Method and apparatus for producing glass ribbon

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a glass ribbon forming device disposed within a first chamber. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a housing surrounding the first chamber, the housing including a second chamber substantially surrounded by a housing wall of the housing and isolated from the first chamber. The housing wall separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a gas supply device in fluid communication with the second chamber. The gas supply device delivers gas to the second chamber such that a first pressure in the first chamber is less than a second pressure in the second chamber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 374111, filed August 31, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus and methods for producing glass ribbons, and more particularly to methods for producing glass ribbons having a housing enclosing a glass ribbon forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known to produce glass ribbons using forming devices. Conventional forming devices are known to operate by downdrawing a predetermined amount of molten material from a glass ribbon forming device as a glass ribbon. Particulate matter may be present in the air surrounding the glass ribbon, and the particulate matter may travel upward toward the forming device. The particulate matter may damage the glass by coming into contact with the glass ribbon. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects that are described in the detailed description.

[0005] A method for manufacturing glass is described having an enclosure. The enclosure can enclose a glass ribbon forming apparatus. The glass ribbon forming apparatus is disposed within a first chamber, and the enclosure includes a second chamber. A gas supply can be in fluid communication with the enclosure to deliver gas to the second chamber such that a second pressure in the second chamber is greater than a first pressure in the first chamber. Thus, gas flow from the first chamber to the second chamber is restricted, thereby reducing the likelihood of unwanted material or particles migrating upward toward the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the first chamber. As used herein, the term "gas" can include one or more of air, nitrogen, or a mixture of different gases.

[0006] In an aspect, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a glass ribbon forming apparatus disposed within a first chamber. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a housing surrounding the first chamber, and the housing can include a second chamber surrounded by a housing wall of the housing and isolated from the first chamber. The housing wall can separate the first chamber from the second chamber. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a gas supply apparatus in fluid communication with the second chamber. The gas supply apparatus can deliver gas to the second chamber such that a first pressure in the first chamber is less than a second pressure in the second chamber. A vertical plane bisects the glass ribbon forming apparatus, and an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane can intersect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber. A second axis parallel to the vertical plane can intersect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber.

[0007] In an embodiment, a heating element can be disposed within the second chamber.

[0008] In an embodiment, a ceramic tube can extend through the housing and be in fluid communication with the gas supply.

[0009] In an embodiment, the housing can include a plurality of openings in fluid communication with a gas supply device, the gas supply device capable of delivering gas to the second chamber through the plurality of openings.

[0010] In an aspect, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a glass ribbon forming device disposed within a first chamber. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a housing surrounding the first chamber, the housing including a first housing wall and a second housing wall spaced apart from the first housing wall to form a second chamber between the first housing wall and the second housing wall. The second chamber can be enclosed and isolated from the first chamber. The second housing wall can include an opening. A gas supply can be in fluid communication with the opening. The gas supply can deliver gas to the second chamber through the opening such that a first pressure in the first chamber is less than a second pressure in the second chamber.

[0011] In an embodiment, the third housing wall can be attached to the first housing wall and the second housing wall.

[0012] In an embodiment, the third housing wall can extend perpendicular to the first housing wall and the second housing wall.

[0013] In an embodiment, the third housing wall can include a second opening in fluid communication with a gas supply such that the gas supply can deliver gas to the second chamber through the second opening.

[0014] In an embodiment, a heating element can be disposed within the second chamber.

[0015] In an embodiment, a vertical plane bisects the glass ribbon forming apparatus, and an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane can intersect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second axis can be parallel to a vertical plane and can intersect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber.

[0017] In an embodiment, the ceramic tube can extend through the opening and be in fluid communication with the gas supply.

[0018] In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a ribbon can include directing a glass ribbon along a travel path from a glass ribbon forming device. The glass ribbon forming device can be disposed within a first chamber. The method can include delivering a gas to the second chamber to increase a second pressure in the second chamber such that the second pressure is greater than the first pressure in the first chamber. The first chamber can be enclosed within the second chamber, the second chamber comprising a housing surrounding the first chamber.

[0019] In an embodiment, the gas can be delivered to the second chamber through a plurality of openings in the housing.

[0020] In an embodiment, the method can include heating the first chamber with a heating element disposed within the second chamber.

[0021] In an aspect, directing the gas can include directing the gas away from the heating element.

