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WO2020091979A1 - Appareil et procédés de formage du verre - Google Patents

Appareil et procédés de formage du verre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020091979A1
WO2020091979A1 PCT/US2019/056058 US2019056058W WO2020091979A1 WO 2020091979 A1 WO2020091979 A1 WO 2020091979A1 US 2019056058 W US2019056058 W US 2019056058W WO 2020091979 A1 WO2020091979 A1 WO 2020091979A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tube
cooling
ribbon
cooling fluid
cooling tube
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/US2019/056058
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tomohiro ABURADA
Anmol AGRAWAL
Olus Naili Boratav
Bulent Kocatulum
Alper Ozturk
Rui Zhang
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
Priority to CN201980080502.0A priority Critical patent/CN113165937B/zh
Priority to JP2021548513A priority patent/JP2022509492A/ja
Priority to KR1020217015709A priority patent/KR20210068582A/ko
Publication of WO2020091979A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020091979A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
    • C03B17/00—Forming molten glass by flowing-out, pushing-out, extruding or drawing downwardly or laterally from forming slits or by overflowing over lips
    • C03B17/06—Forming glass sheets
    • C03B17/067—Forming glass sheets combined with thermal conditioning of the sheets
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
    • C03B15/00—Drawing glass upwardly from the melt
    • C03B15/02—Drawing glass sheets
    • C03B15/12—Construction of the annealing tower
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
    • C03B17/00—Forming molten glass by flowing-out, pushing-out, extruding or drawing downwardly or laterally from forming slits or by overflowing over lips
    • C03B17/06—Forming glass sheets
    • C03B17/064—Forming glass sheets by the overflow downdraw fusion process; Isopipes therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P40/00—Technologies relating to the processing of minerals
    • Y02P40/50—Glass production, e.g. reusing waste heat during processing or shaping
    • Y02P40/57—Improving the yield, e-g- reduction of reject rates

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to methods for forming a glass ribbon and, more particularly, to methods for forming a glass ribbon with a glass forming apparatus comprising a cooling tube.
  • a glass forming apparatus can comprise a cooling tube comprising a first tube comprising a closed first sidewall and a closed first end, and a second tube comprising a closed second end and a second sidewall defining an orifice.
  • the second tube can be positioned within the first tube.
  • the cooling tube can comprise a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall.
  • the cooling tube can receive a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.
  • one or more of the first tube or the second tube can comprise a cylindrical shape.
  • the second tube is coaxial with the first tube.
  • the orifice comprises a plurality of orifices.
  • the orifice can extend along about 50% or more of a length of the second tube.
  • the orifice can extend along about 50% or less of a length of the second tube.
  • the cooling fluid can comprise a gas.
  • a glass forming apparatus can comprise an upper housing portion, within which a travel path defined by the glass forming apparatus can extend.
  • the upper housing portion can comprise a cooling tube.
  • a first free path can extend between the cooling tube and the travel path in a first free path direction that can be orthogonal to the travel path.
  • the cooling tube can comprise a first tube that can comprise a closed first sidewall and a closed first end.
  • the cooling tube can comprise a second tube that can comprise closed second end and a second sidewall defining an orifice.
  • the second tube can be positioned within the first tube.
  • the cooling tube can comprise a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall.
  • the cooling tube can be configured to receive a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.
  • the travel path can extend within a lower housing portion positioned below the upper housing portion.
  • the lower housing portion further comprises a lower cooling tube and a second free path extending between the lower cooling tube and the travel path in a second free path direction.
  • the first free path direction can be substantially parallel to the second free path direction.
  • a temperature difference between a ribbon at a location where the ribbon passes the cooling tube and an outer surface of the cooling tube can be less than about 649°C.
  • methods of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus can comprise moving the ribbon along a travel path in a travel direction past the cooling tube.
  • Methods can comprise receiving the cooling fluid within the second tube.
  • Methods can comprise directing the cooling fluid through the orifice and through the channel to cool the closed first sidewall.
  • the directing the cooling fluid through the orifice can comprise maintaining a temperature of an outer surface of the cooling tube from about 400°C to about 600°C.
  • methods can comprise removing the cooling fluid from the channel along a first direction that can be opposite a second direction along which the cooling fluid can flow within the second tube.
  • the removing the cooling fluid can comprise directing the cooling fluid along a removal path that is substantially parallel to a tube axis along which the second tube extends.
  • methods of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus can comprise moving the ribbon along a travel path in a travel direction past a cooling tube.
  • Methods can comprise flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that a temperature difference between the ribbon at a location where the ribbon passes the cooling tube and an outer surface of the cooling tube is less than about 649°C.
  • methods can comprise preventing the cooling fluid from passing through the outer surface of the cooling tube.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates example embodiments of a glass forming apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the glass forming apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of example embodiments of a glass cooling apparatus along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of example embodiments of a cooling tube along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cooling tube of FIG. 4 along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of additional embodiments of a cooling tube along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a plot of some embodiments of time and a temperature fluctuation of a glass ribbon.
  • an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can comprise a glass melting and delivery apparatus
  • a separated glass ribbon 104 can be separated from the ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (e.g., scribe, score wheel, diamond tip, laser, etc.).
  • a glass separator 149 e.g., scribe, score wheel, diamond tip, laser, etc.
  • the edge beads formed along the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 can be removed to provide the central portion 152 as a high-quality separated glass ribbon 104 having a uniform thickness.
  • the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can comprise a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109.
  • the batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113.
  • an optional controller 115 can be operated to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117.
  • the melting vessel 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide molten material 121.
  • a melt probe 119 can be employed to measure a level of molten material 121 within a standpipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 by way of a communication line 125.
  • the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can comprise a first conditioning station comprising a fining vessel 127 located downstream from the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by way of a first connecting conduit 129.
  • molten material 121 can be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127 by way of the first connecting conduit 129.
  • gravity can drive the molten material 121 through an interior pathway of the first connecting conduit 129 from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127.
  • bubbles can be removed from the molten material 121 within the fining vessel 127 by various techniques.
  • the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can further comprise a second conditioning station comprising a mixing chamber 131 that can be located downstream from the fining vessel 127.
