Apparatus and method for manufacturing glass ribbons

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon, including a conduit including at least one slot for passing a melting material, and a method for manufacturing the glass ribbon.SOLUTION: An apparatus includes a conduit. At least one of a plurality of slots has an intermediate part length having the maximum width smaller than that of a first end part of the slot, and / or that of a second end part of the slot. A method comprises: manufacturing a glass ribbon using the apparatus including the at least one slot in the peripheral wall of the conduit; and determining the volume flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of a melting material flowing through the slot in the peripheral wall of the conduit. The method and the apparatus provide a slot extending through the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the conduit, and the slot has a width profile d(x) along the length of the slot for achieving a predetermined volume flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the melting material passing through the slot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 717,173, filed on August 10, 2018, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, this application is a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021 - 531455, filed on August 6, 2019.

Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a glass ribbon.

Background Art

[0003] It is known to use a forming device to process molten material into a glass ribbon. Conventional forming devices are known to operate to draw down a certain amount of molten material from the forming device as a glass ribbon.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Hereinafter, a brief summary of the present disclosure is presented to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary embodiments described in the "Detailed Description of the Invention".

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a glass ribbon, and more particularly, to a conduit having at least one slot for passing molten material, and a method.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the device may include a conduit, the conduit having a circumferential wall defining a region extending in the flow direction of the conduit. The device may further include a first portion of the circumferential wall having a plurality of slots extending through the circumferential wall. Each of the plurality of slots can be in fluid communication with the region. At least one of the plurality of slots may have an intermediate length extending between a first end and a second end. The maximum width along the intermediate length may be smaller than the maximum width of the first end and / or the maximum width of the second end. The device may further include a wedge positioned downstream from the plurality of slots. The wedge may have a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface that converge to form a base.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the slot can be aligned along a straight path.

[0008] According to another embodiment, the straight path can be parallel to the flow direction of the conduit.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the linear path, the flow direction, and the base of the wedge can extend along a common plane.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the width of the intermediate length of the at least one slot can be continuously reduced in the direction of flow of the conduit or in the direction opposite to the direction of flow of the conduit.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon using the apparatus may include the step of flowing the molten material in the flow direction of the conduit within the region. The method may further include the step of flowing the molten material through each of the plurality of slots. The method may further include the step of merging the molten material flowing through each of the plurality of slots into a first flow of the molten material flowing on the first wedge surface and a second flow of the molten material flowing on the second wedge surface. The method may further include the step of drawing the first flow and the second flow of the molten material from the base to form a fused sheet of the molten material. The method may further include the step of cooling the fused sheet of the molten material to form the glass ribbon.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the method further includes the step of dividing the glass ribbon into a plurality of divided glass ribbons along a dividing path, wherein the dividing path is aligned with the lateral position between adjacent end pairs of corresponding adjacent slots among the plurality of slots.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a method for forming slots in the circumferential wall of a conduit is to allow a predetermined volumetric flow profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material to pass through the slots:

[0014]

number

[0015] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0016]

number

[0017] The method can include determining the width profile d(x) of the slot so as to be achieved as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the conduit). The method can further include forming (e.g., machining) the slot based on the determined width profile d(x), where the slot extends through the circumferential wall of the conduit.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the slot includes a first outer end, a second outer end, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first end and the second end, and the predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material through the slot includes the flow rate of the molten material at the position of the intermediate portion, and the flow rate of the molten material can be made larger than that at the positions of the first end and the second end.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the width along the intermediate portion can be made larger than the width along the first outer end and the width along the second outer end.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot are each tapered in opposite directions.

[0021] According to some embodiments, a method for determining the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material flowing through a slot in a circumferential wall of a conduit can include measuring the width profile d(x) of the slot. The method further includes determining the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material through the slot by:

[0022]

Equation

[0023] (where μ(x) represents a predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0024]

Number

[0025] It can include a step of determining as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the peripheral wall of the above conduit).

[0026] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes a step of flowing a molten material into a region defined by the peripheral wall of a conduit, the conduit can include a slot extending through the outer surface of the peripheral wall, and the slot can further include a first outer end, a second outer end, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first end and the second end. The method can further include a step of flowing the molten material through the slot in the peripheral wall. The volume flow rate profile of the molten material through the slot can include the volume flow rate of the molten material at the position of the intermediate portion, and the volume flow rate of the molten material can be made larger than that at the positions of the first end and the second end. The method can further include a step of flowing a first flow of the molten material from the slot onto a first wedge surface of a wedge. The method can further include a step of flowing a second flow of the molten material from the slot onto a second wedge surface of the wedge. The first flow of the molten material and the second flow of the molten material can converge in a direction towards the base. The method can further include a step of drawing the first flow of the molten material and the second flow of the molten material from the base to form a fused sheet of the molten material. The method can further include a step of cooling the fused sheet of the molten material to form the glass ribbon.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot are each tapered in opposite directions.

[0028] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a conduit, the conduit having a circumferential wall defining a region extending in the flow direction of the conduit. The apparatus may include a first portion of the circumferential wall having a slot extending through the circumferential wall. The slot can communicate fluidly with the region. The slot may have a length extending between the first outer end of the slot and the second outer end of the slot. The slot may have a width profile d(x) along the length of the slot, where the width profile d(x) is such that a predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot is:

[0029]

number

[0030] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0031]

number

[0032] The device is configured to achieve this as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the conduit). The device may further include a wedge positioned downstream from the slot. The wedge may include a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface that converge to form a base.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot can be tapered in opposite directions.

[0034] In one embodiment, the predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot may include a predetermined volumetric flow rate at the intermediate portion of the slot, wherein the predetermined volumetric flow rate is greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot at the first outer end and greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot at the second outer end.

[0035] It should be understood that both the above-mentioned "Summary of the Invention" and the following "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" are intended to present embodiments of the present disclosure and to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the embodiments described and claimed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of these embodiments and are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification. These drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with this description, serve to illustrate the principles and operation of these various embodiments.

[0036] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages of this disclosure can be further understood by reading this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Elevation view of a molding container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 3] Top view of the molding container along line 3-3 in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Top view of another embodiment of the molding container along line 3-3 in Figure 2 [Figure 5] Top view of yet another embodiment of a molding container along line 3-3 in Figure 2 [Figure 6] Enlarged view of a portion of the molding container obtained in View 6 of Figure 5. [Figure 7] Graph showing the determined slot opening width profile along the length of the slot in Figure 4. [Figure 8] A graph showing the model-normalized volumetric flow rate along the slot length, along with the slot profile in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the molding container along line 9-9 in Figures 3-5 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the molding container along line 9-9 in Figures 3-5 [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the molding container along line 11-11 in Figures 9 and 10. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the molding container along line 11-11 in Figures 9 and 10. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the molding container along line 13-13 in Figure 9. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the molding container along line 13-13 in Figure 9. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of a molding container along line 13-13 in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be realized in a number of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] The apparatus and method of the present disclosure can provide a glass ribbon, which may then be divided into glass sheets. In some embodiments, the glass sheet may have four edges, which may form a parallelogram such as a rectangle (e.g., a square), a trapezoid, or other shape. In further embodiments, the glass sheet may be circular, oval, or elliptical with one continuous edge. Other glass sheets having two, three, five, or other numbers of curved and / or straight edges can also be provided and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Glass sheets of various sizes, including a variety of lengths, heights, and thicknesses, are also conceivable. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the glass sheet can be a variety of average thicknesses between opposing large faces of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the glass sheet can be greater than 50 micrometers (μm), for example, about 50 μm to about 1 millimeter (mm), for example, about 100 μm to about 300 μm, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments. Glass sheets can be used in a wide range of display applications, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), and plasma display panels (PDPs).

[0040] As schematically shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a glass forming apparatus 101, which includes a forming vessel 140 (schematically shown in Figure 1) designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 from a certain amount of molten material 121. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may include a central portion 152 positioned between opposing, relatively thick edge beads formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. In even more embodiments, a glass sheet 104 may be separated from the glass ribbon 103 along a dividing path 151 by a glass divider 149 (e.g., a scribe, score wheel, diamond tip, laser, etc.). In some embodiments, before or after splitting the glass ribbon 103 into a glass sheet 104, the relatively thick edge beads formed along the first and second outer edges 153 and 155 can be removed by the glass splitter 157 along the splitting paths 507a and 507d to provide a central portion 152 as a high-quality glass sheet 104 with uniform thickness. In some embodiments, the glass splitter 157 may include a laser, or a combination of a laser and a cooling fluid.

[0041] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage container with a lid 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. In some embodiments, the motor 113 can be started using an optional controller 115 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by the arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide molten material 121. In some embodiments, a glass melting probe 119 can be used to measure the liquid level of the molten material 121 in a standpipe 123, and the measured information can be communicated to the controller 115 via a communication line 125.

[0042] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a first tempering station, which includes a clarifying vessel 127 located downstream of the melting vessel 105 and connected to the melting vessel 105 by a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be supplied by gravity from the melting vessel 105 to the clarifying vessel 127 by the first connecting conduit 129. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can propel the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 to the clarifying vessel 127 through the internal passage of the first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, bubbles can be removed from the molten material 121 in the clarifying vessel 127 by various techniques.