[0022] In an aspect, the method can include positioning the housing such that a vertical plane can bisect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane can intersect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber.

[0023] In an embodiment, a second axis parallel to the vertical plane can intersect the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber.

[0024] Additional features and advantages of the aspects disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description, which present aspects, are intended 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 into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain its principles and operation.

[0025] These and other features, aspects and advantages may be better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 shows a side view of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a housing of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5 illustrates a top-down view of the housing along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 4 shows a side view of a glass manufacturing apparatus similar to FIG. 3 with a tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. Where 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.

[0028] As used herein, the term "about" means that a quantity, size, composition, parameter, and other quantity and characteristic is not, or need not be, exact, but is approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, etc., and other factors known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the value forms another embodiment. It will further be understood that the endpoints of each range can be understood both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0030] As used herein, directional terms such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, etc. are used with reference to the figures only and do not imply absolute orientation.

[0031] Unless expressly stated otherwise, no method set forth herein should be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, and no apparatus should be construed as requiring a particular orientation. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite the order its steps are to follow, or if any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation for individual components, or if the claim or this specification does not otherwise specifically indicate that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, or if it does not recite a particular order or orientation for the apparatus components, no order or orientation is to be implied in any way. This applies to all possible non-express basis for interpretation, including step sequence, operational flow, logical matters regarding component order or component orientation, general meanings derived from grammatical constructions or punctuation, and the number or type of aspects described herein.

[0032] As used herein, the singular indefinite articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the phrase "a component" includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] As used herein, the words "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are merely presented for clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict in any way the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure. It can be understood that numerous additional or alternative examples of varying scope could have been presented but have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including," and variations thereof, should be construed as synonymous and inclusive unless otherwise indicated. A list of elements following the transitional phrase "comprising" or "including" is a non-exclusive list, and therefore, there may be elements other than those specifically listed in the list.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof, are intended to indicate that a described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. "Substantially" can indicate values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0036] Modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless expressly stated otherwise, "first" or "second," etc., do not imply any temporal aspect, spatial aspect, ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. of features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B, or two different ends.

[0037] The present disclosure relates to glass manufacturing apparatuses and methods for producing glass ribbons. A method and apparatus for producing a glass ribbon from a glass material is described below by way of an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 and a glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 from a predetermined amount of molten material 121. The glass ribbon 103 may include a central portion 152 disposed between opposing edge portions (e.g., edge beads) formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103, and the thickness of the edge portion may be greater than the thickness of the central portion. Additionally, in an embodiment, a glass ribbon 104 to be separated may be separated from the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (e.g., a scribe, a notching wheel, a diamond tip, a laser, etc.).

[0038] In an embodiment, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. In an embodiment, an optional controller 115 can be operable to operate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of the batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide molten material 121. In an embodiment, a melt probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in a standpipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 via a communication line 125.

[0039] Additionally, in embodiments, glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a first conditioning station located downstream from melting vessel 105 and including a fining vessel 127 coupled to melting vessel 105 by a first connecting conduit 129. In embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from melting vessel 105 to fining vessel 127 by first connecting conduit 129. For example, in embodiments, gravity may drive molten material 121 from melting vessel 105 to fining vessel 127 through the internal passage of first connecting conduit 129. Additionally, in embodiments, gas bubbles may be removed from molten material 121 in fining vessel 127 by various techniques.

[0040] In embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may further comprise a second conditioning station comprising a mixing chamber 131, which may be located downstream of the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 may be used to provide a homogeneous composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneities that may otherwise be present in the molten material 121 exiting the fining vessel 127. As shown, the fining vessel 127 may be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 by a second connecting conduit 135. In embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 by the second connecting conduit 135. For example, in embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 135.

[0041] Additionally, in embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a third conditioning station including a delivery chamber 133, which may be located downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In embodiments, the delivery chamber 133 may condition the molten material 121 being fed into the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery chamber 133 may function as an accumulator and / or a flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of the molten material 121 into the inlet conduit 141. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 may be coupled to the delivery chamber 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery chamber 133 by the third connecting conduit 137. For example, in embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery chamber 133 through an internal passage of the third connecting conduit 137. As further shown, in embodiments, delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to forming apparatus 101, such as to an inlet conduit 141 of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. Glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 can include a trough (e.g., trough 201 illustrated in FIG. 2 ) extending along trough axis 140 between an inlet end 142 and an opposing end 143 of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 opposite inlet end 142. Inlet end 142 is the end of trough 201 proximate inlet conduit 141 that receives molten material 121 therethrough. Opposing end 143 is the end furthest from inlet conduit 141.