  • the mixing chamber 131 can be employed to provide a homogenous composition of molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the molten material 121 exiting the fining vessel 127.
  • the fining vessel 127 can be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 by way of a second connecting conduit 135.
  • molten material 121 can be gravity fed from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 by way of the second connecting conduit 135.
  • gravity can drive the molten material 121 through an interior pathway of the second connecting conduit 135 from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131.
  • the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can comprise a third conditioning station comprising a delivery vessel 133 that can be located downstream from the mixing chamber 131.
  • the delivery vessel 133 can condition the molten material 121 to be fed into an inlet conduit 141.
  • the delivery vessel 133 can function as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141.
  • the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the delivery vessel 133 by way of a third connecting conduit 137.
  • molten material 121 can be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 by way of the third connecting conduit 137.
  • Forming apparatus 101 can comprise various embodiments of forming vessels in accordance with features of the disclosure comprising a forming vessel with a wedge for fusion drawing the glass ribbon, a forming vessel with a slot to slot draw the glass ribbon, or a forming vessel provided with press rolls to press roll the glass ribbon from the forming vessel.
  • the forming vessel 140 shown and disclosed below can be provided to fusion draw molten material 121 off a bottom edge, defined as a root 145, of a forming wedge 209 to produce a ribbon of molten material 121 that can be drawn into the ribbon 103.
  • the molten material 121 can be delivered from the inlet conduit 141 to the forming vessel 140.
  • the molten material 121 can then be formed into the ribbon 103 based, in part on the structure of the forming vessel 140.
  • the molten material 121 can be drawn off the bottom edge (e.g., root 145) of the forming vessel 140 along a draw path extending in a draw direction 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100.
  • edge directors 163, 164 can direct the molten material 121 off the forming vessel 140 and define, in part, a width“W” of the ribbon 103.
  • the width“W” of the ribbon 103 extends between the first outer edge 153 of the ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103.
  • the width“W” of the ribbon 103 which extends between the first outer edge 153 of the ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103, can be greater than or equal to about 20 millimeters (mm), for example, greater than or equal to about 50 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 100 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 500 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 2000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 3000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 4000 mm, although other widths less than or greater than the widths mentioned above can be provided in further embodiments.
  • mm millimeters
  • the width“W” of the ribbon 103 can be from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the forming apparatus 101 (e.g., forming vessel 140) along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • the forming vessel 140 can comprise a trough 201 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141.
  • cross- hatching of the molten material 121 is removed from FIG. 2 for clarity.
  • the forming vessel 140 can further comprise the forming wedge 209 comprising a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 extending between opposed ends 210, 211 (See FIG. 1) of the forming wedge 209.
  • the pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 can converge along the draw direction 154 to intersect along the root 145 of the forming vessel 140.
  • a draw plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can extend through the root 145 along the draw direction 154.
  • the ribbon 103 can be drawn in the draw direction 154 along the draw plane 213.
  • the draw plane 213 can bisect the forming wedge 209 through the root 145 although, in some embodiments, the draw plane 213 can extend at other orientations relative to the root 145.
  • the molten material 121 can flow in a direction 156 into and along the trough 201 of the forming vessel 140.
  • the molten material 121 can then overflow from the trough 201 by simultaneously flowing over corresponding weirs 203, 204 and downward over the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204.
  • Respective streams of molten material 121 can then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 to be drawn off the root 145 of the forming vessel 140, where the flows converge and fuse into the ribbon 103.
  • the ribbon 103 of molten material can then be drawn off the root 145 in the draw plane 213 along the draw direction 154.
  • the ribbon 103 comprises one or more states of material based on a vertical location of the ribbon 103.
  • the ribbon 103 can comprise the viscous molten material 121, and at another location, the ribbon 103 can comprise an amorphous solid in a glassy state (e.g., a glass ribbon).
  • the ribbon 103 comprises a first major surface 215 and a second major surface 216 facing opposite directions and defining a thickness“T” (e.g., average thickness) of the ribbon 103.
  • the thickness“T’ of the ribbon 103 can be less than or equal to about 2 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to about 1 millimeter, less than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, for example, less than or equal to about 300 micrometers (pm), less than or equal to about 200 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments.
  • the thickness“T’ of the ribbon 103 can be from about 50 pm to about 750 pm, from about 100 pm to about 700 pm, from about 200 pm to about 600 pm, from about 300 pm to about 500 pm, from about 50 pm to about 500 pm, from about 50 pm to about 700 pm, from about 50 pm to about 600 pm, from about 50 pm to about 500 pm, from about 50 pm to about 400 pm, from about 50 pm to about 300 pm, from about 50 pm to about 200 pm, from about 50 pm to about 100 pm, including all ranges and subranges of thicknesses therebetween.
  • the ribbon 103 can include a variety of compositions including, but not limited to, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, alumino-borosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass.
  • the glass separator 149 can then separate the glass sheet 104 from the ribbon 103 along the separation path 151 as the ribbon 103 is formed by the forming vessel 140.
  • the separation path 151 can extend along the width“W” of the ribbon 103 between the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155.
  • the separation path 151 can extend perpendicular to the draw direction 154 of the ribbon 103.
  • the draw direction 154 can define a direction along which the ribbon 103 can be drawn from the forming vessel 140
  • a plurality of separated glass ribbons 104 can be stacked to form a stack of separated glass ribbons 104.
  • interleaf material can be placed between an adjacent pair of separated glass ribbons 104 to help prevent contact and therefore preserve the pristine surfaces of the pair of separated glass ribbons 104.
  • the ribbon 103 from the glass manufacturing apparatus may be coiled onto a storage roll. Once a desired length of coiled ribbon is stored on the storage roll, the ribbon 103 may be separated by the glass separator 149 such that the separated glass ribbon is stored on the storage roll. In further embodiments, a separated glass ribbon can be separated into another separated glass ribbon. For example, a separated glass ribbon 104 (e.g., from the stack of glass ribbons) can be further separated into another separated glass ribbon. In further embodiments, a separated glass ribbon stored on a storage roll can be uncoiled and further separated into another separated glass ribbon.
  • the separated glass ribbon can then be processed into a desired application, e.g., a display application.
  • a desired application e.g., a display application.
  • the separated glass ribbon can be used in a wide range of display applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), and other electronic displays.
