Apparatus and method for scoring glass

Abstract

An apparatus and method for scoring a glass ribbon includes a score head, a pressure regulator configured to apply a biasing force to the score head, a first pivot mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator, a second pivot mechanism mounted on a support member, and a lever arm positioned between the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism. The first and second pivot mechanisms rotate, and the lever arm moves with the movement of the score head.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 350,494, filed on June 9, 2022, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses and methods for scoring glass, and more particularly, to apparatuses and methods for scoring glass to produce more consistent score depths.

Background Art

[0003] In the manufacture of glass articles such as glass sheets for display applications including televisions and portable devices such as phones and tablets, a glass ribbon can be flowed from a forming device. As the glass ribbon is flowed from the forming device, it can be conveyed for further processing into individual glass articles or sheets. The processing can include the step of scoring the ribbon to facilitate the separation of the articles or sheets. As the glass ribbon becomes thinner and / or wider, the variation in the ribbon thickness relative to the overall ribbon thickness can increase as a function of time and / or position. And due to such variations, the importance of achieving a consistent score depth can increase, as inconsistent score depths can lead to undesirable sheet (e.g., sheet edge) quality and / or process disruptions.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatuses that can produce more consistent score depths.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The embodiments disclosed herein include an apparatus for scoring a glass ribbon. The apparatus includes a score head, a pressure regulator configured to apply a biasing force to the score head, a first pivoting mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator, a second pivoting mechanism mounted on a support member, and a lever arm positioned between the first pivoting mechanism and the second pivoting mechanism. The first and second pivoting mechanisms are configured to rotate, and the lever arm is configured to move with the movement of the score head.

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein also include a method for scoring a glass ribbon. The method includes moving the score head across a region extending along the width of the glass ribbon. The method also includes using a pressure regulator to apply a biasing force to the score head. Additionally, the method includes rotating a first pivoting mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator. The method also includes rotating a second pivoting mechanism mounted on a support member. Additionally, the method includes moving a lever arm positioned between the first pivoting mechanism and the second pivoting mechanism.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein are described in the following detailed description, and some will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments of the disclosure described herein, which include the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the embodiments claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Here, reference is made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0011] A range can be expressed herein as from "about" a particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, if a value is expressed as an approximation, by use of the antecedent "about" for example, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that each of the endpoints of each range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0012] The directional terms used herein - for example, up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom - are used only with respect to the drawn figures and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, it is never intended that any of the methods described herein be construed as requiring that the steps be performed in a particular order or that any of the devices be required to be in a particular orientation. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite an order for the steps to follow, or an apparatus claim does not actually enumerate an order or orientation for the individual components, or if the steps are not otherwise specifically stated in the claim or description to be limited to a particular order, or if no particular order or orientation for the components of the apparatus is enumerated, it is never intended that the order or orientation be implied in any way. This applies to any possible non-expression criteria for interpretation, including the arrangement of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components, or the orientation of components; the plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation; and the logical matters regarding the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0014] As used herein, a noun includes a plurality of objects, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a component includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] As used herein, the term "housing" refers to the enclosure within which the glass ribbon is formed, where the glass ribbon generally cools from a relatively high temperature to a relatively low temperature as it moves through the housing. The embodiments disclosed herein are described with respect to the fusion down-draw method in which the glass ribbon flows down through the housing in a substantially vertical direction, but such embodiments are applicable to other glass forming methods such as the float method, the slot draw method, the up-draw method, and the rolling method, where the glass ribbon may flow through the housing in various directions, such as a substantially vertical direction or a substantially horizontal direction.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some examples, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a glass melting furnace 12 that may include a melting bath 14. The glass melting furnace 12 may include, in addition to the melting bath 14, one or more additional components, such as heating elements (e.g., combustion burners or electrodes) that heat the raw materials and convert them into molten glass, as needed. In further examples, the glass melting furnace 12 may include a heat management device (e.g., a thermal insulation component) that reduces the heat lost from the vicinity of the melting bath. In still further examples, the glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic and / or electromechanical devices that facilitate the melting of the raw materials into the glass melt. Still further, the glass melting furnace 12 may include a support structure (e.g., a support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0017] The glass melting bath 14 is typically made of a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material including, for example, alumina or zirconia. In some examples, the glass melting bath 14 may be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks. Particular embodiments of the glass melting bath 14 are described in more detail below.