[0042] By way of example, the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 shown and disclosed below can be provided to melt-draw molten material 121 from a bottom edge, defined as the root 145 of a forming wedge 209, to produce a glass ribbon 103. For example, in embodiments, the molten material 121 can be delivered from an inlet conduit 141 to the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. The molten material 121 can then be formed into a glass ribbon 103 based in part on the configuration of the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. For example, as shown, the molten material 121 can be drawn from a bottom edge (e.g., root 145) of the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 along a drawing path that extends in the direction of travel 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In embodiments, edge directors 163, 164 can direct the molten material 121 from the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 to partially define the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103. In an embodiment, width 108 of glass ribbon 103 extends between first outer edge 153 of glass ribbon 103 and second outer edge 155 of glass ribbon 103 .

[0043] In embodiments, the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103 extending between the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 can be, for example, about 20 millimeters (mm) or more, such as about 50 mm or more, such as about 100 mm or more, such as about 500 mm or more, such as about 1000 mm or more, such as about 2000 mm or more, such as about 3000 mm or more, such as about 4000 mm or more, although other widths lesser or greater than the above widths can be provided in embodiments. For example, in embodiments, the width 108 is in the range of about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 may include a trough 201 oriented to receive molten material 121 from inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, the cross-hatching of molten material 121 has been removed from FIG. 2 for clarity. Glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 includes a pair of weirs 203, 204 that define an opening 224 in trough 201. Glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 may be substantially planar and include a bottom surface 225 that extends at least partially between inlet end 142 and opposing end 143 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). Bottom surface 225 may at least partially define trough 201; e.g., bottom surface 225 extends along the bottom surface of trough 201, and pair of weirs 203, 204 extend along opposing sides of trough 201. The glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 may further include a forming wedge 209, which includes a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 extending between opposite ends of the forming wedge 209. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 may converge along the travel direction 154 and intersect along the root 145 of the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 (e.g., the bottom edge of the forming wedge 209 where the converging surface portions 207, 208 meet). A drawing plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may extend through the root 145 along the travel direction 154. In embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn along the drawing plane 213 in the travel direction 154. As shown, the drawing plane 213 may bisect the forming wedge 209 through the root 145, although in embodiments, the drawing plane 213 may extend in other orientations relative to the root 145. In an embodiment, the glass ribbon 103 may travel along an advance path 221 that may be coplanar with the draw plane 213 in the advance direction 154 .

[0045] Additionally, the molten material 121 may flow in a flow direction 156 into and along the trough 201 of the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. The molten material 121 may then overflow the trough 201 by flowing through the openings 224, over the corresponding weirs 203, 204, and downwardly over the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204. Each stream of molten material 121 may then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surfaces 207, 208 of the forming wedges 209 and elongate from the root 145 of the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101, where the streams may converge and fuse into the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 may then be elongated along the travel direction 154. In embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may comprise one or more states of material based on the vertical position of the glass ribbon 103, i.e., its distance from the root 145. For example, in a first position, the glass ribbon 103 can comprise a viscous molten material 121, and in a second position, the glass ribbon 103 can comprise an amorphous solid (eg, a glass ribbon) in a vitreous state.

[0046] The glass ribbon 103 has first and second major surfaces 215 and 216 facing in opposite directions and defining therebetween a thickness 212 (e.g., average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, the thickness 212 of the glass ribbon 103 can be about 2 millimeters (mm) or less, about 1 millimeter or less, about 0.5 millimeters or less, e.g., about 300 micrometers (μm) or less, about 200 micrometers or less, or about 100 micrometers or less, although other thicknesses can be provided in further embodiments. For example, in embodiments, the thickness 212 of the glass ribbon 103 can be in the range of about 20 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 750 micrometers, in the range of about 100 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, in the range of about 200 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, in the range of about 300 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, in the range of about 25 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, including all ranges and subranges of thickness therebetween. Additionally, the glass ribbon 103 can include one or more of various compositions, such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, alkali-free glass, aluminosilicate, borosilicate, boroaluminosilicate, silicate, glass-ceramic, or other materials including glass. In embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can include one or more of lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF), calcium fluoride (CaF), barium fluoride (BaF), sapphire (AlO), zinc selenide (ZnSe), germanium (Ge), or other materials.

