KR20110055560A - Device for vertical processing of glass - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing flat glass sheets located in a vertical plane. In one aspect, glass sheet 30 can be used in an LCD display. The glass processing apparatus 10 includes a washing unit 200, a rinsing unit 300, a drying unit 400, and a bottom roller 510 for moving the glass sheet 30 through the transport passage 100. The cleaning unit 200 includes drive rollers 530 and 540 designed to support and handle the glass sheet 30 without damaging the glass sheet 30. The rinsing unit 300 includes liquid bearings 330 and 340 to rinse the glass sheet 30 without the nozzles 310 and 320 arranged and excessive vibration. The drying unit 400 also includes fluid bearings 440 and 450 to dry the glass without arranging the air knifes 410 and 420 and excessive vibration.

Description

Devices for vertical treatment of glass

This application claims the priority benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 085,103, Apparatus for Vertical Processing of Glass, filed on July 7, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is incorporated by reference. will be.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to the treatment of glass, and more particularly to an apparatus for vertical washing, rinsing and drying of LCD glass.

Cutting, grinding and grinding of glass are the main processes for finishing display glass. Glass debris occurs in various coatings applied to glass to protect the glass surface, which must be removed to perform subsequent processes to produce marketable liquid crystal displays (“LCDs”). In general, glass cleaners specially designed for use in LCD glass are used. Many of these glass cleaners can be divided into two categories: batch or inline.

In-line cleaners are generally divided into two categories: the horizontal method where the glass is placed horizontally on a belt or other type of drive system, and the vertical method is one corner or one when the glass sheet moves into the cleaning process. Supported by edges and sacrificial sides. The vertical method is more preferred. Since this vertical method can process the glass sheet in the vertical direction even in the front and rear processing, it requires less floor space and can produce cleaner glass. In addition, the vertical method reduces the amount of glass debris that sticks to the glass sheet. Usually, the fine particles fall down, and also by changing the orientation of the glass sheet, the effective surface is reduced, so that airborne debris is less likely to stick to the glass sheet.

Most conventional vertical in-line cleaners are designed for use in the window fabrication industry and do not take into account the low lateral stiffness of glass, which is usually associated with the processing of very thin glass sheets used in the manufacture of LCD devices. For example, brushes have been used for agitation to remove debris from glass sheets. However, two problems occurred in the process of moving the glass sheet to the brush portion. First, an appropriate driving force must be applied to the glass sheet to withstand brush forces. Second, the glass sheet must be properly supported to prevent breakage of the glass sheet and to prevent a large contact area with the glass sheet causing defects such as scratches. This is because defects such as scratches and scratches are unacceptable to LCD buyers.

In addition, the excessive vibration in the rinsing part and the washing part causes undesirable contact of the glass sheet with the rinsing part or the part of the washing part, so the glass sheet must be properly supported. Such undesirable contact can cause scratches or breakage in a direction perpendicular to the glass sheet.

The present invention relates to a vertical processing apparatus including washing, rinsing and drying of flat glass sheets.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a washing unit. In the cleaning section, brushes are used to agitate the glass sheet to remove debris from the surface of the glass sheet. Drive rollers in the cleaning section are used to move the glass sheet between the brushes. The size and material of the drive rollers can be appropriately applied to move the glass sheet between cleaning parts, sufficiently support the glass sheet not to be broken, and minimize the contact area with the glass sheet to prevent scratches and other defects. Should be specified to be.

In a second embodiment, the invention comprises a rinse section. The rinse nozzle and bearing of the rinse section are designed to be sufficiently supported without excessive vibration of the glass sheet. In particular, the rinse nozzle is located on one side of the glass sheet, the bearing is located on the other side of the glass sheet opposite the rinse nozzle.

In a third embodiment, the present invention includes a drying unit having an air knife to dry a glass sheet. The fluid bearing serves to support the glass sheet as it moves between the drying sections. The first bearing set is formed above the air knife in the transport direction of the glass sheet, while the second bearing set is formed below the air knife. The air knife is located on the other side of the glass sheet, and each air knife supplies an air stream to the glass sheet at a specific pressure. Moreover, the spacing between the first and second bearing sets leaves some portions of the glass sheet unsupported. The pressure difference of the gas injected from the air knife and the gap between the first bearing and the second bearing prevent excessive vibration of the glass sheet.