[0043] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a second tempering station, the second tempering station including a mixing chamber 131 located downstream from the clarification vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogeneous composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating any heterogeneity that may be present in the molten material 121 as it exits the clarification vessel 127. As shown, the clarification vessel 127 can be connected to the mixing chamber 131 by a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be supplied by gravity from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 by the second connecting conduit 135. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can propel the molten material 121 from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 135.

[0044] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a third tempering station, the third tempering station including a delivery container 133 located downstream from the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the delivery container 133 can temper the molten material 121 to supply it into an inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery container 133 can function as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate a consistent flow of the molten material 121 and deliver it to the inlet conduit 141. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 can be connected to the delivery container 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be supplied by gravity from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery container 133 by the third connecting conduit 137. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can propel the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery container 133 through the internal passage of the third connecting conduit 137. Furthermore, as illustrated, in some embodiments, the delivery pipe 139 (e.g., a descending pipe) can be positioned to deliver the molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141 of the molding container 140.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an apparatus having a molding vessel comprising a conduit, the conduit comprising a peripheral wall defining a region extending in the flow direction of the conduit. In some embodiments, the conduit can be configured to allow the molten material to flow in the flow direction of the conduit while containing the molten material within the region of the conduit. In addition to the conduit, some molding vessels of the present disclosure may optionally comprise a molding wedge for drawing glass ribbons, slots for slot-drawing glass ribbons, and / or press rolls for rolling glass ribbons.

[0046] Figures 2-5 and 9-15 show embodiments of molding containers 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501, which may include conduits 203, 1203, and peripheral walls 205, 1205 having inner surfaces 1106, 1207 (see Figures 11 and 12) defining regions 1101, 1202. Regions 1101, 1202 may extend in the flow direction 1103 of the conduits 203, 1203 (Figures 3-5, 11, and 12). As shown in Figures 3-6 and 9-12, first portions 204a, 1204a of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 may include at least one slot 301, 403, 503. Although at least one slot 301, 403 is illustrated as a single continuous slot, there may be multiple slots aligned along length 1104. In such embodiments, the multiple slots 301, 403 may include extended ends, similar to the multiple slots 503 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, although not illustrated, at least one slot 301, 403 and the multiple slots 503 may include multiple rows of slots that extend parallel to each other along length 1104.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9-12, one or more slots 301, 403, 503 may include through slots that extend through the peripheral walls 205, 1205. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in some embodiments, slots 301, 403, 503 can open on the outer circumferential surfaces 1105, 1206 and inner surfaces 1106, 1207 of the peripheral walls 205, 1205, thereby providing communication between regions 1101, 1202 of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 and the outer circumferential surfaces 1105, 1206.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the slots 301, 403 in any embodiment of the present disclosure may optionally include continuous slots extending along the outer circumferential surfaces 1105, 1206 of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduits 203, 1203 for a length 1104 between the inner boundary positions 1106a, 1106b of the opposing edge direction determiners 1107a, 1107b, for example, for a total length 1104. Although not shown, the width of the slot 301 may be the same along the length 1104 of the slot in any embodiment of the present disclosure. Alternatively, the width of the slot may vary along the length 1104 in any embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the width of the slot 301 may increase along the flow direction 1103 from a first width W1 to a second width W2, for example, intermittently or continuously, where the second width W2 may be greater than the first width W1. Furthermore, if the width increases continuously, the slot width may increase continuously at an arbitrary constant rate, but in a further embodiment, it may increase continuously while the rate changes. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the slot 301 may increase continuously at an arbitrary constant rate in the flow direction 1103 from a first width W1 to a second width W2. By increasing the width of the slot 301 in the flow direction 1103, for example, continuously, it is possible to provide a substantially uniform volume flow rate of molten material passing through the slot 301 along the length 1104 of the slot 301 during use.

[0049] In some embodiments, the single continuous slot 301 shown in Figure 3 may be provided as a plurality of slots aligned along length 1104. Furthermore, if a plurality of slots are provided, they may optionally have extended ends forming bridges between the slots, similar to the extended ends in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, the plurality of slots may be designed to approximate a desired normalized volume profile. In some embodiments, a single slot 301 may be provided as shown in Figure 3. In further embodiments, at least one slot 301 may include two slots, and these two slots may include a portion between them (similar to the portion 617 described below), thereby providing the reinforcing bridge described below. The portion between the two slots may be located at the center of symmetry of length 1104 shown in Figure 3. In embodiments including two slots, the corresponding ends of the slots may optionally have extended portions (similar to those in Figures 5 and 6), which can help compensate for flow losses caused by the portion between the slots, such as a bridge. In further embodiments, the corresponding ends of two slots do not have to have extended ends, thereby providing a desirable flow reduction in the central portion of the slot in some embodiments. In further embodiments, at least one slot 301 may comprise three or more slots aligned along a length 1104.

[0050] In a further embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the slot 403 can be varied along the length 1104 by decreasing, for example, intermittently or continuously, from an intermediate portion 404 having a second width W2 to a first outer end 405a having a first end width W1a, and a second outer end 405b having a second end width W1b. As illustrated, the second end width W2 can be greater than the first end width W1a of the first outer end 405a and the second end width W1b of the second outer end 405b. In practice, as shown in Figure 4, the first outer end 405a can be tapered in a first direction 407a opposite to the flow direction 1103, and the second outer end 405b can be tapered in a second direction 407b, which is the flow direction 1103, opposite to the first direction 407a. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the first end width W1a and the second end width W1b can be the same at both the outer ends 405a and 405b of the slot 403. In further embodiments, one of the end widths can be larger than the other, but both of these end widths may be smaller than the second width described above. For example, Figure 7 shows one embodiment of a slot width profile 701 for a series of slots similar to Figure 4, which has a slot width shown on the vertical axis or "Y" axis with respect to the slot length shown on the horizontal axis or "X" axis. As shown in Figure 7, the first end width W1a of the first outer end 405a may start at about 3.5, while the second end width W1b of the second outer end 405b may end at a larger width of about 3.8. As further shown in Figure 7, the second end width W2 of the intermediate portion 404 can be larger than both the first end width W1a and the second end width W1b. Figure 8 shows the model-normalized volumetric flow rate on the vertical axis or "Y axis" with respect to the slot length shown on the horizontal axis or "X" axis of the slot width profile 701 in Figure 7. The normalized plot 801 represents the normalized volumetric flow rate of the molten material 121 passing through region 1101 of the conduit 203, where the volume of molten material 121 passing through region 1101 that has not yet passed through slot 403 gradually decreases from the first outer end 405a to the second outer end 405b.The normalization plot 803 represents the normalized volumetric flow rate of the molten material 121 passing through the slot 403. As shown by the normalized volumetric flow rate profile 803, the slot width of the intermediate section 404 shown in Figure 7 can provide a normalized volumetric flow rate central region 805, which gradually tapers at the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b, respectively. As illustrated, the taper of the normalized volumetric flow rate profile 803 at the first outer end 405a can be arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the second outer end 405b. Thus, the slot width profile 701 in Figure 7 can provide a normalized volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot 403 in the central region, where the volumetric flow rate decreases similarly at the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b of the slot 403. Such a normalized volumetric flow rate profile 803 allows more molten material 121 to pass through the intermediate section 404 than at the outer ends 405a and 405b. As illustrated, reducing the volumetric flow rate of the molten material at the outer edge reduces the amount of material supplied to the edge bead of the ribbon being drawn from the molding device, thereby providing an embodiment in which the size and / or thickness of the edge bead is reduced.

[0051] The slot width profile 701 in Figure 7 is shown as a continuous slot representing the continuous slot 403 shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, as described above, the single continuous slot 403 shown in Figure 4 may be provided as a plurality of slots aligned along length 1104. In some embodiments having a plurality of slots, the slot width profile may look similar to the slot width profile 701 in Figure 7, but is illustrated in a plurality of segments, which represent segmented slots aligned along length. Furthermore, when a plurality of slots are provided, they may optionally have extended ends that form bridges between slots, similar to the extended ends in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, the plurality of slots may be designed to approximate the normalized volume profile 803 shown in Figure 8. In some embodiments, a single slot 403 may be provided as shown in Figure 4. In further embodiments, two slots may have a portion between these two slots (similar to portion 617 described below), thereby providing the reinforcing bridge described below. The above portion between the two slots may be located at the center of symmetry of length 1104 shown in Figure 4. In embodiments including two slots, the corresponding ends of the slots may optionally have extended portions (similar to those in Figures 5 and 6) which can help compensate for flow loss caused by the portion between the slots, such as a bridge. In further embodiments, the corresponding ends of the two slots do not have extended portions, which in some embodiments provides a desired flow reduction in the central portion of the slots. In further embodiments, there may be three or more slots aligned along a length 1104.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure may include methods for manufacturing slots such as slots 301, 403, etc., as described above with respect to Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8. Referring to Figure 4, for example, the method involves a predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through slot 403 (see, for example, 803 in Figure 8):

