METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A GLASS RIBBON

摘要

Apparatus for producing a glass ribbon includes a convection cooling device including at least one vacuum source configured to promote convection cooling of the glass ribbon by forcing a cooling fluid to flow along the glass ribbon. In further examples, methods of producing glass ribbon include the step of creating a vacuum to promote convection cooling of the glass ribbon by forcing a cooling fluid to flow along the glass ribbon.

主权项

1. A method of producing a glass ribbon including the steps of:
(I) drawing a glass ribbon along a draw direction into a viscous zone, wherein the glass ribbon includes opposed edges and a lateral portion extending between the opposed edges along a lateral direction transverse to the draw direction; (II) drawing the glass ribbon into a setting zone downstream from the viscous zone, wherein the glass ribbon is set from a viscous state to an elastic state; (III) drawing the glass ribbon into an elastic zone downstream from the setting zone; and (IV) creating a vacuum to promote convection cooling of the glass ribbon by forcing a cooling fluid to flow along the glass ribbon.