Method and apparatus for maintaining glass ribbon cleanliness during a glass manufacturing process

Abstract

A method of scoring a surface of a glass ribbon and separating the glass ribbon along the scored surface is disclosed. The method includes expelling compressed air from an air knife in a path substantially parallel to a surface of the glass ribbon, the air knife including a bumper, an exit gap, and a body, the body including a distal edge and a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon, the bumper located on the distal edge of the body adjacent to and spaced apart from the scored surface of the glass ribbon, the exit gap located on the flat surface spaced apart from the bumper and operable to expel the air perpendicular to the flat surface. Scoring apparatus and an air knife are also described.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING GLASS RIBBON CLEANLINESS DURING A GLASS MANUFACTURING PROCESSCROSS REEERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 515935 filed on luly 27, 2023, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining glass ribbon cleanliness during a glass manufacturing process. The present disclosure relates more specifically to a method, apparatus, and an air knife for glass cutting during the glass manufacturing process.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known that glass sheets may be separated, from a continuously moving glass ribbon for example, by a glass separation apparatus. The glass separation apparatus includes a scoring device that traverses along the glass separation apparatus and scores the glass ribbon during the downward traverse. Upon completion of the scoring, a robot bends the glass ribbon to complete the glass ribbon separation process. During the separation process, glass particles may be generated and can adhere to surfaces of the glass ribbon. Traditionally, a vacuum was used to suction the glass particles away during separation process. In time, such particles may become permanently bonded to the glass surfacesSUMMARY

[0004] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents a method of cutting a glass article, for example a glass sheet or a glass ribbon. The method includes scoring a surface of the glass article and separating the glass article along the score. The method may further include expelling compressed air from an air knife in a path substantially parallel to a first surface of the glass article, the air knife including a bumper, an exit gap, and a body, the body including a distal edge and a flat surface, the flat surface substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon, the bumperlocated on the distal edge of the body adjacent to and spaced apart from the scored first surface of the glass article, the exit gap located on the flat surface spaced apart from the bumper, and the exit gap operable to expel the air perpendicular to the flat surface.

[0005] In some embodiments, the expelled compressed air flows in a path along the flat surface away from the glass article. In some embodiments, the compressed air passes through at least one filter prior to being expelled, the at least one filter operable to remove particles from the compressed air. In some embodiments, the expelled compressed air creates a low-pressure area adjacent to the separated glass article causing a flow of glass particles away from the separated glass article. In some embodiments, the air knife may expel the compressed air for between about 1.5 seconds to about 2 seconds. The expelling may be initiated prior to the separation and terminated after completion of the separation.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air knife may expel the compressed air at a rate of about 2500 liters / minute (1 / min) to about 27001 / min. The air knife may be configured to expel the compressed air at a velocity of between about 40 meters / second to about 50 meters / second. The air knife may be operable to receive the compressed air at a pressure of at least about 0.3 MPa. In some embodiments, the bumper may be located between about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters from the surface of the glass article throughout a long axis of the bumper during the separating.

[0007] The method may further comprise, drawing the glass ribbon from a forming body supplied with molten glass. In embodiments, the air knife may be coupled to a glass separation apparatus positioned below the forming body, the glass separation apparatus moving in a same direction and at a same rate as the glass ribbon during the separating the glass ribbon. The method may further comprise moving the air knife along an axis orthogonal to the surface of the glass ribbon.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents an air knife having a body comprising a distal edge, a flat surface and a plenum chamber, the plenum chamber operable for receiving compressed air and directing the received compressed air to an exit gap located on the flat surface of the body, the exit gap extending along a longitudinal axis of the flat bottom and spaced apart from the distal edge, the distal edge comprising at least one bumper spaced apart from the exit gap, the bumper extending along the longitudinal axis, the exit gap operable to expel the compressed air perpendicular to the flat surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air knife may include a filter upstream from the exit gap, the filter operable to remove particles from the compressed air. In some embodiments, the at least one bumper includes a first bumper located adjacent to the flat surface of the distal edge of the body and a second bumper located adjacent to a top portion of the distal edge of the body. In some embodiments, the air knife further includes a valve operable to allow a flow of compressed air through the exit gap in a first configuration and to prevent a flow of compressed air through the exit gap in a second configuration. In some embodiments, the air knife may be configured to expel compressed air at a rate of between about 2500 1 / min to about 2700 1 / min. The air knife may be configured to expel the compressed air at a velocity of between about 40 meters / second to about 50 meters / second. The air knife may be operable to receive the compressed air at a pressure of least about 0.3 MPa.