  • LCDs liquid crystal displays
  • EPD electrophoretic displays
  • OLEDs organic light emitting diode displays
  • PDPs plasma display panels
  • the glass cooling apparatus 301 can comprise one or more cooling doors 303.
  • the cooling doors 303 can be positioned adjacent to the root 145 of the forming wedge 209, with one cooling door 303 positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 and another cooling door 303 positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103.
  • a travel path 305 (e.g., along which the ribbon 103 travels) defined by the glass forming apparatus 101 can extend between the cooling doors 303.
  • the cooling doors 303 can comprise a cooling tube 307 and a thermal plate 309.
  • the cooling tube 307 can receive a cooling fluid and direct the cooling fluid towards the thermal plate 309.
  • the cooling fluid impinging upon the thermal plate 309 can cool the thermal plate 309 to a desired temperature. This cooling of the thermal plate 309 can thus cause the ribbon 103 to cool below the forming wedge 209.
  • the glass cooling apparatus 301 can comprise a housing 311 that may be positioned downstream from the forming wedge 209 and below the cooling doors 303.
  • the housing 311 can comprise an upper housing portion 313 and a lower housing portion 315.
  • the upper housing portion 313 may be positioned below and immediately downstream from the cooling doors 303.
  • the upper housing portion 313 can define a hollow upper housing chamber 317 through which the ribbon 103 can move.
  • the travel path 305 defined by the glass forming apparatus 101 can extend within the upper housing portion 313 (e.g., within the upper housing chamber 317).
  • the ribbon 103 can move along the travel path 305 in a travel direction 319 through the upper housing portion 313.
  • the upper housing portion 313 can comprise one or more upper housing walls 321.
  • the upper housing walls 321 can be positioned on opposing sides of the travel path 305, with one of the upper housing walls 321 positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 (e.g., as the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305) and another upper housing wall 321 positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103.
  • the upper housing walls 321 can be spaced apart from each other to define the upper housing chamber 317 therebetween.
  • the upper housing walls 321 can comprise a refractory insulating material to reduce heat transfer through the upper housing walls 321.
  • the refractory insulating material of the upper housing walls 321 can comprise, for example, a non- metallic material comprising chemical and physical properties that make the upper housing walls 321 applicable for structures that are exposed to environments equal to or greater than about 500°C, equal to or greater than about 700°C, or equal to or greater than about 800°C.
  • the upper housing portion 313 can comprise one or more cooling tubes 325.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be positioned within the upper housing chamber 317 between the travel path 305 and the upper housing wall 321.
  • the upper housing portion 313 can comprise one or more cooling tubes 325 positioned on one side of the travel path 305, and one or more cooling tubes 325 positioned on an opposite side of the travel path 305.
  • one or more cooling tubes 325 can be positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 (e.g., as the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305) and one or more cooling tubes 325 can be positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the first major surface 215 may be spaced apart from the one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the second major surface 216 to define a gap therebetween, with the travel path 305 extending through this gap and between the one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the first major surface 215 and the one or more cooling tubes 325 facing the second major surface 216. In this way, the ribbon 103, when moving along the travel path 305, can travel between the one or more cooling tubes 325.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can comprise three cooling tubes positioned on one side of the travel path 305 and three cooling tubes positioned on the opposite side of the travel path 305.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can comprise more than three cooling tubes 325 positioned on each side of the travel path 305.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be arranged along a vertical axis (e.g., one cooling tube positioned above another cooling tube), with the vertical axis extending substantially parallel to the travel path 305 or non-parallel to the travel path 305.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be arranged along a non-vertical axis, for example, by being staggered (e.g., with some cooling tubes 325 positioned in closer proximity to the travel path 305 than other cooling tubes 325).
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be spaced apart from adjacent cooling tubes 325 along a vertical direction, such that the cooling tubes 325 may not be in contact with each other.
  • a distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 along the vertical direction may be constant.
  • a distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 e.g., one cooling tube from the nearest cooling tube
  • a distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 along the vertical direction may be non-constant.
  • a distance separating adjacent cooling tubes 325 e.g., one cooling tube from the nearest cooling tube
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be positioned to extend width-wise relative to the ribbon 103 moving along the travel path 305.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can extend along a tube axis 326 (e.g., with the tube axis 326 extending into and out of the page in FIG. 3) that may be orthogonal to the travel direction 319 and parallel to the travel path 305.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can be attached within the upper housing portion 313, for example, by being attached to the upper housing wall 321, such that the one or more cooling tubes 325 may be fixed relative to the travel path 305.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 may be coupled to one or more of a valve, a gasket, or a fluid supply source such that a cooling fluid can be delivered to the cooling tubes 325 and evacuated from the cooling tubes 325.
  • a free path may extend between the one or more cooling tubes 325 and the travel path 305 in a free path direction.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can comprise a cooling tube 327.
  • a first free path 329 may extend between the cooling tube 327 and the travel path 305 in a first free path direction 331 that may be orthogonal to the travel path 305.
  • a free path may be unobstructed and free of any intervening structures between the cooling tubes 325, 345 and the travel path 305.
  • the free path may comprise the first free path 329 and a second free path 349. The first free path 329 is unobstructed and is free of any intervening structures between the cooling tube 327 and the travel path 305.
  • the cooling tube 327 and the ribbon 103 can define an unoccupied space therebetween.
  • the first free path 329 is not limited to extending between the cooling tube 327 and the travel path 305. Rather, in some embodiments, a free path may extend between the other cooling tubes 325 and the travel path 305 in a free path direction orthogonal to the travel path 305 and parallel to the first free path 329.
  • the glass cooling apparatus 301 may comprise one or more partition members 335 separating the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315.
  • the partition members 335 can extend from the upper housing wall 321 towards the travel path 305.
  • the partition members 335 can be spaced apart from each to define a gap through which the travel path extends 305.
  • the partition members 335 can increase or decrease the direct“view” of the molten glass in proximity to the root 145 to the cooler regions of the glass cooling apparatus 301, for example, within the lower housing portion 315.
