Apparatus and method for improving the properties of stretched glass

Abstract

An apparatus and method for manufacturing a glass article includes a glass delivery device having a delivery orifice extending widthwise and having a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region, the apparatus and method further including a cooling mechanism proximate the delivery orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region, and a heating mechanism proximate the delivery orifice near the central region.

Description

Related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 073,626, filed 2 September 2020 under Section 119 of the U.S. Patent Act, and relies upon and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] This disclosure relates, in general, to apparatus and methods for forming glass, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for forming glass having improved properties. [Background technology]

[0003] In the manufacture of glass sheets for display applications, such as televisions and portable devices like telephones and tablets, molten glass can be formed into a glass sheet by flowing it through a molding apparatus into a glass ribbon. Such a process typically involves applying tensile force to the glass ribbon as it cools. Depending on the glass composition and the desired thickness of the glass, significant challenges can arise in producing a glass sheet with acceptable characteristics, such as uniform thickness, using a reasonable tensile force. Furthermore, the width of the glass ribbon tends to shrink below the molding apparatus, a phenomenon commonly known as ribbon shrinkage. Such shrinkage can not only reduce the usable volume of glass in a given process but may also adversely affect characteristics such as uniform thickness. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to manufacture glass sheets with relatively uniform thickness, for example, wider and thinner glass sheets, from various different glass compositions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for manufacturing a glass article. This method includes forming a glass ribbon from a glass delivery device. The glass ribbon extends in the width direction below the delivery orifice of the glass delivery device and has a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region in the width direction. This method further includes positioning a cooling mechanism near the first and second edge regions, in close proximity to the delivery orifice. Furthermore, this method includes positioning a heating mechanism near the central region, in close proximity to the delivery orifice.

[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein further include an apparatus for manufacturing glass articles. The apparatus has a glass delivery device, which comprises a delivery orifice extending in the width direction and having a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region. The apparatus further has a cooling mechanism located in close proximity to the delivery orifice near the first and second edge regions. Furthermore, the apparatus has a heating mechanism located in close proximity to the delivery orifice near the central region.

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

[0008] It should be understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claimed embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, help to illustrate their principles and operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of glass manufacturing equipment and glass manufacturing process. [Figure 2] This is a schematic end view of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a dispensing device with a dispensing orifice. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing a part of the glass manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a schematic bottom view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, including a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism, according to embodiments of this specification. [Figure 5] This is a schematic bottom view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, including a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism, according to embodiments of this specification. [Figure 6] This is a schematic end view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, including a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism, according to embodiments of this specification. [Figure 7A] This is a schematic cutaway view from above of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 7B] This is a schematic breakaway view of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein, viewed from the side. [Figure 8A] This is a schematic cutaway view from above of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 8B] This is a schematic breakaway view of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein, viewed from the side. [Figure 9A] This is a schematic cutaway view from above of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 9B] This is a schematic breakaway view of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein, viewed from the side. [Figure 10A] This is a schematic cutaway view from above of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 10B] This is a schematic breakaway view of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed herein, viewed from the side. [Figure 11] This is a schematic end view of a part of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus shown in region "Y" of Figure 6. [Figure 12A] Schematic view seen from above of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 12B] Schematic view seen from the side of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 13A] Schematic view seen from above of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 13B] Schematic view seen from the side of an exemplary cooling mechanism according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 14] Schematic top view showing a part of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 15] Schematic top view showing a part of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus shown in region "X" of FIG. 4. [Figure 16] Schematic side view of a glass ribbon flowing from a delivery orifice. [Figure 17] Graph showing the relationship between the modeled viscosity ratio of the edge to the center and the glass ribbon width under various conditions.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Next, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be referred to in detail, and examples thereof will be shown in the accompanying drawings. In order to refer to the same or similar parts, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible throughout the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0011] U In this specification, a range can be expressed as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, for example, when a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about", it should be understood that the particular value constitutes another embodiment. Further, it is understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0012] The terms used herein to indicate direction, such as up, down, right, left, front, back, upper, and lower, are given only with reference to the illustrated diagrams and are not intended to imply absolute directions.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, none of the methods described herein are intended to be construed as requiring that the steps be performed in a particular order or that any particular orientation of the apparatus be required. Therefore, if a method claim does not actually indicate the order in which those steps should be followed, or if any apparatus claim does not actually indicate the order or orientation of the individual components, or if it is not specifically mentioned in the claim or detailed description that the steps should be limited to a particular order, or if no specific order or orientation of the components of the apparatus is described, no order or orientation is intended to be presumed in any way. This applies to any possible basis not explicitly stated for interpretation, including logical matters relating to the arrangement of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components, or the orientation of components, the obvious meaning derived from grammatical systems or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0014] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include the plural forms unless otherwise specified. Therefore, for example, the description of "a" component also includes embodiments having two or more such components unless otherwise specified.

[0015] As used herein, the term “heating mechanism” means a mechanism that raises the temperature of at least a portion of the glass ribbon, or a mechanism that provides heat transfer from at least a portion of the glass ribbon that is reduced relative to the condition in which such a heating mechanism is absent. The temperature rise or heat transfer reduction may be brought about by at least one of conduction, convection, or radiation.

