Apparatus for forming glass ribbons

Abstract

In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods for shaping a glass ribbon may include a support member for moving the drawing stand along a support surface. In some embodiments, an enclosure may be located exterior to a wall of the drawing stand and define an exterior region between a downstream portion of the drawing stand and the enclosure. The enclosure may include a vent configured to regulate gas flow through the vent from the exterior region to a location exterior to the enclosure and exterior to the drawing stand. In some embodiments, the drawing stand may include a first gate and a second gate. Each gate may be provided with a corresponding row of conduits for cooling the central edge plate.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 135,029, filed on January 8, 2021, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure broadly relates to an apparatus for forming glass, and more particularly to an apparatus for forming a glass ribbon.

Background Art

[0003] Early foldable smartphones and other electronic devices included displays with plastic substrates. Plastic substrates could be repeatedly bent or folded without undergoing elastic deformation, but were prone to scratches and other damage, having surfaces that made the exposed surface of the plastic substrate look unappealing. Further, plastic substrates are known to have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”), and a thick plastic substrate with sufficient strength to withstand repeated bending and folding is required. However, thick plastic substrates increase the thickness of the entire electronic device and can interfere with the sensitivity of the display.

[0004] On the other hand, glass ribbons have only recently been used in the structure of displays for foldable / bendable electronic devices. Glass ribbons have a relatively low CTE compared to plastic, and thus can form a display substrate that is thinner than plastic yet achieves comparable properties. Further, glass ribbons can be resistant to scratches and other such damage and can have a more glossy appearance. However, the properties and structure of glass ribbons are sensitive to variations in manufacturing parameters such as temperature, which must be maintained, for example, within a small error range of target values.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] To maintain such manufacturing parameters, the equipment used to manufacture glass ribbons requires regular maintenance with limited downtime. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Several exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below, with the understanding that each embodiment may be used alone or in combination with one another.

[0007] In some embodiments, a device for forming a glass ribbon may include a draw stack with walls enclosing an internal area including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet. The draw stack may further include at least one draw stage within the internal area. Each of the at least one draw stage may include a first pair of rollers made to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and a second pair of draw rollers made to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. The device may further include a support member that is movable from a retracted position to an extended position to increase the height of the draw stack. The support member may be movable from an extended position to a retracted position to decrease the height of the draw stack. The support member may include end portions.

[0008] In some embodiments, the device may further include tracks that receive the end portions of the support members and define the horizontal movement path of the extension cylinder.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end portion is equipped with a wheel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end portion is equipped with an air bearing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device may further include a horizontal lock comprising a projection and a recess made to receive the projection.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method may include the step of moving a glass ribbon downward through the internal region of the stretching cylinder while the stretching cylinder is supported on a support surface, and the entrance to the internal region of the stretching cylinder is aligned to receive the glass ribbon. The method may further include the step of moving the stretching cylinder horizontally with respect to the support surface such that the entrance to the internal region is not aligned to receive the glass ribbon.

[0013] In some embodiments, after moving the stretching cylinder, the method may include the step of continuing to move the glass ribbon vertically downward without passing through the internal area of ​​the stretching cylinder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the horizontal direction can be defined by tracks mounted on a support surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extension tube can be levitated on a gas cushion while the extension tube is moved horizontally.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of lifting the stretching cylinder vertically upward before moving the stretching cylinder horizontally.

[0017] In some embodiments, lifting the extension cylinder releases it, allowing it to move horizontally.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of releasing the extension cylinder to allow for horizontal movement of the extension cylinder before moving the extension cylinder horizontally.

[0019] In some embodiments, an apparatus for forming a glass ribbon may include a stretching cylinder with walls enclosing an internal area including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet. The stretching cylinder may further include at least one traction stage within the internal area. Each of these at least one traction stage may include a first pair of rollers made to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and a second pair of traction rollers made to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. The apparatus may further include a housing enclosing the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder and the outlet of the internal area. The housing is located outside the walls of the stretching cylinder and can define an external area between the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder and the housing. The housing may include a vent, which is made to regulate the gas flow through the vent from the external area to a position outside the housing and outside the stretching cylinder.

[0020] In some embodiments, the vent may be adjustable to regulate the gas flow through it.

[0021] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a baffle configured to direct a first amount of input gas flow through an outlet towards an internal area and a second amount of input gas flow towards an external area.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method for adjusting the input gas flow may include the step of directing a first amount of the input gas flow through the outlet to an internal area. The method may further include the step of directing the first amount of the input gas flow through the internal area of ​​the extension column in a direction from the outlet to the inlet. The method may further include the step of directing a second amount of the input gas flow to an external area. The method may further include the step of directing the second amount of the input gas flow from the external area through a vent.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of adjusting a vent to regulate the flow rate of a second amount of input gas flow through the vent.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of cooling the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder by transferring heat from the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder to a second amount of input gas flowing through an external area.

[0025] In some embodiments, the baffle can be directed to pass a first amount of the input gas flow through the outlet, and a second amount of the input gas flow further into the external area.

[0026] In some embodiments, the draw-up cylinder for forming a glass ribbon may include a wall surrounding an internal area that includes an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet. The draw-up cylinder may further include at least one traction stage within the internal area. Each traction stage of the at least one traction stage may include a first pair of rollers configured to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon and a second pair of traction rollers configured to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. The draw-up cylinder may further include a first gate attached to the wall for movement in a first extension direction with respect to the wall. The first gate may include a first end edge including an outer surface of a first central edge plate disposed laterally between the first outer edge and the second outer edge. The outer surface of the first central edge plate may protrude in the first extension direction by a first distance from the first outer edge. The outer surface of the first central edge plate may protrude in the first extension direction by a second distance from the second outer edge. The first gate may further include a first row of conduits disposed within an internal chamber of the first gate. The outlet of each conduit of the first row of conduits may face the inner surface of the first central edge plate. The draw-up cylinder may further include a second gate attached to the wall for movement in a second extension direction with respect to the wall. The second gate may include a second end edge including an outer surface of a second central edge plate disposed laterally between the third outer edge and the fourth outer edge. The outer surface of the second central edge plate may protrude in the second extension direction by a third distance from the third outer edge. The outer surface of the second central edge plate may protrude in the second extension direction by a fourth distance from the fourth outer edge. The second gate may further include a second row of conduits disposed within an internal chamber of the second gate. The outlet of each conduit of the second row of conduits may face the inner surface of the second central edge plate. The width of the inlet can be defined between the outer surface of the first central edge plate and the outer surface of the second central edge plate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the distance in the first extension direction between the first outer edge and the third outer edge can be from about two times the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0028] In some embodiments, the distance in the first extension direction between the second outer edge and the fourth outer edge can be from about two times the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0029] In some embodiments, a method of adjusting the temperature of a glass ribbon with a stretching vertical cylinder may include cooling a first outer edge of the glass ribbon by radiating heat through a first lateral space between the first outer edge and the third outer edge. The method may further include cooling a second outer edge of the glass ribbon by radiating heat through a second lateral space between the second outer edge and the fourth outer edge.

