Glass treatment apparatus and methods of treating glass

A glass treatment apparatus comprise at least one upstream working device including a working wheel configured to rotate such that a working surface of the working wheel machines a surface portion of a glass sheet. The glass treatment apparatus further includes a downstream working device includes a working wheel comprising a cleaning wheel. In further examples, methods of treating glass comprise the step of machining a surface portion of a glass sheet with a working surface of a first rotating working wheel and the step of machining the surface portion of the glass sheet with a working surface of a second rotating working wheel comprising a cleaning wheel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a glass treatment apparatus and methods and, more particularly, to glass treatment apparatus and methods for machining a surface of a glass sheet while maintaining the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet.

BACKGROUND

It is known to fusion draw glass ribbon from a fusion draw machine. The ribbon is typically further processed into glass sheets that may be used to generate various liquid crystal display configurations. During processing, it is often desired to finish the edges of the glass sheet or glass ribbon to remove sharp edges and/or other defects. There is a need to carry out such finishing techniques while maintaining the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet. Sheet edge finishing is critical to improve the edge profile and strength required for handling and the customer's panel making process.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description.

In a first example aspect of the disclosure, a glass treatment apparatus comprises at least one upstream working device including a working wheel configured to rotate such that a working surface of the working wheel machines a surface portion of a glass sheet. The at least one upstream working device further includes a shroud substantially circumscribing the working wheel. The glass treatment apparatus further includes a downstream working device positioned downstream from the at least one upstream working device. The downstream working device includes a working wheel comprising a cleaning wheel. The cleaning wheel is configured to rotate such that a working surface of the cleaning wheel machines the surface portion of the glass sheet by cleaning the surface portion of the glass sheet to remove debris generated by machining the surface portion of the glass sheet with the at least one upstream working device.

In one example of the first aspect, the shroud includes a slot configured to receive the surface portion of the glass sheet.

In another example of the first aspect, the downstream working device further includes a shroud substantially circumscribing the cleaning wheel. For example, the shroud includes a slot configured to receive the surface portion of the glass sheet.

In still another example of the first aspect, the working wheel of the at least one upstream working device comprises a grinding wheel.

In yet another example of the first aspect, the working wheel of the at least one upstream working device comprises a polishing wheel.

In a further example of the first aspect, at least one upstream working device comprises a first upstream working device and a second upstream working device. The working wheel of the first upstream working device comprises a grinding wheel and the working wheel of the second upstream working device comprises a polishing wheel. The second upstream working device is positioned midstream between the first upstream working device and the downstream working device.

In still a further example of the first aspect, the apparatus includes a fluid dispensing device configured to direct a laminar fluid film along a major surface of the glass sheet. Still further, the glass treatment apparatus may optionally include another fluid dispensing device configured to direct fluid along another major surface of the glass sheet.

In another example of the first aspect, the working surface of at least one of the working wheel and the cleaning wheel comprises an outer peripheral surface of the wheel.

The first aspect may be carried out alone or in combination with one or more of the examples of the first aspect discussed above.

In a second example aspect of the disclosure, a glass treatment apparatus comprises at least one upstream working device including a working wheel configured to rotate such that a working surface of the working wheel machines a surface portion of a glass sheet. The at least one upstream working device further includes a fluid dispensing device configured to direct a laminar fluid film along a major surface of the glass sheet. The glass treatment apparatus further includes a downstream working device positioned downstream from the at least one upstream working device. The downstream working device includes a working wheel comprising a cleaning wheel. The cleaning wheel is configured to rotate such that a working surface of the cleaning wheel machines the surface portion of the glass sheet by cleaning the surface portion of the glass sheet to remove debris generated by machining the surface of the glass sheet with the at least one upstream working device.

In one example of the second aspect, the at least one upstream working device further comprises another fluid dispensing device configured to direct fluid along another major surface of the glass sheet.

In another example of the second aspect, the downstream working device includes a fluid dispensing device configured to direct a laminar fluid film along the major surface of the glass sheet. In a further example, the downstream working device includes another fluid dispensing device configured to direct fluid along another major surface of the glass sheet.

In still another example of the second aspect, the at least one upstream working device comprises a first upstream working device and a second upstream working device. The working wheel of the first upstream working device comprises a grinding wheel and the working wheel of the second upstream working device comprises a polishing wheel. The second upstream working device is positioned midstream between the first upstream working device and the downstream working device.

In yet another example of the second aspect, the working surface of at least one of the working wheel and the cleaning wheel comprises an outer peripheral surface of the wheel.

The second aspect may be carried out alone or in combination with one or more of the examples of the second aspect discussed above.

In a third example aspect of the disclosure, a method of treating glass comprises the step (I) of machining a surface portion of a glass sheet with a working surface of a first rotating working wheel while dispensing a substantially laminar flow of a first fluid film along a first fluid plane that lands on a first major surface of a glass sheet. Debris from machining the surface portion is entrained in the first fluid film traveling along the first major surface of the glass sheet and carried away from the glass sheet. The method then includes the step (II) of machining the surface portion of the glass sheet with a working surface of a second rotating working wheel comprising a cleaning wheel that machines the surface portion of the glass sheet by cleaning the surface portion of the glass sheet to remove further debris generated during step (I).

In one example of the third aspect, step (I) and step (II) each machine the surface portion of the glass sheet comprising an edge portion of the glass sheet.

In another example of the third aspect, step (I) comprises machining the surface portion of the glass sheet by polishing the surface portion of the glass sheet with the first rotating working wheel comprising a rotating polishing wheel.

In still another example of the third aspect, prior to step (I), the method further includes the step of machining the surface portion of the glass sheet by grinding the surface portion of the glass sheet with the first rotating working wheel comprising a rotating grinding wheel.

In yet another example of the third aspect, during step (I), the first fluid film lands on the first major surface of a glass sheet at a location outside of a shroud and the debris from machining the surface portion is entrained in the first fluid film inside the shroud. In another example, during step (I), the first fluid film travels through a slot in the shroud. In still another example, step (I) includes passing the first fluid film with the entrained debris through an exit port in the shroud.

In a further example of the third aspect, step (I) further comprises dispensing a substantially laminar flow of a second fluid film along a second fluid plane that lands on a second major surface of the glass sheet. Debris from machining the surface portion is entrained in the second fluid film traveling along the second major surface of the glass sheet and carried away from the glass sheet. In one example, during step (I), the second fluid film lands on the second major surface of a glass sheet at a location outside of a shroud and the debris from machining the surface portion is entrained in the second fluid film inside the shroud. For instance, during step (I), the second fluid film travels through a slot in the shroud. In another example, step (I) includes passing the second fluid film with the entrained debris through an exit port in the shroud.

