System for glass drawing process and method for adjusting the system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system capable of being used in a glass drawing process. The present invention also relates to a method for adjusting a system that can be used in a glass drawing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for a glass drawing process and a method for adjusting a system for a glass drawing process. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art of a mechanical glass tube drawing process (such as the Danner process), a support for supporting a refractory tube is used, and the support and the refractory tube are connected to each other in a non-rotating manner. The refractory tube in turn provides a contact surface area onto which molten glass flows, and then in a forming area provided by a head connected to the refractory tube at one end of the refractory tube, the molten glass is formed into a glass tube bundle. During the drawing process, the support makes a rotational movement, and the refractory material tube and the head also make rotational movements.

[0003] However, in a conventional glass drawing process, it has been observed that the geometric parameters of the glass tube bundle can still be improved, thereby improving the quality of the glass tube bundle. For example, the uniformity of the wall thickness of the glass tube bundle can be improved or at least better controlled.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus and a method capable of producing a glass tube bundle with improved quality in a simple and cost-effective manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the problem solved by the present invention is to provide a system applicable to a glass drawing process, the system comprising:

[0006] A refractory tube having a tubular element and at least one surface element, onto the contact surface area of which refractory tube molten glass flows during the drawing process, and

[0007] A support for supporting the refractory tube, and the support is connected to the refractory tube in a non-rotating manner,

[0008] wherein the contact surface area of the refractory tube is at least partially located on the surface element,

[0009] wherein the surface element covers at least one surface of an end section of the tubular element, and the surface element at least partially protrudes from the end section of the tubular element,

[0010] wherein at least one component of the part of the surface element protruding from the end section of the tubular element is at least partially connected to at least one tensioning element, and the at least one tensioning element is also included in the system.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention is based on the surprising discovery that improving the accuracy of the refractory tube and improving the surface conditions of the refractory tube at the contact with the molten glass can greatly improve the quality of the produced glass tube bundle.

[0012] It has been found that providing appropriate tension to the continuous surface element can solve two problems simultaneously. It has been proven that the tension introduced into the surface element has a particularly positive effect on the glass tube bundle. Although the inventors do not have a strict scientific theory to explain this phenomenon, they believe that the introduced tension will result in a highly stable contact surface, which leads to a reduction in the disturbance of the molten glass.

[0013] In addition, since the surface element protrudes from the end section of the tubular element, a precisely defined edge can be inherently provided in the forming zone of the refractory tube for stretching the glass tube bundle, thus making the previously used head useless. Removing the head greatly reduces the imbalance it usually causes to the system. Reducing the imbalance leads to increased precision, enabling the production of very uniform glass tube bundles.

[0014] Furthermore, preferably, since there is only a single contact surface in the form of a surface element and there is no transition region between the refractory tube and the edge, the interference (such as gaps, slits, particles, and other disruptions) affecting the molten glass in the corresponding transition region is eliminated or minimized.

[0015] The part of the surface element that protrudes from the end section of the tubular element serves another purpose, that is, the tensioning element can be connected to the surface element in a rather convenient and easy manner. In particular, the connection can be achieved without having to accommodate the tensioning element somewhere inside the tubular element. Instead, the tensioning element can be arranged outside the tubular element. The method of the present invention can be used to retrofit existing refractory tubes. The retrofit can be completed very economically and efficiently.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention can be used to produce high-quality glass tube bundles with only a small number of inexpensive modifications to a conventional glass drawing system.

[0017] Here, the term "element A covers surface X" can be understood as element A being directly arranged on surface X. However, this term can also be understood as having one or more other elements or layers arranged between element A and surface X, and the one or more other elements or layers are sandwiched between element A and surface X.

[0018] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the axial direction refers to the main extension direction of the system, especially the main extension direction of the refractory tube, and particularly the main extension direction of the tubular element.

[0019] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the axial direction is preferably parallel to the extension direction of the rotation axis of the system, especially parallel to the rotation axis of the refractory tube, and particularly parallel to the rotation axis of the tubular element.

[0020] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the tensioning element is operatively connected to the support such that movement of the support relative to the tubular element in a first axial direction causes synchronous movement of the tensioning element and the surface element, and thus, the surface element can be tensioned axially and / or radially on and / or in the tubular element, and / or the surface element and the tensioning element are designed as one piece, in particular welded together.

