TWI667208B - Methods and apparatus for conveying glass ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

一種玻璃條帶傳遞裝置，包括：一傳輸構件，係經配置以從一第二支持構件朝一第一支持構件以一延伸方向延伸跨展於一纏繞裝置及一傳輸條帶裝置間之一傳輸條帶的一中間部分。在進一步的示例中，傳遞一玻璃條帶的方法包括以下步驟：朝一第一支持構件延伸跨展於一纏繞裝置及一傳輸條帶裝置間之一傳輸條帶的一中間部分。該方法更包括以下步驟：將一玻璃條帶的一引導端部附接至該傳輸條帶的一第一主面，及回縮該傳輸條帶的該中間部分，同時該玻璃條帶的該引導端部朝一第二支持構件前行。 A glass ribbon transmission device includes a transmission member configured to extend from a second support member toward a first support member in an extending direction across a winding device and a transmission belt device. A middle part of the band. In a further example, the method of transferring a glass ribbon includes the steps of extending a middle portion of a transfer ribbon between a winding device and a transfer ribbon device toward a first support member. The method further includes the steps of: attaching a leading end of a glass ribbon to a first major face of the transmission ribbon, and retracting the middle portion of the transmission ribbon, while the glass ribbon The leading end portion is advanced toward a second supporting member.

Description

用於傳遞玻璃條帶的方法及裝置 Method and device for transferring glass ribbon 【對相關申請案的交叉引用】 [Cross Reference to Related Applications]

此申請案依據專利法主張於2015年1月29日所提出之第62/109207號美國臨時專利申請案的優先權權益，該申請案之整體內容於本文中以引用方式依附及併入本文中。 This application claims priority under US Patent No. 62/109207 filed on January 29, 2015 in accordance with the Patent Law, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference and incorporated herein by reference .

本揭示案大致關於用於傳遞玻璃條帶的方法及裝置，且更具體而言是關於用於傳遞玻璃條帶之引導端部的方法及裝置。 This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for transferring glass ribbons, and more specifically to methods and devices for transferring leading ends of glass ribbons.

玻璃片及/或玻璃條帶通常用在廣範圍的應用中。例如，玻璃片可用以製造液晶顯示器(LCD)、電泳顯示器(EPD)、有機發光二極體顯示器(OLED)、電漿顯示面板(PDP)、可穿載式顯示器或其他顯示裝置。在進一步的應用中，玻璃片可用以製造濾色器、觸控感應器、光電裝置、照明裝置或其他裝置。 Glass sheets and / or glass ribbons are commonly used in a wide range of applications. For example, glass sheets can be used to make liquid crystal displays (LCD), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLED), plasma display panels (PDP), wearable displays, or other display devices. In further applications, glass sheets can be used to make color filters, touch sensors, optoelectronic devices, lighting devices, or other devices.

玻璃條帶可由槽拉製、浮浴法、下拉製(例如熔融下拉製)、上拉製、壓軋或其他玻璃條帶製造技術所製造。一旦被生產，玻璃條帶可被分離成玻璃片，該等玻璃片接著被儲存(例如包封成玻璃片堆疊)及/或進一步 處理以供併入所需裝置。替代性地，與其立刻將玻璃條帶分離成玻璃片，玻璃條帶可藉由將玻璃條帶穿(thread)在存儲卷周圍以將玻璃條帶儲存為玻璃條帶卷來儲存。 Glass ribbons can be manufactured by slot-drawing, float bathing, down-drawing (e.g., melt-down drawing), up-drawing, rolling, or other glass ribbon manufacturing techniques. Once produced, the glass strips can be separated into glass sheets which are then stored (e.g., encapsulated into a stack of glass sheets) and / or further Process for incorporation into the required device. Alternatively, rather than immediately separating the glass ribbon into glass sheets, the glass ribbon may be stored by threading the glass ribbon around a storage roll to store the glass ribbon as a glass ribbon roll.

小心地將相對薄之玻璃條帶(小於或等於150微米厚)的引導端穿至存儲卷同時維持玻璃條帶的上游穩定性是日益受關注的。玻璃條帶的上游穩定性可防止中斷受益於精確、不受干擾地定位玻璃條帶的上游處理。 It is of increasing interest to carefully pierce the leading end of a relatively thin glass ribbon (less than or equal to 150 microns thick) to a storage roll while maintaining upstream stability of the glass ribbon. The upstream stability of the glass ribbon prevents interruptions that benefit from the accurate and undisturbed positioning of the upstream processing of the glass ribbon.

係提供用於傳遞具有各種厚度(例如等於或小於150微米之相對薄的厚度)之玻璃條帶的方法及裝置。該方法及裝置允許傳遞玻璃條帶的引導端捲在纏繞裝置的存儲卷上，而不不利地在玻璃條帶的上游部分影響玻璃條帶的穩定性。當穩定性被維持時，即使在一開始捲至存儲卷上的期間，玻璃條帶的專用上游處理可繼續而不受中斷。 Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring glass ribbons having various thicknesses, such as relatively thin thicknesses equal to or less than 150 microns. The method and device allow the leading end of the transfer glass ribbon to be wound on the storage roll of the winding device without adversely affecting the stability of the glass ribbon on the upstream portion of the glass ribbon. When stability is maintained, the dedicated upstream processing of the glass ribbon can continue without interruption, even from the beginning of the roll to the storage roll.

在本揭示案的第一態樣中，一種玻璃條帶傳遞裝置包括：一第一支持構件，係經配置以支持一玻璃條帶的一重量；及一第二支持構件，係經配置以在該第一支持構件下游的一位置處支持該玻璃條帶的一重量。該玻璃條帶傳遞裝置更包括：一纏繞裝置，係經配置以在該第二支持構件下游的一位置處纏繞該玻璃條帶；及一傳輸條帶裝置，係經配置以解開一傳輸條帶。一傳輸構件，係經配置以從該第二支持構件朝該第一支持構件以一延伸方向延 伸跨展於該纏繞裝置及該傳輸條帶裝置間之該傳輸條帶的一中間部分。 In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a glass ribbon transfer device includes: a first support member configured to support a weight of a glass ribbon; and a second support member configured to support a A weight of the glass ribbon is supported at a position downstream of the first support member. The glass ribbon transfer device further includes: a winding device configured to wind the glass ribbon at a position downstream of the second support member; and a transmission ribbon device configured to unwind a transmission ribbon band. A transmission member is configured to extend from the second support member toward the first support member in an extending direction. A span is stretched across a middle portion of the transmission tape between the winding device and the transmission tape device.

在該第一態樣的一個示例中，該傳輸構件包括一輥。 In one example of the first aspect, the transfer member includes a roller.

在該第一態樣的另一示例中，該玻璃條帶傳遞裝置更包括：一引導構件，係經配置以引導該傳輸構件以該延伸方向平移。 In another example of the first aspect, the glass ribbon transfer device further includes a guide member configured to guide the transmission member to translate in the extending direction.

在該第一態樣的又另一示例中，該第一支持構件及該第二支持構件中的至少一者包括一非接觸性支持構件。例如，該非接觸性支持構件可包括一空氣軸承。 In yet another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first support member and the second support member includes a non-contact support member. For example, the non-contact support member may include an air bearing.

在該第一態樣的又另一示例中，該傳輸條帶裝置包括：一調節器，係經配置以限制該傳輸條帶的解開。 In yet another example of the first aspect, the transmission strip device includes a regulator configured to limit unraveling of the transmission strip.

在該第一態樣的進一步示例中，該玻璃條帶傳遞裝置更包括：一位置感應器，係經配置以測量延伸於該第一支持構件及該第二支持構件間之一玻璃條帶自由迴路的一尺度。 In a further example of the first aspect, the glass ribbon transmission device further includes: a position sensor configured to measure a free glass ribbon extending between the first support member and the second support member. One dimension of the loop.

可單獨提供該第一態樣，或結合以上所討論之該第一態樣之該等示例中的任何一者或更多者來提供該第一態樣。 The first aspect may be provided separately, or in combination with any one or more of the examples of the first aspect discussed above.

在一第二態樣中，一種傳遞玻璃條帶的方法包括以下步驟(I)：在一第一支持構件上傳遞一玻璃條帶的一引導端部，同時該第一支持構件支持該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的一重量。該方法更包括步驟(II)：朝該第一支持構件延伸跨展於一纏繞裝置及一傳輸條帶裝置間之一傳 輸條帶的一中間部分；及步驟(III)：將該玻璃條帶的該引導端部附接至該傳輸條帶的一第一主面。該方法又更包括步驟(IV)：回縮該傳輸條帶的該中間部分，同時該玻璃條帶的該引導端部朝一第二支持構件前行；及步驟(V)：在該第二支持構件上傳遞該玻璃條帶的該引導端，同時該第二支持構件支持該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的該重量。 In a second aspect, a method for transferring a glass ribbon includes the following step (I): transferring a leading end of a glass ribbon on a first support member, and the first support member supports the glass ribbon Take a weight of the leading end. The method further includes step (II): extending toward the first supporting member to span between a winding device and a transporting belt device. A middle portion of the transfer ribbon; and step (III): attaching the leading end of the glass ribbon to a first major surface of the transfer ribbon. The method further includes step (IV): retracting the middle portion of the transmission strip, while the leading end of the glass strip advances toward a second support member; and step (V): at the second support The leading end of the glass ribbon is passed on the member, and the second support member supports the weight of the leading end of the glass ribbon.

在該第二態樣的一個示例中，在步驟(V)之後，該方法更包括以下步驟：在該纏繞裝置的一存儲卷上纏繞該玻璃條帶的該引導端部。 In one example of the second aspect, after step (V), the method further includes the step of: winding the leading end of the glass ribbon on a storage roll of the winding device.

在該第二態樣的另一示例中，步驟(IV)形成一玻璃條帶自由迴路，該玻璃條帶自由迴路在該玻璃條帶的該引導端部朝該第二支持構件傳遞時發展。在一個示例中，該玻璃條帶的該引導端部在該玻璃條帶的該引導端部朝該第二支持構件傳遞時，遵循該玻璃條帶自由迴路的一輪廓。 In another example of the second aspect, step (IV) forms a glass ribbon free loop that develops when the leading end of the glass ribbon is passed toward the second support member. In one example, the leading end of the glass ribbon follows a contour of the free loop of the glass ribbon when the leading end of the glass ribbon is passed toward the second support member.