In still another example of the third aspect, step (II) includes dispensing a substantially laminar flow of a first cleaning fluid film along a first cleaning fluid plane that lands on the first major surface of the glass sheet. At least portions of the further debris is entrained in the first cleaning fluid film traveling along the first major surface of the glass sheet and carried away from the glass sheet. In one example, step (II) further includes dispensing a substantially laminar flow of a second cleaning fluid film along a second cleaning fluid plane that lands on the second major surface of the glass sheet. At least portions of the further debris is entrained in the second cleaning fluid film traveling along the second major surface of the glass sheet and carried away from the glass sheet.

The third aspect may be carried out alone or in combination with one or more of the examples of the third aspect discussed above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an example glass treatment apparatus101is provided with various example features that may be used either alone or in combination to help prevent particles from contaminating the pristine surfaces of a glass sheet111. Features of the glass treatment apparatus and methods of treating glass may be similar or identical to features of the glass treatment apparatus and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0130597 that is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one example, the glass sheet111can comprise a glass ribbon, wherein the surface portion of the glass ribbon may be worked with the glass treatment apparatus101as the glass ribbon is produced (e.g. fusion drawn from a down-draw glass fusion device). In further examples, the glass sheet111can comprise a separated glass ribbon. For example, the glass sheet may comprise glass ribbon that is unrolled from a storage roll of glass ribbon. In still further examples, the glass sheet111can comprise separated portions of the glass ribbon. The glass sheets111(e.g., separated glass sheets) can be incorporated in a liquid crystal display wherein there is a desire to machine a surface portion, such as an edge portion115(e.g., a previously separated edge portion), to improve the edge quality of the glass sheet111. As shown, the surface can comprise the outer peripheral edge113of the glass sheet111between the thickness “T” of the glass sheet111from a first major surface117and a second major surface119of the glass sheet111. In addition or alternatively, the glass treatment apparatus101may be designed to machine a surface of the edge portion115comprising the first major surface117and/or the second major surface119without machining the outer peripheral edge113of the glass sheet111. In further examples, one or both of the first major surface117and/or the second major surface119may be machined together with the outer peripheral edge113of the glass sheet111. For example, the glass treatment apparatus101may be designed to provide an angled or rounded transition between the first major surface117and/or the second major surface119and the outer peripheral edge113. Machining of the surface of the edge portion115of the glass sheet111can reduce the probability of stress fractures from forming and propagating to the interior portion of the glass sheet and/or may otherwise enhance the quality of the glass sheet111.

The glass treatment apparatus101can include a downstream working device101cand at least one upstream working device101a,101b. Throughout the disclosure, upstream, downstream, and midstream indicate process locations relative to one another. For example a glass treatment apparatus including an upstream working device and a downstream working device would be configured to machine a surface portion of a glass sheet with the upstream working device prior to machining the same surface portion of the glass sheet with the downstream working device. If the glass treatment apparatus also included a midstream working device, the glass treatment apparatus would be configured to sequentially machine the surface portion with the upstream working device, then the midstream working device, and then the downstream working device.

As shown inFIG. 1, the at least one upstream working device can comprise a first upstream working device101aand a second upstream working device101balthough one or any plurality of upstream working devices may be provided in alternative examples. Other than the working wheel and/or unless otherwise indicated, the upstream working device(s) and the downstream working device can be substantially similar or identical although the working devices may be different sizes or have different alternative configurations in further examples. For illustration purposes, features of the first upstream working device101awill be described in detail with respect toFIGS. 1-16with the understanding that, unless otherwise indicated, similar or identical features may be provided for the downstream working device101cand/or any remaining upstream working devices (e.g.,101b).

Each working device101a,101b,101cincludes a working wheel1001illustrated schematically inFIG. 10. In one example, the working wheel1001of the first upstream working device101amay comprise a grinding wheel while the working wheel of the second upstream working device101bmay comprise a polishing wheel. Although a single grinding wheel and a single polishing wheel is illustrated, two or more grinding wheels and/or two or more polishing wheels may be provided in further examples. For example, two or more grinding wheels may be arranged upstream, downstream and/or midstream with respect to one another. In addition or alternatively, two or more polishing wheels may be arranged upstream, midstream and/or downstream with respect to one another.

The at least one upstream working device can include a single working device with a single polishing wheel. For instance, the grinding procedure may not be carried out such that the surface portion is simply polished with a single working device. Alternatively, the grinding procedure may be carried out at a different location wherein the glass treatment apparatus101is only configured to polish and clean the glass sheet with the surface portion already ground at a remote location.

In another example, the at least one upstream working device can include a single working device with a single grinding wheel. For instance, the polishing procedure may be avoided altogether such that the surface portion is ground and then cleaned. Optionally, an additional polishing procedure may be subsequently carried out at a remote location.

In a further example, the at least one upstream working device can include a single working device that may include a plurality of working wheels, such as one or more grinding wheels and/or one or more polishing wheels. As such, rather than multiple independent working devices arranged upstream, midstream and downstream relative to one another, a single working device may be provided (e.g., with the wheels circumscribed by a single shroud) that includes the one or more grinding wheels and/or one or more polishing wheels and can also include the one or more cleaning wheels in still further examples.

In still a further example, the at least one upstream working device can include a single working device with a single working wheel that functions simultaneously as a grinding wheel and a polishing wheel. That is, a single working wheel may be provided to machine the surface portion of the glass sheet to complete shaping, removing artifacts, etc. from the surface portion prior to further machining to further work the surface portion of the glass sheet with a cleaning wheel to clean the surface portion of the glass sheet.

Throughout the disclosure a grinding wheel can be distinguished from a polishing wheel in that, compared to the polishing wheel, the grinding wheel is configured to remove a significantly larger amount of the surface portion (e.g., edge portion) of the glass sheet to remove imperfections in the surface portion such as microcracks that may otherwise weaken the surface portion of the glass sheet. In addition or alternatively, the grinding wheel may reshape (e.g., bevel) the surface portion of the glass sheet. In one example grinding procedure, if the surface portion comprises an edge portion of the glass sheet, the grinding wheel may remove outer edge portions of the glass sheet to remove microcracks or other edge imperfections that would otherwise weaken the glass sheet. Moreover, the edge portion may optionally be beveled to remove the sharp corners (e.g., 90° angles) that may exist between the outer peripheral edge113and the major surfaces117,119of the glass sheet. By removing the relatively sharp corners, further stress concentrations at the outer peripheral edge113can be avoided to further strengthen the edge portions of the glass sheet.