[0021] Surprisingly, by simply moving the support in the axial direction, tension can be directed to the surface element in a very simple manner. Since there is no need to physically contact the surface element, this task can be accomplished even during the production process. In this way, system downtime is avoided. Therefore, the described beneficial interaction between the support, the tensioning element, and the surface element is highly appreciated.

[0022] It should be noted in particular that due to the provision of the tensioned surface element, possible changes in environmental and / or system conditions (such as temperature changes) will hardly affect the glass drawing process, if at all. This is because the tension on the surface element can be maintained at a constant level or adjusted according to given conditions by the corresponding axial movement of the support and the tensioning element.

[0023] This one-piece design results in a particularly robust design. This design can also reduce or even eliminate interference between the surface element and the tensioning element.

[0024] The welded connection is easy to manufacture, strong, and durable.

[0025] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the surface element includes at least one outer surface that provides at least one outer surface of the system, and wherein preferably the contact surface area of the refractory tube is at least partially located on the outer surface of the surface element.

[0026] As part of the outer surface of the system, the outer surface of the surface element is directly accessible, and thus, using this outer surface as the contact surface area is highly appreciated.

[0027] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the tensioning element follows the tubular element and / or the refractory tube in a second axial direction, in particular the second axial direction is parallel or anti-parallel to the first axial direction.

[0028] In this way, there is no need to accommodate the tensioning element somewhere inside the refractory tube. Therefore, there is no need to modify the refractory tube itself in this regard. Since the present invention can be applied to any existing refractory tube in a simple and cost-effective manner, this is very convenient.

[0029] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, it may be preferred that the tensioning element has an axial distance from the end section of the tubular element. In particular, a hollow space is provided between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element, and wherein, preferably, especially in at least one cross-section of the system, the axial distance between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element is between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 25 mm, and most preferably between 18 mm and 21 mm, especially 19 mm.

[0030] Spacing by a corresponding distance can provide sufficient mechanical clearance for adjusting the tension of the surface element. For example, in the case of changes in environmental and / or system conditions, the tension can be safely adjusted so that the tensioning element can move axially.

[0031] Here, the term "mechanical clearance" means that the tensioning element has some space available for moving the tensioning element.

[0032] A distance between 1 mm and 30 mm has proven to be advantageous, such that the axial distance is neither too small nor too large, enabling a compact system design while still having sufficient clearance.

[0033] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, it may be preferred that (i) the portion of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has at least a partially cylindrical shape, and / or has an axial length preferably between 0.5 m and 3.0 m, preferably between 0.8 m and 2.8 m, most preferably between 0.8 m and 1.2 m or between 1.6 m and 2.4 m in cross-section, and / or a preferably constant or variable thickness between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 1.5 mm, most preferably between 0.9 mm and 1.1 mm; (ii) the portion of the surface element protruding from the end section of the tubular element has at least a partially conical shape, and / or has an axial length preferably between 1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, most preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm in cross-section, and / or a preferably constant or variable thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, most preferably between 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm; and / or (iii) the surface element has an axial length preferably between 0.5 m and 5.0 m, preferably between 1.0 m and 3.5 m, most preferably between 1.0 m and 3.0 m in cross-section.

[0034] The portion of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element having a cylindrical shape can cover (also preferably a cylindrical tubular element) in a particularly easy and convenient manner. The thickness is important for obtaining preferred glass bundle parameters.

[0035] As the inventors have found, the portion of the surface element that protrudes beyond the end section of the tubular element has a conical shape, which can provide a forming area in a particularly preferred manner. This is because in this way it can be designed such that the molten glass flowing on the refractory tube smoothly transitions to a freely flowing glass bundle. The preferred length and thickness of this portion of the surface element have a positive impact on the glass bundle parameters.

[0036] Preferably, the surface element has a sufficient axial length, because this can ensure that the molten glass mainly contacts the tensioned surface element.

[0037] In the present application, the term "element E has a constant thickness between X and Y" means that the thickness of element E in at least one direction (such as the axial direction) can take a specific value within the interval between X and Y. For example, if element E has a constant thickness between 1 cm and 2 cm, the thickness of element E (such as in the axial direction) can be 1.5 cm.

