CN102137821A

CN102137821A - Devices for vertical treatment of glass

Info

Publication number: CN102137821A
Application number: CN2009801346413A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·W·布朗; P·O·约翰逊; G·N·高藤; L·尤克雷辛克
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2008-07-31
Filing date: 2009-07-21
Publication date: 2011-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-21
Also published as: TW201022169A; KR101577850B1; CN102137821B; JP2011529439A; KR20110055560A; WO2010014167A2; WO2010014167A3; TWI395720B; JP5681628B2

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for treating a substantially planar glass sheet (30) that is positioned in a substantially vertical plane. In one aspect, the glass sheet is for an LCD display. The glass treatment apparatus includes a washing section (200), a rinsing section (300), a drying section (400), and bottom rollers (510) to move the glass sheet therethrough along a conveyance path (100). The washing section includes drive rollers (530, 540) configured to support and drive the glass sheet without causing damage thereto. The rinsing section includes an arrangement of nozzles (310, 320) and liquid bearings (330, 340) for rinsing the glass sheet without causing excessive vibration. And the drying section includes an arrangement of air knives (410, 420) and fluid bearings (440, 450) for drying the glass sheet without causing excessive vibration.

Description

Be used for the vertical device of handling of glass

Related application

The application requires the right of priority of No. the 61/085103rd, the U.S. Provisional Application sequence that is entitled as " being used for the vertical device of handling (Devices for Vertical Treatment of Glass) of glass " submitted on July 31st, 2008, the application is a foundation with the content of this provisional application, by reference it is incorporated into this in full.

Technical field

The field of the invention relates generally to glass treatment, more specifically relates to the vertical washing, flushing and the exsiccant device that are used for LCD glass.

Technical background

Glass cutting, grinding and polishing are the main operations during display glass is made with extra care.In all these processing steps, produce the cullet of particle or form of chips.Must remove this cullet and be applied to the various coatings with the protective glass surface on glass, carrying out required subsequent step, thereby make vendible liquid-crystal display (" LCD ").Usually use the device for cleaning glass that designs as LCD glass specially.The overwhelming majority in these clearers is divided into two classes, intermittent type or inline process type (inline).

The inline process type clearer generally can be divided into two classes, horizontal, glass wherein is smooth to be placed on the drive system of belt or some other kinds, perhaps rectilinear, wherein along with sheet glass moves through the washer step, sheet glass is with an edge bearing, perhaps with an edge and a sacrifice side support.Because rectilinearly reduced required floor space amount, can also produce the more glass of cleaning, so rectilinear be preferred, before making and processing step afterwards can take vertical orientated advantage.In addition, this vertical orientated actual amount of debris that adheres to sheet glass that reduced.Particulate can fall usually, and by changing the orientation of sheet glass, effective surface area reduces, and causes from the chip that adheres to sheet glass of air still less.

The most traditional vertical online clearer is made for window glass industry, generally do not consider with sheet glass (as being used to make the LCD device) is relevant as thin as a wafer downside to rigidity.For example, generally use brush to stir to remove chip from sheet glass.But, when transmitting sheet glass by brushing stage, can produce two problems.At first, must apply sufficient motivating force, thereby overcome the reactive force of brush to sheet glass.Secondly, need fully support, break avoiding, and avoid the large contact surface on the sheet glass long-pending glass, the long-pending defective that can produce cut and so on of described large contact surface, this is that LCD user is unacceptable.

Equally, in purge zone and dryer section, must fully support sheet glass, make sheet glass can not live through many vibrations, described too much vibration can cause sheet glass with the part of purge zone or dryer section disadvantageous the contact to be taken place.This disadvantageous contact meeting is with vertical substantially orientation scratching sheet glass or it is broken.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of equipment that is used for the sheet glass of vertical substantially orientation process (comprising washing, flushing and dry) substantially flat.

In one embodiment, provide washing section.In washing section, use brush to stir, remove chip from glass pane surface.In washing section, use driving roll to transmit sheet glass and pass through brush.Size and material to driving roll are stipulated, so that sufficient reactive force to be provided to sheet glass, sheet glass is transmitted by washing section, provide sufficient supporting to avoid glass sheet breakage, while reduces the contact area with sheet glass as far as possible, thereby avoids the defective of cut and so on.

In second embodiment, provide purge zone.In purge zone, the position of flooding nozzle and bearing is designed, can not produce too much vibration with abundant supporting glass plate.Specifically, flooding nozzle is arranged on a side of sheet glass, bearing is arranged on the opposite side of sheet glass, relative with flooding nozzle.