The polishing wheel, when compared to the grinding wheel, is configured to remove a significantly smaller amount of the surface portion (e.g., edge portion). Indeed, the polishing wheel may be designed to remove artifacts left behind by the grinding wheel. As such, while the grinding wheel may remove major surface imperfections and can even reshape (e.g., bevel) the outer peripheral edge113, the polishing wheel may remove artifacts such as minor surface imperfections generated by the grinding wheel. By removing such artifacts, it is possible to even further refine the surface quality of the surface portion (e.g., edge portion) of the glass sheet and therefore even further strengthen the edge portion of the glass sheet. As such, unlike the grinding wheel, the polishing wheel may be configured to remove very small amounts of the surface portion and leaves the general shape of the surface portion of the glass sheet intact.

Various grinding wheels and/or polishing wheels may be provided in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. In one example, the grinding wheel and/or polishing wheel include diamond particles (e.g., 400 mesh diamond particles) with desired structural characteristics designed to carry out a grinding or a polishing procedure. In further examples, the diameter of the grinding wheel may be different or the same as the diameter of the polishing wheel. For instance, the grinding wheel may optionally include a larger diameter than the polishing wheel. Moreover, in operation, the polishing wheel may have a higher rotational velocity than the grinding wheel although the polishing wheel may have substantially the same or even a lower rotational velocity than the grinding wheel in further examples.

As mentioned previously and further schematically illustrated inFIG. 10, the working wheel1001of the downstream working device101ccomprises a cleaning wheel. Although a single cleaning wheel is illustrated, two or more cleaning wheels may be arranged upstream, midstream and/or downstream with respect to one another. Throughout the disclosure a cleaning wheel can be distinguished from a grinding wheel and a polishing wheel in that, compared to the grinding wheel and polishing wheel, the cleaning wheel is designed to clean the surface portion from particles generated during a prior grinding and/or polishing procedure(s) without significant (or any) further removal of glass from the surface portion of the glass sheet.

Various cleaning wheels may be provided in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. In one example, the cleaning wheel comprises SiC media (e.g., 400 mesh SiC media). In another example, the cleaning wheel can comprise a polymer or rubber bonded wheel. In still further examples, the cleaning wheel can comprise felt, cloth and/or other textile-type materials.

As such, although a wide range of configurations are possible, the illustrated glass treatment apparatus101can include the first upstream working device101aincluding a grinding wheel configured to grind the surface portion113, and a second upstream working device101bpositioned downstream from the first upstream working device101a. The second upstream working device101bincludes a polishing wheel configured to polish the surface portion113. The example illustrated glass treatment apparatus101further includes a downstream working device101cpositioned downstream from the second upstream working device101bsuch that the second upstream working device101bis positioned midstream between the first upstream working device101aand the downstream working device101c.

In operation, the working wheel (e.g., grinding wheel, polishing wheel) of the at least one upstream working device101a,101bis configured to rotate such that a working surface of the working wheel machines the surface portion of the glass sheet. For example, in the illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the first upstream working device101aincludes a grinding wheel configured to rotate such that the grinding working surface of the grinding wheel machines (i.e., grinds) the surface portion of the glass sheet. As further illustrated inFIG. 1, the second upstream working device101bincludes a polishing wheel configured to rotate such that the polishing working surface of the polishing wheel machines (i.e., polishes) the surface portion of the glass sheet. As shown, the grinding/polishing surface of the grinding/polishing wheel can comprise an outer peripheral surface of the grinding/polishing wheel although other surfaces of the grinding/polishing wheel may be provided in further examples.

Still further, in operation, the working wheel (i.e., cleaning wheel) of the downstream working device101cis configured to rotate such that the working surface (i.e., cleaning surface) of the cleaning wheel machines (i.e., cleans) the surface portion of the glass sheet to remove debris generated by machining the surface portion of the glass sheet with the at least one upstream working device101a,101b. As shown, the cleaning surface of the working wheel can comprise an outer peripheral surface of the cleaning wheel although other surfaces of the cleaning wheel may be provided in further examples.

Any of the upstream working devices and/or downstream working device may include the illustrated shroud1005discussed more fully below. For example, optionally, both the first upstream working device101aand second upstream working device101bmay include the shroud1005that circumscribes the working wheel. Optionally, the downstream working device101cmay also include the shroud1005that circumscribes the working wheel. As discussed more fully below, the shroud can include a slot1401configured to receive the surface portion (e.g., edge portion) of the glass sheet. The slot can optionally include an adjustable slot to accommodate glass sheets with different thicknesses and fine-tune the slot size such that the fluid films109,905bmay pass through the slot while minimizing the space above the fluid film109and below the fluid film905b.

As discussed below, any of the upstream working devices and/or downstream working device can include a fluid dispensing device103configured to direct a fluid film, such as a laminar fluid film, along the first major surface117of the glass sheet. In addition or alternatively, any of the upstream working devices and/or downstream working device may include another fluid dispensing device901configured to direct fluid, such as a fluid film (e.g., laminar fluid film) along the second major surface119of the glass sheet.

Although not required, as shown inFIG. 1, the illustrated example the glass treatment apparatus101is shown machining a glass sheet111that is in a substantially horizontal orientation wherein the glass sheet111extends substantially along the illustrated X-Y plane with the force of gravity acting in the Z direction. In further examples, the glass sheet may be oriented at an incline relative to the X-Y orientation and, in some examples, may be oriented along the X-Z and/or Y-Z plane. Regardless of the orientation, one of many fluid dispensing devices may be used to dispense a substantially laminar flow of a fluid film along the first major surface117and/or the second major surface119of the glass sheet to help prevent particles from contaminating the pristine major surfaces117,119of the glass sheet111. Aspects of the disclosure may be useful to remove various species of particles such as a relatively large particle species having a maximum dimension of greater than 3 microns and relatively small particle species having a maximum dimension of less than about 3 microns, such as from about 1 micron to about 3 microns.