[0038] In the present application, the term "element E has a variable thickness between X and Y" means that the thickness of element E in at least one direction (such as the axial direction) can gradually and / or in one or more steps change from a starting value to an ending value, where both the starting value and the ending value are between X and Y. The starting value and the ending value can correspond to the two critical values X and Y of this interval. However, this is not necessary. For example, if the variable thickness of element E is between 1 cm and 2 cm, the thickness of element E can (such as in the axial direction) gradually change from 1 cm to 2 cm. Similarly, the thickness of element E can also only (such as in the axial direction) gradually change from 1.1 cm to 1.9 cm. Similarly, the thickness of element E can (such as in the axial direction) change in steps (through one or more steps) from 1 cm to 2 cm. Similarly, the thickness of element E can (such as in the axial direction) change in steps (through one or more steps) from 1.4 cm to 1.5 cm.

[0039] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, preferably the system further includes at least one front element, in particular at least one front element that is at least partially conical in shape, which is connected to the tensioning element, and in particular the two are designed to be integral, preferably welded together, and wherein at least one outer surface of the front element, in particular at least one outer surface of the cone, provides at least one outer surface of the system.

[0040] The front element can improve the transition of the glass bundle to a freely flowing glass bundle. This is especially the case if the front element is conical. Thus, it supports the glass forming process.

[0041] The front element can be securely connected to the tensioning element. This is particularly advantageous because in this way, when the support moves in the axial direction, the front element always moves together with the tensioning element to tension the surface element. Therefore, no further separate adjustment of the front element is required.

[0042] If the outer surface of the system is located on the outer surface (part) of the front element, it is very likely that the front element can come into contact with molten glass or glass that has become more viscous and assist in the forming process.

[0043] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, it is preferably that the cone of the front element has at least one maximum diameter between 200 mm and 280 mm, preferably between 220 mm and 250 mm, and / or has at least one minimum diameter between 140 mm and 180 mm, preferably between 155 mm and 175 mm; and / or, especially in cross-section, the front element, preferably the cone, has an axial length between 10 mm and 100 mm, and / or has a preferably constant or variable thickness between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 8 mm, between 4 mm and 6 mm, and most preferably 5 mm.

[0044] The size and design of the cone are the main factors in determining the parameters of the glass tube bundle (such as diameter and wall thickness). Therefore, selecting appropriate values will form a preferred geometry of the glass tube bundle.

[0045] The preferred thickness has a positive impact on the symmetry of the glass tube bundle and its wall thickness.

[0046] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, it is preferably that especially in cross-section, the front element has at least one edge, preferably the edge facing away from the end section of the tubular element, and wherein, preferably at least one tangent of the edge forms at least one angle between 30 degrees and 80 degrees with the outer surface of the front element, especially with at least one normal vector of the front element; and / or the front element follows the tensioning element along the second axial direction, especially the front element is arranged on the side of the tensioning element facing away from the end section of the tubular element.

[0047] Providing a well-defined edge can significantly improve the quality of the glass tube bundle. This is especially true if both the surface element and the front element are the final elements in the forming area that come into contact with molten glass or glass that has become more viscous.

[0048] The corresponding arrangement can achieve a particularly preferred process such that when the glass has become more viscous, the molten glass first contacts the surface element and then contacts the front element. Of course, if necessary and / or appropriate, the glass can also contact other elements of the system before and after contacting the front element.

[0049] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the front element comprises at least one metal sheet and / or is designed in the form of at least one metal sheet; and / or the front element forms at least one angle between 90 degrees and 170 degrees, preferably between 100 degrees and 150 degrees, with the surface element, in particular the angle being the angle between the normal vector of the outer surface of the front element and the surface element.

[0050] The metal sheet can provide front elements of a variety of different shapes. In addition, the metal sheet can be made very thin, but still manufactured in a stable manner. This significantly improves the quality of the glass tube bundle. In addition, imbalance is avoided.

[0051] By appropriately selecting the parameters of the respective elements, a particularly preferred glass tube drawing process can be achieved, thereby obtaining a glass tube bundle with particularly high quality.

[0052] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that at least one outer surface of the tensioning element provides at least one outer surface of the system, in particular having an annular shape and / or being arranged between the outer surface of the surface element and the outer surface of the front element, preferably the outer surface of the tensioning element and the outer surface of the surface element and / or with the outer surface of the front element together provide a seamless area of the outer surface of the system at least region by region.

[0053] If the tensioning element provides the outer surface of the system, the glass tube drawing process can be implemented in a more defined manner. In particular, this is because subsequently the tensioning element not only provides tension to the surface element, but also serves to guide the glass to the forming area.