[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents an apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon wherein the glass ribbon is drawn, scored, and separated. The apparatus includes an air knife located adjacent to a scored portion of the glass ribbon, the air knife operable to cause glass particles to flow away from the glass ribbon by expelling compressed air in a path parallel to a surface of the glass ribbon, the air knife comprising a bumper, an exit gap, and a body comprising a distal edge and a flat surface, the bumper located on the distal edge of the body adjacent to and spaced apart from a scored portion of the glass ribbon, the exit gap located on the flat surface spaced apart from the bumper and operable to expel the compressed air substantially perpendicular to the flat surface, and wherein the flat surface is substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air knife may be configured to expel compressed air during a time when a separator is breaking the glass ribbon. For example, the air knife may be operable to expel the compressed air for between about 1.5 seconds to about 2 seconds. In some embodiments, the bumper may be positioned between the glass ribbon and the body and the exit gap. In some embodiments, the expelled compressed air creates a low-pressure area adjacent to the separated glass ribbon causing the expelled compressed air to flow of along the flat surface away from the glass ribbon. The expelled compressed air may cause a flow of glass particles created by breaking the glass to move away from the glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the bumper may be spaced apart from the separated glass ribbon a distance between about 20 millimeters to about 25millimeters throughout a longitudinal axis (e.g., length) of the bumper. In some embodiments, the exit gap may be spaced apart from the surface of the glass ribbon a distance between about 30 millimeters to about 35 millimeters throughout a longitudinal axis (e.g., length) of the exit gap. In some embodiments, the bumper may comprise a high temperature resistant silicone material.

[0012] In embodiments, the air knife may be coupled to a glass separating apparatus configured to move in a same direction and at a same rate as the glass ribbon. The air knife may be configured to move along an axis orthogonal to a major surface of the glass ribbon.

[0013] The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and various modifications of the disclosure are possible without departing from the basic principles described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS)

[0014] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings below in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. Like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the elements of an exemplary device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side botom perspective view of an exemplary air knife suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary glass ribbon separation device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 8 is a close-up side view of an exemplary glass ribbon separation device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] This disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, and modifications described, and as such, these may vary. Moreover, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Nor are the claims limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Any methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0025] As used herein, the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0026] The use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when stating that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B”would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and / or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and / or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0027] As used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of’ and “comprising at least one of’ in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air knife located adjacent to a score-line area of a glass article, for example a glass ribbon, that uses passive airflow from the air knife to redirect glass particles away from the glass article that are created when the glass article is separated along the score-line in a direction away from the glass article to reduce contamination of the glass article surface(s) during the glass manufacturing process.

[0029] The air knife may be supplied with ultra-clean filtered and compressed air to create an expelled airflow at an outlet of the air knife at a high velocity. Embodiments provide that the expelled air flows along a curved surface of the air knife moving away from the glass article. Due to the high velocity of the airflow at outlet of the air knife, a low-pressure area is created near the glass article that redirects glass particles away from the glass article.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of an exemplary air knife 102 suitable for performing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Air knife 102 includes a body 106, a distal edge 108, a flat surface 110, a plenum chamber 112, an exit gap 114, and bumpers 116, 118. Plenum chamber 112 extends along the longitudinal axis L (e.g., length, shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) of the body 106 of air knife 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the plenum chamber 112 and the exit gap 114 extend from an inlet 302 (also shown in FIG. 3) along the full length of the longitudinal axis L of the air knife 102. Plenum chamber 112 is operable to receive compressed air, for example from an air tank, and direct the compressed air to the exit gap 114.