[0053]

number

[0054] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit 203 (see Figures 9 and 10), and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0055]

number

[0056] The method may include a step of determining the width profile d(x) of slot 403 so as to be achieved as a function of (where "h" (see Figures 9 and 10) represents the thickness of the perimeter wall 205 of the conduit 203). For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, if there is a single slot extending along length 1104, then "n" is equal to "1". If there are two slots extending parallel to each other along length 1104, although not shown, then "n" is equal to "2". The step of determining the width profile d(x) can be performed for slots 301, 403 including consecutive slots along length 1104. In a further embodiment, the width profile d(x) can be determined for each slot of a plurality of aligned slots extending along length 1104. The above method may further include a step of forming (e.g., machining) slots 301, 403 based on the determined width profile d(x). For example, the above method may include a step of forming slot 403 using the determined width profile d(x) (see, for example, slot width profile 701 in Figure 7). Alternatively, the step of forming the slot 403 based on the determined width profile d(x) may include a step of increasing or decreasing the determined width profile d(x) to compensate for expected changes in the determined width profile d(x) based on expected thermal expansion, elastic deformation, and / or inelastic deformation (e.g., creep or other constant deformation) that may change the dimensions of the slot, and the dimensions of the slot can be calculated or estimated over the expected life of the conduit and / or during the expected length of the manufacturing process using the molten material passing through the conduit 203 during use. Compensation for such expected changes can ultimately result in an extended life of the equipment and / or more economical use of the material (e.g., a thinner platinum wall). The slots 301, 403 formed based on the determined width d(x) extend through the circumferential wall 205 of the conduit 203. Throughout this disclosure, some exemplary embodiments of forming one or more slots may include a step of machining one or more slots (e.g., by cutting, sawing, drilling, or grinding).The actual width profile d(x) formed within the conduit 203 may differ from the desired width profile d(x) based on tolerances for formation (e.g., machining), where the tolerances are, for example, within 100 micrometers, 50 micrometers, 20 micrometers, and 10 micrometers of the desired width at specific locations of the desired width profile d(x).

[0057] After forming the slot 403 as described above, the slot 403 may comprise a first outer end 405a, a second outer end 405b, and an intermediate portion 404 positioned between the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b, as shown in whole in Figure 4 and as indicated by the exemplary slot width profile 701 in Figure 7. A predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot 403 may include the volumetric flow rate of the molten material at the intermediate portion, which is greater than that at the positions of the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b, as further indicated by the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material (see, for example, 803 in Figure 8). In this configuration, as shown in Figure 7, the second width W2 of the intermediate portion 404 can be greater than the first end width W1a of the first outer end 405a, and the second width W2 of the intermediate portion 404 can be further greater than the second end width W1b of the second outer end 405b. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the first outer end 405a can be tapered in the direction 407a, and the second outer end 405b can be tapered in the direction 407b opposite to the direction 407a.

[0058] Accordingly, as described above, embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve a predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material by forming (e.g., machining) one or more slots in a conduit based on a determined width profile d(x) of the slots. After formation, one or more slots can deliver a desired volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx through them, thereby providing desirable glass ribbon attributes by providing desirable flow characteristics of the molten material flowing through the one or more slots. For example, as described above, a predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx can be presented to help reduce the flow at the outer edge of the slots for a desired reduced flow of molten material forming the edge of the glass ribbon, which is reduced compared to the material forming the central portion of the glass ribbon. Next, the method of the present disclosure may include the step of determining a width profile d(x) based on a desired predetermined volumetric flow profile dQ(x) / dx in order to more precisely form one or more slots having a corresponding width profile that can provide an actual volumetric flow profile dQ(x) / dx that more closely matches a desired predetermined volumetric flow profile dQ(x) / dx.

[0059] In further embodiments, it may be desirable to predict the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material flowing through one or more existing slots already provided in the perimeter wall of a conduit. For example, the method of the present disclosure can predict the volumetric flow rate profile of a given molding vessel without necessarily requiring the installation of a conduit and the passage of actual molten material through the conduit to determine the actual volumetric flow rate profile. In some embodiments, the method can determine the predicted volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx through one or more slots of various conduits and then select the conduit that is determined to provide the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx most desirable for a particular application. The method for predicting the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx may include the step of measuring the width profile d(x) of an existing slot in the conduit (e.g., a single existing slot, or one existing slot among several slots). The method then determines the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material passing through the slot:

[0060]

number

[0061] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0062]

number

[0063] It can be determined as a function of (where "h" represents the thickness of the conduit wall).

[0064] In embodiments having multiple slots, the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx may be determined for each of the multiple slots, and then the overall flow rate profile passing through the multiple slots can be determined based on the sum of the volumetric flow rate profiles passing through each of the multiple slots.

[0065] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a conduit 203 comprising a circumferential wall 205 defining a region 1101 extending in the flow direction 1103 of the conduit 203. A first portion 204a of the circumferential wall 205 may comprise a slot 403 extending through the circumferential wall 205. The slot 403 is in fluid communication with the region 1101 and may comprise a length 1104 extending between a first outer end 405a and a second outer end 405b. The width profile d(x) of the slot 403 along its length 1104 is such that a predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot 403 is given by:

[0066]

number

[0067] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0068]

number

[0069] It can be configured to be achieved as a function of (where "h" represents the thickness of the surrounding wall 205 of the conduit 203).

[0070] In embodiments having multiple slots, each of the multiple slots can be configured to achieve a volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx such that when these slots are combined, they approach a desired overall volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx.

[0071] As will be described in more detail below (see, for example, Figure 9), the forming wedge 207 can be positioned downstream from the slot 403, where the forming wedge 207 may comprise a first wedge surface 913a and a second wedge surface 913b that converge to form a base 915. As shown in Figure 4 and already described, the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b of the slot 403 may be tapered in opposite directions 407a and 407b, respectively. As shown by the normalized volumetric flow rate profile 803 in Figure 8, in some embodiments, a predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material 121 through the slot 403 can provide a predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material 121 through the slot 403 at the intermediate portion 404, where the predetermined volumetric flow rate is greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material through the slot 403 at the first outer end 405a and greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material 121 through the slot 403 at the second outer end 405b.

[0072] In any embodiment of this disclosure, the conduit can be provided as a plurality of slots, each having at least one extended portion at one of the ends of the slots, although further embodiments may include unextended ends. Referring, for example, to Figure 5, the molding vessel 501 of the apparatus may include the conduit 203 as described above. As described above, the conduit 203 may also include a region 1101 (see Figure 9) extending in the flow direction 1103 (see Figure 5). As illustrated, a first portion 204a of the circumferential wall 205 may include a plurality of slots 503 extending through the circumferential wall 205. Each of the plurality of slots 503 may be provided in fluid communication with the region 1101. As shown in Figure 6, at least one of the plurality of slots 503 may have an intermediate portion 611 having an intermediate length 603, extending between a first end 605a having a first end length 602a and a second end 605b having a second end length 602b. The first end 605a, the second end 605b, and the intermediate portion 611 are all contained within the total length 601 of the slot, which is comprised of the sum of the intermediate length 603 of the intermediate portion 611, the first end length 602a of the first end 605a, and the second end length 602b of the second end 605b. For the purposes of this application, the first end 605a is considered to be the portion of the slot within 33% of the total length 601 from the first outer end of the slot. Similarly, for the purposes of this application, the second end 605b is considered to be the portion of the slot within 33% of the total length 601 from the second outer end of the slot. The intermediate portion 611 is considered to be the portion of the slot located between the first end 605a and the second end 605b. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the first end length 602a and the second end length 602b each include 33% of the total length 601 of the slot, and the intermediate length 603 includes 34% of the total length 601 of the slot.

[0073] As illustrated, the first end 605a and the second end 605b each have a corresponding maximum width 609 along a direction perpendicular to the total length 601 of the slot. In some embodiments, an extended portion associated with a certain end may have a maximum width equal to the maximum width of that corresponding end. For example, as shown in Figure 6, each extended portion may have a maximum width equal to the maximum width 609 of the corresponding ends 605a and 605b, respectively.

[0074] Furthermore, as illustrated, the extended portion of the slot may relate to one or both of the ends 605a, 605b. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the central slot of the plurality of slots 503 may have an extended portion relating to both ends 605a, 605b, such as the spherical portion shown. As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the outer slots 504a, 504b of the plurality of slots 503 may have a single extended portion relating to one of the ends 605a, 605b, but in further embodiments, the outer slots 504a, 504b may include an extended portion relating to both ends 605a, 605b. In yet another embodiment, although not shown, one or more of the central slots (i.e., slots between the outer slots 504a, 504b) may have a single extended portion relating to one of the ends 605a, 605b of the slot, having a maximum width 609 greater than the maximum width 607 of the intermediate portion 611. Alternatively, in some embodiments, each of the ends 605a and 605b may have a maximum width 609 that is greater than the maximum width 607 of the intermediate portion 611.

[0075] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the lengths of both extended portions associated with ends 605a and 605b do not have to be the same as the corresponding lengths 602a and 602b of the corresponding ends 605a and 605b. For example, as illustrated, the extended portions associated with ends 605a and 605b may each have a length shorter than the corresponding first end length 602a and the corresponding second end length 602b. In further embodiments, if extended ends are provided (not shown), one or both may have a length greater than or equal to the corresponding first end length 602a and the corresponding second length 602b. Thus, the length of the extended ends may be greater than, less than, or equal to the corresponding lengths 602a and 602b of the corresponding ends 605a and 605b. Furthermore, as illustrated, the length of the extended portion associated with the first end 605a is equal to the length of the extended portion associated with the second end 605b. In further embodiments, although not shown, the length of the extended portion associated with the first end 605a may be less than or greater than the length of the extended portion associated with the second end 605b.