[0054] If the outer surfaces of two or more (preferably all three) of the tensioning element, the surface element, and the front element provide a seamless area of the outer surface of the system, the transition between the respective elements is not disrupted, so that the glass material is not adversely affected. In this way, a particularly high-quality glass tube bundle is formed.

[0055] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the tensioning element is directly or indirectly connected to the support via at least one intermediate element, wherein preferably the intermediate element and the support and / or the tensioning element are constructed integrally, in particular welded integrally, wherein preferably the intermediate element comprises at least two intermediate parts, and one of the intermediate parts is connected to the support and is designed integrally, for example welded integrally, and / or the other intermediate part is connected to the tensioning element and is designed integrally, for example welded integrally, wherein preferably each intermediate part provides at least one contact surface, such as a wedge-shaped contact surface, and the two intermediate parts are arranged such that their contact surfaces, in particular their wedge-shaped contact surfaces, at least partially contact each other.

[0056] The intermediate element can be easily provided and allows for a secure connection with the tensioning element, thereby enabling precise control of the tensioning element. This is important because the tensioning element is responsible for directing the tension to the surface element.

[0057] The one-piece design is particularly safe and easy to provide.

[0058] Dividing the intermediate element into two or more intermediate parts facilitates the installation of the intermediate element.

[0059] The wedge-shaped design can effectively transfer the axial movement of the support to the tensioning element.

[0060] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, it may be preferred that: (i) the material of the surface element includes at least one noble metal, in particular platinum or a platinum alloy, which preferably includes 0 - 5 mol% of iridium and 0 - 30 mol% of rhodium; (ii) the material of the tensioning element includes a nickel-based alloy and / or at least one noble metal, in particular platinum; (iii) the material of the refractory tube includes a ceramic, which includes magnesium spinel; (iv) the material of the support includes steel, in particular steel comprising the following components: 24 - 26% by weight of chromium, 8 - 11% by weight of iron, 2% by weight of aluminum, and 55 - 66% by weight of nickel; (v) the material of the intermediate element includes steel, in particular steel comprising the following components: 24 - 26% by weight of chromium, 8 - 11% by weight of iron, 2% by weight of aluminum, and 55 - 66% by weight of nickel and / or at least one noble metal, in particular platinum; and / or (vi) the material of the front element includes at least one noble metal, in particular platinum.

[0061] The selection of preferred materials results in an improvement in the heat resistance of the system and the quality of the glass tube bundle.

[0062] It should be particularly noted that if the surface element is made of a noble metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy, the first contact of the molten glass with the refractory tube is the contact of the glass material with the noble metal. This is preferred because, due to the lower heat resistance of materials other than noble metals, early contact of the glass material with materials other than noble metals may lead to contamination of the glass tube bundle.

[0063] In one embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, it may be preferred that the tubular element has an axial length between 0.5 m and 5.0 m, preferably between 1.0 m and 3.5 m, most preferably between 2.0 m and 3.0 m, and / or the surface element, in particular the outer surface of the surface element, has an average roughness of RZ 4 nm and / or is polished.

[0064] The use of a tubular element of appropriate length can improve the cooling process when the glass material flows on the refractory tube. In particular, this can at least in principle partially control the contact time of the glass material with the refractory tube.

[0065] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the way to solve the problem of the present invention is to provide a method for adjusting a system available for the glass drawing process, the system including the system according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0066] Wherein, the method includes the following steps:

[0067] - Providing the corresponding system; and

[0068] - Moving the support relative to the tubular element along a first axial direction so that the tensioning element and the surface element move synchronously, and tensioning the surface element on the tubular element in the axial and / or radial directions.

[0069] Therefore, the present invention is based on the surprising discovery that even without interrupting the production process, it is possible to very conveniently adjust the system according to the first aspect of the present invention. Because it is only necessary to move the support along the first axial direction, this can be achieved. The tensioning element also moves correspondingly with the support. Since the tensioning element is connected to the surface element, the tension can be easily directed to the surface element.