[0030] In some embodiments, the glass ribbon can move within the internal region in the moving direction from the inlet to the outlet while the first outer edge and the second outer edge pass between the outer surfaces of the first central edge plate and the outer surfaces of the second central edge plate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method may further include cooling the width of the glass ribbon located between the outer surfaces of the first central edge plate and the outer surfaces of the second central edge plate by radiating heat from the width of the glass ribbon to the first central edge plate and the second central edge plate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method may further include discharging gas from the outlet of at least one conduit of the first row of conduits to circulate heat by convection from the first central edge plate, and discharging gas from the outlet of at least one conduit of the second row of conduits to circulate heat by convection from the second central edge plate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting the thickness profile across the width of the glass ribbon by varying the difference between the flow rates of the gas carried by at least two conduits of the first row of conduits.

[0034] In some embodiments, the step of cooling the first outer edge may include the step of radiating heat to the first fluid cooling element through the first lateral space, and the step of cooling the second outer edge may include the step of radiating heat to the second fluid cooling element through the second lateral space.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of adjusting the width of the inlet such that the first longitudinal distance between the first outer edge and the third outer edge is from about twice the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method may include a step of adjusting the width of the inlet, which provides a first extensional distance between a second outer edge and a fourth outer edge that is about twice the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0037] Additional embodiments disclosed herein are described in the following detailed description. Both the preceding general description and the following detailed description will be understood to present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included for further understanding and are incorporated into and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, illustrate their principles and operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] These and other embodiments will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Explanatory diagrams showing several exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for forming glass ribbons. [Figure 2] Schematic cross-sectional view of the molding equipment of the apparatus, taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Schematic top view of the device along line 3-3 in Figure 1 [Figure 4]Schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus along line 4A-4A in Figure 3, where the extension vertical cylinders in Figures 1 and 3 are locked from vertical and horizontal movement relative to the support surface. [Figure 5] Schematic cross-sectional view of the device along line 4A-4A in Figure 3, where the extension vertical cylinder in Figures 1 and 3 is unlocked from vertical movement relative to the support surface, while remaining locked from horizontal movement. [Figure 6] Schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus along line 4A-4A in Figure 3, where the extension cylinder in Figures 1 and 3 is lifted vertically upward to release the horizontal lock on the extension cylinder. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus along line 4A-4A in Figure 3, in which the extension tubes shown in Figures 1 and 3 are lifted as shown in Figure 6, while the extension tubes are suspended in the air by a gas cushion. [Figure 8] Schematic cross-section of the extension cylinder along line 8-8 in Figure 3. [Figure 9] Schematic cross-sectional view of the extension cylinder along line 9-9 in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Perspective view of the first and second gates of the extension cylinder along line 10-10 in Figure 8. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the inner portions of the first and second gates in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Herein, embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used across the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0040] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for forming glass ribbons (hereinafter, "glass forming apparatus"). In some embodiments, the glass forming apparatus may include forming equipment for producing a glass ribbon from a certain amount of molten glass-forming material. Throughout this application, "molten glass-forming material" is considered to be a molten material that can be cooled to a glass material. Throughout this application, "molten glass-forming ribbon" is considered to be a molten ribbon of material that can be cooled to a cooled elastic state glass ribbon. Unless otherwise specified, throughout this application, "glass ribbon" is considered to be a molten glass-forming ribbon, a cooled glass ribbon in a cooled elastic state, or a ribbon of material transitioning from a molten glass-forming ribbon to a cooled glass ribbon in an elastic state. A wide variety of forming equipment may be provided as part of the glass forming apparatus, such as a fusion down-draw apparatus, a press-roll apparatus, a slot-draw apparatus, or other apparatus designed to produce a glass ribbon from a certain amount of molten glass-forming material.

[0041] As previously stated, a glass forming apparatus may include a forming machine. Alternatively, or in addition to the forming machine, a glass forming apparatus may include a processing apparatus for processing glass ribbons produced by the forming machine. Therefore, for the purposes of this application, a glass forming apparatus may include a processing apparatus, either alone or in combination with the forming machine. In some embodiments, the processing apparatus can be separated from the forming machine. For example, the processing apparatus may be adjustable between aligned and misaligned orientations with respect to the forming machine and / or support surface. In the aligned orientation, glass ribbons produced by the forming machine can be received into an internal section of the stretching cylinder of the processing apparatus for processing the glass ribbons. Alternatively, the processing apparatus may be adjusted to a misaligned orientation with respect to the forming machine and / or support surface, such that the processing apparatus is accessible for maintenance, repair, and modification. When the processing apparatus is misaligned, in some embodiments, glass ribbons still being produced by the forming machine may not be received by the processing apparatus but may be placed in cullet for disposal.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processing apparatus may include a stretching cylinder with an upper transition region having a pair of adjustable gates. Each of these adjustable gates can be moved toward and / or away from a channel through which the glass ribbon enters the stretching cylinder to customize the cooling of the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the gates can be made to cool the glass ribbon as it moves between the gates. In further embodiments, cooling along the end edges can be varied along the length of the end edges to provide a desired cooling profile that modifies the thickness profile along the width of the glass ribbon passing between the end edges of the adjustable gates. The pair of adjustable gates can also provide an expanded lateral space for radiative cooling of the outer edge of the glass ribbon.

[0043] In some embodiments, a housing may be provided to enclose the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder and the outlet of the internal area. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided to direct a first amount of input gas flow through the outlet of the internal area of ​​the housing and a second amount of input gas flow into the external area. These embodiments may help to control the cooling provided by the input air flowing into the internal area of ​​the stretching cylinder and may help to cool the outer surface of the stretching cylinder with input air flowing into the external area.

[0044] Here, a method and apparatus for manufacturing glass will be described by exemplary embodiments for forming a glass ribbon from a certain amount of molten glass-forming material. As schematically shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may comprise a glass forming apparatus 101 including a glass melting and feeding apparatus 102 and a forming apparatus 140 designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 from a certain amount of molten glass-forming material 121. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may comprise a central portion 152 positioned between a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 opposite the first outer edge 153. Each of the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 is separated by a width "W" extending in the direction of movement 154 of the glass ribbon 103 and in the width direction 156 perpendicular to the direction of movement 154. The direction of movement 154 may constitute a direction in which the glass ribbon 103 can be stretched along it from the forming apparatus 140.

[0045] In some embodiments, the glass melting and feeding apparatus 102 may include a melting tank 105 directed to receive batch material 107 from a storage container 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch feeder 111 driven by a motor 113. In some embodiments, an optional control device 115 can be operated to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting tank 105, as indicated by the arrow 117. The melting tank 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide molten glass-forming material 121. In some embodiments, a melting probe 119 can be used to measure the height of the molten glass-forming material 121 in an upright tube 123 and transmit the measurement information to the control device 115 via a communication line 125.

[0046] In addition, in some embodiments, the glass melting and supplying apparatus 102 may include a first conditioning station, which includes a clarification tank 127 located downstream of the melting tank 105 and coupled to the melting tank 105 by a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, the molten glass-forming material 121 can be gravity-fed from the melting tank 105 to the clarification tank 127 through the first connecting conduit 129. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can drive the molten glass-forming material 121 from the melting tank 105 to the clarification tank 127 through the internal path of the first connecting conduit 129. In addition, in some embodiments, bubbles can be removed from the molten glass-forming material 121 in the clarification tank 127 by various techniques.