[0016] As used herein, the term “cooling mechanism” means a mechanism that provides heat transfer from at least a portion of the glass ribbon, which is increased relative to conditions in which such a cooling mechanism is absent. The increase in heat transfer can be brought about by at least one of conduction, convection, or radiation.

[0017] As used herein, the term "molten glass" means a glass composition whose liquidus temperature is above the temperature at which the crystalline phase cannot coexist in equilibrium with the glass.

[0018] As used herein, the term "liquid-phase viscosity" means the viscosity of a glass composition at liquidus temperature.

[0019] As used herein, the term “proximity to the discharge orifice” means a distance of about 50 millimeters or less from at least a portion of the discharge orifice of the glass dispensing device.

[0020] As used herein, the term “near the first edge region” of the glass ribbon means a location in the width direction of the glass ribbon that is closer to the first edge of the glass ribbon than to the central region or second edge of the glass ribbon.

[0021] As used herein, the term “near the second edge region” of the glass ribbon means a location in the width direction of the glass ribbon that is closer to the second edge of the glass ribbon than to the central region or the first edge of the glass ribbon.

[0022] As used herein, the term “near the central region” of a glass ribbon means a location in the width direction of the glass ribbon that is closer to the central region of the glass ribbon than to the first or second edge of the glass ribbon in the width direction of the glass ribbon.

[0023] As used herein, the term "thermal conductivity" refers to a material having a thermal conductivity of approximately 10 W / m·K or greater at 25°C.

[0024] As used herein, the term "thermal insulation" refers to a material having a thermal conductivity of approximately 2 W / m·K or less at 25°C.

[0025] As used herein, the term “relatively far” means a distance from an object, device, or area that is at least twice as far as the distance to that object, device, or area that is “relatively close.”

[0026] Figure 1 shows an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some examples, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may have a glass melting furnace 12, which may include a melting vessel 14. In addition to the melting vessel 14, the glass melting furnace 12 may include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (as will be described in more detail later herein), which heat the raw materials to convert them into molten glass. In another example, the glass melting furnace 12 may include a thermal control device (e.g., an insulating component) to reduce heat loss from the vicinity of the melting vessel. In yet another example, the glass melting furnace 12 may include an electronic device and / or electromechanical device capable of melting the raw materials into molten glass. Furthermore, the glass melting furnace 12 may include a support structure (e.g., a support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0027] The glass melting vessel 14 is typically made of a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, such as alumina or zirconia. In some examples, the glass melting vessel 14 may be made of refractory ceramic bricks. Specific embodiments of the glass melting vessel 14 are described in detail below.

[0028] In some examples, a glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus for producing glass substrates, such as glass ribbons of a predetermined continuous length. In some examples, the glass melting furnace of this disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus that includes a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a down draw apparatus such as a fusion method, an up draw apparatus, a press roll apparatus, a tube draw apparatus, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that benefits from the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0029] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 located upstream relative to the glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, part or all of the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

[0030] As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glassmaking apparatus 16 may include a storage container 18, a raw material dispenser 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material dispenser. The storage container 18 may be configured to store a certain amount of raw batch material 24 that can be supplied into the molten vessel 14 of the glass melting furnace 12, as indicated by arrow 26. The raw batch material 24 typically includes one or more glass forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material dispenser 20 may be driven by the motor 22 to dispense a predetermined amount of raw batch material 24 from the storage container 18 into the molten vessel 14. In another example, the motor 22 may power the raw material dispenser 20 to introduce the raw batch material 24 at a rate controlled based on the molten glass level measured downstream of the molten vessel 14. The raw batch material 24 in the molten vessel 14 can then be heated to form molten glass 28.

[0031] The glassmaking apparatus 10 may optionally include a downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 located relatively downstream of the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, a portion of the downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, a first connecting conduit 32, described later, or other parts of the downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. Elements of the downstream glassmaking apparatus, including the first connecting conduit 32, may be formed from precious metals. Suitable precious metals include platinum group elements selected from the group of metals consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and palladium or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glassmaking apparatus may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy containing about 100% to about 60% by mass of platinum and about 0% to about 40% by mass of rhodium. However, other suitable metals may include molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof. Oxide dispersion strengthening (ODS) precious metal alloys are also possible.

[0032] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include a first adjustment (i.e., processing) vessel, such as a clarification vessel 34, located downstream of the melting vessel 14 and connected to the melting vessel 14 via the first connecting conduit 32 described above. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be supplied by gravity from the melting vessel 14 to the clarification vessel 34 via the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity can cause the molten glass 28 to pass through the internal passage of the first connecting conduit 32 from the melting vessel 14 to the clarification vessel 34. However, it should be understood that other adjustment vessels may be located downstream of the melting vessel 14, for example, between the melting vessel 14 and the clarification vessel 34. In some embodiments, the adjustment vessel may be used between the melting vessel and the clarification vessel, in which case the molten glass from the primary melting vessel is further heated in order to continue the melting process or cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the melting vessel before entering the clarification vessel.