Although the three embodiments have been described separately, any combination of the above embodiments may be used. That is, the washing unit, the rinsing unit and the drying unit may be used separately, and may be used independently or in combination with each other. In addition, various other processes or apparatus may be added in between. Instead, as described above, the washing unit, the rinsing unit and the drying unit may be used in turn. Either of the washing unit, the rinsing unit or the drying unit may be used one after the other, or may be used separately after another process or apparatus is added.

According to the present invention, by treating the glass sheet in a vertical plane, including at least one of a washing unit, a rinsing unit or a drying unit, to prevent excessive vibration of the glass sheet to finish the glass sheet without scratching or damage to the glass sheet. have.

1 is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of a glass processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a rear plan view illustrating a washing part, a rinsing part, and a drying part of the glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1.
It is a front view seen from the upper side of the glass processing apparatus of FIG.
5 is a left plan view of the glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1.
6 is a front plan view of the glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the glass treating apparatus according to line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the glass treating apparatus according to line 8-8 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a drive roller of the glass treating apparatus washing part of FIG. 1. FIG.
10 is a plan view of the drive roller of FIG.

The invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings and claims. However, before describing the apparatus, system and / or method according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the specific apparatus, system and / or method described below, and may be modified. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the invention and should not be regarded as being used to limit the invention.

The following detailed description will describe preferred preferred embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will be able to obtain improved results in accordance with the present invention, as well as recognize variations in the various aspects of the invention described herein. It is also evident that an improved result according to the invention can be obtained only by the selection of the features described in the detailed description without the application of other techniques. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to modify or improve the present invention. Such modifications and improvements of the present invention will be desirable in some cases, and are also included as part of the present invention. As such, the following detailed description is provided as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” also refer to plural objects, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "a glass sheet" may include two or more glass sheets, unless otherwise noted in the text.

The range may be expressed from one particular value “about” and / or from one particular value to “about” the other. When such a range is expressed, other aspects may include from one particular value and / or the other particular value. Similarly, where numerical values are expressed using the expression “about” as a preceding word, it may be understood that a particular value may constitute another aspect. It may be understood that the last value of each range is all important regardless of the other last value or associated with it.

As used herein, the word "optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described may or may not occur, and the descriptions herein indicate that It will be considered to include both situations where they did and did not occur.

The glass processing apparatus 10 for processing the flat glass sheet 30 will be described. The glass processing apparatus 10 includes a washing unit 200, a rinsing unit 300, and a drying unit 400. As shown in FIG. 4, the glass sheet 30 has a second surface 34 opposite to the first surface 32. Such glass sheet 30 may be used, for example, in an LCD display.

In one exemplary aspect, the glass sheet 30 is transported between the cleaning unit 200, the rinsing unit 300, and the drying unit 400 in the transport direction 102 along the transport passage 100. Referring to Figure 4, the glass sheet 30 is transported in a vertical plane along the transport passage (100). By using the plurality of bottom rollers 510 located at the bottom portion of the transport passage 100, the glass sheet can be transported. In order to move the glass sheet 30 along the transport passage 100 between the washing unit 200, the rinsing unit 300, and the drying unit 400, the rotational force is transmitted to one or more bottom rollers 510. To do so, the bottom roller 510 is connected with the roller drive 520. That is, each washing unit 200, rinsing unit 300 and drying unit 400 has a separate roller drive 520 for the bottom roller 510. This arrangement is advantageous when each part is used separately and separately. Alternatively, one roller drive 520 may be used in more than one portion. One roller drive 520 may be used in the washing unit 200 and the rinsing unit 300, and a separate roller drive 520 may be used in the drying unit 400. The roller drive 520 may be connected to the bottom roller 510 via any type of drive train known to those skilled in the art.

Three wash parts

In one aspect, the glass processing apparatus 10 is composed of a cleaning unit 200 including a cleaning housing 20 and the transport passage (100). When the glass sheet 30 moves in the transport direction 102 along the transport passage 100, the glass sheet 30 is oriented in the vertical direction.

The cleaning unit 200 includes at least one first brush 210 adjacent to the transport passage 100, and the first brush 210 cleans the debris of the first surface 32 of the glass sheet 30. In order to do this, it is designed to contact a portion of the first face 32 of the glass sheet 30. In addition, the cleaning unit 200 includes at least one second brush 220 proximate to the transport passage 100, and the second brush 220 may include a portion of the second surface 34 of the glass sheet 30. Designed to be in contact. The cleaning unit 200 is designed such that the at least one first brush 210 is positioned opposite the at least one second brush 220. For clarity, the axes 212, 222 of the first brush 210 and the second brush 220 are located on opposite sides of the transport passage 100, respectively. The diameter of the brush extends to the other side of the transport passage 100 when there is no glass sheet 30 between the brushes, and when there is the glass sheet 30 to remove unwanted particles in the glass sheet 30. Has a sufficient contact area. The cleaning unit 200 may include a plurality of brushes 210 and 220 pairs placed along the transport passage 100, and the axes 212 and 222 of the pair of brushes 210 and 220 may be opposite to the transport passage 100. Located. In this way, the vertical force of the first brush 210 applied to the first face 32 of the glass sheet 30 is applied to the second brush 220 applied to the second face 34 of the glass sheet 30. Is equal to the normal force of.