[0018] In some examples, a glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a glass substrate, for example, a continuous length of glass ribbon. In some examples, the glass melting furnace of the present disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a down draw apparatus such as a fusion process, an up draw apparatus, a rolling apparatus, a tube drawing apparatus, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the aspects disclosed herein. As an example, FIG. 1 schematically shows a glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion down draw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon for later processing into individual glass sheets.

[0019] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (e.g., the fusion down draw apparatus 10) may optionally include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 disposed upstream of the glass melting tank 14. In some examples, some or all of the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

[0020] As can be seen from the illustrated example, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may include a storage container 18, a raw material supply apparatus 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material supply apparatus. The storage container 18 can be made to store a large amount of raw material 24 that can be supplied to the melting tank 14 of the glass melting furnace 12 as shown by arrow 26. The raw material 24 typically includes one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material supply apparatus 20 can be driven by the motor 22 such that the raw material supply apparatus 20 supplies a predetermined amount of the raw material 24 from the storage container 18 to the melting tank 14. In a further example, the motor 22 can drive the raw material supply apparatus 20 to introduce the raw material 24 at a controlled flow rate based on the height of the glass surface of the molten glass detected downstream of the melting tank 14. The raw material 24 within the melting tank 14 can then be heated to form molten glass 28.

[0021] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 disposed downstream of the glass melting furnace 12 as needed. In some examples, a part of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as a part of the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, the first connecting pipe 32 described below, or other parts of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, may be incorporated as parts of the glass melting furnace 12. Elements of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus including the first connecting pipe 32 may be formed from a noble metal. Suitable noble 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 containing about 70% to about 90% by mass of platinum and about 10% to about 30% by mass of rhodium. However, other suitable metals include molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

[0022] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include a first state adjustment (i.e., processing) tank such as a clarification tank 34 disposed downstream of the melting tank 14 and connected to the melting tank 14 by the first connecting pipe 32 described above. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the melting tank 14 to the clarification tank 34 through the first connecting pipe 32. For example, due to gravity, the molten glass 28 may pass through the internal path of the first connecting pipe 32 from the melting tank 14 to the clarification tank 34. However, other state adjustment tanks may be disposed downstream of the melting tank 14, for example, between the melting tank 14 and the clarification tank 34. In some embodiments, a state adjustment tank may be used between the melting tank and the clarification tank, in which case the molten glass from the primary melting tank is further heated to continue the melting process or cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the melting tank before entering the clarification tank.

[0023] Bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 in the fining tank 34 by various techniques. For example, the raw material 24 may contain, when heated, a polyvalent compound such as tin oxide that releases oxygen through a chemical reduction reaction (i.e., a fining agent). Other suitable fining agents include, without limitation, arsenic, antimony, iron, and cerium. The fining tank 34 is heated to a temperature higher than that of the melting tank, thereby heating the molten glass and the fining agent. Oxygen generated by chemical reduction induced by the temperature of the fining agent can diffuse or fuse into the bubbles generated in the molten glass during the melting process. The enlarged bubbles then rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the fining tank and can then be discharged from the fining tank. The bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining tank.