[0047] In some embodiments, the glass melting and feeding apparatus 102 may further include a second conditioning station, which may include a mixing chamber 131 located downstream of the clarification tank 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be utilized to provide a uniform composition of the molten glass-forming material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating any non-uniformity that would otherwise be present in the molten glass-forming material 121 as it exits the clarification tank 127. As can be seen from the figure, the clarification tank 127 may be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 by a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, the molten glass-forming material 121 may be fed by gravity from the clarification tank 127 to the mixing chamber 131 by the second connecting conduit 135. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may be used to drive the molten glass-forming material 121 through the internal path of the second connecting conduit 135 from the clarification tank 127 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0048] In addition, in some embodiments, the glass melting and feeding apparatus 102 may include a third conditioning station, which may include a feeding tank 133 located downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the feeding tank 133 can condition the molten glass-forming material 121 to be supplied to the inlet conduit 141. For example, the feeding tank 133 may function as an accumulator and / or flow regulator to regulate and provide a consistent flow of the molten glass-forming material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As can be seen from the figure, the mixing chamber 131 may be coupled to the feeding tank 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, the molten glass-forming material 121 may be gravity-fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the feeding tank 133 by the third connecting conduit 137. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten glass-forming material 121 through the internal path of the third connecting conduit 137 from the mixing chamber 131 to the feeding tank 133. As will be further explained, in some embodiments, a supply pipe 139 can be positioned to supply the molten glass forming material 121 to the glass forming apparatus 101, for example, to the inlet conduit 141 of the forming machine 140.

[0049] The glass forming apparatus 101 may include, but is not limited to, various embodiments of the forming apparatus 140 that conform to the features of the present disclosure, including a fusion forming apparatus having a wedge for fusion drawing a glass ribbon, a forming apparatus having slots for slot drawing a glass ribbon, or a forming apparatus equipped with a compression roll for compressing a glass ribbon from the forming apparatus. As an example, the forming apparatus 140 illustrated and disclosed herein may be provided for fusion drawing a molten glass forming material 121 away from the bottom edge defined as the base 145 of a forming wedge 201 (see Figure 2) to produce a ribbon of molten glass forming material that can be stretched and cooled into a glass ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, the molten glass forming material 121 can be supplied to the forming apparatus 140 from an inlet conduit 141. The molten glass forming material 121 can then be formed into a glass ribbon 103, at least in part based on the structure of the forming apparatus 140. For example, as can be seen in the figure, the molten glass forming material 121 can be stretched as a ribbon of molten glass forming material along a glass ribbon movement path 204 extending in the movement direction 154, away from the bottom edge (e.g., base 145) of the forming machine 140.

[0050] For the purposes of this application, the glass ribbon movement path 204 is a path at least partially defined by a glass forming apparatus 101 (if it matches the glass forming apparatus described herein), where the glass ribbon moves through the glass ribbon movement path 204. Therefore, for example, the glass ribbon movement path 204 may constitute the dimensions of the glass ribbon 103 moving along the glass ribbon movement path 204. In some embodiments, the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 may coincide with the corresponding first outer edge of the glass ribbon movement path 204, and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 may coincide with the corresponding second outer edge of the glass ribbon movement path 204. The glass ribbon movement path 204 may constitute a width extending in the width direction, which may include the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 extending in the width direction 156 of the glass ribbon 103. The width direction of the glass ribbon movement path 204 may extend perpendicular to the movement direction 154 from the first outer edge of the glass ribbon movement path 204 to the second outer edge of the glass ribbon movement path 204. In some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 may be substantially equal to the width of the glass ribbon movement path 204.

[0051] In some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 may be approximately 20 mm or more, for example, approximately 50 mm, for example, approximately 100 mm, for example, approximately 500 mm, for example, approximately 1000 mm, for example, approximately 2000 mm, for example, approximately 3000 mm, for example, approximately 4000 mm, 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 may 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 500 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.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the forming apparatus 140 may include a trough 203 directed to receive molten glass-forming material 121 from an inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, the molten glass-forming material 121 is shown in Figure 2 by a dashed line for clarity. The forming apparatus 140 may further include a forming wedge 201 including a pair of downwardly inclined convergent surface portions 205, 207 extending between the opposite ends of the forming wedge 201. The pair of downwardly inclined convergent surface portions 205, 207 of the forming wedge 201 may converge along the direction of movement 154 and intersect along the base 145 of the forming apparatus 140. The stretching surface 209 of the glass-making apparatus 100 may extend through the base 145 along the direction of movement 154. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can be stretched along the stretching surface 209 in the direction of movement 154. As can be seen from the figure, the stretched surface 209 can bisect the molded wedge 201 through the base 145, but in some embodiments, the stretched surface 209 may extend in a different direction relative to the base 145.

[0053] The molten glass-forming material 121 can flow into the forming machine 140 along the trough 203. The molten glass-forming material 121 can then overflow the trough 203 by flowing over the corresponding weirs 211, 213 and simultaneously flowing downward over the outer surfaces 215, 217 of the corresponding weirs 211, 213. Next, each flow of the molten glass-forming material 121 can flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 205, 207 of the forming wedge 201 and be stretched away from the base 145 of the forming machine 140 (where the flow converges and fuses into a ribbon of molten glass-forming material). The ribbon of molten glass-forming material can then be stretched away from the base 145 along the stretching surface 209 in the direction of movement 154 and cooled into a glass ribbon 103.

[0054] Referring again to Figure 1, the glass forming apparatus 101 may also include a glass processing apparatus 157. When the glass processing apparatus 157 is installed with the forming apparatus 140, the glass ribbon 103 formed in the forming apparatus 140 can be processed in the glass processing apparatus 157. In some embodiments, the glass processing apparatus 157 engages with the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 to stretch the glass ribbon 103, and thus stretches the molten glass-forming material 121 from the base 145 of the forming apparatus 140.

[0055] The glass ribbon 103 has a first main surface 219 and a second main surface 221 facing opposite directions, with the central portion 152 of the glass ribbon 103 defining a thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness). In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 may be about 2 millimeters (mm) or less, about 1 mm or less, about 0.5 mm or less, for example, about 300 micrometers (μm) or less, about 200 μm or less, or about 100 μm or less, but in further embodiments, other thicknesses may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 may be about 50 μm to about 750 μm, about 100 μm to about 700 μm, about 200 μm to about 600 μm, about 300 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 700 μm, about 50 μm to about 600 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 400 μm, about 50 μm to about 300 μm, about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, encompassing the entire range and partial range of thicknesses in between. In addition, the glass ribbon 103 may include a wide variety of compositions, including, but not limited to, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass. Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the glass ribbon may include glass ceramic.

[0056] As previously mentioned, the glass forming apparatus 101 may include a glass processing apparatus 157, either alone or in combination with the forming apparatus 140. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the glass processing apparatus 157 may include a stretching cylinder 159. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the stretching cylinder may include a wall 801 surrounding an internal area 803 having an inlet 805 and an outlet 807 located downstream from the inlet 805 in the direction of movement 154. The stretching cylinder 159 may further include at least one traction stage 809, 811 within the internal area 803, and each of the at least one traction stage 809, 811 may include a first pair of traction rollers 810a (see Figures 3 and 8) made to grip a first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second pair of traction rollers 810b (see Figure 3) made to grip a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. Figure 8 shows at least one traction stage 809, 811, including a first traction stage 809 and a second traction stage 811, but in further embodiments, the at least one traction stage may include one traction stage or three or more traction stages.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a support device 161 can be provided to support the stretching cylinder 159 on the support surface 163. In some embodiments, the support surface 163 can constitute the floor of an upper chamber 165 located above a lower chamber 167. In some embodiments, the support device 161 can be configured to movably support the stretching cylinder 159 so that it can move laterally in directions 169a and 169b between a position where the stretching cylinder 159 is aligned with the molding machine 140 (as shown by a solid line in Figure 1) and a position where the stretching cylinder 159 is not aligned with the molding machine 140 (as shown by a dashed line in Figure 1).

