WO2021011274A1 - Appareil et procédé de transport d'un article en verre - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de transport d'un article en verre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021011274A1
WO2021011274A1 PCT/US2020/041299 US2020041299W WO2021011274A1 WO 2021011274 A1 WO2021011274 A1 WO 2021011274A1 US 2020041299 W US2020041299 W US 2020041299W WO 2021011274 A1 WO2021011274 A1 WO 2021011274A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
glass
gaseous fluid
glass article
covering
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2020/041299
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James William Brown
Chun Ming Hsu
Shin-I Huang
Jonathan Michael Mis
Wanda Janina Walczak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Corning Inc
Original Assignee
Corning Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Corning Inc filed Critical Corning Inc
Publication of WO2021011274A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021011274A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B15/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B15/02—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area using chambers or hoods covering the area
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/002—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying glass plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2249/00—Aspects relating to conveying systems for the manufacture of fragile sheets
    • B65G2249/02—Controlled or contamination-free environments or clean space conditions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G49/00—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for
    • B65G49/05—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles
    • B65G49/06—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles for fragile sheets, e.g. glass
    • B65G49/061—Lifting, gripping, or carrying means, for one or more sheets forming independent means of transport, e.g. suction cups, transport frames
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G49/00—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for
    • B65G49/05—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles
    • B65G49/06—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles for fragile sheets, e.g. glass
    • B65G49/062—Easels, stands or shelves, e.g. castor-shelves, supporting means on vehicles

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for transporting a glass article and more specifically to an apparatus and method for transporting a glass article under controlled conditions.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein include an apparatus for transporting a glass article.
  • the apparatus includes a transport mechanism configured to facilitate movement of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus also includes an enclosure configured to house the glass article.
  • the enclosure is configured to feed a clean gaseous fluid into the enclosure and feed a gaseous fluid out of the enclosure.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein also include a method of transporting a glass article.
  • the method includes moving the glass article on an apparatus comprising a transport mechanism.
  • the method also includes housing the glass article in an enclosure of the apparatus. A clean gaseous fluid is fed into the enclosure and a gaseous fluid is fed out of the enclosure.
  • FIG. l is a schematic view of an example fusion down draw glass making apparatus and process
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a glass sheet
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for transporting a glass article, wherein a rigid covering is in a closed position in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus for transporting a glass article, wherein a rigid covering is in an open position in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus for transporting a glass article, wherein a flexible covering is in a closed position in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for transporting a glass article, wherein a flexible covering is in an open position in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a filtering mechanism in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a transport mechanism in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 9 is an expanded perspective view of a guide mechanism in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus for transporting a glass article comprising a power source in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
  • FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB are, respectively, exploded side views of a mechanism to feed a gaseous fluid out of an enclosure in a closed and open position in accordance with
  • FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, exploded front and side views of a portion of a rigid covering having a flexible sealing component.
  • Ranges can be expressed herein as from“about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, for example by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
  • cleaning gaseous fluid refers to a fluid that primarily exists as a gas at 25°C and one atmosphere of pressure and has no more than 10 5 particles having a diameter of at least 0.3 microns per cubic meter of the fluid.
  • static dissipative refers to materials or chemistries having a surface resistivity of equal to or greater than 1 x 10 5 W/sq but less than 1 x 10 12 W/sq or volume resistivity equal to or greater than 1 x 10 4 W-cm but less than 1 x 10 11 W-cm.
  • the term“conductive” refers to materials or chemistries having a surface resistivity less than 1 x 10 5 W/sq or a volume resistivity less than 1 x 10 4 W-cm.
  • the term“insulative” refers to materials or chemistries having a surface resistivity of at least 1 x 10 12 W/sq or volume resistivity of at least 1 x 10 11 W-cm.
  • the term“low outgassing” refers to materials or chemistries, such as polymeric materials or chemistries, that exhibit minimal mass loss due to outgassing at a predetermined elevated temperature for a predetermined time, such as following a thermal test at 125°C for 24 hours as set forth in ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C and having total mass loss (TML), recovered mass loss (RML), and collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) values of less than 1%, 1%, and 0.1%, respectively.
  • TML total mass loss
  • RML recovered mass loss
  • CVCM collected volatile condensable material
  • the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can comprise a glass melting furnace 12 that can include a melting vessel 14.
  • glass melting furnace 12 can optionally include one or more additional components such as heating elements (e.g., combustion burners or electrodes) that heat raw materials and convert the raw materials into molten glass.