[0024] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning tank such as a mixing tank 36 for mixing the molten glass. The mixing tank 36 may be disposed downstream of the fining tank 34. The mixing tank 36 can be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing the streaks of chemical or thermal non-uniformities that might otherwise be present in the clarified molten glass exiting the fining tank. As can be seen from the figure, the fining tank 34 may be connected to the mixing tank 36 by a second connecting pipe 38. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the fining tank 34 to the mixing tank 36 through the second connecting pipe 38. For example, by gravity, the molten glass 28 may pass through the internal path of the second connecting pipe 38 from the fining tank 34 to the mixing tank 36. Although the mixing tank 36 is shown downstream of the fining tank 34, the mixing tank 36 may be disposed upstream of the fining tank 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include a number of mixing tanks, for example, a mixing tank upstream of the fining tank 34 and a mixing tank downstream of the fining tank 34. These multiple mixing tanks may be of the same design or of different designs.

[0025] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another state adjustment tank such as a supply tank 40 that may be disposed downstream of the mixing tank 36. The supply tank 40 can adjust the state of the molten glass 28 to be supplied to the downstream forming apparatus. For example, the supply tank 40 can function as an accumulator and / or a flow regulator for adjusting and / or providing a continuous flow of the molten glass 28 to the formed body 42 via the outlet pipe 44. As can be seen from the figure, the mixing tank 36 may be connected to the supply tank 40 by a third connecting pipe 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the mixing tank 36 to the supply tank 40 by the third connecting pipe 46. For example, due to gravity, the molten glass 28 may be pushed through the internal path of the third connecting pipe 46 from the mixing tank 36 to the supply tank 40.

[0026] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a forming apparatus 48 including the above-described formed body 42 and the inlet pipe 50. The outlet pipe 44 can be arranged to supply the molten glass 28 from the supply tank 40 to the inlet pipe 50 of the forming apparatus 48. For example, the outlet pipe 44 can be inserted into the inlet pipe 50 and spaced from its inner surface, thereby providing a free surface of the molten glass positioned between the outer surface of the outlet pipe 44 and the inner surface of the inlet pipe 50. The formed body 42 in the fusion down-draw glass manufacturing apparatus can include a trough 52 positioned on the upper surface of the formed body 42 and a converging forming surface 54 that converges in the stretching direction along the lower edge 56 of the formed body 42. The molten glass supplied to the trough of the formed body through the supply tank 40, the outlet pipe 44, and the inlet pipe 50 overflows from the side walls of the trough and descends along the converging forming surface 54 as separate flows of molten glass. The separate flows of molten glass join along it under the lower edge 56 to produce a single glass ribbon 58, which is stretched or extended in the flow direction 60 from the lower edge 56 by applying tension to the glass ribbon by gravity, edge rolls 72, draw rolls 82, etc., in order to control the dimensions of the glass ribbon when the glass cools and the viscosity of the glass increases. Thus, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional characteristics. The glass ribbon 58 may be divided into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass dividing apparatus 100 in the elastic region of the glass ribbon in some embodiments. Then, a robot 64 can use a gripping device 65 to send the individual glass sheets 62 to a conveying system, where the individual glass sheets can be further processed.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 and process. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 and process of Figure 2 are similar to those of Figure 1, except that in Figure 2, the forming apparatus includes a forming bath 142 that includes a slot 156 through which a glass ribbon 58 flows in an elongation direction 60. In addition, in Figure 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a pair of opposing forming rolls 160 downstream of the slot 156 that can be made to contact opposite major surfaces of the glass ribbon 58. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 also includes a reorientation mechanism 170 configured to reorient the elongation direction 60 from a substantially vertical 60A (i.e., parallel to the gravity vector) between the forming apparatus (including the forming bath 142) and the reorientation mechanism 170 to a substantially horizontal 60B downstream of the reorientation mechanism 170. As shown in Figure 2, the reorientation mechanism 170 includes a plurality of rollers 180 each configured to contact an edge region of the glass ribbon 58. The rollers 180 can also facilitate horizontal conveyance of the glass ribbon 58 downstream of the reorientation mechanism 170. During horizontal conveyance, the glass ribbon 58 is scored by a scoring apparatus 200 to facilitate dividing portions of the glass ribbon 58 into individual glass sheets or articles.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic cutaway view of a portion of the scored glass ribbon 58. The glass ribbon 58 has a thickness that varies along its width, with a first thickness T1 being greater than a second thickness T2. The score line 158 extends across the width of the glass ribbon 58, and a first depth D1 of the score line 158 at the first thickness T1 is greater than a second depth D2 of the score line 158 at the second thickness T2.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cutaway view of a portion of a scored glass ribbon 58. The glass ribbon 58 has a thickness that varies along its width and has an average thickness that is smaller than the glass ribbon shown in FIG. 3, with a third thickness T3 being greater than a fourth thickness T4. The score line 158 extends across the width of the glass ribbon 58, and a third depth D3 of the score line 158 at the third thickness T3 is greater than a fourth depth D4 of the score line 158 at the fourth thickness T4. In addition, the third depth D3 of the score line 158 at the third thickness T3 is smaller than a first depth D1 of the score line 158 at the first thickness T1, and the fourth depth D4 of the score line 158 at the fourth thickness T4 is smaller than a second depth D2 of the score line 158 at the second thickness T2.