在該第二態樣的又另一示例中，該方法更包括以下步驟：控制延伸於該第一支持構件及該第二支持構件間之一玻璃條帶自由迴路的一輪廓。 In yet another example of the second aspect, the method further includes the step of: controlling a contour of a glass ribbon free loop extending between the first support member and the second support member.

在該第二態樣的又另一示例中，在步驟(I)期間，該第一支持構件以一流體墊支持該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的該重量。 In yet another example of the second aspect, during step (I), the first support member supports the weight of the leading end of the glass ribbon with a fluid pad.

在該第二態樣的又另一示例中，在步驟(V)期間，該第二支持構件以一流體墊支持該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的該重量。 In yet another example of the second aspect, during step (V), the second support member supports the weight of the leading end of the glass ribbon with a fluid pad.

在該第二態樣的仍又另一示例中，在步驟(V)之後，該方法更包括以下步驟：切斷該傳輸條帶的一尾隨部分。 In yet another example of the second aspect, after step (V), the method further includes the step of cutting off a trailing portion of the transmission strip.

在該第二態樣的一進一步示例中，步驟(III)包括以下步驟：以一壓感黏合劑將該玻璃條帶的該引導端部黏合至該傳輸條帶的該第一主面。 In a further example of the second aspect, step (III) includes the step of adhering the leading end of the glass ribbon to the first main surface of the transmission ribbon with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

在該第二樣態的另一示例中，步驟(II)包括以下步驟：對著該傳輸條帶的一第二主面接合一傳輸構件，以朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分。 In another example of the second aspect, step (II) includes the steps of engaging a transmission member against a second major surface of the transmission strip to extend the transmission strip toward the first support member. The middle part.

在該第二態樣的又另一示例中，步驟(II)包括以下步驟：沿一預定路徑平移該傳輸構件，以朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分。 In yet another example of the second aspect, step (II) includes the steps of translating the transport member along a predetermined path to extend the middle portion of the transport strip toward the first support member.

在該第二態樣的仍又另一示例中，步驟(II)的該傳輸構件包括一傳輸輥，該傳輸輥自由旋轉，同時朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分。 In yet another example of the second aspect, the transport member of step (II) includes a transport roller that rotates freely while extending the middle portion of the transport strip toward the first support member.

在該第二態樣的又另一示例中，步驟(II)包括以下步驟：沿一預定路徑平移該傳輸輥，以朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分，同時該傳輸輥自由旋轉。 In yet another example of the second aspect, step (II) includes the steps of translating the transport roller along a predetermined path to extend the middle portion of the transport strip toward the first support member, while the transport The roller rotates freely.

在該第二態樣的一進一步示例中，步驟(III)係在該傳輸條帶的一速度實質等於該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的該速度時執行。 In a further example of the second aspect, step (III) is performed when a speed of the transport strip is substantially equal to the speed of the leading end of the glass strip.

可單獨提供該第二態樣，或結合以上所討論之該第二態樣之該等示例中的任何一者或更多者來提供該第二態樣。 The second aspect may be provided separately, or in combination with any one or more of the examples of the second aspect discussed above.

2‧‧‧視角 2‧‧‧ perspective

101‧‧‧玻璃條帶傳遞裝置 101‧‧‧ glass ribbon transfer device

103‧‧‧玻璃條帶 103‧‧‧glass strip

103a‧‧‧第一主面 103a‧‧‧First main face

103b‧‧‧第二主面 103b‧‧‧ Second main face

105‧‧‧來源 105‧‧‧ Source

107‧‧‧熔融下拉製裝置 107‧‧‧ Melt pull-down device

109‧‧‧形成楔 109‧‧‧ wedge formation

111‧‧‧根部 111‧‧‧ root

113‧‧‧凹槽 113‧‧‧Groove

115a‧‧‧堰 115a‧‧‧ weir

115b‧‧‧堰 115b‧‧‧ weir

117a‧‧‧熔化玻璃片 117a‧‧‧melted glass

117b‧‧‧熔化玻璃片 117b‧‧‧melted glass

121‧‧‧向下方向 121‧‧‧ downward direction

125‧‧‧玻璃條帶的捲繞卷 125‧‧‧ glass ribbon winding roll

126‧‧‧玻璃條帶傳遞路徑方向 126‧‧‧ Direction of glass ribbon transmission path

127‧‧‧切割區域 127‧‧‧cut area

129‧‧‧外緣部分 129‧‧‧ outer edge

131‧‧‧中心部分 131‧‧‧ Central Section

132‧‧‧橫割裝置 132‧‧‧cross cutting device

133‧‧‧切割裝置 133‧‧‧Cutting device

134‧‧‧存儲卷 134‧‧‧Storage Volume

135‧‧‧第一支持構件 135‧‧‧First support member

136‧‧‧自由迴路 136‧‧‧free loop

137‧‧‧第二支持構件 137‧‧‧Second support member

139‧‧‧第一支持表面 139‧‧‧first support surface

141‧‧‧第二支持表面 141‧‧‧Second support surface

143‧‧‧纏繞裝置 143‧‧‧winding device

145‧‧‧玻璃條帶卷 145‧‧‧glass strip roll

147‧‧‧方向 147‧‧‧ direction

201‧‧‧引導端部 201‧‧‧ leading end

203‧‧‧馬達 203‧‧‧Motor

204‧‧‧控制器 204‧‧‧Controller

205‧‧‧纏繞軸 205‧‧‧ Winding shaft

207a‧‧‧位置感應器 207a‧‧‧Position sensor

207b‧‧‧位置感應器 207b‧‧‧Position sensor

207c‧‧‧位置感應器 207c‧‧‧Position sensor

207d‧‧‧位置感應器 207d‧‧‧Position sensor

209‧‧‧傳輸條帶裝置 209‧‧‧Transmission strip device

211‧‧‧傳輸條帶 211‧‧‧Transfer Band

212a‧‧‧第一主面 212a‧‧‧first main face

212b‧‧‧第二主面 212b‧‧‧Second main face

213‧‧‧存儲卷 213‧‧‧Storage Volume

215‧‧‧捲繞卷 215‧‧‧winding roll

217‧‧‧調節器 217‧‧‧ Regulator

219‧‧‧中間部分 219‧‧‧ middle section

220‧‧‧裁切裝置 220‧‧‧ cutting device

221‧‧‧傳輸構件 221‧‧‧Transmission component

223‧‧‧延伸方向 223‧‧‧Extending direction

225‧‧‧外周緣表面 225‧‧‧ peripheral surface

227‧‧‧引導軌 227‧‧‧Guide Rail

229‧‧‧引導槽 229‧‧‧Guide slot

231‧‧‧端部 231‧‧‧ tip

301‧‧‧流體墊 301‧‧‧ fluid pad

303‧‧‧流體通道 303‧‧‧fluid channel

305‧‧‧方向 305‧‧‧direction

307‧‧‧方向 307‧‧‧direction

401‧‧‧傳輸條帶速度 401‧‧‧Transfer speed

403‧‧‧速度 403‧‧‧speed

501‧‧‧輪廓 501‧‧‧ contour

503‧‧‧帶子 503‧‧‧ tape

601‧‧‧回縮方向 601‧‧‧Retraction direction

603‧‧‧方向 603‧‧‧ direction

605‧‧‧尾隨部分 605‧‧‧Trailer

701‧‧‧流體墊 701‧‧‧Fluid pad

703‧‧‧流體通道 703‧‧‧fluid channel

T1‧‧‧厚度 T1‧‧‧thickness

T2‧‧‧厚度 T2‧‧‧thickness

在參照隨附繪圖來閱讀以下的本發明詳細說明時，係更佳地了解本發明的以上及其他特徵、態樣及優點，在該等繪圖中：圖1係依據本揭示案之態樣之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置的示意側視圖；圖2係在傳輸構件處於回縮位置下的情況下且在將玻璃條帶纏繞至存儲輥上之前，於圖1的視角2處所採取之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置部分的示意放大側視圖；圖3係類似於圖2之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置部分的示意放大側視圖，其中傳輸構件已從圖2的回縮位置移動至中間位置；圖4係類似於圖3之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置部分的示意放大側視圖，其中傳輸構件已從圖3的中間位置移動至延伸位置；圖5係類似於圖4之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置部分的示意放大側視圖，其中玻璃條帶的引導端部係附接至傳輸 條帶的第一主面，同時傳輸構件係處於圖4的延伸位置下。 When reading the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is better to understand the above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention. In these drawings: FIG. 1 is based on the aspects of the present disclosure. Schematic side view of the glass ribbon transfer device; Figure 2 is the glass ribbon transfer taken at the perspective 2 of Figure 1 with the transfer member in the retracted position and before winding the glass ribbon onto the storage roll Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged side view of the device portion; Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged side view similar to the glass ribbon transfer device portion of Figure 2, in which the transmission member has been moved from the retracted position of Figure 2 to an intermediate position; Figure 4 is similar to Figure Fig. 5 is a schematic enlarged side view of the glass ribbon transfer device portion of Fig. 3, in which the transmission member has been moved from the middle position to the extended position of Fig. 3; The leading end of the glass strip is attached to the transmission The first major surface of the strip, while the transport member is in the extended position of FIG. 4.

圖6係類似於圖5之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置的示意放大側視圖，其中傳輸構件已從圖5的延伸位置移動至中間位置，同時玻璃條帶的引導端部維持附接至傳輸條帶的第一主面；圖7係類似於圖6之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置的示意放大側視圖，其中傳輸構件已從圖6的中間位置移動至回縮位置；及圖8係類似於圖7之玻璃條帶傳遞裝置的示意放大側視圖，其中玻璃條帶係纏繞於存儲輥上且傳輸條帶已被切斷。 FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged side view of the glass ribbon transfer device similar to FIG. 5, in which the transmission member has been moved from the extended position of FIG. 5 to an intermediate position, while the leading end of the glass ribbon remains attached to the transmission ribbon. First main surface; FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged side view of the glass ribbon transfer device similar to FIG. 6, where the transmission member has been moved from the intermediate position to the retracted position of FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a glass similar to FIG. A schematic enlarged side view of a ribbon transfer device in which a glass ribbon is wound on a storage roll and the transfer ribbon has been cut.