  • heating elements e.g., combustion burners or electrodes
  • glass melting furnace 12 may include thermal
  • glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic devices and/or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of the raw materials into a glass melt.
  • glass melting furnace 12 may include support structures (e.g., support chassis, support member, etc.) or other components.
  • Glass melting vessel 14 is typically comprised of refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, for example a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconia. In some examples glass melting vessel 14 may be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks. Specific embodiments of glass melting vessel 14 will be described in more detail below.
  • the glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus to fabricate a glass sheet, for example a glass ribbon of a continuous length.
  • the glass melting furnace of the disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a down-draw apparatus such as a fusion process, an up- draw apparatus, a press-rolling apparatus, a tube drawing apparatus or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the aspects disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion down-draw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets.
  • the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can optionally include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 that is positioned upstream relative to glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, a portion of, or the entire upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16, may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12
  • the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20 and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device.
  • Storage bin 18 may be configured to store a quantity of raw materials 24 that can be fed into melting vessel 14 of glass melting furnace 12, as indicated by arrow 26.
  • Raw materials 24 typically comprise one or more glass forming metal oxides and one or more modifying agents.
  • raw material delivery device 20 can be powered by motor 22 such that raw material delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw materials 24 from the storage bin 18 to melting vessel 14.
  • motor 22 can power raw material delivery device 20 to introduce raw materials 24 at a controlled rate based on a level of molten glass sensed downstream from melting vessel 14.
  • Raw materials 24 within melting vessel 14 can thereafter be heated to form molten glass 28.
  • Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can also optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 positioned downstream relative to glass melting furnace 12.
  • a portion of downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12.
  • first connecting conduit 32 discussed below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12.
  • Elements of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus, including first connecting conduit 32 may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group of metals consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium and palladium, or alloys thereof.
  • downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy including from about 70 to about 90% by weight platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium.
  • platinum-rhodium alloy including from about 70 to about 90% by weight platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium.
  • suitable metals can include molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten and alloys thereof.
  • Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel, such as fining vessel 34, located downstream from melting vessel 14 and coupled to melting vessel 14 by way of the above-referenced first connecting conduit 32.
  • a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel such as fining vessel 34
  • molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34 by way of first connecting conduit 32.
  • gravity may cause molten glass 28 to pass through an interior pathway of first connecting conduit 32 from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34.
  • other conditioning vessels may be positioned downstream of melting vessel 14, for example between melting vessel 14 and fining vessel 34.
  • a conditioning vessel may be employed between the melting vessel and the fining vessel wherein molten glass from a primary melting vessel is further heated 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 fining vessel.
  • Bubbles may be removed from molten glass 28 within fining vessel 34 by various techniques.
  • raw materials 24 may include multivalent compounds (i.e. fining agents) such as tin oxide that, when heated, undergo a chemical reduction reaction and release oxygen.
  • fining agents include without limitation arsenic, antimony, iron and cerium.
  • Fining vessel 34 is heated to a temperature greater than the melting vessel temperature, thereby heating the molten glass and the fining agent.
  • Oxygen bubbles produced by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of the fining agent(s) rise through the molten glass within the fining vessel, wherein gases in the molten glass produced in the melting furnace can diffuse or coalesce into the oxygen bubbles produced by the fining agent.
  • the enlarged gas bubbles can then rise to a free surface of the molten glass in the fining vessel and thereafter be vented out of the fining vessel.
  • the oxygen bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining vessel.
  • Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include another
  • conditioning vessel such as a mixing vessel 36 for mixing the molten glass.
  • Mixing vessel 36 may be located downstream from the fining vessel 34.
  • Mixing vessel 36 can be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition, thereby reducing cords of chemical or thermal inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the fined molten glass exiting the fining vessel.
  • fining vessel 34 may be coupled to mixing vessel 36 by way of a second connecting conduit 38.
  • molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36 by way of second connecting conduit 38. For instance, gravity may cause molten glass 28 to pass through an interior pathway of second connecting conduit 38 from fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36.
  • mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of fining vessel 34, mixing vessel 36 may be positioned upstream from fining vessel 34.
  • downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, for example a mixing vessel upstream from fining vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream from fining vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels may be of the same design, or they may be of different designs.
  • Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include another
  • delivery vessel 40 may condition molten glass 28 to be fed into a downstream forming device.
  • delivery vessel 40 can act as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and/or provide a consistent flow of molten glass 28 to forming body 42 by way of exit conduit 44.