[0033] Within the clarification vessel 34, bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 by various techniques. For example, the raw batch material 24 may contain a polyvalent compound (i.e., a clarifying agent) such as tin oxide, which undergoes a chemical reduction reaction and releases oxygen when heated. Other suitable clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and cerium. The clarification vessel 34 is heated to a temperature exceeding the molten vessel temperature, thereby heating the molten glass and the clarifying agent. Oxygen bubbles produced by the heat-induced chemical reduction of the clarifying agent rise through the molten glass in the clarification vessel, at which point the gas in the molten glass formed in the melting furnace becomes diffusible or coalesce with the oxygen bubbles produced by the clarifying agent. The expanded bubbles can then rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the clarification vessel and subsequently be evacuated from the clarification vessel. The oxygen bubbles can further induce a mechanical mixture of the molten glass in the clarification vessel.

[0034] The downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36 for mixing molten glass. The mixing vessel 36 may be located downstream of the clarification vessel 34. The mixing vessel 36 can be used to form a homogeneous molten glass composition, thereby reducing codes of chemical or thermal heterogeneity that may otherwise be present in the clarified molten glass after it exits the clarification vessel. As illustrated, the clarification vessel 34 may be connected to the mixing vessel 36 via a second connecting conduit 38. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be supplied by gravity from the clarification vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 via the second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity can cause the molten glass 28 to pass through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38 from the clarification vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36. Note that although the mixing vessel 36 is illustrated downstream of the clarification vessel 34, the mixing vessel 36 may also be located upstream of the clarification vessel 34. In some examples, the downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may have multiple mixing vessels, for example, a mixing vessel upstream of the clarification vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream of the clarification vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels may be of the same design or of different designs.

[0035] The downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may further include another regulating vessel, such as a delivery vessel 40, which may be located downstream of the mixing vessel 36. The delivery vessel 40 may regulate the molten glass 28 to be supplied into the downstream molding apparatus. For example, the delivery vessel 40 may function as an accumulator and / or flow controller that regulates and / or provides a consistent flow of molten glass 28 to the molded body 42 via the outlet conduit 44. As illustrated, the mixing vessel 36 may be connected to the delivery vessel 40 via a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be supplied by gravity from the mixing vessel 36 to the delivery vessel 40 via the third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity can move the molten glass 28 from the mixing vessel 36 to the delivery vessel 40 through the internal passage of the third connecting conduit 46.

[0036] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a molding apparatus 48 having the glass delivery device 42 and inlet conduit 50 described above. An outlet conduit 44 may be arranged to deliver molten glass 28 from the delivery container 40 to the inlet conduit 50 of the molding apparatus 48. For example, the outlet conduit 44 may be nested within the inlet conduit 50, spaced apart from the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50, thereby providing a free surface for the molten glass located between the outer surface of the outlet conduit 44 and the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50. The glass delivery device 42 may have a delivery orifice (e.g., a delivery slot 142 shown in Figure 3), through which the molten glass flows to produce a single glass ribbon 58, which is stretched or extended in the flow direction 60 by applying tension to the glass ribbon, for example by gravity, edge rolls 72 and tension rolls 82, so that the dimensions of the glass ribbon are controlled as the glass cools and the viscosity of the glass increases. Therefore, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional characteristics. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 58 may be separated into individual glass sheets 62 in the elastic region of the glass ribbon by a glass separation device 100. The individual glass sheets 62 can then be transported to a conveyor system by a robot 64 using a gripping tool 65, after which the individual glass sheets can be further processed.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a schematic end view of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10, including a glass delivery device 42 having a delivery orifice (delivery slot 142). Molten glass flows from the delivery slot 142 to form a glass ribbon 58. In particular, the glass ribbon 58 exits the glass delivery device 42 and flows between a first forming roll 180A and a second forming roll 180B, which rotate in the directions indicated by the dashed curved arrows. The glass ribbon 58 can be further stretched by applying tension to the glass ribbon, for example by gravity, a set of opposing edge rolls 72A and 72B, and a set of opposing tension rolls 82A and 82B, allowing the dimensions of the glass ribbon 58 to be controlled as the glass cools and the viscosity of the glass increases. Although Figure 2 shows one set of opposing edge rolls and tension rolls, embodiments disclosed in the present invention may have two or more sets of opposing edge rolls and / or two or more sets of opposing tension rolls.

[0038] In certain exemplary embodiments, the forming rolls 180A and 180B may be configured similarly to the forming rolls described in International Publication No. 2009 / 070236, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The forming rolls 180A and 180B may be configured to provide a controllable adhesive force between the forming rolls 180A and 180B and the glass ribbon 58. The diameters of the forming rolls 180A and 180B are not limited to any particular value, but may be in the range of, for example, about 20 mm to about 500 mm, and may be in the entire range and partial range therein. Furthermore, the forming rolls 180A and 180B may be made of a refractory material, which is not limited to any particular refractory material, but may include a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel) and / or a refractory ceramic material.