[0076] The width 607 of the intermediate portion 611 can be defined between the first side portion 613a and the second side portion 613b in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slot length 601. In some embodiments, the side portions 613a and 613b may be substantially straight, as shown in the figures, but in further embodiments, side portions of other shapes may be provided. As shown in Figure 5, each slot of the plurality of slots 503 may have straight, parallel side portions 613a and 613b. Referring to Figure 5, for example, all slots may have corresponding straight, parallel side portions 613a and 613b, where all side portions 613a are aligned along a first common straight path and all side portions 613b are aligned along a second common straight path, and the width 607 between the side portions 613a and 613b of each slot is the same. Although not shown, the multiple slots may have linear, parallel sides 613a, 613b, where at least one slot has a width 607 between its sides 613a and sides 613b that is different from the width 607 between the sides 613a and sides 613b of another slot among the multiple slots.

[0077] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment in which the sides 613a, 613b of the intermediate portion 611 may be substantially straight and or arranged at acute angles to each other, so that the sides 613a, 613b converge toward each other along a certain direction (e.g., direction 407a and / or 407b) by following corresponding paths 615a, 615b. In some embodiments, the intermediate length 603 of the slot can decrease continuously in the flow direction 1103 or, as illustrated, continuously in the direction opposite to the flow direction 1103. Thus in some embodiments, among a plurality of slots 503, a first set of slots and a second set of slots may each include sides 613a, 613b that follow tapered paths 615a, 615b in the direction opposite to the flow direction 1103 with respect to the first set of slots and in the direction opposite to the flow direction 1103 with respect to the second set of slots, in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, in some embodiments, all of the multiple slots 503 may have corresponding sides 613a, 613b that taper in the flow direction 1103 or in the opposite direction of the flow direction (for example, in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 3).

[0078] Although not shown, effective tapering in one or both directions 407a, 407b (similar to those shown, for example, in Figures 3 and / or 4) can be achieved by having a plurality of slots having sides 613a, 613b of linear, parallel intermediate portions 611, but with a width 607 that gradually decreases in one or more of the directions 407a, 407b. For example, in some embodiments, the width 607 of the intermediate portion 611 of a first end slot may be the same width 607 as W1 in Figure 3, and the opposite end slot may include an intermediate portion 611 having the same width 607 as W2 shown in Figure 3, where the width 607 of the intermediate portion 611 of each slot between these end slots gradually increases in the flow direction 1103 from the first end slot to the second end slot. In some alternative embodiments, the width 607 of the first end slot may be the same width 607 as the width W1a of the outer end of the slot shown in Figure 4, and the second end slot on the opposite side may be the same width 607 as the width W1b of the outer end of the slot shown in Figure 4. The width 607 of the intermediate portion 611 of the first set of slots may gradually decrease in the direction opposite to the flow direction 1103 from the same width 607 as the width W2 of the intermediate portion of the slot shown in Figure 4 to the same width 607 as the width W1a of the outer end of the slot shown in Figure 4. Similarly, the width 607 of the intermediate portion 611 of the second set of slots may gradually decrease in the flow direction 1103 from the same width 607 as the width W2 of the intermediate portion of the slot shown in Figure 4 to the same width 607 as the width W1b of the outer end of the slot shown in Figure 4.

[0079] Therefore, the width 607 of each of the multiple slots 503, and the alternative embodiments described above with respect to Figures 3-7, may be the same or different from one another in order to achieve the desired molten material profile that flows through the slots during use.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, a portion 617 of the conduit 203 can separate each slot of a pair of adjacent slots among a plurality of slots 503. A cross-section of the conduit 203 in portion 617, along a cross-section parallel to the cross-section along line 9-9, may look similar to Figure 9, but with an uninterrupted wall where the slots are replaced by portion 617. Thus, portion 617 is part of a segment of the conduit, having an uninterrupted wall 205 that reinforces the conduit 203. In practice, portion 617 can help maintain the dimensions of the conduit 203 and the slots 503.

[0081] In some embodiments, the slots may include extended ends, such as the spherical ends shown, which help increase the flow of molten material at the ends, supplying excess molten material to the ends of adjacent slots and improving the discontinuity of the molten flow caused by the portion 617 of the conduit 203. Extended ends are provided at each end of a corresponding pair of slots, but in some embodiments, an extended end may be provided at one end. To provide one or more extended ends, the maximum width 607 along the intermediate length 603 of the intermediate portion 611 of each slot can be made smaller than the maximum width 609 of the first end 605a and / or the maximum width 609 of the second end 605b. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the maximum width 607 along the intermediate length 603 of the intermediate portion 611 can be made smaller than the maximum width 609 of both the first end 605a and the second end 605b. The extended ends are shown as spherical ends, but in further embodiments, non-circular shapes may be provided.

[0082] In some embodiments, the number of slots 503 may be more than the three slots shown in Figure 5. In further embodiments, only two slots may be provided with a portion 617 between the two slots to provide a reinforcing bridge. The portion 617 between the two slots may be positioned at the center of symmetry of length 1104 as shown in Figure 5. In embodiments with two slots, the corresponding ends of the slots defining the portion 617 may optionally have extended portions, which can help compensate for flow loss caused by the portion 617 between the slots. In embodiments with two slots, in some embodiments, only the inner ends of the corresponding slots may have extended ends, where the slots may have a corresponding configuration similar to slots 504a, 504b. In further embodiments, there may be three or more slots aligned along length 1104.

[0083] As can be seen from Figures 9 and 12, in any embodiment of the present disclosure, slots 301, 403, or a plurality of slots 503, can be provided in the first portions 204a, 1204a of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 at the uppermost apex of the conduits 203, 1203. In some embodiments, one or more slots 301, 403, 503 of any embodiment of the present disclosure may be aligned along a straight path. For example, as shown in Figure 5, each slot of the plurality of slots 503 may be aligned with respect to one another along a straight path 505. In further embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, slots 301, 403 can extend continuously along a straight path. As further illustrated, a straight path along which one or more slots extend may extend in the flow direction 1103 of the conduit. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in some embodiments, the linear flow path of one or more slots 301, 403, 503, the flow direction 1103, and the base 915 of the forming wedge 207 can all extend along a common plane. As shown in Figure 9, the common plane may include a vertical plane that bisects the conduit 203, one or more slots 301, 403, 503, and the base 915, extending along the illustrated cutting line 11-11. Bisecting the conduit, base, and one or more slots 301, 403, 503 along the uppermost vertex helps to evenly divide the molten material exiting one or more slots into flows 925a, 925b flowing in opposite directions. Although not shown, there may be multiple slots such that the vertical plane bisecting the conduit can also bisect the slots or be parallel to the slots. For example, one or more pairs of slots may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane that bisects the conduit, where each slot in the pair provides a dedicated flow of molten material to each corresponding side of the conduit. Although not required, arranging pairs of slots symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane can help provide equivalent flow rates of molten material from each corresponding side of the conduit.

[0084] The peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduits 203, 1203 may include, for example, platinum walls made of platinum or a platinum alloy, but other materials that are compatible with the molten material and provide structural integrity at elevated temperatures may be provided. In further embodiments, the entire peripheral walls 205, 1205 may contain or be essentially made of platinum or a platinum alloy. Thus, in some embodiments, the conduit may comprise platinum conduits 203, 1203 having peripheral walls 205, 1205 defining regions 1101, 1202. Furthermore, if platinum conduits 203, 1203 are provided, they may include one or more slots 301, 403, 503 as described above, which may extend through the peripheral walls 205, 1205. As described above, one or more slots 301, 403, 503 may include through-slots that have fluid communication with regions 1101, 1202 and outer surfaces 1105, 1206 of the peripheral walls 205, 1205.

[0085] To reduce the material cost of the conduits (e.g., platinum conduits 203, 1203), the thickness "h" of the conduit walls 205, 1205 can be, for example, about 3 millimeters (mm) to about 7 mm, although other thicknesses may be used in further embodiments. Providing the conduits with a thickness "h" in the range of about 3 mm to about 7 mm provides a thickness large enough to give the conduits a desirable level of structural integrity, while also providing a thickness that can be minimized to reduce the material cost for manufacturing the conduits (e.g., platinum conduits).

[0086] The peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduits 203, 1203 can have various sizes, shapes, and functionalities to reduce manufacturing and / or assembly costs and / or to improve the functionality of the conduits 203, 1203. For example, as shown, the outer surfaces 1105, 1206 and / or inner surfaces 1106, 1207 of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 may have a circular shape along a cross-section obtained perpendicular to the flow direction 1103, but in further embodiments, other curved shapes (e.g., elliptical) or polygonal shapes may be provided. By providing curved shapes such as circular shapes for both the outer and inner surfaces, peripheral walls of a certain thickness can be provided, as can walls with high structural strength, which can help promote a consistent flow of molten material through the region 1101 of the conduits 203, 1203.