In the 3rd embodiment, dryer section is provided, this dryer section has air knife with the dry glass plate.When transmitting sheet glass by dryer section, the fluid bearing support sheet glass.First group of bearing is positioned at the upstream of air knife, is the delivery direction of sheet glass, and second group of bearing is positioned at the downstream of air knife.Air knife is arranged on the opposite side of sheet glass, separately with the pressure supply airflow of regulation.In addition, the distance between the clutch shaft bearing and second bearing forms the not bearing length of sheet glass.To designing, to avoid in sheet glass, producing too much vibration by the distance between the air knife applied pressure difference and first and second bearings.

Though three kinds of embodiments described separately can use its arbitrary combination together.That is, the independently unit that can be used as separately of washing section, purge zone and dryer section uses with therebetween various other technologies and/or equipment.Perhaps, washing section, purge zone and dryer section can be used as shown in the figure one by one.In addition, any two sections wherein can be used one by one, and these two sections can be separated with the 3rd section by other technologies and/or equipment.

Accompanying drawing is briefly described

With reference to the accompanying drawings and by describing these and other features can be illustrated more clearly in the preferred embodiment for the present invention in detail, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the front perspective view of a kind of embodiment of glass treatment equipment.

Fig. 2 is the rear perspective of the glass treatment equipment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the planar rear view of the glass treatment equipment of Fig. 1, shows washing section, purge zone and dryer section.

Fig. 4 is the top view view elevation view of the glass treatment equipment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is the orthographic plan from the glass treatment equipment of the left observation of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is the front plan view of the glass treatment equipment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is the sectional view along the glass treatment equipment of the line 7-7 intercepting of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is the sectional view of the glass treatment equipment of Fig. 6 of cutting of 8-8 along the line.

Fig. 9 is the sectional view of two driving rolls in the washing section of glass treatment equipment of Fig. 1.

Figure 10 is the side plan view of driving roll shown in Fig. 9.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

With reference to following detailed description, embodiment and claim, and before and explanation afterwards, can more easily understand the present invention.But, before disclosing and describing device of the present invention, system and/or method, should be appreciated that except as otherwise noted, otherwise the present invention is not limited to the specific device, system and/or the method that are disclosed, therefore yes can change.Be also to be understood that term used herein just in order to describe concrete aspect, is not intended to limit.

The description of following explanation as the present known preferred forms of the present invention is provided.Therefore, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skills, can carry out many variations, still obtain useful result of the present invention simultaneously each side of the present invention as herein described.Some benefits required for the present invention obviously can not adopt other features to obtain simultaneously by some features of selecting this paper to disclose yet.Therefore, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skills, can carry out many modifications and variations the present invention, in some cases or even the expectation, be a part of the present invention.Therefore, providing the illustration of following explanation as the principle of the invention, is not to limit it.

Used in full as specification sheets, " " of singulative, " a kind of " and " being somebody's turn to do " comprise that plural number refers to the situation of thing, unless context has other clear indication.Therefore, for example can comprise the situation of two or more these type of sheet glass, unless context has other indication to the citation of " sheet glass ".

Scope herein can be expressed as from " pact " occurrence, and/or to " pact " another occurrence.When explaining such scope, comprise on the other hand from an occurrence and/or to another occurrence.Similarly, when by using antecedent " pact " when representing to be worth, should be appreciated that occurrence forms on the other hand with approximate number.No matter it is relevant with another end points being also to be understood that the end points of each scope, still not relevant with another end points, be significant all.

As used herein, incident or situation that term " optional " or " randomly " expression is described subsequently may take place maybe can not take place, and this statement comprises the situation that situation that described incident or situation take place and described incident or situation do not take place.

This paper describes a kind of glass treatment equipment 10 that is used to handle the sheet glass 30 of substantially flat.This glass treatment equipment 10 comprises washing section 200, purge zone 300 and dryer section 400.Sheet glass 30 generally have first 32 with relative second 34, as shown in Figure 4.Sheet glass 30 can be used for for example LCD display.

In an illustrative aspects, with sheet glass 30 along transfer path 100, press delivery direction 102 and transmit by washing section 200, purge zone 300 and dryer section 400.Referring to Fig. 4.Sheet glass 30 is transmitted along transfer path 100 in vertical substantially mode.Use a plurality of bottom rollers 510 to transmit sheet glass, these bottom rollers are positioned at the bottom of transfer path 100.Bottom roller 510 can be communicated with bottom roller driving mechanism 520, and the bottom roller driving mechanism is used for applying revolving force to one or more bottom rollers 510, thereby along transfer path 100 sheet glass 30 is transmitted by washing section 200, purge zone 300 and dryer section 400.Each section (being washing section 200, purge zone 300 and dryer section 400) has the roller driving mechanism 520 of the bottom roller that is used for this section 510 of himself.When each section separately used as separate unit, this set was useful.Perhaps, use a roller driving mechanism 520 for more than one section.As shown in the figure, use a roller driving mechanism 520 for washing section 200 and purge zone 300, and use roller driving mechanism 520 separately for dryer section 400.Roller driving mechanism 520 can link to each other with bottom roller 510 by the transmission chain of any known kind, and this is that those of ordinary skills can understand.