Brushes 210 and 220 may rotate to facilitate cleaning. For example, the first brush shaft 212 may be parallel to the glass sheet 30, but is not limited thereto. Similarly, the second brush axis 222 can be parallel to the glass sheet 30. The motor 250 is connected to the first brush shaft 212 and the second brush shaft 222 via a suitable drive train (not shown in the figures for simplicity, but will be understood by those skilled in the art). The first brush shaft 212 and the second brush shaft 222 are rotated together. Brushes 210 and 220 rotate in a direction opposite to the transport direction 102 in which the glass sheet 30 moves along the transport passage 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first brush 210 may rotate clockwise, while the second brush 220 may rotate counterclockwise. Brushes 210 and 220 provide adequate churning to remove debris and also allow drive rollers 530 and 540 to adjust the speed of movement of the glass sheet 30 moving along the transport passage 100. ) Rotates from about 200 sfpm (surface feet per minute) to about 1000 sfpm (60 to 305 smpm (surface meters per minute)), for example 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600 , 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900 or 950 sfpm (75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 195, 210, 225, 240, 260, 275, 290 smpm) have. Although a pair of first brushes 210 and second brushes 220 have been described, a suitable number of brush pairs can also be used.

In addition to the bottom roller 510, to facilitate the transport of the glass sheet 30, the glass processing apparatus 10 includes a plurality of first drive rollers 530 and a transport passage located near one side of the transport passage 100. A plurality of second drive rollers 540 located near the other side of the (100). Each of the plurality of first drive rollers 530 is located opposite the corresponding second drive roller 540, and each of the plurality of second drive rollers 540 is also of the corresponding first drive roller 530. It is located on the opposite side. In order to transport the glass sheet 30, each of the plurality of first drive rollers 530 is formed to contact a portion of the first surface 32 of the glass sheet 30, and each of the plurality of second drive rollers ( The 540 is formed to contact a portion of the second surface 34 of the glass sheet 30.

The plurality of first drive rollers 530 are positioned on the shaft 534 to support the glass sheet 30 in the vertical direction. The number of first drive rollers 530 located on each axis 534 depends on the size of the glass sheet 30, and thus may vary in number. Similarly, a plurality of second drive rollers 540 is located on each axis 544. The plurality of first shafts 534 and second shafts 544 are located along the transport passage 100 in pairs, where the first shaft 534 is located on one side of the transport passage 100. The two shafts 544 are located on opposite sides of the transport passage 100. Motor 550 is connected to first axis 534 and second axis 544 by a suitable drive train (not shown in the figures for simplicity, but will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art). As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 550 and the drive train move the glass sheet 30 along the transport path 100 in the transport direction 102 so that the first drive roller 530 is counterclockwise. While the second drive roller 540 rotates clockwise. Although three pairs of first axis 534 and second axis 544 are shown, any number of suitable pairs may be used.

In addition, the size and material of the drive rollers 530 and 540 appropriately support the glass sheet 30 to prevent breakage of the glass sheet 30, and minimize the contact area to avoid scratches and the like. , The glass sheet 30 is designed to provide a suitable force against the force of the brush (210,200) to be transported between the cleaning unit (200).