[0070] Particularly noteworthy is that in principle this adjustment can be carried out automatically. For example, this enables, in a feedback loop for instance, the adjustment of the tension according to certain conditions of the system and / or the environment, such as the temperature of the refractory tube. In this way, a stable and high-quality glass tube bundle can be produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] When reading the various aspects of the present invention according to the attached schematic diagrams, through the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the various aspects of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art, wherein:

[0072] Figure 1 The system according to the first aspect of the present invention in the first embodiment is shown;

[0073] Figure 2 The system according to the first aspect of the present invention in the second embodiment is shown; and

[0074] Figure 3 The system according to the first aspect of the present invention in the third embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Figure 1 The system 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention in the first embodiment is shown.

[0076] The system 1 can be used in a glass drawing process.

[0077] The system 1 includes a refractory tube 3 having a tubular element 5 and at least one surface element 7. During the drawing process, molten glass flows onto a contact surface area 9 of the refractory tube 3 over the refractory tube 3.

[0078] The system 1 further includes a support 11 that supports the refractory tube 3, and the support 11 is connected to the refractory tube 3 in a non-rotating manner.

[0079] The surface element 7 includes at least one outer surface 13 that provides at least one outer surface of the system 1, and wherein the contact surface area 9 of the refractory tube 3 (not only partially but also completely) lies on the outer surface 13 of the surface element 7.

[0080] The surface element 7 covers at least one surface of an end section 15 of the tubular element 5. (However, in some embodiments, the surface element 7 may additionally cover surfaces such as an intermediate part of the tubular element 5.) The surface element 7 at least partially protrudes from the end section 15 of the tubular element 5.

[0081] A part 17 of the surface element 7 that protrudes from the end section 15 of the tubular element 5 is connected to a tensioning element 19, which is further included in the system 1.

[0082] The tensioning element 19 is operably connected to the support 11 such that movement of the support 11 relative to the tubular element 5 along a first axial direction R1 causes synchronous movement of the tensioning element 19 and the surface element 7, and thus, the surface element 7 can be tensioned and / or will be tensioned on the tubular element 5 in the axial direction (e.g., the first axial direction R1) and / or the radial direction.

[0083] The tensioning element 19 follows the tubular element 5 along a second axial direction R2, where the second axial direction R2 is anti-parallel to the first axial direction R1.

[0084] The surface element 7 and the tensioning element 19 are designed as one piece, and they are welded together.

[0085] There is an axial distance D between the tensioning element 19 and the end section 15 of the tubular element 5. In fact, a hollow space is provided between the tensioning element 19 and the end section 15 of the tubular element 5. For example, in Figure 1 In the cross-section of the system 1 shown, the axial distance D between the tensioning element 19 and the end section 15 of the tubular element 5 can be 19 mm. However, this distance can also vary according to the environment and / or the conditions of the system 1.

[0086] The portion of the surface of the surface element 7 covering the end section 15 of the tubular element 5 has at least a partially cylindrical shape. The portion 17 of the surface element 7 protruding beyond the end section 15 of the tubular element has at least a partially conical shape. The surface element 7 has an axial length L of 2.0 m in the Figure 1 cross-section shown (however, the entire axial length is not visible in the Figure 1 drawing).

[0087] The system 1 further includes a front element 21 in the shape of a cone. The front element 21 is connected to the tensioning element 19. More precisely, the two are designed as one piece, and the two are welded together. The outer surface 23 of the front element 21 provides at least one outer surface of the system 1. The front element 21 has an edge 25 that faces away from the end section 15 of the tubular element 5. The front element 21 follows the tensioning element 19 along a second axial direction R2. More precisely, the front element 21 is arranged on the side of the tensioning element 19 facing away from the end section 15 of the tubular element 5.

[0088] In the Figure 1 cross-section shown, the front element 21 has a thickness T of preferably 5 mm.

[0089] It should be understood that the outer surface 27 of the tensioning element 19 provides at least one outer surface of the system 1, where the outer surface 27 is annular and is arranged between the outer surface 13 of the surface element 7 and the outer surface 23 of the front element 21. In particular, the outer surface 27 of the tensioning element 19 together with the outer surface 13 of the surface element 7 and the outer surface 23 of the front element 21 forms a seamless area of the outer surface of the system 1.

[0090] Therefore, the glass material is not affected by damage caused by the surface area of the system 1 it contacts.

[0091] It should be noted that the tensioning element 19 is indirectly connected to the bracket 11 through an intermediate element 29. In fact, the intermediate element 29 and the bracket 11 are constructed as one piece.