  • the partition members 335 can comprise flappers extending into the upper housing portion 313 or the lower housing portion 315 and may be capable of rotating about a hinged end to thereby increase or decrease the view between the root 145 and structure within the lower housing portion 315. That is, the line of sight between the root 145 and structural elements of the lower housing portion 315 can be varied. While FIG. 3 illustrates the partition members 335 positioned in the upper housing portion 313, the partition members 335 may be positioned in other locations, for example, within the lower housing portion 315 or between the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315.
  • the lower housing portion 315 can be positioned immediately below the upper housing portion 313. In this way, the lower housing portion 315 may be positioned downstream from the upper housing portion 313 relative to the travel direction 319 of the ribbon 103 along the travel path 305.
  • the lower housing portion 315 can define a hollow lower housing chamber 341 through which the ribbon 103 can move.
  • the travel path 305 of the glass forming apparatus 101 can extend within the lower housing portion 315 (e.g., within the lower housing chamber 341) positioned below the upper housing portion 313.
  • the ribbon 103 can move along the travel path 305 in the travel direction 319 through the lower housing portion 315. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305 in the travel direction and first passes through the upper housing portion 313 before passing through the lower housing portion 315.
  • the lower housing portion 315 can comprise one or more lower housing walls 343.
  • the lower housing walls 343 can be positioned on opposing sides of the travel path 305, with one of the lower housing walls 343 positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 (e.g., as the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305) and another lower housing wall 343 positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103.
  • the lower housing walls 343 can be spaced apart from each other to define the lower housing chamber 341 therebetween.
  • the lower housing walls 343 can comprise a refractory insulating material so as to reduce heat transfer through the lower housing walls 343.
  • the refractory insulating material of the lower housing walls 343 can comprise, for example, a non-metallic material comprising chemical and physical properties that make the lower housing walls 343 applicable for structures that are exposed to environments equal to or greater than about 500°C, equal to or greater than about 700°C, or equal to or greater than about 800°C.
  • the refractory insulating material of the lower housing walls 343 may be the same as the refractory insulating material of the upper housing walls 321.
  • the lower housing portion 315 can comprise one or more lower cooling tubes 345.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be positioned within the lower housing chamber 341 between the travel path 305 and the lower housing wall 343.
  • the lower housing portion 315 can comprise one or more lower cooling tubes 345 positioned on one side of the travel path 305, and one or more lower cooling tubes 345 positioned on an opposite side of the travel path 305.
  • one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be positioned facing the first major surface 215 of the ribbon 103 (e.g., as the ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 305) and one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be positioned facing the second major surface 216 of the ribbon 103.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the first major surface 215 may be spaced apart from the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the second major surface 216 to define a gap therebetween, with the travel path 305 extending through this gap and between the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the first major surface 215 and the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 facing the second major surface 216.
  • the ribbon 103 when moving along the travel path 305, can travel between the one or more lower cooling tubes 345.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can comprise four lower cooling tubes positioned on one side of the travel path 305 and four lower cooling tubes positioned on the opposite side of the travel path 305.
  • one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be positioned on one side of the travel path 305 while one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be positioned on the opposite side of the travel path 305.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be positioned to extend width-wise relative to the ribbon 103 moving along the travel path 305.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can extend along a lower tube axis 348 (e.g., with the lower tube axis 348 extending into and out of the page in FIG. 3) that may be orthogonal to the travel direction 319 and parallel to the travel path 305.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can be attached within the lower housing portion 315, for example, by being attached to the lower housing wall 343, such that the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be fixed relative to the travel path 305.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 may be coupled to one or more of a valve, a gasket, or a fluid supply source such that a cooling fluid can be delivered to the lower cooling tubes 345 and evacuated from the lower cooling tubes 345.
  • a free path may extend between the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 and the travel path in a free path direction.
  • the one or more lower cooling tubes 345 can comprise a lower cooling tube 347.
  • a second free path 349 may extend between the lower cooling tube 347 and the travel path 305 in a second free path direction 351 that may be orthogonal to the travel path 305.
  • the second free path 349 is unobstructed and is free of any intervening structures between the lower cooling tube 347 and the travel path 305. In this way, the lower cooling tube 347 and the ribbon 103 can define an unoccupied space therebetween.
  • the first free path direction 331 may be substantially parallel to the second free path direction 351.
  • a free path is not limited to extending between the lower cooling tube 347 and the travel path 305. Rather, in some embodiments, a free path may extend between the other lower cooling tubes 345 and the travel path 305 in a free path direction orthogonal to the travel path 305 and parallel to the second free path 349.
  • methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 can comprise moving the ribbon 103 along the travel path 305 in the travel direction 319 past the cooling tube 327 of the one or more cooling tubes 325.
  • the travel path 305 can be oriented substantially vertically, such that the travel direction 319 of the ribbon 103 can be in a downward direction.
  • the ribbon 103 can move along the travel path 305 through the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315.
  • the travel path 305 is planar and extends through the upper housing portion 313 and the lower housing portion 315.
  • the ribbon 103 can move past the cooling tube 327 and the one or more cooling tubes 325. As the ribbon 103 moves through the lower housing portion 315, the ribbon 103 can move past the lower cooling tube 347 and the one or more lower cooling tubes 345.
  • moving the ribbon 103 can comprise cooling the ribbon 103 as the ribbon 103 moves past the cooling tube 327.
  • the cooling tube 327 can be maintained at a lower temperature relative to a temperature of the ribbon 103 as the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327. As such, the cooling tube 327 can reduce a temperature of the air that surrounds the travel path 305 and the ribbon 103. The cooling tube 327 can therefore cool the ribbon 103 as the ribbon 103 moves past the cooling tube 327.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cooling tube 327 along line 4-4 of FIG. 3
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cooling tube 327 along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
  • the cooling tube 327 can be positioned along the travel path 305 of the ribbon 103 and can reduce a temperature of the ribbon 103 as the ribbon 103 moves in the travel direction 319 past the cooling tube 327.
  • the cooling tube 327 can comprise a radiative type cooling tube when no cooling fluid is expelled from the cooling tube 327 except through fittings that may be designed to supply the cooling fluid to the cooling tube 327 and/or remove the cooling fluid from the cooling tube 327.
  • the cooling tube 327 may not comprise an orifice within an exterior surface to exhaust cooling fluid from the cooling tube 327 to the upper housing chamber 317.