[0047] In embodiments, a glass separator 149 (see FIG. 1 ) can separate the glass ribbon 104 from the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 to provide a plurality of separated glass ribbons 104 (i.e., a plurality of sheets of glass). In embodiments, a long portion of the separated glass ribbon 104 can be wound onto a storage roll. The separated glass ribbon can then be processed into a desired application, such as a display application. For example, the separated glass ribbon can be used in a wide range of display and non-display applications, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), micro LED displays, mini LED displays, organic light-emitting diode lighting, light-emitting diode lighting, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), touch sensors, solar power generation, flip phones, or other applications.

[0048] 3 shows a side view of glass manufacturing apparatus 100 along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. Glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 can define a travel path 221 along which glass ribbon 103 moves in travel direction 154. In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing glass ribbon 103 can include, for example, directing glass ribbon 103 from glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 along travel path 221 in travel direction 154, with glass ribbon 103 moving in the direction of gravity. Glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 is disposed within first chamber 301.

[0049] Glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a housing 303 that surrounds first chamber 301. Housing 303 can include multiple walls that surround first chamber 301 and glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. In an embodiment, surrounding first chamber 301 and glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 can extend along multiple sides (e.g., all sides) of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and above glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 relative to the direction of gravity. In this manner, first chamber 301 and glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 can be disposed, e.g., housed, within housing 303.

[0050] The multiple walls of the housing 303 can form a second chamber 305. For example, the housing 303 can include the second chamber 305, which is substantially surrounded and isolated from the first chamber by the housing walls of the housing 303. In embodiments, the housing 303 can include a first housing wall 307, a second housing wall 309, etc. The first housing wall 307 can separate the first chamber 301 from the second chamber 305. In embodiments, the second housing wall 309 can be spaced apart from the first housing wall 307 to form the second chamber 305 between the first housing wall 307 and the second housing wall 309. The housing walls 307, 309 can include a material that is resistant to deformation due to temperatures within the first chamber 301. In embodiments, the housing walls 307, 309 can include one or more of a fire-resistant material, a metallic material, etc. Being enclosed and isolated from the first chamber 301, the second chamber 305 is bounded on all sides by the housing walls 307, 309 of the housing 303. Furthermore, the second chamber 305 may not be in fluid communication with the first chamber 301 due to the presence of the housing walls 307, 309 that bound the second chamber 305. In embodiments, the first housing wall 307 may include one or more openings that can facilitate the glass making process. These one or more openings may be filled with, for example, a thermocouple or other temperature sensing device. In embodiments, a seal may not be formed between the thermocouple and the first housing wall 307, allowing air or gas to pass through the first housing wall 307 between the first chamber 301 and the second chamber 305.

[0051] In an embodiment, housing 303 encloses first chamber 301, and second chamber 305 is disposed on multiple sides of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. For example, vertical surface 313 can bisect glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. By bisecting glass ribbon forming apparatus 101, vertical surface 313 can extend through glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 along root 145 and through inlet end 142 and opposing end 143 (e.g., ends 142, 143 shown in FIG. 1 ), such that vertical surface 313 divides glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 into two substantially equal portions. Vertical surface 313 can extend parallel to travel direction 154, can be parallel to and / or lie within drawing plane 213 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ), and is parallel to glass ribbon 103.

[0052] In an embodiment, axis 315 can be substantially perpendicular to vertical plane 313, and axis 315 intersects glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and second chamber 305. For example, second chamber 305 can include multiple chamber portions, such as first chamber portion 319, second chamber portion 321, and third chamber portion 323. First chamber portion 319 can be located on a first side of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101, and second chamber portion 321 can be located on an opposite second side of glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. Third chamber portion 323 can be located above glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and can connect first chamber portion 319 and second chamber portion 321, such that first chamber portion 319 and second chamber portion 321 are in fluid communication via third chamber portion 323. The axis 315 can intersect the first chamber portion 319 and the second chamber portion 321, but not the third chamber portion 323. For example, the axis 315 can intersect the housing walls 307, 309, but can be spaced a predetermined distance from the third chamber portion 323.

