Apparatus and method for edge processing of a glass sheet

Abstract

An apparatus for edge processing of a glass sheet, the apparatus including a shroud, a finishing member and a wiping device. The finishing member is substantially enclosed by the shroud. The apparatus uses pressurized air emitted by at least one slot in the wiping device to prevent contaminants resulting from the edge processing from settling on and/or adhering to surfaces of the glass sheet. The wiping device may include a jet of washing fluid directed at the glass sheet to further wash the surfaces and the processed edge of the glass sheet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention showing a processing device, a finishing member, a pair of wiping devices and the shroud.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view in perspective of the wiping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wiping device of FIG. 2 seen from the end opposite that shown in FIG. 2, without end caps.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the wiping device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of a pair of wiping devices arranged in opposition to create gap δ through which a glass sheet may be passed.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the wiping device showing the angle at which the pressurized air impinges on the glass sheet.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the wiping device of FIG. 1 which includes a third plenum and slot set to which a vacuum may be applied.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the cooling fluid supply member.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the cooling fluid supply member of FIG. 8 showing the geometric relationship of the supply member to the finishing member and the glass sheet.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing an edge of a sheet of glass, the apparatus comprising: a finishing member for processing the edge of a glass sheet having a pair of substantially parallel surfaces adjacent the edge;a shroud adapted to substantially surround the finishing member;at least one wiping device disposed proximate one of the pair of surfaces; andwherein the at least one wiping device emits pressurized air from a slot in the wiping device to remove contaminants resulting from the processing from the surfaces of the glass sheet.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one wiping device comprises a pair of wiping devices disposed proximate opposite surfaces of the glass sheet.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one wiping device emits a jet of washing fluid which impinges on the glass sheet.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pressurized air exits the slot at an angle a between about 25° and 90° relative to a plane of the glass sheet.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the finishing member is capable of grinding or polishing the edge of the glass sheet.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the wiping device comprises a plurality of slots for emitting pressurized air.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a cooling fluid supply member for directing a flow of cooling fluid at the finishing member proximate a point of contact between the finishing member and the glass sheet, the flow of cooling fluid being substantially parallel to the edge of the glass sheet.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the wiping device further comprises a vacuum slot to which a vacuum is applied.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the shroud further includes an exhaust passage in fluid communication with an interior of the shroud for removing contaminants therefrom.

10. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the washing fluid impinges on the glass sheet at an angle of between about 35° and 45° relative to a plane of the glass sheet.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a velocity of the pressurized air emitted by the slot varies along a length of the slot.

12. An apparatus for processing an edge of a sheet of glass, the apparatus comprising: a finishing member for processing the edge of the glass sheet, the glass sheet having a pair of substantially parallel surfaces adjacent the edge;a shroud constructed and arranged to substantially surround the finishing member;a pair of wiping devices arranged in opposition with a gap between the wiping devices to allow passage of the glass sheet therebetween; andwherein each wiping device emits pressurized air from at least one slot in the wiping device to remove particles generated when the processing device processes the edge of the glass sheet.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12 further comprising an exhaust passage in fluid communication with an interior of the shroud, the exhaust passage having a vacuum applied thereto.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein each wiping device comprises a port for directing a jet of washing fluid at the glass sheet.

15. A method for processing an edge of a sheet of glass, the method comprising: processing the edge of the glass sheet having a pair of substantially parallel surfaces adjacent the edge with a finishing member, the finishing member being substantially enclosed within a shroud; anddirecting a stream of pressurized air from at least one slot against the glass sheet to remove contaminants resulting from the processing from the surfaces of the glass sheet.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the pressurized air is directed against the glass sheet from a plurality of slots.

17. The method according to claim 15 further comprising removing contaminants from the glass sheet via a vacuum slot.

18. The method according to claim 15 further comprising directing a stream of washing fluid at the edge simultaneously with the impinging.

19. The method according to claim 15 further comprising directing a stream of cooling fluid at the finishing member.

20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the stream of cooling fluid is substantially parallel with the edge.