Washing section

In one aspect, glass treatment equipment 10 comprises washing section 200, and this washing section 200 comprises washing shell 20 and the transfer path 100 that therefrom passes through.When sheet glass 30 when transfer path 100 is advanced with delivery direction 102, sheet glass 30 is orientated with vertical substantially direction.

Washing section 200 comprises at least one first brush 210, and this brush and transfer path 100 adjacent settings are designed to contact with at least a portion of first 32 of sheet glass 30, thereby the chip on first 32 is removed in washing.In addition, washing section 200 also comprises at least one second brush 220, and this brush and transfer path 100 adjacent settings are designed to contact with at least a portion of second 34 of sheet glass 30.Washing section 200 is designed, make described at least one first brush 210 and described at least one second brush 220 be oppositely arranged.Say that more clearly the axle 222 of axle 212 and second brush 220 of first brush 210 is positioned at the opposite side of transfer path 100.But, when not having sheet glass between

brush

210 and 220, the diameter of these brushes makes each brush extend on transfer path 100, makes when having sheet glass, each brush forms enough contacts area on sheet glass 30, thereby can remove unwanted particle from sheet glass 30.Washing section 200 can comprise many to

brush

210 and 220, and these brushes are along the transfer path setting, and each is in the brush, and the axle 212 of brush 210 and the axle 222 of brush 220 are positioned at the opposite side of transfer path 100.In this way, can make to be applied to any normal force on first 32 of sheet glass 30 by one first brush 210 and to equal substantially to be applied to any normal force on second 34 of sheet glass 30, and direction is opposite by one second brush 220.

In order to help washing,

brush

210 and 220 can rotate.For example, but also unrestricted, the axle 212 of first brush is basically parallel to sheet glass 30.Similarly, the axle 222 of second brush is basically parallel to sheet glass 30.Motor 250 links to each other with the axle 212 of first brush and the axle 222 of second brush by suitable transmission chain (do not show for the simple reasons, but those of ordinary skills understanding easily), thereby they are rotated together.Brush 210 and 220 sense of rotation can make sheet glass 30 along transfer path 100 by delivery direction 102 negative line feeds.As shown in Figure 4, for example, first brush 210 turns clockwise, and second brush 220 is rotated counterclockwise.In order to provide suitable stirring to remove chip, and permission driving roll 530 and 540 (as described below) feed glass plate 30 is along the transfer rate of transfer path 100, the speed of rotation of brush is about 200-1000 surface feet/minute (sfpm) (60-305 surface rice/minute), and for example 250,300,350,400,450,500,550,600,650,700,750,800,850,900 or 950sfpm (75,90,105,120,135,150,165,180,195,210,225,240,260,275,290 surface rice/minute).Though shown two pairs first brushes, 210 and second brush 220, can use the brush of any suitable number right.

Except end transfer roller 510, in order to promote the transmission of sheet glass 30, glass treatment equipment 10 also comprises a plurality of first driving rolls 530, these rollers and transfer path 100 adjacent settings also are positioned at a side of transfer path, glass treatment equipment 10 also comprises a plurality of second driving rolls 540, and these rollers and transfer path 100 adjacent settings also are positioned at second side of transfer path.In one aspect, each roller in described a plurality of first driving rolls 530 is all basic relative with corresponding second driving roll 540, and each roller in described a plurality of second driving rolls 540 is all basic relative with corresponding first driving roll 530.In order to transmit sheet glass, each roller in a plurality of first driving rolls 530 is designed, with a part of first 32 of contact glass plate 30, and each roller in a plurality of second driving rolls 540 designed, with a part of second 34 of contact glass plate 30.

A plurality of first driving rolls 530 are arranged on the axostylus axostyle 534, thus in vertical direction supporting glass plate 30.The quantity of first driving roll 530 depends on the size of sheet glass on each axostylus axostyle 534, can correspondingly change.Similarly, a plurality of second driving rolls 540 are arranged on each axostylus axostyle 544.A plurality of first axostylus axostyles 534 and a plurality of second axostylus axostyle 544 are pressed being provided with along transfer path, and wherein, first axostylus axostyle 534 is positioned at a side of transfer path 100, and second axostylus axostyle 544 is positioned at the opposite side of transfer path 100.Motor 550 is linked to each other with second axostylus axostyle 544 with first axostylus axostyle 534 by suitable transmission chain (do not show for the simple reasons, but those of ordinary skills understanding easily).As shown in Figure 4, motor 550 and transmission chain will make first driving roll 530 by rotation counterclockwise, and second driving roll 540 is rotated in the direction of the clock, cause sheet glass 30 to move by delivery direction 102 along transfer path 100.Though shown three pairs first axostylus axostyles 534 and second axostylus axostyle 544, can use the axostylus axostyle of any suitable number right.