A substantially laminar flow of fluid film may include small portions that are not in laminar flow but includes a substantial portion of the flow in laminar flow. For instance, a substantially laminar flow can include one or more relatively small areas of the fluid film may include eddies or other flow disturbances while the remaining portions of the fluid film are in a substantially laminar flow. Providing a fluid film in laminar flow can be used to overcome the particle sources and particle dynamics typically observed during the machining process. Indeed, the fluid film can provide a protective fluid barrier for the first major surface117and or the second major surface119from particles (e.g., relatively large particle species and/or relatively small particle species) generated during the machining process.

In a horizontal orientation, it is possible to provide one or both of the first major surface117and/or second major surface119with one or more fluid dispensing devices. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, any of the upstream working device(s)101a,101band the downstream working device101cmay include a fluid dispensing device103that may be used to generate a laminar flow107of a fluid film109coat the first surface117, that may comprise the upper surface of the glass sheet in the orientation shown inFIG. 1. The fluid film may be dispensed as a planar sheet of fluid film109designed to coat the first surface117of the glass sheet111.

FIGS. 2-8illustrate example features of one fluid dispensing device103that may be optionally used to protect the first surface117of the glass sheet111although a similar or identical construction may be used to protect the second surface119of the glass sheet in further examples.FIG. 2illustrates a top view of the fluid dispensing device103with a fluid film109being dispensed for illustration purposes. As shown, the fluid film109can have a width “W” transverse to the laminar flow107that extends between a first flow expander105aand a second flow expander105b. As shown, the first and second flow expanders105a,105bcan each include a corresponding expanding surface106a,106bthat face one another. As shown, the expanding surfaces106a,106bcan be substantially planar and may also extend substantially parallel to one another. With such a configuration, the flow expanders105a,105bcan help maintain the fluid film109with a substantially constant width “W” as the fluid film is deposited to coat the first surface117of the glass sheet111. Although not shown, the expanding surfaces106a,106bmay converge or diverge from one another in further examples to control the final width of the fluid film109being deposited on the first surface of the glass sheet111.

The flow expanders105a,105b, if provided, can operate to expand the width of the fluid film109that is being deposited to coat the first surface117. Indeed, without flow expanders, the surface tension of the fluid, such as water, would naturally tend to cause a converging flow of the fluid film109as the fluid film travels away from the elongated opening of the fluid dispensing device103. By contacting the outer edges of the fluid film109with the expanding surfaces106a,106b, the fluid film is expanded from the natural tendency of the fluid film to converge as it travels away from the elongated opening. If the fluid film were allowed to converge uncontrolled, a substantially turbulent flow may eventually be produced when introducing the fluid film to coat the surface117of the glass sheet. As such, the flow expanders105a,105bmay be provided to help maintain the laminar flow107of the fluid film109as it is placed on the surface117of the glass sheet.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the first and second flow expander105a,105bmay be substantially identical or similar to one another. In the illustrated example, the first flow expander105amay be longer than the second flow expander105balthough the flow expanders may have substantially identical lengths in further examples. As further shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the fluid dispensing device103includes a dispensing surface401facing a dispensing direction501. As shown inFIG. 6, the first dispensing surface401defines an elongated opening503that is elongated to define the width “W” of the fluid film109. Although not necessarily to scale, as shown inFIG. 5, the elongated opening503can include a thickness “t” within a range of from about 50 microns to about 1 mm, for example, from about 100 microns to about 500 microns, for example, from about 200 microns to about 300 microns, for example, about 250 microns.

As further shown inFIG. 5, in one example, the fluid dispensing device103can be configured to dispense the laminar fluid film109such that the dispensing direction501at an angle “A” that can be substantially 90° relative to the dispensing surface401. Providing the dispensing direction501of the fluid film109in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the dispensing surface401can help prevent the fluid film109exiting from the elongated opening503from wrapping backwards and thereby creating a turbulent flow. As such, dispensing the laminar fluid film109such that the dispensing direction at an angle “A” that is substantially perpendicular to the dispensing surface401can help maintain the laminar flow107of the fluid film109.

As shown inFIG. 6, the dispensing surface401defines the elongated opening503with an elongated central portion601extending along an elongated axis605between first and second opposed end portions603a,603b. The first opposed end portion603acan be provided with the first flow expander105aextending from the dispensing surface401in the dispensing direction501and the second opposed end portion603bcan be provided with the second flow expander105bextending from the dispensing surface401in the dispensing direction501. As previously discussed, the width “W” of the fluid film109can thereby be defined by the elongated opening503with the optional flow expanders105a,105b.

Various structures may be designed to deliver fluid, such as water, through the elongated opening503to achieve the fluid film109in laminar flow107. For example, the fluid dispensing device103can include a first elongated chamber403having a first chamber axis405extending along an elongated axis605of the elongated opening503, wherein the first elongated chamber403is in fluid communication with the elongated opening503. The first elongated chamber403, if provided, may be formed by a single portion or defined by a plurality of portions fastened together. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the first elongated chamber403may be formed by fastening a second portion411to a first portion413with fasteners415. In further examples, the fluid dispensing device103can include an optional second elongated chamber407including a second chamber axis409substantially parallel to the first chamber axis405. In such examples, the second elongated chamber407can be placed in fluid communication with the first elongated chamber403and the first elongated chamber403can be positioned along a flow path between the elongated opening503and the second elongated chamber407. As such, the first elongated chamber403can be positioned downstream from the second elongated chamber407and the elongated opening503can be positioned downstream from the first and second elongated chambers403,407. In one example, as shown inFIG. 6, fluid communication between the first and second elongated chambers403,407may be provided by a plurality of apertures701extending through an elongated partition wall703extending between the elongated chambers.

As shown, the first chamber axis405can be oriented substantially parallel to the elongated opening503and the second chamber axis409can extend substantially parallel to the first chamber axis405and the elongated opening503. Providing the second elongated chamber407along the first elongated chamber405can further facilitate control pressure distribution and fluid flow along the length of the elongated opening503, thereby further helping provide an even flow that facilitates maintenance of an even and laminar flow107of fluid film109through the elongated opening503.