[0087] In any embodiment of this disclosure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the region obtained perpendicular to the flow direction can remain the same along the flow direction. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the cross-sectional area of ​​region 1101 obtained perpendicular to the flow direction 1103 can remain the same along the flow direction 1103. In practice, as shown in Figure 11, the cross-sectional area A1 at the upstream position of region 1101 can be made approximately equal to the cross-sectional area A2 at the downstream position of region 1101. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figures 9 to 11, the outer circumferential surface 1105 and / or inner surface 1106 of the conduit 203 can have the same circular shape (or other shape) along the length 1104. In such embodiments, the volumetric flow rate through one or more slots 301, 403, 503 at various positions along one or more slots can be controlled (for example, maintained approximately the same) by modifying the width of one or more slots 301, 403, 503 in the direction of the flow direction 1103 and / or the opposite direction of the flow direction 1103, as described above.

[0088] Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of ​​the region obtained perpendicular to the flow direction in any embodiment of the present disclosure may vary along the flow direction. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the cross-sectional area of ​​region 1202 obtained perpendicular to the flow direction 1103 of conduit 1203 can be reduced in the flow direction 1103 of conduit 1203. In practice, as shown in Figure 12, the cross-sectional area A1 at the upstream position of region 1202 can be larger than the cross-sectional area A2 at the downstream position of region 1202. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the cross-sectional area can be continuously reduced from A1 to A2 (for example, at a constant rate) along the flow direction 1103, but this reduction may be at a variable rate or in steps. Continuously reducing the cross-sectional area at a constant rate along the flow direction 1103 can provide a more consistent flow rate of molten material through one or more slots 301, 403, 503 along the length of the slot. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 12, the outer surface 1206 and / or inner surface 1207 of the conduit 1203 can have geometrically similar circular cross-sectional shapes along the length 1104. In such embodiments, the deposit flow rate through one or more slots 301, 403, 503 at various positions along one or more slots can be controlled (for example, maintained substantially the same) solely by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the region 1202 along the flow direction 1103, or by combining this with increasing the width of one or more slots 301, 403, 503 in the flow direction 1103 and / or opposite to the flow direction, as described above.

[0089] The conduits 203, 1203 (e.g., platinum conduits) in any embodiment of the present disclosure may include continuous conduits, but in further embodiments, segmented conduits may be provided. For example, as shown in Figures 11-14, the conduits 203, 1203 may include continuous conduits that are not segmented along the length of the conduit. Such continuous conduits may be beneficial in providing seamless conduits with improved structural strength. In some embodiments, segmented conduits may be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the conduits 203, 1203 (e.g., platinum conduits) of the molding vessel 1501 may optionally include conduit segments 1503a, 1503b, 1503c, which can be connected in series at joints 1505a, 1505b between the abutting ends of adjacent pairs of conduit segments. In some embodiments, the joint may include a welded joint for joining the conduit segments 1503a, 1503b, and 1503c together as a single conduit extending along the length of the slot 301. Providing the conduit as a series of conduit segments 1503a, 1503b, and 1503c simplifies the manufacturing of the conduit in some applications.

[0090] Embodiments of the molding vessels 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501 may optionally include support members 903, 1003 (see Figures 9 and 10), which are positioned to support the weight of the conduits 203, 1203 and the molten material in regions 1101, 1202. As shown in Figure 10, the support member 1003 may include an upper surface 1005 designed to support the weight of the conduits 203, 1203 and the associated molten material. The upper support surface 1005 is shown as a flat surface, but in further embodiments, other surfaces such as concave surfaces may be provided. When provided as a concave surface, this concave surface may be geometrically similar to the concave segments of the outer circumferential surfaces 1105 and 1206 of the conduits 203 and 1203, thereby providing a cradle to assist in positioning the conduits relative to the support surface 1005 and in more evenly distributing the weight of the conduits along the support surface 1005.

[0091] In further embodiments, in addition to supporting the weight of the conduits 203, 1203 and the molten material associated with the conduits, the support members may be configured to assist in maintaining the shape and / or dimensions of the conduits 203, 1203, for example, the shape and dimensions of one or more slots 301, 403, 503. For example, embodiments of the molding vessels 140, 401, 501, 1201, 1401, 1501 may include a support member 903 (see Figures 9, 11, and 12) having a support surface 905 defining an area 909 that accepts the second portions 204b, 1204b of the circumferential walls 205, 1205. As shown in Figures 9, 11, and 12, the first portions 204a, 1204a of the circumferential walls 205, 1205 can be opposed to the second portions 204b, 1204b of the circumferential walls 205, 1205. As a result, the lower part of the conduit 203, 1203, related to the second portions 204b, 1204b of the peripheral walls 205, 1205, can be supported and seated within the area 909 defined by the support member 905 of the support member 903. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, the support surface 905 of the support member 903 can surround about 25% to about 60% of the outer circumferential surfaces 1105, 1206 of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduit 203, 1203. By providing a support surface that surrounds about 25% to about 60% of the outer circumferential surfaces 1105, 1206, it is possible to help prevent lateral deformation of opposing portions of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduit 203, 1203, which could result in an undesirable increase in the width of one or more slots 301, 403, 503. In some embodiments, the multiple slots 503 separated by the conduit portion 617 described above in relation to Figures 5 and 6 can further improve the strength of the conduit, thereby further assisting in preventing lateral deformation of opposing portions of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduits 203, 1203, and also assisting in maintaining the width of the slots 503. Thus, by surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surfaces 1105, 1206, deformation can be prevented, thereby maintaining the width dimensions of one or more slots 301, 403, 503 along the slot length 1104, and providing consistent flow characteristics of the molten material passing through slot 301 during use.Furthermore, by providing any of the slots of this disclosure as multiple slots (for example, multiple slots having reinforcing portions 617), it is possible to further help prevent deformation and maintain the width dimensions of one or more slots 301, 403, 503. Moreover, by maintaining the cross-sectional shape of the conduits 203, 1203 to a desired predetermined shape, it may be possible to help maintain the desired properties of the molten material moving along the flow direction 1103.

[0092] As shown in Figures 9, 11-13, the depth "D" of the area 909 receiving the second portions 204b, 1204b of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 can remain substantially the same along the length 1104 of one or more slots 301, 403, 503. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 14-15, the depth of the area 909 receiving the second portions 204b, 1204b of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 may vary along the length 1104 of one or more slots 301, 403, 503. Such embodiments can provide an increased depth for additional lateral support at locations where further lateral support may be required, while minimizing the amount of material needed to form support members in areas where the required lateral support is relatively small. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the depth of the area 909 receiving the second portions 204b and 1204b of the peripheral wall can be at its deepest depth "D2" at a position less than approximately 33% of the length 1104 of the slot 301 measured in the flow direction 1103 of the conduits 203 and 1203. In some embodiments, the depth of the peripheral wall can be maximized at a position less than or equal to approximately 33% of the axial length of the conduits 203 and 1203 in the flow direction 1103 from the symmetrical centerline of the upper end of the inlet conduit 141 (see Figure 1). As described above, by providing an increased depth "D2" at a position where the axial length of the conduits 203 and 1203 is less than approximately 33%, for example, less than approximately 33% of the length 1104 of one or more slots 301, 403, and 503, the lateral support of the conduits 203 and 1203 can be maximized at the position where the stress is greatest, while the depth can be reduced (for example, to depth "D1") at other positions where the lateral support required to maintain the dimensions of the conduits 203 and 1203, such as the width of one or more slots 301, 403, and 503, is relatively small.

[0093] As described above, as shown in Figure 15, the conduits 203, 1203 (e.g., platinum conduits) of the molding container 1501 may optionally be provided with conduit segments 1503a, 1503b, 1503c, which can be connected in series at joints 1505a, 1505b between the abutting ends of adjacent pairs of conduit segments. In such an embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the depth "D2" of the area 909 receiving the second portions 204b, 1204b of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 can be greater at the lateral position 1507a of the joints 1505a, 1505b than at other positions 1507b of the conduit segments 1503a, 1503b, 1503c. As described above, by providing an increased depth "D2" at the lateral position 1507a of the joints 1505a and 1505b, in some embodiments, the lateral support of the conduits 203 and 1203 can be maximized at the position where stress concentration occurs due to any of the discontinuities in the joints, while reducing the depth at the intermediate position 1507b where the required lateral support is small.