[0039] The forming rolls 180A and 180B may include one or more mechanisms, such as a cooling mechanism, for controlling their temperature, in which case a cooling fluid flows through or around the forming rolls 180A and 180B. For example, the forming rolls 180A and 180B may have at least one passage (not shown) configured to allow the cooling fluid to flow through. Depending on the structure of the temperature control mechanism, the cooling fluid may include a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as nitrogen or air.

[0040] The closest distance between the glass dispensing device 42 and the forming rolls 180A and 180B is not limited to any specific value, but may be in the range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 1,000 mm, and may be within the entire range or a partial range within that range.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a part of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, molten glass flows from the delivery slot 142 of the glass delivery device 42 to form a glass ribbon 58, which flows between a first forming roll 180A and a second forming roll 180B (not shown in Figure 3). Below the delivery slot 142, the glass ribbon 58 extends in the width direction (indicated by the arrow "W" in Figure 3). As shown in Figure 3, the extension of the glass ribbon 58 in the width direction is shortened or contracted between the delivery slot 142 and the first forming roll 180A (this contraction is indicated by the arrow "A"). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the glass ribbon 58 includes a first edge region "E1", a central region "C", and a second edge region "E2" in the width direction.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic bottom view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 including a cooling mechanism 300 and a heating mechanism 200 according to embodiments of this specification. In particular, the cooling mechanism 300 includes a first cooling mechanism 300A and an opposing second cooling mechanism 300B located near the first edge region "E1" and adjacent to the delivery slot 142. The cooling mechanism 300 further includes a third cooling mechanism 300C and an opposing fourth cooling mechanism 300D located near the second edge region "E2" and adjacent to the delivery slot 142. The heating mechanism 200 includes a first heating mechanism 200A and an opposing second heating mechanism 200B located near the central region "C" and adjacent to the delivery slot 142.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a schematic bottom view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 including a cooling mechanism 300 and a heating mechanism 200' according to embodiments of this specification. Similar to the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus in Figure 4, the cooling mechanism 300 includes a first cooling mechanism 300A and an opposing second cooling mechanism 300B located near the first edge region "E1" and adjacent to the delivery slot 142. The cooling mechanism 300 further includes a third cooling mechanism 300C and an opposing fourth cooling mechanism 300D located near the second edge region "E2" and adjacent to the delivery slot 142. The heating mechanism 200' includes a first heating mechanism 200A' and an opposing second heating mechanism 200B' located near the central region "C" and adjacent to the delivery slot 142. Unlike the heating mechanism 200 in Figure 4, the first heating mechanism 200A' and the second heating mechanism 200B' of the heating mechanism 200' each have curved edges that are close to the discharge slot 142. As a result, the closest distance between the first heating mechanism 200A' and the discharge slot 142, and the closest distance between the second heating mechanism 200B' and the discharge slot 142, vary in the width direction along the central region "C".

[0044] Figure 6 shows a schematic end view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 including a cooling mechanism 300 and a heating mechanism 200 according to embodiments of this specification. Similar to the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus in Figure 4, the cooling mechanism 300 includes a first cooling mechanism 300A and an opposing second cooling mechanism 300B located adjacent to the delivery slot 142. Furthermore, similar to the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus in Figure 4, the heating mechanism 200 includes a first heating mechanism 200A and an opposing second heating mechanism 200B located adjacent to the delivery slot 142. Furthermore, similar to the glass manufacturing apparatus in Figure 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 includes opposing first and second forming rolls 180A and 180B, opposing first and second edge rolls 72A and 72B, and opposing first and second tension rolls 82A and 82B.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the heating mechanism 200 or 200' comprises a first heating mechanism 200A or 200A' and a second heating mechanism 200B or 200B', in which case the first and second heating mechanisms collectively have two coplanar insulating plates, each movable between a first position relatively far from the delivery slot 142 and a second position relatively close to the delivery slot 142. For example, such plates may be slidable between the aforementioned first and second positions (as indicated by the arrow "S" in Figures 4 to 6). Such sliding motion may be made possible by methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, by utilizing a servo motor and / or a counterweight mechanism.

[0046] In certain exemplary embodiments, the coplanar insulating plates of the heating mechanism 200 or 200' may be made of a material having a thermal conductivity including approximately 2 W / m·K or less at 25°C, for example approximately 1 W / m·K or less at 25°C, for example approximately 0.5 W / m·K or less at 25°C, for example approximately 0.2 W / m·K or less at 25°C, for example approximately 0.1 W / m·K or less at 25°C, for example approximately 0.001 W / m·K to approximately 2 W / m·K at 25°C, for example approximately 0.01 W / m·K to approximately 1 W / m·K at 25°C, and for example approximately 0.05 W / m·K to approximately 0.5 W / m·K at 25°C.

[0047] In certain exemplary embodiments, the coplanar insulating plates of the heating mechanism 200 or 200' may include at least one material selected from refractory insulating ceramic materials, including, but not limited to, refractory insulating materials containing alumina from Zircar Ceramics, and refractory insulating materials containing at least one of alumina or mullite.

[0048] In certain exemplary embodiments, the coplanar insulating plates of the heating mechanism 200 or 200' may include a low-emissivity surface layer to minimize radiant heat transfer between the delivery slots 142 and / or the glass ribbon 58 and the heating mechanism 200 or 200'. Exemplary low-emissivity surface layer materials include, but are not limited to, polished metals such as polished platinum.