  • mixing vessel 36 may be coupled to delivery vessel 40 by way of third connecting conduit 46.
  • molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40 by way of third connecting conduit 46. For instance, gravity may drive molten glass 28 through an interior pathway of third connecting conduit 46 from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40.
  • Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include forming apparatus 48 comprising the above-referenced forming body 42 and inlet conduit 50.
  • Exit conduit 44 can be positioned to deliver molten glass 28 from delivery vessel 40 to inlet conduit 50 of forming apparatus 48.
  • exit conduit 44 may be nested within and spaced apart from an inner surface of inlet conduit 50, thereby providing a free surface of molten glass positioned between the outer surface of exit conduit 44 and the inner surface of inlet conduit 50.
  • Forming body 42 in a fusion down draw glass making apparatus can comprise a trough 52 positioned in an upper surface of the forming body and converging forming surfaces 54 that converge in a draw direction along a bottom edge 56 of the forming body.
  • Molten glass delivered to the forming body trough via delivery vessel 40, exit conduit 44 and inlet conduit 50 overflows side walls of the trough and descends along the converging forming surfaces 54 as separate flows of molten glass.
  • the separate flows of molten glass join below and along bottom edge 56 to produce a single ribbon of glass 58 that is drawn in a draw or flow direction 60 from bottom edge 56 by applying tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge rolls 72 and pulling rolls 82, to control the dimensions of the glass ribbon as the glass cools and a viscosity of the glass increases. Accordingly, glass ribbon 58 goes through a visco-elastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional characteristics.
  • Glass ribbon 58 may, in some embodiments, be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass separation apparatus 100 in an elastic region of the glass ribbon.
  • a robot 64 may then transfer the individual glass sheets 62 to a conveyor system using gripping tool 65, whereupon the individual glass sheets may be further processed.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a glass article, and, specifically, a glass sheet 62 having a first major surface 162, a second major surface 164 extending in a generally parallel direction to the first major surface 162 (on the opposite side of the glass sheet 62 as the first major surface) and an edge surface 166 extending between the first major surface 162 and the second major surface 164 and extending in a generally perpendicular direction to the first and second major surfaces 162, 164.
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 200 for transporting a glass article.
  • Apparatus 200 includes a transport mechanism 204 configured to facilitate movement of the apparatus 200.
  • Apparatus 200 also includes an enclosure 202 configured to house the glass article.
  • the enclosure 202 is configured to feed a clean gaseous fluid into the enclosure 202 and feed a gaseous fluid out of the enclosure 202, as will be described in more detail below.
  • a rigid covering 212 for covering an opening (shown as 210 in FIG. 4) is in a closed position, wherein the rigid covering 212 covers the opening 210.
  • Rigid covering 212 has handles 214 secured thereon to facilitate moving (as shown by double arrow 242 in FIG. 4) the rigid covering 212 from a closed position wherein the rigid covering 212 covers the opening 210, as shown in FIG. 3, to an open position wherein the rigid covering 212 does not cover the opening 210, as shown in FIG. 4 (or vice versa).
  • Rigid covering 212 can be any sufficiently deformation resistant material capable of providing an airtight covering over opening 210.
  • rigid covering 212 comprises a polycarbonate material, such as Lexan, including a polycarbonate material treated with a coating that prevents or mitigates the buildup of static charge on the rigid covering 212, such as when the apparatus 200 is moved.
  • enclosure 202 can comprise the same or similar material as rigid covering 212.
  • enclosure 202 comprises a polycarbonate material, such as Lexan, including a polycarbonate material treated with a coating that prevents or mitigates the buildup of static charge on the enclosure 202, such as when the apparatus 200 is moved.
  • Enclosure 202 and/or rigid covering 212 may also comprise other materials, such as stainless steel, static dissipative coated glass, un anodized aluminum, aluminum anodized with static dissipative or conductive chemistries, static dissipative acrylic (e.g., Lucite), static dissipative poly vinyl chloride (PVC), or other polymers that exhibit low outgassing.
  • materials such as stainless steel, static dissipative coated glass, un anodized aluminum, aluminum anodized with static dissipative or conductive chemistries, static dissipative acrylic (e.g., Lucite), static dissipative poly vinyl chloride (PVC), or other polymers that exhibit low outgassing.
  • Enclosure 202 and/or rigid covering 212 may also be supported by a framework of support material (not shown), such as a support frame comprising aluminum.