The drive roller 530 has a constant thickness 536 over the portion in contact with the glass sheet 30 and also has a diameter 538. See FIG. 10 showing the diameter 538 and thickness 536 of the drive roller 530. The thickness 536 may range from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches (1.27 cm to about 5.08 cm). Increasing the thickness 536 results in a large contact area with the glass sheet 30 which is at risk of damaging the glass sheet 30. In addition, as the thickness 536 increases, it becomes difficult to balance the eccentricity occurring in the shaft, which is a result of the reaction force from the drive roller 530 which pushes the glass sheet to move in the transport direction. As the eccentricity of the shaft increases, it becomes more difficult to maintain an acceptable space between the drive rollers 530, 540 for the glass sheet 30 to move. On the other hand, if the thickness 536 is too small, there may not be sufficient driving force to move the glass sheet 30 between the cleaning parts 200. The diameter 538 of the drive roller 530 can be up to about 4 inches. In order to transport the glass sheet 30, the arrangement of the diameters 538 and the shafts 534 and 544 of the first drive roller 530 and the second drive roller 540 is performed by the first drive roller 530 and the first drive roller 530. The spacing 560 between the two drive rollers 540 is selected to be smaller than the thickness 36 of the glass sheet 30. Reference will be made to FIGS. 9 and 10. In other words, in order to transport the glass sheet 30, each pair of axes 534, 544 has a distance between the radius of the first drive roller 530 and the radius of the second drive roller 540 and the thickness of the glass sheet 30. Spaced apart to be less than the sum of (36). The constituent materials of the first drive roller 530 and the second drive roller 540 are selected to be bendable. In general, only a few tenths of a millimeter compliance is acceptable. This allows the drive rollers 530, 540 to provide sufficient space for the thickness 36 of the glass sheet 30 when the glass sheet 30 is transported at a gap 560 between the drive rollers 530, 540. Compressed (due to the compliance of the drive rollers). For example, the thickness 36 of the glass sheet 30 may be about 1 mm or less, for example, about 0.8 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.5 mm or about 0.4 mm.

In addition, the constituent materials of the drive rollers 530 and 540 affect the transport of the glass sheet 30. The material of the drive rollers 530, 540 should be such that they do not scratch or stain the glass sheet 30, and between the drive rollers 530, 540 and the glass sheet 30 while transporting the glass sheet 30. The coefficient of friction should be acceptable so that no slippage occurs. In view of the above, the outer portions 532, 542 of the drive rollers 530, 540 are configured as polymerized rubber, for example ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or Santoprene rubber (Santoprene rubber). And so on. See FIG. 9. The polymeric rubber has a hardness between about 30 Shore A and about 60 Shore A, and may be, for example, 35, 40, 45, 50 or 55 Shore A.

As mentioned above, the first drive roller 530 and the second drive roller 540 are located opposite each other. One of the reasons for this is to balance vertical drag. In one side, the plurality of first drive rollers 530 transmits the first vertical force to the first surface 32 of the glass sheet 30, and the second drive rollers corresponding to the first drive rollers 530. 540 transmits the normal drag to the second face 34 of the glass sheet 30. In another aspect, the first vertical drag equals the second vertical drag. By maintaining the same vertical drag in the opposite direction it is possible to reduce the vibration transmitted to the glass sheet (30).

In addition, the cleaning unit 200 includes a plurality of nozzles 230, the nozzles 230 are located on both sides of the transport passage (100). The nozzle 230 is formed between the continuous pair of driver rollers 530, 540 and the pair of brushes 210, 220 along the transport direction 102. The nozzle 230 sprays the fluid toward the driver rollers 530 and 540, the brushes 210 and 220 and the glass sheet 30 to assist in the cleaning process. The fluid may be a wash liquid and will generally be a liquid.

rinsing  part

The rinsing part 300 includes a first rinsing nozzle 310 and a second rinsing nozzle 320 respectively located on opposite sides of the transport passage 100, and a first rinsing nozzle 320 located on the opposite sides of the transport passage 100, respectively. A liquid bearing 340 and a second liquid bearing 330. See FIG. 4. The first rinsing nozzle 310 and the second rinsing nozzle 320 are not only positioned in association with each other to support the glass sheet 30 without excessive vibration that may damage the glass sheet 30. It is positioned in association with the liquid bearing 340 and the second liquid bearing 330.

The first rinse nozzle 310 is formed on the pipe 312 and is located near the glass transport passage 100. The first rinse nozzle 310 is connected with a liquid source through a pipe 312. Depending on the size of the glass sheet 30 being transported, an appropriate number of first rinse nozzles 310 are formed in the pipe 312. In addition, although the rinsing part 300 shown in the drawing has two pipes 312 formed with the first rinsing nozzle 310 formed therein, any suitable number of pipes 312 may be formed. In one aspect, the liquid may consist of water, but detergents and the like may also be considered as other liquids suitable for rinsing applications. The first rinse nozzle 310 is formed such that the liquid is directed toward the first surface 32 of the glass sheet 30.

