270 can form a ribbon of molten material 121 that can be cooled to form the glass ribbon 103.

[0078] The method may include cooling the molten material 121 into a glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the glass ribbon 103 may be divided into multiple glass sheets 104 that may be incorporated into various applications, such as, for example, an electronic product. The electronic product, e.g., a consumer electronic product, may include a housing with a front, a back, and a side; electrical components at least partially within the housing, the electrical components comprising a controller, a memory, and a display; a display at or adjacent to a front of the housing; and a cover substrate disposed over the display, where at least one of a portion of the housing or the cover substrate comprises a glass article or a ceramic article formed from the glass ribbon described herein. Glass or ceramic articles formed from the glass ribbons disclosed herein can be incorporated into another article, such as, for example, an article with a display (or display article) (e.g., consumer electronics, including cell phones, tablets, computers, navigation systems, wearable devices (e.g., watches), etc.), a building article, a transportation article (e.g., automobiles, trains, aircraft, ships, etc.), a home appliance, or any article that may benefit from transparency, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, or a combination thereof.

[0079] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a guide member configured to cool the stream of molten material. The extent of cooling can be controlled by adjusting the distance between the guide member and the stream of molten material or the orientation of the guide member. A cooling fluid can be passed through the guide member to maintain the temperature of the surface of the guide member, thereby effectively cooling the stream of molten material. The guide member can also include a pair of guide members positioned on either side of the stream of molten material, thereby uniformly and effectively cooling the stream of molten material. Effective cooling of the stream of molten material can reduce the time and / or space required to cool the stream of molten material sufficiently to be handled, for example, by pull rollers. Effective cooling of the stream of molten material can allow the use of a stream of molten material with a lower viscosity (e.g., about 5,000 Pascal-seconds or less, about 1,000 Pascal-seconds or less) as the stream of molten material exits the delivery device to form the glass ribbon, for example, a molten material having a low devitrification viscosity and / or a high devitrification temperature (as defined above).

[0080] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a first roller positioned between the delivery device and the guide member, where the first roller is configured to guide the stream away from one side of the first roller. The first roller can be configured to cool the stream of molten material. In combination with the guide member, the first roller can more effectively cool the stream of molten material. Providing a guide member between the first roller and the pair of pull rollers can capture and / or redirect any portion of the molten material stream that deviates from the second axis along which the stream of molten material is configured to travel during normal operation, thereby preventing damage to other equipment in the glass manufacturing apparatus by such portion of the stream of molten material. When the guide member comprises a pair of guide members positioned on opposite sides of the stream of molten material, the distance between the pair of guide members can be adjusted, for example, such that the stream of molten material is formed by the pair of guide members into an intermediate ribbon of molten material. Forming the intermediate ribbon of molten material can reduce deviation of any portion of the molten material from the second axis and / or increase the distance that the molten material (e.g., stream, ribbon) can travel without becoming unstable. Additionally, the distance between the pair of guide rollers can form a pool of molten material above the nip between the pair of guide rollers, which can produce a stable and / or uniform intermediate ribbon of molten material. When the stream of molten material contacts the guide member, maintaining a low temperature (e.g., below about 200° C.) at the surface of the guide member can reduce sticking of the molten material to the guide member.

[0081] During a process upset, for example when the first roller is temporarily removed and / or replaced, the stream of molten material may proceed along the first axis rather than the second axis. Providing a guide member may redirect the stream of molten material to proceed along a third axis that is closer to the second axis than the first axis is to the second axis, thereby reducing deviation of the stream of molten material from the second axis. Reducing deviation of the stream of molten material may reduce damage to other equipment in the glass manufacturing apparatus. Reducing deviation of the stream of molten material may allow the molten material to proceed through subsequent portions of the glass manufacturing apparatus to produce glass ribbons, even during a process upset. When the guide member comprises at least one guide roller, rotating the at least one guide roller may reduce splashing of molten material, thereby reducing the risk of damage to other equipment and increasing the efficiency of the glass ribbon production method.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one," unless expressly indicated otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an element" includes embodiments having two or more such elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0083] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end point referenced. When a numerical value or an end point of a range is described herein as "about," the end point of the numerical value or range is intended to include two aspects, namely, those modified by "about" and those not modified by "about." Furthermore, it will be understood that the end points of each range are significant in relation to the other end point and independently of the other end point.

[0084] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to refer to 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, as defined above, "substantially similar" is intended to describe two values ​​that are equal or nearly equal. In an embodiment, "substantially similar" can refer to values ​​that are within about 10% of each other (e.g., within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other).

[0085] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and "including," and variations thereof, unless otherwise indicated, shall be construed as synonymous and non-limiting. A list of elements following the transitional phrase "comprises" or "including" is a non-exclusive list, such that there may be elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list.