[0092] Once a system that can be used in the glass tube stretching process, such as system 1, is set up, a method for adjusting the system (such as system 1) can be performed on the system. This method includes moving the bracket (such as bracket 11) along a first axial direction (such as axial direction R1) relative to the tubular element (such as tubular element 5) so that the tensioning element (such as tensioning element 17) and the surface element (such as surface element 7) move synchronously, and tensioning the surface element on the tubular element in the axial and / or radial directions.

[0093] Figure 2 The system 1' according to the first aspect of the present invention in a second embodiment is shown.

[0094] In fact, System 1’ is similar to Figure 1 the above-described System 1 as shown. Therefore, for the same structural features, the same reference numerals are used, except with a single prime (’). Thus, it is sufficient to describe only the differences between System 1’ and System 1, and for the rest, reference may be made to Figure 1 the description of System 1 in the foregoing text.

[0095] Here, the intermediate element 29’ includes two intermediate members 31’ and 33’, and one intermediate member (i.e., intermediate member 31’) is connected to the bracket 11’, or rather they are designed to be integral, where they are welded together, and the other intermediate member (i.e., intermediate member 33’) is connected to the tensioning element 17’.

[0096] Each of the intermediate members 31’, 33’ provides a contact surface 35’, and the two intermediate members 31’, 33’ are arranged such that their contact surfaces 35’ contact each other.

[0097] Figure 3 System 1” according to the first aspect of the present invention in the third embodiment is shown.

[0098] In fact, System 1” is similar to Figure 1 the above-described System 1 as shown and is similar to Figure 2 the above-described System 1’ as shown. Therefore, for the same structural feature members, the same reference numerals are used, except with a double prime (”). Thus, it is sufficient to describe only the differences between System 1” and System 1’ and System 1, and for the rest, reference may be made to Figure 1 the description of System 1 in the foregoing text, and in combination with Figure 2 the description of System 1’ in the foregoing text.

[0099] In System 1”, the surface element 7”, the tensioning element 19” and the front element 21” are designed to be integral without being welded. This enables the outer surface 27” of the tensioning element 19” and the outer surface 13” of the surface element 7” and the outer surface 23” of the front element 21” to form a seamless area of the outer surface of System 1” in a particularly preferred and simple manner.

[0100] In addition, in System 1”, the tensioning element 19” is indirectly connected to the bracket 11” through the intermediate element 29”. There is no intermediate member in System 1”.

[0101] The features disclosed in the description, the drawings, and the claims may be individually essential or may be essential in various combinations for achieving the present invention in different embodiments.

[0102] List of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1, 1', 1" systems

[0104] 3, 3', 3" refractory tubes

[0105] 5, 5', 5" tubular elements

[0106] 7, 7', 7" surface elements

[0107] 9, 9', 9" contact surface areas

[0108] 11, 11', 11" brackets

[0109] 13, 13', 13" outer surfaces

[0110] 15, 15', 15" end sections

[0111] 17, 17', 17" parts

[0112] 19, 19', 19" tensioning elements

[0113] 21, 21', 21" front elements

[0114] 23, 23', 23" outer surfaces

[0115] 25, 25', 25" edges

[0116] 27, 27', 27" outer surfaces

[0117] 29, 29', 29" intermediate elements

[0118] 31' intermediate components

[0119] 33' intermediate components

[0120] 35' contact surfaces

[0121] D, D', D" distances

[0122] L, L', L" lengths

[0123] R1, R1', R1" directions

[0124] R2, R2', R2" directions

[0125] T, T', T" thicknesses.

Claims

1. A system capable of being used in a glass drawing process, the system comprising: a refractory tube having a tubular element and at least one surface element, in the drawing process, molten glass flows into the contact surface area of the refractory tube, and a support that supports the refractory tube and is connected to the refractory tube in a non-rotating manner, characterized in that the contact surface area of the refractory tube is at least partially located on the surface element, wherein the surface element covers at least one surface of the end section of the tubular element and at least partially protrudes from the end section of the tubular element, wherein at least one component of the part of the surface element that protrudes from the end section of the tubular element is at least partially connected to at least one tensioning element, which is also included in the system, wherein the tensioning element is operably connected to the support such that the movement of the support relative to the tubular element along a first axial direction causes synchronous movement of the tensioning element and the surface element, thereby tensioning the surface element axially and / or radially on the tubular element or being able to tension the surface element axially and / or radially on the tubular element.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface element and the tensioning element are designed as one piece.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the surface element and the tensioning element are welded together as one piece.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface element includes at least one outer surface, and the surface element provides at least one outer surface of the system.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the contact surface area of the refractory tube is at least partially located on the outer surface of the surface element.