[0031] Embodiments of air knife 102 are operably connected to glass separation apparatus 700 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Glass separation apparatus 700 includes air knife 102, scoring assembly 702, and fulcrum 704. During the glass manufacturing process, a furnace may be used to heat precursor materials to form molten glass. The molten glass will then be fed to a forming body 701 at a continuous and constant rate. Glass ribbon 104 may be drawn from forming body 701 in a downward direction toward glass separation apparatus 700 by a series of rollers 703 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). Glass separation apparatus 700 is operable to move in the same direction (e.g., downward) as the glass ribbon 104 and at the same rate as the glass ribbon 104. As such, the portion of the glass ribbon 104 that is adjacent to the air knife 102, the scoring assembly 702, and the fulcrum 704 does not change as both the glass ribbon 104 and the glass separation system 700 move together at the same rate and the same direction during the manufacturing process. After separation of a glass sheet from the glass ribbon, glass separation apparatus 700 is further operable to move in an upward direction to a home position. Accordingly, glass separation apparatus 700 begins at a home position, moves downward at the same velocity as the glass ribbon, performs the separation action (e.g., with the assistance of separator device 718), then moves upward to the home position to renew the cycle, each cycle producing a glass sheet of predetermined length from the glass ribbon.

[0032] Scoring assembly 702 includes a reciprocating scoring device 706 and a scoring tool 708 (e.g., scoring wheel, carbide scoring scribe, etc.) coupled to scoring device 706 and operable to score the surface of glass ribbon 104. Scoring assembly 702 is spaced apart from and located vertically below flat surface 110 of air knife 102. Scoring device 706 is operable to move scoring tool 708 parallel to flat surface 110 toward glass ribbon 104 and away from glass ribbon 104 asillustrated by arrows 710 such that scoring tool 708 can be in contact with glass ribbon 104 and is spaced away from glass ribbon 104. During the scoring of glass ribbon 104, scoring device 706 is operable to move scoring tool 708 (1) toward glass ribbon 104 such that scoring tool 708 can score the surface of glass ribbon 104, and (2) along the width of glass ribbon 104 perpendicular to the long axis of glass ribbon 104 and parallel to the flat surface 110 thereby scoring the surface of glass ribbon 104 along the width of glass ribbon 104 perpendicular to the long axis of the glass ribbon 104. Once the scoring of glass ribbon 104 is complete, scoring device 706 is operable to move scoring tool 708 away from glass ribbon 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 710.

[0033] Fulcrum 704 is spaced apart from the front portion 606 (shown in FIG. 6) of air knife 102 and is located such that glass ribbon 104 is between air knife 102 and fulcrum 704. Fulcrum 704 includes a bumper 712 operable to not melt when it comes into contact with glass ribbon 104. For example, bumper 712 may comprise a silicone material. Fulcrum 704 is operably connected to a movable carriage such that it can move fulcrum 704 toward glass ribbon 104 and away from glass ribbon 104 along arrow 716. Carriage 714 is operable to maintain a location of fulcrum 704 with respect to glass ribbon 104 and air knife 102 such that fulcrum 704 does not move with respect to these elements. During the glass separation process of glass ribbon 104, fulcrum 704 with bumper 712 are operable to maintain their location as glass ribbon 104 is moved toward fulcrum 704 and pressed against bumper 712 by separator device 718 (e.g., a robot) until glass ribbon 104 is separated along the scored surface of glass ribbon 104. Fulcrum 704 is also operable to maintain the location of the glass ribbon 104 with respect to the scoring tool 708 during the scoring of the surface of glass ribbon 104. In this regard, bumper 712 of fulcrum 704 is located on the opposite side of glass ribbon 104 from scoring tool 708 such that scoring tool 708 asserts pressure on glass ribbon 104 and fulcrum 704.