現將參照隨附的繪圖於下文中更完整地描述本發明，所請求之發明的示例實施例係圖示於該等繪圖中。當可能時，相同的參考標號係用於繪圖各處以指相同的或類似的部分。然而，可以許多不同形式實現所請求的發明，且所請求的發明不應被建構為受限於本文中所闡述的實施例。係提供這些示例實施例，以便此揭示案皆將是徹底及完整的，且將向本領域中具技藝的該等人完整傳達所請求之發明的範圍。 The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the claimed invention are illustrated. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, the requested invention may be implemented in many different forms, and the requested invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the claimed invention to those skilled in the art.

如本文中所使用的方向性用語(例如上、下、右、左、前、後、頂、底)係僅參照如所描繪的圖式而作出的，且不欲暗示絕對定向。 Directional terms (eg, up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom) as used herein are made with reference to the drawings as depicted only, and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

如圖1中所示，玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101可從各式各樣的來源105傳遞玻璃條帶103。例如，就在一個示例中，玻璃條帶103的來源105可包括玻璃製造裝置，例如槽拉製裝置、浮浴裝置、下拉製裝置、上拉製裝置、壓軋裝置或其他玻璃條帶製造裝置。藉由示例的方式，圖1示意性地繪示玻璃條帶103的一個可能的來源105，其包括熔融下拉製裝置107。熔融下拉製裝置107可包括形成楔109，其中根部111定位於凹槽113下。操作時，熔化玻璃進入凹槽113且溢出凹槽113的相反堰115a、115b，作為兩個分離的熔化玻璃片117a、117b。兩個分離的片117a、117b沿形成堰109的向下傾斜側朝彼此收斂且接著在根部111處熔融在一起。玻璃條帶103可接著以向下方向121熔融下拉製離開形成堰109的根部111，以將玻璃條帶103的來源提供給玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101。 As shown in FIG. 1, the glass ribbon transfer device 101 can transfer the glass ribbon 103 from a variety of sources 105. For example, in one example, the source 105 of the glass ribbon 103 may include a glass manufacturing device, such as a tank drawing device, a floating bath device, a pull-down device, a pull-up device, a rolling device, or other glass ribbon manufacturing device . By way of example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one possible source 105 of a glass strip 103, which includes a melt-down device 107. The melt-down apparatus 107 may include forming a wedge 109 in which the root 111 is positioned under the groove 113. During operation, the molten glass enters the groove 113 and overflows the opposite weirs 115a, 115b of the groove 113 as two separate molten glass pieces 117a, 117b. The two separate pieces 117a, 117b converge towards each other along the downwardly inclined sides forming the weir 109 and then fuse together at the root 111. The glass ribbon 103 can then be melt-pulled in a downward direction 121 away from the root 111 forming the weir 109 to provide the source of the glass ribbon 103 to the glass ribbon transfer device 101.

在另一示例中，玻璃條帶103的來源105可包括先前製造的玻璃條帶103。例如，玻璃條帶103的來源可包括先前由玻璃製造裝置所產生之玻璃條帶的捲繞卷125。玻璃條帶的捲繞卷125可加載進玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101以提供玻璃條帶103的來源105。如所示，操作時，玻璃條帶103可以向下方向121從捲繞卷125解開且接著由玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101所傳遞。 In another example, the source 105 of the glass strip 103 may include a previously manufactured glass strip 103. For example, the source of the glass ribbon 103 may include a rolled roll 125 of a glass ribbon previously produced by a glass manufacturing apparatus. The rolled roll 125 of the glass ribbon may be loaded into the glass ribbon transfer device 101 to provide a source 105 of the glass ribbon 103. As shown, during operation, the glass ribbon 103 can be unwound from the winding roll 125 in the downward direction 121 and then transferred by the glass ribbon transfer device 101.

玻璃條帶103可具有小於200微米的相對薄的厚度「T1」，例如從約50微米至約150微米，例如從 約75微米至約120微米，例如從約90微米至約110微米。由於玻璃條帶103之相對薄的本質以及玻璃屬性，玻璃條帶103係實質可撓的，且因此能夠在玻璃條帶103沿玻璃傳遞路徑前行時撓曲。 The glass strip 103 may have a relatively thin thickness "T1" of less than 200 microns, such as from about 50 microns to about 150 microns, such as from From about 75 microns to about 120 microns, such as from about 90 microns to about 110 microns. Due to the relatively thin nature of the glass strip 103 and the glass properties, the glass strip 103 is substantially flexible, and therefore can flex as the glass strip 103 travels along the glass transfer path.

可選地，玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101可包括經配置以處理玻璃條帶的處理區域。例如，處理區域可包括經配置以加工玻璃條帶之邊緣的研磨區域及/或完成區域。在進一步的示例中，處理區域可包括經配置以從玻璃條帶之邊緣及/或主面移除汙染物的清潔區域。在又額外的示例中，處理站可將積層或塗料的一或更多個層增加至玻璃條帶。在又進一步的示例中，處理站可化學處理玻璃條帶及/或將特徵(例如電子元件)增加至玻璃條帶。 Alternatively, the glass ribbon transfer device 101 may include a processing area configured to process the glass ribbon. For example, the processing area may include a grinding area and / or a finishing area configured to process the edges of the glass ribbon. In a further example, the processing area may include a cleaning area configured to remove contaminants from edges and / or major faces of the glass strip. In yet another example, a processing station may add one or more layers of a laminate or coating to a glass ribbon. In still further examples, the processing station may chemically process the glass strip and / or add features (eg, electronic components) to the glass strip.

在進一步的示例中，若提供，處置區域可包括經配置以玻璃條帶傳遞路徑方向126沿玻璃條帶的縱軸分離玻璃條帶的切割區域。例如，如圖1中所示，切割區域127可經配置以使用切割裝置133從玻璃條帶103的中心部分131裁切外緣部分129中的一者或兩者。就在一個示例中，示意性繪示的切割裝置133可可選地包括經配置以促進從玻璃條帶103的中心部分131分離外緣部分129的雷射。 In a further example, if provided, the treatment area may include a cutting area configured to separate the glass ribbon along the longitudinal axis of the glass ribbon with the glass ribbon transfer path direction 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting area 127 may be configured to cut one or both of the outer edge portions 129 from the central portion 131 of the glass strip 103 using the cutting device 133. In one example, the schematically illustrated cutting device 133 may optionally include a laser configured to facilitate separation of the outer edge portion 129 from the central portion 131 of the glass strip 103.

可選地，玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101亦可包括橫割裝置132，該橫割裝置132可經配置以橫向切割該玻璃條帶。例如，橫切裝置132可經配置以橫向切割玻璃條帶，該橫向包括垂直方向，雖然在進一步的示例中可提供其他 方向。如此，玻璃條帶103可被分割成從玻璃條帶來源105延伸的上游部分及從橫切裝置132的下游延伸的下游部分。在進一步的示例中，切割裝置132可用以提供引導端部201(參照圖2)以供傳遞至存儲卷134，如以下更完全地討論的。並且，在切斷玻璃條帶103之後，玻璃條帶可可選地以方向147在第一支持構件135上前行而被丟棄，直到新的處理開始為止。接著，切割裝置132可再次提供傳輸切割以呈現要穿在新卷上的另一引導端部201。 Optionally, the glass ribbon transfer device 101 may also include a cross-cutting device 132, which may be configured to cut the glass ribbon laterally. For example, the cross-cutting device 132 may be configured to cut a glass strip laterally, the lateral direction including a vertical direction, although other examples may be provided in further examples. direction. As such, the glass ribbon 103 may be divided into an upstream portion extending from the glass ribbon source 105 and a downstream portion extending downstream from the cross-cutting device 132. In a further example, the cutting device 132 may be used to provide a leading end 201 (see FIG. 2) for delivery to the storage volume 134, as discussed more fully below. Also, after the glass ribbon 103 is cut, the glass ribbon may optionally be advanced on the first support member 135 in a direction 147 and discarded until a new process is started. The cutting device 132 may then again provide a transport cut to present another leading end 201 to be worn on the new roll.

玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101可包括經配置以支持玻璃條帶103之重量的複數個支持構件。例如，玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101可包括第一支持構件135及在第一支持構件135之下游位置處的第二支持構件137。如圖1中所示，第二支持構件137可以預定距離從第一支持構件135隔開，以允許在第一及第二支持構件135、137之間形成自由迴路136。提供自由迴路可幫助隔離玻璃條帶的上游部分免於可能發生在玻璃條帶傳遞裝置之下游位置處的干擾。自由迴路亦可幫助以非接觸方式改變玻璃條帶的傳遞方向。在進一步的示例中，第二支持構件137的第二支持表面141的高度可可選地經配置以高於第一支持構件135的第一支持表面139，雖然第二支持表面141在進一步的示例中相對於第一支持表面139可定位於實質相同高度或甚至較低高度處。 The glass ribbon transfer device 101 may include a plurality of support members configured to support the weight of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the glass ribbon transfer device 101 may include a first support member 135 and a second support member 137 at a position downstream of the first support member 135. As shown in FIG. 1, the second support member 137 may be separated from the first support member 135 by a predetermined distance to allow a free loop 136 to be formed between the first and second support members 135, 137. Providing a free loop can help isolate the upstream portion of the glass ribbon from interference that may occur downstream of the glass ribbon transfer device. Free loops also help to change the direction of glass ribbon transmission in a non-contact manner. In a further example, the height of the second support surface 141 of the second support member 137 may optionally be configured to be higher than the first support surface 139 of the first support member 135, although the second support surface 141 is in a further example It may be positioned at substantially the same height or even lower relative to the first support surface 139.

玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101的支持構件(例如第一及第二支持構件135、137)可經配置以針對玻璃條帶103提供非接觸性支持。非接觸性支持構件可提供為防止與固態物件進行機械接觸，其中係由流體墊來提供支持。如此，非接觸性支持可由產生流體(例如氣體或液體)墊的支持構件所提供，在不機械性地與固態物件接觸玻璃條帶的情況下，該流體墊接觸條帶。在所繪示的示例中，玻璃條帶103的第一主面103a背向各別支持構件135、137的支持表面139、141。並且，在玻璃條帶103的第二主面103b不接觸各別支持構件135、137的支持表面139、141的情況下，支持構件135、137可支持玻璃條帶103的重量。例如，如所示，第一及第二支持構件135、137可包括一或更多個流體軸承，該等流體軸承係經配置以產生防止玻璃條帶與固態流體軸承進行機械接觸的流體(例如氣體或液體)墊。在所繪示的示例中，空氣軸承係經配置以提供氣墊以進行分隔且防止玻璃條帶103的第二主面103b及支持構件135、137之間的接觸。如此，支持構件135、137可包括空氣軸承形式的非接觸性支持構件，該空氣軸承係經設計以在第二主面103b及各別支持構件135、137的支持表面139、141之間所維持的氣墊支持玻璃條帶103的各別重量。雖然未圖示，可提供其他非接觸性構件以藉由防止原始表面與固態物件進行機械接觸的超音波能、氣阻或其他非接觸性裝置來提供支持。提供非接觸性支持可對於玻璃條帶表面幫助降低或防 止可能原本在容許與固態物件(例如固態支持構件的支持表面)進行接觸的接觸性支持配置的情況下發生的損傷。 The support members (eg, the first and second support members 135, 137) of the glass ribbon transfer device 101 may be configured to provide non-contact support for the glass ribbon 103. Non-contact support members can be provided to prevent mechanical contact with solid objects, where a fluid pad provides support. As such, non-contact support may be provided by a support member that generates a fluid (such as a gas or liquid) pad that contacts the strip without mechanically contacting the solid strip with the glass strip. In the illustrated example, the first main surface 103 a of the glass strip 103 faces away from the support surfaces 139, 141 of the respective support members 135, 137. Further, in a case where the second main surface 103b of the glass ribbon 103 does not contact the support surfaces 139, 141 of the respective support members 135, 137, the support members 135, 137 can support the weight of the glass ribbon 103. For example, as shown, the first and second support members 135, 137 may include one or more fluid bearings that are configured to generate a fluid (e.g., to prevent the glass ribbon from mechanical contact with the solid fluid bearing (e.g., Gas or liquid) pad. In the illustrated example, the air bearing is configured to provide an air cushion for separation and prevent contact between the second major surface 103b of the glass strip 103 and the support members 135, 137. As such, the support members 135, 137 may include non-contact support members in the form of air bearings that are designed to be maintained between the second main surface 103b and the support surfaces 139, 141 of the respective support members 135, 137 The air cushion supports the individual weights of the glass strip 103. Although not shown, other non-contact members may be provided to provide support by ultrasonic energy, air resistance, or other non-contact devices that prevent mechanical contact of the original surface with solid objects. Providing non-contact support can help reduce or prevent To prevent damage that would otherwise occur in a contact support configuration that allows contact with solid objects, such as the support surface of a solid support member.

在又進一步的示例中，支持構件的支持表面可經調整形狀以促進沿傳遞路徑傳遞玻璃條帶103。例如，在某些示例中，支持構件可包括實質平面的支持表面，以促進沿實質直線的路徑傳遞玻璃條帶。如所示，支持構件135、137的支持表面139、141可經彎曲以藉由向下彎曲第一支持構件135的支持表面139將彎曲傳遞路徑提供進自由迴路136，及藉由向上彎曲第二支持構件137的支持表面141將彎曲傳遞路徑提供出自由迴路135。提供彎曲支持表面139、141可進一步有益於在關鍵處理區域處(例如於切割區域127處)增加可撓玻璃條帶103的局部剛性。 In yet a further example, the support surface of the support member may be shaped to facilitate the transfer of the glass ribbon 103 along the transfer path. For example, in some examples, the support member may include a substantially planar support surface to facilitate the transfer of the glass strip along a substantially straight path. As shown, the support surfaces 139, 141 of the support members 135, 137 may be curved to provide a bending transfer path into the free loop 136 by bending the support surface 139 of the first support member 135 downward, and by bending the second The support surface 141 of the support member 137 provides a curved transmission path out of the free loop 135. The provision of curved support surfaces 139, 141 may further be beneficial in increasing the local rigidity of the flexible glass strip 103 at critical processing areas, such as at the cutting area 127.

玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101更包括纏繞裝置143，該纏繞裝置143係經配置以在第二支持構件137的下游位置處纏繞玻璃條帶103。如圖2中所示，纏繞裝置143可包括馬達203，該馬達203係經配置以在纏繞軸205周圍旋轉存儲卷134以將玻璃條帶103纏繞至存儲卷134上作為玻璃條帶卷145。在某些示例中，纏繞裝置143可包括可選控制器204及經配置以控制纏繞特性(例如纏繞軸205周圍之存儲卷134的旋轉速度)的一個或任何數量的感應器207a、207b、207c、207d。例如，若提供，控制器204可經編程以調整馬達203的速度，以受控的可變速度旋轉存儲卷134，幫助在傳遞玻璃條帶103 時維持自由迴路136的預定輪廓501(參照圖5)。如此，在一個示例中，位置感應器207a、207b、207c、207d係經配置以測量在第一支持構件135及第二支持構件137之間延伸之玻璃條帶103之自由迴路135的尺度。經測量的尺度可接著被傳遞至控制器204，以在將引導端部201穿至存儲卷205時幫助管理自由迴路136的輪廓501及/或管理輸廓501的發展，如以下更完全地討論的。 The glass ribbon transfer device 101 further includes a winding device 143 configured to wind the glass ribbon 103 at a position downstream of the second support member 137. As shown in FIG. 2, the winding device 143 may include a motor 203 configured to rotate the storage roll 134 around the winding shaft 205 to wind the glass ribbon 103 onto the storage roll 134 as a glass ribbon roll 145. In some examples, the winding device 143 may include an optional controller 204 and one or any number of sensors 207a, 207b, 207c configured to control winding characteristics (e.g., the rotation speed of the storage roll 134 around the winding shaft 205) , 207d. For example, if provided, the controller 204 can be programmed to adjust the speed of the motor 203, rotate the storage roll 134 at a controlled variable speed, and help pass the glass strip 103 The predetermined contour 501 of the free loop 136 is maintained (see FIG. 5). As such, in one example, the position sensors 207a, 207b, 207c, 207d are configured to measure the dimensions of the free loop 135 of the glass strip 103 extending between the first support member 135 and the second support member 137. The measured dimensions may then be passed to the controller 204 to help manage the profile 501 of the free loop 136 and / or manage the development of the profile 501 as the lead end 201 is passed to the storage volume 205, as discussed more fully below of.

參照圖2，玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101更包括經配置以解開傳輸條帶211的傳輸條帶裝置209。傳輸條帶211可包括第一主面212a及第二主面212b，其中傳輸條帶厚度「T2」在第一及第二主面212a、212b之間延伸。在某些示例中，傳輸條帶厚度「T2」係小於玻璃條帶厚度「T1」。例如，傳輸條帶厚度「T2」可從約10微米至約50微米，例如從約20微米至約40微米，例如從約25微米至約35微米。傳輸條帶211亦可形成自任何各式各樣的材料，例如玻璃條帶、紙帶、聚合物薄膜或其他材料。 Referring to FIG. 2, the glass ribbon transfer device 101 further includes a transfer ribbon device 209 configured to unravel the transfer ribbon 211. The transmission strip 211 may include a first main surface 212a and a second main surface 212b, wherein the thickness of the transmission strip "T2" extends between the first and second main surfaces 212a, 212b. In some examples, the transmission strip thickness "T2" is less than the glass strip thickness "T1". For example, the transmission strip thickness "T2" can be from about 10 microns to about 50 microns, such as from about 20 microns to about 40 microns, such as from about 25 microns to about 35 microns. The transmission strip 211 may also be formed from any of a variety of materials, such as glass strips, paper strips, polymer films, or other materials.

在一個示例中，傳輸條帶裝置209可包括經配置以儲存傳輸條帶211之捲繞卷215的存儲卷213。傳輸條帶裝置209可包括經配置以旋轉存儲卷213的馬達。替代性地，傳輸條帶裝置209可在沒有經配置以旋轉存儲卷213之專用驅動裝置的情況下允許自由旋轉存儲卷213。 In one example, the transport tape device 209 may include a storage roll 213 configured to store a wound roll 215 of the transport tape 211. The transport strip device 209 may include a motor configured to rotate the storage roll 213. Alternatively, the transport strip device 209 may allow the storage volume 213 to be freely rotated without a dedicated drive device configured to rotate the storage volume 213.

傳輸條帶裝置209可可選地包括經配置以限制傳輸條帶211之解開的調節器217。例如，與存儲卷213相關聯的旋轉支架可包括經配置以對於存儲卷213 的旋轉提供抗扭力的制動機制。替代性地，如所示，調節器217可包括分離自存儲卷213的制動機制。制動機制可經設計以具有制動阻抗，該制動阻抗夠低以允許依所需解開傳輸條帶，但夠高以防止存儲卷213的未受控制的旋轉，該未受控制的旋轉可能從存儲卷解開不需要的傳輸條帶長度。確實，制動阻抗可夠高以防止來自傳輸條帶211之中間部分219之不需要的張力施加在存儲卷213上，藉此無意間使得傳輸條帶211不需要地旋轉及從而從存儲卷213不需要地解開傳輸條帶211。確實，在某些示例中，調節器217可使中間部分219處於張力下，同時從存儲卷213隔離相對應的張力。 The transmission strip device 209 may optionally include a regulator 217 configured to limit unraveling of the transmission strip 211. For example, the swivel bracket associated with the storage volume 213 may include a The rotation provides a torque-resistant braking mechanism. Alternatively, as shown, the regulator 217 may include a braking mechanism separate from the storage volume 213. The braking mechanism may be designed to have a braking impedance that is low enough to allow the transport strip to be unwound as needed, but high enough to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the storage volume 213, which may be removed from storage The volume unwraps undesired transport strip lengths. Indeed, the braking impedance may be high enough to prevent unwanted tension from the middle portion 219 of the transfer strip 211 from being applied to the storage roll 213, thereby inadvertently causing the transfer strip 211 to rotate unnecessarily and thereby from Detach the transmission strip 211 as necessary. Indeed, in some examples, the adjuster 217 may place the intermediate portion 219 under tension while isolating the corresponding tension from the storage roll 213.