The second rinse nozzle 320 is located near the transport passage opposite to the transport passage 100 where the first rinse nozzle 310 is located. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the first rinse nozzle 310 and the second rinse nozzle 320 are alternately positioned in a horizontal position along the transport passage 100. This arrangement helps to reduce the vibration of the glass sheet 30. In addition, the second rinse nozzle 320 is connected to the liquid source through the pipe 312, and is formed so that the liquid is directed toward the second side 34 of the glass sheet 30. Similar to the first rinse nozzle 310, the rinse unit 300 may be any suitable number of pipes 312 on which the second rinse nozzle 320 is formed.

The first liquid bearing 340 has an upper end 342 and a lower end 344, respectively, and is formed to face the second surface 34 of the glass sheet 30. Reference will be made to FIGS. 4 and 6. The first liquid bearing 340 (also the second liquid bearing 330) maintains a thin film formed of water on the surface, so that the glass sheet 30 does not directly contact the liquid bearings 330, 340. do. These liquid bearings 330, 340 provide very high stiffness when the glass sheet 30 is thin and reliably prevent contact with the glass sheet 30. The first liquid bearing 340 is located on the opposite side of the transport passage 100 where the first rinse nozzle 310 is located vertically and horizontally. Horizontally, the first rinse nozzle 310 and the first liquid bearing 340 are located on opposite sides of the same plane along the transport passage (100). See FIG. 4. In addition, at least some of the first rinse nozzles 310 in the vertical direction are positioned between the upper end 342 and the lower end 344 of the first liquid bearing 340. See FIG. 6. Most of the first rinse nozzles 310 are preferably arranged as above. In this arrangement, the first liquid bearing 340 faces the second face 34 of the glass sheet 30 and is also in non-contact contact with the vertical force due to the liquid sprayed from the first rinse nozzle 310. Support is provided to the glass sheet 30. The first liquid bearing 340 is arranged in a horizontal row, which is shown in four rows in the figure. See FIG. 6. Depending on the size of the glass sheet 30 being transported, any suitable number of rows may be used. The row of the first liquid bearings 340 extends along a direction parallel to the transport direction 102 over the region of the rinse section 300. Between each row of the first liquid bearings 340 there is a gap 348 to provide space for spraying from the second rinse nozzle 320 towards the second face 34 of the glass sheet 30. do. This spacing 348 rinses a second rinse to the second side 34 portion of the glass sheet 30 corresponding to the first side 32 of the glass sheet 30 supported by the second liquid bearing 330. Allow fluid from the nozzle 330 to be injected directly.

The second liquid bearing 330 is located near the opposite side of the transport passage 100 where the second rinse nozzle 320 is located. The number and arrangement of the second liquid bearings 330 are similar to the first liquid bearings 340 described above. In addition, the relationship between the second liquid bearing 330 and the first rinsing nozzle 310, the second rinsing nozzle 320, and the first liquid bearing 340 may be described in relation to the first rinsing of the first liquid bearing 340. Similar to the relationship with the nozzle 310, the second rinse nozzle 320 and the second liquid bearing 330.

The first rinse nozzle 310 and the second rinse nozzle 320 allow the liquid to be injected at a wide range of volume flow rates and pressures that are acceptable to the first and second surfaces 32 and 34 of the glass sheet 30. can do. Thus, on one side the liquid is sprayed on the first face 32 and the second face 34 of the glass sheet 30 at a rate of about 0.2 GPM to about 2 GPM. In another aspect, the liquid has a first face 32 and a second surface 32 of the glass sheet 30 at a pressure of about 10 psi to about 50 psi (in the range of about 68950 N / m ² to about 344738 N / m ² ). Facing face 34. In the arrangement described above, when the volumetric flow rate and pressure are within the above range, the liquid causes the glass sheet 30 to vibrate about 50 microns or less, which is applied to the glass sheet 30 used in a typical LCD device. It is not excessive vibration.

Dry woman

The drying unit 400 is formed to remove liquid from the first side 32 and the second side 34 of the glass sheet 30. In one aspect, the drying unit 400 includes at least one first air knife 410, a second air knife 420, nozzles formed in the pipe 430, fluid bearings 440, 450, and a guide roller 470. It includes. The distance between the air pressure injected by the air knife 410 and 420 and the fluid bearings 440 and 450 is designed so as not to generate undesirable vibration of the glass sheet 30.

The first air knife 410 is connected to the gas supply source and is located near the transport passage 100. The first air knife 410 forms a gas curtain for removing liquid from the first surface 32 of the glass sheet 30 so that the glass sheet 30 is transported 100 in the transport direction 102. As it moves along, the gas is sprayed onto the first surface 32 of the glass sheet 30.