[0034] Air knife 102 includes exit gap 114, which is defined by a first surface 120 and a spaced apart second surface 122 of body 106. The first surface 120 is defined by a front portion 606 (also shown in FIG. 6). In embodiments, front portion 606 may have a thickness of at least 0.05 millimeters. The width of front portion 606 is the distance between an exit gap face surface 608 and its distal edge 610 (shown in FIG. 6). Portions of first surface 120 and second surface 122 that connect the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 to the bottom portion of front portion 606 and the flat surface 110, respectively, are each curved. Exit gap 114 is located along the flatsurface 110 of the body 106. Exit gap 114 extends along the longitudinal axis L of the body 106. As shown in FIG. 1, distal edge 108 is not perpendicular with respect to flat surface 110 but is angled with respect to flat surface 110 such that the angle between distal edge 108 and flat surface 110 is between about 45 degrees and about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle between distal edge 108 and flat surface 110 may be 90 degrees. The exit gap 114 may be equidistant from the distal edge 108 throughout the longitudinal axis L of the body 106. Flat surface 110 may extend between exit gap 114 and the proximal edge 124 throughout the entire length of the body 106. Between exit gap 114 and the distal edge 108 of the body 106 is a flat surface 111. Flat surface 111 extends along the entire length of the body 106 between the distal edge 108 and exit gap 114. Exit gap 114 is operable to expel compressed air from plenum chamber 112 substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 110. Alternatively, embodiments may include that the exit gap 114 is operable to expel compressed air at an angle between about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees with respect to the flat surface 110.

[0035] Bumpers 116, 118 may be located on the distal edge 108 of body 106. For example, bumper 116 may be located at the interface of distal edge 108 and flat surface 110. Bumper 118 may be located on distal edge 108 adjacent to a top surface 126 of body 106. Embodiments of bumpers 116, 118 provide that bumpers 116, 118 can be fixedly attached to body 106 or removably attached to body 106. Embodiments provide that bumpers 116, 118 extend along the distal edge 108 of the body 106 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Bumpers 116, 118 may include a plurality of bumpers spaced apart along distal edge 108. Shown in FIG. 6 is one embodiment of bumper 118 in which bumper 118 includes two bumpers that are located at a first end 602 and second end 604 of the distal edge 108 of body 106. Embodiments of bumpers 116, 118 may be made of a high temperature resistant silicone material operable to not melt below about 400 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, bumpers 116, 118 may be made of a high temperature resistant silicone material that does not melt below a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius. Embodiments provide that bumpers 116, 118 are operable to not melt when they come into contact or close proximity to glass ribbon 104. Bumpers 116, 118 provide a physical barrier between body 106 and glass ribbon 104 such that glass ribbon 104 does not twist, stick, or fold if it were to come into contact with glass ribbon 104. Bumpers 116, 118 are operable to not melt when exposed to the heat from glass ribbon 104 such that bumpers 116, 118 do not adhere to glass ribbon 104 when bumpers 116, 118 come into contact with glass ribbon 104.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, shown is a top perspective view of the air knife 102. As shown in FIG. 4, bumper 118 may be located on a track 402. In embodiments, bumper 118 may be slidably engaged with track 402 such that bumper 118 can slide within track 402 along the longitudinal axis L. For example, bumper 118 can be moved along track 402 to accommodate the width of the glass ribbon 104. In other words, bumper 118 can be located within track 402 such that it is adjacent to the glass ribbon 104. Bumpers 116, 118 are operable to prevent glass ribbon 104 from coming into contact with body 102. Embodiments provide that bumper 116 may be located between about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 throughout a length of the bumper 116, e.g., parallel with longitudinal axis L, while the glass ribbon 104 is being separated.