[0049] Figures 7A and 7B schematically show a top and side cross-section of an exemplary cooling mechanism 300 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The cooling mechanism 300 includes a heat conduction member 302 and a fluid conduit 304. The fluid conduit 304 is configured to allow a working fluid to flow through it, in which case, as shown in Figure 7A, the working fluid enters the fluid conduit 304 as indicated by the arrow "FI" and exits the fluid conduit 304 as indicated by the arrow "FO". Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the fluid conduit 304 extends through the heat conduction member 302, so that the cooling mechanism 300 has a flow of working fluid through the heat conduction member 302 via the fluid conduit 304.

[0050] In certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 302 and / or fluid conduit 304 are made of a material having a thermal conductivity including about 10 W / m·K to about 1,000 W / m·K to about 25°C, for example, about 50 W / m·K to about 500 W / m·K to about 25°C, more specifically, about 100 W / m·K to about 25°C, more specifically, about 250 W / m·K to about 25°C.

[0051] Without limiting to any particular material, in certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 302 and / or fluid conduit 304 may include at least one material selected from copper, aluminum, silver, gold, platinum, or nickel and their alloys.

[0052] Embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the working fluid is a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as air, nitrogen, or a noble gas (e.g., helium, neon, argon, etc.). The flow rate and temperature of the working fluid can be adjusted or changed by methods known to those skilled in the art so as to produce a desired degree of heat transfer between the cooling mechanism 300 and the delivery slot 142 and / or the glass ribbon 58.

[0053] Figures 8A and 8B schematically show a top and side cross-section of an exemplary cooling mechanism 300' according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The cooling mechanism 300' includes a connecting member 306 that supports and connects fluid conduits 308 and 310. Fluid conduits 308 and 310 are configured to allow working fluid to flow through them, in which case, as shown in Figure 8A, the working fluid enters fluid conduits 308 and 310 as indicated by the arrow "FI'" and exits fluid conduits 308 and 310 as indicated by the arrow "FO'".

[0054] Without limiting to any particular material, in certain exemplary embodiments, the connecting member 306 and / or the fluid conduits 308 and 310 may include metal and / or ceramic materials, such as refractory metal and / or ceramic materials.

[0055] Embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the working fluid comprises a gas, such as air, nitrogen, or a noble gas (e.g., helium, neon, argon, etc.), and the cooling mechanism 300' has a gaseous flow over the delivery slot 142 near the first edge region "E1" and the second edge region "E2". The flow rate and temperature of the gaseous fluid can be adjusted or changed by methods known to those skilled in the art to produce a desired degree of heat transfer between the cooling mechanism 300' and the delivery slot 142 and / or the glass ribbon 58.

[0056] Figures 9A and 9B schematically show a top and side cross-section of an exemplary cooling mechanism 300'' according to an embodiment disclosed herein, respectively. The cooling mechanism 300'' includes a heat conduction member 312 and a fluid conduit 314. The fluid conduit 314 is configured to allow a working fluid to flow through it, in which case, as shown in Figure 9B, the working fluid enters the fluid conduit 314 as indicated by the arrow "FI''" and exits the fluid conduit 314 as indicated by the arrow "FO''". Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the fluid conduit 314 extends through the heat conduction member 312, so that the cooling mechanism 300'' has a flow of working fluid through the heat conduction member 312 via the fluid conduit 314.

[0057] In certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 312 and / or fluid conduit 314 are made of a material having a thermal conductivity including about 10 W / m·K to about 1,000 W / m·K to about 25°C, for example, about 50 W / m·K to about 500 W / m·K to about 25°C, more specifically, about 100 W / m·K to about 25°C, more specifically, about 250 W / m·K to about 25°C.

[0058] Without limiting to any particular material, in certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 312 and / or fluid conduit 314 may include at least one material selected from copper, aluminum, silver, gold, platinum, or nickel and their alloys.

[0059] Embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the working fluid is a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as air, nitrogen, or a noble gas (e.g., helium, neon, argon, etc.). The flow rate and temperature of the working fluid can be adjusted or changed by methods known to those skilled in the art so as to produce a desired degree of heat transfer between the cooling mechanism 300'' and the delivery slot 142 and / or the glass ribbon 58.

[0060] Figures 10A and 10B schematically show a top and side cross-section of an exemplary cooling mechanism 300''' according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The cooling mechanism 300''' includes a heat conduction member 312' and a fluid conduit 314'. The fluid conduit 314' is configured to allow a working fluid to flow through it, in which case, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the working fluid enters the fluid conduit 314' as indicated by the arrow "FI''" and exits the fluid conduit 314' as indicated by the arrow "FO''". Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the fluid conduit 314' extends through the heat conduction member 312', so that the cooling mechanism 300''' has a flow of working fluid through the heat conduction member 312' via the fluid conduit 314'.