In addition, size and material to driving roll design, so that sufficient motivating force to be provided, react on the reactive force that brush 210 and 220 applies, sheet glass 30 is transmitted by washing section 200, sufficient supporting is provided, avoid sheet glass 30 to break, while reduces the contact area with sheet glass 30 as far as possible, avoids the defective of cut and so on.

Driving roll 530 comprises that part of thickness 536 that contacts with sheet glass on the driving roll 530, and diameter 538.Referring to Figure 10, show the diameter and the thickness of a driving roll 530.Each roller in

other driving rolls

530 and 540 all has similar thickness and diameter.Thickness 536 is about 0.5-2 inch (about 1.27-5.08 centimetre).Along with thickness 536 increases, produces bigger and contact area sheet glass 30, make the risk increase that sheet glass damages.Equally, along with thickness 536 increases, more be difficult to the excentricity that produces in

balance axostylus axostyle

534 and 544, described excentricity is that the reactive force from driving

roll

530 and 540 promotes the result that sheet glass 30 makes it move along transfer path 100 with delivery direction 102.Along with the axostylus axostyle excentricity increases, more be difficult between driving

roll

530 and 540, keep the acceptable travel space for sheet glass 30.On the other hand, if thickness 536 is too little, it is not enough then to make sheet glass 30 move through the size of motivating force of washing section 200.Diameter 538 maximums of driving roll 530 are about 4 inches.The diameter of first driving roll 530 and second driving roll 540 and the position of

axostylus axostyle

534 and 544 are selected, made

roller

530 and 540 be separated mutually by gap 560, described gap is less than the thickness 36 of the sheet glass 30 that transmits.Referring to Fig. 9 and 10.In other words, make each be separated mutually by certain distance the axostylus axostyle in the

axostylus axostyle

534 and 544, described distance adds half of diameter of second driving roll 540 less than half of the diameter of first driving roll 530, adds the summation of thickness 36 of the sheet glass 30 of transmission.Material to first driving roll 530 and second driving roll 540 is selected, and makes

driving roll

530 and 540 have compliance.In general, the compliance of a few tenths of a mm is an acceptable.Therefore, when sheet glass 30 being transmitted by the gap 560 between the

driving roll

530 and 540, driving

roll

530 and 540 is compressed (owing to their reason of compliance), with the thickness 36 that holds sheet glass 30.For example, the thickness 36 of sheet glass 30 can be equal to or less than about 1 millimeter, and for example about 0.8 millimeter, about 0.7 millimeter, about 0.6 millimeter, about 0.5 millimeter, or about 0.4 millimeter.

The material of driving roll also can influence the transmission of sheet glass.Described material can not pollute or the scratching sheet glass, and described material and sheet glass 30 have the acceptable frictional coefficient, thus avoid driving

roll

530 and 540 and sheet glass 30 between in sheet glass 30 transport process, skid.Consider above content, driving

roll

530 and 540 at least externally 532 and 542 comprises polymeric rubber, for example ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or Sheng Tepurui (Santoprene) rubber.Referring to Fig. 9.The hardness of polymeric rubber is about the 30-60 Shore A, for example 35,40,45,50 or 55 Shore A.

As mentioned above, first driving roll 530 and second driving roll 540 are provided with substantially relative to each other.A reason of this design is the balance normal force.In one aspect, each roller in a plurality of first rollers 530 all applies first normal force to first 32 of sheet glass 30, and each second roller 540 all applies second normal force to second 34 of sheet glass 30 accordingly.In one aspect of the method, first normal force equals second normal force substantially.Keep relative normal force to equate significantly to have reduced to put on any vibration of sheet glass 30 substantially.

Washing section 200 also comprises a plurality of nozzles 230, nozzle 230 is arranged on the both sides of transfer path 100.With nozzle 230 along delivery direction 102 be arranged on every pair of driving roll of successive 530 and 540 and brush between 210 and 220.Nozzle 230 can to driving

roll

530 and 540,

brush

210 and 220 and sheet glass 30 spray the fluid of any kind to help washing process.Described fluid can be the cleaning fluid of any kind, for example liquid normally.