[0030] The variations in the thickness of the glass ribbon 58 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be the result of inherent glass ribbon processing conditions that result in, for example, thickness variations in the width direction and / or thickness variations over time (e.g., a greater or smaller average glass ribbon thickness as a function of time). Under such conditions, it would be undesirable for the score line depth, such as the variations in the score line depth shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, to vary.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a schematic side perspective view of an exemplary scoring apparatus 200 according to the embodiments disclosed herein. The scoring apparatus 200 includes a score head 210 and a pressure regulator 202 configured to apply a biasing force to the score head 210. The scoring apparatus 200 also includes a first pivoting mechanism 206A positioned between the score head 210 and the pressure regulator 202 and a second pivoting mechanism 206B mounted on a support member 204. A lever arm 212 is positioned between the first pivoting mechanism 206A and the second pivoting mechanism 206B, and a counterweight 208 is positioned between the first pivoting mechanism 206A and the score head 210.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a partial side schematic perspective view of the exemplary scoring device 200 of FIG. 5. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a side schematic perspective view of the scoring device 200 shown in region A of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the lever arm 212 is movable between a neutral (i.e., horizontal) position and an upper or lower pivoting position (shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6), and the end of the lever arm 212 closest to the first pivoting mechanism 206A moves vertically between the neutral position, the upper pivoting position, and the lower pivoting position, whereas the end of the lever arm 212 closest to the second pivoting mechanism 206B does not move vertically. On the other hand, the first pivoting mechanism 206A moves vertically by the vertical movement of the lever arm 212, whereas the second pivoting mechanism 206B does not move vertically. Such vertical movement of the lever arm 212 and the first pivoting mechanism 206A occurs simultaneously with the vertical movement of the score head 210, and the maximum vertical movement of these components is shown by arrow D in FIG. 6. In addition, the first pivoting mechanism 206A and the second pivoting mechanism 206B rotate when the lever arm moves, whereas the score head 210 moves relative to the pressure regulator 202.

[0033] In a particular exemplary embodiment, the maximum distance of vertical movement of the first pivoting mechanism 206A (i.e., shown by arrow D in FIG. 6), and thus the maximum distance of vertical movement of the score head 210 relative to the pressure regulator 202, ranges from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, for example, from about 2 millimeters to about 8 millimeters, and further from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.

[0034] The biasing force applied by the pressure regulator 202 to the score head 210 can be fixed or adjusted (either manually or by any automatic mechanism) according to the target biasing force required to provide a desired score depth across the width of the glass ribbon under a given set of processing conditions. Without being limited to any particular range, in a particular exemplary embodiment, the biasing force ranges from about 1 psi to about 10 psi (about 6.9 kPa to about 69 kPa), for example, from about 2 psi to about 8 psi (about 14 kPa to about 55 kPa), and further from about 3 psi to about 6 psi (about 21 kPa to about 41 kPa).