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments, the support device 161 may comprise support arms 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d. As can be seen from the figure, the upper portion of each support arm can be attached, for example, to the four upper corner portions of the extension cylinder 159. As shown in Figure 1, an optional platform 170 (not shown in Figure 3) can be provided and mounted between two of the support arms to allow a user to access the upper portion of the extension cylinder 159. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lower portion of each support arm can be mounted, for example, on a base 303. Although four support arms are shown, in further embodiments, there may be three or fewer support arms or five or more support arms. The support device 161 may further include a support member that includes an end portion having a moving device designed to reduce the effort required to move the cylinder from an aligned position (shown as a solid line in Figure 1) to an unaligned position (shown as a dashed line in Figure 1). Figures 4-7 show embodiments of the moving device taken along line 4A-4A in Figure 3, where the moving device taken along line 4B-4B in Figure 3 may be identical but may not have a horizontal lock as shown in Figures 4-7. In some embodiments, as can be seen from the figures, the moving device may be equipped with wheels 401 on the end portion 403 of the support member 405. In some embodiments, four wheels may be provided in each section 4A-4A, 4B-4B, where the support device 161 may reduce friction as the wheels 401 rotate, allowing the extension cylinder 159 to be pushed or pulled. Other alternative rotating moving devices may be provided, such as cylindrical rollers or rotating spherical bearings. In further embodiments, non-rotating moving devices may be provided. For example, a self-lubricating material (e.g., Teflon®) may be used instead of wheels 401 to reduce friction between the end portion of the support member and the support surface. In further embodiments as illustrated, the end portion 407 of the support member 409 may include an air bearing designed to create a gas cushion 701 (see Figure 7) that, together with the extension tube 159, levitates the support device 161.In some embodiments, wheels 401 may be provided as support members in place of air bearings, or in addition to air bearings. If wheels 401 are provided in addition, an operating mode can be selected, or the wheels 401 can be provided as a backup for air bearings.

[0059] In some embodiments, the support device 161 may include a horizontal lock 171 designed to restrict horizontal movement 169a, 169b in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the horizontal lock 171 may include a projection 411 and a recess 413 made to receive the projection 411. The recess 413 may be provided as part of a bracket fixedly mounted to the support surface 163. As shown in Figures 4-5, the horizontal lock 171 restricts horizontal movement when the projection 411 is received in the recess 413. To help prevent the projection 411 from being unintentionally removed from the recess 413 in the locked orientation, a voluntary latching device 415 may be provided, which allows a latching member 417 to move horizontally. As shown in Figures 6-7, the projection 411 can be removed from the recess 413 to unlock the support device 161, thus allowing horizontal movement of the support device 161 together with the extension tube 159 in the horizontal directions 169a, 196b.

[0060] Different embodiments of horizontal locking may be provided to selectively receive the projection 411 in the recess 413 to lock the support device 161 horizontally, or to remove the projection 411 from the recess 413 to release the support device 161 for horizontal movement 169a. For example, the projection may be movable relative to the base 303. For example, a crank may be provided to move the projection in and out of the recess 413 as needed. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 6-7, the entire base 303, support arms 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d and extension tube 159 may be lifted together with the projection 411 to lift the projection out of the recess 413. In the embodiment described, the support member 409 can be moved from a retracted position relative to the base 303 (see Figures 4-5) to an extended position (see Figures 6-7) to remove the protruding portion 411 from the recess 413 and raise the height of the extension cylinder 159, thereby releasing the horizontal lock of the support device 161. The support member 409 can also be moved from the extended position (see Figures 6-7) to a retracted position (see Figures 4-5) to insert the protruding portion 411 into the recess 413 and lower the height of the extension cylinder 159, thereby locking the support device 161 horizontally.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3-7, a track 305 may be provided to receive the end portion of the support member and define the horizontal movement path 307 of the support device 161 and the stretching cylinder 159. The track 305 can provide precise alignment when returning the stretching cylinder 159 to align with the molding machine 140, as shown in Figure 1. As can be seen from the figures, in some embodiments, the track 305 may have a passage with a lower plate 309 for bearing loads from the support member and side flanges 311a, 311b to help maintain proper alignment when the support device 161 moves horizontally. Furthermore, a more stable air cushion can be provided that not only levitates the end portion 407 by capturing the air released when forming the gas cushion 701, but also causes the end portion 407 to self-align within the passage by the air cushion, and a stable air cushion can be formed along the horizontal portion of the end portion 407 between the horizontal portion of the end portion and the side flanges 311a, 311b.

[0062] A method for processing a glass ribbon will now be described, with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The method may include the step of forming the glass ribbon 103 using one of the methods described above. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the glass ribbon 103 may be stretched from the base 145 of a forming wedge 201. As shown in Figure 1, the stretching cylinder 159 can be aligned with the forming wedge 201 so that the glass ribbon 103 moves along the glass ribbon movement path 204 through the entrance 805 of the internal area 803 of the stretching cylinder 159. The first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 can be gripped between the first pair of traction rollers 810a of at least one traction stage 809, 811, and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 can be gripped between the second pair of traction rollers 810b of at least one traction stage 809, 811. The glass ribbon can be continuously stretched in at least one stretching stage in a direction of movement 154 extending from the inlet 805 to the outlet 807 of the stretching cylinder 159. Thus, the moving glass ribbon 103 can move downward (e.g., in the direction of gravity) through the internal section 803, while the stretching cylinder 159 is supported on the support surface 163 by the support device 161. The moving glass ribbon 103 can also move downward through the internal section 803 while the inlet 805 of the internal section 803 is aligned with the molding machine 140 and receives the glass ribbon 103 moving from the molding machine 140 along the glass ribbon movement path 204. The glass ribbon can then move through the opening 821 (see Figure 8) of the partition 172 so that the glass ribbon moves into a lower chamber 167 (see Figure 1), which may constitute a cleanroom that helps prevent dust and other debris from contaminating the surface of the glass ribbon 103. Once a sufficient length is obtained, the glass splitting device 175 can split the ribbon along the ribbon width "W" into ribbon split sheets 177, which can be held by the robot 178 and transported to a storage container, conveyor, or other downstream processing station.

[0063] After a certain period of time, the stretching cylinder 159 may need to be inspected. For example, the heating element, cooling element, traction rollers, or other components of the stretching cylinder 159 may need to be inspected. In some embodiments, the stretching cylinder 159 may be moved laterally in a horizontal direction 169a (e.g., perpendicular to gravity or at other angles) with respect to the support surface 163 so that the inlet 805 of the internal section 803 of the stretching cylinder 159 is out of alignment with the molding machine 140, so that the glass ribbon movement path 204 does not move through the inlet 805 of the stretching cylinder 159. Once out of alignment, the power to the operating components of the stretching cylinder 159, including the heating element, can be turned off, and the stretching cylinder 159 can be inspected. While the stretching cylinder 159 is out of alignment, the glass ribbon 103 can continue to be supplied in a vertical downward direction (e.g., direction of movement 154) without passing through the internal section 803 of the stretching cylinder 159. On the contrary, the glass ribbon 103 can enter the opening 821 of the partition 172 (e.g., ceiling / floor) between the upper chamber 165 and the lower chamber 167 and continue to be supplied vertically downward into the cullet 173. In this manner, the production of glass ribbon by the forming machine 140 can continue without interruption, thereby reducing downtime and costs associated with stopping the entire glass production line for inspection of the stretching cylinder.