  • the cooling fluid may be contained within the cooling tube 327, such that the cooling fluid may be prevented from escaping from the cooling tube 327 and into the upper housing chamber 317 and/or the lower housing chamber 341.
  • the cooling tube 327 can comprise a first tube 401 and a second tube 403, with the first tube 401 and/or the second tube 403 extending along the tube axis 326.
  • the first tube 401 can extend longitudinally along the tube axis 326 between a proximal end 405 and a distal end 407.
  • the tube axis 326 can comprise a central tube axis of the first tube 401 and/or the second tube 403.
  • the first tube 401 can comprise a closed first sidewall 409 and a closed first end 411.
  • the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 may be free of openings, orifices, voids, vents, or the like, such that cooling fluid may be prevented from exiting the first tube 401 by passing through the closed first sidewall 409 or the closed first end 411.
  • the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411 can define a hollow first tube interior 413.
  • the first tube 401 can comprise a thermally conductive material, such as one or more of stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, molybdenum alloys, tungsten alloys or cobalt alloys.
  • cooling fluid that flows through the cooling tube 327 may be contained within the cooling tube 327 and prevented from exiting the first tube 401 by passing through the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411.
  • air currents can be generated within the upper housing chamber 317. These air currents can cause temperature fluctuations within the upper housing chamber 317, with different areas of the upper housing chamber 317 having relatively large temperature differences. As a result of these temperature differences, thickness and viscosity variations may occur within the ribbon 103.
  • the first tube 401 is closed (e.g., by comprising the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411), these temperature variations, and, thus, thickness and viscosity variations in the ribbon 103, may be reduced.
  • the second tube 403 can be positioned within the first tube 401.
  • the second tube 403 can be received within the first tube interior 413 of the first tube 401, with the second tube 403 being coaxial with the first tube 401.
  • the second tube 403 can extend longitudinally along the tube axis 326 between a proximal end 415 and a distal end 417.
  • one or more fittings can be coupled to the proximal end 405 of the first tube 401 and/or the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403.
  • the one or more fittings may be configured to deliver the cooling fluid through the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 and receive the cooling fluid from the proximal end 405 of the first tube 401.
  • the proximal end 405 of the first tube 401 and the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 may define openings, while the distal end 407 of the first tube 401 and the distal end 417 of the second tube 403 may be closed.
  • the second tube 403 can comprise a closed second end 421 and a second sidewall 419 defining an orifice.
  • the closed second end 421 may be free of openings, orifices, voids, vents, or the like, such that the cooling fluid may be prevented from exiting the second tube 403 by passing through the closed second end 421.
  • the second sidewall 419 and the closed second end 421 can define a hollow second tube interior 422.
  • the second tube 403 can comprise a thermally conductive material, for example, one or more of stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, molybdenum alloys, tungsten alloys or cobalt alloys.
  • the second tube 403 can comprise a non-thermally conductive material, such as non-metal materials (e.g., ceramics, etc.).
  • the second sidewall 419 may be concentric with the closed first sidewall 409.
  • one or more of the closed first sidewall 409 of the first tube 401 or the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 can comprise a cylindrical shape (e.g., circular cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the tube axis 326), with the second sidewall 419 spaced a constant distance from the closed first sidewall 409 along a length of the second tube 403.
  • the closed first sidewall 409 of the first tube 401 and the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 are not limited to comprising a cylindrical shape (e.g., circular cross-sectional shape in a plane orthogonal to the tube axis 326), and in some embodiments, one or more of the closed first sidewall 409 of the first tube 401 or the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 may comprise an elliptical cross-sectional shape, a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape (e.g., a square, a rectangle, etc.), a triangular cross-sectional shape, or other shapes.
  • the second sidewall 419 can define one or more orifices 423.
  • the one or more orifices 423 can extend through the second sidewall 419 of the second tube 403 and can be arranged along a length of the second tube 403. While a plurality of orifices are illustrated in FIG. 4, the second sidewall 419 is not so limited.
  • the second sidewall 419 may comprise an orifice (e.g., 425) or the orifice may comprise a plurality of orifices 423.
  • the one or more orifices 423 can define a fluid path through which the cooling fluid can exit the second tube 403.
  • the cooling fluid can exit the second tube interior 422 of the second tube 403 by passing through the one or more orifices 423.
  • an orifice 425 may extend along about 50% or less of a length of the second tube 403, or 40% or less of a length of the second tube 403, or 30% or less of a length of the second tube 403, or 20% or less of a length of the second tube 403, or 10% or less of a length of the second tube 403.
  • the orifice 425 may comprise an area that is about 50% or less of an area of the second tube 403, or 40% or less of an area of the second tube 403, or 30% or less of an area of the second tube 403, or 20% or less of an area of the second tube 403, or 10% or less of an area of the second tube 403.
  • the one or more orifices 423 may comprise several shapes, for example, circular cross-sectional shapes, quadrilateral cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.), rounded, non-circular cross-sectional shapes, etc.
  • the one or more orifices 423 may be arranged in linear alignment (e.g., parallel with the tube axis 326), though, in other embodiments, other arrangement patterns are envisioned.
  • the orifice 425 of the one or more orifices 423 can extend along an axis 429 (e.g., between an inner surface and an outer surface of the second sidewall 419) that intersects the closed first sidewall 409, with the axis 429 extending orthogonal to the tube axis 326.
  • the axis 429 extends parallel to the travel path 305.
  • the cooling tube 327 can comprise a channel 431 between the closed first sidewall 409 and the second sidewall 419.
  • the second tube 403 can comprise a second cross-sectional size that may be smaller than a first cross-sectional size of the first tube 401.
  • the first tube 401 and the second tube 403 comprise a circular cross-sectional shape
  • the second tube 403 can comprise a second diameter that may be smaller than a first diameter of the first tube 401.
  • the second sidewall 419 can be spaced a distance apart from the closed first sidewall 409 to define the channel 431 therebetween. In this way, the channel 431 may be in fluid communication with the one or more orifices 423 and the second tube interior 422.
  • the cooling tube 327 can be positioned to receive a cooling fluid 433 within the second tube 403 and pass the cooling fluid 433 through the one or more orifices 423 to the channel 431.