[0037] Air knife 102 is operable to expel compressed air from exit gap 114 at a high velocity to pull particles away from glass ribbon 104 (illustrated in FIG. 1 at arrow 130). In embodiments, the compressed air may pass through one or more filters such that the compressed air has a low amount of particulate matter therein. As illustrated in FIG. 2, embodiments provide that air knife 102 may be fluidly connected to and operable to receive compressed air from an air tank 202, which is fluidly connected to a flow valve 204, a filter 206, a high-volume regulator 208, a high- volume solenoid valve 210, a second filter 212, a second flow valve 214, a high- volume flow switch 216, a pressure switch 218, and a third filter 220. Air tank 202 is operable to contain compressed air and allow the compressed air to flow through flow valve 204, which is operable to allow a flow of compressed air in one configuration and prevent the flow of compressed air in a second configuration. Filters 206, 212, and 220 are operable to remove particles from the compressed air that passes through filters 206, 212, and 220. High volume regulator 508 is operable to reduce the pressure of the compressed air such that the compressed air is less than about 0.3 MPa. High volume solenoid valve 210 is operable to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the compressed air therethrough. Flow valve 214 is operable to receive the compressed air from the filter 212 and is operable to allow a flow of compressed air in one configuration and prevent the flow of compressed air in a second configuration. High volume flow switch 216 is operable to receive a flow of compressed air from the flow valve 214 and is operable to alter the rate of flow of the compressed air that passes therethrough. Pressure switch 218 is operable to receive the flow of compressed air from the high-volume flow switch 216 and regulates the pressure of the compressed air that flows to the third filter 220 and the air knife 102. Embodimentsprovide that the air knife 102 is operable to receive compressed air from the air tank 202 at a pressure of at least 0.3 MPa.

[0038] Embodiments of the air knife 102 can provide uniform passive flow along the width of the glass ribbon 104 by allowing expelled compressed air from exit gap 114 to flow along the curved portion of the exit gap 114 that connects to flat surface 110 such that air flows along the flat surface 110 (illustrated in FIG. 1 at arrow 128). Passive flow means a flow of air that is in response to the expelled air but is in a different direction than the direction of the expelled air. Embodiments of the air knife 102 are operable to expel compressed air adjacent to the glass ribbon 104 while maintaining the stability of the glass ribbon 104 because the air knife 102 does not directly suction air away from the glass ribbon 104. During the manufacturing process of the glass ribbon 104, the glass ribbon 104 is moving at a constant rate in the vertically downward direction as shown in FIG. 7. For the glass ribbon 104 to have a uniform thickness without imperfections (e.g., crystalline contamination on the glass), flexing, fluttering, twisting, folding, or bending of the glass ribbon 104 should not be allowed to occur. The stability of the glass ribbon 104 refers to the glass ribbon 104 moving in the continuous and constant rate of speed in the vertically downward direction without flexing, fluttering, twisting, folding, or bending during the manufacturing process. Embodiments of air knife 102 also do not expel compressed air directly toward the glass ribbon 104. In other words, the expelled compressed air from the air knife 102 does not cause (1) the glass ribbon 104 to move toward the air knife 102, (2) the glass ribbon 104 to move away from the air knife 102, or (3) the glass ribbon 104 to fold, bend, or twist.

[0039] Embodiments provide that the air knife 102 can be located at a constant distance from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 throughout the manufacturing and / or separating process of the glass ribbon 104. Embodiments also provide that the air knife 102 can be moveably disposed adjacent to the glass ribbon 104 such that the distance between the air knife 102 and the glass ribbon 104 can be adjusted or altered manually by a user or automatically in response to steps in the manufacturing process. For instance, embodiments provide that the air knife 102 can be moved with respect to the glass ribbon 104 such that the distance between the air knife 102 and the glass ribbon 104 can be increased or decreased when the glass ribbon 104 is separated. In embodiments, the air knife 102 may be moved away from the glass ribbon 104 when it is not expelling air in order to lower the likelihood that the glass ribbon 104 comes into contact with air knife 102 (e.g.,during the separation process). In other embodiments, the location of the air knife 102 with respect to the glass ribbon 104 may be fixed throughout the glass manufacturing process.