Similarly, at least one second air knife 420 is connected to the gas supply source in one side and is formed near the transport passage 100, and the second air knife 420 has the glass sheet 30 having the transport passage 100. In the case of moving along the surface of the glass sheet 30, the second surface 34 of the glass sheet 30 is sprayed with gas. The second air knife 420 is located on the opposite side of the first air knife 410. Air flow on both sides of the glass sheet 30 is precisely adjusted to an acceptable level at unbalanced pressure to reduce vibration of the glass sheet 30. The unbalanced pressure occurs when the pressure injected by the air knife located on one surface of the glass sheet 30 is different from the injection pressure of the air knife located on the opposite surface of the glass sheet 30. Excessive vibration of hundreds of Pascals not only scratches, but also prevents effective drying. Each air knife 410, 420 injects gas into the glass sheet 30 in the range of about 1500L / min to 2800L / min, other ranges may be considered, for example, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700 L / min. In this case, the gas may be compressed air. Other gases may also be considered, but are not limited to discharge air or nitrogen gas.

The drying unit 400 may include the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 to support the glass sheet 30 when the glass sheet 30 is transported through the air knives 410 and 420. It includes. The first fluid bearing 440 is located above the air knives 440 and 450 in the transport direction 102 of the glass sheet 30. The first fluid bearing 440 is positioned to support both sides of the glass sheet 30. The first fluid bearing 440 may include a water or liquid bearing to support the glass sheet 30. The second fluid bearing 450 is positioned below the air knifes 410 and 420 in the transport direction 102 of the glass sheet 30. The second fluid bearing 450 is positioned to support both surfaces 32 and 34 of the glass sheet 30 and may include an air bearing. A portion of the length of the glass sheet 30 is supported by the gap 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 in a direction parallel to the transport direction 102 of the glass sheet 30. It doesn't work. See FIG. 6. In general, when the distance 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 is long, the glass sheet 30 may move away from the central portion of the transport passage 100 between the air knives 410 and 420. This results in different drying conditions on both sides of the glass sheet 30, ie undesirable different drying. Additionally, the spacing 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 may be combined with other air pressures between the air knife 410 and 420 to prevent excessive vibration of the glass sheet 30. Can be adjusted. If the vibration of the glass sheet 30 is severe, the glass sheet 30 may be undesirably hit the air knife 410, 420, may cause undesirable contact with other structures, and may be broken. For example, the spacing 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 may be ≤ about 75 mm, preferably ≤ about 40 mm, more preferably ≤ about 25 mm. . In general, when the gap 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 is short, excessive vibration of the glass sheet 30 may occur when the pressure difference between the air knives 410 and 420 is large. It is used to prevent. Similarly, when the distance between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 is long, it is used to prevent excessive vibration of the glass sheet 30 when the pressure difference between the air knives 410 and 420 is small. do. More specifically, when the distance 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 is 75 mm as the end value of the range, the pressure difference between the air knifes 410 and 420 may be up to 300 Pa. . Alternatively, when the distance 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 is about 25 mm or about 40 mm, the pressure difference between the air knifes 410 and 420 may be up to 1500 Pa. The pressure difference can also be 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 or 1400 Pa. In one embodiment, when the distance 460 between the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 is 40 mm, the pressure difference between the air knives 410 and 420 is about 300 Pa.

In addition, the drying unit 400 includes a pipe 430 provided with a nozzle. Pipe 430 is connected to a fluid source to direct fluid toward glass sheet 30 before glass sheet 30 is transported through air knives 410 and 420.

Furthermore, the drying unit 400 includes a guide roller 470 to support the upper end of the glass sheet 30. The guide roller 470 is an idle roller, and the guide roller 470 is an upper portion of the first fluid bearing 440 and the second fluid bearing 450 of the glass sheet 30, that is, the glass sheet 30. Support the top of) additionally. The position of the guide roller 470 is important in maintaining effective transport of the glass sheet 30 and in preventing damage to the high quality area of the glass sheet 30. Thus, the guide roller 470 is positioned so as to contact only the non-quality regions of the glass sheet 30, which are around the edge of the glass sheet 30, at the corners of the glass sheet 30. It is in the range of about 5 to 10 mm.

Although the drying unit 400 is shown connected to the outlet of the rinsing unit 300, the drying unit 400 may be used as an independent unit. In addition, other devices or processes may be located between the rinsing unit 300 and the drying unit 400. Similarly, the washing unit 200 and the rinsing unit 300 may be separated from each other or used as independent units, and other devices and / or processes may be located therebetween.