[0094] The support members 903, 1003 of this disclosure can be provided, for example, as a single monolithic support member (e.g., a single monolithic support beam). In some alternative embodiments, as schematically shown in Figures 9-15, the support members 903, 1003 can optionally include a first support beam 904a, 1004a and a second support beam 904b, 1004b supporting the first support beam. As shown, the first support beam 904a, 1004a and the second support beam 904b, 1004b can be constructed as a laminate of support beams, where the first support beam 904a, 1004a is stacked on top of the second support beam 904b, 1004b. Providing a laminate of support beams simplifies manufacturing and / or reduces manufacturing costs. For example, in some embodiments, the second support beams 904b, 1004b can be longer than the first support beams 904a, 1004a, and the opposing ends of the second support beams 904b, 1004b can extend laterally outward from the width of the base 915 that will be supported (e.g., simply supported) at opposing positions 158a, 158b as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Thus, the second support beams 904b, 1004b can be longer than the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 to be formed, and can extend through the hollow area 912 that extends laterally through the molding containers 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, 1501 to fully support the molding container along its length. Furthermore, the second support beams 904b and 1004b may have shapes such as the rectangles shown in the figures, but by providing a hollow shape, an I-beam shape, or other shapes, material costs can be reduced while still providing the support beams with a relatively high bending moment of inertia. In addition, by manufacturing the first support beams 904a and 1004a in a shape for supporting the conduit, it is possible to help maintain the shape and dimensions of the conduit as described above.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first support beams 904a, 1004a and the second support beams 904b, 1004b may be made of substantially the same or the same material, but in further embodiments, multiple different materials may be provided. In some embodiments, the support members 903, 1003 are 1 × 10 at a temperature of 1400°C and a pressure of 1 MPa to 5 MPa. -12 1 / s ~ 1 × 10 -14 It can be fabricated from a support material having a creep rate of 1 / s. In some embodiments, the support member positioned to support the weight of the conduit is 1 × 10⁻¹⁶ at a temperature of 1400°C and a pressure of 1 MPa to 5 MPa. -12 1 / s ~ 1 × 10 -14 The support material can be made from a ceramic material (e.g., silicon carbide) that can have a creep rate of 1 / s. Such a support material can provide sufficient support with minimal creep for the conduit and the molten material transported by the conduit at high temperatures (e.g., 1400°C), thereby providing molten vessels 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501 that are made from relatively inexpensive materials, while minimizing the use of platinum or other expensive refractory materials that are ideal for physical contact with the molten material without contaminating it, and supporting members 903 and 1003 made from the above materials can withstand creep under high stress and high temperatures, thereby maintaining the position and shape of the conduit and the walls associated with the conduit (e.g., platinum walls).

[0096] Any of the molding vessels 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501 of the embodiments of this disclosure may be equipped with a molding wedge. The molding wedge 207 and related structures (e.g., side walls 911a, 911b) will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 9, and 10, but it should be understood that a similar or identical molding wedge 207 can be incorporated with features of any embodiment of this disclosure. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 9, the molding vessel includes a molding wedge 207 positioned downstream from one or more slots 301, 403, and 503 of the conduits 203 and 1203 in the draw direction 154. As shown in Figure 9, the molding wedge 207 may include a first side wall 911a defining a first wedge surface 913a and a second side wall 911b defining a second wedge surface 913b. As shown in Figure 9, the first wedge surface 913a and the second wedge surface 913b converge in the downstream drawing direction 154 to form the base 915 of the molding wedge 207.

[0097] In some embodiments, the side walls 911a and 911b may be made of platinum and / or platinum alloys similar to or identical to the composition of the conduit, but in further embodiments, different compositions may be employed. Thus, in some embodiments, the first side wall 911a and the second side wall 911b may each include platinum side walls. To reduce material costs, the thickness of the side walls 911a and 911b (e.g., platinum side walls) can be in the range of, for example, about 3 mm to about 7 mm. Reducing the thickness reduces the overall material cost. At the same time, the configuration of the side walls and / or the arrangement of the support members can provide the side walls with sufficient structural integrity to withstand deformation during use despite their relatively small thickness. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the support members 903 and 1003 can be positioned between the upstream portion 917a of the first side wall 911a and the upstream portion 917b of the second side wall 911b. Therefore, the gap between the upstream sections 917a and 917b can be maintained by the support members 903 and 1003 positioned between them. Furthermore, a hollow area 912 can be optionally provided, which further reduces material costs, and the conduit can be supported at positions 158a and 158b by extending the support members through the hollow area. Moreover, the first side wall 911a and the second side wall 911b can converge in the downstream draw direction 154 to form a base 915, and a strong triangular structure can be formed by the side walls and the bases of the support members 903 and 1003. Thus, a structurally robust structure can be achieved with relatively thin side walls in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 7 mm.

[0098] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the upstream end 919a of the upstream portion 917a of the first side wall 911a (e.g., a platinum side wall) can be attached to the circumferential wall 205 of the conduit 203 (e.g., a platinum conduit) at the first interface 921a. Similarly, the upstream end 919b of the upstream portion 917b of the second side wall 911b (e.g., a platinum side wall) can be attached to the circumferential wall 205 of the conduit 203 (e.g., a platinum conduit) at the second interface 921b. As shown, the first interface 921a and the second interface 921b may each be located downstream from one or more slots 301, 403, 503 of the conduit 203. In some embodiments, the upstream ends 919a, 919b of the side walls 911a, 911b can be welded to the circumferential wall 205 of the conduit 203 and machined to obtain corresponding smooth interface surfaces 921a, 921b between the outer surface of the upper portion of the conduit and the outer surface of the side walls.

[0099] In some embodiments, the upstream portions of the first and second side walls can be parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 10. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the upstream portion 917a of the first side wall 911a and the upstream portion 917b of the second side wall 911b spread out downstream 154 from the corresponding interface surfaces 921a and 921b and move away from each other. By spreading out and moving away from each other, in some embodiments, it is possible to promote the downward flow of molten material along the downstream direction 154 while also allowing for increased space for the support member 903. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the support surface 905 of the support member 903 can be defined by the base wall 908 and the inward-facing opposing channel wall surfaces of opposing channel walls 906a and 906b that extend upward from the base wall 908. The inward-facing channel wall surfaces of the opposing channel walls 906a and 906b and the inward-facing bottom surface of the base wall 908 can form a cradle which defines an area 909 that can include the illustrated channel area for receiving the second portion 204b of the peripheral wall 205.

[0100] In some embodiments, the material of the wall may not be suitable for physical contact with the material of the support members 903, 1003. For example, in some embodiments, the wall may be made of platinum (e.g., platinum or a platinum alloy), and the support members 903, 1003 may be made of silicon carbide, which may corrode the platinum or react with the platinum in other ways if the wall comes into contact with the support members. Therefore, in some embodiments, in order to avoid contact between unsuitable materials, it is possible to prevent any part of the wall (e.g., the first side wall 911a, the second side wall 911b) and any part of the conduits 203, 1203 from coming into physical contact with any part of the support members 903, 1003. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first side wall 911a and the second side wall 911b are spaced apart from and do not come into physical contact with any part of the support members 903, 1003. Furthermore, the conduits 203 and 1203 are spaced apart from and do not physically contact either part of the support members 903 and 1003. Various techniques can be used to space the wall away from the support members. For example, pillars or ribs may be provided to create the space.

[0101] In further embodiments, as shown in the figures, a layer of intermediate material 923 may be provided between the side walls 911a, 911b and the support members 903, 1003, thereby separating the side walls 911a, 911b and the conduits 203, 1203 from the support members 903, 1003 and preventing them from contacting each other. In some embodiments, the layer of intermediate material 923 may be provided continuously between all portions of the side walls 911a, 911b and the separated portions of adjacent support members 903, 1003. Providing a continuous layer of intermediate material 923 can facilitate support of all portions of the side walls by the surfaces of the support members 903, 1003 that are separated from the side walls.

[0102] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the second portions 204b, 1204b of the peripheral walls 205, 1205 of the conduits 203, 1203 can be positioned within the area 909 of the support members 903, 1003 and supported by the support members 903, 1003, thereby separating the conduits 203, 1203 (e.g., all portions of the conduits) from any portion of the support members 903, 1003 so as not to be in physical contact. For example, as illustrated, a layer of intermediate material 923 may be provided as a continuous layer of intermediate material to separate all portions of the conduits 203, 1203 from any portion of the support members 903, 1003 so as not to be in physical contact. Thus, the layer of intermediate material 923 can provide continuous support for the above portions of the conduits 203, 1203, thereby increasing the strength of the conduits 203, 1203 and improving their resistance to deformation and creep.

[0103] Depending on the materials of the walls and support members, various materials can be used as the intermediate material 923. For example, the above material may include alumina, or other materials suitable for contact with platinum and silicon carbide under high temperature and high pressure conditions related to the storage and guidance of molten material by the molding containers 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501. Thus, in some embodiments, a layer of intermediate material containing alumina can be used to separate the side walls and platinum conduits made of platinum or platinum alloy from any part of the support members 903 and 1003 containing silicon carbide, preventing physical contact.

[0104] A method for producing a glass ribbon 103 from a certain amount of molten material 121 using any of the above-described molding containers 140, 401, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501 may include the step of flowing the molten material 121 in the flow direction 1103 of the conduits 203 and 1203 within region 1101. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the method may further include the step of flowing the molten material 121 from region 1101 of the conduits 203 and 1203 through one or more slots 301 and 403 as a first flow 925a and a second flow 925b of the molten material. The method may further include the step of flowing the first flow 925a of the molten material along the downstream direction 154 onto the first wedge surface 913a and flowing the second flow 925b of the molten material along the downstream direction 154 onto the second wedge surface 913b. The method may then include the step of drawing the first flow 925a and the second flow 925b of the molten material from the base 915 of the forming wedge 207 as a glass ribbon 103.