  • Support frame may also comprise other materials such as polyethylene, stainless steel, un-anodized aluminum, aluminum anodized with insulative, static dissipative, or conductive chemistries, or other polymers that exhibit low outgassing.
  • static dissipative and/or conductive elements should preferably be electrically bonded and grounded.
  • transport mechanism 204 includes a rolling mechanism 206, which, for example, can include wheels and/or casters. Rolling mechanism 206 can facilitate movement of apparatus 200. Transport mechanism 204 may also include other components as shown, for example, in FIGS. 8-9 (and described in more detail below).
  • apparatus 200 includes a filtering mechanism 208 configured to feed and filter a gaseous fluid therethrough.
  • filtering mechanism 208 can feed air from an atmosphere surrounding enclosure 202 through one or more filtering components (described in more detail below in reference to FIG. 7), thereby feeding a clean gaseous fluid (e.g., clean air) into enclosure 202.
  • a clean gaseous fluid e.g., clean air
  • apparatus 200 includes clamping arms 218 that can facilitate securing a glass article, such as a glass sheet 62, inside enclosure 202.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 200 for transporting a glass article that is similar to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3-4, except that the apparatus comprises a flexible covering 216 for covering an opening (shown as 210 in FIG. 6) is in a closed position, wherein the flexible covering 216 covers the opening 210.
  • Flexible covering 216 can be moved (as shown by double arrow 244 in FIG. 6) from a closed position wherein the flexible covering 216 covers the opening 210, as shown in FIG. 5, to an open position wherein the flexible covering 216 does not cover the opening 210, as shown in FIG. 5 (or vice versa).
  • flexible covering 216 can comprise insulative, static dissipative, or conductive polypropylene, polyester, Mylar, PVC, ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, Kapton® Polyimide, or other polymers that exhibit low outgassing.
  • UHMW ultra high molecular weight
  • flexible covering 216 can be moved between open and closed positions by a motor-driven mechanism, such as a motor-driven mechanism that is operated remotely, such as by a remote control.
  • a motor-driven mechanism such as a motor-driven mechanism that is operated remotely, such as by a remote control.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein also include those in which flexible covering 216 can be moved between open and closed positions by a manually-driven mechanism.
  • FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary filtering mechanism 208 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • filtering mechanism 208 includes protective screen cover 250, air filter 252, fan 254, speed control 256, and enclosure with air intake filter 258.
  • Air filter 252 can, for example, be a high efficiency particulate air (HEP A) mesh filter designed to filter particles having predetermined diameter ranges, such as particles having diameters greater than about 0.3 microns.
  • Air filter 252 can, for example, also be a ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) filter designed to filter particles having predetermined diameter ranges, such as particles having diameters greater than about 0.12 microns.
  • HEP A high efficiency particulate air
  • ULPA ultra-low particulate air
  • FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary transport mechanism 204 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Transport mechanism 204 includes rolling mechanism 206 as described above.
  • Transport mechanism 204 also includes stopping mechanism 220 and guide mechanism 222.
  • Stopping mechanism 220 can, for example, include a pneumatic locking pin to provide a fixed stop for apparatus 200.
  • Guide mechanism 222 also shown in FIG. 9, can include rollers 224 that engage a track (not shown) on a floor, for example, on a floor of a docking station.
  • FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of apparatus 200 comprising a power source 260, 262 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. While FIG. 10 shows power source 260 adjacent to transport mechanism 204 and power source 262 adjacent to enclosure 202, embodiments disclosed herein include those in which a power source is adjacent to one of transport mechanism 204 or enclosure 202 as well as those in which power source is at some other location on apparatus.
  • power source 260, 262 can comprise one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be charged, for example, using an inverter-charger when the apparatus 200 is at a stationary location.
  • Power source 260, 262 can enable continuous operation of apparatus 200 by, for example, providing power to filtering mechanism 208 for a predetermined period of time without needing to be connected to an external power supply. Power source 260, 262 may also provide power to other mechanisms of apparatus 200.
  • FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB show, respectively, exploded side views of an exhaust mechanism 230 to feed a gaseous fluid out of enclosure 202 in a closed and open position in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Exhaust mechanism 230 comprises covering 232 rotatable about hinge 234 as shown by arrow R.
  • FIG. 11 A exhaust mechanism 230 is in a closed position wherein gaseous fluid is substantially prevented from being feed out of enclosure 202.