[0040] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a bottom perspective view of an air knife 102 and a glass ribbon 104. In practice, the air knife 102 will be located spaced apart from the glass ribbon such that the longitudinal axis L of the air knife 102 is parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon 104 in the width direction of glass ribbon 104 (shown in FIG. 3 along line W). The air knife 102 may be spaced from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 such that the bumper 116 is located between about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters from the surface of the glass ribbon 104 when the glass ribbon 104 is separated. Scoring device 706 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) may be configured to move the scoring tool 708 toward the glass ribbon 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 710 until scoring tool 708 is in contact with the glass ribbon 104 and has applied sufficient pressure on glass ribbon 104 to score its surface. Scoring device 706 will then move through the width W of the glass ribbon 104 and score the surface of the glass ribbon 104 via scoring tool 708 from a first edge 304 to a second edge 306. The scoring device 702 then moves away from the glass ribbon 104 as indicated by arrow 710. Separator device 718 moves the portion of the glass ribbon 104 that is located vertically below the fulcrum 704 toward fulcrum 704 horizontally. The glass ribbon 104 is then separated by a separator device 718 into a first section 308 and a second section 310 along the score from the first edge 304 to the second edge 306. Separating the glass ribbon 104 can cause glass particles to be released into the surrounding air. In response to the movement of the separator device 718 causing the separating or at the same time as the completion of the scoring of the glass ribbon 104, compressed air will be allowed to flow through the inlet 302 into a plenum chamber 112 from air tank 202 by opening flow valves 204 and 214. The compressed air is then expelled or discharged through exit gap 114. In embodiments, the air knife 102 may expel the compressed air for between about 1.5 seconds to about 2 seconds. For example, in embodiments, the air knife 102 may begin to expel the compressed air upon the separator device 718 starting to move toward the glass ribbon 104 and then ceasing to expel the compressed air when the separator 718 reaches a predetermined position with respect to the fulcrum 704, at which point the glass ribbon 104 is expected to be separated. The expelled compressed air may be expelled at approximately 90 degrees to the flat surface 110 and parallel to the surface of glass ribbon 104. Alternatively, embodiments may include expelling compressed air at an angle between about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to the flat surface 110in a direction away from glass ribbon 104. The expelled compressed air will flow along the flat surface 110 away from the glass ribbon 104 and pull surrounding air and particles away from the glass ribbon 104 along the flat surface 110 as illustrated by arrows 312. The expelled compressed air creates a low-pressure area adjacent to the glass ribbon 104 causing a flow of glass particles away from the separated glass ribbon 104. The expelled compressed air drags surrounding air and particles away from glass ribbon 104 as illustrated by arrows 314.

[0041] Embodiments provide that the air knife 102 may be operable to expel compressed air at a rate of about 2500 1 / min to about 2700 1 / min. The air knife 102 may also be operable to expel compressed air at a velocity of between about 40 meters / second (m / s) to about 50 m / s.

[0042] In embodiments, the air knife 102 can be integrated into existing glass ribbon manufacturing equipment and located adjacent to the glass ribbon 104 to redirect the air particles away from the glass ribbon by the Bernoulli effect. Embodiments of the air knife 102 do not expel air directly toward the glass ribbon 104, and do not suction air to one or more points. Expelling air directly toward the glass ribbon 104 or suctioning air from the direction of the glass ribbon 104 may cause the glass ribbon 104 to bend, flutter, or twist, which can cause imperfections in the glass ribbon 104, for example stress and related shape changes. Imperfections in the glass ribbon 104 is typically undesirable for a commercial product. Rather, embodiments of the present disclosure provide that air and particles are uniformly directed along the width of the glass ribbon away from the glass ribbon.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide the use of passive air flow to redirect glass particles away from a glass ribbon after separation of the glass ribbon to reduce contamination of the surface of the glass ribbon. Embodiments provide for (1) passive airflow away from the glass ribbon to minimize the impact on the stability of the glass ribbon during manufacturing, (2) an air knife that has a higher efficiency than the traditional vacuum apparatus, (3) the ability to direct airflow in a particular direction to redirect glass particles as opposed to traditional vacuum apparatus that pull air from all directions to a singular location, (4) the ability to introduce a uniform supply of ultra-clean, high velocity air to reduce contamination on the glass ribbon during manufacturing, and (5) a compressed air supply for the air knife that is relatively easy to acquire at a low cost.