在進一步的示例中，傳輸條帶裝置209可包括可選裁切裝置220，該裁切裝置220係經配置以分離傳輸條帶211的中間部分219，如以下更完全地討論的。裁切裝置220可包括經配置以沿傳輸條帶211的寬度以橫向切割傳輸條帶211的機械切割裝置(例如刀)或非機械切割裝置(例如雷射)。 In a further example, the transport strip device 209 may include an optional cutting device 220 that is configured to separate the middle portion 219 of the transport strip 211, as discussed more fully below. The cutting device 220 may include a mechanical cutting device (e.g., a knife) or a non-mechanical cutting device (e.g., a laser) configured to cut the transport strip 211 laterally along the width of the transport strip 211.

玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101更包括傳輸構件221，該傳輸構件221係經配置以延伸傳輸條帶211的中間部分219，該中間部分219從第二支持構件137到第一支持構件135以延伸方向223跨展於纏繞裝置143及傳輸條帶裝置209之間。在一個示例中，傳輸構件221的外周緣表面225係經配置以接合傳輸條帶211之中間部分219的第二主面212b。如所示，在某些示例中，傳輸構 件221可包括輥，該輥經配置以在以延伸方向223延伸傳輸條帶211的中間部分219時旋轉。在這樣的示例中，輥可經配置以自由旋轉，雖然在進一步的示例中受驅動的輥裝置是可能的。在又進一步的示例中，傳輸構件可為非旋轉傳輸構件或經配置僅供進行受限的旋轉。在這樣的示例中，傳輸構件的外周緣表面可包括具有相對低摩擦係數的材料，以降低傳輸條帶211之中間部分219的第二主面212b及傳輸構件之間的摩擦。 The glass ribbon transfer device 101 further includes a transmission member 221 configured to extend a middle portion 219 of the transmission ribbon 211, the middle portion 219 extending from the second support member 137 to the first support member 135 in a direction 223. Straddle between the winding device 143 and the transmission strip device 209. In one example, the outer peripheral surface 225 of the transmission member 221 is configured to engage the second major surface 212b of the middle portion 219 of the transmission strip 211. As shown, in some examples, the transport construct The piece 221 may include a roller configured to rotate when the middle portion 219 of the transport strip 211 is extended in an extension direction 223. In such examples, the rollers may be configured to rotate freely, although driven roller devices are possible in further examples. In still further examples, the transmission member may be a non-rotating transmission member or configured for limited rotation. In such an example, the outer peripheral surface of the transmission member may include a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction to reduce friction between the second main surface 212b of the middle portion 219 of the transmission strip 211 and the transmission member.

在進一步的示例中，玻璃條帶傳遞裝置101可包括引導構件，該引導構件係經配置以引導傳輸構件以延伸方向平移。在一個示例中，引導構件可包括支持構件，該支持構件可以機器手臂或其他機制沿所需引導路徑傳遞。替代性地，如所示，引導構件可包括引導軌227，該引導軌227係經結構化以與傳輸構件221接合以沿預定引導路徑引導(例如平移)傳輸構件。結構性配置可包括肋、溝槽、通道或其他配置。在所繪示的示例中，引導軌227的結構性配置包括引導槽229，該引導槽229係經配置以接收傳輸輥221之旋轉軸(未圖示)的端。雖然未圖示，引導軌可提供於傳輸輥221的各側上，使得旋轉軸的各軸端分別在引導軌227之引導槽229的相對應者中被接收。 In a further example, the glass ribbon transfer device 101 may include a guide member configured to guide the transfer member to translate in an extending direction. In one example, the guide member can include a support member that can be passed along a desired guide path by a robotic arm or other mechanism. Alternatively, as shown, the guide member may include a guide rail 227 that is structured to engage the transport member 221 to guide (eg, translate) the transport member along a predetermined guide path. Structural configurations may include ribs, trenches, channels, or other configurations. In the illustrated example, the structural configuration of the guide rail 227 includes a guide groove 229 configured to receive an end of a rotation shaft (not shown) of the transfer roller 221. Although not shown, guide rails may be provided on each side of the transfer roller 221 such that each shaft end of the rotation shaft is received in a corresponding one of the guide grooves 229 of the guide rail 227.

如所示，引導槽229或其他結構性配置可將預定引導路徑定義為實質直線的預定引導路徑，該預定引導路徑係經配置以沿實質直線的延伸方向223平移傳輸輥 221。雖然未圖示，部分或整個預定引導路徑可替代性地包括彎曲的、階梯的或其他的非線性片段。例如，在某些示例中，引導槽可至少部分地或完全地彎曲，以幫助沿自由迴路136的輪廓501引導玻璃條帶103的端部201。在又進一步的示例中，引導槽229可包括閉迴路路徑，例如D形路徑，其中線性片段及弓形片段定義無盡的路徑。閉迴路路徑可允許不同於傳輸構件221之回縮路徑的第一延伸路徑。例如，D形路徑的線性片段可在傳輸構件221從第二支持構件137延伸至第一支持構件135時提供所繪示的實質直線的延伸方向223。弓形片段可在傳輸構件從第一支持構件135回縮至第二支持構件135時定義弓形的回縮路徑。 As shown, the guide groove 229 or other structural configuration may define a predetermined guide path as a substantially straight predetermined guide path configured to translate the transfer roller in a substantially straight extension direction 223 221. Although not shown, part or all of the predetermined guide path may alternatively include curved, stepped, or other non-linear segments. For example, in some examples, the guide groove may be at least partially or completely curved to help guide the end 201 of the glass strip 103 along the contour 501 of the free loop 136. In yet a further example, the guide slot 229 may include a closed loop path, such as a D-shaped path, where the linear segment and the arcuate segment define an endless path. The closed loop path may allow a first extension path different from the retracted path of the transmission member 221. For example, a linear segment of the D-shaped path may provide a substantially straight line extending direction 223 as the transmission member 221 extends from the second support member 137 to the first support member 135. The arcuate segment may define an arcuate retraction path when the transmission member is retracted from the first support member 135 to the second support member 135.

現將描述傳遞玻璃條帶的示例方法。除非原本明確表明，絕不欲本文中所闡述的任何方法被建構為需要其步驟以特定順序執行。據此，凡方法請求項實際上並不記載要由其步驟所遵循的順序或在請求項或說明書中原本未具體表明將步驟限於特定順序，絕不欲在任何方面推斷順序。這對於解譯之任何可能的非明示基礎都是如此，包括：針對步驟或操作流程之佈置的邏輯事項；推導自文法組織或標點符號的一般意義；說明書中所述之實施例的數量或類型。 An example method of transferring a glass ribbon will now be described. Unless originally stated otherwise, it is by no means intended that any method set forth herein be constructed such that its steps are performed in a particular order. Accordingly, any method request does not actually record the order in which the steps are to be followed or the request or description originally did not specifically indicate that the steps are limited to a specific order, and the order is not intended to be inferred in any way. This is true of any possible non-explicit basis for interpretation, including: logical matters for the arrangement of steps or operating procedures; general meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the description .

參照圖1，傳遞方法可包括以下步驟：在纏繞裝置143處於玻璃條帶103之來源105之下游位置的情況下，將玻璃條帶103纏繞至存儲卷134上，使得玻璃條 帶103的卷145被發展、承載及儲存在存儲卷134上。在一個示例中，如圖8中所示，該方法可包括以下步驟：控制自由迴路136的輪廓，同時將玻璃條帶103纏繞至存儲卷134上。例如，一或更多個位置感應器207a、207b、207c、207d可感應自由迴路136之一或更多個位置的附近。由位置感應器所收集的資訊可接著被傳送至控制器204。基於來自該一或更多個位置感應器的資訊，控制器204可接著藉由控制馬達203來調整存儲卷134的旋轉速度。從而，自由迴路136的輪廓可被控制或輪廓特性可被維持在受控範圍內，同時纏繞裝置143將玻璃條帶103纏繞至存儲卷134上。 Referring to FIG. 1, the transfer method may include the steps of winding the glass strip 103 onto the storage roll 134 with the winding device 143 positioned downstream of the source 105 of the glass strip 103 so that the glass strip The volume 145 of the tape 103 is developed, carried, and stored on a storage volume 134. In one example, as shown in FIG. 8, the method may include the steps of controlling the outline of the free loop 136 while winding the glass strip 103 onto the storage roll 134. For example, one or more position sensors 207a, 207b, 207c, 207d may sense the vicinity of one or more positions of the free loop 136. The information collected by the position sensor may then be transmitted to the controller 204. Based on the information from the one or more position sensors, the controller 204 may then adjust the rotation speed of the storage volume 134 by controlling the motor 203. Thereby, the contour of the free loop 136 can be controlled or the contour characteristics can be maintained within a controlled range, while the winding device 143 winds the glass ribbon 103 onto the storage roll 134.

參照回圖1，玻璃條帶103可可選地在玻璃條帶103的來源105及纏繞裝置143之間的處理區域中處理。例如，如先前所討論的，玻璃條帶103的外緣部分129中的一者或兩者可被移除，使得高品質的中心部分131可隨後纏繞至存儲卷134上。 Referring back to FIG. 1, the glass strip 103 may optionally be processed in a processing area between the source 105 of the glass strip 103 and the winding device 143. For example, as previously discussed, one or both of the outer edge portions 129 of the glass strip 103 may be removed such that the high-quality center portion 131 may then be wound onto the storage roll 134.

一旦所需的玻璃條帶103的量纏繞於存儲卷上，存儲卷可被移除且以空的存儲卷替換。決定所需的玻璃條帶103的量何時被纏繞於存儲卷上可以廣範圍的技術來決定。例如，操作者可觀察存儲卷134之玻璃條帶103的發展卷145以作出人工決定。在進一步的示例中，決定可為自動的。例如，測量裝置可測量儲存於存儲卷上之玻璃條帶的長度。一旦所儲存的長度達到預定長度或在預定範圍內，可起始切換卷的處理。在另一示例中，可測 量存儲卷的重量。一旦存儲卷的重量到達預定重量或在預定範圍內，可起始切換卷的處理。在又另一示例中，可測量經纏繞玻璃條帶的直徑。一旦玻璃條帶的直徑到達預定直徑或在預定範圍內，可起始切換卷的處理。 Once the required amount of glass strip 103 is wound on the storage roll, the storage roll can be removed and replaced with an empty storage roll. Deciding when the required amount of glass strip 103 is wound on a storage roll can be determined by a wide range of techniques. For example, an operator may observe the development roll 145 of the glass strip 103 of the storage roll 134 to make a manual decision. In a further example, the decision may be automatic. For example, the measuring device can measure the length of a glass ribbon stored on a storage roll. Once the stored length reaches a predetermined length or is within a predetermined range, the process of switching volumes can be initiated. In another example, measurable The weight of the storage roll. Once the weight of the storage roll reaches a predetermined weight or is within a predetermined range, the process of switching the roll can be initiated. In yet another example, the diameter of the wound glass ribbon can be measured. Once the diameter of the glass ribbon reaches a predetermined diameter or is within a predetermined range, the process of switching the roll can be initiated.