  • exhaust mechanism 230 can be moved to an open position, as shown in FIG. 1 IB, wherein gaseous fluid can be fed out of enclosure 202, as shown by arrow 236.
  • Covering 232 can also be rotated to intermediate positions (i.e., between the positions shown in FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB) to vary the feed rate of gaseous fluid out of enclosure 202.
  • Covering 232 can, for example, be rotated by a motor-driven mechanism that is operated remotely, such as by a remote control. Covering 232 may also be rotated by a manually-driven mechanism.
  • FIGS. 12A and 12B show, respectively, exploded front and side views of a portion of a rigid covering 212 having a flexible sealing component 240.
  • flexible sealing component 240 is embedded between front and back sides of rigid covering 212.
  • flexible sealing component 240 comprises a synthetic rubber, such as a synthetic rubber comprising ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
  • EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
  • flexile sealing component 240 examples include fluoropolymers such as perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), high fluorine fluoropolymer elastomer (FFKM) (e.g., Kalrez), or other polymers that exhibit low outgassing.
  • PFA perfluoroalkoxy alkane
  • FEP fluorinated ethylene propylene
  • FFKM high fluorine fluoropolymer elastomer
  • Kalrez Kalrez
  • flexible sealing component 240 can become compressed against sides of opening 210, thereby providing a substantially airtight seal when rigid covering 212 is in a closed position.
  • a similar flexible sealing component can also be provided in other areas of apparatus 200 to provide a substantially airtight seal for enclosure 202.
  • any connecting joints of enclosure 202 can include EPDM seals.
  • EPDM seals Such material may also be provided to provide cushioning for a glass article, such as a glass sheet 62, placed inside enclosure 202.
  • narrow strips of EPDM may be included inside the enclosure 202 on surfaces where glass sheet 62 is expected to rest in order to provide cushioning and scratch protection.
  • apparatus 200 can include an enclosure 202 comprising at least three different sealed compartments (sealed, e.g., with flexible sealing components, such as EPDM seals), wherein a central compartment houses a central region of a glass article (such as a“quality region” of a glass sheet) and first and second side compartments situated on opposite sides of central compartment houses first and second side regions of the glass article (such as“bead regions” of a glass sheet).
  • central compartment and first and second side compartments can be independently opened and closed, for example, by independently moving rigid or flexible coverings between open and closed positions over the respective compartments.
  • Such embodiments can for example, enable removal of bead regions of a glass sheet while maintaining quality region in an atmosphere comprising a clean gaseous fluid.
  • a glass article such as glass sheet 62
  • rigid covering 212 or flexible covering 216 can be placed inside enclosure 202 when rigid covering 212 or flexible covering 216 is in the open position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 respectively).
  • Glass article can be placed inside enclosure 202 either manually or non-manually (e.g., via a robot, etc.).
  • glass article can be secured via clamping arms 218.
  • rigid covering 212 or flexible covering 216 can be moved to the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 respectively).
  • a clean gaseous fluid such as clean air
  • Filtering mechanism 208 including fan 254, can be powered by power source 260, 262.
  • filtering mechanism 208 can effectively filter particles having diameters above a predetermined size range.
  • embodiments disclosed herein include those in which filtering mechanism 208 filters at least 99.9%, such as at least 99.97%, and further such as at least 99.999% of particles having a diameter of at least about 0.3 microns.
  • embodiments disclosed herein also include those in which filtering mechanism 208 filters at least 99.9%, such as at least 99.97%, and further such as at least 99.999% of particles having a diameter of at least about 0.12 microns.
  • the clean gaseous fluid, such as clean air, fed into enclosure 202 can have no more than about 10 5 particles, such as no more than about 10 4 particles, and further such as no more than about 10 3 particles, such as from about 10° particles to about 10 5 particles, and further such as from about 10 1 particles to about 10 4 particles having a diameter of at least 0.3 microns per cubic meter of the fluid.
  • a gaseous fluid such as a clean gaseous fluid
  • a gaseous fluid within the enclosure 202 can be fed out of the enclosure 202 through exhaust mechanism 230.
  • the flowrate of gaseous fluid out of enclosure 202 can be varied by adjusting exhaust mechanism 230, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB.
  • gaseous fluid such as a clean gaseous fluid
  • a flowrate that is less than the flowrate of clean gaseous fluid into enclosure 202.
  • Such flowrates can be continued until the pressure of an atmosphere comprising the gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid, within the enclosure 202 is within a predetermined range.