[0061] In certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 312' and / or fluid conduit 314' is made of a material having a thermal conductivity including about 10 W / m·K to about 1,000 W / m·K to about 25°C, for example, about 50 W / m·K to about 500 W / m·K to about 25°C, more specifically, about 100 W / m·K to about 25°C, more specifically, about 250 W / m·K to about 25°C.

[0062] Without limiting to any particular material, in certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 312' and / or fluid conduit 314' may include at least one material selected from copper, aluminum, silver, gold, platinum, or nickel and their alloys.

[0063] Embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the working fluid comprises a gas, such as air, nitrogen, or a noble gas (e.g., helium, neon, argon, etc.), and the cooling mechanism 300'' has a flow of the gaseous fluid over the delivery slot 142 near the first edge region "E1" and the second edge region "E2". The flow rate and temperature of the gaseous fluid can be adjusted or changed by methods known to those skilled in the art to produce a desired degree of heat transfer between the cooling mechanism 300'' and the delivery slot 142 and / or the glass ribbon 58.

[0064] While not limited to any particular temperature range, in certain exemplary embodiments as shown in Figures 7A to 10B, the working fluid may have a temperature in the range of about 0°C to about 100°C, for example, about 10°C to about 90°C, and even more specifically, about 20°C to about 80°C.

[0065] In certain exemplary embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7A-7B and 9A-10B, the heat conduction members 302, 312, or 312' are in contact with the delivery slot 142 near the first edge region "E1" and the second edge region "E2". For example, Figure 11 shows a schematic end view of a portion of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in region "Y" of Figure 6, in which case the heat conduction member 312 of the cooling mechanism 300'' is in contact with the delivery slot 142 of the glass delivery device 42. The cooling mechanism 300'' includes a fluid conduit 314 configured to allow the working fluid to flow.

[0066] Physical contact between the cooling mechanism 300'' and the delivery slot 142 can cause conductive heat transfer between the heat conduction member 312 and the delivery slot 142. The distance between the cooling mechanism 300'' and the delivery slot 142 is adjustable as indicated by arrow "D" in Figure 11, in which case the cooling mechanism 300'' can move between a position in physical contact with the delivery slot 142 and another position where the cooling mechanism 300'' is relatively far from the delivery slot 142, thereby creating an air gap between the cooling mechanism 300'' and the delivery slot 142. The movement of the cooling mechanism 300'' relative to the delivery slot 142 can be made possible by methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, by using a servo motor and / or a counterweight mechanism.

[0067] Figures 12A and 12B schematically show an exemplary cooling mechanism 300'''' viewed from above and from the side, respectively, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The cooling mechanism 300'''' includes a heat conduction member 322 through which a working fluid can flow, in which case the working fluid enters the conduction member 322 as indicated by the arrow "FI''" and exits the conduction member 322 as indicated by the arrow "FO''".

[0068] Figures 13A and 13B schematically show an exemplary cooling mechanism 300'''' viewed from above and from the side, respectively, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The cooling mechanism 300'''' includes a heat conduction member 324 through which a working fluid can flow, in which case the working fluid enters the conduction member 324 as indicated by the arrow "FI''" and exits the conduction member 324 as indicated by the arrow "FO''".

[0069] Without limiting to any particular material, in certain exemplary embodiments, the heat conduction member 322 or 324 may include at least one material selected from copper, aluminum, silver, gold, platinum, or nickel and their alloys.

[0070] Figure 14 shows a schematic top view of part of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10, showing the positioning of two cooling mechanisms 300'''' relative to the discharge slot 142. As shown in Figure 14, the cooling mechanisms 300'''' can be positioned close to the discharge slot 142, which can be done by methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, by the use of a servo motor and / or counterweight mechanism. Furthermore, the cooling mechanisms 300'''' may be positioned independently of each other relative to the discharge slot 142, such that the relative distance between each cooling mechanism 300'''' and the discharge slot 142 is approximately the same or different. Furthermore, the cooling mechanisms 300'''' may be moved relative to the discharge slot 142 in the directions indicated by arrows "D" and "I", as described with reference to Figure 15. The cooling mechanisms 300'''' may have the same or different conductive members, for example, conductive member 322 or conductive member 324.

[0071] Figure 15 shows a schematic top view of a portion of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in area "X" of Figure 4. The relative motion of the first heating mechanism 200A and the first cooling mechanism 300A is indicated by arrows "S", "D", and "I". In this case, the motion of the first heating mechanism 200A between a first position relatively far from the discharge slot 142 and a second position relatively close to the discharge slot 142 is indicated by arrow "S", the motion of the first cooling mechanism 300A between a first position relatively far from the discharge slot 142 and a second position relatively close to the discharge slot 142 is indicated by arrow "D", and the motion of the first cooling mechanism 300A between a first position relatively far from the first heating mechanism 200A and a second position relatively close to the first heating mechanism 200A is indicated by arrow "I". The movement of the first heating mechanism 200A and / or the first cooling mechanism 300A can be made possible by methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, by using a servo motor and / or a counterweight mechanism.