[0053] In an embodiment, second axis 327 can extend substantially parallel to vertical plane 313 and can intersect glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and second chamber 305. For example, second axis 327 can lie within vertical plane 313, or can be parallel to vertical plane 313 but not lie within vertical plane 313. Second axis 327 can intersect glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and third chamber portion 323, but not first chamber portion 319 and second chamber portion 321. In this manner, second axis 327 does not intersect housing walls 307, 309, but rather can intersect other housing walls of housing 303 (e.g., walls forming the upper and lower boundaries of third chamber portion 323). In this manner, glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 can be substantially surrounded by housing 303 and second chamber 305. Thus, the method may include positioning the housing such that a vertical plane 313 bisects the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and an axis 315 substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane 313 intersects the glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 and the second chamber 305.

[0054] In embodiments, second chamber 305 can be located partially or completely above root 145 relative to vertical plane 313. For example, root axis 329 can intersect root 145, with root axis 329 extending substantially perpendicular to vertical plane 313. In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , root axis 329 can be located below housing 303 and therefore below second chamber 305. Thus, in embodiments, second chamber 305 can be positioned completely above root 145 and root axis 329. However, housing 303 is not so limited; in embodiments, housing 303 can extend downward such that root axis 329 intersects second chamber 305. Thus, a portion of second chamber 305 can be located above root axis 329, and a remaining portion of second chamber 305 can be located below root axis 329.

[0055] In embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include one or more heating elements 331 disposed within the second chamber 305. The heating elements 331 can comprise, for example, resistive heating elements capable of converting electrical energy into heat via Joule heating, whereby a current flows through the heating element 331, causing the heating element 331 to heat. The heating elements 331 can increase the temperature within the second chamber 305, which can help maintain the temperature within the first chamber 301 during the glass manufacturing process. In embodiments, the heating elements 331 can be spaced apart within some or all of the chamber portions 319, 321, 323. For example, a first portion of the heating elements 331 can be disposed in the first chamber portion 319 (e.g., two heating elements in FIG. 3 ), a second portion of the heating elements 331 (e.g., two heating elements in FIG. 3 ) can be disposed in the second chamber portion 321, and no heating elements can be disposed in the third chamber portion 323. In aspects, heating elements 331 can be disposed in the first chamber portion 319 and the second chamber portion 321, such that axis 315 can intersect one or more of the heating elements 331 in the first chamber portion 319 and / or one or more of the heating elements 331 in the second chamber portion 321. Thus, the method can include heating the first chamber 301 with a heating element 331 disposed in the second chamber 305.

[0056] In an embodiment, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a gas supply 333 in fluid communication with the second chamber 305. The gas supply 333 can deliver gas to the second chamber 305 such that a first pressure in the first chamber 301 is less than a second pressure in the second chamber 305. In an embodiment, the gas supply 333 can include a gas source such as a pump, canister, cartridge, boiler, compressor, and / or pressure vessel. The gas supply 333 delivers compressed gas, e.g., gas maintained at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The gas supply 333 is located outside the enclosure 303 to reduce the possibility of damage to the gas supply 333. In an embodiment, the gas supply 333 is located on an opposite side of the enclosure walls 307, 309 from the first chamber 301, and the second enclosure wall 309 is located between the gas supply 333 and the second chamber 305.

[0057] In an embodiment, the second housing wall 309 includes one or more openings 337 in fluid communication with a gas supply 333, such that the gas supply 333 can deliver gas to the second chamber 305 through the openings 337. For example, the one or more openings 337 can include a first opening 339 extending through the second housing wall 309. With reference to FIG. 4 , the first opening 339 can extend through the second housing wall 309 to form a gas flow passage between the exterior of the housing 303 and the second chamber 305. The gas supply 333 can be attached to the first opening 339 via a conduit that extends through and / or is in fluid communication with the first opening 339. As used herein, fluid communication can include a gas flow path between two or more cavities. The gas flow path between the gas supply device 333 and the second chamber 305 may comprise a sealed volume or cavity, such that the gas supply device 333 can deliver gas into the second chamber 305 through the first opening 339.