[0064] In some embodiments, the horizontal lock of the extension cylinder 159 can be released before moving the extension cylinder 159 in the horizontal direction 169a. For example, the horizontal lock 171 can be engaged as shown in Figures 1 and 4-5. The projection 411 can then be lifted out of the recess 413 to release the horizontal lock of the extension cylinder 159 and allow the extension cylinder 159 to move in the horizontal direction 169a. To lift the projection 411 out of the recess 413, the projection may be moved perpendicular to the base 303. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 6-7, the extension cylinder 159, base 303, and projection 411 may be lifted together in the vertical upward direction 601a to release the horizontal lock of the extension cylinder 159. For example, an actuator 603, such as the illustrated hydraulic cylinder, may be pressurized by a hydraulic source 606 to extend the piston 605 in direction 601b relative to the base 303, thereby extending the support member 409, and thereby lifting the extension cylinder 159, the base 303, and the projection 411 together in the vertical upward direction 601a, and releasing the horizontal lock of the extension cylinder 159. Once released, the extension cylinder 159 can be moved in the horizontal direction 169a to disengage it from alignment and move it to the inspection position shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. In some embodiments, if a latching device 415 is provided before lifting, the latch can be released, allowing the projection 411 to move out of the recess 413.

[0065] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, a pressurized gas source 703 may be activated to generate a gas cushion 701, causing the extension cylinder 159 and support device 161 to levitate while the extension cylinder 159 is lifted to an extended position relative to the base 303 together with the support member 409. The gas cushion 701 reduces the effort required to move the support device 161 together with the extension cylinder 159 in the horizontal direction 169a. In other embodiments, wheels 401 may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the support member 409. For example, as can be seen in the figure, wheels 401 may be attached to the base 303 by a support member 405, where the wheels 401 are not designed to move perpendicular to the base 303. Alternatively, although not shown, the wheels 401 may be extendable to lift the extension cylinder 159. In the embodiments described, the wheels 401 can function as a backup mechanism to support the mass of the extension cylinder 159 when the support member 409 is retracted.

[0066] In some embodiments, the movement of the stretching cylinder 159 in direction 169a can be restricted to a horizontal movement path 307 by the track 305. For example, as can be seen in the figure, the end portion 407 of the support member 409 can be received into the internal area of ​​the track defined by the lower plate 309 and the side flanges 311a, 311b, and guided to move the stretching cylinder 159 in direction 169a. The stretching cylinder 159 can then be inspected at the inspection position shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. Once completed, the stretching cylinder 159 can then be lifted again by extending the support member 409, and a gas cushion 701 can be generated while the stretching cylinder 159 is moved in the opposite direction 169b until the projection 411 is aligned with the recess 413 of the horizontal lock 171. Once aligned with the recess 413, the stretching cylinder 159 is aligned with the molding machine 140. Next, the pressurized gas source 703 can be stopped or removed from the end portion 407 to eliminate the gas cushion 701. Then, the support member 409 can be retracted to lower the stretching cylinder to the aligned working position, where the stretching cylinder again receives the glass ribbon through the inlet 805 of the internal section 803. Once lowered, the projection 411 can be received into the recess 413 so that the horizontal lock 171 locks the stretching cylinder 159 horizontally in the appropriate aligned orientation. In some embodiments, if a latching device 415 is provided, it can be engaged to lock the projection 411 vertically into the recess 413. Then, the glass processing device 157 can be used to continue processing the glass ribbon 103.

[0067] To facilitate the processing of the glass ribbon 103, the stretching cylinder 159 allows for careful control of the temperature conditions of the glass ribbon being processed as it passes through the internal section 803 of the stretching cylinder 159. As shown in Figure 8, the glass ribbon can pass through a viscoelastic section 813a where the thickness of the glass ribbon 103 can be varied, and the glass ribbon 103 can then move in the direction of movement 154 to a hardening section 813b where the glass ribbon transitions from a viscoelastic state to a cooled elastic state. The glass ribbon 103 can then continue moving in the direction of movement 154 until the glass ribbon 103 cools to an elastic state within the elastic section 813c. The internal airflow 815 is heated by the glass ribbon 103 and can move upward due to the buoyancy of the gas. The internal airflow 815 can be supplied by a first amount 817 of input gas 819 entering the internal section 803. In some embodiments, the input gas 819 can pass upward through an opening 821 in the partition 172 between the upper chamber 165 and the lower chamber 167. In some embodiments, the lower chamber 167 can constitute a cleanroom where the input gas 819 (e.g., input air) from the cleanroom is filtered to prevent contaminants (e.g., dust, debris) that may contaminate the pristine surface of the glass ribbon 103 from being drawn into the stretching tube 159.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8-9, a housing 825 may be provided that surrounds the downstream portion 828 of the extension tube 159 and the outlet 807 of the internal area 803. The housing 825 may define an external area 827 located outside the wall 801 of the extension tube 159 and between the downstream portion 828 of the extension tube 159 and the housing 825. The housing 825 may include a vent 829 designed to regulate the gas flow through the vent from the external area 827 to a position 830 outside the housing 825 and outside the extension tube 159. In some embodiments, the vent 829 may be adjustable to regulate the glass flow through the vent 829. For example, as can be seen in the figures, a sliding closure 831 may be provided to adjust the size of the opening of the vent 829 and thereby control the flow rate of gas moving through the vent.

[0069] In some embodiments, a baffle 833 may be provided to direct a first amount 817 of the input gas 819 through the outlet 807 of the internal section 803 of the stretching cylinder 159, and then into the internal section 803, so that it flows upward toward the inlet 805 of the internal section 803 due to the buoyancy of the gas being heated by the glass ribbon 103. The baffle 833 may also direct a second amount 835 of the input gas 819 toward the external section 827. In some embodiments, the baffle may include a first portion 837a and a second portion 837b that deflect upward from each other, each dividing the input gas 819 into a first amount 817 and a second amount 835 of gas. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the first portion 837a and the second portion 837b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the glass ribbon movement path 204. A passage can be defined between the corresponding lower portions of the first and second sections 837a and 837b, which can be aligned laterally with the exit 807 of the internal section 803. The upper portion can be deflected to direct a second amount 835 of the input gas 819 towards the external section 827.