  • such flowrates can be continued until the pressure of an atmosphere comprising the gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid, within the enclosure 202 is greater than a pressure of an atmosphere surrounding the enclosure 202.
  • such flowrates can be continued until the pressure of an atmosphere comprising the gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid, within the enclosure 202 is at least about 1 psi, such as at least about 2 psi, and further such as at least about 5 psi, and yet further such as at least about 10 psi, including from about 1 psi to about 15 psi, such as from about 5 psi to about 10 psi greater than the pressure of an atmosphere surrounding the enclosure 202.
  • exhaust mechanism 230 can be adjusted such that the flowrate of a gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid, out of the enclosure 202 is substantially equal to the flowrate of a clean gaseous fluid into the enclosure 202.
  • the pressure of the atmosphere within the enclosure 202 comprising the gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid can be maintained in the predetermined range or set point.
  • the atmosphere comprising the gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid, within the enclosure 202 can be maintained to be greater than a pressure of an atmosphere surrounding the enclosure 202.
  • the pressure of an atmosphere comprising the gaseous fluid, such as a clean gaseous fluid, within the enclosure 202 can be maintained to be at least about 1 psi, such as at least about 2 psi, and further such as at least about 5 psi, and yet further such as at least about 10 psi, including from about 1 psi to about 15 psi, such as from about 5 psi to about 10 psi greater than the pressure of an atmosphere surrounding the enclosure 202.
  • apparatus 200 can be moved, for example, from a manufacturing area to an inspection area, through operation of transport mechanism 204.
  • rolling mechanism 206, guide mechanism 222, and stopping mechanism 220 can work in concert to facilitate movement of apparatus 200 along a predetermined path, such as along tracks configured to engage with guide mechanism 222.
  • apparatus 200 As apparatus 200 is moving, it can be independently powered through operation of power source 260, 262.
  • glass article such as glass sheet 62
  • glass article can be removed from enclosure 202 by first moving rigid covering 212 or flexible covering 216 from the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 respectively) to the open position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 respectively) and then removing glass article from the enclosure 202 either manually or non-manually (e.g., via a robot, etc.).
  • the pressure of the atmosphere within the enclosure 202 can be substantially equalized with the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the enclosure 202 by adjusting exhaust mechanism 230 to vary the flowrate of gaseous fluid fed out of the enclosure.

Landscapes

  • Re-Forming, After-Treatment, Cutting And Transporting Of Glass Products (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil et un procédé de transport d'un article en verre. L'appareil comprend une enceinte et un mécanisme de transport et le procédé comprend le logement de l'article en verre dans l'enceinte tout en déplaçant l'appareil à l'aide du mécanisme de transport. Un fluide gazeux propre peut être introduit dans l'enceinte et un fluide gazeux peut être amené hors de l'enceinte.
PCT/US2020/041299 2019-07-18 2020-07-09 Appareil et procédé de transport d'un article en verre Ceased WO2021011274A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201962875584P 2019-07-18 2019-07-18
US62/875,584 2019-07-18

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WO2021011274A1 true WO2021011274A1 (fr) 2021-01-21

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4141713A (en) * 1976-04-23 1979-02-27 Saint Gobain Industries Apparatus for extracting a glass ribbon from the egress of a flotation furnace
US20030177790A1 (en) * 2000-09-14 2003-09-25 Andreas Langsdorf Method and device for storing and transporting flat glass in a contactless manner
CN1891647A (zh) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-10 株式会社太星技研 平板玻璃传送装置
US7748237B2 (en) * 2004-05-27 2010-07-06 Landglass Technology Co. Ltd Convection glass heating furnace
US20110167871A1 (en) * 2010-01-11 2011-07-14 Glaston Services Ltd. Oy Method and apparatus for supporting and heating glass sheets on a hot gas cushion

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4141713A (en) * 1976-04-23 1979-02-27 Saint Gobain Industries Apparatus for extracting a glass ribbon from the egress of a flotation furnace
US20030177790A1 (en) * 2000-09-14 2003-09-25 Andreas Langsdorf Method and device for storing and transporting flat glass in a contactless manner
US7748237B2 (en) * 2004-05-27 2010-07-06 Landglass Technology Co. Ltd Convection glass heating furnace
CN1891647A (zh) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-10 株式会社太星技研 平板玻璃传送装置
US20110167871A1 (en) * 2010-01-11 2011-07-14 Glaston Services Ltd. Oy Method and apparatus for supporting and heating glass sheets on a hot gas cushion

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