Purge zone

Purge zone 300 comprises first flooding nozzle 310 and second flooding nozzle 320, these nozzles separately are arranged on the opposite side of transfer path 100, also comprise first liquid-bearing 340 and second liquid-bearing 330, these bearings separately are arranged on the opposite side of transfer path 100.Referring to Fig. 4.First flooding nozzle 310 and second flooding nozzle 320 are provided with relative to each other, and are provided with respect to first liquid-bearing 340 and second liquid-bearing 330, can not produce the too much vibration that may cause sheet glass 30 to damage with supporting glass plate 30.

First flooding nozzle 310 is arranged on the pipeline 312 basic and glass transfer path 100 adjacent settings.First flooding nozzle 310 is communicated with the liquid source by pipeline 312.The flooding nozzle 310 of any suitable number can be set on pipeline 312, depend on the size of the sheet glass 30 of transmission.In addition, though show on two pipelines 312 to have first flooding nozzle 310 in the purge zone 300,, can use the pipeline 312 of any suitable number for first flooding nozzle 310.In one aspect, described liquid comprises water, but it is contemplated that the liquid that other are applicable to flushing, and washing composition.First flooding nozzle 310 is designed, with first 32 guiding fluid sheet glass 30.

With second flooding nozzle 320 and transfer path 100 adjacent settings, be positioned at transfer path 100 side relative with first flooding nozzle 310.In addition, as shown in Figure 4, the level attitude of first flooding nozzle 310 and second flooding nozzle 320 staggers along transfer path 100.Thisly be arranged with the vibration that helps reduce sheet glass 30.Second flooding nozzle 320 also is communicated with the liquid source by pipeline 312, this nozzle is designed, with second 34 with the guiding fluid sheet glass.Similar with first flooding nozzle 310, can on each pipeline 312, use second flooding nozzle 320 of any amount, can in purge zone, use the pipeline with second flooding nozzle 320 312 of any suitable number.

First liquid-bearing 340 has top 342 and bottom 344 separately, it is provided with, with second 34 towards sheet glass 30.Referring to Fig. 4 and 6.First liquid-bearing (with second liquid-bearing 330) keeps a kind of thin moisture film in its surface, prevents that glass from contacting with liquid-bearing.When sheet glass was thin, this liquid-bearing provided very high rigidity, guarantees not contact with sheet glass 30.First liquid-bearing 340 is arranged on transfer path 100 and first flooding nozzle 310 by a level side relative substantially with vertical mode.In the horizontal direction, but first flooding nozzle 310 and first liquid-bearing 340 are arranged on the position of identical opposite side along transfer path 100.Referring to Fig. 4.In addition, in vertical direction, at least some nozzles in the nozzle 310 are arranged between the top 342 and bottom 344 of first liquid-bearing 340.Preferred most of flooding nozzle 310 all so is provided with.By this way, make first liquid-bearing 340 second 34, for the relative noncontact of normal force that sheet glass 30 provides liquid direct and from first flooding nozzle 310 to apply is supported towards sheet glass 30.First liquid-bearing 340 by the horizontal line setting, has wherein been shown four lines.Referring to Fig. 6.Can use the row of any suitable number, depend on the size of the sheet glass 30 of transmission.The row of first liquid-bearing 340 extends through the scope of purge zone 300 along the direction that is parallel to delivery direction 102.But, in each row of first liquid-bearing 340, exist gap 348 to hold of second 34 the injection of second nozzle 320 to sheet glass 30.These gaps 348 allow the part to second 34 to be provided with, thereby directly accept the fluid from second flooding nozzle 320 in first 32 position of still being supported by second liquid-bearing 330 of sheet glass 30.

With second liquid-bearing 330 and transfer path 100 adjacent settings, be positioned at the opposite side of transfer path 100, basic relative with second flooding nozzle 320.The quantity of second liquid-bearing 330 and arrangement can be with above described similar about first liquid-bearing 340.In addition, the relation of second liquid-bearing 330 and first flooding nozzle 310 and second flooding nozzle 320 and first liquid-bearing 340 can be similar to the relation of above-mentioned first liquid-bearing 340 and second flooding nozzle 320 and first flooding nozzle 310 and second liquid-bearing 330.

First flooding nozzle 310 and second flooding nozzle 320 are with guiding fluid sheet glass 30 first 32 and second 34 of the acceptable volumetric rate of wide region and pressure.Therefore, in one aspect in, with liquid first 32 and second 34 with the speed of about 0.2-2GPM guiding sheet glass 30.In one aspect of the method, with liquid first 32 and second 34 with the pressure guiding sheet glass 30 of about 10-50psi (about 68950-344738 ox/square metre).When volumetric flow rate and pressure drop within these scopes, adopt above-mentioned position relation, described liquid makes sheet glass 30 vibrations be equal to or less than about 50 microns, and this is not too much for the sheet glass 30 that is used for typical LCD device.