[0070] A method for adjusting the input gas 819 may include the step of directing a first amount 817 of the input gas 819 through the outlet 807 and into the internal section 803 of the extension vertical tubing 159. The first amount of input gas 819 flowing within the internal section 803 can flow from the outlet 807 toward the inlet 805 of the internal section 803. This method may further include the step of directing a second amount 835 of the input gas 819 toward the external section 827. The second amount 835 of the input gas 819 can then flow from the external section 827 through the vent 829 to a position 830 outside the external section 827. As can be seen from the figure, the baffle 833 can divide the input gas 819 into a first amount 817 of input gas 819 directed through the outlet 807 and a second amount 835 of input gas 819 flowing into the external section 827. In some embodiments, the first and second portions 837a and 837b may be adjustable relative to each other to adjust the ratio of the input gas 819's distribution. For example, the first and second portions 837a and 837b may be moved laterally closer to each other to decrease the first amount 817 of input gas 819 entering the internal region 803 while increasing the second amount 835 of input gas 819 entering the external region 827. In a further example, the first and second portions 837a and 837b may be moved laterally apart from each other to increase the first amount 817 of input gas 819 entering the internal region 803 while decreasing the second amount 835 of input gas 819 entering the external region 827. The process of adjusting the ratio of input gas 819 passing through as the first amount 817 and the second amount 835 can adjust the ratio of input gas cooling the glass ribbon in the internal region 803. In some embodiments, the downstream portion 828 of the extension tube 159 can be cooled by transferring heat from the downstream portion 828 of the extension tube 159 to a second amount 835 of the input gas flowing through the external area 827. The sliding closure 831 of the vent 829 can also be adjusted to regulate the flow rate of the second amount 835 of the input gas 819 flowing through the vent 829.For example, by adjusting the sliding closure 831 to reduce the size of the vent 829, the second amount 835 of input gas flowing through the external area 827 and out of the vent 829 is reduced, while the first amount 817 of input gas 819 entering the internal area 803 is increased. In another example, by adjusting the sliding closure 831 to increase the size of the vent 829, the second amount 835 of input gas flowing through the external area 827 and out of the vent 829 is increased, while the first amount 817 of input gas 819 entering the internal area 803 is reduced. Maximum cooling of the ribbon by the input gas 819 can be achieved by maximizing the amount of input gas 819 flowing into the internal area 803. As a result, the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 by the input gas 819 can be controlled by adjusting the size of the vent 829 to an appropriate size to achieve optimal cooling with the input gas 819. Furthermore, the downstream portion 828 of the stretched tube 159 will be cooled by a second amount 835 of the input gas 819 flowing through the external area 827. Cooling the downstream portion 828 of the stretched tube 159 can improve radiant heat transfer from the glass ribbon 103 to the downstream portion 828 of the stretched tube 159. However, convective cooling provided by a first amount 817 of the input gas 819 can cool the glass ribbon 103 more significantly than the cooling of the glass ribbon provided by cooling the downstream portion 828 of the stretched tube 159 with a second amount 835 of the input gas 819.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, the entrance 805 can be defined at least partially by a first gate 839a and a second gate 839b. In some embodiments, the first gate 839a may be similar to or identical to the second gate 839b. Unless otherwise specified, the features of one of the first and second gates described below may be applied to the other of the first and second gates.

[0072] The first gate 839a can be attached to the wall 801 for movement in a first extension direction 840a relative to the wall 801. As shown in Figure 11, the first gate 839a may include a first end edge 841a having the outer surface 843a of a first central edge plate 845a positioned laterally between a first outer edge 847a and a second outer edge 849a. In some embodiments, the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a may project from the first outer edge 847a by a first distance 851a in the first extension direction 840a. In some embodiments, the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a may project from the second outer edge 849a by a second distance 853a in the first extension direction 840a. As can be seen from the figure, in some embodiments the first distance 851a may be substantially equal to the second distance 853a, but in further embodiments different distances may be provided. The first gate 839a may further include a first row of conduits 855a arranged within the internal chamber 857a of the first gate 839a. The outlet 859a of each conduit in the first row of conduits 855a faces the inner surface 861a of the first central edge plate 845a and may be spaced apart from there.

[0073] The second gate 839b can be attached to the wall 801 for movement in a second extension direction 840b relative to the wall 801. The second gate 839b may include a second end edge 841b having the outer surface 843b of a second central edge plate 845b positioned laterally between a third outer edge 847b and a fourth outer edge 849b. In some embodiments, the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b may project from the third outer edge 847b by a third distance 851b in the second extension direction 840b. In further embodiments, the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b may project from the fourth outer edge 849b by a fourth distance 853b in the second extension direction 840b. The second gate 839b may further include a second row of conduits 855b positioned within the internal chamber 857b of the second gate 839b. The outlet 859b of each conduit 855b in the second row faces the inner surface 861b of the second central edge plate 845b, and can be spaced apart from there.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, the width 1001 of the inlet 805 can be defined between the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a and the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b. The width 1001 may be adjustable to control the flow rate of the first amount 817 of the input gas 819 exiting the inlet 805. For example, the width 1001 of the inlet 805 can be reduced to decrease the flow rate of the first amount 817 of the input gas 819 exiting the inlet 805 by moving the first gate 839a in the first extension direction 840a and the second gate 839b in the second extension direction 840b opposite to the first extension direction 840a. The first gate 839a and the second gate 839b can be moved in the retraction direction (opposite to the extension direction) to increase the width 1001 of the inlet 805 and increase the flow rate of the first amount 817 of the input gas 819 exiting the inlet 805.

[0075] In some embodiments, the distance 1003 in the first extensional direction 840a between the first outer edge 847a and the third outer edge 847b may be about twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to about ten times the width 1001 of the inlet 805, for example, about twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to about five times the width 1001 of the inlet 805. As shown in Figure 10, the distance 1003 may constitute the width of a first outer space 1007a that facilitates heat dissipation from the ends of the glass ribbon 103 positioned between the outer surfaces 843a, 843b of the central edge plates 845a, 845b.

[0076] In a further example, the distance 1005 in the first extensional direction 840a between the second outer edge 849a and the fourth outer edge 849b may be approximately twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to approximately ten times the width 1001 of the inlet 805, for example, approximately twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to approximately five times the width 1001 of the inlet 805. As shown in Figure 10, the distance 1005 may constitute the width of a second outer space 1007b that facilitates heat dissipation from the ends of the glass ribbon 103 positioned between the outer surfaces 843a, 843b of the central edge plates 845a, 845b.

[0077] Next, a method for cooling the glass ribbon 103 in the stretching cylinder 159 will be described. The glass ribbon 103 moving in the direction of movement 154 can pass through the inlet 805 of the cylinder. In some embodiments, the entire width of the glass ribbon 103 can be placed within the width 1001 of the inlet 805 between the outer surfaces 843a and 843b of the central edge plates 845a and 845b. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 moves within the internal area 803 in the direction of movement 154 from the inlet 805 towards the outlet 807, while the first outer edge 153 and second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 pass between the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a and the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b.

[0078] While the glass ribbon 103 is still within the viscoelastic section 813a, the width of the ribbon can be reduced by the traction roller 810a. To further influence the thickness of the glass ribbon 103 and / or the cooling of the glass ribbon 103, the method may include the steps of delivering gas from a gas source (not shown) through conduits and releasing it from at least one conduit outlet 859a of the first row of conduits 855a to convect heat from the first central edge plate 845a, and releasing the gas from at least one conduit outlet 859b of the second row of conduits 855b to convect heat from the second central edge plate 845b. These central edge plates can function as radiant heat dissipation plates for radiant heat transfer from the glass ribbon 103 to the central edge plates.