[0086] Although various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to certain exemplary and specific embodiments thereof, the disclosure should not be considered as limited to such embodiments, since many modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 101 Glass forming equipment 103 Glass Ribbon 103a,b First and second principal surfaces of glass ribbon 121 Molten Materials 140 Molding Device 145 Base of molding device 154 Direction of travel 170 Guide member 201 Trough 203a,b Weir 205a,b Outer surface of the weir 207a,b A pair of downwardly inclined converging surface sections 209 Molded Wedge 211 Stream of molten material 212 Stream of molten material 213 1st axis 217 Confluence Stream 218a,b Heating devices 219a,b Cooling devices 223 2nd axis 231 First Roller 234 Upper peripheral portion of first roller 235 Circumferential surface of first roller 241a,b First and second guide rollers 251 Conduit 253a,b Conduit 254a,b Upper peripheral portion of the first and second guide rollers 270 Pair of driven pull rollers 271a,b First and second driven pull rollers

Claims

1. a forming device configured to deliver a stream of molten material to a first roller along a first axis extending in a direction of gravity, the first roller being positioned downstream from the forming device and configured to guide the stream of molten material to flow out one side of the first roller and along a second axis extending in the direction of gravity and spaced a first distance from the first axis within 20% of a radius of the first roller; a guide member positioned downstream from the first roller, the first axis intersecting the guide member and the second axis not intersecting the guide member; and A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of driven pull rollers positioned downstream from the guide member, the second shaft passing between the pair of driven pull rollers.

3. 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide member comprises at least one guide roller, and a second distance between the first axis and a radial center of the at least one guide roller is less than or equal to 120% of a radius of the first roller.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the first roller is configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid therein.

5. 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one guide roller is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is coupled to a motor such that an upper peripheral portion of the at least one guide roller rotates toward the second axis when the at least one guide roller is rotated by the motor.

6. 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the radius of the at least one guide roller is in the range of about 3 centimeters to about 10 centimeters.

7. 7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein a distance between a radial center of the first roller and the radial center of the at least one guide roller along the second axis is in a range from about 10 centimeters to about 50 centimeters.

8. 8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one guide roller comprises a pair of guide rollers, and the second shaft passes between the pair of guide rollers.

9. 9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein a minimum distance between peripheral surfaces of the pair of guide rollers is adjustable.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide member has a contact surface that is inclined downward in a direction of gravity toward the second axis.

11. 11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the contact surface comprises a flat contact surface extending along a plane, the plane of the flat contact surface intersecting the second axis at an oblique angle in a range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.

12. 12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the angle of inclination of the contact surface is adjustable.

13. 1. A method of forming a glass ribbon, comprising: contacting a first roller with a stream of molten material from a molding device, the stream of molten material having a first viscosity when it exits the molding device in a range of about 10 Pascal-seconds to about 5,000 Pascal-seconds, the stream of molten material traveling along a first axis extending from the molding device to the first roller in a direction of gravity; using the first roller to guide the stream of molten material to flow out one side of the first roller and along a second axis extending in the direction of gravity, a first distance between the first axis and the second axis being within 20% of a radius of the first roller; cooling the stream of molten material with a guide member; The method includes:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein directing the stream of molten material includes directing the entire stream of molten material away from the one side of the first roller.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first viscosity is in the range of about 100 Pascal-seconds to about 1,000 Pascal-seconds.

16. 16. The method of any of claims 13 to 15, further comprising the steps of: after cooling the stream of molten material with the guide members, passing the stream of molten material between a pair of driven pull rollers to form a ribbon of molten material; and cooling the ribbon of molten material to form the glass ribbon.

17. The stream of molten material passing between the pair of driven pull rollers is about 10 4 Pascal seconds to about 10 6 17. The method of claim 16, having a second viscosity in the range of Pascal seconds.

18. 18. The method of any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising maintaining the guide member at a temperature of about 200°C or less during the cooling.

19. 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising moving the first roller out of contact with the stream of molten material such that the stream of molten material advances along the first axis to the guide member, the guide member guiding the stream of molten material along a third axis in the direction of gravity, wherein a fourth distance between the third axis and the second axis is less than or equal to 120% of the radius of the first roller.

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the guide member comprises at least one guide roller, the at least one guide roller having a peripheral surface, and the at least one guide roller is maintained at the temperature by flowing a cooling fluid therethrough.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising rotating the at least one guide roller such that an upper peripheral portion of the at least one guide roller rotates toward the second axis.

22. 22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the at least one guide roller comprises a pair of guide rollers, and the stream of molten material passes between the pair of guide rollers to form an intermediate ribbon of molten material having a thickness substantially equal to a nip distance of a nip region between corresponding peripheral surfaces of the pair of guide rollers.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the stream of molten material forms a puddle of molten material supported by the pair of guide rollers above the nip area, and molten material is drawn from the puddle of molten material through the nip area to form an intermediate ribbon of molten material.

24. 22. The method of claim 20 or 21, further comprising adjusting a distance between the stream of molten material and the peripheral surface of the at least one guide roller to adjust the cooling of the stream of molten material.

25. The method of claim 18 , wherein the guide member comprises at least one sloping plate, further comprising flowing a cooling fluid through the at least one sloping plate.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one tilted plate comprises a flat contact surface extending along a plane that is tilted downward in the direction of gravity toward the second axis and intersects the second axis at an inclination angle in the range of about 5° to about 45°.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising adjusting the tilt angle of the at least one tilt plate to adjust the cooling of the stream of molten material.

28. 28. The method of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the guide member comprises a pair of inclined plates, the stream of molten material passing between the pair of inclined plates.

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