6. The system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the tensioning element follows the tubular element and / or the refractory tube along a second axial direction.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the second axial direction is parallel or anti-parallel to the first axial direction.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tensioning element has an axial distance from the end section of the tubular element.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein a hollow space is provided between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein in at least one cross-section of the system, the axial distance between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element is between 1 mm and 30 mm.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein in at least one cross-section of the system, the axial distance between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element is between 10 mm and 25 mm.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein In at least one cross-section of the system, the axial distance between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element is between 18 mm and 21 mm.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein, in at least one cross-section of the system, the axial distance between the tensioning element and the end section of the tubular element is 19 mm.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has at least a partially cylindrical shape, and / or has an axial length between 0.5 m and 3.0 m in cross-section, and / or a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has an axial length between 0.8 m and 2.8 m in cross-section.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has an axial length between 0.8 m and 1.2 m in cross-section.

17. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has an axial length between 0.6 m and 2.4 m in cross-section.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has a thickness between 0.7 mm and 1.5 mm in cross-section.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has a thickness between 0.9 mm and 1.1 mm in cross-section.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element covering the surface of the end section of the tubular element has a constant or variable length in cross-section.

21. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element protruding beyond the end section of the tubular element has at least a partially conical shape, and / or has an axial length between 1 mm and 50 mm in cross-section, and / or a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

22. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element protruding beyond the end section of the tubular element has an axial length between 10 mm and 50 mm in cross-section.

23. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein, the part of the surface element protruding beyond the end section of the tubular element has an axial length between 10 mm and 30 mm in cross-section.

24. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, Wherein, The portion of the surface element protruding from the end section of the tubular element has a thickness ranging from 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm in cross-section.

25. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein, The portion of the surface element protruding from the end section of the tubular element has a thickness ranging from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm in cross-section.

26. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein, The portion of the surface element protruding from the end section of the tubular element has a constant or variable thickness in cross-section.

27. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein, The surface element has an axial length ranging from 0.5 m to 5.0 m in cross-section.

28. The system according to claim 27, Wherein, The axial length ranges from 1.0 m to 3.5 m.

29. The system according to claim 27, Wherein, The axial length ranges from 1.0 m to 3.0 m.

30. The system according to claim 2 or 3, Characterized in that, The system further includes at least one front element, the front element is connected to the tension element, and at least one outer surface of the front element provides at least one outer surface of the system.

31. The system according to claim 30, Wherein, The at least one front element is at least partially conical in shape.

32. The system according to claim 30, Wherein, The front element and the tension element are designed as one piece.

33. The system according to claim 30, Wherein, The front element and the tension element are welded together as one piece.

34. The system according to claim 31, Wherein, At least one outer surface of the cone of the front element provides at least one outer surface of the system.

35. The system according to claim 31, Wherein, The cone of the front element has at least one maximum diameter ranging from 200 mm to 280 mm, and / or at least one minimum diameter ranging from 140 mm to 180 mm.

36. The system according to claim 31, Wherein, The cone of the front element has at least one maximum diameter ranging from 220 mm to 250 mm.

37. The system according to claim 31, Wherein, The cone of the front element has at least one minimum diameter ranging from 155 mm to 170 mm.

38. The system according to claim 30, Wherein, In cross-section, the front element has an axial length ranging from 10 mm to 100 mm, and / or has a thickness ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm.

39. The system according to claim 31, Wherein, In cross-section, the cone has an axial length ranging from 10 mm to 100 mm, and / or has a thickness ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm.

40. The system according to claim 30, Wherein, In a cross-section, the front element has a thickness between 3 mm and 8 mm.

41. The system according to claim 30, wherein, In a cross-section, the front element has a thickness between 4 mm and 6 mm.

42. The system according to claim 30, wherein, In a cross-section, the front element has a thickness of 5 mm.

43. The system according to claim 30, wherein, In a cross-section, the front element has a constant or variable thickness.

44. The system according to claim 30, wherein, In a cross-section, the front element has at least one edge.

45. The system according to claim 44, wherein, The edge faces away from the end section of the tubular element.

46. The system according to claim 44, wherein, At least one tangent of the edge forms at least one angle between 30 degrees and 80 degrees with the outer surface of the front element.