在一個示例中，一旦決定預定的玻璃條帶103的量被纏繞在存儲卷134上，橫切裝置132可經起動以跨玻璃條帶103的寬度分離玻璃條帶。一旦完成，可將包括圖2中所繪示之玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的下游端提供給玻璃條帶的來源105。分離的下游部分可被纏繞在存儲卷134上且接著具有所需玻璃條帶103量的存儲卷可被移除。在一個示例中，在以傳輸切割裝置132切斷玻璃條帶之後，引導端部201可以方向147在第一支持構件135上前行而被丟棄。 In one example, once it is determined that the predetermined amount of glass strip 103 is wound on the storage roll 134, the transect device 132 may be activated to separate the glass strip across the width of the glass strip 103. Once completed, the downstream end including the leading end 201 of the glass strip 103 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be provided to the source 105 of the glass strip. The separated downstream portion may be wound on a storage roll 134 and then the storage roll having the required amount of glass strip 103 may be removed. In one example, after the glass ribbon is cut by the transfer cutting device 132, the guide end portion 201 may be advanced on the first support member 135 in the direction 147 and discarded.

如圖2中所示，可提供新的存儲卷134且傳輸條帶211的端部231可人工或自動附接至新存儲卷134的外周緣表面。一旦附接，傳輸條帶211的中間部分219在第二支持構件137及傳輸構件221的外周緣表面225上延伸。一旦新的存儲卷134準備好要穿以傳輸條帶211，橫切裝置132可接著再次操作以分離玻璃條帶，使得將包括圖2中所繪示之玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的新下游端提供給玻璃條帶的來源105。條帶的其餘的下游分離部分可繼續沿方向147丟棄。 As shown in FIG. 2, a new storage volume 134 may be provided and the end portion 231 of the transfer strip 211 may be manually or automatically attached to the outer peripheral surface of the new storage volume 134. Once attached, the middle portion 219 of the transfer strip 211 extends on the second support member 137 and the outer peripheral surface 225 of the transfer member 221. Once the new storage roll 134 is ready to be worn to transport the strip 211, the cross-cutting device 132 may then be operated again to separate the glass strip, so that it will include the leading end 201 of the glass strip 103 illustrated in FIG. 2 The new downstream end is provided to the source 105 of the glass ribbon. The remaining downstream separation of the strip may continue to be discarded in direction 147.

如圖3及4中所示，傳遞玻璃條帶103的方法更包括以下步驟：在第一支持構件135上傳遞玻璃條帶 103的引導端部201，同時第一支持構件135支持玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的重量。在一個示例中，第一支持構件135以流體墊301支持玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的重量。確實，在一個示例中，第一支持構件135可包括流體軸承，例如空氣軸承，其中流體(例如空氣)穿過流體通道303以產生流體墊。在某些示例中，流體通道可通過多孔材料中的開孔來包括通道。替代性地，如所示的，流體通道303可包括通過支持構件來提供的孔洞。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the method of transferring the glass ribbon 103 further includes the following steps: transferring the glass ribbon on the first support member 135 The leading end portion 201 of 103, while the first support member 135 supports the weight of the leading end portion 201 of the glass ribbon 103. In one example, the first support member 135 supports the weight of the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 with a fluid pad 301. Indeed, in one example, the first support member 135 may include a fluid bearing, such as an air bearing, in which fluid (eg, air) passes through the fluid channel 303 to create a fluid cushion. In some examples, the fluid channel may include a channel through an opening in a porous material. Alternatively, as shown, the fluid channel 303 may include a hole provided through a support member.

流體墊301可經設計以在第一支持構件135的支持表面139上浮置引導端部201，其中支持表面139支持引導端部201的重量而不實際上機械性接合引導端部。確實，得益於流體墊301，玻璃條帶103的第二主面103b係從支持表面139隔開，使得第一支持構件有效地支持引導端部201的重量而不機械性接合引導端部201。提供非接觸性支持(例如空氣軸承)可有益於保留玻璃條帶的原始表面同時在玻璃條帶沿傳遞路徑傳遞時提供支持。 The fluid pad 301 may be designed to float the guide end 201 on the support surface 139 of the first support member 135, where the support surface 139 supports the weight of the guide end 201 without actually mechanically engaging the guide end. Indeed, thanks to the fluid pad 301, the second main surface 103b of the glass strip 103 is separated from the support surface 139, so that the first support member effectively supports the weight of the guide end 201 without mechanically engaging the guide end 201 . Providing non-contact support, such as air bearings, can be beneficial in retaining the original surface of the glass ribbon while providing support as the glass ribbon is passed along the transfer path.

如圖3及4中所示，傳遞玻璃條帶103的方法更包括以下步驟：朝第一支持構件135延伸跨展於纏繞裝置143及傳輸條帶裝置209間之傳輸條帶211的中間部分219。在一個示例中，如所示，傳輸構件221(例如所繪示的輥)可從圖2中所示的回縮位置至圖4中所示的延伸位置沿延伸方向223橫越。例如，在一個示例中，該方法可包括以下步驟：對著傳輸條帶211的第二主面212b 接合傳輸構件221(例如傳輸構件221的外周緣表面225)，以朝第一支持構件135延伸傳輸條帶211的中間部分219。例如，在一個示例中，傳輸構件221可例如藉由引導槽229以所定義的延伸方向223沿預定路徑平移，以朝第一支持構件135延伸傳輸條帶211的中間部分219。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the method of transferring the glass ribbon 103 further includes the following steps: extending toward the first support member 135 across the middle portion 219 of the transfer ribbon 211 between the winding device 143 and the transfer ribbon device 209 . In one example, as shown, the transport member 221 (such as the illustrated roller) may be traversed in the extension direction 223 from the retracted position shown in FIG. 2 to the extended position shown in FIG. 4. For example, in one example, the method may include the steps of facing the second major face 212b of the transport strip 211 The transfer member 221 (eg, the outer peripheral surface 225 of the transfer member 221) is engaged to extend the middle portion 219 of the transfer strip 211 toward the first support member 135. For example, in one example, the transmission member 221 may be translated along a predetermined path in a defined extension direction 223 by, for example, the guide groove 229 to extend the middle portion 219 of the transmission strip 211 toward the first support member 135.

在一個示例中，如圖3中所示，在以延伸方向223橫越時，存儲卷134可不旋轉，同時傳輸條帶裝置209的存儲卷213旋轉以解開一定長度的傳輸條帶211。在一個示例中，調節器217可在傳輸條帶211的中間位置219下促進預定張力，使得傳輸條帶211的第二主面212b對著傳輸構件221的外周緣表面225拉扯。 In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, when traversed in the extending direction 223, the storage roll 134 may not be rotated, and at the same time, the storage roll 213 of the transport tape device 209 is rotated to untie the transport strip 211 of a certain length. In one example, the adjuster 217 may promote a predetermined tension under the intermediate position 219 of the transmission strip 211 such that the second main surface 212 b of the transmission strip 211 is pulled against the outer peripheral surface 225 of the transmission member 221.

若傳輸構件221包括輥，則該輥可以所繪示的方向305旋轉(例如自由旋轉)，同時存儲卷213亦以所繪示的方向307旋轉。如所示，方向305、307以相同方向旋轉，雖然它們的方向取決於存儲卷213的設置可為相反方向。如此，在一個示例中，傳遞玻璃條帶103的方法可包括以下步驟：自由旋轉傳輸輥221，同時朝第一支持構件135延伸傳輸條帶211的中間部分219。例如，在一個示例中，傳輸輥221可例如藉由引導槽229以所定義的延伸方向223沿預定路徑平移，以朝第一支持構件135延伸傳輸條帶211的中間部分219，同時傳輸輥221自由旋轉。 If the transfer member 221 includes a roller, the roller can be rotated (eg, freely rotated) in the direction 305 shown, and the storage roll 213 is also rotated in the direction 307 shown. As shown, the directions 305, 307 are rotated in the same direction, although their directions may be reversed depending on the setting of the storage volume 213. As such, in one example, the method of transferring the glass ribbon 103 may include the steps of freely rotating the transfer roller 221 while extending the middle portion 219 of the transfer ribbon 211 toward the first support member 135. For example, in one example, the transfer roller 221 may be translated along a predetermined path, for example, by the guide groove 229 in a defined extension direction 223 to extend the middle portion 219 of the transfer strip 211 toward the first support member 135 while the transfer roller 221 Free spin.

如圖5中所示，在傳輸輥221到達所繪示的延伸位置之後，傳輸條帶211之中間部分219的最外部分可定位於第一支持構件135附近。玻璃條帶103的引導端部201可接著在傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a上傳遞。如圖4及5中所示，傳輸條帶的中間部分219可包括傳輸條帶速度401，該傳輸條帶速度401最終匹配引導端部201的速度403，使得一旦引導端部201接觸傳輸條帶211，在傳輸條帶211及玻璃條帶103的引導端部201之間很少或沒有發生相對運動。如此，玻璃條帶的引導端部可輕易附接至傳輸條帶，如下所討論。 As shown in FIG. 5, after the transfer roller 221 reaches the illustrated extended position, the outermost portion of the middle portion 219 of the transfer strip 211 may be positioned near the first support member 135. The leading end 201 of the glass strip 103 may then be transferred on the first main surface 212a of the transfer strip 211. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the middle portion 219 of the transmission strip may include a transmission strip speed 401 that eventually matches the speed 403 of the leading end 201 such that once the leading end 201 contacts the transmission strip 211. There is little or no relative movement between the transmission strip 211 and the leading end 201 of the glass strip 103. As such, the leading end of the glass ribbon can be easily attached to the transfer ribbon, as discussed below.