[0035] In certain exemplary embodiments, the pressure regulator 202 includes a pneumatic regulator known to those skilled in the art, such as a pneumatic pressure regulator commercially available from SMC Corporation of the United States.

[0036] In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the first swivel mechanism 206A and the second swivel mechanism 206B includes a flex pivot bearing known to those skilled in the art, such as a frictionless Free-Flex® pivot bearing commercially available from Flex Pivots.

[0037] The scoring device 200 can create a score line in the glass ribbon that has minimal score depth variation across the width of the glass ribbon, which includes creating a score line with minimal depth variation across glass ribbons of various thicknesses. In other words, the scoring device 200 can be made to “float” on the surface of the glass ribbon while providing a score line that mimics (or is parallel to) the surface topography of the glass ribbon.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a scored glass ribbon 58 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The glass ribbon 58 has a cut profile similar to the glass ribbon shown in FIG. 3, and thus has a thickness that varies along its width, with a first thickness T1 being greater than a second thickness T2. However, in contrast to FIG. 3, the score line 158 is provided in the glass ribbon 58 using an exemplary scoring device (e.g., the scoring device 200) according to an embodiment disclosed herein, and the score line 158 is parallel to the surface topography of the glass ribbon 58 and is provided such that the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the first thickness T1 is substantially the same as the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the second thickness T2 on its surface.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cut-away view of a portion of a scored glass ribbon 58 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The glass ribbon 58 has a cut profile similar to the glass ribbon shown in FIG. 4 (i.e., has an average thickness smaller than the glass ribbon 58 of FIG. 3), and thus has a thickness that varies along its width, with a third thickness T3 being greater than a fourth thickness T4. However, in contrast to FIG. 4, the score line 158 has been provided to the glass ribbon 58 using an exemplary scoring device (e.g., scoring device 200) according to an embodiment disclosed herein, and the score line 158 is parallel to the topography of the surface of the glass ribbon 58, and on that surface, the score line 158 is provided such that the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the third thickness T3 is substantially the same as the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the fourth thickness T4.

[0040] The thickness variations of the glass ribbon 58 shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 7-8 can be the result of inherent glass ribbon processing conditions that result in, for example, thickness variations in the width direction and / or thickness variations over time, but a glass ribbon 58 having specially designed or intentional thickness variations can also be scored in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a schematic cut-away view of a portion of a scored glass ribbon 58 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The glass ribbon 58 has a thickness that varies along its width, and the glass ribbon 58 includes a thinned region 162 having a sixth thickness T6 that is smaller than a fifth thickness T5. The score line 158 has been provided to the glass ribbon 58 using an exemplary scoring device (e.g., scoring device 200) according to an embodiment disclosed herein, and the score line 158 is parallel to the topography of the surface of the glass ribbon 58, and on that surface, the score line 158 is provided such that the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the fifth thickness T5 is substantially the same as the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the sixth thickness T6.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross - sectional view of a portion of a scored glass ribbon 58 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The glass ribbon 58 has a thickness that varies along its width, and the glass ribbon 58 includes a thickened region 164 having an eighth thickness T8 that is greater than a seventh thickness T7. The score line 158 is provided in the glass ribbon 58 using an exemplary scoring device (e.g., scoring device 200) according to an embodiment disclosed herein, and the score line 158 is parallel to the topography of the surface of the glass ribbon 58 and is provided such that the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the seventh thickness T7 is approximately the same as the depth D5 of the score line 158 at the eighth thickness T8 on that surface.

[0043] In certain exemplary embodiments, the scoring device 200 is configured to score a region extending across the width of the glass ribbon 58, and that region has an average score depth (i.e., the average score depth along the length of the score line) ranging from about 0.02 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, for example, from about 0.05 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters, and further from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.2 millimeters. In certain exemplary embodiments, the scored region has a score depth variation (i.e., the difference between the maximum score depth and the minimum score depth along the score line) ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 25 micrometers, for example, from about 2 micrometers to about 20 micrometers, and further from about 5 micrometers to about 15 micrometers. In certain exemplary embodiments, the score depth variation ranges from about 1% to about 25% of the average score depth, for example, from about 2% to about 20%, and further from about 5% to about 15%.