47. The system according to claim 44, wherein, At least one tangent of the edge forms at least one angle between 30 degrees and 80 degrees with at least one normal vector of the front element.

48. The system according to claim 30, wherein, The front element follows the tensioning element along a second axial direction.

49. The system according to claim 48, wherein, The front element is arranged on the side of the tensioning element that faces away from the end section of the tubular element.

50. The system according to claim 30, wherein, The front element includes at least one metal sheet or is designed in the form of at least one metal sheet.

51. The system according to claim 30, wherein, The front element forms at least one angle between 90 degrees and 170 degrees with the surface element.

52. The system according to claim 51, wherein, The angle is between 100 degrees and 150 degrees.

53. The system according to claim 51, wherein, The angle is the angle between the normal vector of the outer surface of the front element and the surface element.

54. The system according to claim 30, characterized in that, At least one outer surface of the tensioning element provides at least one outer surface of the system.

55. The system according to claim 54, wherein, The outer surface of the tensioning element has an annular shape and / or is arranged between the outer surface of the surface element and the outer surface of the front element.

56. The system according to claim 55, wherein, The outer surface of the tensioning element and the outer surface of the surface element and / or together with the outer surface of the front element provide a seamless area of the outer surface of the system at least region by region.

57. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The tensioning element is directly or indirectly connected to the bracket by at least one intermediate element.

58. The system according to claim 57, wherein, The intermediate element and the bracket and / or the tensioning element are constructed integrally.

59. The system according to claim 58, wherein, The intermediate element is integrally welded to the support and / or the tensioning element.

60. The system according to claim 57, wherein the intermediate element includes at least two intermediate components, and one of the intermediate components is connected to the support and / or another of the intermediate components is connected to the tensioning element.

61. The system according to claim 57, wherein the intermediate element includes at least two intermediate components, and one of the intermediate components is integrally designed to be connected to the support.

62. The system according to claim 61, wherein one of the intermediate components is integrally welded to the support.

63. The system according to claim 57, wherein the intermediate element includes at least two intermediate components, and another of the intermediate components is integrally designed to be connected to the support.

64. The system according to claim 63, wherein another of the intermediate components is integrally welded to the support.

65. The system according to claim 60, wherein each intermediate component provides at least one contact surface, and the two intermediate components are arranged such that their contact surfaces are at least partially in contact with each other.

66. The system according to claim 65, wherein the contact surface is a wedge-shaped contact surface.

67. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the material of the surface element includes at least one noble metal.

68. The system according to claim 67, wherein the at least one noble metal is platinum or a platinum alloy, or the platinum alloy includes 0 - 5 mol% of iridium and 0 - 30 mol% of rhodium.

69. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the tensioning element includes a nickel-based alloy and / or at least one noble metal.

70. The system according to claim 69, wherein the at least one noble metal is platinum.

71. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the refractory tube includes ceramics, and the ceramics include magnesium spinel.

72. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the support includes steel.

73. The system according to claim 72, wherein the steel includes 24 - 26 wt% of chromium, 8 - 11 wt% of iron, 2 wt% of aluminum, and 55 - 66 wt% of nickel.

74. The system according to claim 57, wherein the material of the intermediate element includes steel and / or at least one noble metal.

75. The system according to claim 74, wherein the steel includes 24 - 26 wt% of chromium, 8 - 11 wt% of iron, 2 wt% of aluminum, and 55 - 66 wt% of nickel.

76. The system according to claim 30, wherein the material of the front element includes at least one noble metal.

77. The system according to claim 76, wherein the at least one noble metal is platinum.

78. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the tubular element has an axial length between 0.5 m and 5.0 m, and / or wherein the surface element has an average roughness of Rz 4 nm and / or is polished.

79. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the tubular element has an axial length between 1.0 m and 3.5 m.

80. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the tubular element has an axial length between 2.0 m and 3.0 m.

81. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the outer surface of the surface element has an average roughness of Rz 4 nm and / or is polished.

82. A method for adjusting a system that can be used in a glass tube drawing process, the system comprising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 81; characterized in that, the method comprises the following steps: - providing the corresponding system; and - moving the support relative to the tubular element along a first axial direction so that the tensioning element and the surface element move synchronously, and tensioning the surface element on the tubular element in the axial and / or radial directions.

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