  • the second tube 403 can initially receive the cooling fluid 433 within the second tube interior 422.
  • the cooling fluid can pass from the second tube interior 422 to the orifices 423.
  • the cooling fluid 433 can travel substantially parallel to the axis 429, which may be orthogonal to the closed first sidewall 409. As such, after the cooling fluid 433 passes through the orifices 423, the cooling fluid 433 may impinge upon an inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409.
  • a cross-sectional size of the orifice 425 and the one or more orifices 423 may be relatively small, such that a velocity of the cooling fluid 433 traveling through the orifice 425 and the one or more orifices 423 may be higher, thus ensuring that the cooling fluid 433 impinges upon the closed first sidewall 409 along the axis 429.
  • the velocity of the cooling fluid 433 traveling through the orifice 425 and the one or more orifices 423 may be relatively smaller, which may reduce the likelihood of the cooling fluid 433 impinging upon the closed first sidewall 409 along the axis 429.
  • the cooling tube 327 can receive the cooling fluid 433 within one of the second tube interior 422 or the channel 431 and pass the cooling fluid 433 through the orifice 425 of the one or more orifices 423.
  • the cooling tube 327 can either receive the cooling fluid 433 within the second tube interior 422 and pass the cooling fluid 433 through the orifice 425 to the channel 431, or the cooling tube 327 can receive the cooling fluid 433 within the channel 431 and pass the cooling fluid 433 through the orifice 425 to the second tube interior 422.
  • the more orifices 423 can be arranged along an axis that is parallel to the tube axis 326.
  • a first set of orifices 423 can be arranged at a top of the second tube 403 along an axis that is parallel to the tube axis 326.
  • a second set of orifices 423 can be arranged at a bottom of the second tube 403 along another axis that is parallel to the tube axis 326.
  • the second tube 403 is not limited to such a configuration.
  • the orifices 423 can be staggered along the second tube 403 between the proximal end 415 and the distal end 417, such that an axis may not intersect all of the orifices 423 at the top of the second tube 403 or another axis may not intersect all of the orifices 423 at the bottom of the second tube 403.
  • an axis e.g., axis 429) orthogonal to the tube axis 326 may intersect one of the orifices 423 but not two orifices 423. For example, as illustrated in FIG.
  • the orifices 423 on opposing sides of the second tube 403 are arranged relative to each other such that an axis (e.g., axis 429) orthogonal to the tube axis 326 intersects two orifices, one orifice 423 at a top of the second tube 403 and one orifice at a bottom of the second tube 403.
  • an axis e.g., axis 429 orthogonal to the tube axis 326 intersects two orifices, one orifice 423 at a top of the second tube 403 and one orifice at a bottom of the second tube 403.
  • an alignment of the orifices is not intended to be limiting, however, and in some embodiments, orifices 423 on one side of the second tube 403 (e.g., at a top side, for example) may be staggered relative to orifices 423 on an opposing side of the second tube 403 (e.g., at a bottom side, for example).
  • the axis (e.g., axis 429) orthogonal to the tube axis 326 may intersect one orifice (e.g., at a top side, for example) while not intersecting an orifice at an opposing side (e.g., at a bottom side, for example).
  • the orifices 423 are not limited to comprising the same sizes (e.g., as illustrated), and, instead, some of the orifices 423 may comprise one size, while other orifices 423 may comprise other sizes, etc.
  • methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 can comprise receiving the cooling fluid 433 within the second tube 403.
  • the second tube 403 can be coupled to a cooling fluid source, with the cooling fluid source delivering the cooling fluid 433 to the second tube 403 in a second direction 439.
  • the second tube 403 can comprise the second tube interior 422, with the cooling fluid 433 being delivered through the proximal end 415 of the second tube 403 and into the second tube interior 422.
  • the cooling fluid 433 can comprise a gas, for example, air, helium, etc.
  • methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 can comprise directing the cooling fluid 433 through the one or more orifices 423 and through the channel 431 to cool the closed first sidewall 409.
  • the cooling fluid 433 can pass through the one or more orifices 423.
  • the cooling fluid 433 can flow from the second tube interior 422 to the channel 431 that may be between the closed first sidewall 409 and the second sidewall 419.
  • the cooling fluid 433 can travel along the axis 429, whereupon the cooling fluid 433 can impinge upon an inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409.
  • the directing the cooling fluid 433 through the one or more orifices 423 can comprise maintaining a temperature of an outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 from about 400°C to about 600°C.
  • the cooling fluid 433 that may be delivered by the cooling fluid source can initially be at room temperature. As the cooling fluid 433 impinges upon the inner surface of the closed first sidewall 409 and flows along the closed first sidewall 409 through the channel 431, the cooling fluid 433 can cool the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327.
  • Methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 can comprise preventing the cooling fluid 433 from passing through the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327.
  • the cooling fluid 433 may be prevented from passing through the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327.
  • Temperature effects (in °C) of the cooling tube 327 on the ribbon 103 are illustrated below in Table 1.
  • Column 1 illustrates a temperature of the ribbon 103 entering the upper housing portion 313 (e.g., at a top of the upper housing portion 313) while
  • Column 2 illustrates a temperature of the ribbon 103 exiting the upper housing portion 313 (e.g., at a bottom of the upper housing portion 313).
  • Column 3 illustrates an average temperature of the ribbon 103 within the upper housing portion 313 as determined by an average of the temperature of the ribbon 103 entering and exiting the upper housing portion 313.
  • the average temperature is indicative of the temperature of the ribbon 103 at a location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 (e.g., wherein the first free path 329 intersects the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327).
  • Column 4 illustrates a temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327.
  • Column 5 illustrates the difference between Column 3 and Column 4, that is, a temperature difference between the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 and the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327. Column 5 illustrates whether unwanted fluctuations of the ribbon 103 were exhibited.
  • Row 1 illustrates the effects when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 200°C.
  • Row 2 illustrates the effects when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 300°C.
  • Row 3 illustrates the effects when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 400°C.
  • Row 4 illustrates the effects when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 500°C.
  • Row 5 illustrates the effects when the temperature of the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is 600°C.
  • the temperature difference between the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 and the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 is 649°C and ribbon fluctuations in the ribbon 103 are present.