[0058] By pumping gas into the second chamber 305 through the first opening 339, a first pressure in the first chamber 301 may become lower than a second pressure in the second chamber 305. For example, the gas supply device 333 may continue to pump gas through the first opening 339 until a second pressure is reached. Thus, the method may include pumping gas into the second chamber 305 to increase a second pressure in the second chamber 305 such that the second pressure is greater than the first pressure in the first chamber 301, wherein the first chamber 301 is substantially enclosed within the second chamber 305 with the housing 303 surrounding the first chamber 301.

[0059] Figure 5 is a top-down cross-sectional view of glass manufacturing apparatus 100 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4. Housing 303 can include third housing wall 501 and fourth housing wall 503 attached to first housing wall 307 and second housing wall 309. In an embodiment, third housing wall 501 can be attached to first housing wall 307 and second housing wall 309, for example, at a first end of first housing wall 307 and second housing wall 309, and fourth housing wall 503 can be attached to first housing wall 307 and second housing wall 309, for example, at an opposite second end of first housing wall 307 and second housing wall 309. In aspects, the first housing wall 307 and the second housing wall 309 can extend substantially parallel to one another, the third housing wall 501 and the fourth housing wall 503 can extend substantially parallel to one another, and the first housing wall 307 and the second housing wall 309 extend substantially perpendicular to the third housing wall 501 and the fourth housing wall 503. The housing walls 307, 309, 501, 503 can together form a boundary of the first chamber portion 319 of the second chamber 305.

[0060] In an embodiment, the opening 337 is not limited to the first opening 339 and may include other openings, such as a second opening 505 in the third housing wall 501, a third opening 507 in the fourth housing wall 503, and a fourth opening 509 in the second housing wall 309. The third housing wall 501 may include a second opening 505 that may be in fluid communication with a gas supply 333 such that the gas supply 333 can deliver gas to the second chamber 305 through the second opening 505. In this manner, the gas supply 333 is in fluid communication with the openings 339, 505, 507, and 509 to deliver gas to the second chamber 305 at multiple locations. In an embodiment, the housing 303 is not limited to the openings 339, 505, 507, and 509 that are in fluid communication with the first chamber portion 319 of the second chamber 305. Rather, in embodiments, additional openings can be located in different walls of the housing 303, and these additional openings are adjacent to and in fluid communication with the second chamber portion 321 and / or the third chamber portion 323 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).

[0061] Positioning the openings 339, 505, 507, 509 at different locations in the housing 303 and in different housing walls 309, 501, 503 can provide several advantages. For example, the gas supply 333 can supply gas to multiple locations within the first chamber portion 319, thereby reducing pressure fluctuations within the first chamber portion 319. For example, the first opening 339 and the third opening 507 can be spaced apart and extend through the second housing wall 309. The second opening 505 can be spaced apart from the first opening 339, and the fourth opening 509 can be spaced apart from the third opening 507. In this manner, the second chamber 305 can reach the second pressure more quickly (e.g., with multiple openings) with reduced pressure fluctuations across the first chamber portion 319 and therefore a more constant second pressure. In FIG. 5, the housing 303 includes four openings 339 , 505 , 507 , 509 , although additional openings in fluid communication with the gas supply 333 may be included.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows a side view of glass manufacturing apparatus 100 having a tube 601 extending through opening 339. In an embodiment, tube 601 can include a ceramic tube that can extend from second housing wall 309 into second chamber 305. Tube 601 can include an exhaust port 602 (e.g., an opening) through which gas 603 from gas supply 333 can exit tube 601 and enter second chamber 305. Gas 603 can exit exhaust port 602 along a gas flow axis 605. In an embodiment, gas flow axis 605 can be angled away from heating element 331 such that gas flow axis 605 does not intersect heating element 331. For example, tube 601 (e.g., a ceramic tube) can extend through opening 339 in housing 303 and can be in fluid communication with gas supply 333. The gas 603 can exit the exhaust port 602 and flow in the direction of the gas flow axis 605 such that the gas 603 does not intersect or collide with the heating element 331. In this way, if the heating element 331 is at a higher temperature than the gas 603, the gas 603 will not collide with the heating element 331 and will not cool the heating element 331, thereby maintaining the temperature within the second chamber 305.