[0044] In certain exemplary embodiments, the average thickness in or near the cut region of the glass ribbon 58 ranges from about 0.2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, such as from about 0.5 millimeters to about 5 millimeters, and further from about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters. In certain exemplary embodiments, the temperature in or near the cut region of the glass ribbon 58 ranges from about 100 °C to about 900 °C, such as from about 200 °C to about 800 °C, further from about 300 °C to about 700 °C, and still further from about 400 °C to about 600 °C. In certain exemplary embodiments, the scoring device 200 is configured to score an area extending across the width of the glass ribbon 58, and that area has an average score depth that is about 3% to about 15%, such as about 5% to about 10%, of the average thickness of the glass ribbon 58 in or near the cut region.

[0045] Embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the glass ribbon 58 is conveyed in a horizontal direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity) and the score depth extends in a vertical direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the direction of gravity) in or near the cut region.

[0046] Embodiments disclosed herein enable scoring of a glass ribbon such that, due to the scoring device being lightweight, low friction, and highly responsive, the depth of the score line is parallel to the surface irregularities of the glass ribbon, providing a consistent score depth in real time without the need for continuous monitoring and / or adjustment by an operator. This, in turn, enables efficient manufacturing of glass articles such as glass sheets while minimizing undesirable events such as lateral cracking, chipping, formation of shallow holes, formation of nicks, and / or loss of contact between the score head and the glass ribbon.

[0047] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described with respect to the fusion down-draw method and the slot-draw method, it should be understood that such embodiments are applicable to other glass forming processes such as the float method, the up-draw method, and the rolling method.

[0048] Such a process can be used, for example, to manufacture glass articles that can be used in electronic devices and other applications.

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include such modifications and changes provided that they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item.

[0051] Embodiment 1 An apparatus for making a cut in a glass ribbon, comprising: a score head, a pressure regulator configured to apply a biasing force to the score head, a first pivoting mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator, a second pivoting mechanism mounted on a support member, and a lever arm positioned between the first pivoting mechanism and the second pivoting mechanism, wherein the first and second pivoting mechanisms are configured to rotate, and the lever arm is configured to move with the movement of the score head.

[0052] Embodiment 2 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pressure regulator includes a pneumatic regulator.

[0053] Embodiment 3 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein each of the first and second pivoting mechanisms includes a flex pivot bearing.

[0054] Embodiment 4 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the score head is movable within a distance ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

[0055] ​Embodiment 5 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the biasing force ranges from about 1 psi to about 10 psi (about 6.9 kPa to about 69 kPa).

[0056] Embodiment 6 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to make a cut in a region extending across the width of the glass ribbon, and the region has an average cut depth ranging from about 0.02 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

[0057] Embodiment 7 The apparatus according to Embodiment 6, wherein the region has a cut depth variation ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 25 micrometers.

[0058] Embodiment 8 The apparatus according to Embodiment 6, wherein the glass ribbon is conveyed in a horizontal direction and the cut depth extends in a vertical direction.

[0059] Embodiment 9 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the glass ribbon has an average thickness ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

[0060] Embodiment 10 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the glass ribbon has a temperature ranging from about 100 °C to about 900 °C.

[0061] Embodiment 11 A method of making a cut in a glass ribbon, comprising: moving a score head across a region extending along the width of the glass ribbon; applying a biasing force to the score head using a pressure regulator; rotating a first pivoting mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator; rotating a second pivoting mechanism mounted on a support member; and moving a lever arm positioned between the first pivoting mechanism and the second pivoting mechanism. A method comprising the above steps.