[0072] Referring to Figures 11, 4, and 5, in certain exemplary embodiments, the cooling mechanism 300, which includes a first cooling mechanism 300A, a second cooling mechanism 300B, a third cooling mechanism 300C, and / or a fourth cooling mechanism 300D, may be positioned near the first edge region "E1" and / or the second edge region "E2" before the heating mechanism 200 or 200', which includes a first heating mechanism 200 or 200', is positioned near the delivery slot 142 near the central region "C".

[0073] Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of the glass ribbon 58 flowing from the delivery slot 142. As can be seen from Figure 16, the glass ribbon 58 includes a first edge region "E1", a central region "C", and a second edge region "E2". Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 16, the glass ribbon 58 extends with a first width dimension "W1" immediately below the delivery slot 142, and extends with a second width dimension "W2" at a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 meter) below the delivery slot.

[0074] In certain exemplary embodiments, the second width dimension "W2" of the glass ribbon 58 is located at a distance of about 1 meter below the delivery slot 142 and is about 80% or more, such as 85% or more, and further such as 90% or more of the first width dimension "W1" of the glass ribbon 58, which includes from about 80% to about 95% of the first width dimension "W1", such as from about 85% to about 90%.

[0075] In certain exemplary embodiments, the average viscosity of the first edge region "E1" and the second edge region "E2" of the glass ribbon 58 immediately below the delivery slot 142 is about 5 times or more, such as about 10 times or more, and further such as about 15 times or more the average viscosity of the central region "C" of the glass ribbon 58 immediately below the delivery slot 142, such as from about 5 times to about 20 times, and further such as from about 10 times to about 15 times.

[0076] In such an embodiment, the average viscosity of the central region "C" of the glass ribbon 58 immediately below the delivery slot 142 is, for example, about 10 poise (about 10 3 Pa·s) to about 10 6 poise (about 10 5 Pa·s) and may be in the range of, for example, about 5×10 4 poise (about 5×10 3 Pa·s) to about 5×10 5 poise (about 5×10 4 Pa·s). In such an embodiment, the average viscosity of the first edge region "E1" and the second edge region "E2" of the glass ribbon 58 immediately below the delivery slot 142 is, for example, from about 5×10 4 poise (about 5×10 3 Pa·s) to about 10 8 poise (about 10 7 Pa·s) and may be in the range of, for example, about 5×10 5 poise (about 5×10 4 Pa·s) to about 10 7 poise (about 10 6 Pa·s).

[0077] Figure 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the modeled edge-to-center viscosity ratio and the glass ribbon width under various conditions, where the glass ribbon width immediately below the delivery slot is approximately 600 mm, and the ribbon width shown on the Y axis is at least approximately 1 meter below the delivery slot. As can be seen from Figure 17, as the edge-to-center viscosity ratio increases, the glass ribbon width at least 1 meter below the delivery slot increases, or in other words, the glass ribbon shrinkage decreases as the edge-to-center viscosity ratio increases.

[0078] In certain exemplary embodiments, the glass ribbon 58 may have a liquid phase viscosity of about 100 kilopoise (kP) (about 10 kPa·s) or less, for example, a liquid phase viscosity in the range of about 100 poise (P) (about 10 Pa·s) to about 100 kilopoise (kP) (about 10 kPa·s), and further, for example, a liquid phase viscosity in the range of about 500 poise (P) (about 50 Pa·s) to about 50 kilopoise (kP) (about 5 kPa·s), and further, for example, a liquid phase viscosity in the range of about 1 kilopoise (kP) (about 0.1 kPa·s) to about 20 kilopoise (kP) (about 2 kPa·s), as well as a glass composition having all and partial ranges in between.

[0079] In certain exemplary embodiments, the glass ribbon may have a glass composition having a liquidus temperature of about 900°C or higher, for example, a liquidus temperature in the range of about 900°C to about 1,450°C, more specifically, a liquidus temperature in the range of about 950°C to about 1,400°C, or more specifically, a liquidus temperature in the range of about 1,000°C to about 1,350°C.

[0080] Although the above embodiments have been described in relation to the slot draw method, it should be understood that such embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming methods, such as the fusion method, float method, updraw method, tube draw method, and press roll method.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will see that various modifications and changes can be made to embodiments of the Disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the Disclosure. Therefore, the Disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations of the Disclosure, insofar as they remain within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0082] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections.

[0083] Embodiment 1 A method for manufacturing glass articles, A step of forming a glass ribbon from a glass dispensing device, wherein the glass ribbon extends in the width direction below the dispensing orifice of the glass dispensing device, and the glass ribbon has a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region in the width direction. The steps include positioning the cooling mechanism near the first edge region and the second edge region, in close proximity to the discharge orifice, and The step of positioning the heating mechanism near the central region, in close proximity to the discharge orifice. Methods that include...

[0084] Embodiment 2 The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein, before positioning the heating mechanism near the central region and close to the discharge orifice, the cooling mechanism is positioned near the first edge region and the second edge region, close to the discharge orifice.

[0085] Embodiment 3 The method according to Embodiment 2, wherein the step of positioning the cooling mechanism further includes the step of flowing a working fluid through a heat conduction member.

[0086] Embodiment 4 The method according to Embodiment 3, wherein the working fluid includes a liquid.

[0087] Embodiment 5 The method according to Embodiment 3, wherein the working fluid includes a gas.