[0063] Maintaining second chamber 305 at a second pressure greater than the first pressure of first chamber 301 can provide several advantages. For example, referring to FIG. 3 , during a glass manufacturing process, gas may move upward along vertical surface 313 in flow direction 351 toward glass ribbon forming apparatus 101 (e.g., a “chimney effect”). In embodiments, particles may be present in the atmosphere surrounding the glass ribbon, so that the particles may be drawn upward in flow direction 351 toward glass ribbon forming apparatus 101. These particles may include, for example, glass particles formed during a separation process performed below the forming body, dust, debris, or other forms of particles that may be present in the manufacturing environment. These particles may contact and adhere to the molten glass, reducing the quality of the glass. By making the second pressure in second chamber 305 greater than the first pressure in first chamber 301, pressure loss within first chamber 301 can be reduced. For example, first enclosure wall 307 may include one or more openings in which a thermocouple may be placed. The opening and thermocouple may not be sealed, thereby providing a gas flow path from the first chamber 301 to the second chamber 305. If the first pressure is greater than the second pressure, a pressure loss may occur from the first chamber 301 to the second chamber 305, which may increase the flow rate of particles in the flow direction 351. However, because the second pressure is greater than the first pressure, the first chamber 301 may not lose pressure to the second chamber 305, which may reduce or prevent the flow of particles in the flow direction 351.

[0064] When the second pressure is greater than the first pressure, the pressure loss from first chamber 301 to second chamber 305 may be substantially zero. Similarly, when the second pressure is substantially equal to the first pressure, the pressure loss from first chamber 301 to second chamber 305 may be substantially zero. The reduced pressure loss and reduced particle flow in flow direction 351 may reduce the number of particles in first chamber 301 surrounding glass ribbon forming apparatus 101, thereby reducing the likelihood of particles contacting molten glass. Furthermore, by addressing pressurization at a location above root 145, enclosure 303 may simultaneously heat first chamber 301 with, for example, heating element 331, while reducing the upward flow toward first chamber 301.

[0065] While various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific examples thereof, it should be understood that the present disclosure should not be considered as so limited, as many modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus, A glass ribbon molding apparatus arranged in the first chamber, A housing surrounding the first chamber, the housing comprising a second chamber enclosed by the housing wall and isolated from the first chamber, the housing wall separating the first chamber from the second chamber, A gas supply device that is in fluid communication with the second chamber, configured to supply gas to the second chamber such that the first pressure in the first chamber is less than the second pressure in the second chamber, Equipped with, A glass manufacturing apparatus in which a vertical plane divides the glass ribbon molding apparatus in two, an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane intersects the glass ribbon molding apparatus and the second chamber, and a second axis parallel to the vertical plane intersects the glass ribbon molding apparatus and the second chamber.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element disposed within the second chamber.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a ceramic tube that extends through the housing and is in fluid communication with the gas supply device.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing has a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with the gas supply device, and the gas supply device is configured to supply gas to the second chamber through the plurality of openings.

5. A glass ribbon molding apparatus arranged in the first chamber, The housing surrounding the first chamber, A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising, The aforementioned enclosure is The first enclosure wall, A second housing wall is positioned at a distance from the first housing wall, forming a second chamber between the first housing wall and the second housing wall, the second chamber being enclosed and isolated from the first chamber, and the second housing wall includes an opening, Equipped with, Glass manufacturing equipment, further A gas supply device that is in fluid communication with the aforementioned opening, Equipped with, The gas supply device is configured to supply gas to the second chamber through the opening such that the first pressure in the first chamber is lower than the second pressure in the second chamber. Glass manufacturing equipment.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising the first housing wall and a third housing wall attached to the second housing wall.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the third housing wall is provided with a second opening that is in fluid communication with the gas supply device, and the gas supply device is configured to supply gas to the second chamber through the second opening.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a vertical plane divides the glass ribbon molding apparatus in two, and an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane intersects the glass ribbon molding apparatus and the second chamber.

9. A method for manufacturing ribbons A step of orienting a glass ribbon from a glass ribbon forming apparatus in the direction of travel along a travel path, wherein the glass ribbon forming apparatus is located in a first chamber, A step of supplying gas to a second chamber to increase the second pressure in the second chamber so that the second pressure becomes greater than the first pressure in the first chamber, Includes, A method wherein the first chamber is enclosed within a second chamber which comprises a housing surrounding the first chamber.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the gas is supplied to the second chamber through a plurality of openings in the housing.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising heating the first chamber with a heating element located in the second chamber.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising positioning the housing such that a vertical plane divides the glass ribbon forming apparatus in two, and an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane intersects the glass ribbon forming apparatus and the second chamber.

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