傳遞玻璃條帶的方法可接著包括以下步驟：將玻璃條帶103的引導端部201附接至傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a。在一個示例中，傳輸條帶211的速度401在將引導端部201附接至傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a時，係實質等於玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的速度403。可提供各式各樣的附接配置以將引導端部201附接至傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a。就在一個示例中，該方法可包括以下步驟：以壓感黏合劑將玻璃條帶103的引導端部201黏著至傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a。例如，包括壓感黏合劑的帶子503可用以將玻璃條帶的第一主面103a附接至傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a。在另一示例中，在帶子的一或兩側上具有壓感材料的雙面黏著帶可用以將玻璃條帶的第一主面103b黏合至傳輸條帶211的第一主面212a。在又另一示例中，傳輸條帶211可藉 由在玻璃條帶103及傳輸條帶211的接觸面上產生相反極性的靜電荷來黏合至玻璃條帶103。 The method of transferring the glass ribbon may then include the step of attaching the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 to the first major surface 212a of the transfer ribbon 211. In one example, the speed 401 of the transport strip 211 when attaching the leading end 201 to the first major surface 212a of the transport strip 211 is substantially equal to the speed 403 of the leading end 201 of the glass strip 103. A variety of attachment configurations may be provided to attach the leading end 201 to the first main face 212a of the transport strip 211. In one example, the method may include the step of adhering the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 to the first main surface 212a of the transmission ribbon 211 with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. For example, a tape 503 including a pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used to attach the first main surface 103 a of the glass ribbon to the first main surface 212 a of the transmission ribbon 211. In another example, a double-sided adhesive tape having a pressure-sensitive material on one or both sides of the tape may be used to adhere the first main surface 103 b of the glass ribbon to the first main surface 212 a of the transmission ribbon 211. In yet another example, the transmission strip 211 may be borrowed Electrostatic charges of opposite polarity are generated on the contact surfaces of the glass strip 103 and the transmission strip 211 to adhere to the glass strip 103.

如圖6及7中所示，傳遞玻璃條帶103的方法更包括以下步驟：朝第二支持構件137回縮傳輸條帶211的中間部分219，同時玻璃條帶103的引導端部201朝第二支持構件137前行。在一個示例中，如圖6中所示，傳輸構件221(例如所繪示的輥)可沿回縮方向601橫越。如所繪示的，回縮方向601可相反於延伸方向223，雖然其他方向是可能的。該方法可包括以下步驟：從圖5中所示的延伸位置向圖7中所示的回縮位置將傳輸構件221沿回縮方向601橫越。 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the method of transferring the glass ribbon 103 further includes the steps of retracting the middle portion 219 of the transfer ribbon 211 toward the second support member 137 while the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 faces the first Two supporting members 137 move forward. In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, the transport member 221 (such as the illustrated roller) may be traversed in the retraction direction 601. As illustrated, the retraction direction 601 may be opposite the extension direction 223, although other directions are possible. The method may include the steps of traversing the transmission member 221 in the retracted direction 601 from the extended position shown in FIG. 5 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 7.

在一個示例中，該方法可包括以下步驟：以纏繞裝置143旋轉存儲卷134，以在傳輸構件221沿回縮方向601橫越時，在存儲卷134上纏繞傳輸條帶211。如此，張力可在傳輸構件221回縮至圖7中所示的回縮位置時維持在傳輸條帶211中。在一個特定示例中，傳輸構件221可例如藉由引導槽229以所定義的回縮方向601沿預定路徑平移，以朝第二支持構件137回縮中間部分219的最外部分。圖6繪示相同的引導槽，該引導槽正用以回縮中間部分，該引導槽曾用以延伸中間部分。在進一步的示例中，可使用不同的引導槽，其中延伸方向可不剛好相反於回縮方向。在一個示例中，可將線性片段及弓形片段提供給先前描述的D形槽。槽的線性片段可定義線性延伸方向，以提供第二支持構件137及第一支持構件135之間 的最短路徑。D形槽的弓形片段可提供回縮路徑，其中回縮方向沿弓形回縮路徑變化。弓形片段可經設計以允許玻璃條帶103的端部201沿玻璃條帶103之自由迴路136的所需輪廓501前行。 In one example, the method may include the steps of rotating the storage roll 134 with the winding device 143 to wind the transmission strip 211 on the storage roll 134 as the transmission member 221 traverses in the retraction direction 601. As such, the tension can be maintained in the transport strip 211 when the transport member 221 is retracted to the retracted position shown in FIG. 7. In one particular example, the transmission member 221 may be translated along a predetermined path in a defined retraction direction 601 by, for example, the guide groove 229 to retract the outermost portion of the middle portion 219 toward the second support member 137. FIG. 6 illustrates the same guide groove, which is used to retract the middle portion, and the guide groove was used to extend the middle portion. In a further example, different guide grooves may be used, wherein the direction of extension may not be exactly opposite to the direction of retraction. In one example, a linear segment and an arcuate segment may be provided to the previously described D-slot. The linear segment of the groove can define a linear extension direction to provide between the second support member 137 and the first support member 135 Shortest path. The arcuate segments of the D-slot can provide a retraction path, where the retraction direction varies along the arcuate retraction path. The arcuate segment may be designed to allow the end 201 of the glass strip 103 to follow the desired contour 501 of the free loop 136 of the glass strip 103.

在一個示例中，如圖6中所示，在以回縮方向601橫越時，傳輸條帶裝置209的存儲卷213可不旋轉，同時纏繞裝置143的存儲卷134旋轉以捲繞一定長度的傳輸條帶211。在一個示例中，傳輸構件221的回縮速率及存儲卷134的旋轉速率可例如以控制器204協調，以在傳輸條帶211的中間部分219中促進預定張力，使得傳輸條帶211的第二主面212b係在從延伸位置向回縮位置回縮傳輸構件221時對著傳輸構件221的外周緣表面225而拉扯。 In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, when traversed in the retraction direction 601, the storage roll 213 of the transfer tape device 209 may not rotate, while the storage roll 134 of the winding device 143 rotates to wind a certain length of transmission. Strip 211. In one example, the retraction rate of the transport member 221 and the rotation rate of the storage volume 134 may be coordinated, for example, with the controller 204 to promote a predetermined tension in the middle portion 219 of the transport strip 211 such that the second The main surface 212b is pulled against the outer peripheral surface 225 of the transmission member 221 when the transmission member 221 is retracted from the extended position to the retracted position.

如圖6中所示，若傳輸構件221包括輥，則該輥可以所繪示的方向305旋轉(例如自由旋轉)，同時存儲卷134亦以所繪示的方向603旋轉。如所示，方向305、307以相反方向旋轉，雖然該等方向取決於纏繞於存儲卷134上的方向可為相同方向。如此，在一個示例中，傳遞玻璃條帶103的方法可包括以下步驟：自由旋轉傳輸輥221，同時朝第二支持構件137回縮傳輸條帶211的中間部分219。例如，在一個示例中，傳輸輥221可例如藉由引導槽229以所定義的回縮方向601沿預定路徑平移，以朝第二支持構件137回縮傳輸條帶211的中間部分219，同時傳輸輥221自由旋轉。 As shown in FIG. 6, if the transfer member 221 includes a roller, the roller can be rotated (eg, freely rotated) in the direction 305 shown, and the storage roll 134 is also rotated in the direction 603 shown. As shown, the directions 305, 307 rotate in opposite directions, although the directions may be the same depending on the direction wound on the storage roll 134. As such, in one example, the method of transferring the glass ribbon 103 may include the steps of freely rotating the transfer roller 221 while retracting the middle portion 219 of the transfer ribbon 211 toward the second support member 137. For example, in one example, the transfer roller 221 may be translated along a predetermined path, for example, by the guide groove 229 in a defined retraction direction 601 to retract the middle portion 219 of the transfer strip 211 toward the second support member 137 while transferring The roller 221 rotates freely.

在傳輸條帶從圖5的延伸位置回縮至圖7的回縮位置時，傳輸條帶211有效地將玻璃條帶的引導端部201穿在第一支持構件135及第二支持構件137之間。並且，如圖8中所示，傳輸條帶211更將玻璃條帶103穿至纏繞裝置143的存儲卷134上。 When the transfer strip is retracted from the extended position of FIG. 5 to the retracted position of FIG. 7, the transfer strip 211 effectively penetrates the leading end 201 of the glass strip between the first support member 135 and the second support member 137. between. And, as shown in FIG. 8, the transmission tape 211 further passes the glass tape 103 onto the storage roll 134 of the winding device 143.

在某些示例中，控制器204可經配置(例如經編程)以維持或甚至發展自由迴路136。例如，如圖5-7中所示，位置感應器207a、207b、207c、207d可向控制器204發送資訊，以允許控制器以一速率回縮傳輸構件221，該速率使得玻璃條帶的端部201遵循自由迴路136的輪廓501。如此，傳遞玻璃條帶的示例方法可包括以下可選步驟：形成玻璃條帶103的自由迴路136，其中該自由迴路136係在玻璃條帶103的引導端部201朝第二支持構件137傳遞時發展。 In some examples, the controller 204 may be configured (eg, programmed) to maintain or even develop the free loop 136. For example, as shown in Figures 5-7, the position sensors 207a, 207b, 207c, 207d may send information to the controller 204 to allow the controller to retract the transmission member 221 at a rate that makes the end of the glass ribbon The portion 201 follows the outline 501 of the free loop 136. As such, an example method of transferring a glass ribbon may include the following optional steps: forming a free loop 136 of the glass ribbon 103, where the free loop 136 is tied when the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 is transferred toward the second support member 137 development of.

如圖5及6中所示，玻璃條帶的引導端部201在玻璃條帶103的引導端部201朝第二支持構件137傳遞時遵循玻璃條帶103之自由迴路136的輪廓501。引導端部201的實際外緣可不遵循確切的輪廓501，然而引導端部201的尾隨部分605遵循通過自由迴路136的輪廓501。允許引導端部201回縮以遵循輪廓501可在玻璃條帶纏繞在新的存儲輥上之後在試圖形成自由迴路136時降低原本可能通過玻璃條帶向後傳播且干擾上游處理的干擾。 As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon follows the outline 501 of the free loop 136 of the glass ribbon 103 when the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 is transferred toward the second support member 137. The actual outer edge of the leading end 201 may not follow the exact contour 501, whereas the trailing portion 605 of the leading end 201 follows the contour 501 through the free loop 136. Allowing the leading end 201 to retract to follow the contour 501 may reduce disturbances that might otherwise propagate backward through the glass strip and interfere with upstream processing when the glass strip is wound on a new storage roll while trying to form a free loop 136.