Dryer section

Dryer section 400 is designed, remove liquid with

face

32 and 34 from sheet glass 30.In one aspect, dryer section 400 comprises at least one first air knife, 410, the second air knife 420, the nozzle 430 on the pipeline, fluid bearing 440 and 450, and guide reel 470.Air pressure that

air knife

410 and 420 is applied and the distance between fluid bearing 440 and 450 design, to avoid disadvantageous vibration in the sheet glass.

With first air knife 410 and transfer path 100 adjacent settings, be communicated with source of the gas.First air knife 410 is designed, with first 32 guiding gas to sheet glass 30, along with sheet glass 30 passes through by delivery direction 102 along transfer path 100, form the gas curtain, this gas curtain is removed liquid from first 32 of sheet glass 30.

Similarly, in aspect this, with at least one second air knife 420 and transfer path 100 adjacent settings, be communicated with source of the gas, this air knife is designed, with second 34 guiding gas, along with sheet glass 30 moves by delivery direction 102 along transfer path 100 to sheet glass 30.Second air knife 420 is oppositely arranged with first air knife 410 substantially.Airflow to sheet glass 30 either sides is accurately controlled, reducing the vibration of sheet glass 30, from the mode control of pressure imbalance to the acceptable level.When the air knife applied pressure of sheet glass 30 1 sides and another air knife applied pressure that is arranged on sheet glass 30 opposite sides were unequal, the imbalance of pressure took place.Too much vibration not only produces cut, also can suppress efficient drying.Hundreds of pascal's pressure imbalance can cause disadvantageous vibration and influence drying.Each

air knife

410 and 420 with about 1500-2800 liter/minute speed to sheet glass 30 guiding gas, but it is contemplated that other scopes, for example 1600,1700,1800,1900,2000,2100,2200,2300,2400,2500,2600 and 2700 liters/minute.Described gas can be pressurized air.It is also contemplated that other gas, include, but are not limited to gas blower air and nitrogen.

Dryer section 400 comprises the first fluid bearing 440 and second fluid bearing 450, thereby sheet glass 30 is being transmitted by supporting glass plate 30 in the air knife 410 and 420.According to the delivery direction 102 of sheet glass 30, clutch shaft bearing 440 is positioned at the upstream of air knife 410 and 420.First fluid bearing 440 is positioned, thus the

opposing face

32 and 34 of supporting glass plate 30.First fluid bearing 440 can comprise that water or liquid-bearing are with supporting glass plate 30.Be positioned at the downstream of

air knife

410 and 420 according to delivery direction 102, the second fluid bearings 450.Second fluid bearing 540 is positioned, and the

opposing face

32 and 34 with supporting glass plate 30 can comprise air bearing.The distance 460 parallel with sheet glass delivery direction 102 forms the not bearing length of sheet glass 30 between the first fluid bearing 440 and second fluid bearing 450.Referring to Fig. 6.In general, if distance is 460 too big, then the distance of sheet glass 30 and transfer path 100 centre portions between

air knife

410 and 420 may change too big, thereby the differentiation drying that generation is not expected, that is, on the opposition side of sheet glass 30, produce different drying regimes.In addition, can adjust the distance with the pressure reduction between

air knife

410 and 420 and 460 control, thereby avoid the too much vibration of sheet glass 30.If vibration too much, then sheet glass 30 can adhere to

air knife

410 and 420 unfriendly, with contacting that surrounding structure takes place not expect, and/or break.For example, the distance 460 between the clutch shaft bearing 440 and second bearing 450 can be less than or equal to about 75 millimeters, preferably is less than or equal to about 40 millimeters, is more preferably less than or equals about 25 millimeters.In general, can adopt short distance 460, and higher pressure reduction between

air knife

410 and 420, thereby avoid sheet glass 30 that too much vibration takes place.Similarly, can adopt long distance 460, and lower pressure reduction between

air knife

410 and 420, thereby avoid sheet glass 30 that too much vibration takes place.More particularly, at an end points place of this scope, distance 460 is about 75 millimeters, and pressure reduction can maximum be about 300 handkerchiefs.At another end points place of this scope, distance 460 is about 25 millimeters or be about 40 millimeters, and pressure reduction can maximum be about 1500 handkerchiefs, for example 400,500,600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300 or 1400 handkerchiefs.In one embodiment, distance 460 is about 40 millimeters, and the pressure reduction between the

air knife

410 and 420 is about 300 handkerchiefs.In another embodiment, distance 460 is about 25 millimeters, and the pressure reduction between the

air knife

410 and 420 is about 300 handkerchiefs.

In addition, in dryer section 400, provide the pipeline 430 that has nozzle on it.Pipeline 430 can link to each other with fluid origin, thus just in time sheet glass 30 is transmitted by before the

air knife

410 and 420 with direct fluid sheet glass 30.