[0088] Embodiment 6 The method according to Embodiment 3, wherein the heat conductive member contacts the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0089] Embodiment 7 The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the step of positioning the cooling mechanism further includes the step of flowing a gaseous fluid through the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0090] Embodiment 8 The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the step of positioning the cooling mechanism further includes moving the cooling mechanism between a first position relatively far from the first edge region and the second edge region and a second position relatively close to the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0091] Embodiment 9 The heating mechanism has two coplanar insulating plates, each of which is movable between a first position relatively far from the discharge orifice and a second position relatively close to the discharge orifice, according to Embodiment 1.

[0092] Embodiment 10 The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the molten glass has a liquid phase viscosity of about 100 kilopoise (kP) (about 10 kPa·s) or less.

[0093] Embodiment 11 The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the glass ribbon extends with a first width dimension immediately below the delivery orifice, extends with a second width dimension about 1 meter below the delivery orifice, and the second width dimension is about 80% or more of the first width dimension.

[0094] Embodiment 12 The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the average viscosity of the first and second edge regions of the glass ribbon immediately below the delivery orifice is about five times or more the average viscosity of the central region of the glass ribbon immediately below the delivery orifice.

[0095] Embodiment 13 A glass article manufacturing apparatus, A glass dispensing device comprising a dispensing orifice extending in the width direction and having a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region, A cooling mechanism located near the first edge region and the second edge region, and close to the discharge orifice, A heating mechanism located near the central region and close to the discharge orifice. A glass article manufacturing apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0096] Embodiment 14 The apparatus according to embodiment 13, wherein the cooling mechanism includes a heat conductive member configured to allow a working fluid to flow through it.

[0097] Embodiment 15 The apparatus according to Embodiment 14, wherein the working fluid includes a liquid.

[0098] Embodiment 16 The apparatus according to Embodiment 14, wherein the working fluid includes a gas.

[0099] Embodiment 17 The apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein the heat conductive member contacts the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0100] Embodiment 18 The apparatus according to embodiment 13, wherein the cooling mechanism is configured to flow a gaseous fluid through the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0101] Embodiment 19 The apparatus according to embodiment 13, wherein the cooling mechanism is movable between a first position relatively far from the first edge region and the second edge region and a second position relatively close to the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0102] Embodiment 20 The apparatus according to Embodiment 13, wherein the heating mechanism has two coplanar insulating plates, each of which is movable between a first position relatively far from the discharge orifice and a second position relatively close to the discharge orifice.

[0103] Embodiment 21 A glass article manufactured by the method described in Embodiment 1.

[0104] Embodiment 22 An electronic device comprising a glass article as described in Embodiment 21.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing glass articles, A step of forming a glass ribbon from a glass dispensing device, wherein the glass ribbon extends in the width direction below the dispensing orifice of the glass dispensing device, and the glass ribbon has a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region in the width direction. A positioning step of positioning a cooling mechanism near the first edge region and the second edge region in close proximity to the discharge orifice, wherein the cooling mechanism includes a heat conduction member and a fluid conduit extending through the heat conduction member, and the positioning step includes passing a working fluid through the heat conduction member via the fluid conduit, and A positioning step of positioning a heating mechanism near the central region, close to the discharge orifice, wherein the heating mechanism comprises a first concave corner adjacent to the first edge region and a second concave corner adjacent to the second edge region, and the cooling mechanism is positioned in the first and second concave corners. Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, before positioning the heating mechanism near the central region and in close proximity to the discharge orifice, the cooling mechanism is positioned near the first edge region and the second edge region and in close proximity to the discharge orifice.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heat conductive member contacts the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of positioning the cooling mechanism further includes the step of flowing a gaseous fluid through the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of positioning the cooling mechanism further includes moving the cooling mechanism between a first position relatively far from the first edge region and the second edge region and a second position relatively close to the first edge region and the second edge region.

6. The heating mechanism has two heat insulating plates on the same plane, and each heat insulating plate is movable between a first position relatively far from the discharge orifice and a second position relatively close to the discharge orifice, according to claim 1.

7. A glass article manufacturing apparatus, A glass dispensing device comprising a dispensing orifice extending in the width direction and having a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region, A cooling mechanism located near the first edge region and the second edge region, close to the discharge orifice, wherein the cooling mechanism includes a heat conduction member and a fluid conduit extending through the heat conduction member, and is configured to allow working fluid to flow through the heat conduction member via the fluid conduit, and A heating mechanism located near the central region and close to the discharge orifice, comprising a first concave corner adjacent to the first edge region and a second concave corner adjacent to the second edge region, wherein the cooling mechanism is arranged in the first and second concave corners. A glass article manufacturing apparatus equipped with the following features.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heat conductive member contacts the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cooling mechanism is configured to flow a gaseous fluid through the discharge orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cooling mechanism is movable between a first position relatively far from the first edge region and the second edge region and a second position relatively close to the first edge region and the second edge region.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heating mechanism has two heat insulating plates on the same plane, and each heat insulating plate is movable between a first position relatively far from the discharge orifice and a second position relatively close to the discharge orifice.

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