Although only a few embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been disclosed in the detailed description, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other embodiments or numerous modifications related to the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and the information set forth in the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed above, and many variations and other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although certain terms have been employed in the following claims and above, they are used in a comprehensive and technical sense and are not intended to limit the invention.

10 glass processing apparatus 30 glass sheet
100: transportation passage 200: washing unit
210: first brush 212: first brush axis
220: second brush 222: second brush axis
230: nozzle 250, 550: motor
300: rinsing unit 310: first rinsing nozzle
312, 430: pipe 320: second rinse nozzle
330: second liquid bearing 340: first liquid bearing
400: drying unit 410: first air knife
420: second air knife 440: first fluid bearing
450: second fluid bearing 470: guide roller
510: bottom roller 530: first drive roller
534: first axis 540: second drive roller
544: second axis

Claims (25)

A glass processing apparatus for processing a flat glass sheet having a second surface opposite to a first surface,
A transport passage through which the glass sheet moves in a vertical plane;
A first drive roller positioned near the transport passage so as to contact a portion of the first surface of the glass sheet, the first drive roller having a thickness and a diameter; And
It includes a cleaning portion consisting of; a second drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the second surface of the glass sheet and having a thickness and a diameter,
The thickness of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 0.5 inches to 2 inches, the diameter of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 4 inches or less, characterized in that. The method according to claim 1,
And the first drive roller and the second drive roller are opposite to each other and separated from each other at intervals. The method according to claim 2,
The glass sheet has a thickness, the spacing is characterized in that less than the thickness of the glass sheet. The method according to claim 1,
And outer portions of the first drive roller and the second drive roller are made of polymerized rubber. The method according to claim 4,
The polymeric rubber is a glass treatment apparatus, characterized in that the ethylene propylene diene monomer (satoprene rubber) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (Satoprene rubber). The method according to claim 4,
The polymeric rubber has a hardness in the range of 30 Shore A ~ 60 Shore A glass processing apparatus. A glass processing apparatus for processing a flat glass sheet having a second surface opposite to a first surface,
A transport passage through which the glass sheet moves in a vertical plane;
A first rinsing nozzle positioned on the first side of the glass sheet and facing the liquid source, the first rinsing nozzle connected to the liquid source and located near the transport passage; And
And a rinsing portion facing the second surface of the glass sheet, the first liquid bearing being positioned near the transport passage so as to be opposite to the first rinsing nozzle. The method according to claim 7,
A second rinse nozzle positioned to face liquid on a second side of the glass sheet, the second rinse nozzle being connected to the liquid source and located near the transport passage; And
And a second liquid bearing facing the first surface of the glass sheet and positioned near the transport passage so as to be opposite to the second rinsing nozzle. The method according to claim 8,
And the second rinse nozzle is located near the first liquid bearing, and the second liquid bearing is located near the first rinse nozzle. The method according to claim 8,
The first rinse nozzle and the second rinse nozzle are connected to a liquid source, wherein the liquid is formed to face the first and second surfaces of the glass sheet at a rate of 0.2 GPM to 2 GPM and a pressure of 10 psi to 50 psi per nozzle. Glass processing apparatus. The method according to claim 10,
Wherein said liquid causes said glass sheet to vibrate below 50 microns. The method according to claim 7,
An extension passage of the transport passage through which the glass sheet moves in a vertical plane;
A first drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the first surface of the glass sheet, the first drive roller having a thickness and a diameter; And
The cleaning device may further include a cleaning unit including a second drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the second surface of the glass sheet and having a thickness and a diameter.
The thickness of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 0.5 inches to 2 inches, the diameter of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 4 inches or less, characterized in that. A glass processing apparatus for processing a flat glass sheet having a second surface opposite to a first surface,
A transport passage in which the glass sheet moves in a transport direction in a vertical plane;
A first air knife formed to face gas at a first pressure in a direction of the first surface of the glass sheet and connected to a gas supply source and positioned near the transport passage;
A second air knife formed to face gas at a second pressure in a second surface direction of the glass sheet and connected to a gas supply source and positioned near the transport passage opposite to the first air knife;
A first bearing arranged and formed to support the first surface of the glass sheet, wherein the first bearing is positioned above the first air knife and the second air knife in a transport direction; And
It is arranged and formed to support the first surface of the glass sheet, and comprises a drying unit consisting of; a second bearing located lower in the transport direction than the first air knife and the second air knife,
And the first bearing and the second bearing are spaced apart at intervals of 75 mm or less in a transport direction, and an absolute value of the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is 1500 Pa or less. The method according to claim 13,