[0105] The slots in any of the above embodiments of the molding containers 140, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501 can be provided as a plurality of slots (for example, the plurality of slots 503 described above). In such embodiments, a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon using any of the molding containers 140, 1001, 1201, 1401, and 1501 may include the step of flowing the molten material 121 in the flow direction 1103 of the conduits 203, 1203 within the region 1101. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the method may further include the step of flowing the molten material 121 out of the region 1101 of the conduits 203, 1203 through each of the plurality of slots 503. The method may further include the step of merging the molten material 121 flowing through each of the plurality of slots 503 into a first flow 925a of the molten material and a second flow 925b of the molten material. In fact, in some embodiments, the extended ends of the slots can provide increased volumetric flow at the ends, thereby assisting in filling the gaps formed by the conduit portions 917 extending between pairs of slots among the plurality of slots 503. Referring to Figure 9, the method further includes the step of flowing a first flow 925a of molten material onto a first wedge surface 913a along the downstream direction 154, and a second flow 925b of molten material onto a second wedge surface 913b along the downstream direction 154. The method then may include the step of drawing the first flow 925a and the second flow 925b of molten material from the base 915 of the forming wedge 207 as a fused sheet of molten material, which can then be cooled to form a glass ribbon 103.

[0106] An exemplary embodiment for manufacturing a glass ribbon 103 using the molding container 401 of Figure 4 may include the step of flowing a molten material 121 within a region 1101 defined by the peripheral wall 205 of the conduit 203. The conduit may comprise a slot 403 extending through the outer surface of the peripheral wall 205 and comprising a first outer end 405a, a second outer end 405b, and an intermediate portion 404 positioned between the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the first outer end 405a and the second outer end 405b of the slot 403 may be tapered in opposite directions 407a and 407b, respectively. The above method may include the step of flowing the molten material 121 through the slot 403 of the peripheral wall, where the volumetric flow profile of the molten material 121 through the slot 403 includes the volumetric flow rate of the molten material at the location of the intermediate portion 404, and this volumetric flow rate of the molten material is greater than that at the location of the first end 405a and the location of the second end 405b. As shown in Figure 9, the above method may also further include the step of flowing a first flow 925a of the molten material from the slot 403 over the first wedge surface 913a along the downstream direction 154, and flowing a second flow 925b of the molten material from the slot 403 over the second wedge surface 913b along the downstream direction 154. Thus, the first flow 925a and the second flow 925b of the molten material converge downstream 154 toward the base 915. Next, the above method includes the step of drawing a first flow 925a and a second flow 925b of molten material from the base 915 of the forming wedge 207 as a fused sheet of molten material, and then cooling the fused sheet to form a glass ribbon 103.

[0107] In each embodiment of this disclosure, the glass ribbon 103 may be fusion drawn in the draw plane from the base 915 in the draw direction 154. In some embodiments, a glass divider 149 (see Figure 1) can then divide the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 along a dividing path 151. As shown, in some embodiments, the dividing path 151 can extend along the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 between a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155. In some further embodiments, the dividing path 151 can extend perpendicular to the draw direction 154 of the glass ribbon 103. In some further embodiments, the draw direction 154 can define the direction in which the glass ribbon 103 can be fusion drawn from the molding container. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can have speeds of ≥50 mm / s, ≥100 mm / s, or ≥500 mm / s, for example, about 50 mm / s to about 500 mm / s, for example, about 100 mm / s to about 500 mm / s, and within all and partial ranges in between, as it travels longitudinally along the draw direction 154.

[0108] Throughout this disclosure, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 is, for example, about 20 mm or more, for example about 50 mm or more, for example about 100 mm or more, for example about 500 mm or more, for example about 1000 mm or more, for example about 2000 mm or more, for example about 3000 mm or more, for example about 4000 mm or more, but in further embodiments, other widths smaller or larger than the above-mentioned widths may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 can be approximately 20 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 50 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 100 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 500 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 1000 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 2000 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 3000 mm to approximately 4000 mm, for example approximately 20 mm to approximately 3000 mm, for example approximately 50 mm to approximately 3000 mm, for example approximately 100 mm to approximately 3000 mm, for example approximately 1000 mm to approximately 3000 mm, for example approximately 2000 mm to approximately 3000 mm, for example approximately 2000 mm to approximately 2500 mm, and all and partial ranges in between these ranges.

[0109] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, before or after splitting the glass ribbon 103 from the glass sheet 104 along the splitting path 151, the glass ribbon 103 or glass sheet 104 may be split into multiple divided glass ribbons or multiple divided glass sheets along one or more vertical splitting paths 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d using the corresponding glass splitter 157. In some embodiments, after splitting along the splitting paths 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d using the glass splitter 157, the outer portion may be discarded and the spherical edge of the ribbon removed, leaving a beautiful central portion 152, resulting in one or more beautiful glass ribbons / glass sheets. As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the splitting paths 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d can be aligned with the lateral position between pairs of adjacent ends 605a, 605b of corresponding pairs of adjacent slots among the multiple slots 503. In this way, the division path can be aligned with any discontinuity in the glass ribbon arising from the conduit portion 917 extending between pairs of slots among the plurality of slots 503. In some embodiments, such discontinuities in the division path may be located at the edges of the glass ribbon / glass sheet divided along the division path. Thus, any discontinuity caused by the aligned position of the division path may be located at one or more edges of the divided glass ribbon / glass sheet. In some embodiments, any undesirable attribute of the glass caused by the discontinuity by the portion 917 associated with the division path can be made not to interfere with the function of the glass ribbon / glass sheet, because the discontinuity can be limited to the edges of the glass ribbon / glass sheet that cannot be used to transmit light during use.

[0110] As shown in Figure 9, the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn from the base 915, where the first large surface of the glass ribbon 103 and the second large surface of the glass ribbon 103 face opposite directions, defining the thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103. Throughout the disclosure, in some embodiments, the molding vessel of the disclosure can have a thickness "T" of glass ribbon 103 of about 2 millimeters (mm) or less, about 1 millimeter or less, about 0.5 millimeters or less, for example, about 300 micrometers (μm) or less, about 200 micrometers or less, or about 100 micrometers or less, but in further embodiments, other thicknesses may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 can be approximately 50 μm to approximately 750 μm, approximately 100 μm to approximately 700 μm, approximately 200 μm to approximately 600 μm, approximately 300 μm to approximately 500 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 500 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 700 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 600 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 500 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 400 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 300 μm, approximately 50 μm to approximately 200 μm, and approximately 50 μm to approximately 100 μm (including all and partial ranges of thicknesses between these). Furthermore, the glass ribbon 103 can include, but is not limited to, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass.

[0111] It will be understood that various embodiments of this disclosure may involve certain features, elements, or steps described in relation to a particular embodiment. Furthermore, it will be understood that certain features, elements, or steps, even if described in relation to one particular embodiment, may be interchangeable or combined with alternative embodiments in various not-exemplary combinations or permutations.

[0112] Where used herein, the terms “the” and “a or an” mean “at least one,” and should be understood as not being limited to “only one” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “plurality” is intended to refer to “more than one.”

[0113] In this specification, a range may be expressed as "about" one specific value and / or "about" another specific value. When such a range is expressed, the embodiment includes the above one specific value and / or the above another specific value. Similarly, it will be understood that when the value is expressed as an approximation by the use of the preceding phrase "about", the above specific value forms another embodiment. Furthermore, it will be understood that each endpoint of a range is important both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0114] As used herein, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and their variations are intended to indicate that the described features are equal to or substantially equal to a certain value or description.

[0115] Unless otherwise stated, none of the methods described herein are intended to be construed as requiring their steps to be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, if a method claim does not actually indicate the order in which its steps should be followed, or if it is not specifically stated in the claim or this description that the steps are limited to a specific order, no particular order is intended to be implied.

[0116] When various features, elements, or steps of a particular embodiment are disclosed using the transitional clause "comprising," it should be understood that alternative embodiments are implicitly included, including those that may be described using the transitional clause "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of." Therefore, for example, for an apparatus comprising A+B+C, implicitly included alternative embodiments include embodiments in which the apparatus comprises A+B+C, and embodiments in which the apparatus essentially consists of A+B+C.

[0117] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to encompass modifications and variations of the embodiments herein, insofar as they remain within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0118] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections.

[0119] Embodiment 1 It is a device: A conduit comprising a first portion of the circumferential wall having a circumferential wall defining a region extending in the flow direction of the conduit, and having a plurality of slots extending through the circumferential wall, each of the plurality of slots being in fluid communication with the region, and at least one of the plurality of slots having an intermediate length extending between a first end and a second end, the maximum width along the intermediate length being less than the maximum width of the first end and / or the maximum width of the second end; and A wedge positioned downstream from the above-mentioned plurality of slots, wherein the wedge comprises a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface that converge to form a base. A device equipped with the following features.

[0120] Embodiment 2 The above-mentioned slot is aligned along a straight path, as described in Embodiment 1 of the apparatus.

[0121] Embodiment 3 The apparatus according to Embodiment 2, wherein the straight path described above is parallel to the flow direction of the conduit described above.

[0122] Embodiment 4 The apparatus according to Embodiment 3, wherein the above-mentioned straight path, the above-mentioned flow direction, and the above-mentioned base of the wedge extend along a common plane.

[0123] Embodiment 5 The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the width of the intermediate length of at least one of the above-mentioned slots is continuously reduced in the direction of flow of the above-mentioned conduit or in the direction opposite to the direction of flow of the above-mentioned conduit.