In addition, in dryer section, provide guide reel 470, with the top of supporting glass plate.Guide reel 470 is idle rolls, for the top of sheet glass 30 provides extra supporting, that is, and that part of sheet glass 30 on the clutch shaft bearing 440 and second bearing 460.The position of guide reel 470 is very important for avoiding in the quality zone any damage occurring and to keep effective transmission of sheet glass 30.Therefore, guide reel 470 is positioned, make the non-quality zone of its contact glass plate 30, described non-quality zone is the part around sheet glass 30 peripheries, and about 5-10 millimeter usually extends internally from each edge.

Though shown dryer section 400 links to each other with the outlet of purge zone 300, dryer section 400 can be used as independently unit use.Other equipment and/or technology can be set between purge zone 300 and dryer section 400 in addition.Similarly, washing section 200 and purge zone 300 can be separated from each other, as independently unit use, other equipment and/or technology are set therebetween.

Though disclosed some embodiments of the present invention in the above explanation, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, can expect relating to many modifications of the present invention and other embodiments, obtain the benefit that proposes in above explanation and the relevant drawings.Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment of above announcement, and many modifications and other embodiments are also included within the scope of claims.And though adopted concrete term in this paper and the following claim, they only use with general and illustrative implication, its purpose and unrestricted the present invention, also unrestricted claims.

Claims

1. glass treatment equipment that is used to handle the sheet glass of substantially flat, described sheet glass have first and opposite second, and described glass treatment equipment comprises washing section, and it comprises:

Transfer path, sheet glass can be advanced in vertical substantially plane along this transfer path;

First driving roll, it has thickness and diameter, and adjacent setting with transfer path can contact with a part of first of sheet glass;

Second driving roll, it has thickness and diameter, and adjacent setting with transfer path can contact with a part of second of sheet glass,

Wherein, the thickness of each roller is about the 0.5-2 inch in described first driving roll and second driving roll, and the diameter of each roller is equal to or less than about 4 inches in described first driving roll and second driving roll.

2. equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described first driving roll and second driving roll are provided with relative to each other, are separated mutually by the gap.

3. equipment as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described sheet glass has thickness, and described gap is less than the thickness of sheet glass.

4. equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the outside at least of each roller comprises polymeric rubber in described first driving roll and second driving roll.

5. equipment as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, described polymeric rubber comprises ethylene propylene diene monomer or Sheng Tepurui rubber.

6. equipment as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that the hardness of described polymeric rubber is about the 30-60 Shore A.

7. glass treatment equipment that is used to handle the sheet glass of substantially flat, described sheet glass have first and opposite second, and described glass treatment equipment comprises purge zone, and it comprises:

First flooding nozzle, its adjacent setting with transfer path, and be communicated with liquid source, described first flooding nozzle is positioned, thus can be with first of guiding fluid sheet glass; With

First liquid-bearing, its adjacent setting with transfer path makes its second towards sheet glass, and basic relative with first flooding nozzle.

8. equipment as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described equipment also comprises:

Second flooding nozzle, its basic adjacent setting with transfer path, and originate with liquid and to be communicated with, described second flooding nozzle is positioned, thus can be with second of guiding fluid sheet glass; With

Second liquid-bearing, its adjacent setting with transfer path makes its first towards sheet glass, and basic relative with second flooding nozzle.

9. equipment as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, described second flooding nozzle is adjacent with first liquid-bearing, and second liquid-bearing is adjacent with first flooding nozzle.

10. equipment as claimed in claim 8, it is characterized in that, described first flooding nozzle links to each other with the liquid source of supply with second flooding nozzle, thereby with the speed of about 0.2-2GPM/ nozzle first and second, with the pressure of about 10-50psi first and second with the guiding fluid sheet glass with the guiding fluid sheet glass.

11. equipment as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described liquid causes the sheet glass vibration to be equal to or less than about 50 microns.

12. equipment as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described glass treatment equipment also comprises washing section, and described washing section comprises:

The successive transfer path, sheet glass can be advanced in vertical substantially plane along this transfer path;

First driving roll, it has thickness and diameter, adjacent setting with transfer path, thus can contact with a part of first of sheet glass;

Second driving roll, it has thickness and diameter, adjacent setting with transfer path, thus can contact with a part of second of sheet glass,

The thickness of each roller is about the 0.5-2 inch in wherein said first driving roll and second driving roll, and the diameter of each roller is equal to or less than about 4 inches in described first driving roll and second driving roll.