  • Table 1 further illustrates that when the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at a higher temperature (e.g., 400°C, 500°C, or 600°C), fluctuations in the ribbon 103 may not be present.
  • the temperature difference between the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 and the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 is 553°C and ribbon fluctuations in the ribbon 103 are sometimes present.
  • the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is maintained at 500°C, the temperature difference between the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 and the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 is 459°C and ribbon fluctuations in the ribbon 103 are not present.
  • the temperature difference between the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 and the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 is 367°C and ribbon fluctuations in the ribbon 103 are not present. Therefore, in some embodiments, as the temperature difference between the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 and the average temperature of the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 is decreased, the ribbon 103 is less likely to exhibit fluctuations while still being cooled within the upper housing portion 313.
  • methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 can comprise flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 such that a temperature difference between the ribbon 103 at a location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 and the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is less than about 649°C.
  • the first free path 329 can intersect the travel path 305 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327.
  • the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 can be maintained at a temperature from about 400°C to about 600°C as a result of the cooling fluid 433 flowing through the second tube 403, the one or more orifices 423, and the channel 431 of the first tube 401.
  • the flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 can comprise receiving a gas within the cooling tube 327.
  • the temperature of the cooling tube 327 may be lower than the temperature of the ribbon 103 where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 with the temperature difference less than about 649°C.
  • the flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 is such that the temperature difference between the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 and the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 103 is less than about 553°C. In some embodiments, the flowing the cooling fluid 433 through the cooling tube 327 is such that the temperature difference between the ribbon 103 at the location where the ribbon 103 passes the cooling tube 327 and the outer surface 437 of the cooling tube 327 is less than about 459°C.
  • methods of forming the ribbon 103 with the glass forming apparatus 101 can comprise removing the cooling fluid 433 from the channel 431 along a first direction 435 that is opposite the second direction 439 along which the cooling fluid 433 flows within the second tube 403.
  • the directing the cooling fluid 433 through the channel 431 can comprise directing the cooling fluid 433 along a removal path 441 that may be substantially parallel to the tube axis 326 along which the second tube 403 extends.
  • the removed cooling fluid 433 can be collected and recycled back through the second tube 403, for example, after filtering and/or chilling.
  • the cooling fluid 433 is not limited to flowing within the second tube interior 422 prior to passing through the orifices 423 to the first tube interior 413. Rather, in some embodiments, the cooling fluid 433 can flow in an opposite direction than as previously described. For example, the cooling fluid 433 can initially enter the cooling tube 327 by flowing in the second direction 439 and into the first tube interior 413. The cooling fluid 433 can then flow through the one or more orifices 423 from the first hollow tube interior 413 to the second hollow tube interior 422. The cooling fluid 433 can then flow along the first direction 435 during removal from the second hollow tube interior 422.
  • FIG. 6 further embodiments of a cooling tube 601 of the one or more cooling tubes 325 along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 are illustrated.
  • the cooling tube 601 may be similar in structure and function to the cooling tube 327.
  • the cooling tube 601 may comprise the first tube 401 and the second tube 403, wherein the second tube 403 comprises the orifice 425.
  • the orifice 425 may extend along about 50% or more of a length of the second tube 403 between the proximal end 415 and the distal end 417.
  • the orifice 425 may comprise a single, high-aspect ratio slot that extends along a portion of the length of the second tube 403, for example, 50% or more of the length, 60% or more of the length, 70% or more of the length, 80% or more of the length, or 90% or more of the length.
  • a width of the orifice 425 may be relatively small (e.g., with the length of the orifice 425 may be 50% or more of the length of the second tube 403 but the width being relatively small and/or thin), such that a velocity of the cooling fluid 433 traveling through the orifice 425 may be higher.
  • the orifice 425 comprise a larger width, the velocity of the cooling fluid 433 traveling through the orifice 425 may be relatively lower.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a relationship between time and temperature fluctuation of the ribbon 103.
  • the x-axis e.g., horizontal axis
  • time e.g., seconds
  • y-axis e.g., vertical axis
  • temperature fluctuation e.g., degrees C
  • a first line 701 represents a temperature fluctuation of the ribbon 103 across a width of the ribbon 103 when the cooling tubes (e.g., 325, 327) in the upper housing portion 313 are maintained at about 200°C.
  • a second line 703 represents a temperature fluctuation of the ribbon 103 across a width of the ribbon 103 when the cooling tubes (e.g., 325, 327) in the upper housing portion 313 are maintained at about 500°C.
  • the ribbon 103 exhibits a higher degree of temperature fluctuation when the cooling tubes (e.g., 325, 327) are maintained at the colder temperature as represented by the first line 701. That is, when the cooling tubes (e.g., 325, 327) are maintained at about 200°C, the ribbon 103 will exhibit a higher degree of temperature fluctuation over time.
  • the ribbon 103 exhibits a lower degree of temperature fluctuation when the cooling tubes (e.g., 325, 327) are maintained at the higher temperature as represented by the second line 703. That is, when the cooling tubes (e.g., 325, 327) are maintained at about 500°C, the ribbon 103 will exhibit a lower degree of temperature fluctuation over time.
  • the glass cooling apparatus 301 can provide for improved cooling of the ribbon 103 with the one or more cooling tubes 325.
  • certain negative effects can be reduced.
  • these effects can comprise temperature fluctuations within the upper housing chamber 317, air currents around the ribbon 103, convective rolls, etc. As a result of reducing these effects, the likelihood of thickness and viscosity variations occurring within the ribbon 103 can likewise be reduced.
  • the structure of the one or more cooling tubes 325 can likewise yield improvements regarding maintaining a temperature within the upper housing chamber 317.
  • the one or more cooling tubes 325 can comprise the closed first sidewall 409 and the closed first end 411, thus limiting the cooling fluid 433 from escaping the one or more cooling tubes 325 and flowing into the upper housing chamber 317.
  • air currents within the upper housing chamber 317 may be further reduced.
  • the type of cooling fluid 433 used within the one or more cooling tubes 325 may also be beneficial in a number of ways.
  • the cooling fluid 433 may comprise a gas, which will not steam when exposed to relatively high temperatures as water would.