[0124] Embodiment 6 A method for manufacturing a glass ribbon using the apparatus described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 5: Within the above region, the molten material is flowed in the direction of flow through the above conduit; The step of flowing the molten material through each of the multiple slots; A step of merging the molten material flowing through each of the above-mentioned slots into a first flow of the molten material flowing on the first wedge surface and a second flow of the molten material flowing on the second wedge surface; The steps include drawing the first flow and the second flow of the molten material from the base to form a fused sheet of molten material; and The step of cooling the fused sheet of the molten material to form the glass ribbon. Methods that include...

[0125] Embodiment 7 The method according to Embodiment 6, further comprising the step of dividing the glass ribbon into a plurality of divided glass ribbons along a division path, wherein the division path is aligned with the lateral position between adjacent end pairs of corresponding adjacent slots among the plurality of slots.

[0126] Embodiment 8 A method for forming slots in the circumferential wall of a conduit: The predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the above slot is:

[0127]

number

[0128] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0129]

number

[0130] The steps include determining the width profile d(x) of the slot so as to be achieved as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the conduit); and A step of forming the slot based on the determined width profile d(x), wherein the slot extends through the peripheral wall of the conduit. Methods that include...

[0131] Embodiment 9 The above-mentioned slot comprises a first outer end, a second outer end, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first end and the second end. The method according to Embodiment 8, wherein the predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot includes the flow rate of the molten material at the intermediate portion, and the flow rate of the molten material is greater than that at the first end and the second end.

[0132] Embodiment 10 The method according to Embodiment 9, wherein the width along the intermediate portion is greater than the width along the first outer end and the width along the second outer end.

[0133] Embodiment 11 The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot described above are tapered in opposite directions.

[0134] Embodiment 12 A method for determining the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material flowing through a slot in the peripheral wall of a conduit, wherein: The steps of measuring the above width profile d(x) of the above slot; and The volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the above slot is:

[0135]

number

[0136] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0137]

number

[0138] The step of determining as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the above conduit) Methods that include...

[0139] Embodiment 13 A method for manufacturing glass ribbon: A step of flowing molten material into a region defined by the peripheral wall of a conduit, wherein the conduit comprises a slot extending through the outer surface of the peripheral wall, the slot comprising a first outer end, a second outer end, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first end and the second end; A step of flowing the molten material through the slots of the peripheral wall, wherein the volumetric flow rate profile of the molten material through the slots includes the volumetric flow rate of the molten material at the intermediate portion, and the volumetric flow rate of the molten material is greater than that at the first end and the second end; A step comprising: allowing a first flow of the molten material from the slot to flow onto the first wedge surface of the wedge; and allowing a second flow of the molten material from the slot to flow onto the second wedge surface of the wedge, wherein the first and second flows of the molten material converge toward the base; The steps include drawing the first flow and the second flow of the molten material from the base to form a fused sheet of the molten material; and The step of cooling the fused sheet of the molten material to form the glass ribbon. Methods that include...

[0140] Embodiment 14 The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot described above are tapered in opposite directions.

[0141] Embodiment 15 It is a device: A conduit, wherein the conduit comprises a peripheral wall defining a region extending in the direction of flow of the conduit; A first portion of the peripheral wall comprising a slot extending through the peripheral wall, wherein the slot is in fluid communication with the region, and the slot has a length extending between the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot, and the width profile d(x) of the slot along the length of the slot is such that a predetermined volume flow profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot is:

[0142]

number

[0143] (Here, μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and

[0144]

number

[0145] The first part is configured to be achieved as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the above conduit); and A wedge positioned downstream from the above slot, wherein the wedge comprises a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface that converge to form a base. A device equipped with the following features.

[0146] Embodiment 16 The apparatus according to embodiment 15, wherein the first outer end and the second outer end of the above-mentioned slot are tapered in opposite directions.

[0147] Embodiment 17 The apparatus according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot includes a predetermined volumetric flow rate at the intermediate portion of the slot, and the predetermined volumetric flow rate is greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot at the first outer end and greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot at the second outer end. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0148] 100 Glass manufacturing equipment 101 Glass molding apparatus 103 Glass Ribbon 104 Glass film 105 Melting container 107 Batch Materials 109 Storage containers with lids 111 Batch Delivery Devices 113 Motor 115 Controller 117 Arrow 119 Glass melting probe 121 Molten materials 123 Standpipe 125 Communication Line 127 Clarification container 129 First connecting conduit 131 Mixing Chamber 133 Delivery containers 135 Second connecting conduit 137 Third connecting conduit 139 Delivery pipe 140, 401, 501, 1001, 1201, 1401, 1501 Molding containers 141 Inflow conduit 149, 157 Glass divider 151 division paths 152 Central part 153 First outer edge 154 Downstream draw direction, downstream direction, draw direction 155 Second outer edge 158a, 158b position 203, 1203 conduit 204a, 1204a Part 1 204b, 1204b Second part 205, 1205 Peripheral wall 207 Molding Wedge Slots 301, 403, and 503 404, 611 middle part 405a First outer end 405b Second outer end 407a First direction 407b Second direction 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d: Splitting paths, Vertical splitting paths 601 Slot Length 602a First End Section 602b Second End Department 603 Intermediate portion length of intermediate portion 611 605a, 605b Slot ends 607 Width of the middle section, maximum width 609 Maximum width of each end 605a and 605b 613a First side 613b Second side Routes 615a and 615b 617 Part of conduit 203 701 Slot Width Profile 801 Normalized Plot 803 Normalized Volumetric Flow Rate Profile 903, 1003 Support members 904a, 1004a First support beam 904b, 1004b Second support beam 905 Support surface 906a, 906b channel wall 908 Base Wall 909 area 911a First side wall 911b Second side wall 913a First wedge face 913b Second wedge face 915 base 917 Conduit section 917a Upstream portion of the first side wall 917b Upstream portion of the second side wall 919a Upstream end of the upstream portion of the first side wall 919b Upstream end of the upstream portion of the second side wall 921a First boundary surface 921b Second boundary surface 923 Intermediate materials 925a First flow 925b Second flow 1101, 1202 area 1103 Flow direction 1104 Length 1105, 1206 outer surface 1106, 1207 Inner 1106a, 1106b inner boundary position 1107a, 1107b Edge direction determiner 1501 Molding containers 1503a, 1503b, 1503c Conduit segments 1505a, 1505b joint 1507a Lateral position 1507b Intermediate position

Claims

1. A method for forming slots in the circumferential wall of a conduit: A predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot is: [Math 1] (where μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and [Math 2] The steps include determining the width profile d(x) of the slot so as to be achieved as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the conduit); and A step of forming the slot based on the determined width profile d(x), wherein the slot extends through the circumferential wall of the conduit. Methods that include...

2. The slot comprises a first outer end, a second outer end, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first outer end and the second outer end. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot includes the flow rate of the molten material at the intermediate portion, and the flow rate of the molten material is greater than that at the first outer end and the second outer end.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the width along the intermediate portion is greater than the width along the first outer end and the width along the second outer end.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot are tapered in opposite directions.

5. A method for determining the volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of molten material flowing through a slot in the peripheral wall of a conduit, wherein: A step of measuring the width profile d(x) of the slot; and The volume flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot is: [Math 3] (where μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and [Math 4] The step of determining as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the conduit) Methods that include...

6. A method for manufacturing glass ribbon: A step of flowing molten material into a region defined by the circumferential wall of a conduit, wherein the conduit comprises a slot extending through the outer surface of the circumferential wall, the slot comprising a first outer end, a second outer end, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first outer end and the second outer end; A step of flowing the molten material through the slots of the peripheral wall, wherein the volumetric flow rate profile of the molten material through the slots includes the volumetric flow rate of the molten material at the intermediate portion, and the volumetric flow rate of the molten material is greater than that at the first outer end and the second outer end; A step of allowing a first flow of the molten material from the slot to flow onto the first wedge surface of the wedge, and a second flow of the molten material from the slot to flow onto the second wedge surface of the wedge, wherein the first and second flows of the molten material converge toward the base; The steps of drawing the first flow and the second flow of the molten material from the base to form a fused sheet of the molten material; and The step of cooling the fused sheet of the molten material to form the glass ribbon. Methods that include...

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot are tapered in opposite directions.

8. It is a device: A conduit, wherein the conduit has a circumferential wall that defines a region extending in the flow direction of the conduit; A first portion of the peripheral wall comprises a slot extending through the peripheral wall, the slot being in fluid communication with the region, and the slot having a length extending between a first outer end and a second outer end, wherein the width profile d(x) of the slot along the length of the slot is such that a predetermined volume flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot is: [Math 5] (where μ(x) represents the predetermined viscosity of the molten material, R represents the inner radius of the conduit, and n represents the number of parallel slots), and [Math 6] A first part configured to be achieved as a function of (where h represents the thickness of the circumferential wall of the conduit); and A wedge positioned downstream from the slot, the wedge comprising a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface that converge to form a base. A device equipped with the following features.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first outer end and the second outer end of the slot are tapered in opposite directions.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined volumetric flow rate profile dQ(x) / dx of the molten material passing through the slot includes a predetermined volumetric flow rate at the intermediate portion of the slot, and the predetermined volumetric flow rate is greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot at the first outer end and greater than the predetermined volumetric flow rate of the molten material passing through the slot at the second outer end.

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