[0079] In some embodiments, the method may include a step of cooling the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 positioned between the outer surface 843a of the first central edge plate 845a and the outer surface 843b of the second central edge plate 845b by radiating heat from the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 to the first central edge plate 845a and the second central edge plate 845b.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, in some embodiments, the conduits of the first gate 839a can be uniformly spaced apart from each other by passing through the corresponding openings 1103a of the alignment member 1101. An empty opening 1103b can be used for the second gate 839b to uniformly space the conduits, while the opening 1103a in the alignment member 1101 of the second gate 839b may be empty. Therefore, the first row of conduits 855a can be alternating with the second row of conduits 855b in the width direction of the glass ribbon 103 to allow for better control over the thermal profile across the width of the glass ribbon 103. Furthermore, the thickness across the width of the glass ribbon 103 can be varied by changing the flow rate of the gas carried by one or more of the conduits in the first and / or second row of conduits 855a, 855b. For example, the difference between the gas flow rates carried by at least two conduits in the first row of conduits 855a can be adjusted to adjust the thickness profile across the width of the glass ribbon. In addition to or instead of this, the difference between the gas flow rates carried by at least two conduits in the second row of conduits 855b can be adjusted to further adjust the thickness profile across the width of the glass ribbon.

[0081] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of cooling the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 by radiating heat through a first lateral space 1007a between the first outer edge 847a and the third outer edge 847b. In further embodiments, the method may include the step of cooling the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 by radiating heat through a second lateral space 1007b between the second outer edge 849a and the fourth outer edge 849b. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of adjusting the width 1001 of the inlet 805 such that the distance 1003 in the first extension direction 840a between the first outer edge 847a and the third outer edge 847b is from about twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to about ten times (or about five times) the width 1001 of the inlet 805. In a further embodiment, the method may include the step of adjusting the width 1001 of the inlet 805 such that the distance 1005 in the first extensional direction 840a between the second outer edge 849a and the fourth outer edge 849b is about twice the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to about ten times (or about five times) the width 1001 of the inlet 805.

[0082] Lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b having corresponding distances 1003 and 1005 can provide space for radiant heat transfer from the outer edges 153 and 155, which can facilitate the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 as it passes through the inlet 805. To further improve radiant heat transfer, the method can cool the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 by radiating heat to a first fluid cooling element 1011a (schematically shown by a dashed line) through the first lateral space 1007a. The method can cool the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 by radiating heat to a second fluid cooling element 1011b (schematically shown by a dashed line) through the second lateral space 1007b. The first and second fluid cooling elements 1011a and 1011b are shown to be laterally spaced apart from the corresponding lateral spaces 1007a and 1007b. Although not shown, the fluid cooling element may be located above or below gates 839a, 839b. Although not shown, the fluid cooling element may be located above or below lateral space 1007a, 1007b, or at least partially within lateral space 1007a, 1007b, or laterally within lateral space 1007a, 1007b.

[0083] After passing through the inlet 805, the glass ribbon 103 may be further exposed to one or more other cooling elements 863 as needed to help control the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 while it is passing through the viscoelastic section 813a. The walls 801 within the curing section 813b and / or the elastic section 813c may include heating elements and / or cooling elements to help further control the cooling of the glass ribbon 103.

[0084] In some embodiments, the Disclosure provides a housing 825 and a baffle 833 that can divide the input gas 819 into a first amount 817 of input gas and a second amount 835 of input gas. The first amount 817 of input gas may help to cool the glass ribbon 103 moving in the direction of movement 154 within the internal section 803 by convection heat transfer. Adjusting the vent 829 can help to fine-tune the degree to which the glass ribbon 103 is cooled by the first amount 817 as it passes upward through the internal section 803 by adjusting the ratio of the first amount 817 to the second amount 835 of input gas 819. Furthermore, the width 1001 of the inlet 805 can be adjusted by first and second gates 839a, 839b to control the flow rate of the first amount 817 of input gas out of the internal section 803, thereby helping to further control the cooling of the glass ribbon 103 within the stretched tube 159. Furthermore, the gates 839a, 839b may include conduits 855a, 855b that allow for thickness control of the glass ribbon 103, where the desired thickness profile can be provided by adjusting the gas flow rate through the conduits 855a, 855b. Additionally, the gates 839a, 839b may be provided with lateral spaces 1007a, 1007b that may have a width greater than the width 1001 of the inlet 805 to promote radiative cooling of the outer edges 153, 155 of the glass ribbon 103. Furthermore, the stretching cylinder 159 may be supported by a support device 161 so that when the stretching cylinder 159 is not aligned with the molding equipment 140 at the inspection position, the stretching cylinder 159 can be moved to an inspection position for inspection without having to stop the glass manufacturing process.

[0085] While various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to specific examples for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that this disclosure should not be considered limited thereto, as various modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the following claims.

[0086] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections.

[0087] Embodiment 1 In an apparatus for forming glass ribbons, A stretching cylinder including a wall enclosing an internal area including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet, the stretching cylinder further comprising at least one traction stage within the internal area, each traction stage of the at least one traction stage comprising a first pair of rollers made to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon and a second pair of traction rollers made to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon, and A support member that is movable from a retracted position to an extended position in order to increase the height of the extension cylinder, and a support member that is movable from the extended position to the retracted position and has an end portion in order to decrease the height of the extension cylinder, A device equipped with.

[0088] Embodiment 2 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a track that receives the end portion of the support member and defines a horizontal movement path for the extension cylinder.

[0089] Embodiment 3 The apparatus according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned end portion is equipped with a wheel.

[0090] Embodiment 4 The apparatus according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned end portion is equipped with an air bearing.

[0091] Embodiment 5 The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising a horizontal lock including a projection and a recess made for receiving the projection.

[0092] Embodiment 6 In the method, The process of moving the glass ribbon downward through the internal region of the stretching cylinder while the stretching cylinder is supported on a support surface and the entrance to the internal region of the stretching cylinder is aligned to receive the glass ribbon, and A step of moving the stretching cylinder horizontally with respect to the support surface such that the entrance to the internal area is not aligned to receive the glass ribbon, A method comprising [a certain characteristic].

[0093] Embodiment 7 The method according to Embodiment 6, wherein, after moving the stretching cylinder, the method further includes the step of continuing to move the glass ribbon vertically downward without passing through the internal area of ​​the stretching cylinder.

[0094] Embodiment 8 The method according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the horizontal direction is defined by a track mounted on the support surface.

[0095] Embodiment 9 The method according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the extension cylinder is levitated on a gas cushion while the extension cylinder is moved in the horizontal direction.

[0096] Embodiment 10 The method according to any one of embodiments 6 to 9, further comprising the step of lifting the extension cylinder vertically upward before moving the extension cylinder horizontally.

[0097] Embodiment 11 The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein the extension cylinder is released by lifting it, allowing the extension cylinder to move horizontally.

[0098] Embodiment 12 The method according to any one of embodiments 6 to 9, further comprising the step of releasing the extension cylinder to allow the extension cylinder to move in the horizontal direction before moving the extension cylinder in the horizontal direction.

[0099] Embodiment 13 In an apparatus for forming glass ribbons, A stretching cylinder including a wall enclosing an internal area including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet, the stretching cylinder further comprising at least one traction stage within the internal area, each traction stage of the at least one traction stage comprising a first pair of rollers made to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon and a second pair of traction rollers made to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon, and A housing enclosing the downstream portion of the extension pipe and the outlet of the internal area, the housing being located outside the wall of the extension pipe and defining an external area between the downstream portion of the extension pipe and the housing, the housing including a vent, which is configured to regulate the gas flow through the vent from the external area to a position outside the housing and outside the extension pipe. A device equipped with.