As shown inFIG. 7, a fluid source705, such as a container of water, may be placed in fluid communication with one or more first ports707configured to introduce fluid through an opening709into the second elongated chamber407along an axis711that may be perpendicular to the second chamber axis409. In addition or alternatively, the fluid source705may be placed in fluid communication with one or more second ports713configured to introduce fluid through an opening715into the second elongated chamber407along an axis717that may also be perpendicular to the second chamber axis409and/or each elongated axis711of the first fluid port707. Providing multiple entry points for the fluid can help facilitate maintenance of an even and laminar flow107of fluid film109through the elongated opening503. In one example, a pump719may provide fluid to a manifold721that may distribute the fluid to the first and second ports707,713in a manner that best achieves uniform laminar flow in the fluid film. A computer723may control fluid flow through the ports by operating valves in the manifold and/or controlling operation of the pump719.

FIGS. 9-13disclose another example fluid dispensing device901that may be incorporated in any one of the upstream working device(s)101a,101band/or the downstream working device101cof the glass treatment apparatus101. As shown inFIGS. 9and10, the fluid dispensing device can include a first dispensing device901aand a second dispensing device901balthough a single dispensing device or more than two dispensing devices may be used in further examples. Moreover, as shown, the fluid dispensing devices901a,901bmay be identical to one another although alternative constructions may be provided in further examples. The fluid dispensing devices901a,901bcan be configured to dispense a substantially laminar flow903a,903bof a fluid film905a,905bfrom an elongated opening in a dispensing direction of the fluid dispensing device.

The fluid dispensing devices901a,901bcan be designed to coat the second surface119with the substantially laminar flow903a,903bof the fluid film905a,905b. In the illustrated orientation, the second surface119can comprise the lower surface of the glass sheet111. As such, the fluid dispensing devices901a,901bmay provide a relatively reduce width fluid film when compared to the fluid film109associated with the fluid dispensing device103discussed above. As such, the flow expanders may not be necessary for the fluid dispensing devices illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the fluid dispensing devices901a,901bcan include a dispensing surface1103facing a dispensing direction1105, wherein the dispensing surface1103defines an elongated opening1107. As shown inFIG. 12, the fluid dispensing devices901a,901beach further includes a first elongated chamber1201in fluid communication with the elongated opening1107. The first elongated chamber1201can include a first chamber axis1203extending substantially parallel to the elongated opening1107. In another example, the fluid dispensing devices901a,901beach further includes a second chamber1205in fluid communication with the first elongated chamber1201. Although not necessary, as shown, the second chamber1205may be elongated along a second chamber axis1207extending substantially parallel to the first chamber axis1203and the elongated opening1107. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 13, a plurality of apertures1301a,1301b,1301cmay provide fluid communication between the first elongated chamber1201and the second chamber1205. Providing separate chambers with the apertures can help facilitate maintenance of a substantially laminar flow fluid film through the elongated opening1107.

Further referring to back toFIG. 10, as mentioned previously, each of the upstream working device(s)101a,101band the downstream working device101cincludes the working wheel1001configured to rotate in a direction1104about a rotation axis1102such that an outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001machines (i.e., grinds, polishes and/or cleans) a surface, such as the outer peripheral edge113, of a glass sheet111. The glass treatment apparatus can also include the previously-mentioned shroud1005substantially circumscribing the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001. In the illustrated example, the shroud1005can be open in the Z direction illustrated inFIG. 1such that gravity may draw fluid, particles and/or other contaminants downward in the Z direction. The shroud1005can be designed to shield the pristine surfaces117,119of the glass sheet111from particles and/or other contaminants associated with the machining process during grinding and/or polishing procedures associated with the upstream working device(s)101a,101b. As further illustrated inFIG. 1, the downstream working device101ccan also include the shroud1005that can be designed to shield the pristine surfaces117,119of the glass sheet111from particles and/or other contaminants cleaned from the surface portion of the glass sheet111.

As shown inFIG. 14, if provided, the shroud1005can be provided with a slot1401configured to receive the edge portion115of the glass sheet111. The slot includes a first segment1403having a thickness T1sufficient to accommodate the edge portion of the glass sheet. The slot1401can further include an optional second portion1405that may have an enlarged thickness T2designed to accommodate a fluid nozzle1007(seeFIGS. 9 and 10) designed to introduce cooling and/or working fluid to the working interface1015of the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001and the surface of the glass sheet111. The shroud1005may include a recessed inner portion, such as the illustrated planar portion1406below the slot1401to allow clearance for the fluid film generated by the first and second fluid dispensing devices901a,901b.

As shown inFIG. 14, the shroud1005can include an outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407. As shown inFIG. 15, in some examples, the outer cylindrical wall1407can comprise a circular cylindrical wall disposed about a central axis1501of the shroud1005. As shown inFIG. 10, the shroud1005can be mounted relative to the working wheel1001such that the central axis1501of the shroud1005is coincident with the rotation axis1102of the working wheel1001. As shown inFIG. 10, a gap “G” can thereby be maintained between the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001and the inner surface1009of the shroud1005. A sufficient gap can be provided to allow movement of fluid along the inner surface1009of the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407without substantial interference with the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1101that may be rotating within a range of 3600-8000 rpm. In one example, the gap “G” may be within a range of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm although the gap may be smaller or larger in further examples.

Turning back toFIG. 15, the shroud1005further includes a top wall1503with an inner surface1505cooperating with the inner surface1009of the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407to define a containment area1507. The containment area1507can include an open lower portion and an upper portion that is closed by the top wall1503. The shroud1005can further include one or more brackets1509a,1509bconfigured to provide a mounting location for the fluid dispensing devices901a,901b. Still further, the shroud may be provided with a gas port1511and or a wheel cleaning port1513.

As shown inFIG. 10, the gas port1511can be provided with a gas nozzle1017configured to remove liquid from a portion of the inner surface1009of the shroud1005. The gas port1511can therefore provide an air barrier to prevent the liquid from cycling around the inner surface1009of the shroud1005.

As further shown inFIG. 10, the glass treatment apparatus101can comprise a fluid source1011acting through the wheel cleaning port1513and configured to direct a fluid stream1013to impact the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001to clean the working wheel1001from glass particles generated or associated with machining the surface of the glass sheet111.