The said glass processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 14,
The absolute value of the pressure difference of a said 1st pressure and a said 2nd pressure is 300 Pa or less, The glass processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 13,
The said gap is 25 mm or less, The glass processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 13,
The absolute value of the pressure difference of a said 1st pressure and a said 2nd pressure is 300 Pa or less, The glass processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 13,
An extension passage of the transport passage through which the glass sheet moves in a vertical plane;
A first drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the first surface of the glass sheet, the first drive roller having a thickness and a diameter; And
The cleaning device may further include a cleaning unit including a second drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the second surface of the glass sheet and having a thickness and a diameter.
The thickness of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 0.5 inches to 2 inches, the diameter of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 4 inches or less, characterized in that. The method according to claim 13,
An extension passage of the transport passage through which the glass sheet moves in a vertical plane;
A first rinsing nozzle positioned on the first side of the glass sheet and facing the liquid source, the first rinsing nozzle connected to the liquid source and located near the transport passage; And
And a rinsing portion facing the second surface of the glass sheet, the first liquid bearing being positioned near the transport passage so as to be opposite to the first rinsing nozzle. The method of claim 19,
An extension passage of the transport passage through which the glass sheet moves in a vertical plane;
A first drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the first surface of the glass sheet, the first drive roller having a thickness and a diameter; And
The cleaning device may further include a cleaning unit including a second drive roller positioned near the transport passage to contact a portion of the second surface of the glass sheet and having a thickness and a diameter.
The thickness of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 0.5 inches to 2 inches, the diameter of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is 4 inches or less, characterized in that. A method of finishing a flat glass sheet having a second side opposite to a first side,
Contacting the glass sheet with a first drive roller and a second drive roller to move the glass sheet, wherein the glass sheet is transported through a cleaning part;
Fixing the glass sheet with a first liquid bearing and a second liquid bearing, and spraying liquid toward the glass sheet with a first rinsing nozzle and a second rinsing nozzle, and transporting the glass sheet through a rinsing unit. step; And
Supporting the glass sheet with a first bearing and a second bearing, and injecting a first air knife and a second air knife into the glass sheet, and transporting the glass sheet through a drying unit;
Transporting the glass sheet in a vertical plane along the transport passage through at least one of the steps;
Wherein the first drive roller has a thickness and a diameter, and is located near the transport passage to contact a portion of the first surface of the glass sheet,
The second drive roller has a thickness and a diameter, and is located near the transport passage to contact a portion of the second surface of the glass sheet,
The first drive roller and the second drive roller has a thickness of 1.27 ~ 5.08cm, the diameter of the first drive roller and the second drive roller is less than 10.16cm,
The first rinse nozzle is positioned so that the liquid is directed to the first surface of the glass sheet, and is connected to the liquid supply source and formed near the transport passage,
The first liquid bearing is formed near the transport passage so as to face the second surface of the glass sheet and to be opposite to the first rinse nozzle,
The second rinse nozzle is positioned so that the liquid is directed to the second side of the glass sheet, and is connected to the liquid supply source and formed near the transport passage,
The second liquid bearing is formed near the transport passage to face the first surface of the glass sheet and to be opposite to the second rinse nozzle,
The first air knife is formed so that the gas is directed to the first surface direction of the glass sheet at a first pressure, is connected to the gas supply source and located near the transport passage,
The second air knife is formed so that the gas is directed to the second surface direction of the glass sheet at a second pressure, and is connected to a gas supply source and is located near the transport passage opposite to the first air knife,
The first bearing is arranged and formed to support the first surface of the glass sheet, and is located above the first air knife and the second air knife in the transport direction,
The second bearing is arranged and formed to support the first surface of the glass sheet, and is located below the first air knife and the second air knife in a transport direction,
And the first bearing and the second bearing are spaced apart at intervals of 75 mm or less in a transport direction, and an absolute value of the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is 1500 Pa or less. The method according to claim 21,
Finishing method of the glass sheet, characterized in that the liquid is sprayed on the first and second surface of the glass sheet at a speed of 757ccm ~ 7571ccm per nozzle and a pressure of 68950 N / ㎡ ~ 344738 N / ㎡. The method according to claim 21,
Finishing method of the glass sheet, characterized in that the interval is less than 40mm. The method according to claim 21,
Finishing method of the glass sheet, characterized in that the interval is less than 25mm. The method according to any one of claims 21, 23 or 24,
The absolute value of the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is 300Pa or less.

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