[0062] Embodiment 12 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the pressure regulator includes a pneumatic-electric regulator.

[0063] Embodiment 13 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein each of the first and second pivoting mechanisms includes a flex pivot bearing.

[0064] Embodiment 14 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the score head moves within a distance ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

[0065] Embodiment 15 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the biasing force ranges from about 1 psi to about 10 psi (about 6.9 kPa to about 69 kPa).

[0066] Embodiment 16 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the region has an average score depth ranging from about 0.02 millimeter to about 1 millimeter.

[0067] Embodiment 17 The method according to embodiment 16, wherein the region has a score depth variation ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 25 micrometers.

[0068] Embodiment 18 The method according to embodiment 16, wherein the glass ribbon is conveyed horizontally and the score depth extends vertically.

[0069] Embodiment 19 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the glass ribbon has an average thickness ranging from about 0.2 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

[0070] Embodiment 20 The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the glass ribbon has a temperature ranging from about 100 °C to about 900 °C.

[0071] Embodiment 21 A glass article manufactured by the method described in Embodiment 11.

[0072] Embodiment 22 An electronic device including the glass article described in Embodiment 21.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0073] 10 Glass manufacturing apparatus 12 Glass melting furnace 14 Glass melting tank 16 Upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 18 Storage container 20 Raw material supply apparatus 22 Motor 24 Raw material 28 Molten glass 30 Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 32 First connection pipe 34 Refining tank 36 Mixing tank 38 Second connection pipe 40 Supply tank 42 Forming body 44 Outlet pipe 46 Third connection pipe 48 Forming apparatus 50 Inlet pipe 52 Gutter 54 Forming surface 56 Bottom edge 58 Glass ribbon 62 Glass sheet 64 Robot 65 Gripping device 69 Edge roll 82 Traction roll 100 Glass cutting device 142 Forming tank 156 Slot 158 Scoring line 160 Forming roll 162 Thinned region 164 Thickened region 170 Reorientation mechanism 180 Roller 200 Notch Cutting Device 202 Pressure Regulator 204 Support Member 206A First Swiveling Mechanism 206B Second Swiveling Mechanism 210 Score Head 212 Lever Arm

Claims

1. An apparatus for scoring a glass ribbon, comprising: a score head, a pressure regulator configured to apply a biasing force to the score head, a first pivoting mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator, a second pivoting mechanism mounted on a support member, and a lever arm positioned between the first pivoting mechanism and the second pivoting mechanism, wherein the first and second pivoting mechanisms are configured to rotate, and the lever arm is configured to move with the movement of the score head.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure regulator includes a pneumatic-electric regulator.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second pivoting mechanisms includes a flex pivot bearing.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the score head is movable within a distance ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biasing force ranges from about 1 psi to about 10 psi (about 6.9 kPa to about 69 kPa).

6. A method for scoring a glass ribbon, comprising: moving a score head across a region extending along the width of the glass ribbon, applying a biasing force to the score head using a pressure regulator, rotating a first pivoting mechanism positioned between the score head and the pressure regulator, rotating a second pivoting mechanism mounted on a support member, and moving a lever arm positioned between the first pivoting mechanism and the second pivoting mechanism.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the pressure regulator includes a pneumatic-electric regulator.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein each of the first and second pivoting mechanisms includes a flex pivot bearing.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the score head moves within a distance ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the biasing force ranges from about 1 psi to about 10 psi (about 6.9 kPa to about 69 kPa).

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the region has an average score depth ranging from about 0.02 millimeter to about 1 millimeter.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the region has a score depth variation ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 25 micrometers.

13. ​ ​ The method according to claim 11, wherein the glass ribbon is conveyed in a horizontal direction and the cut depth extends in a vertical direction.

14. The method according to claim 6, wherein the glass ribbon has an average thickness ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

15. The method according to claim 6, wherein the glass ribbon has a temperature ranging from about 100 °C to about 900 °C.

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