As further illustrated inFIG. 15, the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407can be provided with one or more exit ports to allow removal of liquid traveling along the inner surface1009. For example, as shown inFIG. 15, the shroud includes a first exit port1515aand a second exit port1515bformed by bending away corresponding first and second flaps1517a,1517bto form corresponding first and second openings1519a,1519b, such as the illustrated window openings extending through the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407. The first exit port1515acan allow a stream of fluid traveling along a first direction indicated by arrow1521afall down along the first flap1517aand into the first opening1519afor subsequent removal from the containment area1507of the shroud1005as discussed more fully below. Likewise, second exit port1515bcan allow another stream of fluid traveling in an opposite direction indicated by arrow1521bfall down along the second flap1517band into the second opening1519bfor subsequent removal from the containment area1507of the shroud1005as also discussed more fully below.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 15, the shroud1005can also include an outer wall portion1521configured to facilitate dispensing of liquid and particles exiting the first and second openings1519a,1519bto travel down along an outside surface portion of the shroud and out a lower opening1523defined between the outer wall portion1521and the outer surface portion of the shroud1005.FIG. 16illustrates another perspective view of the shroud1005with the outer wall portion1521removed for clarity. As shown, the shroud1005can include a fluid flow guide1601that can include a first downwardly inclined guide wall1603aconfigured to deflect the fluid exiting the first opening1519ain a downward direction. Likewise, the fluid flow guide1601can include a second downwardly inclined guide wall1603bconfigured to deflect the fluid exiting the second opening1519bin a downward direction. Although not necessary, the guide walls may be connected together by a lower apex portion1605to facilitate final exiting of the fluid through the lower opening1523and/or to facilitate the manufacturing process.

Turning back toFIG. 1, methods of treating glass can include dispensing the substantially laminar flow107of the fluid film109along a fluid plane to subsequently land on a first side117of a glass sheet111as shown inFIG. 4. In one example, the method can include the step of expanding the fluid film109with a pair of flow expanders105a,105bdisposed on each side of the fluid film109. In such examples, the flow expanders can help expand the fluid film109to maintain the laminar flow as the film travels to land on the first surface117of the glass sheet111. Still further, the method can include the step of controlling fluid flow characteristics of the fluid film along the width “W” of the fluid film by controlling the pressure profile across the elongated opening503and the velocity profile of the fluid traveling through the elongated opening503. For example, the pressure profile and/or velocity profile can be controlled by providing at least one of the first elongated chamber403, the second elongated chamber407, the apertures701and/or the ports707,713.

It can also be desired to maintain the laminar flow of the fluid film as the fluid film109contacts and thereafter travels along the first side117of the glass sheet111. As shown inFIG. 4, one way of accomplishing a smooth continuous transition is to reduce the angle between the fluid plane and the glass sheet111. As shown, the fluid dispensing device103can be arranged such that an angle “A1” of the fluid plane relative to the planar surface117of the glass sheet111is within a range of from 0° to about 30°, such as from about 5° to about 30°, such as from about 10° to about 30°.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, methods of treating glass can also include the step of dispensing the substantially laminar flow903a,903bof the second fluid film905a,905balong a second fluid plane to subsequently contact the second surface119of the glass sheet111. The angle of contact “A2” can be within a range of from 0° to about 30°, such as from about 5° to about 30°, such as from about 10° to about 30°. While other angles can be used in further examples, providing the angle “A1” and/or the angle “A2” within the above-referenced ranges can help maintain an organized fluid flow at the glass-water transition as the fluid film lands on the respective surface of the glass sheet.

Methods of treating the glass can also include machining the edge, such as the outer peripheral edge113, of the glass sheet111, wherein machined particles of the glass are entrained in the fluid film and carried away from the glass sheet. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, the working wheel1001may be rotated in the direction1104about the rotation axis1102such that the outer peripheral surface1003contacts the edge portion115of the glass sheet111. In one example, the glass sheet111can be moved relative to the working wheel1001along direction1019while the wheel rotates along the clockwise direction1104shown inFIG. 10. As such, the working area of the outer peripheral surface1003travels in a direction1021opposite to the direction1019that the glass moves relative to the working wheel1001. Relative movement between the glass sheet111and the glass treatment apparatus101can be provided by moving the glass treatment apparatus101relative to the glass sheet111and/or the glass sheet111relative to the glass treatment apparatus101. The working wheel1001can comprise a grinding wheel with diamond particles or other materials sufficient to work (such as grind, polish or otherwise finish) the edge of the glass sheet.

The fluid nozzle1007can provide cooling fluid1008at the working interface1015. In one example, the fluid nozzle1007extends through an enlarged section1405(seeFIG. 14) of the slot1401. The cooling fluid1008can then be directed to the working interface1015to reduce heat that may otherwise damage the glass sheet111. The coolant fluid can be directed generally in the direction1021of the working portion of the working wheel1001. Excess cooling fluid1008and any particles entrained therein can then be moved away, for example, by the laminar flow of the fluid films109,905bfrom the fluid dispensing devices103,901. The cooling fluid1008can eventually exit, for example, by passing down through the bottom of the shroud and/or through one of the exit ports in the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407.

Particles of glass and/or particles of the grinding wheel may be released during the grinding process. Various example techniques are designed to protect the pristine surfaces117,119of the glass sheet111from these particles. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, the laminar flow107of the fluid film109can travel along the first surface117in a direction toward the grinding zone. As shown inFIG. 4, the fluid film109can freely travel through an upper area of the slot1401having a thickness “T3” sufficient to allow uninterrupted passage of the laminar fluid film into the containment area1507. In one example, “T3” can be about 350 microns although other thicknesses may be used in further examples. Furthermore, the slot clearance underneath the glass sheet may be sufficient, such as similar or identical to T3″ for the fluid film905b. As shown, the overall slot thickness “T1” can be adjusted by an optional shutter417depending on the processing parameters of the particular application. In some examples, “T1” may be provided or adjusted to be about 1 mm to about 3 mm although other thicknesses may be used in further examples.

As shown inFIG. 8, a dashed line is shown for illustrative purposes as a line that is parallel to the elongated opening503and extends through the fluid plane of the laminar flow107of the fluid film109. The dashed line is also positioned to intersect the edge113of the glass sheet111at a point where the right side of the fluid film109, as viewed from the top inFIG. 8, passes over the edge113of the glass sheet111. As such, it will be understood that the laminar flow lines107shown inFIG. 8are perpendicular to both the dashed line and the elongated opening503of the fluid dispensing device103. As represented by the dashed line inFIG. 8, it can be desired to orient the fluid dispensing device103such that an angle “A3” of the fluid plane relative to the intersection of the fluid plane and the outer peripheral edge113is within a range of about 10° to about 30°, such as about 20°. Providing such an angled orientation can help effectively protect the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet when moving the glass sheet and the glass treatment apparatus relative to one another during a machining procedure.