如圖7及8中所示，傳遞玻璃條帶的方法更可包括以下步驟：在第二支持構件137上傳遞玻璃條帶103的引導端部201，同時第二支持構件137支持玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的重量。在一個示例中，第二支持構件137以流體墊701支持玻璃條帶103之引導端部201的重量。在一個示例中，第二支持構件137可包括流體軸承，例如空氣軸承，其中流體(例如空氣)穿過流體通道703以產生流體墊。在某些示例中，流體通道可通過多孔材料中的開孔來包括通道。替代性地，如所示的，流體通道703可包括通過支持構件來提供的孔洞。 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the method of transferring the glass ribbon may further include the following steps: transferring the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 on the second support member 137, while the second support member 137 supports the glass ribbon 103 It guides the weight of the end portion 201. In one example, the second support member 137 supports the weight of the leading end 201 of the glass ribbon 103 with a fluid pad 701. In one example, the second support member 137 may include a fluid bearing, such as an air bearing, where a fluid (eg, air) passes through the fluid passage 703 to create a fluid cushion. In some examples, the fluid channel may include a channel through an opening in a porous material. Alternatively, as shown, the fluid channel 703 may include a hole provided through a support member.

流體墊701可經設計以在第二支持構件137的支持表面141上浮置引導端部201，其中支持表面141支持引導端部201的重量而不實際上機械性接合引導端部。確實，得益於流體墊701，玻璃條帶103的第二主面103b係從支持表面141隔開，使得第二支持構件有效地支持引導端部201的重量而不機械性接合引導端部201。提供非接觸性支持(例如空氣軸承)可有益於保留玻璃條帶的原始表面同時在玻璃條帶沿傳遞路徑傳遞時提供支持。 The fluid pad 701 may be designed to float the guide end 201 on the support surface 141 of the second support member 137, wherein the support surface 141 supports the weight of the guide end 201 without actually mechanically engaging the guide end. Indeed, thanks to the fluid pad 701, the second main surface 103b of the glass strip 103 is spaced from the support surface 141, so that the second support member effectively supports the weight of the guide end 201 without mechanically engaging the guide end 201 . Providing non-contact support, such as air bearings, can be beneficial in retaining the original surface of the glass ribbon while providing support as the glass ribbon is passed along the transfer path.

如圖7中所示，在第二支持構件137上傳遞玻璃條帶103的引導端部201的步驟之後，該方法可更包括以下步驟：在纏繞裝置143的存儲卷134上纏繞玻璃條帶的引導端部201。 As shown in FIG. 7, after the step of transferring the leading end 201 of the glass strip 103 on the second support member 137, the method may further include the following steps: winding the glass strip on the storage roll 134 of the winding device 143 Guide end 201.

如圖8中所示，一旦足夠的玻璃條帶103部分被纏繞至存儲卷134上，裁切裝置220可經配置以切斷傳輸條帶211。此後，纏繞裝置可再次繼續將玻璃條帶纏繞至存儲卷134上，如圖1中所示。在此事件中，傳輸條帶211可充當存儲卷134上之玻璃條帶103上的拖曳物。在此情況下，傳輸條帶211係以適於充當拖曳物的材料製造。在某些實例中，將是有益的是，繼續與玻璃條帶103一起纏繞傳輸條帶211，以便傳輸條帶211充當存儲卷134上之玻璃層之間的夾層。在此情況下，傳輸條帶211係以適於充當夾層的材料製造。 As shown in FIG. 8, once a sufficient portion of the glass strip 103 is wound onto the storage roll 134, the cutting device 220 may be configured to cut the transfer strip 211. Thereafter, the winding device may continue to wind the glass ribbon onto the storage roll 134 again, as shown in FIG. 1. In this event, the transfer strip 211 may serve as a drag on the glass strip 103 on the storage roll 134. In this case, the transfer strip 211 is made of a material suitable for acting as a drag. In some examples, it would be beneficial to continue wrapping the transfer strip 211 with the glass strip 103 so that the transfer strip 211 acts as an interlayer between the glass layers on the storage roll 134. In this case, the transfer strip 211 is made of a material suitable for acting as a sandwich.

當纏繞裝置143繼續將玻璃條帶纏繞至存儲卷134上時，該方法可更包括以下可選步驟：控制在第一支持構件135及第二支持構件137間延伸之玻璃條帶103之自由迴路136的輪廓。例如，如圖8中所示，位置感應器207a、207b、207c、207d可向控制器204發送資訊，以允許控制器操作馬達203以調整存儲卷134的旋轉速率，以促進自由迴路136之輪廓的預定維持。 When the winding device 143 continues to wind the glass ribbon onto the storage roll 134, the method may further include the following optional steps: controlling the free loop of the glass ribbon 103 extending between the first support member 135 and the second support member 137 136 silhouette. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the position sensors 207a, 207b, 207c, and 207d may send information to the controller 204 to allow the controller to operate the motor 203 to adjust the rotation rate of the storage volume 134 to promote the contour of the free loop 136 Scheduled maintenance.

對於本領域中具技藝的該等人而言將是清楚的是，可在不脫離本發明精神及範圍的情況下對本發明作出各種更改及變化。因此，意欲的是，若是本發明的更改及變化是在隨附請求項及它們等效物的範圍內，則本發明涵蓋該等更改及變化。 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations if they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (11)

一種玻璃條帶傳輸裝置，包括：一第一支持構件，係經配置以支持一玻璃條帶的一重量；一第二支持構件，係經配置以在該第一支持構件下游的一位置處支持該玻璃條帶的一重量；一纏繞裝置，係經配置以在該第二支持構件下游的一位置處纏繞該玻璃條帶；一傳輸條帶裝置，係經配置以解開一傳輸條帶；及一傳輸構件，係經配置以從該第二支持構件朝該第一支持構件以一延伸方向延伸跨展於該纏繞裝置及該傳輸條帶裝置間之該傳輸條帶的一中間部分。A glass ribbon transmission device includes a first support member configured to support a weight of a glass ribbon, and a second support member configured to support at a position downstream of the first support member. A weight of the glass ribbon; a winding device configured to wind the glass ribbon at a position downstream of the second support member; a transmission ribbon device configured to unwind a transmission ribbon; And a transmission member configured to extend from the second support member toward the first support member in an extending direction across a middle portion of the transmission tape between the winding device and the transmission tape device. 如請求項1所述之裝置，其中該傳輸構件包括一輥。The device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer member includes a roller. 如請求項1所述之裝置，更包括一引導構件，係經配置以引導該傳輸構件以該延伸方向平移。The device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member configured to guide the transmission member to translate in the extending direction. 如請求項1-3中之任一者所述之裝置，其中該傳輸條帶裝置包括一調節器，該調節器係經配置以限制該傳輸條帶的解開。The device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the transmission strip device includes a regulator configured to limit unraveling of the transmission strip. 一種傳遞玻璃條帶的方法，包括以下步驟：步驟(I)，在一第一支持構件上傳遞一玻璃條帶的一引導端部，同時該第一支持構件支持該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的一重量；步驟(II)，朝該第一支持構件延伸跨展於一纏繞裝置及一傳輸條帶裝置間之一傳輸條帶的一中間部分；步驟(III)，與該傳輸條帶的一第一主面接合該玻璃條帶的該引導端部；步驟(IV)，回縮該傳輸條帶的該中間部分，同時該玻璃條帶的該引導端部朝一第二支持構件前行；及步驟(V)，在該第二支持構件上傳遞該玻璃條帶的該引導端部，同時該第二支持構件支持該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的該重量。A method for transferring a glass ribbon includes the following steps: Step (I), transferring a leading end portion of a glass ribbon on a first supporting member, and at the same time, the first supporting member supports the guiding end of the glass ribbon Step (II), extending toward the first support member and spanning a middle portion of a transport strip between a winding device and a transport strip device; step (III), and the transport strip A first main surface of the glass strip joins the leading end portion of the glass strip; step (IV) retracts the middle portion of the transport strip while the guiding end portion of the glass strip advances toward a second support member And step (V), transmitting the leading end portion of the glass ribbon on the second supporting member, while the second supporting member supports the weight of the guiding end portion of the glass ribbon. 如請求項5所述之方法，其中步驟(IV)形成一玻璃條帶自由迴路，該玻璃條帶自由迴路在該玻璃條帶的該引導端部朝該第二支持構件傳遞時發展。The method of claim 5, wherein step (IV) forms a glass ribbon free loop that develops when the leading end of the glass ribbon is passed toward the second support member. 如請求項5或請求項6中所述之方法，其中步驟(II)包括以下步驟：對著該傳輸條帶的一第二主面接合一傳輸構件，以朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分。The method as recited in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein step (II) includes the step of engaging a transmission member against a second major surface of the transmission strip to extend the transmission toward the first support member That middle part of the strip. 如請求項7所述之方法，其中步驟(II)包括以下步驟：沿一預定路徑平移該傳輸構件，以朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分。The method according to claim 7, wherein step (II) includes the steps of translating the transport member along a predetermined path to extend the middle portion of the transport strip toward the first support member. 如請求項7所述之方法，其中步驟(II)的該傳輸構件包括一傳輸輥，該傳輸輥自由旋轉，同時朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分。The method according to claim 7, wherein the transporting member of step (II) includes a transporting roller which rotates freely while extending the middle portion of the transporting belt toward the first support member. 如請求項9所述之方法，其中步驟(II)包括以下步驟：沿一預定路徑平移該傳輸輥，以朝該第一支持構件延伸該傳輸條帶的該中間部分，同時該傳輸輥自由旋轉。The method according to claim 9, wherein step (II) includes the steps of translating the transfer roller along a predetermined path to extend the middle portion of the transfer strip toward the first support member, and the transfer roller rotates freely . 如請求項5所述之方法，其中步驟(III)係在該傳輸條帶的一速度實質等於該玻璃條帶之該引導端部的速度時執行。The method according to claim 5, wherein step (III) is performed when a speed of the transmission strip is substantially equal to a speed of the leading end of the glass strip.