[0100] Embodiment 14 The apparatus according to embodiment 13, wherein the vent is adjustable to regulate the gas flow through the vent.

[0101] Embodiment 15 The apparatus according to embodiment 13 or 14, further comprising a baffle configured to direct a first amount of input gas flow through the outlet towards the internal area and a second amount of the input gas flow towards the external area.

[0102] Embodiment 16 In a method for adjusting the input gas flow using the apparatus described in Embodiment 13, A step of directing a first amount of the input gas flow through the outlet towards the internal area, A step of flowing a first amount of the input gas flow through the internal area of ​​the stretching cylinder in the direction from the outlet toward the inlet, A step of directing the second amount of the input gas flow toward the external area, and A step of flowing a second amount of the input gas flow from the external area through the vent, A method comprising [a certain characteristic].

[0103] Embodiment 17 The method according to embodiment 16, further comprising the step of adjusting the vent to adjust the flow rate of the second amount of input gas flow passing through the vent.

[0104] Embodiment 18 The method according to embodiment 16 or 17, further comprising the step of cooling the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder by transferring heat from the downstream portion of the stretching cylinder to a second amount of the input gas flow that flows through the external area.

[0105] Embodiment 19 The method according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the baffle directs a first amount of the input gas flow through the outlet and further directs a second amount of the input gas flow into the external area.

[0106] Embodiment 20 In a stretching cylinder for forming glass ribbons, A wall enclosing an internal area including an entrance and an exit located downstream of the entrance, At least one traction stage within the internal area, each of which traction stages comprises a first pair of rollers made to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and a second pair of traction rollers made to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon. A first gate mounted to the wall for a first extensional movement relative to the wall, the first gate including a first end edge including the outer surface of a first central edge plate positioned laterally between a first outer edge and a second outer edge, the outer surface of the first central edge plate projecting a first distance from the first outer edge in the first extensional direction, the outer surface of the first central edge plate projecting a second distance from the second outer edge in the first extensional direction, the first gate further including a first row of conduits arranged in the interior chamber of the first gate, the outlet of each conduit in the first row facing the inner surface of the first central edge plate, and A second gate mounted to the wall for a second extensional movement relative to the wall, the second gate includes a second end edge including the outer surface of a second central edge plate positioned laterally between a third outer edge and a fourth outer edge, the outer surface of the second central edge plate projecting in the second extensional direction by a third distance from the third outer edge, the outer surface of the second central edge plate projecting in the second extensional direction by a fourth distance from the fourth outer edge, and the second gate further includes a second row of conduits arranged in the interior chamber of the second gate, the outlet of each conduit in the second row facing the inner surface of the second central edge plate, the second gate, Equipped with, An extendable vertical cylinder in which the width of the inlet is defined between the outer surface of the first central edge plate and the outer surface of the second central edge plate.

[0107] Embodiment 21 The extendable vertical cylinder according to Embodiment 20, wherein the distance in the first extension direction between the first outer edge and the third outer edge is from about twice the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0108] Embodiment 22 The extension vertical cylinder according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the distance in the first extension direction between the second outer edge and the fourth outer edge is from about twice the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0109] Embodiment 23 In the method for adjusting the temperature of a glass ribbon using the stretching cylinder described in Embodiment 20, A step of cooling the first outer edge of the glass ribbon by radiating heat through the first lateral space between the first outer edge and the third outer edge, and A step of cooling the second outer edge of the glass ribbon by radiating heat through the second lateral space between the second outer edge and the fourth outer edge, A method comprising [a certain characteristic].

[0110] Embodiment 24 The method according to Embodiment 23, wherein the glass ribbon moves within the internal area in the direction of movement from the entrance to the exit, while the first outer edge and the second outer edge pass between the outer surface of the first central edge plate and the outer surface of the second central edge plate.

[0111] Embodiment 25 The method according to embodiment 23 or 24, further comprising the step of cooling the width of the glass ribbon located between the outer surface of the first central edge plate and the outer surface of the second central edge plate by radiating heat from the width of the glass ribbon to the first central edge plate and the second central edge plate.

[0112] Embodiment 26 The method according to Embodiment 25, further comprising the steps of releasing gas from the outlet of at least one conduit in the first row of conduits to circulate heat convectively from the first central edge plate, and releasing gas from the outlet of at least one conduit in the second row of conduits to circulate heat convectively from the second central edge plate.

[0113] Embodiment 27 The method according to embodiment 26, further comprising the step of adjusting the thickness profile over the width of the glass ribbon by changing the difference between the flow rates of the gas being carried in at least two of the first row of conduits.

[0114] Embodiment 28 The method according to any one of embodiments 23 to 27, wherein the step of cooling the first outer edge includes the step of radiating heat to a first fluid cooling element through the first lateral space, and the step of cooling the second outer edge includes the step of radiating heat to a second fluid cooling element through the second lateral space.

[0115] Embodiment 29 The method according to any one of embodiments 23 to 28, further comprising the step of adjusting the width of the inlet such that the distance in the first extensional direction between the first outer edge and the third outer edge is from about twice the width of the inlet to about ten times the width of the inlet.

[0116] Embodiment 30 The method according to embodiment 29, wherein the step of adjusting the width of the entrance provides the distance in the first extensional direction between the second outer edge and the fourth outer edge, which is approximately twice the width of the entrance to approximately ten times the width of the entrance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 100 Glass manufacturing equipment 101 Glass molding apparatus 102 Glass melting and feeding equipment 103 Glass Ribbon 105 Melting tank 107 Batch Materials 109 Storage containers 111 Batch feeding device 113 Motor 115 Control device 119 Melting probe 121 Molten glass forming material 125 Communication lines 127 Clarification tank 131 Mixing room 133 Supply tank 140 Molding equipment 141 Inlet conduit 157 Glass processing equipment 159 Extendable Stand 161 Support device 163 Support surface 165 Upper Room 167 Lower chamber 171 Horizontal Lock 172 partitions 175 Glass splitting device 177 divided sheets 178 Robots 201 Molded wedge 203 Gutter 205, 207 Focusing surface area 211, 213 Weir 215, 217 External surface 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d Support Arms 303 Pedestal 305 Trucks 309 Lower plate 311a, 311b Side flanges 401 wheels 405, 409 Support members 411 Protrusion 413 recess 415 Latching device 417 Latch member 603 Actuator 605 Piston 701 Gas cushion 703 Pressurized gas source 801 Wall 803 Internal area 805 Entrance 807 Exit 809, 811 Towing Stage 810a, 810b towing roller 815 Internal airflow 819 Input gas 821 Aperture 827 External area 829 Bent 831 Sliding closure device 833 Baffle 839a First Gate 839b Second Gate 845a First central edge plate 845b Second central edge plate

Claims

1. In an apparatus for forming glass ribbons, A stretching cylinder including a wall enclosing an internal area including an inlet and an outlet located downstream of the inlet, wherein the stretching cylinder further comprises at least one traction stage within the internal area, all of which comprises a first pair of traction rollers made to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon, and a second pair of traction rollers made to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon, and A support member that is movable from a retracted position to an extended position in order to increase the height of the extension cylinder, and a support member that is movable from the extended position to the retracted position and has an end portion in order to decrease the height of the extension cylinder, A device equipped with.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a track that receives the end portion of the support member and defines a horizontal movement path for the extension vertical cylinder.

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