The laminar fluid film109then freely coats the first surface117of the glass sheet111and travels within and further coats the first surface117of the glass sheet111in the vicinity of the working area. Particles within the containment area1507are thereby prevented from contacting the first surface117since any particles that would otherwise land on the first surface117are entrained in the fluid film109and carried away before the particles have a chance to interact with the first surface117of the glass sheet111. Once entrained, the fluid film then leaves the surface117of the glass sheet111and can then travel down through the bottom open end of the containment area1507. Alternatively, the fluid passes along the inner surface1009of the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407, out the second exit port1515band down through the lower opening1523. As such, the liquid also prevents settling of particles on the inner surface1009of the shroud1005, thereby preventing particle accumulation that may otherwise result in eventual contamination of the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet.

In further examples, another dispensing device, such as the first and/or second fluid dispensing devices901a,901b, may be used to help protect the second surface119of the glass sheet111. For example, the fluid film905a,905bof the of the fluid dispensing devices901a,901bmay coat the second surface119such that the laminar flow903a,903bis maintained as the fluid film travels in a direction substantially parallel to the outer peripheral edge113as shown inFIG. 10. Portions of the laminar flow of the fluid film905bcan pass through the slot1401and into the containment area1507. As such, machined particles that may otherwise contact the second surface119are entrained into the fluid film905band carried away from the glass sheet without damaging the second surface119of the glass sheet111. In one example, the fluid may travel off the glass sheet and down through the bottom open end of the containment area1507. Alternatively, the fluid can pass along the inner surface1009of the outer cylindrical peripheral wall1407, out the second exit port1515band down through the lower opening1523. Further, if any fluid passes back out through the slot1401, another laminar flow of film from the second fluid dispensing device901acan further facilitate removal of the fluid from the lower surface of the glass sheet.

As shown inFIG. 10, methods of the disclosure can include the steps of providing each of the upstream working devices101a,101band the downstream working device101cwith the working wheel1001with the outer peripheral surface1003and the shroud1005substantially circumscribing the outer peripheral surface1003. The method includes the step of rotating the working wheel1001in the direction1104about the rotation axis1102and moving the glass sheet111relative to the glass treatment apparatus101such that the edge portion115of the glass sheet111passes through the slot1401with the outer peripheral edge113of the glass sheet111being machined by the rotating working wheel1001. The method can further includes the step of passing fluid over an inner surface1009of the shroud1005to carry away machined particles from the glass sheet111generated when machining the outer peripheral edge113of the glass sheet111.

In one example, fluid from one of the fluid dispensing devices103,901may eventually pass over the inner surface1009of the shroud1005and thereafter carry away machined particles. As such, fluid from the fluid dispensing devices103,901passing through the slot1401may eventually coat a portion of the inner surface1009to prevent particles from accumulating on the inner surface. Rather, any such particles would encounter the fluid passing over the inner surface and eventually pass down through the open bottom of the containment area1507and/or through the lower opening1523.

Therefore, in one example, the method can include the step of dispensing the substantially laminar flow107of the fluid film109along a fluid plane to subsequently land on the first side117of a glass sheet111at a location outside of the shroud1005. The method can then include the step of passing the fluid film109along the first side117of the glass sheet111and through the slot1401of the shroud1005as shown inFIG. 4. Machined particles of glass (i.e., generated during grinding/polishing and/or subsequently cleaned) can then be entrained in the fluid film before or after a portion of the fluid film passes over the inner surface of the shroud to carry away machined particles from the glass sheet. In one example, the method can further include the step of passing the fluid with the entrained machined particles of glass through one of the exit ports1515a,1515bin the shroud1005.

In another example, the method can include the step of dispensing the substantially laminar flow903bof the fluid film905balong a fluid plane to subsequently land on the second side119of the glass sheet111at a location outside of the shroud1005. The method can then include the step of passing the fluid film905balong the second side119of the glass sheet111and through the slot1401of the shroud1005as shown inFIGS. 4 and 10. Machined particles of glass can then be entrained in the fluid film before or after a portion of the fluid film passes over the inner surface of the shroud to carry away machined particles from the glass sheet. In one example, the method can further include the step of passing the fluid with the entrained machined particles of glass through one of the exit ports1515a,1515bin the shroud1005.

Further aspects of the disclosure can include cleaning the working wheel from glass particles accumulated when machining (i.e., grinding/polishing or cleaning) the edge of the glass sheet. Cleaning the working wheel can help manage glass particle accumulation to reduce the probability of large particle masses being spun off of the wheel that may otherwise contaminate the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet. As shown inFIG. 10, such methods can include the step of impacting the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001with a fluid stream1013to clean the working wheel1001from glass particles accumulated when machining the edge of the glass sheet.

As shown inFIG. 10, the fluid stream1013impacts the outer peripheral surface1003of the working wheel1001at an acute angle “A4” relative to a first axis1525that is perpendicular to a second axis1527that is tangent to the point of impact1529. As shown, the angle “A4” can be a positive value wherein it is tilted in the direction of the rotation of the working wheel1001or a negative value where it is tilted in away from the direction of the rotation of the working wheel1001. In one example, “A4” can be 30° in the positive or negative direction as shown inFIG. 10. Other angles may be provided in further examples. Still further, the fluid stream1013may be in the direction of the first axis1525in still further examples.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 15, orienting the stream in the positive 30° orientation can help direct fluid toward the first exit port1515aassociated with the first flap1517a. As such, fluid including particles therein may be directed to exit the first exit port1515aand or pass down through the bottom opening of the containment area1507.

In still further examples, the method can include the step of providing an air barrier with the gas nozzle1017. As such, a portion of the inner surface1009may be designed to be substantially free of flowing fluid. For example, with reference toFIG. 10, the inner surface1009clockwise from the gas nozzle1017to the fluid nozzle1007can be designed to be substantially free of liquid. On the other hand, liquid can be maintained along the inner surface1009clockwise from the fluid nozzle1007and the fluid source1011. As such, fluid can be encouraged to be removed by one of the exit ports1515a,1515band be prevented from cycling around the inner peripheral wall for further exposure to additional particles at the machining location.

Various aspects of the disclosure discusses above can facilitate finishing techniques that involve machining glass while maintaining the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet. Aspects of the disclosure address various particle source concerns such as: (1) glass particles generated at the edge of the glass during machining; (2) particles including the grinding and polishing coolant; (3) flying particles in the air; and (4) working wheel particles released during the machining process out such finishing techniques while maintaining the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet.