[0044] This disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to various embodiments, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of cutting a glass article, the method comprising: scoring a surface of the glass article to produce a score line; separating the glass article along the score line; and expelling compressed air from an air knife in a path substantially parallel to the surface of the glass article, the air knife comprising a body comprising a distal edge and a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the glass article, a bumper located on the distal edge adjacent to and spaced apart from the scored surface of the glass article, and an exit gap located on the flat surface spaced apart from the bumper and operable to expel the compressed air perpendicular to the flat surface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the expelled compressed air flows in a path along the flat surface away from the glass article.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compressed air passes through at least one filter prior to being expelled, the at least one filter operable to remove particles from the compressed air.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the expelled compressed air creates a low- pressure area adjacent to the separated glass article causing a flow of glass particles away from the separated glass article.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air knife expels the compressed air for between 1.5 seconds to 2 seconds.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the expelling is initiated prior to the separation and terminated after completion of the separation.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air knife expels the compressed air at a rate of about 2500 1 / min to about 2700 1 / min, and a velocity of between about 40 meters / second to about 50 meters / second.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air knife receives the compressed air at a pressure of at least about 0.3 MPa.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bumper is located between about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters from the surface of the glass article throughout a long axis of the bumper during the separating.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the glass article comprises a glass ribbon, the method further comprising drawing the glass ribbon from a forming body supplied with molten glass.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the air knife is coupled to a glass separation apparatus positioned below the forming body, the glass separation apparatus moving in a same direction and at a same rate as the glass ribbon during the separating the glass ribbon.

12. The method of any one of claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising moving the air knife along an axis orthogonal to the surface of the glass ribbon.

13. An air knife comprising: a body comprising a distal edge, a flat surface, and a plenum chamber operable for receiving compressed air and directing the received compressed air to an exit gap located on the flat surface of the body, the exit gap extending along a longitudinal axis of the flat bottom and spaced apart from the distal edge, the distal edge comprising at least one bumper spaced apart from the exit gap, the bumper extending along the longitudinal axis, and the exit gap operable to expel the compressed air perpendicular to the flat surface.

14. The air knife of claim 12, wherein the air knife comprises a filter upstream from the exit gap, the filter operable to remove particles from the compressed air.

15. The air knife of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the at least one bumper comprises a first bumper located adjacent to the flat surface and a second bumper located adjacent to a top portion of the distal edge.

16. The air knife of any one of claims 12 to 14, the air knife further comprising a valve operable to allow a flow of compressed air through the exit gap in a first configuration and to prevent a flow of compressed air through the exit gap in a second configuration.

17. The air knife of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the air knife is configured to expel the compressed air at a rate of between about 2500 1 / min to about 2700 1 / min.

18. The air knife of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the air knife is configured to expel the compressed air at a velocity of between about 40 meters / second to about 50 meters / second.

19. The air knife of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the air knife is operable to receive the compressed air at a pressure of at least about 0.3 MPa.

20. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon wherein the glass ribbon is scored and separated, the apparatus comprising: an air knife located adjacent to a scored portion of the glass ribbon and operable to cause glass particles to flow away from the glass ribbon by expelling compressed air in a path parallel to a surface of the glass ribbon, the air knife comprising a body comprising a distal edge and a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon, a bumper located on the distal edge of the body adjacent to and spaced apart from a scored portion of the glass ribbon, and an exit gap located on the flat surface, spaced apart from the bumper, and operable to expel the compressed air substantially perpendicular to the flat surface.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the air knife is configured to expel compressed air for a time between 1.5 seconds to 2 seconds.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the bumper is positioned between the glass ribbon and the body.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the expelled compressed air creates a low-pressure area adjacent to the separated glass ribbon causing the expelled compressed air to flow along the flat surface away from the glass ribbon.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the expelled compressed air causes a flow of glass particles created by breaking the glass to move away from the glass ribbon.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the bumper is spaced apart from the glass ribbon a distance between about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters throughout a length of the bumper.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the exit gap is spaced apart from the first surface of the glass ribbon a distance between about 30 millimeters to about 35 millimeters throughout a length of the exit gap.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the bumper comprises a high temperature resistant silicone material having a melting point above 400 degrees Celsius.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the air knife is coupled to a glass separating apparatus configured to move in a same direction and at a same rate as the glass ribbon.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the air knife is configured to move along an axis orthogonal to a major surface of the glass ribbon.

Images