  • the cooling fluid 433 comprising a gas
  • wear and tear of the first tube 401 and the second tube 403 which may be exacerbated by the use of liquid or water as the cooling fluid 433, may be reduced.
  • the use of liquid or water as the cooling fluid 433 may cause additional corrosion of the first tube 401 and/or the second tube 403 as compared to using gas as the cooling fluid 433.
  • a glass forming apparatus can comprise a cooling tube comprising a first tube comprising a closed first sidewall and a closed first end, and a second tube comprising a closed second end and a second sidewall defining an orifice, the second tube positioned within the first tube, the cooling tube comprising a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall, the cooling tube configured to receive a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.
  • Embodiment 2 The glass forming apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein one or more of the first tube or the second tube comprises a cylindrical shape.
  • Embodiment s The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-2, wherein the second tube is coaxial with the first tube.
  • Embodiment 4 The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the orifice comprises a plurality of orifices.
  • Embodiment 5 The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the orifice extends along about 50% or more of a length of the second tube.
  • Embodiment 6 The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the orifice extends along about 50% or less of a length of the second tube.
  • Embodiment 7 The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a gas.
  • a glass forming apparatus can comprise an upper housing portion, within which a travel path defined by the glass forming apparatus extends, comprising a cooling tube, wherein a first free path extends between the cooling tube and the travel path in a first free path direction orthogonal to the travel path.
  • Embodiment 9 The glass forming apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the cooling tube comprises a first tube comprising a closed first sidewall and a closed first end, and a second tube comprising a closed second end and a second sidewall defining the orifice, the second tube positioned within the first tube, the cooling tube comprising a channel between the closed first sidewall and the second sidewall, the cooling tube configured to receive a cooling fluid within one of the second tube or the channel and pass the cooling fluid through the orifice.
  • Embodiment 10 The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 8-9, wherein the travel path extends within a lower housing portion positioned below the upper housing portion, the lower housing portion further comprising a lower cooling tube and a second free path extending between the lower cooling tube and the travel path in a second free path direction.
  • Embodiment 11 The glass forming apparatus of embodiment 10, wherein the first free path direction is substantially parallel to the second free path direction.
  • Embodiment 12 The glass forming apparatus of any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein a temperature difference between a ribbon at a location where the ribbon passes the cooling tube and an outer surface of the cooling tube is less than about 649°C.
  • a method of forming a ribbon with the glass forming apparatus of embodiment 1 can comprise moving the ribbon along a travel path in a travel direction past the cooling tube. Methods can comprise receiving the cooling fluid within the second tube. Methods can comprise directing the cooling fluid through the orifice and through the channel to cool the closed first sidewall.
  • Embodiment 14 The method of embodiment 13, wherein the directing the cooling fluid through the orifice comprises maintaining a temperature of an outer surface of the cooling tube from about 400°C to about 600°C.
  • Embodiment 15 The method of any one of embodiments 13-14, further comprising removing the cooling fluid from the channel along a first direction that is opposite a second direction along which the cooling fluid flows within the second tube.
  • Embodiment 16 The method of embodiment 15, wherein the removing the cooling fluid comprises directing the cooling fluid along a removal path that is substantially parallel to a tube axis along which the second tube extends.
  • a method of forming a ribbon with a glass forming apparatus can comprise moving the ribbon along a travel path in a travel direction past a cooling tube. Methods can comprise flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that a temperature difference between the ribbon at a location where the ribbon passes the cooling tube and an outer surface of the cooling tube is less than about 649°C.
  • Embodiment 18 The method of embodiment 17, further comprising preventing the cooling fluid from passing through the outer surface of the cooling tube.
  • Embodiment 19 The method of any one of embodiments 17-18, wherein the flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that the temperature difference between the ribbon at the location where the ribbon passes the cooling tube and the outer surface of the cooling tube is less than about 553°C.
  • Embodiment 20 The method of any one of embodiments 17-19, wherein the flowing the cooling fluid through the cooling tube such that the temperature difference between the ribbon at the location where the ribbon passes the cooling tube and the outer surface of the cooling tube is less than about 459°C.
  • the term“about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art.
  • the term“about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to.
  • a“substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar.
  • “substantially similar” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments,“substantially similar” may denote values within about 10% of each other, for example within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Re-Forming, After-Treatment, Cutting And Transporting Of Glass Products (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de formage du verre qui comprend un tube de refroidissement comprenant un premier tube comprenant une première paroi latérale fermée et une première extrémité fermée, et un second tube comprenant une seconde extrémité fermée et une seconde paroi latérale délimitant un orifice. Le second tube est positionné à l'intérieur du premier tube. Le tube de refroidissement comprend un canal entre la première paroi latérale fermée et la seconde paroi latérale. Le tube de refroidissement reçoit un fluide de refroidissement à l'intérieur de l'un parmi le second tube ou le canal et fait passer le fluide de refroidissement à travers l'orifice. De plus, l'invention concerne des procédés de formage d'un ruban au moyen de l'appareil de formage du verre.
PCT/US2019/056058 2018-10-31 2019-10-14 Appareil et procédés de formage du verre Ceased WO2020091979A1 (fr)

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CN201980080502.0A CN113165937B (zh) 2018-10-31 2019-10-14 玻璃形成装置和方法
JP2021548513A JP2022509492A (ja) 2018-10-31 2019-10-14 ガラス成形装置及び方法
KR1020217015709A KR20210068582A (ko) 2018-10-31 2019-10-14 유리 성형 장치들 및 방법들

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KR (1) KR20210068582A (fr)
CN (1) CN113165937B (fr)
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021257642A1 (fr) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 Corning Incorporated Procédés de fabrication d'un ruban de verre
WO2022051077A1 (fr) * 2020-09-02 2022-03-10 Corning Incorporated Appareil et procédé pour améliorer des propriétés d'un verre étiré

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011149800A2 (fr) * 2010-05-26 2011-12-01 Corning Incorporated Appareil et procédé pour commander l'épaisseur d'un ruban de verre fondu en mouvement
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JP2022509492A (ja) 2022-01-20
TWI856032B (zh) 2024-09-21
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KR20210068582A (ko) 2021-06-09
TW202106635A (zh) 2021-02-16

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