Certain aspects of the disclosure result in a fluid film, such as a water film that may be introduced by fluid dispensing devices103,901to provide sheet water management on both sides of a glass sheet. The fluid dispensing devices can help maintain the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet by creating an uninterrupted laminar film of water or other fluid to overcome particles sources and particle dynamics from various particle sources. In some examples, the particles may be designed to be removed in less than 2.2 seconds to avoid deposition of the particles on the glass surface. The laminar fluid film (e.g., water film) is designed to provide an uninterrupted laminar fluid film and fluid flow rate to all surface areas of the glass sheet exposed to the various sources of particles.

In the orientation shown inFIG. 1, gravity tends to contribute to biasing particles to engage the upper side of the glass sheet while gravity tends to facilitate removal of particles away from the bottom side of the glass sheet. The fluid dispensing device103is designed to provide uninterrupted laminar water film and water flow rate before and after the fluid film lands on the upper surface of the glass sheet. Likewise, the fluid dispensing device901also provides uninterrupted laminar water film and water flow rate before and after the fluid film lands on the lower surface of the glass sheet. The uninterrupted laminar water film can help prevent particles from penetrating and/or adhering to the glass surface and can help maintain cleanliness and the pristine surfaces of the glass sheet.

Further aspects of the disclosure provide for a self-cleaning shroud that is effective to contain flying particles and prevents particle accumulation inside the shroud. For example, the shroud can help control flying particles and/or prevent accumulation of working wheel residual particles from accumulating inside the shroud. A water wall can be created within the self-cleaning shroud to flush the surface of the shroud, thereby flushing away particles that may have otherwise caused glass contamination issues. As such, the self-cleaning shroud is not only designed to contain flying particles generated during the machining process, but also timely removes the particles from the vicinity of the glass sheet to avoid accumulation inside the shroud that may otherwise present a contamination source of accumulated particles.

Still further aspects of the disclosure provide for one or more fluid (e.g., water) cleaning jets that are designed to strip particles from the working wheel so that the particles do not accumulate and thereafter redeposit on the glass surface at a later time. The water jets can facilitate stripping particles from the working wheel to prevent flying particles and accumulation of particles within the shroud. In some examples, the wheel cleaning jets can be orientated within a range of from about −30° to about +30° to facilitate maximum stripping of particles from the rotating working wheel. Other angles can be provided in further examples depending on the wheel orientation, the glass edge configuration, etc.

Further aspects of the disclosure provide for a shroud with one or more exit ports in the outer cylindrical peripheral wall designed to help reduce the residence time of the water and entrained particles within the containment area of the shroud.

Methods of treating glass are discussed with respect to the flow chart1701shown inFIG. 17. The method begins at step1703. As indicated by arrow1704a, the method can optionally begin by with step1705of machining the surface portion (e.g., edge portion) of the glass sheet by grinding the surface portion of the glass sheet with the first rotating grinding wheel of the first upstream working device101a. Grinding the surface portion of the glass sheet can be carried out while dispensing a substantially laminar flow of the first fluid film109along the first fluid plane that lands on the first major surface117of a glass sheet119. Debris from grinding the surface portion is entrained in the first fluid film109traveling along the first major surface117of the glass sheet and carried away from the glass sheet111.

After step1705, as indicated by arrow1706a, the method can then proceed to the step1707of polishing the surface portion of the glass sheet. Alternatively, as indicated by arrow1704b, the method can optionally begin by with step1707of machining the surface portion (e.g., edge portion) of the glass sheet by polishing the surface portion of the glass sheet with the first rotating grinding wheel of the second upstream working device101b. Polishing the surface portion of the glass sheet can be carried out while dispensing a substantially laminar flow of the first fluid film109along the first fluid plane that lands on the first major surface117of a glass sheet119. Debris from polishing the surface portion is entrained in the first fluid film109traveling along the first major surface117of the glass sheet and carried away from the glass sheet111.

After step1707, as indicated by arrow1708athe method can then proceed to the step1709of cleaning the surface portion of the glass sheet. Alternatively, as indicated by arrow1706bthe method can proceed directly from the step1705of grinding to the step1709of cleaning. During the step1709of cleaning, the downstream working device101cmachines the surface portion of the glass sheet with the working surface of the cleaning wheel. Indeed, during step1709, the downstream working device101cmachines the surface portion of the glass sheet by cleaning the surface portion of the glass sheet to remove further debris generated during step1705and/or step1707.

As indicated by arrow1708b, the method can end at1713after the step1709of cleaning. Alternatively, as indicated by arrow1710, the method can then proceed from the step1709of cleaning to a step1711of washing the glass sheet (e.g., surface portion). As the glass sheet has already been cleaned during step1709, the step of washing may be required to remove less particles than would be required without the cleaning step1709. As such, the washing efficiency of the washer used during step1711is increased and less burden is imposed on the filtration system of the washing device. In addition, the combination of the step of cleaning1709and the step1711of washing can remove more particles from the vicinity of the glass sheet than if either of the steps were omitted.

As indicated by arrow1712, the method can then end at1713wherein the glass sheet may then be dried with little, if any, residual particles from the machining procedures being left behind.

Providing the downstream working device101cto clean the surface portion of the glass sheet after machining with the upstream working device(s)101a,101bprovides a significant and unexpected improvement of particle removal than relying only on the shroud and/or fluid streams of the upstream working device101a,101bto remove the particles. Indeed, it was determined that the upstream working device disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0130597 (hereinafter the '597 publication), previously incorporated by reference in its entirety, as particularly effective to remove machined particles. Indeed, the disclosure of the '597 publication allows particles generated during grinding/polishing to be efficiently removed by being entrained in the fluid film and contained within the shroud. However, it was discovered that a further machining procedure (cleaning) with the downstream working device101csignificantly improved particle removal from the vicinity of the glass sheet during the machining procedure.

As such, a downstream cleaning device as disclosed herein provides even further benefits of significant reduction in particle density than when compared to the single working device set forth by the '597 publication. As such, less particles are left behind that may otherwise effect the surface quality of the glass sheet. Moreover, during the subsequent optional washing step1711, the amount of glass particles entering the washer can be reduced which makes the washer more efficient and less burden is imposed on the washer filtration system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.