13. a glass treatment equipment that is used to handle the sheet glass of substantially flat, described sheet glass have first and opposite second, described glass treatment equipment comprises dryer section, and it comprises:

Transfer path, sheet glass can be advanced by delivery direction in vertical substantially plane along this transfer path;

First air knife, its basic adjacent setting with transfer path is communicated with source of the gas, it is designed, with first pressure first with the gas channeling sheet glass;

Second air knife, its basic adjacent setting with transfer path is communicated with source of the gas, it is designed, with second pressure second with the gas channeling sheet glass, wherein said second air knife substantially and described first air knife is oppositely arranged;

Clutch shaft bearing, according to delivery direction, it is positioned at the upstream of first air knife and second air knife, it is designed and arranges, with first of sheet glass of supporting substantially flat; With

Second bearing, according to delivery direction, it is positioned at the downstream of first air knife and second air knife, and it is designed and arranges, with first of sheet glass of supporting substantially flat,

The wherein said clutch shaft bearing and second bearing are separated mutually by a segment distance in delivery direction, and described distance is equal to or less than about 75 millimeters,

Pressure reduction absolute value between wherein said first pressure and second pressure is equal to or less than about 1500 handkerchiefs.

14. equipment as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described distance is equal to or less than about 40 millimeters.

15. equipment as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, the pressure reduction absolute value between described first pressure and second pressure is equal to or less than about 300 handkerchiefs.

16. equipment as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described distance is equal to or less than about 25 millimeters.

17. equipment as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, the pressure reduction absolute value between described first pressure and second pressure is equal to or less than about 300 handkerchiefs.

18. equipment as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described equipment also comprises washing section, and this washing section comprises:

19. equipment as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described equipment also comprises purge zone, and this purge zone comprises:

First flooding nozzle, its adjacent setting with transfer path, and be communicated with liquid source, first flooding nozzle is positioned, with first the guiding fluid sheet glass; With

20. equipment as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, described equipment also comprises washing section, and this washing section comprises:

21. a method that is used for the sheet glass of refining substantially flat, described sheet glass have first and opposite second, described method comprises:

In vertical substantially plane, sheet glass is transmitted by at least one section in washing section, purge zone and the dryer section along transfer path,

Comprise transmission by in the situation of washing section in transfer operation, described method comprises:

Sheet glass is contacted, to transmit sheet glass, wherein with second driving roll with first driving roll

First driving roll has thickness and diameter, adjacent setting with transfer path, thus can contact with a part of first of sheet glass; With

Second driving roll has thickness and diameter, adjacent setting with transfer path, thus can contact with a part of second of sheet glass,

The thickness of each roller is about 1.27-5.08 centimetre in wherein said first driving roll and second driving roll, and the diameter of each roller is equal to or less than about 10.16 centimetres in described first driving roll and second driving roll;

Comprise transmission by in the situation of purge zone in transfer operation, described method comprises:

With the guiding fluid sheet glass, keep sheet glass with first liquid-bearing and second liquid-bearing simultaneously, wherein with first flooding nozzle and second flooding nozzle

The adjacent setting of first flooding nozzle and transfer path is communicated with the liquid source, and therefore first flooding nozzle is with first of the guiding fluid sheet glass;

The adjacent setting of first liquid-bearing and transfer path, therefore first liquid-bearing is towards second of sheet glass, and basic relative with first flooding nozzle;

The basic adjacent setting with transfer path of second flooding nozzle is communicated with the liquid source, and therefore second flooding nozzle is with second of the guiding fluid sheet glass; With

The adjacent setting of second liquid-bearing and transfer path, therefore second liquid-bearing is towards first of sheet glass, and basic relative with second flooding nozzle;

Comprise that in transfer operation transmitting sheet glass passes through in the situation of dryer section, described method comprises:

With the clutch shaft bearing and the second bearing supporting glass plate; With

With first air knife and second air knife with the gas channeling sheet glass, wherein

The basic adjacent setting with transfer path of first air knife is communicated with source of the gas, with first pressure first with the gas channeling sheet glass;

The basic adjacent setting with transfer path of second air knife is communicated with source of the gas, with second pressure second with the gas channeling sheet glass, wherein second air knife substantially and first air knife is oppositely arranged;

According to delivery direction, clutch shaft bearing is positioned at the upstream of first air knife and second air knife, it is designed and arranges, with first of sheet glass of supporting substantially flat; With

According to delivery direction, second bearing is positioned at the downstream of first air knife and second air knife, and it is designed and arranges, with first of sheet glass of supporting substantially flat,

22. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, described method also comprise with the speed of about 757-7571ccm/ nozzle, with about 68950-344738 ox/square metre pressure with first and second of guiding fluid sheet glass.

23. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, described distance is equal to or less than about 40 millimeters.

24. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, described distance is equal to or less than about 25 millimeters.

25., it is characterized in that the pressure reduction absolute value between described first pressure and second pressure is equal to or less than about 300 handkerchiefs as claim 1 or 3 or 4 described methods.